The Lore Adventure: Book Three: Olyqua

By James D. Fletcher

Two teenage boys are lost in Minnesota's rugged Boundary Waters wilderness area. While struggling to survive, they're sucked into the plots of two so-called fiction novels that one of the boys has read. Every direction they turn leads them deeper into the wilderness and into the extraordinary secrets and dangers encompassing the books' plots. Perilously tangled up in mystery, magic and suspense, the boys weave their way toward the books' mystical island of Olyqua where they must face the ultimate conflict between the forces of good and evil. Is it real? That's the plaguing question as supernatural events get in their way and unknown forces try to stop them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 15, 2003
• ISBN: 9781469728384

James D. Fletcher

Jim Fletcher grew up in the forest-covered mountains of Connecticut. Fletcher, a writer and artist, has exhibited his artwork around the country. He has also hidden his art in wilderness areas throughout the United States and Canada. He and his wife, Dee, reside in the lakes country of Minnesota.

Book preview

All Rights Reserved © 2003 by James D. Fletcher

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.

iUniverse, Inc.

For information address:

iUniverse, Inc.

2021 Pine Lake Road, Suite 100

Lincoln, NE 68512

www.iuniverse.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.

ISBN: 0-595-27256-8

ISBN: 978-1-4697-2838-4 (ebook)

Printed in the United States of America

For my wife

A dream is only a dream if that’s your choice.

—Singer, the Singer of Songs from

The Wonder Of It All Loral

Contents

Acknowledgements

P A R T I THE INCIDENT

C H A P T E R 1

C H A P T E R 2

C H A P T E R 3

C H A P T E R 4

C H A P T E R 5

C H A P T E R 6

C H A P T E R 7

C H A P T E R 8

C H A P T E R 9

C H A P T E R 10

P A R T II THE ISLETS

C H A P T E R 11

C H A P T E R 12

C H A P T E R 13

C H A P T E R 14

C H A P T E R 15

C H A P T E R 16

C H A P T E R 17

C H A P T E R 18

C H A P T E R 19

C H A P T E R 20

C H A P T E R 21

C H A P T E R 22

P A R T III OLYQUA

C H A P T E R 23

C H A P T E R 24

C H A P T E R 25

About the Author

Glossary

Acknowledgements

Thank you, Roger and Sue, for your steadfast belief and encouragement. Bill Marcil Jr. and Maggie Soboil, thank you for your vision of yet another avenue into the Inner Kingdom. Art and Mary Ann Phillips, your exhilaration is so greatly appreciated. John Doppler—without your initial exuberance Lore may not have been revealed—you will always be part of the adventure. Many thanks to Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources for allowing me to unveil Loretasia in those beautiful wilderness areas. Ryan, thank you for your camaraderie and all the time you spent with me scouring the backwoods and trout fishing those out-of-the-way rivers. Sheri, Jeff, Joseph and Jadyn, you are the Amity in life’s Pillar. Ron Weick, I greatly appreciate your friendship, enthusiasm and all you have done; and, of course, thanks for sharing your fabulous brew! James O’Rourke, thank you for exhibiting my work and for all you have done for the artists. Paul Johnson, thank you for sharing your wonderful talents and helping with the book cover. Scott Wonderlich, thank you for always fueling the magic. Connie Evenson, thank you for your friendship and all your editing! Dee, without you the light in the wilderness would have never been seen.

P A R T I

THE INCIDENT

C H A P T E R 1

It happened quickly and unexpectedly, as nearly all accidents happen.

Seventeen year old Jade Stone reclined against the stern of the aluminum canoe; his arms rested on the paddle that lay across the gunwales before him. His head was tilted back and his eyes lazily followed a bird soaring above a cliff in the distance. The air was calm and the lake relaxed brightly beneath the noonday sun. It was hot and he thought about removing his shirt. That was just a thought, however, as things were pretty cozy just as they were. He was feeling about as tired and as lazy as his friend, Scott Wendelton, looked.

Scott Wendelton sat hunched-over on the bow seat, facing him. His head was drooped forward with his chin resting on his chest. He appeared to be sleeping. His limp hands cradled the makeshift fishing pole lying across his lap; it was a pole he had fashioned out of a green willow branch as part of their wilderness survival training. A length of monofilament line dangled in the water while the remainder looped and wound around the tip of the branch. He had caught several sunfish earlier along the weed beds but, while in this deeper water, he had not even a nibble. They had been floating idly in the middle of the lake for over an hour.

