Mortimer is late, and it is nothing new. Not even the most sympathetic soul ever credited this dwarf for being on time for anything. But Mortimer is about to learn a valuable life lesson as he shows up tardy for his passage into adulthood. In his collection of twelve intricate-and occasionally provocative-short tales discovered in a hollowed-out tree by goblin scholars in their sacred groves, David Kier emphasizes such infallible character traits as honor, integrity, honesty, work ethic, diligence, respect, and individual responsibility. From Cedric the goblin, who has failed at watching over the younger goblins deep in the sparkling forest, to Cleotaxes, a winged horse who learns from a master sorcerer that she must not only deliver an important message but must also carry a man-child on her back for the first time while carrying out her mission, Kier brings to life an incredible fantasy land filled with gnomes, gods, dragons, and great adventures. These treasured tales set inside a dark forest will entertain a wide audience-from teens to graybeards-while sharing important messages that will lead to a greater understanding of our own civilization.