thirteen

Rowan Gnome was out on a rock in the middle of Sheepskerry Bay with a very ill fairy who had to get to safety. If he plunged into the water with Clara, she might be too weak to get to shore. If he left her there to get help, something terrible might happen before anyone could come to her aid.

“Go, Rowan,” said Clara in a low voice. “Leave me here and get some help. It’s all you can do. Oh, and your race—”

“That’s not important now,” said Rowan. “I’m not leaving your side.”

The dolphin pod circled around them. Speedy nuzzled Rowan with her nose. “Not now, Speedy!” said Rowan. “Clara already helped you. She needs help now.”

Speedy tried again. This time, she made a little nickering noise. The other dolphins joined in.

“What is it, dolphins?” said Rowan. “What do you want?”

Then all at once it was clear to him. Come ride on our backs, they seemed to say. Clara helped us. Now we’ll help Clara.

In a moment, the strongest mother dolphin circled the rock where Clara lay. Rowan climbed onto the dolphin’s back and pulled Clara tight behind him.

He paused for a moment. “Will you be all right?” he asked.

This time, she could barely say the words. “I’ll be fine.”

“Then hold on tight!” he said. “Let’s go!”

And through the water they glided toward Sheepskerry.