Michael Martins

Shadow Runner Michael Martins

Pepito is a 13 year old boy living in Cusco, Peru. He is selling goods in the main square, when out of nowhere, he is snatched by a gang of thugs, forced into their car, and brought to their dingy hideout. Confined to a small room, Pepito learns that the thugs have in their possession three of the four pieces to the Clave Circulo. The Clave Circulo - the Circle Key - is a circular stone, comprised of four equal sections. When pieced together, its inscriptions show the way to the legendary Casa Del Oro - the House of Gold. Pepito doesn't know why he was taken by the thugs, who are led by 'El Cicatrizado' or 'Cica', a scarred-faced gangster, but when he sees an opening, he grabs the three pieces and escapes. The chase is on between Pepito and the pursuing thugs. What follows is an adventurous ride with numerous twists and turns. The chase leads through busy street markets, down a rushing river, across the famous Inca Trail, and into the magical holy city, Machu Picchu. Pepito must find and solve the clues that take him on the journey in search of the long lost House of Gold. Several characters, including Pepito's best friend Marta and his former teacher, intertwine to search for the Casa del Oro and its riches. Why was Pepito kidnapped? What is his connection to the Circle Key? Where is the Casa located and will the Casa be found?