Arkrealm: The Apprentice

Copyright © 2012 Denise Bednarz

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Balboa Press rev. date: 06/18/2012

Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue

1      Arkrealm

2      Wham!

3      CASSIELS

4      RESCUE MISSION

5      HEADING HOME

6      FIRST CONTACT

7      FRIENDS

8      HOME

9      ARK LAG

10      TO MARKET TO MARKET

11      STONES OF HOPE

12      CHRISTIAN’S MENAGARIE

13      MATES (Arkrealm)

14      VERRY BERRY VOLCTAIL

15      FAMILY SECRETS

16      CRAZY RUN

17      MEETING THE MASTER

18      THE MENTOR

19      THE CRYSTAL CAVE

20      THE TRANSARKER

21      ON THE TRAIL

22      BATS

23      STRYKE SHINES

24      EXCITING PROSPECTS

25      DETESTABLE RULES

26      IN FLIGHT

27      SNEAKY SOLUTION

28      ARKREALM PORTAL AUTHORITY

29      BLAYZE

30      YARMOUR

31      AMAZING POWERS

32      ANTICIPATION

33      NOT TO PLAN

34      COMPETITION

35      PAYING HIS DUES

36      REPLIKYE

37      VANYSH

38      SHOCKING REVELATION

39      GOODBYE, BLIZZ

40      WHYCE

41      SOLARZAY

42      HEART-STOPPER

43      THE FINALE

44      CFA

45      ILLUMINATION

46      COMING CLEAN

47      REVELATIONS

48      HUMAN PLEASURES

49      DIFFERENT VIEWS

50

51      YOZONE

52      TRAINING

53      POWER UP

54      FRUSTRATION

55      THE WILDLIFE RALLY

56      TENSIONS RISE

57      THE RACE BEGINS

58      THE VOLCANO

59      EXPLOSIVE

60      WAKE-UP CALL

61      BIG B

62      EARLY ARRIVAL

63      RECHARGE

64      JOURNEY TO THE TUNDRA

65      GOING UP

66      CRASHING DOWN

67      THE MORNING AFTER

68      ARKREALM AUDITORIUM

69      OBSERVATION SECTOR

70      MOMENT OF TRUTH

71      CANDOUR CASTLE

72      THE PARALYSING TRUTH

73      THE WINNER IS…

74      ROO RESCUE

75      SIZZLING HOT

76      CONFLICT

77      THE BATTLE

78      FIRE

79      SUNSET ILLUSION

80      IRATE VISITOR

81      NEW RULES

82      ANNOUNCEMENTS

83      BLAYZE UNDER FIRE

84      THE ICE PALACE

85      KISS

86      DISTRACTIONS

87      ENTRAPMENT

88      LET’S PARTY

89      INTO BATTLE

90      SEEING THE LIGHT

91      NEW PROBLEMS

92      MEMORY LAPSE

93      SACRIFICES

94      DNA

95      SORRY CHRISTMAS

96      NEW YEAR’S EVE

97      TIME TO GO

98      THE BALL

99      ARKUATION

100      TRIPPING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

101      PACIFYING PLACE

102      FRIEND OR FOE?

103      MIDNIGHT MAGIC

Epilogue

THE ARKREALM SYMBOL

For the Arkrealmians, this unique symbol represents Divine Spirit. It is a reminder that the universe will provide you with the answers you need if you ask the right questions.

In Memory

A great mentor ignites passion, confidence and growth.

Dee Rayson

Pat McGuire, my dance teacher, friend, and first husband, mentored me for twenty-nine years. His passion for helping his pupils, especially young adults, reach their full potential inspired me to become a dance teacher and writer. Pat’s perfectionism made him a hard taskmaster, but without his example, encouragement, and love I would never have started and persisted with the eleven-year journey that has become The Arkrealm Project.

