by Sue Bentley
Sue Bentley’s books for children often include animals, fairies and wildlife. She lives in Northampton and enjoys reading, going to the cinema, relaxing by her garden pond and watching the birds feeding their babies on the lawn. At school she was always getting told off for daydreaming or staring out of the window – but she now realizes that she was storing up ideas for when she became a writer. She has met and owned many cats and dogs and each one has brought a special kind of magic to her life.
Sue Bentley
Cloud Capers
Illustrated by Angela Swan
PUFFIN
To Ziggy – four-squat and ugly-cute, but full of character
PUFFIN BOOKS
Published by the Penguin Group
Penguin Books Ltd, 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA
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Penguin Books Ltd, Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
puffinbooks.com
First published 2008
Text copyright © Sue Bentley, 2008
Illustrations copyright © Angela Swan, 2008
All rights reserved
The moral right of the author and illustrator has been asserted
Except in the United States of America, this book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser
978-0-14-191773-3
Prologue
The young silver-grey wolf whined with fear as a terrifying howl rose on the icy air and echoed over the dark mountain.
‘Shadow!’ Storm gasped.
The fierce lone wolf, who had killed Storm’s father and three litter brothers and wounded his mother, was very close.
There was a dazzling bright flash and a shower of gold sparks. Where the young wolf had been standing there now crouched a tiny Jack Russell puppy with soft brown-and-white fur, a white tail and midnight-blue eyes.
Storm hoped this disguise would protect him. He leapt towards a clump of snow-covered rocks, his tiny puppy heart beating fast. He must find somewhere to hide – and quickly.
‘In here, my son,’ growled a soft velvety voice.
Storm plunged deeper into the shadows and ran towards the she-wolf who was slumped beneath a rocky shelf. Yelping a greeting and wriggling his little body, he licked his mother’s muzzle.
Canista reached out a large silver paw and drew the small puppy against her thick warm fur. ‘I am glad to see that you are safe and well. But you have returned at a dangerous time. Shadow wants to lead the Moon-claw pack, but the others will not follow him while you live.’
Storm’s midnight-blue eyes flashed with anger. ‘Then perhaps it is time for me to face him!’
‘Bravely said,’ Canista growled softly. ‘But you are not yet strong enough to overcome him and I am still too weak from Shadow’s poisoned bite to help you. Use this disguise. Go to the other world and hide. Return when your magic is stronger.’ As Canista finished speaking, she gasped with pain.
‘Let me help you,’ Storm woofed, blowing out a cloud of golden sparkles. They swirled around Canista’s paw for a moment before sinking into her fur and disappearing.
Canista gave a sigh of relief as a tiny bit of her strength returned.
Suddenly, another fierce howl rang out, sounding much closer. Heavy paws scraped at the rocks and Storm could hear harsh breathing.
‘Shadow has found your scent! Go now, Storm. Save yourself!’ Canista urged.
Storm whimpered as dazzling gold sparks ignited in his short brown-and-white puppy fur and he felt the power surging through him. The gold glow around him grew brighter. And brighter…
Chapter
ONE
Jessica Tennant stood on the doorstep, clutching a bag of her favourite DVDs as she listened to her best friend’s mum in dismay.
‘I’m afraid Sheena’s in bed with a nasty cold and a sore throat. I was about to call just as you arrived. It’s a shame that your weekend’s spoiled. You’ll have to come and stay another time.’
‘Oh well, she can’t help being poorly,’ Jessica said, trying hard to hide her disappointment. ‘I’d better go then.’ She had a sudden thought and held out the bag of DVDs. ‘She can borrow these. Maybe they’ll cheer her up. Will you tell Sheena that I hope she feels better soon?’
Sheena’s mum smiled. ‘That’s really nice of you, Jessica. Sheena will probably ring you in a couple of days. Bye now.’
As the front door closed, Jessica’s shoulders slumped. She traipsed slowly back towards her parents who were waiting, parked outside in their camper van.
Mrs Tennant looked at her daughter in surprise. ‘What’s happened? Why aren’t you staying?’ she asked.
Jessica shook her head. ‘Sheena’s sick, so I can’t stay. We were going to have a film night and a midnight feast and everything. Now I don’t know what to do,’ she said miserably.
‘You’ll just have to come with us to the Balloon Festival,’ her mum said.
Jessica pulled a face. She didn’t want to go to the mega-boring old Balloon Festival with her parents. That was why she had been going to stay with Sheena in the first place. ‘Can’t I stay with Gran and Gramps?’
‘They’re on holiday, remember?’ Mrs Tennant said.
‘Well, what about Anjum?’ Jessica said. ‘Oh, no… she’s visiting her aunt. I know! I think Gemma’s at home. We could ask –’
‘Hang on, Jessica,’ her dad interrupted. ‘I’m afraid we haven’t got time to trail around all your friends’ houses on the off chance that you can stay with one of them. We have to get going. The rest of The High Flyers will already be on their way. Jump in, please.’
