The Mysterious Abductions by Tracey Hecht Page A

said.
    â€œIt’s true,” agreed Julian. “I’m starting to get the hang of this kiwi. You’ve got to hold them around the knees.”
    Ajax shook his head. “But it’s not enough. We need something more. A way to keep their defenders from pouncing on the player with the spider. If we can do that, we may just have a chance to score.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” asked Julian, sensing his friend was onto something.
    â€œI think Ajax is suggesting that it’s time for a little coyote hunting magic,” said Ciro. “Misdirection and coordination. That’s how we’ll win this.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven
    THE RISE OF THE CAPTIVES

    â€œA ndiamo, Andiamo !” Bismark screamed over the roaring crowd. “Let’s go, team!”
    The players from both teams took their places on the floor. Boris’s team looked relaxed as they stretched and prepared for what they assumed would be an equally dominant second period. The challengers, however, did not look like the same forlorn bunch that had left the floor just minutes earlier.
    â€œPlayers! To face-off positions! Dingbats, tocenter floor,” Bismark said with relish.
    Dawn and Vee squared up for the face-off.
    â€œDon’t worry,” jeered the croc, “I’ll make it quick.”
    The fox’s whiskers curled, betraying the trace of a smile. The bats dropped the spider.
    â€œGame on!” shouted Bismark.
    In a flash, Dawn had Harry in the crook of her kiwi. Then, with a tap, she passed the spider back to Cora.
    Just as planned, the wombat glided toward the center line, where she was joined by the rest of her team. In a shoulder-to-shoulder formation, the Nocs barreled forward, a single, straight line of force.
    Thwack, Cora tapped the spider back to Ciro. Thwack, Ciro tapped the spider to Dawn. Thwack, Dawn tapped the spider to Ajax. Thwack, Ajax tapped the spider to Julian. By passing just before the defender had a chance to attack, the challengers drove their single line straight down the floor.
    Suddenly Boris, standing in goal, was outnumbered five-to-one. Julian raised his kiwi high, winding up to hit Harry with all his might. Boris lunged left, falling for Julian’s fake. With a smirk, Julian passed Harry to Dawn who was waiting at the right side of the goal.With a smooth swipe, she deflected the spider into the corner of the net.
    â€œWZZZZ!” All four bats whistled to mark the stoppage of play, but were drowned out by the roar of the spectators.
    â€œWe have ourselves a game, ladies and gentlemen!” Bismark called out. “A point for the challengers! Un punto for freedom!”
    The Nocs all screamed with delight. Holding their kiwis high, they gathered together for a victorious embrace. They could do this. They could beat the Crocs.
    But as the cheering subsided, one fan could still be heard.
    â€œUnbelievable! Brilliant! Magnificent!” Boris screamed in a frenzy. “A sneak attack! A clever display of strategy! I love it!”
    â€œCoach?” Vee asked.
    â€œOh, excuse me! Got carried away there. Sorry, yes. Too bad, team! Nice try. Let’s pull it together. Don’t let that one happen again.”
    The Crocs turned back toward the floor.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” whispered Miss.
    â€œThey just scored,” murmured Orr, “but Boris seems—”
    â€œâ€”happy,” said Vee.
    Shaking their heads in confusion, the crocodiles moved back to their posts.
    â€œFace off!” said the bats in chorus as they dropped the spider.
    Miss gained control of Harry. She passed him back to Vee, who sheltered the tarantula and kept her passing lanes open. They were not going to get caught off guard by another five-player assault. But this time the challengers moved out of the way. Ciro, Dawn, Cora, Julian, and Ajax all gathered together at the edge of the rink.
    Vee and Orr stopped passing. Miss, Hay, and Bee stared in