Squirt Problems

What's the matter? asks Terence.

Knees, says Little Mystic.

What about knees? asks Terence.

My horse will go backwards, says Little Mystic.

Horses can't go backwards, says Terence.

Yes they can, says Surfing-with-Whales. But you have to train them.

See, says Terence. 

Why did you think your horse would go backwards? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Because my knees bend backwards, says Little Mystic.

He demonstrates.

It's true. Being a bird, his knees do bend backwards.

Your legs aren't long enough anyway, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Phew! thinks Little Mystic.

You can perch behind me on my horse, says Terence.

You guys won't be getting a horse, says Surfing-with-Whales. Think of something more realistic.

Okay, says Terence.

Like a squirt gun, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Yes! says Terence. That's what we want. Two squirt guns.

What's a squirt gun? asks Little Mystic.

A water pistol, says Surfing-with-Whales. You fill it with water then you squirt the other guy, and the other guy squirts you back. But you both have to try not to get squirted.

Like paintball? says Terence.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. But without the paint.

But how do you squirt? asks Little Mystic.

Both Terence and Surfing-with-Whales see the problem with squirting for Little Mystic.

No fingers.

On the other hand, having knees that bend backwards could come in useful.

Legs Stiffen

Gotta go, aunt Gladys, says Surfing-with-Whales. My friends are arriving.

Are you having a party ...? asks aunt Gladys.

But Surfing-with-Whales has ended the call.

Gaius pedals up to the seat where Surfing-with-Whales is sitting sideways.

How's the ankle? asks Gaius.

Could be better, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Let's hope so, says Gaius. 

He called his mother, says Roo-kai.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. She was just starting reiki when her bread rolls caught fire so she aborted.

That sounds alarming, says Gaius.

But she had done some ommms, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Which may well suffice, says Gaius. It seems to me the most important factor is belief in the process.

Hard to sustain through a crisis of bread rolls, says Surfing-with-Whales. And then I had to talk to some random cousin. And then my aunt Gladys.

How nice, says Gaius. I myself have no family. Which does have it's good side.

Lost my concentration, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

I'll make you a poultice, says Gaius.

Great, says Surfing-with-Whales. What's in a poultice?

Various ingredients, says Gaius. Bran, flour, earth, herbs, cabbage leaves ....of course not all of them are essential.

Gaius leaves his bike and the pullalong with Surfing-with-Whales and goes off in search of ingredients for a poultice.

A pleasant enough task. It's some time since he's made a good poultice.

So I'm stuck here, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Me too, says Terence. But guess what? Little Mystic and me're getting a horse each.

In your dreams, says Surfing-with-Whales. Yeah, cool. And I'm getting a motor bike.

I thought you were getting a poultice, says Terence.

Yeah, a poultice, says Surfing-with-Whales. Hey, how's Little Mystic supposed to ride a horse?

Perch on it, says Terence. 

Does he know you have to use your knees to tell it where to go? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

Yes he does, says Terence.

But Little Mystic did not know!

His little legs stiffen. 

Purple At Christmas

Surfing-with-Whales arrives in Strahan at the same time as Roo-kai.

He gets off his bike.

How's the ankle? asks Roo-kai.

Surfing-with-Whales leans his bike against a building and looks at his ankle.

Pedaling has done it no good.

Looks a bit.... purple, says Roo-kai. 

Yeah, I'm calling Lauren, says Surfing-with-Whales.

What can she do? asks Roo-kai.

Reiki, says Surfing-with-Whales. It worked with the cement burn.

Mm, says Roo-kai.

Surfing-with-Whales calls Lauren.

Ring ring.

Lauren answers. Hello?

Mum, says Surfing-with-Whales, are you busy?

Of course I'm busy,  says Lauren. I've got everyone over.

Over? says Surfing-with-Whales.

For a Christmas lunch, says Lauren. All the aunties and uncles and cousins. Want to say hi to anyone?

