Bended Knees

Gaius arrives at the swamp.

Squelch. It is muddy.

His Crocs fill with mud.

Kierkegaard is close behind him, picking his way in his trainers.

You came! says Alexander-Red-Hook.

Of course we came, says Gaius.

I didn't trust that white plumed honeyeater, says Alexander-Red-Hook. It was aggressive.

They can be aggressive, says Gaius. But first things first. Where is Terence?

Over there, says Alexander-Red-Hook. He wants you to find him.

This isn't a game, says Gaius. We were told he was up to his shoulders in mud.

He was, says Alexander-Red-Hook. Now it's worse. Better hurry.

Look, says Kierkegaard. Two Smarties, red and yellow, side by side in the mud.

That's your clue, says Alexander-Red-Hook.

Don't tell me he's under the Smarties! says Gaius.

SPLURT! Terence stands up.

Mud covers his body. The Smarties are now on the top of his head.

Was that a good trick? asks Terence.

No, says Gaius. We thought  you had sunk.

It's not deep enough, says Terence. My knees were bended.

Bent, says Gaius.

He'll need a wash, says Kierkegaard.

There will be clear water somewhere, says Gaius. Alexander-Red-Hook can make herself useful, and find it.

And what will you do? asks Alexander-Red-Hook.

Pull Terence out, says Gaius.

He could walk out, says Alexander-Red-Hook.

Yes I could, says Terence. I could walk out. Are my Smarties still showing?

Yes, says Kierkegaard.

I knew it, says Terence. Guess what I just saw!

What? asks Gaius.

Another E-mew! says Terence. You missed it.

Gaius looks around.

A yellow-rumped thornbill is just disappearing.

That was a yellow-rumped thornbill, says Gaius.

Not that one, says Terence. The other one. It came because the Smarties on my head look like eyes.

Nonsense, says Kierkegaard. They're red and yellow.

Water! calls Alexander-Red-Hook. Over here! And people!

People, says Gaius. That's good. We'll compare notes.

He sets off towards the place where Alexander-Red-Hook located the water.

Kierkegaard remains with Terence, in case he goes under again.