Young adult author and writing tutor Eve Old mentored me for five years with complete dedication to her craft and my development. Even as she struggled during the last months of her life, she thankfully edited my manuscript. Eve’s assessment gave me the courage to take on the ominous task of publishing Arkrealm: The Apprentice, the first book in the series. Without her, the novel may still be on my desk and not in your hands.

I hope I can inspire as many people as my two wonderful mentors. They have my eternal love and gratitude.

Acknowledgements

There have been hundreds of people who have influenced this book and the other books of The Arkrealm Project. I am sorry I cannot acknowledge each of you individually, but know if you have crossed my path you are part of this creation.

Love and thanks to my wonderful husband, Chester. His love and support bring me back to earth when I am blissfully drifting off, ready to join the Arketykes. He’s also my go-to man when it comes to everything to do with computers

Thanks to my mum, Daphne. She influenced my love of nature and colour and passed on her creativity, family values, and observation skills. Love you, Mum.

Fond memories and love for my dad, Kevin (dec.). He taught me the importance of humour, of being there for others, and of a have-a-go attitude in life. Miss you, Dad.

Thanks to my brother, Leon, who created the cover illustration, proofread my manuscript, helped with the motocross chapters, and is working with me to create the illustrations for the first non-fiction books in The Arkrealm Project. Love and big hugs.

To my sister-in-law, Mirelle, an avid young adult series fan, thank you with love for your valuable input.

Love and thanks to my professional dance partner and friend, Paul. We have shared so much together—teaching, dancing, and life. Our deep discussions about human interactions helped form this series.

Loving thanks to my good friends Merle and Sandra, who have travelled the writers’, artists’, and spiritual path with me, believed in my project, and supported me all the way.

My gratitude goes to the UDC Ballroom’s past pupils and teachers for inspiring my colourful fictional characters and helping fine tune the Soul-Ark Colour System.

Thank you to the members of the Inkspotters writing group, for your valuable input and honest assessments.

Thanks to Leela Williams and the team at Psychic Interactive and Spheres—the spirit guide. The magazines gave me the opportunity to refine my psychic abilities and have my writing published. Thanks to Lifestyle Learning and my tutor Michael Pyne for helping further refine my writing skills.

Thanks to Captain Luke Hynes and Lieutenant Steve Hynes of the Diggers Rest Country Fire Authority for their inspiring input on CFA protocol.

Thanks to Manfred Zabinskas of Five Freedoms Animal Rescue for his wildlife insight.

My gratitude to Hay House Publishing for the inspiration I gained from their authors, the Writer’s Workshop, and the I Can Do It Retreat.

Thanks to the team at Balboa Press for their dedication to making Arkrealm: The Apprentice the best it can be.

Prologue

Sandy’s jitters skyrocketed as students piled into the courtyard. They gathered in groups, many looking her way—the girls giggling, the boys jostling. Razz jazz! It’s like they’ve never seen someone eating alone. She bit into her salad roll, and a piece of beetroot slipped out. Sandy fumbled to catch it. The slice brushed past her skirt, leaving a butterfly-shaped splotch, and fell to the ground. Oh, shoot!

She looked up to check if anyone had seen. A boy at the centre of a boisterous group smiled at her. Sandy pretended not to notice and returned to her lunch but could not resist glancing his way. What I wouldn’t give to have his confidence. His friends gather around him like ants to sugar, or wildlife to me. Sandy tore off pieces of her roll and tossed them to the sparrows gathered at her feet.

1

Arkrealm

Normally, the star-filled sky over the Arkrealm auditorium created a romantic mood, but Blayze, the red leader, felt as edgy as a lizard about to shed its skin. He looked behind him at the thousands of empty bubble seats. Crikey! I’ve got a bad feeling about this—the Arkrealm Council has never called a closed midnight meeting before.

