Where Arrows Fly

SPIDER LEGS

Good morning, family!

Dad’s cheery call sounded through the barn. Milly sat up with a start. Sunlight shone through the holes in the tin walls of the loft and crept around the edges of the heavy red velvet curtains. She glanced at the time. Eight o’clock! She leaped out of bed and ran downstairs. Dad was pottering in the kitchen. He glanced up at her with a smile.

Morning, Milly.

Morning, she returned as she ducked under the staircase and through the hole in the wall that led to Mom and Dad’s bedroom. Sure enough, both Jacob and Sam were tucked up on either side of Mom having a cuddle.

I can’t believe it! wailed Milly. I slept in again! A look of despair crossed her freckled face. It must be because I’m going to be a teenager soon.

Mom stared at her for a second and then burst out laughing. Oh, Milly! That takes the cake. A fate worse than death, and there’s no escaping it, eh? She grinned at Milly’s stricken face . Don’t worry, my love, not every teenager sleeps in. Anyway, it is Saturday.

Milly let out a sigh of relief. Of course it was the weekend. And what’s more, she was only going to be twelve this year, not thirteen. But there were a lot of things on her ‘To Do’ list, and sleeping in wasn’t one of them.

She raced outside to the hen house. It looked very smart standing under the grove of totara trees. Sam and Jake had helped her paint it a dark green and they had all celebrated finishing the job by putting their hands in the paint and doing handprints over each other’s tee shirts.

The only trouble was, the paint had soaked through their shirts, and their backs were soon covered with handprints. Milly wriggled her back remembering how itchy their painted backs had felt. She opened the door to the coop and the chickens all rushed to get outside, eager for their breakfast. They were quite big now and any day Milly expected to find her first egg in the nesting box. She tossed chicken feed on the grass and then took the water bucket over to the tap and filled it with clean water. John the Baptist followed her, making small chirrupy noises. Sam and Jake’s retarded rooster was one of the family’s favorites. She looked across the meadow to the dark trees that lined the river banks. It had been a dream come true for her when Mom and Dad had bought the eleven acres and moved the family into the ninety-year-old barn to live. Some of her friends wondered how she could bear living in such an old, run-down place, but she loved it. They had made the barn cozy and beautiful, and she would much rather roam over the land and be with all her animals than live in a flash house in town and have to spend her time inside. She put her bucket down and leaned back against the broad trunk of a totara tree. Its bark was thick, stringy and deeply furrowed, and its small, dark green leaves sharp and prickly to touch. The best thing about the totara tree was the sweet little red berries that it produced in March and April. Uncle Peter had told Milly and the boys that the berries were edible, and they had been surprised how sweet and juicy they tasted. The tui and wood pigeons loved them, too.

Breakfast’s ready, Milly! called Sam.

Milly glanced up and saw her nine–year–old brother standing outside the barn, his blond hair tousled beneath his cap. He wore his usual ragged shorts and baggy tee shirt, and slung over the top was a home–made bow and a leather quiver filled with arrows.

Coming, she yelled back. Saturday morning was their special breakfast day. They always had a big cook–up, with bacon and eggs and sometimes hash browns. The delicious smell wafted out to meet her as she ran back to the barn.

They all sat outside on the front porch to eat. The warm summer sun streamed in and made Milly feel relaxed and sleepy again. Shasta the cat was curled up on one of the armchairs and Angel, their rough–haired Jack Russell, lay stretched out on the pavers. Eight–year–old Jacob lay beside her, his hair shining white blond in the sun. Josiah sat on the love seat swing that Dad had made for Mom and looked half asleep. He was going to be eighteen this year. And Kate, who was just fourteen months younger, would be seventeen. Both of them were ancient as far as Milly was concerned. Ellie was going to turn fourteen later in the year—that was old enough!

I think we should start packing for our holiday today, team, said Dad. If we allow ourselves a couple of days it won’t be such a huge effort on the day we have to leave.

