Just as Alina reached the bubbling stream, a flash of brown caught her eye. It wasn't Barnaby, but a small, intricately carved wooden whistle lying half-hidden among the smooth river stones. Its surface shimmered with an unusual, almost magical glow. Alina knelt down, her blue eyes wide with curiosity, and carefully picked it up. It felt warm in her hand, as if it had just been held. Nefer nudged her arm with his wet nose, letting out a soft "woof" as if to say, "What's that, Alina?" She turned the whistle over, noticing tiny, swirling patterns etched into its wood. A strange tingle ran up her arm as she brought it closer to her lips. She hesitated for a moment, a flicker of apprehension crossing her face, but her adventurous spirit won out. Taking a deep breath, she blew into the whistle, and a clear, melodious note, unlike any she had ever heard, resonated through the quiet woods.