Jade wondered if it would be worth the effort to give his friend a good dousing of water. He knew Scott Wendelton wouldn’t hesitate with an opportunity like this if they were in each other’s places. He could easily drench him with one sweep of the paddle. The temptation surged and he felt his body automatically tighten to rise. Just as he was about to pull himself from rest, he was once again attracted to the bird that had been soaring above the distant cliff. The bird had suddenly dropped from the sky.

It looked like a rock plummeting alongside the edge of the precipice, falling directly toward the lake. Jade rose slowly and watched. As the bird approached the water, its wings opened and scooped the air, lifting it away from its fall. It skimmed the lake’s surface and Jade thought he saw a splash. If he had blinked his eyes he would have missed it. The bird veered straight away from the cliff and winged directly toward the canoe.

It was a falcon. At least that’s what Jade thought it was, as it loomed closer. It was clutching a fish in its talons and ascending gradually as it approached. It flew with remarkable grace and speed, particularly while clinging to a fish over half its size. The falcon passed by, directly overhead, and Jade craned his neck and shifted his position to follow it. The fish was a bass and larger than anything Scott Wendelton had caught that morning. This was an impressive occurrence and Jade Stone sat quietly in wonder as the falcon quickly receded into a tiny dot as it soared above and beyond the opposite shoreline.

Jade, he heard Scott say vaguely, I think I’m snagged on something.

Without turning Jade said, Did you see that?

What?

That falcon, he replied, pointing toward the diminishing dot. It took a fish out of the lake and flew right over us.

I didn’t see it. But, hey, I’m really hooked on something big.

Jade turned to face his friend. Scott’s hands now gripped the pole tightly and its tip strained toward the water. The line looked as though it was about to snap. You’re snagged in water this deep?

I don’t know what it is; maybe it’s a log or a dead tree. Whatever it is, I’m really snagged. Scott carefully twisted the pole through his grip to unravel more line.

Is it moving?

I don’t think so, but I can’t really tell. We could be drifting a little.

We’re not drifting; we’ve been sitting dead in the water for over an hour. Jade Stone removed the paddle from the gunwales and dipped it into the water. He made a gentle backstroke and slipped the canoe toward the taut line to help ease the tension.

It feels like it’s going straight down, Scott said in a voice of disbelief.

How much line do you have out?

Lots.

Should I bring in the fish basket?

Yeah, maybe you should.

Jade rested the paddle across the gunwales and latched hold of the rope attached to the fish basket. He carefully hoisted it out of the water. Two sunfish flopped wildly inside the wire mesh.

Wait a minute, Jade, Scott said in a shallow voice, "I think it is moving."

Jade kept the basket just above water and watched the line pull slowly away from the canoe. He quickly scanned the lake for ripples to see if a light wind could have pushed them. He had felt no breeze and the water lay as flat as glass.

Do you think it could be a snapping turtle? Scott asked. He twisted the pole in an effort to release more line.

Not in water this deep.

It’s just a steady, slow pull, like something is sinking.

A large walleye will sometimes do that; why don’t you give it a jerk?

Scott Wendelton shot Jade a scornful look and nodded toward the straining pole. Give it a jerk? he asked sarcastically.

That can’t be a fish, Jade said.

Well, it’s moving, whatever it is.

What do you want to do?

I’m open for suggestions.

Maybe we should just cut the line.

Cut the line? If this is a fish, it’s a trophy.

A trophy’s not a trophy ’til it’s mounted on the wall.

I think it’s already mounted on a wall, Scott grunted. I don’t know how much longer I can hold on to this thing.

What can I do to help?

Get the fish basket into the canoe; you might have to do some paddling.

The tip of Scott’s pole whipped the water. Jade winced, dropped the rope and the fish basket splashed into the lake. Scott’s line cut swiftly through the water toward Jade.

It’s going under us! Scott yelled. Turn us around!

Jade grabbed the paddle, stabbed the water and swept a wide, forceful backstroke that pulled the bow around toward the pulling line. The starboard gunwale leaned dangerously close to the lake.

