The Menagerie #2 (27 page)

Worst of all, in place of the house, there was a building labeled “Research Laboratory—Medical/Pharmaceutical Experiments.”

Logan was holding a map to the Menagerie—or rather, a horrible vision of what might happen to the Menagerie.

The Sterlings knew all about it. They hadn't forgotten anything Jonathan might have told them. In fact, it looked like they had plans of their own for the mythical-creature sanctuary—plans that involved exposing it and then making a pile of money off it.

He had to get back to the Kahns and warn them. This was even worse than whoever was trying to sabotage them.

The Menagerie was in grave danger.

To be continued . . .

A Brief Overview for Trackers in Training

Y
ou've made it to Camp Underpaw—your first step on the path to becoming a Tracker!

Now, forget everything you think you know about “mythical” creatures. Being a Tracker is not about riding magical unicorns and cuddling griffin cubs. It is a dangerous career suitable only for the toughest, most committed creature hunters. It takes determination and resourcefulness, guts and brains, and all the skills you'll learn in this intensive, hands-on Tracker camp experience.

And it starts with memorizing this list of the most notable and notorious creatures you're likely to encounter out in the world. Look it over and think carefully . . . is this really the right future for you? Are you ready to face venomous teeth and razor-sharp claws and kraken ink?

If so—welcome to Camp Underpaw!

REMEMBER THESE CREATURES

ALICANTO

Most commonly found in Chile, these birds are easily recognized by their wings, which shimmer and clatter as if they were made of gold and silver. Their primary food source is metal, with a strong preference for gold and silver, but in captivity alicantos are usually fed lesser metals and often survive on a diet of pennies. Search for these birds along waterways and high in the mountains near precious metal mines. You will know you are getting close when you hear a sound like raining coins. Protective earplugs highly recommended.

ANT-LION

A small insect with the body of an ant and the head of a lion. Very aggressive and territorial, but can be mollified with food (other insects, crumbs, scraps of meat, etc.). Wear thick boots and be careful where you step when tracking these tiny, ferocious biters.

BAKU

A big, gentle, nocturnal creature resembling a tapir. Native to Japan, bakus eat dreams, particularly nightmares. Usually found near humans and can sometimes be summoned after especially vivid dreams.

BASILISK

A deadly, venomous giant lizard; its gaze kills anyone who looks at it. Do not underestimate the threat of these creatures; bring backup and a mirror if you must track one. The crow of a rooster will put the basilisk to sleep, but only a weasel can kill it.

BONNACON

A giant, vicious creature shaped like a bull with a mane like a horse, horns that curve backward, and fiery dung. Extremely easy to track by its excretions, but approach with caution. Bring nose plugs and a fire extinguisher.

CALADRIUS

A pure-white bird roughly the size of a gull. It is known for being able to discern whether someone is telling the truth or lying.

CHIMERA

A creature that is part lion, part goat, and part snake (and all dangerous); beware its ability to breathe fire.

CHUPACABRA

The chupacabra has the head of a dog, a spiny back, and scaly skin; its red eyes can hypnotize and it leaves a sulfurous odor in its wake. Tends to feed on goats and other livestock, but has been known to bite people as well.

DRAGON (Chinese)

Related to Western dragons, but without wings or fire-breathing; Chinese dragons can change their size and love the water.

DRAGON (Western)

Enormous fire-breathing creatures with scales, talons, and vast wings. Usually they choose the relative safety of captivity and do not require Tracking.

GOLDEN GOOSE

A larger-than-average goose who can lay golden eggs.

GRIFFIN

A lion-eagle hybrid, with the body, paws, and tail of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle; they are traditionally guardians, mistrust horses, and love treasure. If you can identify what treasure a griffin is protecting, they are easier to track.

HALCYON

A small blue bird with white throat feathers that looks something like a kingfisher and can affect the weather.

HELLHOUND

Oversized black dogs with sulfurous breath and glowing red eyes. Try to avoid their slobber as it can sting if it comes in contact with broken skin.

HIPPOCAMP

A water animal with the head and front legs of a horse but the tail of a fish.

JACKALOPE

Only found in Wyoming, a jackalope looks like a rabbit with antlers. Beware its ability to imitate the human voice, as it may lead you on a merry chase.

KAPPA

Water sprites from Japan with scales, faces like monkeys, and turtle shells on their backs. They love cucumbers but will also happily eat children.

KELPIE

A malevolent kind of water horse who lurks by ponds and rivers to lure people into the water for the purpose of drowning and/or eating them. Basically, if you see a horse standing next to a lake, leave it alone.