Krakens and Lies (33 page)

Logan knew Zoe and the Kahns had given Riff a stern talking-to about spending more time with his cubs so that Nira could have a break. He was glad to hear the father griffin was making some effort.

“And thank you again for your help getting back Xiang's pearl,” Logan added.

It was no trouble. I quite enjoyed myself. Let me know if there is ever anyone else I need to glare into oblivion.

“Urm, I think we're okay for now,” Logan said. It was hard to believe, but it seemed to be true. Whatever Bob had done to the Sterlings appeared to be permanent. As for Agent Dantes, SNAPA had been profusely apologetic about not properly vetting her. The Kahns had been given funds to cover the damage to the Reptile House and enough extra that they were planning a new stable for the unicorns, too.

In fact, nearly a whole week had passed without any creatures escaping, getting kidnapped, or being accused of murder.

This, apparently, was what the Menagerie looked like at peace.

Nira spread her wings and leaped into the air.

That's going to be me soon!
Squorp cried, galloping
up and colliding with Logan's legs.
Watch! Watch this!
The golden griffin cub leaped up and hovered a few feet off the ground, flapping his wings madly.
Look at me FLY!!!

“Hey, Squorp, looking great!” Logan smiled. Squorp thumped back to the ground and wriggled excitedly.

Hey, guys! Let's play Logan is a mountain we have to climb and also a Chinese dragon for us to rescue and also there is a secret tunnel for us to find somewhere in the den!

“Hello, beautiful cubs,” Logan's mom sang out from the gate.

“Squorp, I want you to meet my mom,” Logan said. The little griffin cub clacked his beak, looking delighted.

Abigail sank to her knees next to them and gravely shook paws with each of the cubs as Logan introduced them.

“Squorp, Clink, Clonk, Yump, Flurp, and Sage.”

Logan's mom just like in picture!
Squorp pulled a photo from within his fur and feathers, as though he had a pocket hidden somewhere. The picture was of Logan and his parents and he'd given it to the cub as a treasure for him to protect. Which reminded him.

“Clink is the griffin who has been guarding your bracelet for me, Mom,” Logan said.

The black cub puffed out her chest proudly.

“Well, thank you, Clink. I'm sure you've been taking very good care of it. May I see it?” Abigail asked.

Treasure is hers?
Clink asked, giving Logan a skeptical look.

“Yes, the bracelet is very special to my mom,” Logan told her. “She leaves it with me when she travels, but she's back now.”

The black cub reluctantly pulled out the silver chain with twelve dangling charms. She hunched her shoulders as she handed it to Abigail.

“We'll find you another, even more special treasure to guard,” Logan promised.

Soon!
bellowed Clink.
Need treasure soon!

The cub stalked away muttering. She paused and cocked her head, considering Clonk's pile of fake pirate coins. Clonk came galloping over shouting at her and the cubs began to tussle. Squorp charged over to join the fight.

“Did you hear about Scratch?” Logan asked his mom.

“I did.” She glanced around, then leaned in close. “I'm going to let you in on a huge secret. Scratch isn't really going to Hawaii.”

Logan cocked his head at her.

“He's going to visit his mom.”

“What?” Logan exclaimed. “Isn't she dead?”

“Nope. She's up at the Freezer.”

Logan blinked at her, confused.

“It's our Arctic facility, buried under the ice sheet. It's where SNAPA sends all the creatures they've supposedly exterminated.” She smiled at him. “SNAPA's whole mission
in life is to protect mythical creatures. They would never kill any of them if it could be avoided. But to pacify the worried government types, they have to put on a big show and pretend to sometimes, with scary-looking Exterminators and everything. And then they take the animals up north and hide them in a highly classified facility that only the top tier at SNAPA knows about. Well, and those of us who escort the creatures there. Like me.”

“So Scratch and Lacewing will be reunited—that's amazing.”

“Yes.” Abigail smiled. “I know it will make her century. No mother wants to be away from her kids.”

