An Unexpected Escapade: Myth Coast Adventure, #2

By Kandi J Wyatt

For Readers ages 9-12
A greedy poacher threatens a unicorn Daisy finds hiding among her horses. Daisy will do anything to protect the magical creature, even if it means losing her best friend.

 

The only ones who understand Daisy's struggles at school are her horses and Kajri, the unicorn that appeared out of nowhere. Kajri wants to go home, but Daisy doesn't know how to help.

 

Ana wants to help Daisy, but her parents are sick. The unicorn horn could be the key to saving them. Yet her actions could be the death of both the unicorn and her friendship with Daisy.

 

An Unexpected Escapade is a refreshing middle grade fantasy in the Myth Coast Adventures trilogy. If you like fun kid fantasy, amazing characters and realistic endings, you'll love Kandi J Wyatt's stunning continuation of the Myth Coast Adventures.

Explore An Unexpected Escapade to allow your dreams to fly!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kandi J Wyatt
• Release date: Apr 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386385400

Kandi J Wyatt

Even as a young girl, Kandi J Wyatt, had a knack for words. She loved to read them, even if it was on a shampoo bottle! By high school Kandi had learned to put words together on paper to create stories for those she loved. Nowadays, she writes for her kids, whether that's her own five or the hundreds of students she's been lucky to teach. When Kandi's not spinning words to create stories, she's using them to teach students about Spanish, life, and leadership.

Book preview

Prologue

The tinkling of the stream greeted Kajri’s ears, as it always did when she crested the hill. She descended into the little valley and lowered her head to drink, satisfying her thirst in the crystalline water. Dust motes danced in the streams of sunlight filtering through the trees. Her muzzle still damp, she moved to the nearest ray and smiled as her single pearlescent horn pierced the light. Lifting her hooves with a gentle movement, she pranced about the small clearing, soaking in the warmth of the sun and reveling in the joy that could only belong to those who made the wood their home.

Stopping suddenly, Kajri pricked her ears straight up, her attention wholly focused on a foreign sound. Was it a voice? It was as if another language flowed from female lips. With slow movements, Kajri tilted her head and flicked her ears to gather the words closer, but the language still eluded her. Just as abruptly as the first sound had arisen, another overlaid it. Kajri pinioned her ears against her skull to shut out the shrill squeal. Her body went taut, muscles gathering to flee. Turning, she tried to run, only to find her hooves no longer touched the ground. Her forelock fluttered into her eyes, and she shook her head, trying to move it aside.

24

Just as inexplicably as they’d left it, her hooves gained purchase on the forest floor, and Kajri ran, dodging trees and roots in a desperate panic. At last, the screeching finally faded into the distance. Once she was confident it wouldn’t return, Kajri slowed to a trot and then to a walk, her sides heaving. She blinked and came to a standstill as cold drops began to pelt her skin. She shivered and water dripped into her eyes. She looked around her. What had happened? Her own familiar forest had disappeared, and in its place lay a vista of rolling hills with evergreen trees. Where was she?

Chapter 1: Visitors

Ana Marie gazed out the window of her eighth-grade math class. The flag lay listless against the pole in the school yard, and a lone seagull glided through the sky above it. Mr. Behr’s voice pulled her back to the present.

Daisy, can you explain what we do next?

Ana turned to her friend with empathy. In slow, halting words, Daisy began to answer the question, but the bell interrupted her.

For homework, do pages twenty and twenty-one, problems one through fifty, odd numbered only.

A collective groan filled the room as students gathered their books and headed to their lockers. Ana played with a lock of her red hair as she waited for Daisy.

Did you bring a lunch today? Ana picked up Daisy’s pencil that had fallen on the floor.

Daisy nodded. Sometimes it was easier for her to give nonverbal answers than to put the words together.

Keep a seat for me, then. I have to go through the lunch line.

They dropped their things off in their lockers, and Daisy retrieved her lunch bag. By the time Ana made it through the lunch line, the rest of the junior high students were already eating. She slid into her spot beside Daisy.

Any- Anything good—to eat?

Ana smiled at Daisy and raised her piece of pizza. Daisy grinned back. Kristy, the cook, made a pretty good pepperoni.

The comfortable noise of thirty-six junior high students eating and chatting echoed off the Got Milk and food pyramid posters. Fall sunlight warmed the cafeteria.

How’re Ginger and Root? Ana crunched her milk carton and tossed it onto her empty plate.

Daisy’s eyes lit up. If there was one thing Daisy loved, it was her horses, and she always had an easier time speaking of them than anything else. They’re doing really good. Do you want to come over after school and ride?

Ana sighed. I wish I could, but I have volleyball practice. We won’t be out until late.

Well, th-there’s always the—the weekend.

What about Friday? Ana stood while Daisy gathered her garbage.

Daisy nodded, her dark hair hiding her face. A- and R-RWBY.

