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  “This is going to take ages,” grunted Cai.

  “We need something sharper,” Antonia agreed.

  She concentrated on one square of the net at a time, hooking the stone under it, then sawing upwards. She didn’t think she would harm the turtle’s thick brown shell, but she was careful not to scratch it or to nick his leathery limbs. Very slowly the netting began to fall away and as the turtle found he could move, he panicked, thrashing his flippers and long tail. Antonia sawed faster, worried that he might hurt himself.

  Cut the net, she urged, as if the stone could hear her thoughts. The turtle lashed out, almost knocking it from Antonia’s hand. She stumbled, then recovering her balance, stood with her feet further apart. In her mind she imagined the stone cutting through the rope as easily as if it was butter.

  Suddenly, a warm feeling spread down Antonia’s hand and into her fingers. The stone grew almost too hot to hold. Antonia’s grey-green eyes widened. What was happening? She usually had this sensation when she was healing an injured animal. Fingers tingling, she pressed the stone against the net.

  Cut, she thought.

  Immediately the stone slid through the rope. Antonia tackled a new section of net. Again the stone cut through it with ease. With growing excitement, Antonia worked faster. She was vaguely aware of Cai watching her, his face a mixture of amazement and pride. Soon only the turtle’s hind flippers and tail were caught in the net. He tried to swim away, dragging the net behind him.

  “Steady,” soothed Cai. Gently he laid a hand on the turtle’s head. “Don’t panic. You’ll soon be free.”

  His calm manner worked like a dream. The turtle stopped struggling and turned his head to watch Cai with one oval-shaped eye. As the last piece of rope fell away, Antonia stood back, pushing the hair out of her eyes with a relieved sigh.

  “We did it!” she exclaimed.

  The tingly sensation had faded, leaving her hands as limp as washed-up seaweed. She watched the turtle strike out for freedom. He swam gracefully, his scaly neck outstretched as he propelled himself forward.

  “Well done!” Cai turned to Antonia, eyes shining. “That was so cool. I never knew you could do that.”

  “Me neither,” Antonia confessed. Longingly, she looked at the beach. It was so tempting to go and sit on the soft golden sand. She felt completely drained now the rescue was over.

  “You can see the hotel from here,” said Cai. “It really spoils the view. Hey! Look over there…” His voice suddenly rose with excitement as a large lizard-like creature scuttled across the beach and disappeared behind the trees.

  “What was that?” Antonia was glad she was safely in the sea.

  “I think it was a goanna. They’re a type of lizard common in Australia. They eat baby turtles.” Cai started to go after it.

  “I like turtles much better than goannas,” said Antonia with feeling. “They’re incredible and so dignified. Cai, where are you going? Diamond’s waiting for us.”

  Cai stopped splashing towards the shore and turned back with a guilty grin. “Whoops! I almost forgot.”

  Antonia laughed then suddenly feeling vibrations in the shallow water, she spun round.

  “More dolphins! I bet they’re from Diamond’s pod.” She pointed to a small group of dolphins hovering out at sea.

  “Wicked!” exclaimed Cai. “Let’s go say hello.”

  Antonia counted five dolphins. There was Diamond, swimming a little apart from the rest of the group, two other adults and two younger dolphins. The littlest one was a bit larger than Bubbles and Antonia momentarily felt a flash of homesickness as she remembered her favourite dolphin friend.

  The dolphins whistled a greeting as Antonia and Cai swam over. Diamond opened her mouth and clicked a laugh.

  “Everyone’s so excited. You’re our first Silver Dolphins.”

  “Hello,” clicked Antonia.

  Diamond swam forwards and, dipping her elegant head, greeted Antonia and Cai with a friendly nose rub.

  “Welcome to Blue Reef Bay,” she whistled. “There wasn’t time to say it before, but it’s an honour to have you here.”

  Chapter Four

  Diamond had brought her closest family to meet the Silver Dolphins.

  “This is my sister, Beauty, and her husband, Blaze,” she clicked.

  The two adult dolphins dipped their silver grey heads. “And their children, Jet and Swirl.”

  The younger dolphins swam forward and high-fived Antonia and Cai with a fin.

