Sally the Snake: The Quest to the Beginning

By Michelle Boomer

What happens when your home is threatened? When all life is at the mercy of an unknown? Or worse, that you’re being hunted? This is Sally’s reality and she has to act fast before time runs out and all she knows and those she loves, are lost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michelle Boomer
• Release date: Jun 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9780995016927

Michelle Boomer

Michelle has taught preschool children for over 10 years, educating about Mother Nature's family, having direct experience herself working with birds of prey. She currently resides in Southern Ontario with her husband James and their two fur baby felines, Izzy and Chewie.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Starting at the End

Sally the Snake was abruptly awakened from her rest by the roar of fire directly overhead. She brought her head out from beneath her body and watched as red-hot flames skimmed past and scorched the leaves of the Raindrop Tree. A giant spike-tipped tail flipped right above her head and snapped a bough off of the tree.

The Raindrop Tree was Sally’s home in the forest and was aptly named with its soft purple raindrop-looking leaves.

Sally quickly uncoiled her long, green body and raced through the thick boughs, twirling and twining down, branch after branch. She kept peering between the dewy leaves, hoping to see what was happening. She knew the flames at this time of morning could mean only one thing, and it wasn’t good.

Silently she slipped through the thick branches and quietly dropped herself to the forest floor. She stuck her head up over the tall grasses and peered into the heated night. She noticed a small shadow on the rock by the river.

Flutterby, is that you? Sally asked.

Flutterby the Butterfly was one of Sally’s friends in the forest. He had bright blue wings and a teeny-tiny body.

Yes, it’s me! Flutterby gestured with his wings and legs. Flutterby had a very unique language, one only a few of his friends could understand.

What’s wrong, Flutterby? Sally questioned. She slid over to her friend and joined him on the mossy rock, hoping he would know why they had been visited by the ocean of fire.

Flutterby looked at Sally with tears in his eyes, then back to the river. He glanced at his friend and lowered his little head in sadness.

Sally slowly slid off the warm rock and slithered to the river bank. She turned to look back at her friend, then continued towards the quiet waters.

Flutterby, the river…it’s shrinking, Sally whispered. She couldn’t believe her eyes. The once beautiful, flowing river had now shrunk to a mere trickle.

Flutterby shook his head and started to cry.

I knew something was wrong, she stated. If the river is just a trickle here, then the ocean at the end of the river must be gone… Her voice trailed off as they looked in the direction of the beach.

Flutterby nodded his head in agreement. He slowly fluttered off the rock and hovered beside Sally.

We have to go down to the dock and see if the ocean is still there, Sally concluded.

The two friends began their trek through the damp leaves and grass. The early morning was darker than normal. Clouds covered the sky and the canopy of trees seemed to hang lower than usual.

Flutterby tapped Sally on the head and pointed up at the sky.

I hear it too, she said.

Both friends strained their eyes to see into the darkness. Soft flapping sounds whooshed directly above the Raindrop Tree. Another rush of fire skimmed overhead.

Flutterby dove to the ground and made himself as tiny as possible.

Flutterby, it’s okay, Sally whispered.

Flutterby shook from fright then started to disappear!

Oh Flutterby, you almost got it!

The sounds faded along with the blazing flames. Flutterby continued to shake and watch the trees above them.

Sally looked upwards then turned back to her friend. You’re still transparent, but I think this time you were closer to being invisible than before.

Flutterby trembled, scrunched his face, and concentrated.

Nope, I can still see through you, but it’s okay. You don’t have to be afraid. Sally tried to reassure her frightened friend. She coiled her long body around the shaking insect and whispered as softly as she could, It’s okay Flutterby, nothing is coming for you tonight, I promise.

Flutterby raised his head and returned to normal. I hope you’re right, he smiled and gestured. Almost became invisible, almost.

You will one day, when you need it most, Sally smiled. She wiggled quickly along the path ahead of Flutterby and called back, Come on, we’re almost there.

Sally and Flutterby hurried along the forest floor. She slithered so quickly that she didn’t see a huge boulder and slithered right into it!

Ouch! That hurt! Sally rubbed her nose with her tail and felt for blood. Nothing. Are you okay, Flutterby? Did you fly into the boulder too?

Nope. He flew from Sally’s head to her tail, making sure the rest of her was okay as well. Slow down, Sally, he suggested.

I know, you’re right, she agreed. Oh, I hope the ocean is okay, but I have this horrible feeling, Flutterby. Something is really wrong.

Sally the Snake and Flutterby the Butterfly headed down the grassy trail until they reached the dock.

The ocean, it’s still there! Sally stated. She was thrilled to see the massive body of water unharmed by whatever was shrinking the river beside her tree.

The sun just started peeking through the clouds across the horizon when Sally spotted the reason for the early morning flames.

Drazen! I’m so glad you’re here! Something’s wrong with the river. It’s shrinking! The river is shrinking! I have this horrible feeling, and you know me and my feelings Drazen, they’re usually right, Sally said. She twined up a large rock and curled herself into a comfortable position. She stared up at her friend and waited for his words of wisdom.

Drazen was an ancient dragon, the most unusual being Sally had ever seen. He had a black head, black wings and body, and a purple chest spattered with jewels. Horns were scattered along his head, back, and tail, but his most interesting feature were his bright, piercing eyes.

I see you have noticed the changes in the river, my young friend, Drazen commented.

He flapped his powerful wings and quietly tucked them at his sides. He turned to look at Flutterby. Hello Flutterby, I must apologize for scaring you this early morning.

Thank you, Drazen. I did try becoming invisible! It almost worked! He floated towards the ancient creature and hovered in front of him.

You will master invisibility, Flutterby, Drazen predicted. He lowered his head to peer at Sally.

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