The Elder's Secret

By Judy Conway

Join four children on an adventure when a wise Aboriginal Elder gives them a magic potion which shrinks their size. Now only a few centimetres tall, they go out into bush land in Outback Australia where they face a very changed world. Imagine what it would be like to meet plants and animals that are now monstrous and often dangerous. Little do these friends realise how their eventful explorations will lead to terrible danger from an unexpected encounter with criminals. This book is a fantasy based on real, but unusual Australian plants and animals as well as being an exciting adventure story. It is suitable for readers from 9 to 12 years old.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Judy Conway
• Release date: Nov 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463638941

Judy Conway

Judy Conway was born in Zimbabwe and has lived in South Africa, Canada and Australia. A retired science and biological science teacher, she is passionate about the natural environment. Camping in bushland is her favourite hobby. She would love to share her enthusiasm with young readers and pass on an environmental message.

Book preview

THE ELDER’S SECRET

by Judy Conway

Illustrated by Marlene Scott

Copyright 2018 Judy Conway

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

CHAPTERS

1. MONSTER

2. YAMBALI

3. THE SECRET

4. GRANITE ADVENTURE

5. A WOODLAND WANDER

6. BACK TO THE FOREST

7. PREDATORS!

8. DANGER!

9. GONE!

10. THE SMUGGLERS’ LAIR

11. THE MENAGERIE

12. CAUGHT!

13. TRAPPED!

14. PETA

15. THE SMUGGLERS’ DOWNFALL

16. THE SEARCH

17. SMASHING OF THE RING

18. THE END OF A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

CHAPTER 1. MONSTER

Keep still, absolutely still, Peta whispered.

Oh yes, thought James, with that monster coming closer and closer? He could hear a strange clicking sound. It became louder and louder as the beast approached.

James gulped and remembered what Yambali had said. I have to keep still, he thought, but will the camouflage work? I hope it won’t notice me and grab me in those awful jaws! The urge to run was very strong, but it had to be overcome. The Elder’s instructions had been very clear. Do not move!

That advice was all very well if you didn’t have to stare at a monster coming towards you. It had a huge head with menacing jaws. James was already imagining what it would be like to be scooped up by those jagged, sharp-edged mouth parts!

And the eyes! These bulged outwards on either side of the face, and were bumpy, almost like bubble wrap. They had no pupils, so it was hard to tell if you had been spotted. The eyes could see in many directions at once and easily detect movement. There was no escape!

I hope Yambali’s right! James thought, I won’t even breathe! He stared in horror and stifled a scream as a long, segmented feeler reached in his direction and brushed against his suit, nudging him.

Suddenly, the feeler jerked away from the suit and, to James’ astonishment and relief, the monster shambled off on its way, completely ignoring him. It worked! he gasped, it worked! The stuff Yambali put on the suit really works! He collapsed on the ground, still shaking with fright, and looked around for the others.

Peta, Abby and Oliver crowded around James, slapping him on the back and giggling with relief. How did you keep so still? Peta asked. I’d have died!

Abby gave James a cuff and cried, Good on ya, James, you did real good. I couldn’t even bear to watch! I was sure it was going to grab you!

James sank back against a soft cushion of moss. He had passed the test, but his heart was racing and he knew he had to rest a while. The others sat with him, and together, they relived the moment.

Weren’t those jaws awesome! Abby declared.

Yeah, they were really scary! exclaimed Peta.

I only saw a set of jaws, an eye and a feeler with a body looming behind! James squeaked. And, when that feeler touched me I nearly died of fright! I couldn’t believe it when it jerked away and the beast just kept going!

The four children chatted excitedly and gradually recovered from their fright. It seemed ages to them since they had started on their special adventure, although it had only been a short while. This was only the beginning and everything was new and mind-boggling.

CHAPTER 2. YAMBALI

During the past year the four friends had spent their holidays, learning bush skills in the outback of Western Australia with Yambali, an Aboriginal Elder. Paul Jones, Abby’s father, had been a close friend of Yambali for many years. He had asked the Elder if the children could join him on regular camping trips. He wanted them to learn about the Australian bush from an expert.

Yambali was an amazing person. His bearded face was lined and craggy. His eyes sparkled from under bushy eyebrows, and seemed to bore to the very soul of anyone who met him. No one knew how old he was. Everyone felt the power of his great wisdom, and went away feeling that this was someone very special.

When the children had joined Yambali on their first camp they felt unsure about the venture. They wondered if it was a good idea to give up the time they usually spent with their other friends. The first thing the Elder had done when they arrived and set up their tents, was to demand that they remove the earphones from their ears. You can put those away, he ordered. Those gadgets are for city use. They’re not allowed out here in the bush. It’s time to see and hear the real world.

The friends eyed one another and frowned. He’s mean, grumbled Peta. Already making rules. How are we gonna manage without our games and music?

Well, we’ll just have to hide them, and use them at night, Oliver whispered. The foursome reluctantly returned and sat in front of Yambali, scowls on their faces. They had already decided that this was not quite the holiday they had expected.

Within a few minutes, however, the children felt themselves drawn towards this strange character. The first thing he did was to hand them each a large piece of bark, onto