The Land of Snow

For Pat White, Arctic Expert and Agent Extraordinaire

CONTENTS

Cover

Title Page

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Copyright

About The Publisher

Chapter 1

Ella Edwards was only half listening to her friend Isabel Masters as they walked home. They‧d been back at school for a week, but Ella wished it was still the holidays with long sunny days and no homework to spoil her fun. Ella craved adventure and the outdoors and hated being shut up in a stuffy classroom learning times tables and long multiplication.

“Mum said she‧d buy me a DVD this weekend for helping her out with my brothers,” said Isabel. “I might get the one about the talking cat who thinks he‧s a fireman. It‧s supposed to be really funny. The spy kids one looks good too.”

Suddenly Ella heard a loud cry. She glanced at Isabel, but she was still chatting away about films.

There it was again. Ella looked around, mystified. The street was empty. Where could it be coming from?

“Ella, what‧s up?” Isabel suddenly realised that she had been talking to herself.

“That noise,” said Ella. “It sounds like a dog howling.”

“I can‧t hear it.”

“It‧s really loud. It‧s coming from over there.”

Ella headed down the street towards the entrance to the Country Park, where the howling seemed to be coming from.

“What‧s so special about a dog howling?” asked Isabel, running to catch her up. “You get loads of dogs barking in the park.”

“This is different,” Ella insisted. She hurried across the car park and turned right at the gate. The path stretched before her downhill, with thick bushes on one side and open grassland on the other. In the distance, a lady was throwing a stick for her dogs.

“Ella, we‧re supposed to go straight home,” called Isabel.

“It‧s getting louder. You must be able to hear it now…” Ella ran down the path.

“I can‧t,” insisted Isabel, reluctantly following her.

The howling was ear-splitting and Ella slowed, staring intently at the thick branches and leathery green leaves of the bushes. Was there a dog stuck inside? She leant forward, then jumped back in surprise as a large brown cardboard box suddenly skidded from under the bush in front of her and stopped at her feet. There was a pause as if the box was gathering energy, then it rocked from side to side, barking loudly. Sinking on to her knees, Ella dropped her school bag on the floor and reached for the box, but Isabel got there first. Pushing in front of Ella she pulled open the cardboard lid, gasping in surprise at the cute black and white puppy squashed inside. Ella swallowed back her annoyance. She‧d found the box, but now Isabel was taking over. That was so like her! Isabel didn‧t mean to be unkind, but she was a little bossy sometimes.

“Oh! You poor thing.” Isabel gently grasped the puppy round its middle and lifted it out of the box.

“Yap!” The puppy wriggled free and jumped at Ella, licking her hands and face and making her giggle.

Gently, Ella scooped it up and the puppy relaxed into her arms with a contented sigh.

For a moment, Isabel was taken aback. Her face clouded and she looked quite hurt, then, shaking her head, she laughed.

“She likes you best.”

“He,” said Ella, cradling the puppy close to her. She had a strong feeling that the puppy liked her best too, but not wanting to upset her friend she moved slightly so the puppy could see Isabel as well. “He likes you too. He‧s watching you.”

The black and white puppy was soft and fluffy, with blue eyes, a long nose and enormous fox-like ears that were too big for his body. Fastened round his neck was a blue collar with a dog tag in the shape of a shiny silver snowflake dangling from it. Ella reached for the snowflake, thinking it might have the dog‧s name and the owner‧s telephone number engraved on it. But instead of writing, the tag was etched with miniature patterns, just like a real snowflake. It felt icy cold and as Ella touched it the snowflake seemed to spark with tiny electrical pulses that made her fingers tingle. Suddenly the puppy looked right at her. His eyes were the brightest blue she‧d ever seen. Impulsively she held him closer, loving the feel of his silky fur and his gorgeous puppy smell.

“That‧s pretty,” said Isabel, reaching out to touch the dog tag and squealing with delight when the puppy licked her finger.

Ella stroked the puppy‧s soft neck.

“He‧s so cute. How could anyone leave him in a box?”

“What are we going to do with him?” asked Isabel anxiously. “We can‧t leave him here, but Mum will have a fit if I take him home. I‧m not allowed pets. Mum says she‧s busy enough looking after Billy, Jack and me.”