The air shimmered with rainbow-coloured motes, turning into a jelly-like portal. Master Clarity materialized; his long hair, robe, and trousers were fluttering in the breeze as he strode forward. He took a position at the front of the floating stage and folded his massive wings behind him. The leaders stood to take the Arkrealm Pledge:

I promise to fulfil my Arkrealm obligations,

To protect and save Earth’s environment,

To value all life forms equally,

To guide others by my example,

To work toward peace and harmony,

To strive to ask the right questions,

So Divine Spirit can give me the right answers.

The leaders traced the Arkrealm symbol, a unique Y shape, on their foreheads and sat down. Master Clarity opened his pale hands. Leaders, I can see you are all concerned about the reasons for this meeting, but rest assured, I have good news.

Blayze sighed with relief. Now all I have to do is stay awake. He dug his pointed nails into the sleek fabric of his red bodysuit. Cripes! If I’d known choosing a frilled-neck lizard as my arkside would make me useless after sunset, I would have chosen a possum or something nocturnal.

Master Clarity’s voice boomed across the auditorium, and Blayze jumped. I called this meeting to announce the Arkrealm Council’s choice for the first human apprentice.

Crikey! Blayze sat forward on his bubble. I’m sure they’ll have chosen my nominee; he’s perfect.

Master Clarity continued. Because of circumstances I can’t divulge, it is necessary to keep the apprentice’s training confidential. The eight of you will be the only ones with this information. I am very proud of how well each of you studied your candidate. You found unique talent from every corner of Australasia. Unfortunately, there can only be one human apprentice at this stage. He reached into his robe and pulled out a golf-ball-sized crystal and held it up. The chosen candidate comes from the Sugar Peak region in Australia.

Blayze lifted out of his seat, bursting with pride, but when the hologram of the winner radiated from the crystal, Blayze felt as if a giant gum tree lay plastered across his chest. The chosen candidate was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed female.

Sandy Miller, of Cassiels, has been selected for Arkrealm’s first human apprentice. Master Clarity nodded toward the violet leader. Congratulations, Magnifay; that makes you Sandy’s mentor.

Blayze felt the blood draining from his face and icicles taking residence in his body. Master Clarity looked at him with sympathy, an emotion Blayze didn’t want from him or anyone. Rustling up all his energy, Blayze led a round of applause for Magnifay and gained an approving nod from Master Clarity.

I do realize it is disappointing for the rest of you, but eventually you will all have your own human apprentices, so keep an eye on your candidates.

Blayze slumped into his bubble. Yeah, but they will never be the first human Arketyke. With all of Australasia to choose from, why would there be two candidates from the same region? And why would the council pick the girl, Sandy, and not my boy?

With his guard down, Blayze had neglected to monitor his questions before thinking them. When the centre of Master Clarity’s forehead opened, revealing his third eye, Blayze knew it was too late. Master Clarity had picked up his questions from the ethers of Arkrealm.

Although Master Clarity addressed all the leaders, his third eye stared at Blayze, its indigo iris as bright as the night sky. "There were two candidates from the Sugar Peak region, so the council assumes the power we receive from Sugar Peak also enhances humans’ natural abilities. Shortly, I will get Magnifay to enlighten you with her reasons for nominating Sandy Miller. I am certain you will then understand why the council chose this teenage girl as Arkrealm’s first human apprentice."

Bugger! When will I ever learn not to think in questions? Blayze scraped the toe of his black boot through the cloud, sending puffs of mist billowing up around his calves.

There is one more matter. In four earth months, Arkrealm Two will open over Africa, and in ten months, Arkrealm Three over North America. So if any of your apprentices or arkagents wants to apply for a leadership position, support them. Now, please welcome Magnifay to the stage.

2

Wham!

Sandy Miller shivered. There’s something wrong; I can feel it. She wrapped her arms tightly across her chest and squinted. In the distance, galahs, cockatoos, magpies, and crows dipped in and out of the mist-covered treetops, screeching.

What’s wrong with you guys? You don’t normally share territories.