‘But…’ Jessica’s face fell as she realized that she didn’t have any choice. Sighing heavily, she climbed into the back and flounced down. Leaning over, she thrust her overnight bag under the seat.
‘Cheer up, Jess,’ her mum said, turning round to smile as Mr Tennant pulled the van away from the kerb and headed out of town. ‘I don’t like to see you with such a long face.’
Jessica felt so fed up, she could feel her face getting longer and longer. It would sag right on to the floor at this rate.
‘You might even have a good time. You used to think that hot-air ballooning with us was pretty exciting,’ her mum said.
‘Yeah! That was when I was little and before I knew that I seriously hated heights and found out that you had to hang around for hours when the weather’s not right for flying. Which is most of the time!’ Jessica said bitterly.
Mrs Tennant laughed. ‘You do exaggerate, Jessica Tennant! Anyway, the forecast’s pretty good for this weekend.’
Jessica wasn’t cheered by this news.
> Mr Tennant glanced at her in the driver’s mirror. ‘You should be all right at Northampton. It’s a really big festival. There’ll be all sorts of stalls and displays and funfair rides to go on,’ he said cheerily.
‘All by myself? Great,’ Jessica murmured through gritted teeth. She wished her mum and dad would stop trying to cheer her up. Nothing was going to make her feel better.
Crossing her arms, she slid down in her seat as they reached the motorway and joined the endless stream of cars and trucks. Time seemed to crawl and the next two hours felt more like two weeks.
When they eventually reached the festival, Jessica saw people everywhere, putting up stalls, erecting tents and roping off display areas. Mr Tennant parked next to a gleaming motorhome that was the size of a single-decker bus. It made their camper van look small and shabby.
‘Look at that! It’s even got its own satellite dish!’ Jessica said, impressed despite herself.
‘That’s an American model. They call those RVs. I reckon you could live in that in the middle of a desert,’ her dad said.
‘What’s an RV?’ Jessica asked.
‘A Recreational Vehicle. I’d love one of those!’ her dad said.
‘We’d have to sell the house first,’ Mrs Tennant commented drily. She got into the back of their van and began getting things out of cupboards for lunch.
‘Could you go and get some water, please, Jessica?’
Jessica picked up the container and went trudging off across the car park. She really wished Sheena was here. She was missing her loads.
As she walked past an empty marquee, at the side of the car park, Jessica spotted a girl coming towards her. The girl looked about twelve, two years older than Jessica, and she was wearing a designer T-shirt and jeans.
Jessica brightened. This looked like someone she might be able to make friends with. ‘Hi!’ she said, as she and the girl drew level. ‘Do you know where there’s a water tap?’
‘Do I look like I’d know?’ the girl snapped.
‘I suppose not,’ Jessica said, thinking that she seemed very grumpy. Maybe her parents had forced her to come with them too. ‘Are you here with a balloon club? I’m Jessica Tennant, by the way,’ she said, introducing herself.
‘I’m Gayle Young. I’m with The Cloud Racers. It’s the best club ever,’ the girl said, tossing her long brown hair over one shoulder.
‘Dad says that about The High Flyers too,’ Jessica joked. ‘That’s the club we belong to.’
‘Huh! And I’m supposed to care?’ Gayle murmured, poking at the grass with the toe of one expensive-looking trainer.
Jessica’s smile wavered, but she wasn’t easily put off. ‘I saw some fair rides and stuff on the way in. Maybe we could have a look around together?’ she suggested.
Gayle shrugged and wrinkled her nose. ‘No thanks. I’m not that keen on hanging out with younger kids. I’m already stuck with looking after Mikey – he’s my little brother. I’ve got to go now.’
Jessica flushed as Gayle sauntered past her, disappointed that she was so unfriendly. ‘Well… er… good luck in the balloon races tomorrow, anyway,’ she called.
Gayle didn’t bother to look round. ‘We don’t need luck. The Cloud Racers always win,’ she drawled.
Jessica watched the older girl trudge over to the huge RV and disappear inside it. ‘Oh gr-eat! Some weekend this is going to be!’ she said to herself.
Jessica sighed and set off again to look for water. Suddenly, there was a flash of bright golden light and a crackle of sparks from the marquee beside her.
She frowned. Jessica had briefly glanced inside as she passed and was sure she hadn’t seen anything in there. She went to check. As she had thought, there was only an upturned cardboard box and some folded chairs lying on the grass.
Then Jessica noticed the tiny brown-and-white Jack Russell puppy sitting on the box. Its fur seemed to be gleaming as if it had been sprinkled with gold dust.
‘Hello. What are you doing in there all by yourself?’ she crooned, walking slowly towards the puppy so as not to scare it.
‘I come from far away. Can you help me, please?’ the puppy woofed.
Chapter
TWO
Jessica gaped at the puppy in utter amazement. She must be more upset by Gayle’s unfriendliness than she thought. She’d just imagined that the tiny puppy had spoken to her!
