C.A.M.P. Phoenix Destiny of the Metamorph

By R. M. Wolf

C.A.M.P. Phoenix is a training camp for wizards in the middle of Lake Superior on a phantom Island where it has been for centuries.

We first discovered this hidden camp in "Destiny of the Elf" which featured Tyler Brown and centered around his experiences of the events that summer. In "Destiny of the Metamorph" we revisit the first summer at camp and see things from a different point of view.

Abigail Martin decodes her name to discover that she is a metamorph. We join her and the rest of the Boar house wizards for a retelling of their first summer at C.A.M.P. You might be surprised to discover how different things are in the eyes of another.

Is it just a matter of perspective or is life in the wizarding world an individual experience - different for everyone involved? You decide when you rejoin the nine wizards of Boar house as they uncover mysteries and learn of a sinister plot that threatens not only their own safety but that of the entire wizarding world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. M. Wolf
• Release date: Feb 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465776181

R. M. Wolf

R. M. Wolf is the author of C.A.M.P. PHOENIX a magical series written for children ages 9 to 90. She is a certified nutritional herbalist, holds a black belt in karate and is a devout Tibetan Buddhist.Her writing reflects her belief that there is one constant in the universe and that is that everything changes. The ocean of life has both ups and downs. She believes that you can ride the waves or be tossed and tumbled by them.But there's more. There's always more. You don't have to settle for just surfing the waves - you can rise up and walk on top of them. Magic isn't just for kids. It isn't just for fairy tales. There's magic within everyone and she hopes to pass this message along:You have power you can't even imagine. Seek it out. Develop it. Put it to work in your life and be happy!

Book preview

Chapter 1 - C.A.M.P. Phoenix

Clothes and video games were scattered around a small girl sitting on a rumpled bed. An empty bowl and spoon from breakfast still sat near the television Abigail was watching. She was furiously thumbing the buttons that were controlling the action on the screen.

Wait till Abuela gets home, you’re going to be in so much trouble! Alyssa screeched into the room.

Abigail didn’t even flinch. She was always in trouble. She made a face at her sister and turned her attention back to the video game. You’re not my mother, she thought.

When Alyssa got bossy, Abigail stopped listening. Her sister knew this so she sat down on the edge of the bed and tried to speak more gently.

I heard you crying in your sleep again last night.

Abigail continued to stare at the television, completely ignoring her sister. She didn’t always remember her dreams. But the dreams were coming more often now, since their mom died. The dreams themselves aren’t always scary; the scary part was when they came true.

Abigail didn't want to talk about it. When she was little she thought it was normal to dream of things before they happened. But she realized it wasn’t when her Abuela got so upset about it. She actually accused Abigail of making things up for attention. She started to think that maybe she was a freak. So she stopped telling others about them.

When Abigail continued to ignore her, Alyssa jumped back up. Abuela said to clean your half of the room before she got home from work or else! her sister shrieked.

She stomped away, upset by Abigail’s lack of response. They shared the small room and it was easy to see which side belonged to whom. Alyssa’s bed was neatly made with her shoes lined up just under its edge.

A doll was placed near the pillow, dead center. She had a bookshelf filled with books that were arranged according to size and color. Her clothes were all neatly hung in the closet.

Abigail wasn’t as fussy about neatness. She could find her stuff just fine if people would just leave her stuff alone. Her clean clothes were in a heap near the closet, the dirty clothes were in the pile near the foot of her bed. Her games and movies were all under the bed. At least they were until she dug them out a little while ago looking for one to play.

You need to get up and make your bed. Abuela will be home in half an hour and you should be helping me clean the rest of the house, too. You’re not a baby anymore Abby, she was calling out as she stormed back and forth past the open door of their room.

Abigail sighed and put down the controller. She just lost that round and that was her last life anyway. She turned the game off and decided to at least change her clothes. She pulled on an old shirt and a pair of shorts. She could only find one shoe so she decided to go barefoot even though it was riskier walking around outside barefoot here than it was in California. It seemed like everything in Tucson was sharp and thorny.

She missed her old life and her old house but she mostly missed her mom. Her mom understood her. She didn’t yell at her for every little thing. Ever since mom died Alyssa thinks she’s the boss of me, Abby thought. She doesn’t care what I’m doing while she’s on the phone for hours. But she knew Alyssa was right. If her room still looked like this when Abuela got home, she’d be in trouble.

