Sangeetha Kamath

                          CHAPTER 10           XARINGMERE CRAGG RISE  Dapper's paws skidded to a halt on the polished wooden floor, the sudden silence in the cottage screaming its lungs out. The scent of stewed tea, and a hint of woodsmoke lingered from last night's fire. The human was a glorious silhouette against the window's light, the lace curtains stirring lazily in the breeze. Hopper's words hung in the air, heavy as a dropped acorn, "Goldwynn's looking for the Locke Jewel. She thinks it's a key to something big. Papa Koala's gone, and I was gonna tell him..." The room seemed to shrink. Dapper's mouth was agape, his glassy gaze drifting to the fireplace, where cinders still glowed like dying fireflies in the ash. A half-finished cup of tea sat on the hearth, steam no longer rising from its surface. The Bears' absence was a gnawing ache. His mind stumbled, like a paw slipping on a leaf. M...

CHAPTER 9  DAPPER THE DORMOUSE  Dapper the Dormouse sniffed around the meadow, his whiskers skimming the grassy floor. He was on a mission to gather sweet treats in exchange for Papa Koala's all famous honey-oat mush. His shiny eyes scanned the underbrush, searching for the ripest berries and the most tender of dandelion roots. As he wandered through the glade, Dapper spotted clusters of plump, juicy strawberries hiding beneath the leaves and brambles of blackberries. He plucked them with his tiny paws, popping them into his tiny burlap sack. The tangy aroma almost tempted him to devour them right then and there. But these are for the Bears and my crew.  Dapper’s keen sense of smell led him to a patch of peppermint, its fragrant leaves releasing a burst of coolness in the air. He snatched an armload of sprigs and dropped them alongside the berries. It would be a great thirst quencher, if mulled he wished. While at it, he grabbed a few sprigs of Chamomile and Lavender too ...

                          CHAPTER 8               CHIPPER THE CHIPMUNK  Dusk filtered through the oak trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Chipper, the chipmunk, scurried along a hidden path, darting between bulging roots and piles of leaves, his beady eyes scanning the ground for more treasures. The forest was alive with the sounds of evening – the scampering of gophers, the hooting of owls… the distant chatter of squirrels settling in for the night. Chipper 's twitchy ears picked up every sound, his tail flicking with excitement. Acorn season was in full swing, and he was determined to stock up for the best acorn butter in the forest. He spotted a stash of fat, ripe acorns under a gregarious oak, its branches groaning in the breeze. Chipper's paws moved swiftly, scooping up the acorns, stuffing them into his sling bag. The earthy smell of the acorns filled his nose ...

                           CHAPTER 7                    HOPPER THE HARE  The forest was a merry jamboree, its heartbeat pulsing through the drowsy autumn air. Pale sunbeams filtered through the tree tops casting scattered pools of gold dimes among the underbrush.  Hopper, the Hare bounded along a mossy path, his big, curious eyes scanning the earth for edible treasures on the way. He jostled through a curtain of ferns, and there it was in the sun-drenched clearing–Wild rhubarb rising through the cluster of foliage, its ruby-red stalks tiny lanterns in the shade. He set to work, snipping the best ones, the tart scent of the juice filling the air. Hopper’s nose twitched with excitement – rhubarb season was the best! He sniffed out another patch, plucked a bunch of them and loaded his wheelbarrow. Next, he spotted a cluster of juicy mushrooms, their caps velvet...

                          CHAPTER 6            LIBRARY OF CRYPTIC CLUES  The morning sun tiptoed into the cottage, casting a warm glow on Goldwynn's sleepy face. She stretched, the blankets tangling around her like a cozy cocoon. The sunflower yellow couch seemed to smile, its plush pillows supporting her languid stretch. "It's morning," she muttered, rubbing her eyes. The clock chimed cheerfully announcing the new day. Goldwynn swung her legs off the couch, her feet finding the soft rug. A sniff drew her to the kitchen – yesterday's dinner leftovers were still appetizing. She opened the fridge, the cold air wafting out a savory greeting. Apple pie leftovers beckoned, but she opted for something heartier. The wooden counter creaked as she leaned against it, popping a slice of yesterday's herb bread into the toaster. As the toast crisped, she poked around the pantry, finding a jar of blueb...

                             CHAPTER 5       VEILED NIGHT AT THE COTTAGE  As the moon rose high above the elms, Goldwynn surrendered to the woods' mystery. Ravenous, she gave up waiting for the Bears to arrive and scavenged the kitchen. She helped herself to a medley of goodies – jars of sugared plums, pickled berries, and a chunk of savoury herb bread.  The pantry was a treasure trove, but her stomach grumbled for something more filling. She slathered a generous amount of homemade butter on the Herb bread and took hungry bites of it. The crust crackled even as and the softness melted in her mouth. "Oh my, this bread is amazing!' She tore off a chunk of bread and dipped it into the bowl of homemade walnut butter. The rhubarb tarts in the oven had cooled by now and the apple pie on the window ledge was tempting to the bone. These would do for a fine dessert. She fetched it inside and ...