Milly felt a flutter of excitement. Every summer, the family camped at the Kai Iwi Lakes for a week. Other families often joined them, and the days were filled with swimming, sailing, windsurfing, mountain biking, card games and board games, petanque, and hours and hours of volleyball. The fresh water sparkled a beautiful turquoise blue, and the white sand and pine forests surrounding it made it look like something out of a travel brochure. But the thing Milly loved best about the lake was the shallow shelf of warm water that stretched out for about fifty metres before plunging into the deep, cold water. It was so deliciously warm in the shallows that you could play there all day and not get cold. Each year, they spent hours play–fighting in the warm water on a large, slippery, floating log. However, there was one bad thing about the lake. Angel wasn’t allowed to come. She always looked so sad when they left her up at Auntie Penny’s place. Just then another thought struck Milly.

What about my chickens, Dad? Who will look after them while we’re away?

They’ll be fine, Milly. I’m sure Leigh and Pam will be happy to look after them for you.

Milly nodded. Of course they would. Leigh and Pam were their neighbors—the people they had bought the land from. She certainly enjoyed looking after their animals whenever they went away.

I’ll print off the list, said Ellie, as she jumped up and ran inside.

Several years ago, Mom and Ellie had worked out a list of everything they needed for their camping trip. It made the job a lot easier and meant the younger children could help out by seeing what was on the list and ticking it off when they had packed it.

Josiah, I think I’ll get you to do the packing of the trailer this year, said Dad.

Milly glanced over at her brother in time to see his eyes snap open and fly to Dad’s face, incredulous at what he had just heard.

You’re joking.

Dad shook his head with a grin. I’ve got a lot on my plate just at the moment, so I thought I’d let you take over that job.

Gee thanks, Dad, muttered Josiah. Packing the trailer was no easy task. Somehow Dad managed to get all their gear, plus the BBQ, the canoes, the bikes and the windsurfer on the trailer.

Dad laughed at Joe’s grim expression and added, It’s a skill you’re going to need when you’re married with children, Joe. What better time to learn it than now?

Jake and Sam giggled. Joe glared at them. How about in ten years? But he already knew it was no use arguing. When Dad got an idea like that, he stuck to it, especially if it meant that one of the children would be learning something.

The day disappeared like smoke in the wind as they all sorted and packed. The trailer quickly filled up with tents and boxes and food. Every now and then Dad popped his head out of his office to check on their progress and to tell them they were doing a great job.

Man alive, complained Josiah as Sam appeared with yet another box, how much stuff does one family need?

Well, there are lots of us, said Sam.

Joe swept a despairing hand over the trailer. Yes, but how on earth am I going to fi t on the canoes and the bikes?

Take your time, said Dad, who had just appeared on the porch. Think about where you put each thing and it will all fit.

Joe groaned. He just wanted to get the job done.

That night at dinner, everyone chattered excitedly about the trip.

I need to check my Tilley lanterns, said Mom.

Dad rolled his eyes. Oh no. Not the Tilleys again. I think that’s what you like best of all about going camping—the nightly ritual of trying to light the jolly things.

Maybe. But I seem to remember you being very happy to use their light for reading and playing cards.

Dad grinned at her. Fair enough, Rose. It’s just they never seem to work properly.

Never say nev—

Suddenly Milly pushed back her chair from the table and jumped up with a loud outburst.

Ugh!

What is it? asked Dad.

Milly was brushing at her leg, as if something was crawling up it. Ugh! I touched Joe’s legs by mistake! Gross. They feel like hairy spiders.

Everyone stared at her for a second and then began laughing.

Oh, Milly! choked Mom. You are so dramatic!

Josiah grinned. Serves you right for touching my leg.

Milly shook her body in a flamboyant shiver. His legs feel so gross!

No, they don’t, laughed Mom, reaching over to rub one of Joe’s hairy legs, which by now were both proudly on display. They’re lovely.

Just because you like spiders! shot back Milly.

Well, spiders and legs off the table, said Dad with a smile. Even in a barn we should maintain a certain standard of table manners.

CHAPTER 2

JOHN THE BAPTIST

The morning of their departure dawned bright and clear, and after a good deal of scurrying around, they were all ready to leave before lunch. Angel lay on the front seat of the car—she had refused to move from there since the door had first been opened early in the morning.

Both Jake and Sam had tried lifting her, but she had gone all floppy as if to try and make herself heavier than usual. She didn’t want to miss out on the family trip.

I’ve got news for you, Angel, said Mom, and it’s all bad. She scratched Angel’s ears and gazed into her sad amber eyes. But I think you know already, don’t you, girl?