“I‧ll have him,” blurted out Ella. She wanted the puppy more than anything else in the world.

“Will your mum let you?” Isabel sounded doubtful.

“She might,” said Ella. “She‧s in all day and we‧ve got other pets.”

Mrs Edwards ran an internet business selling greetings cards and worked from home, in a room she called her office. The family had an elderly cat called Spooks and four silky bantams — small fluffy hens that reminded Ella of teddy bears.

Cradling the puppy in the crook of her arm, Ella stood up. The puppy wriggled himself into a more comfortable position, then thumped his tail approvingly. Ella kissed the top of his head and the puppy licked her arm.

“I‧ll carry your bag,” offered Isabel, picking it up.

“Thanks. Can you manage the box too? We shouldn‧t leave it here to litter the park.”

Isabel flattened the box by standing on it so that it was easier to carry, then pushed it into a bin as they walked past. Ella looked around her, nervously scanning the area. What if someone tried to claim the puppy back? She hugged the puppy tighter, overwhelmingly desperate to keep him. The puppy had been abandoned, she reassured herself. Why else had he been left in a box under a bush?

It took them ages to get home. The puppy had fallen asleep in Ella‧s arms, so they had to walk very slowly so as not to disturb him. Isabel didn‧t complain once, even though she had the boring job of carrying their school bags. Despite Isabel sometimes being a bit bossy, Ella knew she was lucky to have such a good friend.

Mum was watching from her office window and opened the front door before Ella could get her key out.

“You‧re late. I was beginning to worry—” she broke off, suddenly noticing the sleeping puppy. “Oh, how cute! Where did it come from?”

“He‧s been abandoned,” said Ella. “Someone left him in a cardboard box in the Country Park.”

“Ella! What were you doing in the park? You‧re supposed to come straight home.”

“I heard the puppy barking,” said Ella. “He sounded upset. It‧s a good job we found him. He‧s far too small to be out on his own. Can I keep him? Please, Mum?”

Ella had often asked if she could have a dog, but this time was different. She felt strangely drawn to the cuddly puppy sleepily snuffling in her arms. She couldn‧t explain it, but Ella knew they were meant to be together.

“He‧s very sweet.” Mum hesitated. “Come indoors while I think about it.”

“Please,” Ella wheedled. “I‧ve always wanted a dog and this one‧s special. Look how gorgeous he is.”

“I don‧t know, Ella,” said Mum. “It‧s a big decision. I‧ll have to talk to your dad about it first. He likes dogs, but he‧s not keen on having one, in case it messes up his garden.”

At least Mum hadn‧t said no. Now all Ella needed to do was to persuade Dad to let the puppy stay. She was sure that once Dad got to see him he‧d agree.

“Thanks, Mum.” If her arms hadn‧t been full of puppy, Ella would have hugged her.

“Come on, Izzy. Let‧s make the puppy a bed and find him something to eat.”

Isabel looked at her watch and pulled a sad face.

“I wish I could, but I promised Mum I‧d help her with Billy and Jack. They‧re such a handful.” Gently she stroked the puppy‧s head. “What‧ll you call him if your dad says you can keep him?”

“Blue.”

Ella glanced at the puppy. The name had come out before she‧d even thought about it, but immediately she knew it was right.

“Blue,” said Isabel, trying it out. “Like his eyes.”

“Blue looks like a type of husky dog,” said Ella‧s mum thoughtfully. “Did you know they come from the Arctic?”

“A husky!” exclaimed Ella. “Wow!”

The snowflake on Blue‧s collar seemed to sparkle more brightly. Ella couldn‧t resist touching it, and there it was again. That feeling, like the snowflake was sparking with a strange sort of energy that made her fingers fizz. She closed her eyes and immediately saw a picture of six husky dogs pulling a sled across a snowy landscape. It was so real, Ella imagined herself riding with them, an Arctic wind whipping across her face, snow freezing on her eyelashes.

“Ella? I said, ring me when your dad gets in.”

Isabel pulled on Ella‧s arm, tugging her out of her daydream. Shivers fizzled up and down her spine. That was amazing! Ella loved the magical white world with the sled pulled by snowdogs.