She dropped to the floor and pushed the games back under the bed along with all her clothes. Then she quickly made the bed making sure the bedspread hung all the way to the floor to hide all the stuff underneath.

Then she grabbed the bowl and spoon and carried them out to the kitchen. She purposely avoided Alyssa by walking around the table and sat the bowl on the counter.

Uh, uh, uh! Alyssa called out, In the sink and rinse it out! And then go get the mail while I finish up in here.

Abigail put the bowl in the sink and ran water into it. Then headed out the front door. The sidewalk was hot under her feet. Then she had to cross over a section of white gravel to get to the mailbox. She wished she had tried harder to find her shoes. Her feet were already getting hot and she still had to make her way back.

She grabbed the mail and tried to take long hopping strides back to the house. It didn’t help; her feet were burning up by the time she got back inside.

There’s the mail, she said and plopped it onto the table. A green envelope slid out from the rest and she noticed it had her name on it. Curious, she picked it up and tore it open. She found two papers inside. Curious, she read the letter.

We are pleased to announce that Abigail Rose Martin has been chosen to attend C.A.M.P. Phoenix this summer for a period of twelve weeks.

Every year a few select children from across the country receive the enclosed certificate, which covers all expenses including uniforms, equipment, food and travel.

To accept this offer please sign the certificate and present it to the C.A.M.P. bus driver upon boarding. The bus will pick Abigail up in front of her house at eight o’clock on the morning of June first.

There is no need to pack equipment or clothing, everything will be provided. Only one bag containing personal belongings is allowed. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Yours truly,

Lady Orlaith Albright

C.A.M.P. Phoenix Registrar

Alyssa noticed her standing there with the letter and asked, What are you reading?

It’s a letter about a camp, Abigail replied.

Let me see it, Alyssa demanded.

It’s addressed to me! Abigail squealed and ran into her room with it.

Well who is it from? Alyssa quizzed from the other room.

Abigail looked at the envelope for a return address but there wasn’t one. There was just a six-sided star where an address would normally be.

It doesn’t say, but the letter says ‘C.A.M.P. Phoenix’ at the top and is signed by someone called Lady Orlaith Albright.

What do they wa– Alyssa suddenly stopped speaking. She had just stepped into the doorway of the room where she stood frozen in her tracks. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Their room looked like a page out of a magazine. It even smelled clean.

The sudden silence caused Abigail to look up to see what was wrong. Her sister was staring wide-eyed with her mouth hanging open.

What? Abigail sounded defensive.

The room, was all Alyssa could manage.

I cleaned it! Abigail spat, misunderstanding her.

I can see that, Alyssa said with wonder in her voice. But how did you do it so quickly?

Confused Abigail scanned the room and saw what Alyssa was talking about. Her half of the room had never been so neat. Her bed was made properly. The games and movies were all lined up on her shelf. There were no clothes dirty or clean lying in piles.

She got up and walked over to her dresser. It actually looked like someone had dusted. She slowly pulled open a drawer and found everything inside folded neatly. She slammed it shut and pulled open another. Again everything inside was neatly folded and stacked.

She hurried over to the closet and yanked the door open. She gasped. Her clothes were not only hung up but everything was arranged according to type and color. She quickly shut the door and leaned against it.

She took a deep breath and then tried to pretend that all of this was not new to her. I, ah, wanted to surprise Abuela? She could not keep the question out of her voice. Even to her own ears her answer sounded just made up.

Alyssa couldn’t think of anything to say. She just turned and walked away.

Abigail was shocked over the state of her room but not because it was clean but because it looks exactly as she wished it would when she was shoving everything under the bed.

Now just thinking about something makes it happen? Wasn’t I enough of a freak for dreaming things before they happened? I cannot tell anyone about this! she said quietly with her hands out, palms aimed stiffly at the floor as if she were dizzy and needed to regain her balance. And now I’m talking to myself! She threw her hands in the air and dropped onto her bed.

Moments later their abuela came through the door and called, Girls! I’m home! Come help me with the groceries.

Then, almost as if the last few moments hadn’t happened, Alyssa marched over and reported, Abigail got a letter about a camp but she wouldn’t let me see it.

