Chapter 9
The great rescue
The three of them now put in every effort to cover the last remaining ground between them, and the cries of the stricken reindeer. Soon they were on the scene, a riverbank with fast flowing water about twenty five yards across. Willow trees overhung the banks of the river, their branches stretching out over the water, their roots exposed in places along the bank.
From the branches there were Ivy vines which hung low into the flowing water as if they were drinking from it. And that was the problem; the female reindeer had somehow got herself into the fast flow of the water. It had taken her out into the middle where her antlers had got caught up in them. The more she struggled the more entangled she had become.
To make matters worse, the male reindeer had gone to her aid, and had become caught up himself. On the far bank stood two tiny fawns that could do nothing but watch as their parents struggled in vain in the fast water trying to free themselves.
“We have a bad situation here,” cried Mr. Keeper, pointing to the stricken pair in the water. “Even if they get free, they will surely get washed further along by the strong current. I’m afraid there’s a waterfall up ahead, I don’t think for a minute they would survive,” he said with great concern.
Tommy was quick to respond to Mr. Keeper’s problem.
“I have an Idea, Mr. Keeper, sir, can we not cut the vines that are holding them and somehow get them to the bank?” he asked earnestly.
Esmeralda agreed that this was probably the only way out of the situation.
While the three of them were considering their plan of action, Saber was pacing up and down the riverbank in frustration, keeping a wary eye on the two fawns on the other side. Soon a plan was decided by all.
Saber was to climb the huge tree with Tommy; she would hold the vines in question in her powerful jaws whilst Tommy cut through them. The pair would then make their way back along the branches to the bank again where they could all pull together to bring the reindeer to safety.
“All agreed?” asked Esmeralda.
“Agreed,” came a quick reply from Mr. Keeper and Tommy.
“Then let’s get to it and quickly, there’s no more time to waste,” said Esmeralda passing Tommy a knife that she had taken out of her bag. Tommy tucked the knife into his belt around his waist, while Esmeralda spoke to Saber who was now by her side.
“Now then, Tommy, don’t be frightened, I want you to get onto Saber’s back and she will do the rest,” she instructed.
Tommy gave a nod of approval, after all he had every confidence in Saber and her ability, and he was up like a shot on her back wrapping his arms around her huge neck.
Saber hardly seemed to notice the extra weight as she leapt a full six feet into the air to reach the first bow of the tree. From there she proceeded to climb up to the higher branches above, which spread out over the river, and which carried the vines they needed to cut. Tommy held on tight to his dear friend Saber as she made her way upward.
They were now high up in the branches of the tree where one branch in particular spread out far over the river; it was about 18 inches thick. Carefully Saber commenced to walk along it, stepping over smaller branches that were in the way. Tommy keeping quite still in the process, could only see her large padded feet and the swirling waters of the river far below as he clung on to her.
Soon they were above the spot where the reindeer were trapped below. The vines that held them passed below the branch, which Tommy and Saber were now on and could be easily reached.
Tommy knew he would have to get off of Saber’s back if they were to achieve their objective, which was to cut the vines free, after all Saber would need all her strength to drag the vines back to shore.
Tommy carefully got down off of her back, sitting himself down astride the tree branch. Far below and on the bank Esmeralda and Mr. Keeper looked on, following every move they made.
“They will be alright,” the pair kept assuring themselves.
“Saber knows what she is doing,” Esmeralda muttered.
“Of that I have no doubt at all,” Mr. Keeper replied.
It was clear the two of them were trying to hide any fears that they may have, taking comfort from their small talk, whilst the drama continued above.
Saber turned her head slightly and opened her mighty jaws showing her huge white teeth before sinking them deeply into the vines with a grip of steel. Tommy took the knife from his belt and began to cut through them, after a moment or two the job was finished.
Saber now had the full weight of the vines attached to the reindeer below and was now ready to pull them to the bank. Tommy told Saber to make her way back again and he would follow at a slower and much safer pace.
Saber understood and turned herself around slowly on the branch whilst still gripping the vines in her vice like jaws, she proceeded to make her way back the same way she had came up navigating any branches that were in the way.
Esmeralda and Mr. Keeper were full of praise as she jumped the last six feet to the ground still holding the vines in her mouth and they rushed to her aid. Esmeralda and Mr. Keeper took hold of the vines and helped Saber to pull.