It’s a fish! Scott yelled.

Duh!

We’re taking on water! Scott hollered, shifting his weight to the opposite side of the canoe. Water rushed over the gunwale.

Jade quickly swooped the paddle and lifted the canoe out of danger.

Thank you! Scott yelled.

Jade looked at his friend and chuckled. He had accidentally showered him with the paddle while stabilizing the craft. I was going to get you while you were sleeping, he admitted, now laughing loudly.

It’s still pulling, Scott said.

Give it more line.

I don’t have any more line.

Scott carefully turned around on the seat and leaned toward the bow. His pole was now in front of him and the line was pulling the canoe slowly forward.

Jade drew the paddle into the canoe and gawked at the shoreline. I don’t believe this, he said. It’s actually pulling us.

I don’t know how much longer I can hold on to this thing; if it goes any deeper I’ll have to let go of my pole.

What pound test do you have on this line?

Twenty. But whatever this is, it’s a whole lot more than twenty pounds, I can guarantee you that.

Jade Stone watched the seemingly moving shoreline with disbelief. It has be a muskie or a huge northern.

I’ve never caught a northern over ten pounds.

If you land this you will.

Scott’s shoulders suddenly relaxed. He sat still for a moment, and then turned a little to eye Jade.

What? Jade asked.

I think I lost it.

Did the line break?

I think so. There’s nothing there—no more tension. Dang! I wish I had a reel on this thing.

Pull up the slack; it could still be on.

Scott shook his head doubtfully, turned back toward the bow and began twisting the pole to gather the loose line.

Do you feel anything?

There’s nothing there, just a lot of line.

Jade sat quietly disappointed as Scott continued to wrap the loose line around the pole.

Ramsey would pin a medal on me if I returned to camp with a twenty pound northern, Scott said.

It was bigger than that, Jade replied. He leaned forward and scooped a handful of water floating along the floor of the canoe. Where’s that empty can? I’ll bail some of this water.

Here, Scott replied. He kicked an empty coffee can out from beneath his seat and it rolled back to Jade.

Jade caught it and began scooping the water and pouring it over the side.

If we brought back a whopper, you might get on old Ramsey’s good side again, Scott said. It sounded like a chuckle accompanying the remark.

It would take more than fish to get me on his good side again.

You think? There was a definite laugh with that.

Jade didn’t reply.

Ah, he’ll get over it, Scott said, give him a little time.

That’s exactly what I’m doing; that’s why we’re out here. I’m going to give him lots of time.

Scott laughed. It’s about time one of your antics backfired on you.

All you guys knew it was Ramsey’s tent I threw the smoke bomb against, didn’t you? Jade said.

Scott turned sideways on his seat and grinned at Jade.

I couldn’t believe it was Donald Ramsey and Tony Williams that came flying out of that tent! Jade said, still in disbelief. I’ve never seen anyone move so quickly. Man, if Ramsey had gotten his hands on me last night, he’d have shaken me out of my shorts!

I couldn’t tell if it was the smoke bomb or Ramsey’s fuming that caused all that blue smoke, Scott said with a smirk. And I’ve never seen you run so fast, either. If you had run into a tree you’d have killed yourself!

Hurry up and get your line in and give me a hand with this, Jade said, ignoring him. He tossed a partial can of water at his friend.

Scott jerked backwards. His body thumped against the bow and then suddenly reeled toward the side of the canoe and caused it to tip dangerously.

Take it easy! Jade yelled.

Jade!

Take it easy; I’m sorry!

Scott lunged back into his seat and stared bug-eyed at Jade.

Are you okay? Jade asked.

It’s still on!

The pole lashed free from Scott’s hands and shot across the floor of the canoe.

The pole, Scott! Jade yelled. Grab the pole!

Scott trapped the pole with his foot, lunged forward and seized the handle. Get the fish basket out of the way, he ordered. My line’s getting tangled in it!

Jade realized the commotion had brought more water into the canoe. The coffee can he had used for bailing water was floating in the lake several feet away. He hadn’t even realized it left his hands.

Let it go, Scott! We’ve taken on too much water!

Get the basket!

Jade leaned toward the post to seize the rope the fish basket was attached to and gave it a quick tug.

