Librarian Reviewer Marci Peschke Librarian, Dallas Independent School District MA Education Reading Specialist, Stephen F. Austin State University Learning Resources Endorsement, Texas Women s University Reading Consultant Elizabeth Stedem Educator/Consultant, Colorado Springs, CO MA in Elementary Education, University of Denver, CO
Vortex Books are published by Stone Arch Books 151 Good Counsel Drive, P.O. Box 669 Mankato, Minnesota 56002 www.stonearchbooks.com Copyright 2008 by Stone Arch Books All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Welvaert, Scott R. The Mosquito King: An Agate and Buck Adventure / by Scott R. Welvaert; illustrated by Brann Garvey. p. cm. (Vortex Books) Summary: In 1898, on their way to the home of their aunt and uncle in Canada, spirit hunters Buck and Agate are called upon to face the Mosquito King, his growing army of vampire mosquitos, and their old nemesis, Coyote. ISBN-13: 978-1-59889-857-6 (library binding) ISBN-10: 1-59889-857-4 (library binding) ISBN-13: 978-1-59889-923-8 (paperback) ISBN-10: 1-59889-923-6 (paperback) [1. Supernatural Fiction. 2. Brothers and sisters Fiction. 3. Canada History 1867 1914 Fiction.] I. Garvey, Brann, ill. II. Title. PZ7.W46888Mos 2008 [Fic] dc22 2007006020 Art Director: Heather Kindseth Graphic Designer: Kay Fraser Photo Credits Karon Dubke, cover (map) Kay Fraser, cover (background images) 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 10 09 08 07 06 Printed in the United States of America
Table of Contents Chapter 1 The Fever.................................. 5 Chapter 2 Black Cells................................ 10 Chapter 3 White as Moonlight......................... 15 Chapter 4 Council of Elders........................... 22 Chapter 5 Warriors.................................. 29 Chapter 6 Agate s Flight.............................. 36 Chapter 7 A Grand Army............................. 45 Chapter 8 Stories.................................... 52 Chapter 9 Power.................................... 59 Chapter 10 A Warning................................ 66 Chapter 11 The Legends Are True....................... 72 Chapter 12 Revenge.................................. 77 Chapter 13 The Shad Ri............................... 84 Chapter 14 A Battle................................... 91 Chapter 15 Strange Dream............................. 97
- Chapter 1 - The Fever Three figures on horseback headed down a trail under a hot sun. The vast Canadian wilderness stretched out beyond them. The man and two children had been traveling for days, through thick forests and over tall hills. They had almost lost track of what day it was. The man riding in front was dressed in the bright red uniform of the Canadian Mounted Police. His name was Thomas Malloy. He turned in his saddle to look at the children, Agate and Buck McGregor, riding behind him. ( 5 )
Just over the next rise, you two, said the Mountie, we ll be able to see Adder Creek. Great, said Buck. The sixteen-year-old boy did not sound excited. I am sure that your aunt and uncle will be happy to see you, said the man. Yes, I know they will, said the girl. Agate, whispered Buck quietly to his eleven-year-old sister. What s going on? He pointed at the necklace Agate wore. It was giving off a soft blue light. Agate grabbed the stone hanging from its cord around her neck. It felt warm. Someone needs our help, said Agate. She looked at the tall evergreens surrounding them. I think it s someone close, Buck. But Uncle Alba is expecting us, said Buck. ( 6 )
His voice was louder than he meant it to be, and the Mountie turned. Did you say something? Thomas Malloy asked, smiling. No, sir, said Buck. How long will it take us to get to Adder Creek? asked Agate. The Mountie put his gloved hand up to shield his eyes and gazed up toward the sun. I d say about another hour, he said. That s too long, Agate whispered to her brother. The stone was almost burning her hand. We are needed now! Agate and Buck pulled their horses reins to slow them down. Buck hated to trick the Mountie before their father died, he had been a Mountie, too. But Agate and Buck were needed elsewhere. Quietly, while the Mountie s horse headed over the next hill, Agate and Buck turned and raced off into the forest. ( 7 )