RETURN TO THRAE
by
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Suddenly, the pool became still. Dr. Bucci called for Laney but she had disappeared. He went to get the other members of the staff. This was one skill none of them knew she had. Laney transformed back into her mermaid shape. The water around her was a pale peach color, and it was much warmer than earlier. It was much deeper too, so deep that she could barely see the bottom. At the bottom were what looked like pillars and statues, but she figured she had to be mistaken. The bottom of the pool was white tile, and at its deepest point it was ten feet. She thought she was seeing things, that swimming so fast had made her a little light-headed. She lifted her head above water to ask Dr. Bucci what time she had made; she was excited about what might have been her new speed record. Racing added a whole new area of promise.
When she raised her head she saw an enormous crystal dome about three hundred yards away. She couldn't make out what was inside it. It looked like cubicles made of glass of different colors, but she wasn't sure. She debated whether or not to swim closer when suddenly a wave overtook her and forced her downward. The water surged around her and she tumbled down, tossed like a toy boat from side to side. Finally she regained control and found herself several feet below the surface. She opened her eyes and couldn't see very much since the water around her had become murky. Suddenly a figure appeared coming toward her. It looked like a large fish – maybe six feet long. She swam rapidly toward the surface, but the fish was getting closer and closer. She made it to the surface and was about to scream when the fish surfaced, too. It was not a fish at all, but a mer-man! "Come with me," he said to her. "I'll take you where it's safe." Laney shook her head, not having given it any thought. She looked ahead at the dome again. Suddenly she remembered – the dome in hypnosis! Could it possibly be? "Laney," said the mer-man. "I'm a friend of yours from a long time ago. I can't explain now, except to say that you're not safe here. Come with me." Suddenly Laney remembered the dome she saw during her hypnosis. She believed him. She knew she was on Thrae. Okay, she thought. I know where I am now.
"We'll swim over to that life-space. We'll be able to talk there," he said. They swam quietly together. Laney noticed that there was nothing else around but the dome – rather, the life-space. She looked down into the water again. There were more pillars and statues, but she still couldn't make out any detail. In fact, it was harder to see. The water was getting deeper, not more shallow. She looked at her companion. Unlike her, his scales were a grayish-blue and his tail fin wasn't as wide as hers, yet he was able to swim right along with her. She wondered if she had developed differently because she had spent so much time on Earth. When they got within a few feet of the life-space, she could see that a small section of the bottom of it was open and the rest was crystal. Her companion swam right through the opening and waved for Laney to do the same. When she got through, he was standing with his hand extended down to her. He helped her onto the platform. As soon as she got out of the water she looked around. There were different-colored glass cubicles around her, each one about twelve feet by twelve feet. There were people – or at least they looked like people – inside the cubicles looking out their windows into the water. Some people were looking at computer terminals; others were holding compasses and other instruments. "Are they people or are they from Thrae?" she asked her companion. "People from Thrae are people, but we call ourselves Thraeans," he replied. "My name is Ostagus, I've been a friend of yours, your family, since before you were born. I was one of the ones who helped you get to Earth." "How?" "The same way you got back here." "Thanks. That explains everything." "I'll explain, I promise. There are a few of us up here who have a lot of explaining to do." Finally, thought Laney, things may begin to make sense.
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About the Book
Would you trust a young teen to save your world? Can a young teen trust herself to save your world?
Imagine finding out you have a family from a different planet, and they and their planet are in danger. In "Return to Thrae," Judith Galardi has devised a story of many things: relationships, trust – in yourself and others—, getting up after defeat, all wrapped up in a nearly fourteen year old girl called Laney, and her friends, family, and yes, even her enemies. From the depths of the sea to beyond our galaxy, Laney reaches Thrae to find the Thraeans in danger of extinction by the evil Garnots. Becoming a mermaid starts her return to Thrae, as she risks her life to save Thrae and the Thraeans. Laney uses her youthful ingenuity, senses of hope and humor, extraordinary powers and mystifying courage to take on a sensitive and breathtaking adventure. Come along and find heroism in unlikely places and unlikely times. Relax and get ready to embark on a tale of knowing yourself and old fashioned “good vs. evil”--with very little violence but lots of danger—as you enter into Judith Galardi’s classic novel: "Return to Thrae." Judith Galardi presents this book for readers around 8 years old to elderly. She set it in a larger type—the bi-focal crowd appreciates that. You may even find yourself in this book…you never know. “Fantasy and sci-fi, with a bit of teen-aged discovery and personal triumph are all part of Judy’sAbout the Author
Judith Galardi is the author of a novella, short stories, a new collection of poetry for older teens and adults: "PSYCHO Poetry and Shadows in Time," and a chapbook. She enjoys doing volunteer work and much of that work involves working with young people. Ms. Galardi, has a Master''s Degree in Library and Information Science, another master's and a bachelor's degree. She has a special interest in literature for children and teens. Judi was born into a large family in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. An accomplished writer and poet, she is a mother, professional librarian, storyteller, educator, illustrator, photographer, amateur astronomer and amateur archeologist. She likes to dabble in performance, problem solving, and has spoken at many science fiction conferences and book festivals. Known for her off-beat style, she has also done book signings in book stores, coffee shops, a museum and a bowling alley.