Something cracked. It sounded like a gunshot. Scott flew backwards and his body slammed against the bow plate. He groaned. A hum like a bee passed Jade’s ear and his eyes caught sight of a blur of something flying below his nose. An excruciating pain bit into his wrist.

What…? Jade said, confused. He gawked at his hands still holding the rope to the fish basket. A deep, purple line appeared on his right wrist and his skin was trickling with blood. He tried to blink away his confusion.

Blast! Scott yelled. We lost it! He held up a broken piece of the fishing pole.

Scott… Jade said vaguely. He glanced up at his friend.

What?

Jade returned a dazed look toward his wrist. His eyes followed a trail of monofilament line leading away from his arm toward the fish basket.

You’re bleeding, Jade.

Jade leaned over the side of the canoe and searched for the end of the line. The broken tip of Scott’s pole had pierced through the wire fish basket and speared one of the sunfish.

Jade, you’ve got the line wrapped around your wrist!

Jade looked back at his wrist. You’ve got to be kidding.

A sudden, tremendous tug on Jade’s wrist yanked him into the gunwale. The side of the canoe buckled toward the water.

Cut the line, Jade! We’re going over!

Jade fumbled for his knife with his free hand. The fish basket shot beneath the water and disappeared; his arm followed and his body whirled over the side of the canoe!

Jade! he heard his friend yell.

He didn’t even hear the splash; the lake seemed to swallow him and everything turned dark. Jade felt the coldness, however, even in his surprise; it was an arctic shock that caused him to howl. Water gushed into his mouth and throat and gagged him, making him cough. He managed to control the retching quickly and held his breath. It was utter chaos, but he realized the canoe had capsized; he knew he was underwater, and he recognized the horrifying tug on his wrist pulling him deeper. He was upside down with his wrist pinned to the plunging fish basket; all he could do was flail his free arm in an effort to turn about and try to surface.

He twisted his body, thrashed his feet and tugged against the pulling line. His efforts were futile. Instinctively he reached for his knife, which was positioned behind his right hip. His fingers fumbled frantically for the handle, but he couldn’t reach it. He felt panic. He thrust his body downward and grasped the fish basket with his free hand and pulled with all his might. His effort drew the basket close to his face and he managed to contort his body enough to draw his feet beneath him. He pulled the basket to his chest and clung to it, realizing his lungs were beginning to ache. Jade Stone knew he was running out of time.

The lake was murky with iron and he could barely see the basket. The rope attached to the basket, which had obviously freed itself from the canoe, swayed in front of him. Shooting pain stabbed the inside of his ears making him aware he’d been pulled deeply. He continued to descend rapidly and his lungs burned for fresh air; he had to restrain himself from the impulsive urge to take a deep breath. Jade grappled for the tight fishing line straining beneath the basket. He seized it firmly and tugged, tried vigorously to rub it against the wire mesh to snap it free. He swirled in dizziness and his head seemed to drift away from his weakening body.

Jade’s arms went limp and the basket slipped loose from his hands; the downward pull again turned him upside down and his ears exploded with agony. Everything went suddenly black and Jade’s numb body seemed to float behind his head into a surreal, comfortable place of tranquility.

Drowning was okay, it seemed. The darkness that had engulfed him lessened and a soothing light appeared and carried him into slumber. An image of a beautiful young girl swam in the restful light and circled around him. He smiled at her. She was dreamlike.

A sudden thump on his legs irritated him and the girl disappeared.

Come back! he hollered. His voice burbled past his ears.

The peaceful light burst suddenly into kaleidoscopic colors and his body seemed to whirl inside out. It felt like he was on fire. Something latched hold of him and clambered over his back. He writhed against whatever it was, but it clung tightly and grappled his wrist. A tremendous yank on his arm, followed by a loud pop, sent him weightless. Jade floated confused. He opened his eyes and drew his hands close to his face. All his pain returned and his scorching lungs shocked him back to reality. It was a horrifying jolt. He was drowning!

Through the murk he gaped at his hands and suddenly realized he was free. The fishing line had snapped. Automatically he kicked his feet and paddled frantically toward the surface. Far above he saw the shadow of the canoe and he struggled toward it. His lungs were throbbing and every stroke he took sent an electrical shock through every nerve of his being. His body felt ablaze, and it was the shock and the burning sensation that kept him alert and fighting for his life. He was so close to the surface now—he was almost there.

