by HorseFeathers, age 16

Chapter 1: Adventures of a Lifetime

I am Fauna Lyrie and this is my island. You may or may not have read many a tale of travelers stranded on some deserted island left there with no help to name. Well that is not the case with my journey. It involves a legend, a leaky submarine, and a path of no return.

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It was 1934 and Papa was spirited up with rest of the Scottish population about the recent “Nessie” sightings. My papa is a biologist by trade. He is not into crazy legends and myths but he does believe in possibilities. The monster was said to have a long neck, small head, and a serpent-like body. According to Papa and his fellow scientists, it might have been a surviving plesiosaur.

Being 14 years old I was still a carefree young lady and always eager for an adventure. So you can imagine what I thought when papa started talking about an exploration with his friend Professor Colin Macgregor. Of course, Mr. Colin’s bratty nephew had to be there…

Cody and I do not have the best history together. He thinks just because he’s one year older than me he can boss me around. He has blond hair and vain green eyes he thinks all the village girls admire… he is wrong.

“I think we should start looking around Urquhart Bay,” said Papa.

“I don’t know for sure, it’s the deepest part of the loch but I’m not sure the sub can go that far,” Mr. Macgregor replied.

“It’s the best underwater machine of its time Colin; who knows what we might encounter down there!”

“I don’t know Ed.” My papa’s name was Edward, “We’ll see how she runs closer to the shore and make plans from there.”

Oh, my Scottish blood was boiling with ambition!

“Papa, oh you have to let me come — I could help you out!”

“I’m sorry Fauna dear, but this is experimental research and I’m not about to risk you for it.”

Cody smirked at me. Oh, would I have liked to give him a licking; papa would not say it was lady-like though.

I knew Papa was right though… in a sense. I still wanted to ride in that submarine… somehow… someway I would.

At about the same time the Nessi sightings started up, an unusual event had started in the past few months. Local ranchers, and yes we have those in Scotland, reported missing horse stock. It seems as though after a heavy rain the horses broke loose, headed to the loch, and disappeared into the mist.

I myself have never owned a horse but I cannot help admiring their strength as they help plow fields, and gallop in the valleys; in particular, a pink roan colored horse that was at our neighbor’s, Mr. McAlister’s farm. Now she too, had mysteriously disappeared along with the rest of the missing horses.

I sat on the edge of a dock most days playing in the tide pools, glaring at Cody if he came near, while Papa worked with his assistants and made plans for the exploration.

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Finally, the day had arrived! Papa and his crew had come to an agreement that they would cast off the sub at one of Urquhart Bay’s ancient castle’s because of the level ground and the open water. Most sightings of the loch beast were on a clear day in the afternoon so that is when the crew decided to start the project. Do not get me wrong, I usually am a respectful girl and mind my papa. Sometimes, though, the urge for exploration continues also in the younger generation; which is me in this case.

“All right men, break for lunch. We start directly at noon. Professor Macgregor and I will control the two-man sub, record data, and retain pictures if possible.”

I had brought my lunch with me and I wanted one last look at that fancified machine before it disappeared under the deep waters. Cody had apparently already eaten his and was shuffling around on the beach.

“Papa may I stay by the shore please?”

“Sure Fauna, come and get me up at the cottage if you need anything.”

Like I said before, papa was a biologist and he loved to share his ideas and facts with everyone. So even though he would not let me drive it; papa explained the submarine to me inside and out. Eating my watercress sandwich on the dock, those past lessons with papa made me even more curious to hop inside and look. Of course, Cody had to urge me on.

“Too bad your papa doesn’t want you along.”

“He does too! He just wants me to stay safe.”

“Whatever you say… Dare you to go inside the sub.”

The sub was strapped to the boat… it would not hurt going inside for just a minute.

So that is just what I did. I hopped right on board the boat and climbed my way down into the sub’s interior. The cushions where leather bound and it smelled of new metal. The boat began to shake and the hatch slammed shut. Darn that Cody. He was trying to play one of his stupid pranks on me by shaking the sub.

All of a sudden, the suspensions detached from the boat. I was starting to sink into the depths of the Loch and my father and his crew was about half a mile away! The last thing I saw was Cody’s white and frightened face as he screamed my name before the sub was entirely under water.

My mind was frozen with fear for a few minutes but I had to think fast and pilot the sub! Remember now that I was only fourteen, so this sub looked huge with its hundreds of switches and controls. I pulled up on the steering lever and pushed forward into gear. The sub was moving but not rising… in fact it was still sinking and what’s more, the loch currents were pushing me further out into the water!

