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Category: Young Adult/Mystery/Crime
Description: Disappointed about not getting into summer riding school Meghan finds herself shipped off to the Emerald Pioneer Camp. There she discovers that the equestrian instructor isn't what he appears to be 'a riding expert'. A sudden fire and its consequence force Meghan out into the darkness when she is found bending over the unconscious riding instructor who accused her of starting the fire. No one believes her and she has no where to go but into the darkness of the land that surrounds Baitfish Lake and a land that once considered sacred to the Indians.
eBook Publisher: Double Dragon Publishing/Double Dragon eBooks, 2005 DDP
eBookwise Release Date: February 2005

Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [63 KB]
Words: 14542
Reading time: 41-58 min.

Meghan arrived at the camp in bright sunshine and the new buildings and well kept grounds made her parents sigh with pleasure.

"This is beautiful Meg!" her mother commented, "I know you're going to have a great time."

The camp director escorted Meghan and her parents on a tour of the whole camp, and even Meghan could see that it was cared for.

"This is your counsellor, Marion Black, a summer student from Pitfield University. She will show you your cabin. Then you can come back and say goodbye to your parents," the camp director suggested.

"You're going to like it here. I think your bunkmates will keep you on your toes," Marion said, in a friendly voice.

Meghan walked into a noise of excited shouts and into a flurry of chicken feathers filling the cabin. The minute they stepped into the room it went quiet.

"Heather, Lisa, Jody, this is Meghan Small, your new roommate. I suggest you clean up the feathers and maybe show Meghan the ropes!" Marion tried to look stern but some feathers landed on her nose as she was talking and that was it, everyone laughed, including Marion.

Meghan joined the circle and Marion left.

"We were wondering what you'd be like," Jody commented. "This is a neat place. We arrived just yesterday."

"Don't worry about Marion, she's really nice. As soon as we pick up the feathers, we'll show you the boathouse."

Meghan felt better as she waved goodbye to her mom and dad. Her parents had reminded her that Dr. Williams was coming to pick her up on the last day of camp. The last day of the congress was the same day, so that made it impossible for them to get back in time to take her home. Her new friends had already shown her the boathouse and were waiting to lead the way to the riding centre in the upper meadow.

"Do you know how to ride?" Jody asked, "I've never had a chance to learn before and I think I'm a little scared."

Meghan was probably one of the best riders of her age in the province, but she sensed it might not be a good time for them to know it.

"Well, I've ridden some. It's fun if you take it easy," she cautioned

The bell clanged to announce lunch and the girls ran down to the mess hall. The counsellors sat at the head table with the camp director. There were 12 counsellors (six girls and six boys) who were each responsible for two cabins, or eight children. The boisterous sound of happy young voices filled the air. The camp was designed for children from the ages of 10 to 13 and had been well planned. The camp director banged on the table to get everyone's attention. "Tomorrow the camp schedule starts. Your counsellor will explain the events and try to take into account any special requests, and be able to answer any of your questions or concerns."

For the first three days Meghan found herself caught up in the activities of the camp. She liked her new friends and they liked her. They spent two hours a day swimming in the lake. Each night they had a campfire, with songs and skits put on by a selected cabin. They went hiking and canoeing. She couldn't complain about the food because it was really good. At first nothing worried her. Even her disappointment about not going to the Griffen Riding Academy seemed less important. Then she discovered that something was going on!

Copyright © 2005 George W. J. Laidlaw