by Cathy Hapka
Don't give up, Jack told himself firmly. You can't give up!
He continued to saw, his lungs on fire. Soon he had cut halfway through the tough stem. He knew he couldn't stay underwater more than a few seconds more—there was no more time to cut.
Dropping the root digger and bracing his feet on the rocky lake floor, he yanked at the vine once more and tumbled backward in the water as the stem finally snapped!
His lungs burning, Jack grabbed Ty by the arm and kicked for the surface. The other boy felt limp and heavy at first, but halfway up he seemed to realize what was happening. He kicked weakly, and the extra impulsion helped them to the surface.
Jack burst into the air with a gasp of relief. Blowing out the breath he'd held for so long, he sucked in the fresh, clean air. Ty clung to his shoulder, coughing and wheezing and gasping.
“Come on,” Jack said when he had regained his own breath. His arms were already getting tired from helping to support Ty while treading water. “We'd better head back so you can rest.”
Ty coughed once more. “Are you kidding?” he gasped hoarsely. “We're halfway to that island. We've got to keep going!”
Jack hesitated, wanting to argue. But then he shook his head. Ty was right. They'd come this far, and it would take as much effort to get back to the shore as it would to reach the island. Why not press on?
“Okay, then hold on,” he said. “And watch out for those waterweeds!”
He kicked on, with Ty helping as best he could. A few minutes later they were climbing over the submerged rocks lining the shore.
As soon as he was on dry ground, Ty collapsed on the beach. “Whew!” he breathed, stretching out his arms and legs on the sun-warmed pebbles. “That was really something. Gives me new respect for dolphins.”
Jack nodded, glancing back toward the shore. The Compsognathus had seen them land, and most of them were jumping up and down with excitement. Their squeaks and cries floated across the still water, faint but clear.
Turning back to Ty, Jack shook his head, amazed that they'd actually made it. “You may not be a dolphin,” he said, “but you did great. It was really brave even to try.”
“You're the brave one.” Ty sat up, shooting Jack a sidelong glance. “You risked your life to save me. I won't forget that.”
Jack hadn't thought about it that way. “I just did what had to be done,” he mumbled sheepishly. “If you hadn't given me that root digger . . . Well, besides that, I owed you one.”
“What do you mean?” Ty squeezed lake water out of his hair.
Jack blushed as he remembered what had happened at that campsite in the desert. “My notebook,” he murmured. “I still feel bad about—um, I mean, I think I misjudged you. I wouldn't write those same things today. That's for sure.”
“Oh.” Ty stared down at the pebbles on the beach. “Well, maybe I was kind of wrong about you, too,” he admitted. “You're a lot different than I thought.”
There was a moment of awkward silence. Still, Jack was glad they'd talked it out. He and Ty were very different in many ways, but maybe that was okay.
Finally he glanced at the setting sun, realizing they didn't have much time if they wanted to make the return swim while it was still light. “Come on,” he said. “The Talking Rock is this way.” He stood and led the way into the cave.
Ty let out an impressed whistle when he saw the Talking Rock. “This is great!” His eyes sparkled with interest as he bent over the huge carved stone. “Some of these languages I've never even seen before. But don't worry,” he added hastily, glancing over his shoulder at Jack. “There are some others I can definitely work with. Give me the map and I'll get started.”
“The map?” Jack repeated blankly. “I thought you had it.”
Ty groaned. “Oh, no!” he cried. “Don't tell me we came all this way and forgot the stupid map. How could you do that? We'll have to—”
“Gotcha.” Jack grinned and produced the map from behind his back, where it had been tucked into his waistband all along.
Ty goggled for a second. Then he started to smile. “Oh, wow,” he said at last, breaking into a laugh. He smacked Jack on the shoulder. “Good one, my friend.”
Jack handed Ty the map, wondering at the words he'd used—my friend. Was that true? Were they friends now? Back in Dribbling Spring, Jack never would have imagined it.
He watched as Ty leaned over the Talking Rock, glancing occasionally at the map. After muttering to himself for a while, Ty suddenly stood bolt upright.
“Jack!” he cried happily. “I've got it! The road to Meeramu is this line right here.”
“That's great!” Jack hurried forward to look.
