At first, relief flooded her. Nobody in sight – just the bare grey rock gleaming in the hot sun. Then she spotted the blue canoe floating in the reeds. Before Melissa could turn around, someone waded out of the shade cast by the low boughs of a tree overhanging the water. It was a girl in a red bathing suit, standing waist deep. She had long blond hair that hung down her back and a thin pointed face. She didn’t look at all surprised to see Melissa. In fact, Melissa thought afterward, it was as if she had expected her. When she spoke, her voice was firm and confident. “Do you come in peace or war?” she said. “What?” said Melissa. Her cheeks turned hot with confusion. The girl’s light hazel eyes stared at Melissa steadily. “Are you friend or foe?”