Prologue

DEZADEASH RIVER TRAIL

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Haines Junction, Canada

July 17, 2009

Maya's feet were super tired and achy. She couldn't believe her parents wanted to walk so much on their camping trip. She thought they were going to make yummy s'mores and tell fun stories around the campfire, not hike forever and ever.

"Mom, Dad, can we take a break?" Maya called out. "I'm tired, and my feet are killing me!"

But her parents were way ahead, and they didn't seem to hear her. Maya pouted, kicking a rock off the trail. This whole trip was turning out to be a big disappointment.

Just then, a shimmery blue butterfly fluttered by, catching Maya's eye. It was so pretty, like a floating piece of the sky. Maya's face broke into a big smile. She glanced at her parents, but they had already turned a corner on the path. Maya figured they wouldn't mind if she chased the butterfly for just a quick minute.

Maya followed the butterfly, giggling as it fluttered just out of reach. She was so busy playing that she didn't notice how far she had wandered from the trail. When she finally looked around, she couldn't see the path anymore.

A shivery, icky feeling crept over her. Maya turned in circles, trying to remember which way she had come from, but all the trees looked tall, dark, and kind of scary. The shadows stretched out like long, bony fingers.

"Mom? Dad?" Maya called out, her voice shaky. "Where are you?"

No one answered. Maya's bottom lip trembled, and hot tears started to roll down her cheeks. She was lost, really lost, and she didn't know what to do.

Maya started to run, crashing through the poky bushes and stumbling over the bumpy ground. She just wanted to find her parents and feel safe again. But then, her foot caught on a big, twisty tree root, and she fell hard, scraping her hands and knees She stayed there on the ground, crying and sniffling, her skin stinging from the cuts. But suddenly, she heard a sound that made her body go stiff. It sounded like footsteps, but not the kind people make.

Maya looked up, her eyes growing wide, as a weird creature stepped out from behind a big tree trunk. It looked sort of like a kid, but not like any kid Maya had ever seen before. He was covered in thick, dark fur from head to toe, and his face was a funny mix of human and animal features.

For a moment, they just stared at each other. Maya's heart raced, and she wondered if the creature was going to eat her. But then she realized he was as scared as she was. Wiping her tears with the back of her hand, she said, "My name is Maya."

"Kael," he growled.

Her forehead wrinkled. "Kale's a vegetable."

"I can take you back to your people." Kael reached out his hand, slowly and carefully, like he was trying not to frighten her. Maya hesitated, biting her lip. But something about the creature's eyes, big and gentle, made her feel like she could trust him.

She reached out, her small hand shaking, and took the creature's hand. It felt warm and soft, not scary at all. The furry child smiled at her, and Maya couldn't help but smile back.

Together, they walked through the forest, the creature leading the way. Maya was amazed at how easily he moved through the thick bushes and over the big rocks, like he knew the woods like the back of his hand.

"Do you live here?"

He nodded.

"With your family?"

"With my tribe, but it's a secret."

"Why?" she asked.

Kael shrugged. "It just is."

And then, just when Maya thought they might be lost forever, they stepped out onto the trail. Kael dropped her hand. He seemed to want to say something else, but Maya heard her parents calling her name.

"Mom, Dad, over here!" she yelled, turning in their direction.

"Maya!" Their voices were high and panicked.

Maya turned back to thank Kael, but he was already gone, disappeared back into the trees like he had never been there at all.