Logan felt tears pricking at his eyes and he blinked rapidly. “I missed you so much, Mom.”

“I missed you, too, Logan. Every minute of every day.” She pulled him to her side. “I just kept thinking about how tight I'd hug you and how I'd tell you everything when you found me.” She fingered the charms on her bracelet, one for each of the creatures she'd tracked. “I'm so glad I get to explain each of these to you now,” she said.

“I want to hear everything, all your stories,” Logan said.

“And I'm serious about you coming with me on my next trip,” she said. “I can't think of anyone I'd rather have at my side. I hear there are rumors of a chimera in the mountains between China and Mongolia.” She quirked an eyebrow up at him in challenge.

Logan grinned at her. “So, this is our life now.”

“This is our life.” His mom beamed back at him. “Griffins, chimeras, unicorns, and an occasional yawkyawk.”

Squorp bounded over and nestled into Logan's lap. He purred happily as Logan scratched under his chin.

“I guess I don't need a dog anymore.” No pet could ever compare to Squorp.

His mom wrapped an arm around him. “You'll have to come up with something new to ask for at Christmas,” she joked. “Maybe you could figure out what hiking gear you'll need at camp next summer.”

Logan's eyes widened and his mom nodded, answering his unspoken question.

“Your father and I discussed it, and we think it's a great idea for you to go to Camp Underpaw.”

Logan's heart felt like it might burst out of his chest and give his mom, the griffins, and the whole Menagerie a giant hug. His mom was back, the Menagerie was safe, he had real friends,
great
friends, and he'd get to go to Tracker camp next summer. There was nothing else in the whole world he could possibly wish for.

He was finally home.

A Brief Overview for Trackers in Training

Y
ou've made it to Camp Underpaw—your first step on the path to becoming a Tracker!

Now, forget everything you think you know about “mythical” creatures. Being a Tracker is not about riding magical unicorns and cuddling griffin cubs. It is a dangerous career suitable only for the toughest, most committed creature hunters. It takes determination and resourcefulness, guts and brains, and all the skills you'll learn in this intensive, hands-on Tracker camp experience.

And it starts with memorizing this list of the most notable and notorious creatures you're likely to encounter out in the
world. Look it over and think carefully . . . is this really the right future for you? Are you ready to face venomous teeth and razor-sharp claws and kraken ink?

If so—welcome to Camp Underpaw!

REMEMBER THESE CREATURES

ALICANTO

Most commonly found in Chile, these birds are easily recognized by their wings, which shimmer and clatter as if they were made of gold and silver. Their primary food source is metal, with a strong preference for gold and silver, but in captivity alicantos are usually fed lesser metals and often survive on a diet of pennies. Search for these birds along waterways and high in the mountains near precious metal mines. You will know you are getting close when you hear a sound like raining coins. Protective earplugs highly recommended.

ANT-LION

A small insect with the body of an ant and the head of a lion. Very aggressive and territorial, but can be mollified with food (other
insects, crumbs, scraps of meat, etc.). Wear thick boots and be careful where you step when tracking these tiny, ferocious biters.

BAKU

A big, gentle, nocturnal creature resembling a tapir. Native to Japan, bakus eat dreams, particularly nightmares. Usually found near humans and can sometimes be summoned after especially vivid dreams.

BASILISK

A deadly, venomous giant lizard; its gaze kills anyone who looks at it. Do not underestimate the threat of these creatures; bring backup and a mirror if you must track one.
The crow of a rooster will put the basilisk to sleep, but only a weasel can kill it.

BONNACON

A giant, vicious creature shaped like a bull with a mane like a horse, horns that curve backward, and fiery dung. Extremely easy to track by its excretions, but approach with caution. Bring nose plugs and a fire extinguisher.

CALADRIUS

A pure-white bird roughly the size of a gull. It is known for being able to discern whether someone is telling the truth or lying.

CHIMERA

A creature that is part lion, part goat, and part snake (and all dangerous); beware its ability to breathe fire.