A distant siren drew closer. Sandy saw the Country Fire Authority (CFA) truck turn into Forest Road and drive toward her.

Fire? What, in this weather? The truck stopped at the Millers’ gate. Oh, razz! Why would they stop here? One of the firefighters hopped off the back of the truck, came through the gates, and ran up the hill.

Shoot! He’s coming up here? She turned to retreat into the house, but a voice called.

Wait up! I need to speak to you.

Sandy tightened her dressing-gown tie, turned, and leaned against the door, ready for a quick escape.

The fireman bounded up the steps; brushed the soaked hood from his head, revealing unruly blond hair; and took a moment to catch his breath.

Wham! Sandy felt like she had dropped in an elevator. Oh, razz! It’s the hunk from school. She could feel his eyes moving upward from her fluffy, violet scuffs, past her purple dressing gown, to her burning face. I wish the deck would open and swallow me.

Hi, I’m Ridge Elliot. I’m sorry to disturb you, but we have been ringing all the Cassiels’ residents, and we didn’t have the new number here.

What’s up?

We’re warning everyone that a section of Sugar Creek has broken its banks. With so much rain, it couldn’t hold. You won’t have a problem here—you’re too high—but I’d advise staying indoors as a precaution. Are your parents around?

No, they’re at work. Sandy’s stomach fluttered, and she glanced down at her dressing gown. I can’t believe it—the most popular guy in school is standing on my doorstep, and I look like a freak show.

Ridge handed her a pad and a pen. I need to get their contact details for the department.

She started to write, but her hands shook.

Here, write on my back. He turned. Sandy noticed his drenched jacket but felt too rattled to hesitate; she rested the pad across his broad shoulders and wrote. When Ridge turned to face her, she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek.

She stepped back and handed him the pad.

He looked at what she’d written and smiled. Actually, it was your parents’ details I needed, not yours, Sandy.

Sorry, I’m such an idiot.

Ridge tore off the top sheet, stuffed it into his pants pocket, and gave her back the pad and pen. Sandy didn’t wait for his back—she couldn’t handle his closeness. She scrawled her parents’ details and handed the pad back.

Thanks. Now remember, it’s best to stay indoors. We’re heading out to see if the State Emergency Services (SES) needs any assistance. We’ll keep you informed if the situation worsens. He bounded down the stairs and walked past the angel fountain before Sandy’s common sense returned.

Hey, Ridge.

He stopped and turned.

Sandy’s heart pounded. How did you know Sandy was my name and not one of my parents’?

You’re the new girl at Bridleigh; everyone notices someone starting third term. Ridge waved a hand. Anyway, your hair’s hard to forget. He headed back to the fire truck.

Razz jazz, he likes my hair. Sandy floated into the house, but she caught her reflection in the hallstand mirror.

Omigod! She picked up a strand of her blonde hair. Gran would have said I look like a birch broom in a fit. No wonder Ridge called it unforgettable. She leaned in closer and touched under her eyes. And if witch hair isn’t bad enough, I’ve got blubber eyes as well. How am I ever going to make an impression? I’m never going to fit in here. She picked up a photo frame and looked at the image of her grandmother.

Gran, I wish you were still here. You always gave me advice.

A distant howl made Sandy’s arms prickle. She opened the door, ears pricked. The howl continued, and the birds screeched. I know what you’d do, Gran.

3

CASSIELS

Sandy unzipped her backpack. Water, rope, penknife, paper bag, plastic bag—hmm, what else could I need for a rescue mission? She shrugged. I don’t even know what I’m dealing with. It sounds like a wolf, but Australia doesn’t have wolves—perhaps a dingo. She felt the front pocket of her jeans. No way, I can’t go without my lucky charm. Bounding up the stairs, she tripped on the top step. She grabbed the head post, barely preventing a fall. That’s what happens when I don’t have my amethyst.