“We must walk up the bank in order to pull the reindeer closer to the shore”, said Mr. Keeper.
Sure enough it was working; the reindeer were getting closer to safe ground as the vines that held them were pulled further up the bank. At last the animals were safely on dry ground and were shaking off the water from their coats.
Saber released the vines from her jaws dropping them on the ground. Mr. Keeper and Esmeralda made their way to the reindeer who were now exhausted and laying down, Saber followed them showing no signs of the ordeal that she had been through, in fact it looked like she had enjoyed the whole thing.
Esmeralda and Mr. Keeper started to remove the tangled vines from around the reindeer’s antlers whilst Saber kept watch of the two baby reindeer on the other side of the far bank. They were showing signs that they were more than keen to meet up with their parents once again.
All was far from over yet as they needed to get the reindeer over to the other bank across the river, not forgetting Tommy who was still up in the tree.
“Hi, Tommy,” cried Esmeralda, “are you okay?” she shouted up into the tree.
“Yes,” he replied from high up in the branches, “I’m having difficulty getting back down though,” he shouted back.
“It may take me some time I’m afraid as I’m not used to climbing yet.”
Esmeralda called back up to Tommy. “Stay where you are and don’t move, I’ll send Saber back up to you and she will bring you down safely,” she assured him.
Saber understood immediately and made her way up the tree again for the second time to bring back her friend Tommy. Soon they were on their way back down with Tommy astride Saber, arms around her neck, he felt quite safe as they made their way downward to the others, who waited eagerly for their return to the river bank and solid ground once more.
“Are they alright?” Tommy cried, pointing towards the reindeer that were lying down resting.
“Well they are a bit worse for wear after their ordeal, “said Mr. Keeper as Tommy made his way over to them: “but they will soon recover I’m sure,” he continued.
“As soon as they are rested we will take them back along the river to where it narrows and is not so fast flowing,” Mr. Keeper explained, “It is also quite shallow at that point and they should make it safely to the other side.”
Esmeralda agreed saying that Saber would remain to keep watch of the baby reindeer on the far bank, until the three returned. Tommy handed the knife back to Esmeralda who put it safely back in her bag.
After a short time, the reindeer had got their strength back and were now standing and gazing across at their young on the far bank.
“Right!” said Mr. Keeper, “we must make a start.”
Esmeralda and Tommy nodded their heads in agreement.
“It’s only a short distance,” said Mr. Keeper, “but will take more time because of the thick undergrowth around there,” he sighed.
“I don’t mind at all,” said Tommy, “It’s the best adventure I have ever had,” he grinned.
“Oh,I can believe that.” Esmeralda replied, picking up her black bag again, placing the strap over her shoulder as she did so.
And so they set off with the two reindeer following in their footsteps behind. Mr. Keeper led them onward steadying himself with his silver cane as they made their way through the large ferns, and over the tree roots that blocked their path at times.
Every now and again, Mr. Keeper would pause for breath, turning and looking back to see that the others were still behind. After about fifteen minutes of progress Mr. Keeper announced that they were almost there.
“Can you see the bend in the river ahead?” He asked pointing his silver cane through the trees in the direction ahead.
“Oh yes, I spot it,” said Tommy excitedly.
“Well that’s our objective,” replied Mr. Keeper proudly pressing onward again; “The reindeer will be able to make a safe crossing there, and we shall have done our duty,” he said cheerfully.
Mr. Keeper’s remarks seemed to lift their spirits and they continued on with newfound energy now that their goal was in sight, and by seeing Mr. Keeper looking so very pleased.
“Here we are.” Mr. Keeper said, leaning heavily on his silver cane as he viewed the now relatively calm river.
“You see there?” said Mr. Keeper pointing with his cane again; “the ground is at its highest here where the river flows over it, and it’s only about two foot deep, at the same time one needs to be careful not to lose a footing, and be swept forward to faster water ahead!”, he exclaimed.
They all agreed with his last remark. Mr. Keeper suggested that Esmeralda stay on the bank whilst Tommy and he took the reindeer across. Esmeralda didn’t mind, as she was a little tired by now and in need of short rest.