“I‧ll ring you,” she agreed, going to the door with her friend.

As Ella went indoors, Blue began to stir. Yawning daintily, he opened his eyes and stared up at her. His look was so intense it felt as if he were begging Ella to let him stay. But her dad was a keen gardener and every year his vegetables won prizes at the county show. Would Ella really be allowed to keep Blue?

“I‧ll find a way,” she whispered. “I promise.”

Chapter 2

Ella had homework and knew she should start it. Getting it done would work in her favour when she asked Dad about keeping Blue. She dragged her school bag over to the kitchen table and pulled out her exercise book and pencil case. It was maths tonight. Ella grumbled under her breath as she read through the questions. Hadn‧t she worked hard enough at school? Blue gave a small bark.

“I know,” said Ella. “I‧d much rather be playing with you too.”

Blue climbed out of the cardboard-box bed Ella had made him earlier, pricking up his ears as if he was listening to something. He barked again, louder this time.

“Blue, quiet.”

“Wooo!” Throwing back his head, Blue howled and ran to the door.

“Ssssh,” said Ella. “Mum‧s still working.”

“Woof!” Blue‧s bark was surprisingly deep for a puppy as he frantically scratched at the door.

Ella jumped up. Blue‧s howls really were too insistent to be ignored.

“Oh! Do you need to go out? Clever boy!”

As soon as Ella opened the door, Blue raced outside. She followed, expecting him to stop on the grass, but instead Blue shot down the garden as if he was on an urgent mission. The silky bantams scattered, squawking indignantly, and Spooks quickly climbed on to the shed, moving much faster than he normally did.

“Blue, wait!”

Ella chased after him, past Dad‧s vegetable patch and on towards her den, an old brightly painted caravan at the bottom of the garden. Thinking the puppy would stop when he reached the fence, Ella slowed up. But Blue was getting faster.

“Blue, stop!”

Ella grew even more alarmed as Blue continued running towards the fence. He was going to hurt himself. Determined to stop him, she leapt forward, throwing herself at the dog and catching him round his tummy. With incredible strength Blue kept going, pulling Ella over and dragging her across the ground. Elbows and knees grazing the earth, Ella gritted her teeth and hung on tight. In the distance she was sure she could hear dogs howling. Blue seemed to answer them, his voice sounding urgent. The fence loomed closer and Ella closed her eyes, bracing herself for the crash. Suddenly her stomach dipped as if she were riding in a lift, cold air rushed at her face and her hair streamed out behind her in light brown ribbons. Opening her eyes, Ella gripped Blue in disbelief. They were flying! Ella stared at the houses and gardens growing smaller and smaller beneath her, until everything was so tiny it was like looking down at a map.

The light was fading and the sky darkened, blotting out the shrinking landscape, as the air turned bitterly cold. Ella shivered, bewildered by the pitch-black sky. It was impossible to see where she was going. What was happening?

She clutched Blue tighter as the rushing wind continued to hit her in the face. It was hard to breathe and impossible to call out for help. Ella wasn‧t even sure which way up they were!

There was snow in the air. It swirled around Ella, engulfing her in an icy white sheet and wrenching Blue from her frozen fingers.

“No!” Ella screamed.

There was nothing she could do to save Blue. She couldn‧t even save herself. The snowstorm was too sudden and too violent, tossing her around like a sock in a tumble dryer. The wind stung her eyes, making them water and freezing the tears as they ran down her cheeks. Ella screwed up her eyes and wrapped her arms round her body. She was terrified of falling out of the sky and felt awful for letting go of Blue. The blizzard threw Ella around until she wondered how much longer she could last without fainting from the cold.

Then at last the storm began to calm. Ella opened her eyes and stared around in amazement. She was flying across an inky sky spangled with stars! It was so beautiful. Ella stopped gazing around when she realised her fingers were numb from gripping something. Looking down, she was startled to find that she was riding on a wooden sled, pulled by a small husky dog. This has to be a dream, thought Ella. But it felt too real to be a dream. As Ella flexed her numb fingers, she suddenly realised she was wearing gloves. Where had they come from? She hadn‧t been wearing gloves when she was doing her homework. She didn‧t recognise the thick red jacket with the furtrimmed hood she had on either. Ella saw she was also wearing matching padded trousers and a pair of sturdy boots. She wriggled her toes, noticing how warm her feet felt in an extra cosy pair of socks. And she was wearing snow glasses! Ella touched them with her gloved hand. What was happening?