‘I am Storm of the Moon-claw pack. What is your name?’ the puppy yapped, looking up at her with an intelligent expression.
‘Whoa! You can talk!’ Jessica gasped, dropping the plastic water carrier and taking a step backwards. ‘Are you part of an act or something?’
She quickly poked her head outside the tent’s entrance to see if one of the festival entertainers was outside and playing a trick on her, but there was no one there. Jessica turned back to Storm. He was really cute with his soft brown-and-white fur, tiny pointed face and the brightest midnight-blue eyes she had ever seen.
Storm sat there with his ears pricked, looking at her quizzically as if expecting an answer.
‘I’m J-Jessica Tennant,’ Jessica found herself spluttering. ‘I’m… here with my mum and dad for… for the Balloon Festival.’ She bent down and tried to make herself seem smaller so as not to alarm this amazing puppy. She still couldn’t quite believe this was happening to her and she didn’t want Storm to run away.
Storm dipped his head. ‘I am pleased to meet you, Jessica.’
‘Um… me too.’ Jessica blinked as she remembered something that Storm had just said. ‘What’s the Moon-claw pack?’
‘It is the wolf pack once led by my father and my mother,’ Storm told her proudly in a gruff little bark. ‘Shadow, the evil lone wolf, killed my father and three litter brothers and left my mother injured. He wants to lead the pack, but the others will not follow him while I am alive.’
‘Hang on! Did you say wolf? But you’re a pu–’
‘Please, stand back,’ Storm ordered, springing down from the box.
There was another blinding flash and the air fizzed with gold sparks that rained harmlessly around Jessica and sizzled on the grass.
‘Oh!’ Jessica rubbed her eyes and when she could see again she noticed that the tiny brown-and-white puppy had gone. In its place there stood a magnificent young silver-grey wolf with thick fur and huge velvety paws that seemed far too big for his body. Despite being young, the wolf had large sharp teeth and a thick neck-ruff that glittered with big golden sparkles.
Jessica looked at it warily. ‘Storm?’
‘Yes, it is me, Jessica. Do not be afraid,’ Storm growled softly.
But before Jessica had time to get used to the majestic young wolf, there was a final gold flash and Storm reappeared as a tiny helpless brown-and-white puppy.
‘Wow! You really are a wolf. That’s an amazing disguise!’ Jessica said.
Storm began to tremble all over and his slender white tail drooped. ‘It will not save me if Shadow uses his magic to find me. I need to hide now. Can you help?’ he whined.
Jessica’s heart went out to him. She picked up the terrified puppy and stroked his soft little head. ‘Of course I’ll help you. You can live with m–’ She stopped as she remembered her parents’ strict rules about pets. ‘Oh, I’m not going to be allowed to keep you. Back home, everyone’s out all day and most weekends too. Mum and Dad don’t think it’s fair to leave a pet by itself.’
‘I understand. Thank you for your kindness, Jessica. I will find someone else who can help me,’ Storm woofed politely, beginning to pad away towards the tent opening.
‘Wait!’ Jessica called out urgently. She wasn’t ready to lose her new friend so easily. Before he’d arrived she’d been miserable. ‘There must be something I can do. Maybe I could hide you in our van. Except that it’s really small and Mum and Dad are bound to find you.’ She had a sudden brainwave. ‘Could you pretend to be a toy dog? No, that wouldn’t work either, it would be too hard to stay really still and not even blink.�
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Storm looked up at her with bright midnight-blue eyes. ‘I can use my magic so that only you will be able to see and hear me.’
‘You can make yourself invisible? Cool! Then I don’t have to worry about hiding you. You can sleep with me on the sofa bed at the end of the van.’
‘I would like that very much. Thank you, Jessica,’ Storm woofed. He leaned up and she felt his wet nose brush her chin as he began licking her face.
Jessica smiled down at the little puppy. She felt her heart lighten as she cuddled Storm’s warm furry body. Her lonely boring weekend had just taken a most unexpected turn!
Chapter
THREE
Jessica and Storm sat at the table under the awning, which her dad had put up outside the camper van. The other members of The High Flyers had arrived now and they were all having lunch together.
At first Jessica couldn’t help worrying that someone else was going to be able to see Storm sitting on her lap, but when no one took any notice of him, she began to relax. After checking that she wasn’t being watched, Jessica broke off bits of her cheese roll and slipped them secretly to Storm.
The tiny puppy chomped them up eagerly and then jumped down on to the grass. His tail wagged as he nosed about, licking up every last delicious crumb and Jessica had to try her hardest not to giggle.
As soon as lunch was cleared away, Jessica’s mum and dad and the other High Flyers began unpacking the balloon and equipment from a trailer.
Jessica had seen them do this hundreds of times. She was about to suggest to Storm that they go and have a look around, but he seemed fascinated by what was happening.
‘What is that big flat coloured object lying on the grass?’ Storm woofed curiously as he gambolled around with his tongue hanging out. ‘Is it something to play with?’