Sitting herself down on the grassy bank, she looked on as Mr. Keeper took hold of the male reindeer’s antlers and proceeded to guide it across the river. Tommy did the same following close behind Mr. Keeper with the female reindeer, the water coming up to just below his knees. It felt quite refreshing and warm as it flowed past.
They were soon across the river and waving to Esmeralda to let her know that they were safe.
“Go now to your little ones,” said Mr. Keeper patting each of the reindeer. “Yes away you go.” Tommy said, as he also patted them. Sure enough, they set off on their way along the riverbank again towards their young ones, the male reindeer taking the lead as they trotted off.
“Well done Tommy,” remarked Mr. Keeper, “now let’s get back again, over the river to Esmeralda, she’ll be waiting anxiously for our return I’m sure,” he continued.
And so the pair of them made their way back, carefully across the river once again.
Esmeralda gave Tommy a hand as she helped him back onto dry ground and Mr. Keeper brushed the water from his silver cane. He then sat down on the grass to dry out and recover from the ordeal. This was somewhat tiring for a man of his age.
Esmeralda produced two boiled sweets from her pocket giving one to each of them.
“Very thoughtful of you, my dear,” said Mr. Keeper unwrapping it, “I can always rely upon you.”
“I second that too,” Tommy chimed in.
After a short rest they had practically dried out, it was a warm day.
After a discussion of what had taken place, the three of them realized that it was time to go back for Saber who had been keeping watch over the baby reindeer on the far bank.
Sure enough when they arrived, there she was as always, alert sitting with her head high and ears up watching the far bank as the family of reindeer disappeared into the undergrowth of the forest.
She stood up as the others approached her, stretching her huge body and giving of a small growl as if to welcome them back. They all made a fuss of her in turn, to show their appreciation for her staying behind.
“Now then! “ Came the raised voice of Mr. Keeper, “we really must get back as there may be other tasks waiting, and besides that, we didn’t quite finish our meal if I remember correctly.”
They all smiled as they set off again through the dense undergrowth, Esmeralda and Tommy finding it hard to keep up with Mr. Keeper, who intended to make progress as fast as he could by the look of it.
The great rescue
The three of them now put in every effort to cover the last remaining ground between them, and the cries of the stricken reindeer. Soon they were on the scene, a riverbank with fast flowing water about twenty five yards across. Willow trees overhung the banks of the river, their branches stretching out over the water, their roots exposed in places along the bank.
From the branches there were Ivy vines which hung low into the flowing water as if they were drinking from it. And that was the problem; the female reindeer had somehow got herself into the fast flow of the water. It had taken her out into the middle where her antlers had got caught up in them. The more she struggled the more entangled she had become.
To make matters worse, the male reindeer had gone to her aid, and had become caught up himself. On the far bank stood two tiny fawns that could do nothing but watch as their parents struggled in vain in the fast water trying to free themselves.
“We have a bad situation here,” cried Mr. Keeper, pointing to the stricken pair in the water. “Even if they get free, they will surely get washed further along by the strong current. I’m afraid there’s a waterfall up ahead, I don’t think for a minute they would survive,” he said with great concern.
Tommy was quick to respond to Mr. Keeper’s problem.
“I have an Idea, Mr. Keeper, sir, can we not cut the vines that are holding them and somehow get them to the bank?” he asked earnestly.
Esmeralda agreed that this was probably the only way out of the situation.
While the three of them were considering their plan of action, Saber was pacing up and down the riverbank in frustration, keeping a wary eye on the two fawns on the other side. Soon a plan was decided by all.
Saber was to climb the huge tree with Tommy; she would hold the vines in question in her powerful jaws whilst Tommy cut through them. The pair would then make their way back along the branches to the bank again where they could all pull together to bring the reindeer to safety.
“All agreed?” asked Esmeralda.
“Agreed,” came a quick reply from Mr. Keeper and Tommy.
“Then let’s get to it and quickly, there’s no more time to waste,” said Esmeralda passing Tommy a knife that she had taken out of her bag. Tommy tucked the knife into his belt around his waist, while Esmeralda spoke to Saber who was now by her side.
“Now then, Tommy, don’t be frightened, I want you to get onto Saber’s back and she will do the rest,” she instructed.