Sunlight blinded him as he splashed into the open air; his lungs screeched as he gasped madly for breath. Something held his shoulder firmly.

Hang on! he heard a yell. I’ve got you!

Scott Wendelton tugged on Jade’s shirt. The canoe is right here, he panted. You’re going to be okay.

Jade’s eyes adjusted quickly and he saw the overturned canoe flashing brightly in the sunlight. He flogged his way to the craft as Scott struggled to support him. He had little strength remaining and his exhausted body felt limp; he had all he could do to keep his head up.

Scott flung his arm over the metal bottom and helped lift Jade’s shoulders out of the water. Jade realized he was coughing as he clung to the canoe. The hard aluminum felt secure against his face and chest.

Are you okay, Jade?

Jade nodded. He was still coughing and couldn’t speak.

It’s all right, we’re safe. Rest for a while and catch your breath.

Jade Stone closed his eyes and relaxed; he slowly regained his breath. He felt his heartbeat thumping against the canoe and heard his friend breathing heavily beside him. His body tingled with a prickly sensation that reminded him of the exploding light and dazzling colors beneath the water and how it felt as though his body had been ripped inside out. It had felt as though his entire body had been in flames. And then he remembered the image of the beautiful girl swirling within the light around him. It had seemed so real; she looked so beautiful. Then, he realized, if it hadn’t been for Scott, he would still be with her somewhere at the bottom of the lake.

Jade turned his head, opened his eyes and looked at his friend. I saw an angel, Scott, he said, softly. I saw an angel in the water. I thought it was all over.

I was really scared, Jade. I couldn’t find you down there.

Well, I’m here now, thanks to you.

You were really caught up in that line; I don’t know how you busted free.

Jade raised his wrist and watched the blood seep from a deep mark impregnated into his skin. There was nothing I could do, he said. It felt like the line was going to rip my hand off.

That had to have been at least a thirty pound muskie—maybe bigger.

Jade searched the water around the canoe. Did we lose the paddles? he asked.

I don’t see them anywhere.

Let’s get this canoe turned upright and climb inside, Jade suggested. Most of it will be underwater but we can paddle to shore with our hands.

Which shore? Scott asked.

Jade surveyed the lake. That one, he said, nodding toward the cliff where he first saw the falcon. It seems closest and it looks like a sandy beach far to the right of that cliff.

Carefully, the two boys eased the canoe over and slipped inside. The gunwales were barely emerged and the craft was wobbly. They began pulling the lake with their hands and the canoe progressed in slow motion toward the shoreline.

How are we going to get back to camp, Jade? We’ve lost our paddles.

Ramsey will come looking for us; they’ll find us.

How will they find us? We didn’t tell anyone where we were going.

Let’s get this canoe to shore and worry about it there. We have to get out of this cold water and warm up. I’m freezing.

Seriously, Jade, how are they going to find us? We’re three lakes away from camp.

Don’t worry, they’ll find us. Someone will be along; we’re not the only campers in the boundary waters.

I haven’t seen another canoe all day.

Jade scanned the lake. When we don’t show up for supper, they’ll come searching.

Man, Scott exhaled. Donald Ramsey is going to kill us. I mean, Jade, he’s really going to kill us—especially when he realizes we don’t have our life jackets along.

Come on, Jade said, let’s hurry and get to shore. I’m freezing.

I’m starving. You lost our supper, too.

What?

You let our sunfish go, Scott said with a chuckle.

They paddled to shore.

C H A P T E R 2

Smoke swirled through the clothes hanging on the rack above the small fire the two boys had built on the sandy beach. They sat next to the flames, wearing only their underwear and huddled closely together in an effort to stay warm. A couple hours remained before the sun would slip over the horizon.

I imagine everyone is pretty worried about us right now, Jade said softly.

Do you think they’ll find us today?

I hope so. As angry as Ramsey must be, he’d sure be a sight for sore eyes.

Jade had been thinking quietly about the seriousness of their situation. This was the Boundary Waters Canoeing Area with thousands of lakes and islands surrounding them; they were misplaced in the midst of a million acres of wilderness. Donald Ramsey had to be beside himself, and he would freak out even more when he realized the boys had left camp without their life jackets. How stupid was that? How would he know where to begin looking for them?