“But that's not even the best part.” Ty smiled at him. “Come on.”
“Huh?” Jack had little choice but to follow as Ty raced out of the cavern.
On the rocky little beach, Ty waved his arms over his head. Then he cupped his mouth with his hands. “Farsight! Hopper!” he shouted toward the shore. “Good news! Tell the others to start preparing the expedition. According to this map, we can be in Meeramu in less than a day!”
Jack's jaw dropped. This news was better than he'd dared to hope. “You mean it?” he asked Ty.
Ty jumped up and down with excitement. “No joke,” he assured Jack with a grin. He flung his arms around him. “We're saved!”
EPILOGUE
A few days later, Jack watched as Hopper and several other Compsognathus bustled around Meeramu's main desert port. They were preparing for the return journey to their home, and there was much to do.
“Bring hay over here!” Hopper called to a passing Meeramun official. “Please, need more food for this Aepy.”
Ty grinned and elbowed Jack in the ribs. “He's getting pretty good at our language, huh? Must be because I was such a great teacher.”
Jack rolled his eyes. Ty had spent most of the journey between the oasis and Meeramu teaching the little Compsognathus every silly joke and riddle he knew. Still, Jack had to admit it really had helped Hopper to learn quickly.
“Maybe,” he conceded to Ty. “But I'm sure it's mostly because he's determined to become an ambassador for his people. He wants to help them adjust to the changes in their lifestyle, and also help outsiders appreciate the culture and beauty of the oasis.”
Mentioning culture and beauty reminded Jack of where he was. Meeramu had turned out to be just as fascinating and wonderful as he'd hoped.
His mind was filled to bursting with all he'd learned, and his stomach was full to bursting with the most recent of the many delicious meals he'd had since arriving.
A heavy cart rolled into view from behind a nearby building, pulled by a husky Torosaurus. Three large balled-and-burlapped trees were lashed to the cart. Jack smiled as he recognized the distinctive shape of the ginkgoes' leaves.
“I hope the new trees thrive in the oasis,” he commented to Ty.
“I expect they will be fine,” a familiar voice spoke up from behind him. “Ginkgoes transplant fairly easily, even at such a size.”
“Cragnog!” Jack spun around. “There you are. I was wondering why you weren't here to see them off.”
The Pinacosaurus smiled. “Don't worry, young friend,” he said. “You won't lose me again until I have you safely home to your family. Not after moving sea and mountains to find you.”
Jack nodded, knowing that his saurian friend and the other caravaners had been terribly worried about them. Cragnog had told him that One-Toe and Ty's Aepy had caught up to the caravan quickly, and they had all spent two full days searching before hurrying to Meeramu for reinforcements. A couple of Skybax riders had just been preparing to take off to continue the search when a lookout had spotted the tiny procession struggling toward the city over the last mile of desert.
“I'm sorry we caused you such trouble.” Jack hadn't found it necessary to mention that Ty's prank had been the cause of their separation. It didn't seem important anymore. Besides, if not for that, they might never
have found and helped the Compsognathus.
“It is water over the falls,” Cragnog replied kindly. “Besides, if those plants you cataloged turn out to be what I think they are, it will be well worth the worry. It seems you've discovered several very rare trees and shrubs, including at least one that has not been seen elsewhere on Dinotopia in over two hundred years. I can't wait to study them for myself. I plan to join the next expedition to the oasis—after I see you two safely home to Dribbling Spring, that is.”
Ty wrinkled his nose. “You'll have to let us know how things are going with the mosquitoes' new breeding grounds,” he said with a laugh.
The Pinacosaurus chuckled. “Yes, several of my friends who are accompanying the Compsognathus on this trip have big plans for that already,” he reported. “They think it should be possible to erect some sort of large shade cloth, similar to the shade canopy you have at home in Dribbling Spring. They will also plant seedlings, of course, so that eventually the shade cloth won't be necessary. In any case, I expect it won't take long for the number of mosquitoes to return to normal, and the minnow population with it.”
Ty rolled his eyes. “I still can't believe anyone actually wants to create more mosquitoes,” he commented, scratching a bite that was swelling near his elbow.