  “Can we play with the Silver Dolphins?” Jet asked.

  “Please, Aunty Diamond?” squeaked Swirl.

  Diamond clicked a laugh. “If the Silver Dolphins want to,” she replied.

  “We’d love to,” clicked Antonia.

  “Bubbly!” Swirl smacked her tail in the water.

  Beauty and Blaze had lots of questions to ask the Silver Dolphins first, and Antonia was conscious of Jet and Swirl impatiently bobbing in the water as she and Cai answered them. At last the adults swam away.

  “Thank goodness,” clicked Jet impatiently. “Let’s play Sprat. I’ll be it. It’s a two-wave head start.”

  Swirl and Cai immediately dived under the water, leaving Antonia on her own. When they played Sprat with Bubbles and Dream, they always gave each other a three-wave head start.

  “Two waves,” whistled Jet, smacking his tail on the water. “Ready or not, I’m coming!”

  Quickly, Antonia dived into the crystal clear ocean. Beneath her the sandy seabed stretched for miles. There was nowhere to hide yet Cai and Swirl had completely disappeared. A bubble of panic rose in Antonia’s chest. Where were they?

  She could feel Jet swimming after her, his vibrations growing stronger as he closed the distance between them. Antonia was fast in the water, but today she felt like she was swimming in syrup. It was a struggle to go anywhere. She kicked her tail-like legs, forcing her body on. Then something butted against her foot.

  “Sprat!” clicked Jet triumphantly. “You’re it.”

  Deftly, he somersaulted and swam in the opposite direction, leaving Antonia wondering how she’d been caught so easily. She turned slowly, like a cumbersome ocean liner, and gave chase. Jet was way ahead, a silver-grey missile hurtling through the sea. Antonia hurried after him, but her limbs felt so clumsy that the effort of swimming made them ache.

  She wished she hadn’t agreed to play Sprat. All she really wanted to do was to lie in the shade and sleep. Her eyes drooped at the thought and she jerked them open. What was happening to her? Why did she feel like this?

  I’m being a wuss! she thought and with a wry smile Antonia forced herself on. She was determined to make a good impression on Jet and Swirl so they would want to play with her again.

  After swimming for a while, Antonia saw a dark cluster of rocks ahead. It had to be where everyone was hiding. Silently, she swam closer, and when she was a tail’s length away, three shapes broke cover and swam in the opposite direction.

  Squeaking with surprise, Antonia paddled after Cai, but for once she couldn’t catch him. The gap between them was widening when a shoal of exotic fish flittered past. Cai hesitated, staring at the fish in delight. Taking advantage of his momentary loss of concentration, Antonia surged forward and tagged him on the hand.

  “Sprat!” she panted.

  “Aw!” squeaked Cai. “Not fair! I got distracted.”

  “Tough!” said Antonia heartlessly.

  She swam away from Cai, but her limbs felt like lead and it was a relief when Jet called an end to the game with a massive water fight. Jet was even more skilful at water fights than Bubbles. He was excellent at breaching—launching himself out of the water then crashing back down to cause a colossal splash.

  “That’s so cool!” said Cai, his eyes shining. “Will you teach me how to breach?”

  “It’s easy,” clicked Jet. “I’ll show you now if you like.”

  “Not today. We’d better get back before we’re missed.” Antonia hoped she didn�
�t sound like a spoilsport and was relieved when Cai agreed with her.

  “You’re right. Dad’s expecting to meet us by the pool.”

  “Next time then,” said Jet, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Then we’ll have a water fight. You and me against the girls.”

  “I want to learn breaching too,” clicked Antonia indignantly.

  “Don’t worry,” said Swirl. “I’ll teach you.”

  “Thanks, Swirl.” Antonia rubbed noses with her new friend, then she rubbed noses with Jet while Cai and Swirl said goodbye.

  “See you soon, Silver Dolphins.”

  Jet and Swirl swam out to sea, their silver grey bodies glittering in the sun.

  “Let’s find Dad,” said Cai when the dolphins were tiny specks in the distance. “I can’t wait to try out the hotel pools. One of them has a wicked water slide.”

  “Sounds fun,” panted Antonia.