Fifty feet… I had to hurry, but I could do almost nothing.

A half hour went by — seventy-eight feet! I was getting my adventure all right. I could accomplish nothing except to move the sub forward as the currents drifted me onward through the murky gloom of the loch.

Time went on… It was so quiet and I felt a little sleepy… I drifted off.

A drop of water splashed on my face. Immediately I rose to my feet. I was standing in about an inch of water! The intense pressure down here must have been too much for the sub! “Best underwater machine of its time” indeed!

I had no idea where the sub was going and what’s worse it was leaking!! All of a sudden, the blasted machine started to creak. I was going faster… it could not be the currents… something was pushing the sub, I was sure of it.

Could it be the beast!? I didn’t know and I don’t think I ever will. At that moment, I took a picture from the sub’s waterproof camera. I stuffed the filmstrip into my pocket for safekeeping.

Then there was silence and the sub was still. I was sure it had landed somewhere. But how could it have risen to the surface so quickly? Taking my chances, I turned the port and opened the hatch. As I climbed out of the sub, I stared at my surroundings.

So I had not reached the surface. I was on a small beach, in a sort of cave. I remember my papa telling me about places like this. It was called a grotto; an underwater cavern that separates the land from sea and connects them at the same time. To whatever or whoever had brought me here, I was grateful… but scared out of my Scottish wits too! The cave walls were tarnished with seaweed, wet and molding with age. I had to go on, not sit here and whimper like a long lost puppy.

There was light streaming in from somewhere, but how? I traced my way through the cave with my fingers following the walls. Wait a second; there were trails that led back and through the depths of the cavern. I bet they could go on forever! I ultimately chose to stay with the lighted path, as it reached higher and higher levels of earth as I climbed. After about half an hour (if I can remember right), I reached the end of my trail. When I shielded my eyes from the blinding light that streamed in from the opening, I could not believe what I saw!

In front of me was a forest — green, lush, and more fragrant than you can imagine. Who, what, how?? Yes, I was just as confused as any normal human being would have been. I looked up; there was the radiant sun. At least something was familiar and that comforted me. Looking behind me, I saw the trail from the cave I had taken along with hundreds of other entrances. I would later call this the cave of trails… for that is exactly what it was.

Being in that sub for hours on end made me hungry. I had to find something to eat, and hoped nothing would want to eat me. I stayed along the edge of the forest looking for something, anything that might be recognizable. I came to what my mind would not normally believe — tropical fruit! Bananas, coconuts, and a bright red furry fruit I cannot name. Poison or not, I had to take the chance or starve. I climbed a tree and picked a bunch to chow down on.

As I sat, enjoying my luscious meal and thinking how in the world I would get home and off this strange land, I heard a sound in the foliage behind me. My chest was heaving and my heartbeat increased to the ultimate. I prayed to God that what was in the forest behind me was not a predator. Believe it or not, I was kind of missing Cody and his corny jokes. I grabbed a stick and slowly advanced into the greenery. Pulling aside some humongous ferns, I saw the unbelievable.

Before me were the missing horses of the Scottish mainland! They were grazing greedily. Some of the mares had foals that were kicking their heals up in mock play fight. There was my adored pink, rose roan filly. She was even more beautiful in this enchanted place. She nickered when she saw me and trotted up to my side. When she stood over me and placed her graceful, soft neck over my shoulder, I knew something at once. I was not alone. We would find a way to survive this exotic place.

How the horses had arrived here was probably the same way I had… through the cave of trails. They had traveled through entrances, for unknown reasons, that could exist all over Scotland and perhaps even beyond.

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Well there you have it. My beginning and how I found this mystical island. How do I know it is an island? Well, in the days past I have explored my way around — ALL around — o the back of Rose, my prink roan. The island is enclosed on all sides in a massive mountain wall. Closed off to the world except through the entrances to the cave of trails. For now, the island belongs to the horses and me, and it will stay that way for a long time. How I will find my journey home and discovering the future mysteries of the island is another story I have yet to discover. Until then, I am Fauna Lyrie, and this is the island of the Loch Herd.

Chapter 2: New Discoveries

I have been “marooned” on this tropical-like island for about a week now. As far as I know, the sub is still stranded on that small beach I first arrived on. I would gladly go and search for it, but then again there are hundreds of paths in the cave of trails. There was no way of knowing which passage led where.

