The Land of Snow. Skye Waters

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.

      â€œUrrrr,” 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.”

      â€œI can‧t,” Ella answered.

      â€œPlease 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.

      â€œDid you hurt yourself?”

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

      â€œI‧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!

      â€œI don‧t understand. Who are you?” she asked, self-consciously.

      â€œIt‧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.

      â€œThe magic here makes me bigger and stronger,” said the husky.

      â€œMagic!” 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.

      â€œHello.” 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.

      â€œI‧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.”

      â€œHello,” 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.

      â€œThe 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.”

      â€œWhat 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.”

      â€œThat sounds hard,” said Ella.

      â€œIt 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.

      â€œWhat sort of strengths?” she asked curiously.

      â€œYou 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?

      â€œTrust 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.”

      â€œThank 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.

      â€œThink 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?

      â€œWell done,” said Acer, pawing the snow.

      Ella beamed and climbed aboard, leaning comfortably against