Of course! Ana smiled excitedly. She’d been looking forward to the next season of their favorite anime. Think Jaune will figure out his aura?

Daisy shook her head, laughing.  N- no I d- doubt it, but what about C- cinder?

Ana shivered. They’d better not end the season on another cliff-hanger.

***

Daisy’s mom picked her up from school and they made the drive home in silence. As soon as she stepped out of the silver Mustang, Daisy headed to the barn.

Not so fast, young lady. Her mom wagged her finger at Daisy. You’ve got math homework.

Daisy groaned. The horses were more important than any old math problem. Besides, when would she use math for equestrian work?

Nope. Not going to work. Go do your homework. I don’t want Mr. Behr calling me to say you have five assignments out. The year’s hardly begun.

With a sigh, Daisy turned and headed to the house. If only Mr. Behr wasn’t such a great teacher, she thought, then Mom wouldn’t know what work I have to do. In reality, though, all the kids loved Mr. Behr. Everyone knew he wouldn’t be teaching if he didn’t like it.

By the time Daisy had struggled through her homework, the sun had gone behind the trees to the west of the pasture. She pulled on her jacket and headed out the door, hoping for enough light for a short ride.

The rough wood felt warm to Daisy’s hand as she pulled herself up to look over the fence. She admired Ginger’s long stride as the Appaloosa trotted over to her.

Hi, girl. Daisy nuzzled her cheek against the horse’s head. I wish I could stay out here with you all the time.

Ginger threw her head back, nickering.

Okay, fine; you’re right. Daisy placed her hand on Ginger’s velvety nose. I probably would want to go inside once the rains come, but when it’s warm like this, I could stay out here forever.

Ginger turned to look out into the pasture and then back to Daisy. A smile lit up the girl’s face as she pulled herself to the top of the fence and swung onto her horse. At first they moved slowly around the field, but then Daisy clenched her knees tighter and leaned her weight forward. Ginger responded immediately, transitioning briefly through a trot and canter before surging into a gallop. Daisy inhaled deeply and sighed, her senses full of pine needles, dust, and the sunny scent of Ginger’s coat. Suddenly, Ginger shied, her gait stuttering as she leapt sideways, ears pinned back and tense fear in every muscle. Only years of reflexive synergy with her friend allowed Daisy to keep her seat.

Easy, girl, easy. Daisy called soothingly, laying her hand on Ginger’s neck, feeling her own heart’s staccato beat in her chest. What is it? Daisy squinted into the dusk and spied Root, Ana’s Appaloosa, standing with her ears pricked toward the woods. Neither of the mares spooked easily, but new experiences were frightening for them all the same. Daisy laid a hand on Ginger’s shoulder and urged her forward with a gentle squeeze of her legs. Okay, let’s check it out. Her horse’s ears swiveled back toward her, but then trained on Root’s point of interest.

With slow steps, as if Ginger didn’t want to place her hooves in a hole, she moved forward until she stood shoulder to shoulder with Root, but refused to go any further. A simple flick of her ear was the only acknowledgement Root gave Ginger’s presence. The chirp of a fruit bat searching for insects sounded above the soft roar of the ocean to the west, and Daisy felt a shiver move through her mare’s skin. 

With the sun setting and her sturdy Appaloosas spooked, Daisy wasn’t so sure about heading into the woods on her own. On the other hand, she didn’t want the horses harmed by wild animals. Over the past summer, quite a few livestock had been lost to something. Some had claimed they’d seen a dragon and it’d been responsible for the mayhem, but Daisy wasn’t sure what to believe.

With a final look into the shadows, Daisy turned in her seat, nudging her friend forward. Come on, girls. Let’s go up to the barn.

The horses remained where they were. Daisy sighed.

Come on! She tapped her heels insistently against Ginger’s flanks, but Ginger only side-stepped. Ginger, walk.

Nothing. Daisy rolled her eyes. If her horse wasn’t afraid enough to head to the barn, whatever was out there probably wouldn’t harm her. With a final sigh, Daisy dismounted and headed back to the house.

***

Kajri watched from the safety of the trees. Two creatures much like her family stood staring at her from the other side of the branches. However, they lacked the single horn protruding from their forelock. A scrawny, two-legged figure dismounted from the furthest creature. It pushed long dark hair out of its face and squinted into the trees.

Can it see me? Kajri wondered. Is it safe? Kajri stood stock still, glad for the dim light to hide in.

At last, the skinny creature turned and walked away. The two like Kajri stayed, as if they sensed her presence. Were they safe? Should she introduce herself? Indecision froze Kajri where she was. The other two creatures eventually meandered away, taking the decision from her.

***

A knock on the door drew Ana out of her phone. Who could that be?

I’ll get it, Dad. She ambled to the front door and opened it. Oh, hi, Will. How’s it going?

The young blond man glanced up at her. Okay, I guess.