“Mosquitoes may be a nuisance to us,” Jack told him. “But remember, to the oasis—”
“I know, I know,” Ty interrupted with a grin. “They're a part of the cycle of life, right? The natural balance.” At Jack's surprised look, he laughed. “Do you think I never pay attention when you talk? I learned all sorts of things on our adventure, like which cycad seeds need to be soaked before eating, and all that stuff about ginkgoes. . . . Of course, I never thought you would be the one to teach me a new physical skill,” he added, miming a swimming stroke. Since arriving in Meeramu, Ty had made a point of learning to swim in a peaceful inlet of the bay. Jack had helped him, though he had to admit that Ty had caught on much more quickly than he had himself when first learning.
“Well, I never would have guessed you could teach me much of anything,” Jack countered, grinning, too. “Guess I was wrong there. If you study to enhance your skill with languages, you might even be able to teach the famous translator Bix a thing or two someday.”
Ty blushed. “I don't know about that,” he mumbled. “I'm not really the studying type.” He shrugged. “Still, I suppose it could be interesting to play around with a few new languages.”
Cragnog winked at Jack. “It's as I've always said. Learning becomes a pleasure rather than a chore when one finds a topic of interest.”
Jack nodded thoughtfully. He suspected that Ty would never find great interest in some of the topics that he himself enjoyed, such as botany or astronomy. On the other hand, Jack would never be as fascinated with languages as Ty clearly was. The two of them would never be as alike as two grains of sand. But perhaps that was what had made them such a good team.
A few minutes later, as the expedition made its final preparations, Hopper raced over to Jack and the others. “Come,” he squeaked. “We depart soon. Friends will come to see us off?”
“Of course!” Ty exclaimed as Jack and Cragnog nodded.
The three of them joined the crowd that had gathered around the port. The Compsognathus had arrived on their own legs, with little more than their shade cloths, a few containers of water, and other necessary supplies. However, they would leave Meeramu with much more—the Torosaurus cart, several Aepycamelus packed with supplies, half a dozen human and saurian scientists and explorers, and the knowledge that their oasis would be saved. The first line in the Code of Dinotopia assured it: Survival of all or none. Now that the oasis's problems had been discovered, it was only a matter of working together to solve them.
And Ty and I played a part in that, Jack thought proudly, waving as Hopper joined his comrades near the front of the line. He would miss the little Compsognathus. But he understood Hopper's desire to return to his home. Jack was already looking forward to getting back to his own home in Dribbling Spring.
Besides, he knew that he and Hopper would meet again. Now that he'd had a taste of exploration and adventure, Jack could hardly wait to see more of the world. He knew that Hopper felt the same—the little saurian had promised to visit Jack and Ty in Dribbling Spring someday soon.
The lead Compsognathus let out a sharp whistle. The caravan moved off, ambling across the scrubby plain toward the expanse of desert sand visible a short trek away.
As they reached the top of a rise, Jack saw a small, long-legged Compsognathus break out of line and turn to give one last wave. “Breathe deep, seek peace, my friends!” Hopper called to Jack and Ty.
The two boys—the two friends—replied in one voice: “Breathe deep, seek peace!”
VISIT THE EXCITING WORLD OF
IN THESE BOOKS:
Windchaser by Scott Ciencin
River Quest by John Vornholt
Hatchling by Midori Snyder
Lost City by Scott Ciencin
(TALE ONE OF THE TROODON KNIGHTS)
Sabertooth Mountain by John Vornholt
Thunder Falls by Scott Ciencin
Firestorm by Gene DeWeese
The Maze by Peter David
Rescue Party by Mark A. Garland
Sky Dance by Scott Ciencin
Chomper by Donald F. Glut
Return to Lost City by Scott Ciencin
(TALE TWO OF THE TROODON KNIGHTS)
Survive! by Brad Strickland
The Explorers by Scott Ciencin
(TALE THREE OF THE TROODON KNIGHTS)
Dolphin Watch by John Vornholt
Look for these other Dinotopia titles . . .