What do you think they’re doing? Scott asked, rubbing his arms. Do you think they miss us yet?

They know we’re absent. There are twenty guys back at camp, they’ll come looking—they’ll find us. Ramsey will notify the rangers and they’ll join the search.

Rangers… Scott breathed. "What were we thinking?"

We weren’t thinking—or at least I wasn’t. But, like you said, in time Ramsey will get over it.

He’s old, said Scott, he might not have that much time.

Jade laughed. At least we’re safe here and on dry land. By the way, I forgot to mention earlier: Happy birthday, Scott.

Birthday… Scott exhaled, lowering his head to his raised knees. He ran his fingers through his matted black hair. Tony Williams actually brought S’mores along to celebrate tonight.

Don’t worry; somebody will eat yours.

Scott turned a long face toward Jade.

Hey, Jade said, nudging his friend with his elbow, At least you made it to sixteen. He gazed at the overturned canoe resting near the rocks by the lake. It could have been a lot worse.

They’re not going to find us today, are they? Scott said, without changing expression.

If they don’t find us today, they will tomorrow. In the meantime, we should build a shelter and make a couple of beds for the night. The shelter will keep the dew off us and help us contain our body heat.

Scott sat up and looked into the fire. You know, I could never build a fire like that, without matches.

Well, I have a year on you. I’ve been dong this survival thing for three years now.

You’re just good at this sort of stuff.

Jade laughed. Oh, I’m good all right. I’m so good I left camp without my life jacket.

They were piled up by Ramsey’s tent, Scott said. Neither one of us wanted to rummage through them and wake him up this morning.

Jade rose to his feet. Our clothes are dry; let’s get dressed.

The boys removed their clothes from the rack above the fire, dressed, and then scurried about, cutting pine branches with their knives to build a small shelter between rocks along the tree line. Dusk would be upon them soon and Jade wanted to gather enough dry wood to keep the fire going all evening in case a search party came looking for them. That was highly unlikely, he figured, but at least they would have a fire to keep them warm if the temperature dropped during the night. While gathering the wood, they found patches of blueberries and raspberries and loaded up their shirts with them. They weren’t S’mores, but they were something to nibble on during the night.

The sun slipped away and left the boys sitting quietly in front of the fire ring. Beyond the light of the fire, shadows bounced and danced along the perimeter of darkness. Sparks soared from the flames and seemed to mingle with the emerging stars. It was a haunting feeling, being alone like this, and Jade’s thoughts returned to the canoeing accident. The memory made him shiver.

That was really scary today, Scott, Jade said, following the sparks with his eyes. I really came close to drowning.

I panicked. When you bailed over the side of the canoe, it capsized and I lost sight of you. You just disappeared. I dove a few times but I couldn’t see you because the water was so cloudy. I thought you were gone.

So did I. I almost gave up. I just all of a sudden relaxed and felt everything was okay. Then I had these weird visions.

Visions? What kind of visions?

I’m not really sure, now. There were different things—different images swirled all around me.

Like what?

I don’t know, just things, strange things. I thought I saw fireworks.

You saw fireworks?

Yeah, it was really bizarre. Everything went black; I must have passed out. I don’t know for how long, but then I saw a light. It was a bright light but it wasn’t blinding. It was actually comfortable and I felt at ease. Inside the light I saw this beautiful girl swimming around me.

Jade’s eyes left the sparks and he glanced at Scott who was now returning a curious look.

You saw what? Scott asked.

I saw a girl. I must have been hallucinating, but she was beautiful, and I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. She just swirled around me. All of a sudden the light she was swimming in exploded into a million colors, like fireworks. My whole body felt like it exploded with it, and I felt a horrible burning sensation. My whole body burned. Then the girl disappeared and I remember yelling for her to come back.

Scott laughed. You yelled at her?

Yeah. I didn’t want her to leave. Then you must have bumped me and climbed all over my back; I remember I got angry. It must have been you, because I was suddenly free from the fishing line and thrashing for the surface. You had me by the shoulder and helped me to the canoe.

I don’t know how you managed to get your wrist free, but I was sure happy to see you coming to the surface. I was never so scared in all my life. When I saw you I almost started bawling I was so happy.