  “Are you all right?” Cai slowed to wait for her to catch up.

  “I’m fine. I just feel really tired.”

  “Jet lag,” said Cai knowingly. “It happens when you fly across different time zones. Your body has difficulty working it out and it makes you feel tired all the time.”

  “How come you haven’t got it then?”

  “I am a bit tired,” Cai admitted. “But some people get jet lag worse than others.”

  They swam ashore in silence. As they rose out of the sea, the water poured off them like a waterfall, leaving their clothes completely dry. The only sign that they’d been swimming was their slightly damp hair, but that soon dried in the hot Australian sun. Antonia pulled at a thin strand of seaweed caught on her T-shirt and tossed it back into the sea.

  “We’ve come ashore in the wrong place,” said Cai. “Our shoes are over that way.”

  They walked in the surf, enjoying the feel of the warm water splashing around their ankles.

  “Look at that,” said Antonia crossly. She stooped to pick up an empty drinks can bobbing towards the beach.

  “Stop! Don’t touch that!”

  A tall man wearing swimming trunks and mirrored sunglasses shouted at Antonia and began to make his way over towards them.

  Chapter Five

  A tiny wave pushed the drinks can on to the sand, then another wave pulled it back into the sea. Antonia’s face flamed with embarrassment as she watched it. Why was the man so angry? She hadn’t thrown the can away!

  The man ran towards her, stopping by the can. He pushed the sunglasses on to the top of his head and smiled.

  “G’day,” he drawled in a strong Australian accent. “Sorry, didn’t mean to shout at you. You’re not local, are you?”

  “We’re from England,” said Antonia, conscious of her own accent.

  “Cool! You’re on holiday then?”

  “Yes.” Antonia was guarded, knowing she wasn’t supposed to talk to strangers, no matter how friendly they sounded.

  “You’ve gotta be real careful about picking up things on the beach. Cans especially make a great home for the blue ring octopus. It’s a pretty little thing, but deadly. One bite from a blue ring contains enough poison to kill you.”

  “Oh!” Antonia jumped away from the can as if it might suddenly bite her.

  The man banged his hand against his forehead. “Now I’ve scared you. Just be careful, that’s all. Best if you leave litter picking to the clear-up team. They’re on the beach every day.”

  He stooped down and gingerly picked up the can. “Empty,” he said, peering inside. “But you never know. Have a good day.”

  Saluting them with his free hand, he walked away, taking the empty can with him.

  Antonia stared at Cai in alarm. “No litter picking,” she said weakly.

  “Absolutely not,” agreed Cai. “Maybe we ought to get some of those beach shoes. The ones you can wear in the sea.”

  “Maybe,” said Antonia. “But our Silver Dolphin magic will protect us when we’re in the water.”

  “Only if we’re answering a call,” said Cai.

  “Good point,” said Antonia, hurrying for her sandals and putting them on in double quick time.

  They found Cai’s dad lounging on a sunbed by the side of the largest pool. “Did you have fun exploring?” he asked.

  “We did—it’s a great place. The beach is fantastic,” said Cai.

  Mr Pacific sat up. “You went on the beach? I thought you were exploring the hotel facilities. I should have told you not to go in the sea without me or your mother.”

  “We won’t,” said Antonia guiltily, crossing her fingers behind her back. Going in the sea to answer the dolphin’s call didn’t count, but she still felt bad deceiving Mr Pacific.

  “Who’s for a swim in the pool then?” said Mr Pacific.

  “Me!” Cai shouted, pulling off his clothes to reveal a baggy pair of swimming trunks.

  Yawning, Antonia sat down on a free sun lounger shaded by a colourful sun umbrella.

  “No thanks. I’ll sit here and watch.”

  “Will you be all right on your own?” Cai looked concerned.

  “I’m fine.” Antonia knew she sounded wimpy, but couldn’t help it. She didn’t have the energy to swim. “Have fun.”

  The pool had a water slide and Cai and his dad took turns seeing who could make the biggest splash sliding into the water.