Ana smiled. Here to see Dad?

Will nodded.

Ana hollered back into the house for her dad, and then turned back to Will. Come inside. Did you enjoy your summer?

Will’s face lit up, though his eyes took on a distant look. Yeah. It was good.

Earth to Will! Ana waved her hand in front of his face and caught the red that filled his cheeks. Did you find a girlfriend or something?

Will laughed. Or something. I worked for your dad most of the summer, so no girls.

What, then?

Will, what brings you by on a Friday night? Ana’s dad called companionably as he entered the room.

Ana sighed. What was Will up to? What ‘or something’ had he found? Secretly, she was glad it wasn’t a girl.

I wanted to let you know I can work after school as long as it’s light out.

Well, that’s right nice to know. That won’t last for long, though. It’ll be dark by four before we know it, but I could use the help, even if it’s just cleaning up the boat.

Ana sat down and watched the two converse. Her dad ran Carl’s Crab Shack on the waterfront in Myrtle Beach, and owned the two boats on which he rented time to ocean-loving fishermen. Will had piloted one of them for most of the summer.

Now, I know you wouldn’t bring it up, but I feel I ought to, her father said ruefully. You deserve a raise, now that you’ve got the experience, but I’m sorry to say, I’m afraid I don’t have the ability for it at the moment. Will that be all right with you?

No problem. Anything helps. And you’ve had my back a couple of times. That’s worth something, too. Will looked a little dodgy when he said it, glancing sidelong at Ana as if careful of his words in her presence.

My pleasure. I’m glad to have you whenever you can come by, her dad said cheerfully, offering his hand.

Sure. Just wanted to make sure you still needed me. I’ll be up tomorrow evening, then, Will answered, clasping hands with her father.

Thanks for coming by, Will.

Dad, I’ll let him out. Ana hopped up and ran for the door, eager for a chance to chat more with Will and maybe ferret out what he was hiding. 

Her dad smiled at her, shook his head, and went back to the kitchen to finish cleaning the fish for dinner.

So, what ‘or something’ did you meet this summer? Ana opened the door for Will.

Will hesitated and looked down at his shoes. Ana cocked her head. Will never was one for many words, but this was different.

What did you hear about the rumors this summer? Will asked when he looked up.

You mean about the fire and the government agent who wanted Dad’s boat?

Will nodded.

Well, Dad sure didn’t tell me anything! And I asked. She put her hands on her hips. Some say it was a wild animal that came into town and Fish and Wildlife was after it. I did hear someone at the market say it was a dragon. I wish! It’d be so awesome if dragons existed.

Will ran his hands along his jeans, and a seagull called overhead. I’ve got to go. See you around.

Ana stared at Will’s back as he walked down the sidewalk. He knew something about that animal, and she was determined to find out what.

***

Daisy finished the last of the dinner dishes and hurriedly swiped the washcloth over the counters. Mom, I’m done. Can- can I take care of Ginger and Root now? Waiting only long enough to hear her mom’s ’yes,’ Daisy rushed outside.

The cool air brought goose bumps to her arms, making her wish she’d grabbed a jacket. Effortlessly, she slid the barn door open and slipped into the dim interior, lit only by a single bulb. She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of alfalfa, leather, and manure. She pulled on one of the jackets hanging by the tack room and set to mucking out the stalls, removing the soiled straw and replacing it with fresh flakes from the bales nearby. Once the horses’ spaces were clean and their water buckets refreshed, she headed back outside to the pasture fence.

Ginger? Root?

Daisy frowned. Usually, the horses waited for her by the barn. The drought this summer had left little grass in the pasture, and Daisy’d resorted to supplementing the horses’ feed with hay. By the end of the day, the mares were eager for their extra food, so where were they? She squinted into the fading light, catching a glimpse of speckled white rumps down by the woods. With a shrug, she hopped the fence and moved toward them, whistling.

Once she was close enough to see the horses more clearly, she realized that instead of two horses, there were three! Daisy rubbed her eyes and looked again. Sure, enough there was a third mare, but how in the world had it entered the pasture?

G-ginger? R-root? Her voice was barely above a whisper.

None of them moved. Daisy knew enough about the creatures to not approach a strange horse lightly. Aside from the dangers it posed in itself, a herd initiating a new member could have physical confrontations as they established the new pecking order—something she would not want to be in the middle of. But she also knew that any trepidation she felt would transfer to the animals, so she took a firm grip on her own fear before she stepped forward.

Easy, girls. Who do we have here? In the dim light she recognized Ginger’s distinctive spots and laid her hand on her horse’s rump. She felt the shiver of Ginger’s skin at her touch.

Daisy moved toward Ginger’s head, running her hands firmly along her coat and keeping up a soft litany of soothing words. Feet shifted beside her, and Daisy looked up to see Root, placing her other hand on the mare’s back. That left the stranger in front of her.

At that moment, the moon