As for shelter, I live in a sturdy old tree house. I for one did not build it. The first few days of my arrival were spent on the back of Rose. I held on to a soft, grass bridle I had made for her, as we explored the vast jungle. I will never forget the moment Rose led me to my island home.

It was early morn and I rode Rose into the forest to gather fruits, or any other foods the island might offer me to survive. I envied the horse’s ability to claim a full stomach off grass and other plants.

“Yah Rose.” I clicked her into a trot. “We have to gather enough food to last till tomorrow at least. This little make-shift basket I made out of palm fronds should help.”

She nickered in agreement. I smiled. Who says horses do not understand human speech?

We went deeper and deeper into the foliage. I was not worried — horses like Rose have a keen sense of smell and could track the way home just as well as a hound. Then I spotted some bright red furry fruit, the same luscious kind I first tasted upon my arrival. Remembering this, I eagerly hopped off Rose and started to shimmy my way up the tree.

“Now hold still Rose, I’ll be right down.”

I picked a bushel and placed them in my little basket. They smelled ripe and fresh. I was tempted to take a big bite right then, but as I brought it to my lips a blue beetle like creature crawled out. No problem, I could wait.

“Rose, I’m coming down, look out below!”

Nothing, not even an impatient stamp of her hooves. I nervously slid down the scaly trunk. She was gone! I began to panic a little. Without Rose, how would I find my way out of this jungle mess?

“Rose!” my voice cried desperately.

A few more moments of silence and then a shrill whinny pierced the air. I internally rejoiced and ran towards the sound of her call. The thicket was getting dense so that I had to crawl on my hands and knees to get through it. A horse like Rose could easily have cleared it in a few jumps. When I pulled away at the last of the brush, I found her grazing by probably the hugest tree I had ever seen in my life. A person would not believe they were in Scotland anymore. Nevertheless, this was not an ordinary place, and I had begun to expect surprises.

Rose eyed me lazily as I began to follow the length of the huge tree. It seemed to go on forever and ever. However, all earthly things have an ending and was I ever excited to see what was at the end of this one!

On the other side of the tree, a man-made house rested within its knarly, thick branches. I squealed to Rose to come and look at my discovery. Actually, it was she who led me here, and I am eternally grateful. It took me awhile, but I managed to find an old rope and plank ladder that must lead to the top. So I was not the only one to inhabit this place. Maybe there were others here!?

“Hello, is anyone here?” Silence…

I carefully climbed my way up the ladder. When I reached the top, I was overjoyed with what I found — pots, pans, cooking utensils, weapons, hunting supplies, papers, and various other useful items. Whoever had been here obviously arrived from some well-prepared journey. The supplies were a little rusty and dusty with age though.

I called for someone again, but received no answer. I looked above me. There were at least two other stories to this tree house from what I could make out. I found the rickety stairwell that connected them and began to climb. The interesting supplies could wait; I wanted to get a view of where I was.

Rose called with an anxious neigh, but I kept climbing. It was at the top that I saw a wonderful birds-eye view of the island. The top platform of this place overlooked the treetops. It was here I saw part of the mountain wall that surrounded the island. So sailing on a raft home wasn’t an option. I was somewhat grateful for that. I looked down and saw Rose’s figure below.

“Hey girl, up here!” I waved to her.

She must have thought I was crazy because she looked up, shook her head and started to walk away.

“Just wait a minute, I’m coming down,” I called to her.

But before I did, I noticed two small mounds of earth a little further away from the tree. I climbed all the way down and went to investigate. Rose impatiently but graciously stood nearby and grazed. I thought I would find some more supplies. I did not.

The two mounds were graves overshadowed by small rocky headstones. The names crudely inscribed in them were “John and Marie Anna Flinters.” Nothing more, nothing less. So this was who had built my new home. I could not help but feel respect for them. I gathered several wild violets and placed them on the graves. I chose violets because they reminded me of my mother, Violet Lyrie. I do not recall much of her, only from the memories told by my father.

Deep in thought, I did not hear Rose walk up from behind me. She pushed her soft muzzle against my back. I sighed as I climbed back on her.

“I miss papa, Rose. I wonder what he’s doing right now?” I pulled my fingers through Rose’s creamy mane and grinned, “Probably skinning Cody’s hide… wish I could see that.”

