Excerpt from the Book

Jenny soared through a cold mist in pursuit of the small white cloaked figure. Her damp, brown-gold hair whipped across her freckled nose as they plummeted into a deep chasm. It was an unknown world hidden away in the mountains of the big Island. Jenny was desperate. She had to keep up with her companion; the one being she felt could change her life. It was important Jenny not lose sight if she was to protect her in that enchanted place.

Who is that girl? How could she have wings?

She wanted to linger, to delight in that secret place filled with pines, old oaks, and redwoods. In between she glimpsed giant ferns and jewel like flowering plants not seen by humans for thousands of years. She wanted to savor the sounds and the tastes of the colored sprays of sparkling waters that flowed off the crystal encrusted granite cliffs.

Oh, music, that’s real music.

Jenny loved the booming sound of the waterfalls, cascading down to roar in deep somber tones. Farther down the sweet waters formed steady streams that chimed like silver and crystal bells to create a symphony. It left her longing for more. But, she sensed her time was running out.

Suddenly a ‘tick, tick, tap,’ echoed in her head. She must concentrate. Jenny banked and dodged between large trunks of guardian tress. Together, she and the winged creature darted over and under entwined branches and then shot upwards into clear sky above. Leaves scattered, forming a trailing wake as they passed. Jenny was astounded as below her the chasm opened wider, deeper. It was a new world. With arms extended, she surfed the currents of the wind. She spun in a slow roll.

She shouted with joy. “This is fun, I’m a leaf floating.”

Jenny knew she could continue the furious pace as she strained to keep sight of her winged friend. Adults considered her a tomboy, notorious for taking chances. Often called a ‘runt’ by other kids, she believed she was tougher than they were.

She had no fear, but she felt something cursed chased them now. The light faded to a blackness of false night the deeper her flight took her into that cleft in earth’s crust. She took a chance to glance back.

What? what is that?

She could just make out her pursuer. A twisted bat form flew ever faster. Its frog like mouth slathered as it tried to catch her. In her best dreams Jenny could fly with perfection. This was different. This wasn’t what she expected. Somehow she knew she needed to confront the danger; to be courageous. Even so, she couldn’t stop the chill fear that crept into her brave spirit.

“Faster, I’ve got to go faster!” Jenny yelled.

She looked back again. The gaunt form was gaining on her. She had to escape. Suddenly a cold hand clutched her ankle. It dragged her down. As she fell the ‘tick, tick, tick, tap!’ became louder, closer.

“That’s not a clock. What is that noise?” She was bewildered.

“Tick, Tick, Tap, Tap, Ping!” grew even louder—too loud. She couldn’t stand it anymore.

“Quiet!” Jenny screamed so hard she woke up.