The Eighth Wonder

I do like ruins, says Bunny, paddling thoughtfully. They're so romantic.

She peers through the brilliant blue water to the sunken city below. It shimmers tantalisingly, stony, weedy, crusty, light, dark, fishy. She thinks she sees broken pots.

Pots! she says. Look down there, Arthur.

Arthur peers into the depths.

Amphorae, says Arthur. Want a piece of one?

I don't think we're allowed, says Bunny.

Who's looking? says Arthur.

He dives into the water and whacks off a piece of ancient amphora with his shoe horn.

He surfaces and presents it to Bunny.

Cool, says Bunny. A souvenir. Now let's get going.

They paddle away from the sunken ruins of Kekova, quickly.

.........

Gaius and Katherine have finally arrived in Pamukkale, and got off the bus.

How beautiful it is. The Cotton Castle. The eight wonder of the world. Cliff faces, formed out of stalactites and shallow basins of gleaming white calcium, filled with warm water from hot mineral springs.

Katherine has heard all about them. She can't wait to bathe her poor feet.

Gaius is not interested in the warm water pools. His immediate purpose is to meet up with Professor Francesco d'Andria, whose team recently discovered the Gate to Hell at Hieropolis.

Katherine, says Gaius. We cannot lie about here, bathing and faffing. We must get on.

Gaius, says Katherine. I intend to do some bathing and faffing, as you call it. Say what you like. I'm not budging from here for two days.

In that case, says Gaius, we must part. Baby Pierre! Come with me!

Baby Pierre remembers Bunny's warning.

He tries to hide in Katherine's bag. But....

What about ME? squeaks Lavender.

So they are both found, and hauled out.

.........

Ageless is glowering. His shell feels all tight. Farid has dumped him in Jamila's office, on her shiny black desk.

Jamila is smiling, but not at him, at Farid.

Thanks Farid, says Jamila. You can go now.

What's the meaning of this? grits Ageless. Am I not free?

No you're not, says Jamila. I have received a formal complaint from those mothers. And a report of you stealing a hat. Not to mention terrorising the ice rink. You will have to remain here under surveillance for an indefinite period.

See if I care, says Ageless, deliberately scratching the desk.

Stop that! says Jamila. You'll go in the Children's Zoo. I can keep an eye on you there. What's the matter? You look a bit queasy.

Ageless does indeed look queasy. He is starting to moult.