All right Lyssa, I’ll look at it once we get this stuff put away, Abuela promised. Abby, come and help us!

I’m coming, Abuela, Abigail padded barefoot past them both. Once again burning her feet on the hot concrete outside. She helped carry in the last of the groceries before getting to what was really on her mind.

Abuela, I got a letter about a summer camp, can I go? Please?

We talked about this before Abby, I can’t afford summer camp. When Alyssa went to tennis camp few years ago it cost your mother a fortune.

But it says all expenses are covered! Abigail pressed on.

I’ll look at the letter Abby, she said sitting down at the kitchen table. Give me a minute to catch my breath, I’m beat.

Abigail handed her the envelope. Her abuela read the letter quickly and Abigail saw her face go all soft and dreamy. Then she said, This is the answer to my prayers! I was worried about leaving you alone all day this summer especially when Alyssa goes to visit her father. This is perfect for you, Abby.

Abigail could see the relief in her abuela’s eyes, she didn’t have the money for day camp or even to pay for a baby sitter and Abby hated the suggestion of summer school.

If it wasn’t free I wouldn’t even be able to consider it. But just like you said, according to this everything is covered. I wonder how you were chosen? Did you apply for it at school or something?

No, I don’t remember doing anything like that, admitted Abigail.

Maybe Ms. Anderson put her in for it, Alyssa speculated. She’s always finding ways to help kids. She really likes Abby, even though she’s in trouble all the time.

Abuela looked at Abigail and smiled. Looks like we lucked out this summer. You’re going to camp!

Abigail squealed and jumped up and down. I can go? Really?

She couldn’t stop talking about it. She talked nonstop all through dinner.

I hope the other kids are fun.

Maybe they'll have canoeing.

The bus will be picking me up right out front.

I don't even need to bring clothes, every thing is provided.

I hope I like the food.

Speaking of food, yours is getting cold, Abuela pointed out.

Abigail didn't even taste the food. Before she knew it they were finished. She felt so good she jumped up and offered to help Alyssa with the dishes.

I wonder what we'll do at camp all day.

Do you think they'll make us work in the kitchen?

She even continued talking about it while they got ready for bed.

Maybe we'll sleep in tents with sleeping bags!

And even once they turned out the lights, I hope they let us roast marshmallows over a campfire and take hikes or maybe ride horses!

Alyssa sighed and turned over in her bed pulling her pillow over her ears and calling, Good night, Abigail!

June first did not come fast enough for any of them. Alyssa and Abuela breathed a deep sigh of relief when they watched Abby board the green bus. They waved furiously as it drove off even though they couldn’t see inside the tinted windows.

Abigail handed her voucher to the driver when she stepped onto the bus. She chose a seat and waved to her abuela and sister who kept waving until she could no longer see them.

She was so excited to be finally on her way. She watched as the scenery outside blurred by, but then grew dizzy from the motion.

She looked around the bus but couldn’t see anyone else. It seemed like only a few moments had passed before she felt the bus slowing down. It came to a stop and she looked out and saw completely different scenery. They were no longer in the city at all.

***

Chapter 2 - Discovering Destiny

The bus had stopped several times and each time another child boarded. The bus was slowing once again and when Abigail looked out the window she saw an old lighthouse beyond the trees. Then the bus turned a corner and a huge body of water came into view. It pulled off the road and finally came to a complete stop. This time when the door opened a woman climbed up the steps and called out to them.

Good morning campers! My name is Lady Albright. Please gather your belongings and follow me.

Abigail hurried to exit the bus. She stepped down onto the coarse sand and looked around. There was a lone building to their right. Lady Albright led them in the direction of an old man standing near the water. Abigail joined the line heading toward a dock where a ferryboat was waiting. She was surprised to see so many kids. Some were older and seemed to know one another.

The lady was speaking with a man who was pointing to something over her shoulder. She called out to them, Please begin boarding and watch your step. She was holding a clipboard and making small marks as the kids filed by stepping onto the boat.

Abigail followed a boy carrying a tattered backpack. He was looking around and seemed scared. Where is this camp? she asked aloud to no one in particular.

An older boy behind her said, On Phantom Island in the middle of the lake. Then he began chatting to his friend so she wasn’t able to ask him any more questions.