Chapter 3: What I Know

The island herd is prosperous; grazing on the dew-flecked grass by morning. I watched Rose chewing contentedly on her breakfast. My beautiful mare is with foal! I hadn’t quite noticed it until the bulge of her belly began to stick out. The soon to be proud father is a smoky palomino colored stallion I call Watcher. I cannot wait to see what kind of coloration the offspring has. The herd itself is made up of about thirty mares and seven yearlings.

If the horses kept on breeding, wouldn’t the island eventually become over-populated? Being the daughter of a biologist, I asked myself questions like this. That is until what I saw one evening. I was fishing, with a pole I found from the treehouse, at a nearby fresh water pond. All of a sudden, I heard a shill scream and then silence. Nervously I pushed back into the forest behind me. I gasped in shock. A medium sized cat with two-inch protruding fangs was feasting on his catch; one of the yearlings. I grieved for him inwardly, but now I know there are predators on the island. There was a definite “circle of life” here, and now I was apart of it.

Chapter 4: Rescues to Name

It has been about three weeks since I have seen my papa, or any human for that matter. The safety in the heights of the tree house secured my thoughts at night. I heard the gentle chirping of crickets and Rose shifting beneath the giant oak as I rested in my hammock each night.

Recently the rainy season has brought a plethora of showers to the island. I think it’s about time I started researching the old papers and books in the treehouse more closely, to look for a possible escape route through the cave of trails.

“Rose,” I said looking to the skies, “I think we should find shelter, it’s about to pour again.”

I have to walk beside her now because her foal is due any day now. I tried my best to gather what food I could along the way. Then the sky exploded with lighting like a billion firecrackers at once! I nearly jumped out of my skin. Rose started galloping away and I chased after her. Rain started to poor and my auburn hair plastered to my face.

Then another streak of lighting erupted from the sky and struck a large palm tree that was right next to my side. I stood in a mixture of shock and fear as the tree came tumbling towards me. Rose’s shrill cry pierced my senses back to me and I started to run.

Too late! The tree crashed to the ground, pinning my right leg down with it. The pain that followed was almost more than I could bear. I couldn’t give up! I pushed and shoved at the tree, but every effort just increased the pain as it shot up my leg and lower body. Rose had disappeared altogether. The poor pregnant mare must be scared out of her wits.

So I sat there, hoping, praying for a miracle to happen. Minutes felt like hours as the rain came down. The pain was making me dizzy and I tried my best to keep from passing out. The ground beneath me started to softly vibrate and I saw Rose coming at a distance, followed by Cody from what I could tell.

Cody!?

Lordy, I was dizzier than I thought. My mind must be playing tricks on me. Before I blacked out, I thought I saw Cody trying to shove the fallen tree off me.

Chapter 5: Reunions to Puzzle

I felt a wee bit dizzy when I awoke. As I focused my eyes, it seemed as if I was lying in my hammock. Where in the blazing blue earth was I? Immediately I tried to stand up, but a burst of pain from my right leg held me back. Then all my memories rushed back to me at once — the storm, the fallen tree, Rose screaming and Cody.

Cody? I thought it had been my imagination, but then who had brought me to the treehouse?

“Hello?” I called.

No one answered

“Hello, is anyone there?”

I felt foolish calling to the wind, but then the wooden stairwell started to creak and moan as someone rushed up it to the level I was on.

“Fauna, thank God you’re alright; you were asleep for two days!”

By the horse’s mane, it was Cody! A rush of questions tumbled from my mouth like a waterfall.

“Cody, how did you find me, where did you come from, what about my papa is he—

“Fauna, slow down — I can hardly hear myself think!”

I anxiously tried to get in a good sitting position, and I made a face at my leg.

“Sorry Cody. It has just been weeks since I’ve seen or talked to another person.”

“I know,” he replied sympathetically, “your horse is fine and actually she was part of how I found you.”

“Tell me how you—

“Later,” he said cutting me off again, “First we need to apply another cold rag to your leg. You banged it up pretty bad; might be sprained.”

“I banged it up pretty bad!? The stupid tree fell on me not the other way around you dolt! I know—

“Fauna, I’m sorry!”

“What?” I hated being interrupted.

“For everything, for playing that stupid trick at the dock on you and causing this whole mess,” he said straight-faced.

I had never known him to apologize to me; for anything.

“Can I hear about my papa and what’s going on, please?” I asked pushing the cold rag and bandage to my leg.

“Yeah, I’ll tell you everything.”