Why can’t she come? asked Jacob for the umpteenth time.

You know why, darling. No dogs allowed at the lakes.

Jake made a sad face and stuck out his bottom lip. Then he whispered to Angel, You’ll have a nice time at Auntie Penny’s, and we’ll come back for you soon.

Milly sprinted back to the car from her chicken shed. All set, she told Dad. I’ve left a note for Leigh and Pam telling them what to feed them each day.

Right, said Dad. Everyone into the van. I’ll just check the trailer. He walked around it, testing all the ropes and ties one last time. he gave Josiah the thumbs–up. You’ve done a great job.

Jacob stuck his head out the back window and called out cheekily, Your wife will be pleased!

Josiah made a rush at him and Jacob ducked back into the van with a squeal.

It was a noisy trip over to the lakes. Everyone was chirpy and excited. This year Uncle Jonny and Auntie Donna and the kids were joining them, so it promised to be a lot of fun. Dad was excited about having his brother there and was looking forward to lots of mountain bike riding around the lake. Mom was looking forward to her yearly stint of windsurfing and also to teaching the children how to windsurf. She had packed a stack of books to read and had told the family she was going to make sure she had plenty of time to sit on the beach and relax.

Josiah’s friends, Dean and Kyle, were coming out for most of the time, so there was going to be some hot volleyball competition. Milly stared out the window, waiting for the first glimpse of the sparkling lakes from the top of the hill. She felt all jumpy and excited. She loved this time of year.

When they finally returned to the barn ten days later, it was hard to believe their camping holiday was all over for another whole year. They all looked tanned, and their hair had turned several shades lighter. Angel sat on Milly’s lap, happy to be with the family again.

Dad drove slowly up the drive, looking at his cattle and studying each paddock. This clay soil might be terrible in the wetness of winter, but it sure makes up for it in summer. Look at how lush and green the grass is! Our ‘little cow–thingies’ are doing well, Rose.

Mom laughed as she peered out her window to see the calves. No-one called them calves anymore; not since their neighbour had called them little cow–thingies.

A flash of gold and red appeared on the grass verge as Prince Caspian, the pheasant, began to race beside them.

There’s Peony! yelled Ellie as their brown pony trotted over to the fence. Pharaoh, the neighbor's white Arab, had also cantered over to the fence, interested and eager to say hello.

As soon as the van stopped, Milly jumped out and ran to see her chickens. She reappeared a few minutes later. John the Baptist is gone!

Sam’s head jerked up. What do you mean?

He's gone! I can’t find him anywhere.

Sam and Jake raced off to the shed, Milly hot on their heels. For the next ten minutes they searched everywhere, but John the Baptist was nowhere to be found.

I hope a hawk hasn’t got him, said Sam in a small voice.

Doubt it, said Milly. He must be here somewhere. Just then she saw Leigh and Pam walking up the drive. Come on. They’ll know where he is.

Sam followed her slowly. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know what had happened to his special rooster. He arrived just in time to hear Milly say, We can’t find John the Baptist anywhere.

Yes, we came over to tell you, said Leigh. He must have got lonely while you were away. He wandered over to Gwen’s place, and she got the fright of her life when he started doing his weird antics. When he began spinning around and around, with his head upside down, and walking backwards, she thought he must have been hit by a car or something. So she put him in a box and took him to the Bird Recovery Centre.

The Bird Recovery Centre! breathed Milly. Oh no! We should have told Gwen that he’s brain damaged.

Well, I guess you can probably go and pick him up anytime, said Leigh. He will have been well looked after up there.

Sam ran inside and told Mom what had happened. Can we go and pick him up now, Mommy?

Mom stroked his hair and said, Not just now, Sam. We’ve got heaps to do to get all this stuff unpacked. Dad thinks it could rain tonight, so he wants to get it done right away. She saw the disappointed look on his face and smiled. Don’t worry, darling. Milly and I have to go right past the centre tomorrow. We’ll pick him up then.

The next day, the sky looked sad and gloomy. A gentle drizzle had washed the trees and grass until they glowed in a vibrant array of greens.

We’re off! called out Mom. Back soon.