  It was very hot. Antonia watched them longingly, wishing she had the energy to join in, but it was a struggle to keep her eyes open. She hoped it was the jet lag that had sapped her energy and not overusing her magical powers. The way they’d allowed her to cut the net from the turtle was unreal! Eventually she gave in to her sleepiness, the sounds of the pool fading as she dozed off.

  Much later she woke with a dry throat and a buzzing sound in her ear. Sitting up too quickly, Antonia was overcome with dizziness and gripped the arms of the sun lounger. What was that noise? Was Diamond about to call? Unsteadily she let go of the sun lounger to touch her charm. It felt silky soft, like a real dolphin, but it wasn’t vibrating.

  She scanned the pool and saw Cai being pushed round by his dad on an inflatable lilo. He was laughing and splashing his dad with both hands. His silver dolphin charm, pinned to his swimming trunks, sparkled in the sunlight. It couldn’t be calling to Cai or he would have made an excuse to leave the pool.

  Antonia relaxed. The buzz in her ear was quieter now. She must have got water in it. She rubbed it until eventually the noise stopped. The pool looked cool and inviting. Antonia stood up, meaning to join Cai, but she still felt dizzy so she sank back on to the sun lounger. This was horrible. Hopefully, after an early night, she’d be back to her old self tomorrow.

  Dinner was later than Antonia was used to. The outdoor restaurant was wonderful and the family was given a table overlooking the beach. It was incredible watching the sun slip slowly into the ocean. For some reason Antonia didn’t feel hungry. She nibbled at her food, wishing she had more of an appetite, especially when the waitress brought out enormous ice-cream sundaes topped with a mountain of frothy cream, whole strawberries and strawberry sauce.

  “I was going to suggest a walk along the beach after dinner, but Antonia looks half asleep,” said Mrs Pacific.

  Antonia sat up. “I’d love a walk,” she said.

  “Are you sure? I expect you’re still tired from the flight.”

  “I am, but I’d still like a walk.”

  The jet lag hadn’t affected Cai who had bags of energy. Antonia was frustrated with herself, but there was nothing she could do about it. She was very grateful when Mrs Pacific insisted on only taking a short walk. Back at the apartment Antonia left her clothes on a chair and crawled into bed. Tomorrow she would feel better. They were visiting a crocodile park after breakfast. Antonia had never seen crocodiles in real life and couldn’t wait.

  Someone was shaking Antonia and trying to pull the duvet from her. She clung to it, pulling it over her head.

  “Antonia, wake up. Diamond needs us.”

  Antonia�
�s eyes snapped open as she sat bolt upright. The room was in semi-darkness and she could just make out Cai standing by the side of her bed. He was dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. With a start, Antonia realised that her silver dolphin charm was thrashing against her neck. Suddenly, it gave out a shrill whistle.

  Silver Dolphin, come quickly.

  Diamond’s voice was hard to hear, as if she was calling from far away.

  Diamond, I hear your call, Antonia answered in her head.

  She leapt out of bed and reached for her clothes.

  “I’ll wait outside,” said Cai. “Hurry up. I’ve been trying to wake you for ages.”

  Antonia pulled on her clothes, wondering why she hadn’t heard Diamond’s call. As her powers had grown stronger, she had developed telepathy with the dolphins and could sense when she was needed before her charm told her. This sixth sense was even strong enough to wake her when she was sleeping. So why not now?

  Uneasily, Antonia picked up her sandals and crept silently from her room. She sat with Cai on the front-door step and they both put on their sandals.

  “What time is it?” Antonia whispered.

  “Ten to five,” Cai whispered back. “Are you ready?”

  Antonia nodded and Cai led the way along the road to the flight of steps at the end. They took the steps as fast as was safe in the half-light. The beach stretched before them, vast and empty. Leaving their shoes at the bottom of the steps, Antonia and Cai sprinted to the sea. Antonia breathed deeply, inhaling the fresh salty air as she splashed into the water. It was pleasantly warm and her legs melded together the instant she pushed off from the seabed.

  Silver Dolphin, we need you.

  Diamond’s voice was faint, but there was no mistaking the urgency of her call.

  I’m on my way, Antonia answered.

  Diamond sounded like she was miles away. Antonia struck out, skimming in and out of the water, anxious to reach her.

  Chapter Six