The cold Lake had thawed. What this meant was that old Bartholomew was yet again free to roam to the surface. Yet again there could be chats with the humans. The cold never bothered Bartholomew but this particular winter had been one of the coldest. Hadn’t the Squid told some students that weeks ago? His words had doubtlessly come to pass.

Bartholomew swam slowly towards the shore. There was some glinting caused by the sun’s light reflecting off shiny surfaces. Whatever could be causing that? “Good day, students. Something caught my eyes. What is it that you have there?’’ Huge eyes went from Skylar to Ronan to Isabelle.