Milly felt jittery as they drove up towards the Bird Recovery Centre. She wasn’t quite sure why. Chickens and doves and ducks scratched and cooed and waddled all around the buildings. Mom rang the bell and waited. Soon a woman appeared, and Mom explained what had happened. Milly watched a frown cross the woman’s face as she struggled to remember a lady bringing in a retarded rooster. Then she nodded her head and said, Oh yes! I remember now. The centre was actually closed when she brought him in. We found him on our doorstep in a box the next morning. A small white rooster?

Milly nodded.

Yes, continued the woman. We didn’t know what on earth was wrong with him. There was no note with him. We wondered if he had been hit by a car, but couldn’t see any damage. But he kept spinning his head and holding it upside down.

That’s him! cried Milly. That’s John the Baptist! Can we see him, please?

A gentle look crossed the lady’s face and her eyes flicked to Mom’s face before she spoke. I’m sorry, dear. He died in his sleep the next night.

Dead? John the Baptist? Milly’s mouth went dry and her eyes filled with tears. But, there was nothing wrong with him! she blurted.

She felt Mom’s arm move around her shoulders and heard her say, Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. He was a pet, you see.

The woman nodded understandingly. We do our very best to care for them, but every now and then, we do lose a bird. And it’s always sad.

Well, thank you very much, said Mom, and she gently guided Milly towards the door.

Dead! cried Milly again when they reached the car. Then a fierce look crossed her face. I bet they put him down!

Mom stroked a stray piece of blonde hair from Milly’s face. No, they wouldn’t have done that, darling. He probably just died with the shock of being in a strange, different place.

Sam is going to be upset, Milly said. He loved him.

I know, said Mom sadly. Then she brightened up. But there’s one good thing, Milly. John the Baptist never did have to lose his head.

CHAPTER 3

CELEBRATIONS

Milly watched Sam picking sadly at his breakfast. It had been awful having to tell him about John the Baptist. Wanna help me feed the chickens, Sam? Maybe you’d like to choose one of the hens to have as your own?

Thanks, Milly, he replied quietly. But none of them could be as special as John the Baptist.

Just then Dad came in the door grinning widely and brandishing a letter in the air. Well, we can celebrate tonight! We’ve got our building consent!

Yes! cried Mom. At last!

Finally! Milly said. Dad had been drawing and re–drawing the plans every few weeks for the past ten months. The consent process was so painfully slow that everyone had started to feel like it was never going to happen. Not that they were uncomfortable in the barn. They all loved living there, other than it being cold in winter. And now that they’d bought a caravan for Josiah so that he had some peace and quiet for his university studies, there was more room, too. But Dad and Mom were itching to start building the new family home. Milly clapped her hands with excitement. When will you start, Dad? Today?

Dad laughed and put the letter on the table. Well, I’ll certainly ring up the digger guy straight away and see when he can come and prepare the house site.

He grabbed Mom and did a little dance around the table. You girls had better cook up something special for dinner tonight. This is a very auspicious day!

Milly saw the smile on Kate's face as she went outside to the freezer. At the beginning of the year Kate had told Mom and Dad that she wanted to take a gap year before leaving home to do a music degree. She told them she wanted to stay at the barn and take over all the cooking and cleaning and the home schooling of her brothers and sisters so that Mom could help Dad with the building. Milly remembered the look on Mom and Dad’s faces when they realized she was serious. They looked like they’d been given a million dollars.

What say we watch a DVD together tonight? suggested Dad. What about an animal one? Something educational.

Milly groaned. Dad always wanted to watch things like that. You should have done something with science, she said as she went over to the DVD cabinet.

Ellie snorted with laughter. What do you mean, Milly? He did!

Milly stared at her for a second, with a puzzled look on her face. He did?

He’s a scientist! explained Ellie in a condescending tone.

Is he?

By this time every one was laughing. Didn’t you realise? Mom asked.

No, snapped Milly. I thought he just helped farmers.

Yes, he does, Mom said in a soothing voice. But he studied agricultural science at Lincoln University.

Milly shrugged her shoulders. Who cares, anyway, she muttered. I don’t want to watch a science DVD.

That night, after the celebratory meal of lasagna and salad, the family voted almost unanimously to watch Fiddler on the Roof. They’d seen it plenty of times before, but they still loved it. They especially loved it when Dad leapt out of his