Snakeamander continued,

Chapter 4 

I’m ready to sprint but there is only the back of the cave facing me. The brown glow on the egg and I notice that it is covered in tiny spots of silver. But were cornered! It’s then that Freddy starts talking, in a low, smoothing voice. ‘’It’s Ok’’, he whispered, taking a big step forwards. I can hear he’s trying to sound calm and hide his fear. 

The snakeamander hisses and tilts its head to one side. Its milky-blue eyes are focused on us both. ‘’We’re not going to danger you and your egg. We’ll protect you.’’ Freddy holds out his arms with his hand open to show that he is not dangerous. They both stand and stare at each other. The snakeamander seems to be listening. It gives a low hiss; the wings on its back flap. I think, it’s working. Freddy is talking to the snakeamander and it’s working.

‘’We’re leaving now,’’ says Freddy, stepping to one side and together we walk past the snakeamander. Its eyes hold mine and in them I see the depths of the ocean, the crush of the waves and the glitter of so many tiny, red dots of life. It puffs its hood, closes its mouth and steps back as we pass by, safe at last.

Outside, I take a deep breath and sigh with joy. Inside, we hear the snakeamander walk towards its nest and the sound of it setting down to keep its precious egg warm and safe.

The dancing mist disappeared. A bright moon eyes at the beach and stars stud the dark shy, their reflections sparkle the sea. All is still. We walk back towards the pier and talk. No one must find the cave! Or else the snakeamander and its little egg will be in danger. Freddy talks scardly about what we need to do. He is full of ideas -pretend there has been a rock fall and report it to the council. Get more signs up, banning people from that end of the beach as the cliffs are dangerous. I listen as he speaks at an hour every second pace, his face is determined and forceful. 

By the time we are walking through the sand, it is hot. The sun edges over the buildings. It casts shadows across the sand. Honey-go-Lucky is putting out a few deckchairs as it looks as if it might be a lovely day for once. He looks at us with dead eyes. Johnny’s ice cream shop is opening and he is making ice cream. 

I mess with my keys and shove the door open. Inside, it is freezing. Soon it will be busy. As I open the door to my office, my mind races. Will the snakeamander’s egg hatch safely?

That evening, we talk. Our adventure is not over. It has just begun.