She flung her bedroom door open and took the tumble stone from her dressing table and held it up while talking to her reflection in the mirror. I am fearless, I am confident, and I have the power to achieve anything I want. She kissed the amethyst and looked upward. Thanks Gran, I don’t know what I’d do without my lucky charm. Stuffing it into her pocket she headed downstairs, threw her rain jacket over her windcheater, slung the backpack across her shoulders, and checked her watch. I’ve still got hours before Mum and Dad get home.

Standing on the veranda, Sandy let out an exasperated breath. Oh razz, it’s pouring again. She secured her jacket hood, slipped on her gloves, and ran down the steps. As she trekked along the steep driveway, her gumboots squelched. She sloshed through puddles and soggy red earth, trying to keep her balance. The gumboots were great for keeping dry but didn’t have much traction. She sighed with relief when she reached the bottom.

Unclipping the picket gate, she stepped out onto the nature strip. Her right foot shot from under her, buckling her left knee. Pain shot through her left arm. She let go of the gate and dropped into an awkward lunge.

Ow! She struggled to her feet. That’s a great start. She rolled her shoulders.

Sandy looked towards the forest, and although she couldn’t see the birds from the road, she could still hear their screeches and the eerie…

"Hoooooowwwwl!"

She shivered. That animal sounds desperate.

Sandy crossed Forest Road and walked through the wrought-iron gates of the Cassiels Gardens. Normally, she would take a shortcut through the Cassiels picnic area, but the rain had turned the lawns into a quagmire. Instead she took the path down to the lake. Many of the weeping willows, whose feathery branches always dipped towards the water, now had their trunks immersed.

Even the ducks, who always greeted Sandy, were nowhere to be seen. At least someone’s got brains. She turned and looked towards the gates. Maybe I shouldn’t go into the forest. What if I’m caught in the flood? What if I see a snake? Sandy shook her head. I’ve got to stop being such a wuss. I’m sure when Gran rescued animals, she didn’t think like this.

"Hooooowwwwwwwl!"

Sandy picked up her pace. She followed the path around the lake, weaving around the flooded sections. Reaching the forest, her gumboots looked more like mud-pie boots.

She wiped the rain from her face so she could read the sign: Sugar Peak Forest Flora and Fauna Is Protected. Removal Is Prohibited. I wonder if they consider an animal rescue against regulation.

The scent of the pine trees, left of the walking track, had a calming effect. Although needles covered the path, preventing a complete bog, the ground still squelched beneath Sandy’s gumboots. Five minutes down the track, the rain stopped. Sandy sighed with relief. But then…

"Hooooowwwwl!"

Oh razz, I’m going to have to go off the path. Finding a sparse section of bush, Sandy tiptoed through the undergrowth, her body as tight as a spring stretched to its limit. She shuddered as she sidled past a moss-covered log, which looked a perfect haven for a snake or spider.

Snap!

Sandy screamed and whirled around. Her heart pounded. Her body felt like the spring had snapped. Her surroundings began to blur. She knew the feeling well—the beginning of a panic attack.

Oh no! Gasping, she dropped the backpack to the ground and fumbled with the zip on the front pocket. Come on! Her head spun wildly.

She yanked, ripping the top of the paper bag on the zip. Clamping the tatty bag over her nose and mouth, she breathed deeply.

Some rescuer I’ll make. I’ve got more fears than I’ve got fingers. Heroes are fearless. She shook her head. No, I can’t do this. I have to go back. She turned towards the path, but another howl stopped her. It sounds so close. Sandy focused on the surrounding sounds.

Strangely there were no bird sounds, but she heard the sound of running water, and another howl from the direction she had been heading.

Oh razz! I think the sound’s coming from the water. She put a hand to her stomach. Okay, I’ve got to suck it up and do this, or I’ll never forgive myself. She pushed the paper bag into her rain jacket and picked up her backpack. Weaving between flowering bottlebrushes, ferns, and towering gums, she could hear the water getting closer. When she saw Sugar Creek, she gasped.

