We present a selection of pages from The Waters and the Wild, the new book for younger readers written by Eilish Fisher, the award-winning author of Fia and the Last Snow Deer, and illustrated by David Rooney.
Rowan was raised in the desert. Growing up all she's known is sunshine, warmth, love. Then her beloved Dad dies, everything changes. Now Rowan and her mum have moved from the hazy heat of the desert to the cold landscape of Ireland. Each of them hoping that living in the town Rowan’s Dad called home will bring them closer to him. But as soon as Rowan arrives, she knows something’s not right... In the woods beyond, she discovers a strange horse whom she feels an instant connection with, a bond that brings the return of warmth and hope . . . but at what price?
I didn't feel anything when I flicked
the match.
The flames ate every word we had written together.
Mom tried to put out the fire, but all that was left was ash.
The next day
I kicked sand and dirt on top;
buried it beneath the hot, spring sun.
A week later we were in Ireland for the funeral.
This is what Dad meant. A horse like this.
He stretches his nose forward, meets my hand.
It’s soft, petal smooth;
his breath smells like sweet grass and gorse, small puffs against my fingers.
I reach towards his neck, stroke the shiny black hairs, twine my hands in his mane. It falls to each side,
some in ringlets
like old plaits left to gather burrs and branches. I doubt he has been groomed in a long time and, though
he’s not skinny,
he doesn’t seem cared for.
He seems wild, feral,
but yet here I am
pulling twigs from his mane.
The Waters And The Wild is pubished by Puffin
