Our Crystal World

By Gracie Hall

This exciting fantasy/science fiction adventure features telepathic birds, deadly lizard-like garr, mysterious crystals of unknown power, Wise Ones--and pirates.

In a distant world of towering mountains and isolated valleys, Shallah struggles to overcome her fear of heights. She yearns to bond with one of the huge, intelligent birds so they can fly over vast areas of the Crystal World, carrying greatly needed supplies and information from village to village.

Then one day she encounters Zoey, an arrival from another world where the environment is collapsing under the weight of intense pollution. They become friends and soon discover a massive outlaw spaceship in a cavern recently blasted from solid rock. A computer report reveals the pirates' plans to loot the planet of its resources and kidnap and sell the human population for profit.

Shallah and Zoey are plunged into a race to stop the attacks. But help is a long journey away and time is short. Will they succeed, or will this thriving, peaceful civilization vanish from the face of the universe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798350903430

Book preview

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Our Crystal World

© Gracie Hall

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Print ISBN 979-8-35090-342-3

eBook ISBN 979-8-35090-343-0

Contents

Part One

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Part Two

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Part One

Chapter One

Shallah Orion stood on Stony Point Cliff, eagerly searching the sky. Soon she would take her first ride with Fleetwing, her mother’s flying partner for many years. Shallah had often seen them soaring high above the valley. How she longed to join their joyous flight!

Minutes passed. Suddenly a dark shape swooped down from the clouds and came to rest nearby. Carefully folding her sleek feathers, Fleetwing cocked her head and stared at Shallah with clear, lustrous eyes, waiting for her gift of music. Shallah began playing on her flute the song she knew best, The Long, Lonely Trail. Fleetwing listened intently, then gripped the rope sling with huge claws and hovered, her powerful wings beating slowly and gracefully. But Shallah felt as though she had suddenly turned to stone. She could not move. I can’t do this, she thought in panic.

No, she said at last, shaking her head. Fleetwing dropped the sling, circled once, and flew off into the clouds. Shallah stood alone on the windswept cliff. After a few moments, she walked slowly with her shoulders sagging to where her mother, Kari, stood waiting.

The first time is always the hardest, Kari said encouragingly. We will come back again in a few months.

Shallah nodded, her hopes rising. Somehow she would overcome her fear of flying and earn her own crystal star. Then next year, during Initiation Week, she would attempt to contact a free-roaming bird from the offshore islands. If they formed a bond and became partners, she could help her mother carry messages and supplies from one valley to another. Flying was the best way to travel in this world of deep valleys and craggy mountains.

Mother and daughter picked up their backpacks and began the long journey home. When twilight made travel difficult, they set up camp in a grassy meadow. Soon, a small fire was burning brightly within a protective ring of stones. Shallah dug into her backpack and pulled out four ripe jackjaws. As she and her mother ate the sweet, tasty fruit, she listened to the sounds of the surrounding forest. Overhead, the glowing moons cast a pale light over the wild, rocky landscape they had just crossed.

Chrrr, a drowsy bird trilled from a nearby tree. From far away came the sound of a zoff calling to its mate.

Shallah closed her eyes and tried to sleep. Then a low growl nearby made her sit right up. Mother?

Yes, Shallah. It is a lone borak. But it is afraid of fire and will not bother us as long as we remain still.

Shallah sighed. This has been one long day, she thought. As she relaxed, the haunting strains of a flute came drifting through the warm, night air. Shallah and her mother sat quietly,