Tommy gave a nod of approval, after all he had every confidence in Saber and her ability, and he was up like a shot on her back wrapping his arms around her huge neck.
Saber hardly seemed to notice the extra weight as she leapt a full six feet into the air to reach the first bow of the tree. From there she proceeded to climb up to the higher branches above, which spread out over the river, and which carried the vines they needed to cut. Tommy held on tight to his dear friend Saber as she made her way upward.
They were now high up in the branches of the tree where one branch in particular spread out far over the river; it was about 18 inches thick. Carefully Saber commenced to walk along it, stepping over smaller branches that were in the way. Tommy keeping quite still in the process, could only see her large padded feet and the swirling waters of the river far below as he clung on to her.
Soon they were above the spot where the reindeer were trapped below. The vines that held them passed below the branch, which Tommy and Saber were now on and could be easily reached.
Tommy knew he would have to get off of Saber’s back if they were to achieve their objective, which was to cut the vines free, after all Saber would need all her strength to drag the vines back to shore.
Tommy carefully got down off of her back, sitting himself down astride the tree branch. Far below and on the bank Esmeralda and Mr. Keeper looked on, following every move they made.
“They will be alright,” the pair kept assuring themselves.
“Saber knows what she is doing,” Esmeralda muttered.
“Of that I have no doubt at all,” Mr. Keeper replied.
It was clear the two of them were trying to hide any fears that they may have, taking comfort from their small talk, whilst the drama continued above.
Saber turned her head slightly and opened her mighty jaws showing her huge white teeth before sinking them deeply into the vines with a grip of steel. Tommy took the knife from his belt and began to cut through them, after a moment or two the job was finished.
Saber now had the full weight of the vines attached to the reindeer below and was now ready to pull them to the bank. Tommy told Saber to make her way back again and he would follow at a slower and much safer pace.
Saber understood and turned herself around slowly on the branch whilst still gripping the vines in her vice like jaws, she proceeded to make her way back the same way she had came up navigating any branches that were in the way.
Esmeralda and Mr. Keeper were full of praise as she jumped the last six feet to the ground still holding the vines in her mouth and they rushed to her aid. Esmeralda and Mr. Keeper took hold of the vines and helped Saber to pull.
“We must walk up the bank in order to pull the reindeer closer to the shore”, said Mr. Keeper.
Sure enough it was working; the reindeer were getting closer to safe ground as the vines that held them were pulled further up the bank. At last the animals were safely on dry ground and were shaking off the water from their coats.
Saber released the vines from her jaws dropping them on the ground. Mr. Keeper and Esmeralda made their way to the reindeer who were now exhausted and laying down, Saber followed them showing no signs of the ordeal that she had been through, in fact it looked like she had enjoyed the whole thing.
Esmeralda and Mr. Keeper started to remove the tangled vines from around the reindeer’s antlers whilst Saber kept watch of the two baby reindeer on the other side of the far bank. They were showing signs that they were more than keen to meet up with their parents once again.
All was far from over yet as they needed to get the reindeer over to the other bank across the river, not forgetting Tommy who was still up in the tree.
“Hi, Tommy,” cried Esmeralda, “are you okay?” she shouted up into the tree.
“Yes,” he replied from high up in the branches, “I’m having difficulty getting back down though,” he shouted back.
“It may take me some time I’m afraid as I’m not used to climbing yet.”
Esmeralda called back up to Tommy. “Stay where you are and don’t move, I’ll send Saber back up to you and she will bring you down safely,” she assured him.
Saber understood immediately and made her way up the tree again for the second time to bring back her friend Tommy. Soon they were on their way back down with Tommy astride Saber, arms around her neck, he felt quite safe as they made their way downward to the others, who waited eagerly for their return to the river bank and solid ground once more.
“Are they alright?” Tommy cried, pointing towards the reindeer that were lying down resting.
“Well they are a bit worse for wear after their ordeal, “said Mr. Keeper as Tommy made his way over to them: “but they will soon recover I’m sure,” he continued.
“As soon as they are rested we will take them back along the river to where it narrows and is not so fast flowing,” Mr. Keeper explained, “It is also quite shallow at that point and they should make it safely to the other side.”