Chapter 6: Cody’s Story

“When the submarine went down with you in it, I started to panic. I ran screaming to the village all the way to your papa’s cottage. The submarine is gone, Fauna is gone, help! I was screaming like a little lass, you should have seen me. Anyhow, Mr. Lyrie came running out of the house and shook my shoulders when I reached him. ’What do you mean boy, spit it out!’ ‘Fauna,’ I said between breaths, ‘the sub… it detached from the boat and it sank!’ Your father’s face went tomato red and for a minute. I thought he would blow, but then he recollected himself and took action.

“’Cody, I need you to help me gather the men. Tell them… tell them to meet me by the pier.’ I did as he said and started to gather up his crew; knocking on all the doors. When everyone was assembled, your papa organized the search. One group was to search the shallower waters with that new scuba diving equipment. Another group scouted the entire length of the loch shore. Another, smaller sub, was piloted by your father himself, in turns with different men. The search went on for days and many were giving up hope. ‘She’s gone,’ they said. But your papa would not give up.

“I felt so useless. Knowing I caused the whole bloody mess, and I could do nothing. I remembered a place by the shore where my friends and I used to play as children. It was a small cave, hidden by the rocky coast. So I decided to search there on my own. Foolish maybe, but I was desperate to try anything. The cave itself was hollow and had no other openings; except for a small hole in the back. As young ones, we were always too scared to explore it. So, I crawled down inside the small opening and searched. Don’t ask why I did this, I don’t know: instinct, motivation, I just felt I should for some reason.

“I spent all day, and night I think, wandering in the underground cavern, who knows where. Then I heard a scream echoing against the walls. I nearly jumped out of my socks before running after the sound. When I reached near the source, I saw a horse staring at me in front of an entrance. It surprised me to find a horse in a cave at all. If a horse could look persistent, this one did. She came right up to me and snatched a bit of my shirt, trying to pull me out of the cave. I followed her, not knowing what else to do. It was raining quite hard as I raced after this pink-colored horse. That was when I saw you trying to remove a large palm tree off your leg. This was a truly peculiar place in Scotland; if in it at all. You looked at me in confusion and surprise before blacking out on me. Desperately, I pushed and shoved at the tree trying to remove it. Your horse — how I will never know — helped by rolling it with her head and front legs. I picked you up and stared at your tired mare. She breathed heavily in and out and led me to this amazing treehouse we’re in right now.

“The storm had died down. After placing you in the hammock, I rummaged around in the supplies here until I could find some sufficient materials to make a brace for your leg. How this all happened, call it pure chance, call it a coincidence; I call it a bloody miracle.”

Chapter 7: My Eyes Have Seen

“Well, that pretty much sums it up,” Cody said smiling.

I just stared off into space.

“Fauna?”

“Sorry, I was just thinking. Thanks for everything, I don’t think I could have made it without Rose’s or your help.”

I actually never thought I’d be thanking Cody, of all people, for anything. We sat in an awkward silence until a high-pitched whinny pierced the air.

“Rose!” I stammered trying to stand again.

“Wait!” Cody rushed, “Use these make-shift crutches I put together.”

“Thanks.”

When we reached the ground, Rose was laying on her side. She had gone into labor already! I rushed to her as fast as my crutches would let me. I put her head in my lap and hummed an old Scottish ditty to her quietly. I looked up at Cody and he just nodded. All we could do was wait.

The day went on and dusk began to fall. Cody was snoring against the oak and I couldn’t help but laugh. Then my mare lifted her head from my lap and looked over her bulging stomach. I got up and backed away knowing what must come next.

I watched in excitement as Rose had her new baby colt. He was stunning. A soft coat the color of fuzzy peaches when sunlight shines on them. The colt took his first wobbly steps and nickered in his sweet high voice. He continued to call to his mum, but she wasn’t responding. Rose was still on her, side eyes closed, and breathing heavily.

“Cody, wake up already — something’s wrong!”

He nearly fell over in the surprise awakening.

“Wh-what’s wrong?”

“She won’t feed the new colt! Rose won’t get up!” I started to stumble back towards her.

“Fauna don’t, you’ll just stress her more.” Cody ran to get some dry cloths.

“She’s sweating pretty bad; we have to keep her dry or she’ll get a chill.”

“Ok, but what about the colt, he needs to eat!” I said, my hazel eyes burning.

“Fauna, I don’t know, do you think you can find a nurse mare to take care of him in that herd of yours? Here, take this lead rope and tie it around the colt’s neck. I’ll do the best I can for your mare.”