The sled flew on and Ella stopped wondering about the clothes and got swept up in the ride. It was so fantastic, she wanted to remember it all. She was surprised when the husky suddenly dived downwards. Ella gripped the sides of the sled, breathless with fear as they plummeted through the sky. Were they going to crash?

Mysterious green lights danced around Ella, pulsating and twirling in long strands that stretched across the whole sky. What are they? She held out her arms in wonder as her body glowed green. She was so absorbed by green flashes and sparkling starlight that made her skin tingle like magic, Ella forgot that she was soaring downwards. With a rude jolt she hit the ground, a flash of green light illuminating her one final time. The sled upturned, tipping Ella face down in a snowdrift. Too stunned to move, she lay where she‧d fallen.

Everything hurt, but the snow was soft and welcoming, soothing her aches and bruises. Ella sank further into it and relaxed, until someone tugged her arm.

“Urrrr,” she groaned.

The tugging grew stronger and was accompanied by yaps and growls. Then a voice nearby said, “You have to get up. Hurry or you‧ll freeze.”

“I can‧t,” Ella answered.

“Please try.” The voice was insistent and couldn‧t be ignored. Clumsily, Ella scrambled to her feet. The darkness had gone and in its place was a snowy landscape dotted with trees that stretched for miles. Ella looked around, wondering who‧d found her, but she was alone except for a husky. The dog crouched down, resting his nose on his paws as if bowing to Ella.

“Did you hurt yourself?”

Ella glanced behind again, even though she knew there was no one there.

“I‧m sorry about the bumpy landing. It was my first time.”

The husky cocked his head, fixing Ella with its big blue eyes. Ella stared back uncertainly. Surely that wasn‧t the dog talking to her? Her eyes widened with surprise when she realised it was!

“I don‧t understand. Who are you?” she asked, self-consciously.

“It‧s me, Blue.”

The husky crept forward and nudged Ella‧s gloved hand with his nose. Although he was still a young dog, he seemed larger than her puppy Blue.

“The magic here makes me bigger and stronger,” said the husky.

“Magic!” Ella felt a thrill of excitement. She‧d always believed in magic, even when people told her that it was only make-believe.

Ella studied the dog closely. He did look like Blue. He had exactly the same markings and a glittering silver snowflake dog tag hung from his collar. Ella felt drawn towards it. Even through her gloves she felt a bubbling feeling in her fingers as she touched it.

Blue nuzzled her with his nose. Ella stroked his head, rubbing him faster as Blue butted her hand with approval. There were so many things she wanted to ask that she didn‧t know where to start.

Then from behind her came the sound of animals panting. Ella spun round as she saw four magnificent husky dogs and one smaller one running towards her. Ella‧s body tensed, unsure whether to stay where she was or move out of the way as the dogs sped closer. Effortlessly they pounded across the landscape, weaving their way between snow-laden trees, leaping over tiny humps. Running into a dip they disappeared momentarily. As they came over the top, Blue dropped to his belly, his nose resting in a patch of long coarse grass poking through the snow. The lead dog raced past him, stopping at Ella‧s feet.

“Hello.” The dog‧s voice was low and commanding, even though his mouth never moved. “The Starlight Snowdogs welcome you to the Arctic.”

Chapter 3

The dog‧s leader was a handsome animal with a white face, brown eyes and a broad black head. One paw‧s step behind him stood a slightly smaller dog with orangey brown markings and big brown eyes.

“I‧m Acer, this is my sister, Honey,” Acer said as he indicated the orangey brown dog. “That‧s Bandit and Coda. Then there‧s Inca and her brother, Blue, who you already know. Inca and Blue are trainees; they‧ve only just joined the Starlight Snowdogs team.”

“Hello,” said Ella eagerly, wanting to stroke them, but not sure if she should.