Both boys fell silent. Jade didn’t want to remember anymore and he turned his attention to the darkness beyond the firelight. The shadows bobbing along the tree line for some reason made him think of Indians dancing in a circle. He chuckled at his thoughts.

What are you laughing at? Scott asked.

I was thinking about Indians.

Indians? Your head is still messed up, Jade.

Look at the shadows moving by the trees; it looks like people are dancing around in a circle.

Scott glanced toward the woods. I don’t see anyone dancing.

A guy could hypnotize himself with fire, Jade said. I love watching campfires.

I usually do, too, but tonight is different.

Jade turned slowly toward Scott. Do you think there’s a killer bear in these woods? he asked, struggling to keep a straight face.

Shut up, Jade.

Really, Scott. I heard a story about a family being attacked and mauled by bears up here. It was awful! A couple of huge brown bears entered their campsite during the night and shredded them to pieces.

There are no brown bears up here.

There are bears all over the place.

They’re all black bears.

Bull! I heard…

Knock it off, Jade; I don’t feel up to stories tonight. I feel a little sick.

Hey, everything will be okay, Jade said, lowering his head. He ran a finger through his blonde curls. Someone will be along for sure tomorrow.

The boys fell silent again and Jade listened to the logs snap and hiss in the heat of the flames. He glanced at his wrist and rubbed the scuffed flesh. The bleeding had stopped, but it still burned a little and he remembered how his whole body burned underwater. We should have told someone where we were going this morning, he said softly.

Let’s go to bed, Jade. I’m not feeling very well.

Neither am I.

Jade rose and gathered a couple logs and tossed them into the fire. Scott joined him and they retired to their shelter. It would be a restless night, Jade figured; it would be difficult getting any sleep at all.

C H A P T E R 3

A light wind stirred the pine branches covering them. Jade Stone wondered if he had been sleeping. He peered through a small opening in the shelter and watched the distant ambers flicker inside the fire ring. The fire had burned to coals and was nearly out. He must have fallen asleep for quite a while. He turned back toward Scott but couldn’t see him in the darkness, but he could hear him breathing quietly. He had to strain his ears to hear him because the air moving through the pine needles was making a soft whispering noise.

A stronger gust of wind shook the mesh of branches above their heads and Jade’s ears perked to a different sound off in the distance. He raised his head to listen.

Do you hear it? Scott whispered.

What is that? Jade replied in the same shallow voice. He wasn’t surprised his friend was awake.

I don’t know; it has kept me awake most of the night.

Something woke me up, too. I think it was the wind. I’m not sure if I was even sleeping.

You were snoring, Scott said aloud.

Shhh, hushed Jade. What is that?

I don’t know, Scott replied. It sounds like pieces of glass or something tinkling in the wind.

Chimes? Jade said softly. Doesn’t it sound like some sort of chimes?

Who the heck would hang chimes in the middle of the wilderness?

Just listen a minute; it sounds like chimes. We have to be near another campsite.

We would have found another campsite while we were gathering firewood. There’s nobody around us.

What’s that awful smell? Jade asked. A pungent odor smelling of decay seemed to permeate the shelter.

I don’t know. Maybe it’s a dead fish on the beach. I smelled it a while back.

Jade sat up quickly.

What is it? Scott asked, also rising.

Listen to that hissing noise.

It sounded like something large being dragged through the sand; it clunked against the rocks along the shoreline. It sounded like an aluminum canoe.

Jade’s body tensed. That’s a canoe! he whispered sharply. He strained his ears to listen. He heard another clunk. Someone’s here! Someone’s on the beach!

Ramsey? Scott wondered aloud.

Jade strained his eyes through the opening in the shelter and searched beyond the fire pit. It looked like something moving close to where they had beached their canoe.

Do you see anything? Scott asked.

Wait a minute; that’s our canoe! Jade yelped. Someone’s taking our canoe!

Hey! Scott yelled, jumping to his feet. He busted through the roof of the shelter and the pine branches toppled to the ground.

Get down, Scott!

Scott knelt quickly. What?

Jade followed a dark shadow moving slowly along the beach. What is that?

Is it a bear? Scott asked. There was tension in his voice.

No, I don’t think so. It looked like something floating in the air above the ground, like a round hole or dark spot. But now I see someone.