Abigail was looking backward and walking forward and she tripped while stepping onto the dock. Watch your step dear, Lady Albright called to her. The sun was shining brightly but the air here was way cooler than it was in Arizona.

She followed the other kids around the deck and stopped when she came to an empty section of seating. She sat down and watched the other kids passing by.

Once everyone was onboard, Lady Albright stepped onto the boat just as a whistle sounded. A moment later they were moving away from the shore. Abigail was filled with questions. She wondered how far the boat would take them. She didn't even know what lake this was. She saw some seagulls flying over the boat and watched as they passed gracefully overhead. Soon the shore was far behind them. Lady Albright was coming around checking on everyone.

Abigail went over to her and asked, Where are we?

This is Lake Superior, the lady answered brightly. We just left the upper peninsula of Michigan.

A boy said we’re going to a phantom island. What is that? she asked.

That’s not its real name. C.A.M.P. Phoenix is on Phelipeaux Isle. It’s about an hour away. Enjoy the trip! she called quickly and walked away before Abigail could ask any more questions.

Abigail spotted that nervous looking boy pushing his backpack under the bench. She walked over to him and dropped her bag onto the deck and pushed it under the bench with her foot.

Hi, she said.

He just nodded.

My name is Abigail. What’s yours?

Um, Tyler, he responded. He really did seem quite nervous. She wished she could help him feel more at ease so she sat down next to him. Talking always made her feel better.

Is this your first time at Camp Phoenix?

Yeah, he was eyeing her warily.

It’s my first time too. Do you know what kind of camp it is? My sister went to tennis camp one summer, before … she broke off. She almost said before her parents died. But talking about that still caused her throat to hurt and her eyes to sting.

Tyler didn’t seem to notice. I don’t know what kind of camp it is. But I noticed that they spell the word camp all in upper case letters with periods. Do you know what it stands for?

No, I don't, Abigail admitted. They were quiet for a while enjoying the sun and the way the wind was blowing the seagulls off course. Once the birds were out of sight, they got up and knelt on the seat to look over the rail. The sun sparkled off the water that was rushing by below.

Did you see that lighthouse from the bus when we pulled into the parking lot? she asked after a while.

No, he said sounding amazed. I couldn’t look out the window at all. Each time I tried I got dizzy.

She laughed and noticed his expression darken.

I wonder if we'll be able to see the light from the island, she said feeling a need to explain why she mentioned it. His grey eyes softened a little. It was then that Abigail really looked at him. He had light brown skin and his curls were wild from being tossed by the wind. He's cute, she thought.

I don’t know, he said. Then adding cautiously, Maybe we could look one night.

Yes, let’s do that, she agreed, smiling. Then she asked, Were your parent’s different races?

Tyler eyed her warily again and she got the impression that he was not comfortable with the question.

I’m sorry, she added quickly. It’s just, I’m half Spanish …

It’s OK, I wasn’t upset that you asked, he explained. It’s just that I usually get teased about it. My mom is white and my dad's black but I never met him. Do kids tease you about being half Spanish?

Not so much anymore. Me and my sister moved to Arizona and everyone’s Spanish in our neighborhood, she replied. Plus no one there knows my dad was white.

Just you and your sister moved? he asked.

Yes, we went to live with our grandmother, she said. She couldn’t quite get to the part about her parents dying and she was grateful that didn't push for more details.

They talked for a while longer and then suddenly she saw something in the distance. That must be it, she whispered in awe. They both stood up to watch as they approached the island.

Abigail couldn't believe her eyes. The small piece of land she first spotted seemed to be rising up out of the water as they drew closer. Then she heard someone say, That’s why it’s called Phantom Island.

Soon the island was completely visible and the ferry was pulling up to another dock jutting out from a small stretch of beach. Everyone grabbed their bags and headed toward the exit. Tyler was quick to grab his bag and sprinted away. She wrestled her bag out from under the bench and joined the line of kids waiting to get off the boat.

The older kids were chatting excitedly and she followed them along the dock and onto the stony beach. Lady Albright was making checks on her clipboard just like she did when they were getting on. Was she worried that someone would get lost on the way?

The older kids seemed to have disappeared. Abigail was among those who were just standing on the beach. She spotted Tyler standing apart from everyone else looking lost and more scared than ever. As she was heading his way she saw a man walking briskly toward them. He was wearing something like a cape that flowed out around his body as he walked.