Honey stepped forward and pushed her nose into Ella‧s hand. Bandit was next, followed by Coda and Inca. When the introductions were finished, Acer stood in front of Ella.

“The Starlight Snowdogs need a new leader.” He paused, before continuing. “And you have been chosen for that role. It is a very special honour that I hope you will want to accept. As our leader, you will be expected to help the animals that live here in our snowy land.”

“What sort of help?” asked Ella shyly.

Thankfully Acer was quick to explain. “The world is changing. Progress can be a good thing, but sometimes it damages environments and harms the animals that live in them. As our leader, you will be expected to solve any harmful problems in the land of snow.”

“That sounds hard,” said Ella.

“It won‧t be easy. But if you agree to the role, you‧ll find strengths hidden inside that will help you carry out your duties.”

Ella was intrigued. She was good at lots of things, but only because she worked hard and didn‧t give up easily.

“What sort of strengths?” she asked curiously.

“You will have to discover that for yourself.” Acer‧s brown eyes were serious.

Ella hesitated. She desperately wanted to say that she‧d help the Starlight Snowdogs to look after the Arctic, but was she really good enough to be their leader?

“Trust me,” said Acer softly. “You can do this, as long as you believe in yourself. Please, climb on to the sled and we‧ll take you on a ride over our snowy land. When you see how wild and beautiful it is — and how magical — it may help you to decide.”

“Thank you,” said Ella. “I‧d like that.”

The sled was lying on its side and she tugged it with both hands, trying to free it from the snow.

“Think strong,” urged Acer, his voice low and clear.

Ella glanced at him. Was he teasing her? Acer nodded encouragingly and at once Ella knew this wasn‧t a joke. Gripping the sledge tightly, she imagined she was exceedingly strong. She pulled again and as she concentrated, the muscles in her arms prickled and tensed. Gradually the sled became lighter until suddenly it was free and she was able to right it. She stared at it delightedly. How had she done that?

“Well done,” said Acer, pawing the snow.

Ella beamed and climbed aboard, leaning comfortably against the sled‧s back rest. The Starlight Snowdogs took up their places in the harness: Acer and Honey in the lead, followed by Blue and Inca, with Bandit and Coda at the back.

Ella went to take the reins, then hesitated. She‧d never driven a sled in her life. What was she supposed to do?

“Just hold them for now,” said Acer. “You can learn how to drive next time.”

Shivers of excitement ran up Ella‧s spine as she picked up the reins. The dogs took off across the snow, running so fast that it took Ella‧s breath away. The scenery flashed past, leaving her with mixed-up images of a vast landscape covered in snow. There were hills and valleys, thick green forests and a wide river, slushy with ice. Ella had never been to such a wild place, empty of all the clutter of modern living, where animals were free to roam. It was exhilarating and frightening at the same time.

Entranced, Ella leant forward, squeaking with delight when she saw polar bears lumbering along on all fours, snow-white Arctic foxes, caribou and lean wolves that hid amongst the snow-flecked trees as she passed. The dogs climbed a hill and Ella held on tight as the sled bounced and bumped to the top, then down the other side. The air was so fresh it made her lungs tingle and as the land flattened, Ella was delighted to find there was a beach at the bottom of the hill.

As the dogs raced alongside the half-frozen sea, Ella stared in amazement at the seals and walruses, swimming in the icy water. These were animals Ella had only seen in books or on television. She wished the Starlight Snowdogs would slow down so she could look for longer, but they raced on until finally they approached the outskirts of a small town.

It was very different from the towns Ella was used to. It was much less crowded and the houses looked too fragile to withstand the harsh conditions. Passing by a long salmon-coloured house with a pointed roof, the dogs slowed to a jog. An elderly Inuit woman with a weather-beaten face and a young boy about Ella‧s age were standing at a window. The woman smiled and raised her hand. Ella stared in surprise, then, remembering her manners, she waved back. The woman‧s smile broadened, but the boy turned away. For a moment, his expression troubled Ella and she wondered why he looked so sad. But the dogs ran on, the town blurred, and soon they were back in the snowy landscape. Ella was impressed by how much stamina the dogs had, and also their incredible sense of direction.