"What is that smell?" Scott asked.

"I don’t know; it’s rank. But that’s definitely a person over there."

Who is it?

I can’t tell. Half of our canoe is now sitting in the water.

Could it be Mr. Ramsey?

It has to be.

Should we holler to him?

Jade rose slowly to his feet and studied the figure. The silhouette was vague. Mr. Ramsey! he hollered. We’re over here!

The shadowy image stopped moving.

Scott rose and stood beside Jade. Did he hear you? he asked.

The silhouette remained still for a moment, and then seemed to raise its arms in a waving motion.

Come on, Scott! Jade said excitedly. It’s Donald Ramsey.

All right! Scott cheered.

The two boys started toward the glowing ambers on the beach. The figure remained next to the canoe with arms outstretched, waving in the air.

Mr. Ramsey! Jade hollered again.

The figure continued to wave.

Why doesn’t he answer? Scott asked.

Jade slowed his pace and then stopped. His back prickled with a haunting chill. He felt the hair on his arms rise and goose bumps swell over his body. Scott grabbed his arm and halted beside him.

It’s not Ramsey, is it? Scott said.

Mr. Ramsey? Jade said loudly.

Who is that? Scott asked with a tight voice.

Hey! Jade yelled. What are you doing with our canoe?

I’m getting a really bad feeling, Jade, Scott whispered.

Something’s not right.

The figure on the beach lowered his arms and began to approach them slowly.

I’m not liking this, Jade, Scott said softly. Why doesn’t he answer?

Two glowing red dots flickered from the head of the silhouette.

He’s coming toward us, Scott. Let’s back up a ways.

Jade! There’s something moving by the trees!

Jade fired a glance into the woods. Something was definitely there.

Who are you? Jade hollered.

The figure on the beach continued to approach. The outline by the trees disappeared into the shadows.

I think we’d better get out of here, Jade whispered.

Where do we go?

Anywhere away from here, Jade said hastily. We’ll hide in the woods.

"That thing is in the woods!" Scott retorted, pointing to the trees.

"It’s the only place we can hide; we’ll go in the opposite direction of that thing."

The silhouette in front of them seemed to grow larger as it approached. The glowing red dots in its head appeared to be giving off their own light.

Are those eyes? Scott asked.

Come on, Scott; let’s get to the trees behind our shelter.

The boys eased back and kept their eyes glued to the ominous figure before them. The closer it got, the more unusual it looked. Was it even human? Its eyes shimmered brightly.

Let’s turn around and run for the trees, Jade whispered.

Don’t lose me, Scott replied.

Come on! Jade shouted. He whirled around and bolted toward the trees.

Scott raced beside him and they angled past their toppled shelter and aimed for the trees. They veered right, away from the other figure they had spotted in the woods. The sound of heavy footsteps thumped through the sand behind them.

Don’t stop! Jade hollered. It’s chasing us!

Jade sprinted into the trees, making certain Scott was still beside him. It was nearly pitch-black and the open chambers between the pines were very vague; it was risky running full speed, particularly with all the exposed tree roots meandering across the ground. Fear kept his feet scrambling deeper into darkness and he kept his arms and hands in front of him to deflect the lower tree branches.

I can’t see anything, Scott wheezed.

Keep going!

Jade’s hands struck a branch and he ducked and swerved; he ran headlong into a tree, bounced off and crashed to the ground. He heard himself gasp as he tumbled and clutched a sharp pain in his shoulder.

Jade! Scott shouted.

Jade groaned and rolled to his back.

Where are you Jade?

I’m over here, he moaned.

Jade heard his friend’s footsteps nearby.

Where? I can’t see a thing, Scott said.

I’m on the ground.

Are you hurt?

I banged my shoulder.

Bad? Scott asked. He found Jade and knelt beside him.

No; it’ll be okay. The tree didn’t move out of my way.

I don’t hear anything coming after us, Scott said softly.

Jade sat up and massaged his shoulder. Let’s wait here for a minute to see if anyone comes this way.

What’s happening, Jade? Who was that back there?

I don’t know. It wasn’t Ramsey, that’s for sure.

Was it even human?

It wasn’t a bear; it had to be a person; he waved at us.

"Whoever or whatever it was, it was taking our