The water looked more like a raging river. It ripped at branches, hurtled logs along its path, and slammed up the side of the gorge. The roar echoed upward, drowning out the pounding pulse at Sandy’s temples. Her breath became shallower. She touched her pocket. It’s okay; I’ve got my paper bag.

The next howl came from the heart of the raging waters. A dog clung to a log, wedged between a curve in the creek and the adjacent bank. The water slammed into the embankment and surged back towards the log. Sandy feared the power of the waves would break the dog’s grip and sweep it down the creek.

Oh shoot, what am I going to do? She felt for the mobile in her pocket. I haven’t got any emergency numbers on my phone, and how would they find me anyway? Edging closer to the gorge, she felt dizzy. The water’s fierce.

"Hooooooowwwwwl!"

Okay, okay, I know, I have to help you. She scanned her surroundings. There are plenty of solid looking trees. What if . . . ? Dropping her backpack onto a log, she pulled out the rope and secured it around a gum tree.

Okay, now what? Hmm, I’ll have to lower myself down to the creek. She looked at the raging torrent. No way!

The water slammed over the dog’s head, and it disappeared.

4

RESCUE MISSION

Sandy held her breath. The dog resurfaced, shaking its head and whimpering.

I’ve got no choice. Sandy grabbed the rope, sidled towards the edge of the gorge, and snuck a look over the side. I should be able to get my footing in those crevices. Thinking of rock climbers, she wrapped the rope around her legs and hips and secured it to her belt. She took off her jacket and watch, shoved them in her backpack, and pulled out an orange garbage bag, which she tucked into the harness.

Holding the rope, she dropped over the side and swung towards a crevice. Exposed tree roots snapped beneath her feet. She flexed her knees and sprung out again. Her feet missed, and her shoulder hurtled towards the gap. She opened the gloved fingers of one hand to grab a gnarly root but missed. Her fingers landed in a web, where a huge black spider clung.

Screaming, she ripped her hand back, lost her grip, and fell two metres. Grappling for the rope, she regained control. Oh shit! Wedged in a gap less than a metre from the bank, she scrubbed her glove against a rock, desperate to remove the silky fibres. I hope that thing didn’t crawl up my arm. She shuddered and checked her windcheater sleeve. Thank god!

She dropped to the bank. Now the question is—how am I going to get the dog out of the water? If I go into the water, I’ll probably drown us both.

The animal looked weak, and Sandy feared it would let go and be swept away. A small tree at the edge of the creek looked precarious, as water swirled around it. If I can knock that down so it falls behind him, at least it will offer protection.

She held the rope firmly, while kicking at the tree from an angle that would send it diagonally across the water. After several tries, the tree finally fell. Splash! She clapped enthusiastically; her gloves muffling the sound. That’s perfect.

She went back to the dog. A large tree which had fallen from the upper ledge jutted from the gorge and hung across the water. Sandy hooked her leg across the moss-covered trunk and lay over it, stretching her arm towards the water. It was too high to reach. She sat up. Oh razz! She stroked the tree until a thought came. Dogs love playing tug-of-war!

She peeled off her windcheater and lay across the log, flicking her windcheater towards the dog. It looked up with weary eyes. Come on, boy. Grab it, and I’ll guide you to the bank.

As always Sandy imagined the dog’s thoughts—But the water’s so strong.

I’ll save you, I promise. That tree should stop the water sweeping you away. Trust me, please. Sandy flicked the windcheater again.

The dog craned his chin upward and snatched at the windcheater but missed. That a boy. She flicked it again. He snapped.

Whoa! His weight almost pulled her in. She clutched the tree with her legs and used both hands to guide the dog to the bank. It was pawing at the muddy water’s edge but couldn’t get up.