Welcome to Phelipeaux Isle, he didn't raised his voice yet she heard him clearly. Abigail had the feeling that he was speaking directly to her.

My name is Mage Black. C.A.M.P. Phoenix is just through those trees. Please follow Lady Albright and stick to the path. Your lunch awaits.

At this Lady Albright called out and motioned for everyone to follow her. She walked directly into the woods. Abigail hurried to follow so as not to get lost and risk going off the path. They didn’t walk far before everyone stopped in front of an old iron gate. It had strangely carved handles and fancy ironwork overhead.

Once Mage Black appeared the gates swung open all by themselves on squeaky hinges. Only those who are invited may pass through these gates, he was saying in that cool, eerie voice.

Abigail felt a shiver run down her spine. She quickly passed through the gate; worried it might decide to close on her. She looked back and saw Tyler and Mage Black passing through just before the gates swung shut with a loud clank.

They walked on through a beautifully kept garden. They were heading toward a large log cabin. It had smoke rising from its chimneys. Then the aroma of a dozen delicious foods hit her all at once. Her stomach growled and she realized that she was hungry.

This is the dining lodge where you’ll be taking all your meals, Lady Albright instructed as they entered the building. Abigail could hardly pay attention once she spotted the food at the back of the room. The older kids were passing by the long tables and filling their plates.

Lady Albright showed them where to start and told them not to begin eating until they got the signal. Abigail passed through the line and found a seat next to another girl who seemed to be new.

Hi, I’m Abigail, she introduced herself as she sat down.

Hi, I’m Madison, the girl responded quietly. Abigail remembered seeing her on the ferry. They waited politely to begin eating along with the rest of the kids.

It's kind of nice to wait for everyone to get their food, Abigail whispered. But I wish they’d hurry, I’m starving.

Then she noticed the only ones left in line were adults all dressed in black and wearing cloaks similar to the one Mage Black wore. Tyler was walking toward her with a plate so full of food it threatened to overflow any moment. She moved over making space for him. Madison introduced herself when he sat down but he only mumbled his name in response. He must be really shy Abigail decided. She remembered how it was being the new kid in school when they moved to Tucson. At least here she wasn’t the only new kid.

Finally, the last of the adults made it through the line and an old man stood at the center of the head table where all the adults were seated.

Welcome to C.A.M.P. Phoenix! he called out. Let us give thanks for everyone’s safe arrival and the delicious food we are about to eat. He then sat down and picked up a fork. He took a bite and then everyone else in the room starting eating.

That must have been the signal, Abigail guessed. Tyler already had his mouth stuffed so full he couldn’t talk. She started eating too. The food tasted even more delicious than it smelled. They ate in silence for a while.

Then Tyler got up with his empty plate muttering something about seconds. He returned with a plate just as full as the first one. He sat down and began shoveling it in again. She looked at Madison and rolled her eyes. She said, boys! They both giggled.

Abigail started chatting with the people nearest her. That is with the exception of Tyler whose mouth was stuffed with food. There was a blonde curly haired girl who was friendly enough, but she was difficult to understand. It was like listening to a textbook. Abigail did manage to learn that her name was Emma and her father was a chemist. She sounded like a scientist’s daughter, Abigail thought. Emma didn’t mention her mother and Abigail got the impression that she lived alone with her father. She also learned that Madison never had a mom but she had two dads.

That’s awesome! Abigail said when she heard. Madison just shrugged and said, I guess it is. I never had a mom so it's not like I'm missing anything.

They had finished eating Abigail joined Tyler and Madison following others to see what to do with their used dishes. They placed them on a cart where they seemed to disappear. Abigail only blinked and they were gone. She didn’t have time to wonder where they went because just then she noticed the desert table. They hurried over to pass through the desert line. She chose cherry pie, Madison took a cupcake and Tyler grabbed a bowl of chocolate ice cream.

As soon as everyone was finished eating and all the dirty dishes had somehow disappeared and reappeared clean, stacked and ready for the next meal, the old man with the silver beard stood again and a hush fell over the room.

"I would like to welcome you all to the Conservatory for the Advancement and Mentoring of Potential. A summer training camp for young wizards of the