I nodded and held back my tears as I slipped the rope around the colt. For a baby only about an hour old, he was a strong one. I had to pull him away from his mother with a few good tugs. I hated doing it, but unless I could find him a mare with milk, he would die. Leading him while walking with my crutches wasn’t easy, but the trodden paths Rose and I had created through the forest helped. One led to a main pasture where the herd fed. I finally reached them and started to look around. A couple of mares perked their ears up and sniffed the colt’s new scent. They trotted over to investigate, but then they seemed bored and wandered off. My hopes began to fall until a blue roan mare with a foal that looked like a mini copy of her came trotting up. She began to sniff the colt, then she too turned to leave. I was just about to sigh again when the mare stopped and looked back. She called to the colt and he answered her with a tiny nicker. I could feel his body tingling with excitement beside me. So, I gently removed the lead and watched him prance after his new nurse mother and adopted sister.

“Conner’s Miracle,” I said to myself, “Conner the colt has a nice ring to it.”

And it was a miracle at that.

I watched Conner’s peachy little body as his new mum introduced him to the herd. Almost immediately, he began to suckle the blue roan mare. I felt relieved knowing he would receive nourishment. I stood there for a few moments, entranced with the majesty of the herd. I hoped Conner the colt would imprint on the mare; but I wondered how Rose would-

“My word, Rose!” I had completely forgotten for those few moments. With one last glance, I hobbled back down the trail.

When I reached near the end, I saw Cody blocking my way.

“Cody, I found the colt, Conner, a nurse mare.”

“That’s great Fauna,” he said staring at the ground.

“Cody… what’s wrong; how is Rose feeling?” I asked urgently trying to push past him.

Cody reached a firm arm out and blocked my path.

“Fauna, I tried my best to get her to stand up. She was worn out from the storm and the foaling.”

“What do you mean? Let me pass so I can see her, NOW!” I nearly screamed.

“She’s dead, Fauna!”

My whole world seemed to slip beneath me that second. I dropped my crutches and buckled to my knees in sobs. I do not usually cry, but now I couldn’t stop. Cody knelt by my side and placed his hand on my shoulder. Normally I would have pushed it off, but now I wasn’t aware of anything other than my grief. We sat that way for about an hour or so until my sobs reduced to sniffles.

“Are you alright?” Cody asked.

I looked up to the skies and then closed my eyes in a sigh.

“I just want to go home, Cody.”

He nodded in understanding and helped guide me back to the treehouse in the sturdy, old oak that Rose had led me to in the beginning.

Epilogue

While I was asleep those two days after Cody and Rose had rescued me, Cody searched through the charts and maps left here by the Flinters. He found several of the Island’s layout and descriptions of the forests. One in particular was of the cave of trails. It described paths to places I had never heard of before. However, one marked our specific region of Scotland. While some passages marked “untraveled” interested us, we cared more about getting home.

Cody half-dragged half-carried me through the steepest parts of the trail. It was dark and cold but we had a lantern among other supplies we brought. For the most part, Cody and I didn’t talk much. When we did, it was usually about home. Then as we were walking, the path just ended. I was scared that we might have to turn back. I took the lantern and shined it up against the cave wall, reflecting against a hopeless end. Being a good two heads taller than I am, Cody could see closer to the ceiling; which was not very high. He began to prod it with his walking stick when a large amount of earth fell to the ground. We both looked up in surprise to see sunlight streaming in.

Cody gave me a boost up first, then I let down a rope for him. When he came up, the earth began to tremble slightly and the whole entrance caved in completely; blocking any possible way back in.

When we did eventually make it back to the village, we were exhausted. As soon as papa saw me, we rushed into each other’s arms in a mixture of tears and laughter. My lower leg ended up being seriously sprained, but nothing rest couldn’t cure. Cody and I are better friends now. He gave me the map for safekeeping. Though we told papa and everyone about our adventure, we never mentioned the horses or the map.

It was better this way; the herd is safe and Rose’s little miracle, Conner, is happy. Maybe even someday he’ll be lead stallion. As far as the sub goes, it is still sitting on the beach I arrived on. Papa was a little disappointed about that but his face lit up when I gave him the filmstrips that the sub camera spat out. He hasn’t told anyone about them since; but I’ll figure it out sooner or later. For now, I am content to know only Cody and I have the knowledge of the cave of trails and the island. We have the map, who knows? Maybe someday we will again be able to visit the island of the Loch Herd.