Read Uncanny Tales of Crush and Pound Annual 1 Page 4

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  On the far shore, Noel and Jess climbed out of the cold water and into the thick mass of weeds that lined the river bank. Since she was the fastest swimmer, Red Doe was waiting patiently there for them, drip drying and munching on the tall grass. Crush was the last to emerge from the waterway, and he shook off the loose drops of water before kneeling down to check on Noel.

  “Are you hurt?” he asked the boy in a whisper. Afraid to make a sound, Noel shook his head in answer. “Good. Now listen, I’m going to escort you home now, and then I’ll have to go back up the trail and face those fanged mutants alone.”

  “I can help,” Noel offered. “You can’t do this alone.”

  “I won’t be alone,” said Crush as he stroked Red Doe’s mane. “Tell me, do you still have that horseshoe handy?”

  “Sure,” Noel replied and reached into his pocket. “Here it is.”

  “Can I have it?” he asked with his hand out. Noel placed it into his hand without question.

  “I suppose you want to know where Jess found it. She was digging in the dirt at the end of the trail nearest to Faith Rock,” Noel responded with a hint of guilt. “When she pulled it out of the ground, I felt the earth move and heard the trees shake.” Crush did not like the sound of that, and he was certain that the horseshoe was more than it appeared. Noel paused for a moment with his head down before continuing. “She didn’t mean to start something like this. Honest.” Crush knew that Noel was not only referring to Jess’ actions, but he was also taking on some responsibility for the events that had transpired.

  “Everything’s going to be fine. Trust me,” reassured Crush, and they began the walk back into town.