Esmeralda agreed saying that Saber would remain to keep watch of the baby reindeer on the far bank, until the three returned. Tommy handed the knife back to Esmeralda who put it safely back in her bag.
After a short time, the reindeer had got their strength back and were now standing and gazing across at their young on the far bank.
“Right!” said Mr. Keeper, “we must make a start.”
Esmeralda and Tommy nodded their heads in agreement.
“It’s only a short distance,” said Mr. Keeper, “but will take more time because of the thick undergrowth around there,” he sighed.
“I don’t mind at all,” said Tommy, “It’s the best adventure I have ever had,” he grinned.
“Oh,I can believe that.” Esmeralda replied, picking up her black bag again, placing the strap over her shoulder as she did so.
And so they set off with the two reindeer following in their footsteps behind. Mr. Keeper led them onward steadying himself with his silver cane as they made their way through the large ferns, and over the tree roots that blocked their path at times.
Every now and again, Mr. Keeper would pause for breath, turning and looking back to see that the others were still behind. After about fifteen minutes of progress Mr. Keeper announced that they were almost there.
“Can you see the bend in the river ahead?” He asked pointing his silver cane through the trees in the direction ahead.
“Oh yes, I spot it,” said Tommy excitedly.
“Well that’s our objective,” replied Mr. Keeper proudly pressing onward again; “The reindeer will be able to make a safe crossing there, and we shall have done our duty,” he said cheerfully.
Mr. Keeper’s remarks seemed to lift their spirits and they continued on with newfound energy now that their goal was in sight, and by seeing Mr. Keeper looking so very pleased.
“Here we are.” Mr. Keeper said, leaning heavily on his silver cane as he viewed the now relatively calm river.
“You see there?” said Mr. Keeper pointing with his cane again; “the ground is at its highest here where the river flows over it, and it’s only about two foot deep, at the same time one needs to be careful not to lose a footing, and be swept forward to faster water ahead!”, he exclaimed.
They all agreed with his last remark. Mr. Keeper suggested that Esmeralda stay on the bank whilst Tommy and he took the reindeer across. Esmeralda didn’t mind, as she was a little tired by now and in need of short rest.
Sitting herself down on the grassy bank, she looked on as Mr. Keeper took hold of the male reindeer’s antlers and proceeded to guide it across the river. Tommy did the same following close behind Mr. Keeper with the female reindeer, the water coming up to just below his knees. It felt quite refreshing and warm as it flowed past.
They were soon across the river and waving to Esmeralda to let her know that they were safe.
“Go now to your little ones,” said Mr. Keeper patting each of the reindeer. “Yes away you go.” Tommy said, as he also patted them. Sure enough, they set off on their way along the riverbank again towards their young ones, the male reindeer taking the lead as they trotted off.
“Well done Tommy,” remarked Mr. Keeper, “now let’s get back again, over the river to Esmeralda, she’ll be waiting anxiously for our return I’m sure,” he continued.
And so the pair of them made their way back, carefully across the river once again.
Esmeralda gave Tommy a hand as she helped him back onto dry ground and Mr. Keeper brushed the water from his silver cane. He then sat down on the grass to dry out and recover from the ordeal. This was somewhat tiring for a man of his age.
Esmeralda produced two boiled sweets from her pocket giving one to each of them.
“Very thoughtful of you, my dear,” said Mr. Keeper unwrapping it, “I can always rely upon you.”
“I second that too,” Tommy chimed in.
After a short rest they had practically dried out, it was a warm day.
After a discussion of what had taken place, the three of them realized that it was time to go back for Saber who had been keeping watch over the baby reindeer on the far bank.
Sure enough when they arrived, there she was as always, alert sitting with her head high and ears up watching the far bank as the family of reindeer disappeared into the undergrowth of the forest.
She stood up as the others approached her, stretching her huge body and giving of a small growl as if to welcome them back. They all made a fuss of her in turn, to show their appreciation for her staying behind.
“Now then! “ Came the raised voice of Mr. Keeper, “we really must get back as there may be other tasks waiting, and besides that, we didn’t quite finish our meal if I remember correctly.”
They all smiled as they set off again through the dense undergrowth, Esmeralda and Tommy finding it hard to keep up with Mr. Keeper, who intended to make progress as fast as he could by the look of it.