I’m coming, boy. Don’t panic. Keeping tension on the windcheater, Sandy climbed off the tree and walked across the rocky and sludgy ground towards the frantic dog. I’ve got to focus; I can’t afford to fall in. She secured the rope over a rock and leaned towards the water. Although he clawed at her, Sandy reached under the dog’s chest and tugged. Its waist landed on the bank, but its back legs kicked frantically in the water. Sandy pulled again and the dog struggled up the bank.

They both lay in the mud, exhausted. The dog licked her face, and Sandy giggled. She propped up on one elbow. You could have got us both killed.

The dog’s eyes rolled up guiltily.

Wow! You’ve got one brown eye and one blue. I think you’re a husky, and I’m guessing if you didn’t look like a drowned rat, you’d be handsome. How about I give you a name? Sandy looked into his eyes. You know what? I think I’ll call you Blizz. My name’s Sandy. Blizz gave a weary huff.

Okay, now the problem is, how do I get you up there? Sandy pointed to the top of the gorge. Blizz groaned and tried to stand up, but his legs buckled under him. No, Blizz, you can’t climb up there; you’re exhausted.

Sandy unravelled the garbage bag and stood to examine her surrounds. Although the rapids had stripped away most of the bark off a gum tree at the water’s edge, one large piece remained.

I’m going to break a few forest rules here, but I’ve got no choice. She pulled at the bark, grunting to get more oomph. When the piece tore away, Sandy fell back, landing on her bottom.

Blizz groaned.

Okay Blizz, I realize I’m not the most coordinated rescuer, but at least I’m here. She dragged the sled-sized bark back to the husky. "And I’m creative."

The garbage bag fit snugly around the wood, and Sandy placed it on top of the fallen tree. The width of the tree trunk and makeshift sled were almost identical, leaving no room for error, but Sandy saw no option.

Come on, boy, you’ve only got to get over here, and I’ll lift you up. Blizz struggled to his feet and staggered to her. Sandy wrapped her arms around his waist, and with a grunt lifted him towards the sled. He grappled to get in place. That’s it, Blizz, that’s perfect. Sandy unravelled the rope from around her legs and hips and tied him in securely. What an idiot, I should have come down this way; it would have been easier, but from up there it looked much scarier.

Sandy pulled up the slack in the rope and looped it securely around her waist. Once she had crawled to the top, she tightened the rope at the tree and then tugged. It wasn’t easy to pull Blizz up; she had gravity against her, and the slightest wrong angle could send the sled hurtling towards the ground. She took her time, winding the slack rope around a tree branch and rechecking the stability of Blizz’s position before tugging again. When she finally pulled him up over the edge, she let go of the rope and hugged him. He licked her cheek.

5

HEADING HOME

For a minute, they lay staring at the treetops. Wow! That got my adrenaline pumping. It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me since I arrived in Cassiels. Now the only question is, how do I get you home?

Blizz gruffed and tugged at the ropes.

So you think you can walk? Sandy untied him and collected her things. Blizz followed and sat at her feet. Drinking her water, Sandy offered Blizz some in a rock indent, but the husky did not drink—obviously he had enough water for one day.

So where do you come from? Normally when Sandy looked into an animal’s eyes, she imagined their thoughts, but Blizz’s eyes left her mind blank.

That’s okay, Blizz, I prefer to think you came out of nowhere; that way there’s nowhere for you to go back to. I’ve always wanted a dog, but in the city we had no backyard; now we’ve got a massive yard. I know Mum would love you. If Gran was still alive, she’d treat you like a king. She was the one who taught me about animal rescue. She worked for the RSPCA for years. That’s the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, incase you didn’t know, Blizz.

Blizz gave an interested huff.

I don’t know about Dad—I don’t think he’s a doggy person, but I’m sure once you’re all cleaned up, you can win him over. Sandy stood and shrugged into her coat and backpack. Let’s hope it doesn’t start raining before we get back.

They ambled through the bush, and Sandy felt happy for the first time