Shadow Tree by Jake Halpern

Author:Jake Halpern
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
Publisher: Argo-Navis
Published: 2002-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

While the children slept, Alfonso, Leif, Nathalia, and Marta gathered around the desk and examined a large map of the region, which they had found in one of the desks. The map was old. The date in the corner indicated that it was made in 1849 by a mapmaker from the city of Gdansk on the Baltic Sea. They all scrutinized the map, searching for a place where three rivers converged because, as the prophecy noted, this is where they would need to drop off Nathalia so she could fulfill her destiny. For the time being, at least, that was the plan. They read and then reread the directions offered in the prophecy: They arrive at the southernmost edge of the Petrified Forest where the three rivers converge, near the caves where the fog wolves live. Yet there were no markings on the map pointing to a Petrified Forest, and unfortunately, there were numerous places where three rivers converged.

“This is useless,” Nathalia said. “We’ll never find it on a map. Dargora didn’t stay a mystery for all this time for no reason. It’s hidden well.”

“I can take you where you need to go,” said a voice. They all turned around. It was Kolo – the teenage boy who had once lorded over the children. “I know the route the slavers take toward Dargora – I almost wish I didn’t, but I remember every horrible mile of it.”

“How?” demaded Nathalia.

“I followed my brothers when they were taken,” explained Kolo. “I made it all the way to the caves where the fog wolves live.” Kolo then recounted the details of his journey, telling Leif, Nathalia, and Marta what he had already told Alfonso earlier. Then he added: “I can show you where the path through the Petrified Forest begins. After that, you’re on your own. I won’t go in there again. There’s something wrong with the trees... they’re only half dead.”

“I presume you aren’t doing this for free,” said Nathalia. “What do you want in return?”

“Your air ship,” said the boy. It was a bold request, and the boy made it unapologetically.

Nathalia chortled, half-amused, half-shocked.

Marta was shaking her head. “Forget it,” she said. “I don’t trust you for a second.”

The boy smiled. “Then try to find this place by yourself,” he countered. “You may not trust me, but I know the way.” The others said nothing. “Just let me know what you decide,” said the boy, with a half-smile. “I’m ready to help.”

The boy walked away quickly.

Alfonso stood rock-still.

“No,” said Marta. “Absolutely not.”

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