WINDCHASER
by Scott Ciencin
During a mutiny on a prison ship, two boys are tossed overboard and stranded together on the island of Dinotopia. Raymond, the kindhearted son of the ship's surgeon, immediately takes to this strange new world. Hugh, on the other hand, is a sly London pickpocket who swears he'll never fit in. While Raymond helps a wounded Skybax named Windchaser improve his shaky flying, Hugh hatches a sinister plan. Soon all three are forced into a dangerous adventure that will test both their courage and their friendship.
RIVER QUEST
by John Vornholt
Magnolia and Paddlefoot are the youngest pairing of human and dinosaur ever to be made Habitat Partners. Their first mission is to save Waterfall City by discovering what has made the Polongo River dry up. Along the way, the partners meet Birch and his Triceratops buddy, Rogo, who insist on joining the quest. Together, the unlikely foursome must battle the elements, and sometimes each other, as they attempt to restore the river to its former greatness.
HATCHLING
by Midori Snyder
Janet is thrilled when she is made an apprentice at the Hatchery, where dinosaur eggs are cared for. But the first time she has to tend the eggs at night, she falls asleep. When she wakes up, one of the precious eggs has a crack in it. Ashamed of her mistake, Janet runs away. On the road, she meets Kranog, a wounded hadrosaur struggling toward the abandoned city of her birth to lay her egg. In order to help, Janet will have to face her fears about both the journey ahead and herself.
LOST CITY
Tale One of The Troodon Knights
by Scott Ciencin
In search of adventure, thirteen-year-old Andrew convinces his friends Lian and Ned to explore the forbidden Lost City of Dinotopia. But the last thing they expect to discover is a group of meat-eating Troodons! For centuries, this lost tribe has lived secretly in the crumbling city. Now Andrew and his friends are trapped. They must talk the tribe into joining the rest of Dinotopia, or the Troodons may try to protect their secrets by making Andrew, Ned, and Lian citizens of the Lost City . . . for good!
SABERTOOTH MOUNTAIN
by John Vornholt
For years, sabertooth tigers have lived in the Forbidden Mountains, apart from humans and dinosaurs alike. Now an avalanche has blocked th
eir way to their source of food, and the sabertooths are divided over what to do. The only hope for a peaceful solution lies with Redstripe, a sabertooth leader, and Cai, a thirteen-year-old boy. This unlikely pair embarks on a treacherous journey out of the mountains. But they are only a few steps ahead of a human-hating sabertooth and his hungry followers—in a race that could change Dinotopia forever.
THUNDER FALLS
by Scott Ciencin
Steelgaze, a wise old dinosaur, has grown frustrated with his two young charges, Joseph and Fleetfeet. They turn everything into a contest! So Steelgaze sends them out together on a quest for a hidden prize. But someone has stolen the prize, and the two must track the thief across the rugged terrain of Dinotopia. Unfortunately, their constant competition makes progress nearly impossible. It's not until they help a shipwrecked girl named Teegan that they see the value of cooperating—and just in time, because now they must face the dangerous rapids of Waterfall City's Thunder Falls!
FIRESTORM
by Gene DeWeese
Dinotopia is in an uproar. Something is killing off Arctium longevus, the special plant that grants Dinotopians long life. As desperate citizens set fires to keep the blight under control, Olivia and Albert, along with their dinosaur partners, Hightop and Thunderfoot, race to find a solution. But Olivia is secretly determined to claim all the glory for herself. In her hurried search for answers, what important questions is she forgetting to ask?
THE MAZE
by Peter David
Long ago, Dinotopia's wisest healer, a Raptor named Odon, left society to live in a dangerous maze beneath the island. Jason, Gwen, and a witty young saurian named Booj are determined to reach him. Gwen's father suffers from a deadly disease, and Odon is their last hope for a cure. Will the three friends make it through the Maze? And even if they do, how will they ever convince the mysterious hermit to help them?
RESCUE PARTY
by Mark A. Garland
Loro is a young boy who dreams of adventure, while his stepsister Ria is happy in their hometown. Ria and their Styracosaurus friend, Trentor, can hardly keep up with Loro. When a deadly storm hits, the three friends witness a hot-air balloon heading toward the Rainy Basin. Trentor is worried about his father, a Basin trail guide. Loro convinces his friends to follow the balloon, embarking on a mission to rescue and explore. But are they walking into danger?
