The Land of Snow. Skye Waters

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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 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?

      â€œJust 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.

      At last the dogs pulled up. Half recognising a patch of long grass poking through the snow, Ella thought they might be back where they‧d started. The six dogs stood there with ears pricked forward, sides heaving and steam coming from their panting mouths. After a long silence Acer spoke. “Whenever we pull the sled on land, we need the command to go free.”

      â€œOh!” Ella blushed. “Sorry! Of course you can go free.”

      At once the harnesses fell away and the dogs rolled in the snow. Blue was playfully waving his paws in the air, flashing his white tummy as he rolled on his back.

      After a little rest, Acer called everyone to order with a sharp bark. Honey stood by his side and when Bandit tried to edge her out, Acer gave a low growl. Bandit stopped pushing Honey and stepped back.

      â€œThat was fantastic. Thank you,” said Ella, addressing Acer.

      â€œSo,” he answered, thoughtfully pawing a groove in the snow. “Will you help us? Do you accept the challenge of leading the Starlight Snowdogs?”

      Images of the snow-covered land and the animals that lived there flashed through Ella‧s mind. It was the most wonderful place she‧d ever visited. Ella knew she must do everything she could to help it stay that way. Suddenly she was aware of six pairs of eyes watching her. Looking up, she saw that Blue‧s were the keenest. Ella smiled at him and he ever so slightly cocked his head in return.

      â€œYes, please,” said Ella, beaming. Then she added eagerly, “What do I have to do first?”

      Acer barked his approval, and the other dogs joined in until he silenced them with a growl. Pushing his nose into Ella‧s gloved hand, Acer said, “That‧s enough for today. The Starlight Snowdogs will howl when we need you next. Blue will hear them and he‧ll transport you here. Blue and his magic snowflake collar are your links to us.”

      Reaching out, Ella stroked Blue‧s dark head. So she‧d been right! There was a special bond between her and the dog. But why had she, Ella Edwards, been chosen to be their new leader when she lived thousands of miles away from their land? There were so many questions Ella wanted to ask.

      Acer‧s voice cut gently into her thoughts. “It‧s time to go home,” he said.

      Ella sighed, the questions would have to wait. Blue was already in place in the harness. Remembering her terrifying yet strangely wonderful journey to the Arctic, Ella gripped the sled‧s sides as Blue began to run across the snow. Acer, Honey, Bandit, Coda and Inca ran alongside, howling and waving their tails. Ella‧s

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