Not right now, says Surfing-with-Whales. I've twisted my ankle.

Again? says Lauren. 

That was a cement burn, says Surfing-with-Whales. And it's better. Got a minute to give me some reiki?

I suppose so, says Lauren. I 've got bread rolls in the oven, so it'll have to be quick.

I'm ready, says Surfing-with-Whales.

I bet you're standing up, says Lauren.

I'll sit down, says Surfing-with-Whales. There's a seat over there.

He wheels his bike to the seat and sits down on it. 

Sideways, with his feet up.

Ready? says Lauren. Let your mind open.

It's open, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Ommmm ommm omm OMG! says Lauren. The bread rolls!

The phone crackles. Voices are heard in the back ground. 

Quick! Open a window!

Hi Whalesey! says someone. Merry Christmas!

Where's mum? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

Opening the windows, says the cousin. I'll get someone else.

Crackle, thump, crackle. 

Hello dear, says aunt Gladys.

A smoke alarm goes off.

Higher And Happier

Little Mystic has led a short life.

So he doesn't know what a horse is.

But now he's asked Terence to put a second horse on his list.

He is thinking: How can I ask Terence NOW, what a horse is?

He could ask Roo-kai. But Roo-kai has flown on to Strahan.

It'll be good if we get two horses, says Terence. 

Yes, says Little Mystic. One horse each.

I have perfect balance, says Terence. I wonder if you have.

All birds have, says Little Mystic.

Not all kids have, says Terence. But I have.

That's good, says Little Mystic. How did you get it?

I got it from the saints in Saint Malo, says Terence. So I wouldn't fall off my horse when I got it.

Did you get it? asks Little Mystic

No, says Terence. But I did get a ride on a pony. A pony's a bit like a horse.

What else did it look like? asks Little Mystic.

Angry, says Terence. 

Maybe we should ask for something different, says Little Mystic.

Happy ones, says Terence.

All right back there? asks Gaius, over his shoulder.

Yes, says Terence. We're making a list.

What for? asks Gaius. No don't tell me. A Christmas list.

Yes, says Terence. We want two horses.

And I suppose you imagine yourselves galloping around Lake Macquarie, while Surfing-with-Whales and I are in the water trying to locate maugean skates, says Gaius.

Yes! says Terence. 

Does Little Mystic even know what a horse is? asks Gaius.

Do you? asks Terence.

Like a pony, says Little Mystic. But higher and more happy. 

Gaius is surprised Little Mystic knows this.

A List Of Two Horses

Surfing-with-Whales is icing his ankle.

Terence is looking at the tinsel on the drinks fridge.

Gaius comes back in, with Little Mystic.

All clean, says Gaius. He just needs to fluff up.

Is he still glowing? asks Terence.

Hard to tell in the daylight, says Gaius. We must wait till tonight.

I will be still glowing, says Little Mystic. I swallowed a glow worm.

Stupid, says Terence. But anyway, guess what?

What? asks Little Mystic. 

Terence points at the drinks fridge.

Christmas, says Terence.

What is that? asks Little Mystic.

It's when I get a present, says Terence.

Just you? asks Little Mystic.

Just me, says Terence. But how am I going to get one?

Little Mystic doesn't know.

How's the ankle? asks Gaius. 

Surfing-with-Whales stands up.

Not too bad.

Ready to push on? asks Gaius.

Guess so, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Where're you guys headed? asks the proprietor.

Strahan, says Gaius. 

That's not far, says the proprietor. 

Good, says Gaius. We've had several delays.

You should take the young fellow to see that play they do there, says the proprietor. It's a corker.

Yes! says Terence. I like plays.

That's nice to hear, says the proprietor.

It could be his Christmas present, says the proprietor.

No it couldn't, says Terence.

I'm sure we'll find something suitable, says Gaius. 

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Okay, let's get going. Thanks for the ice.

No worries, says the proprietor.

Gaius, Surfing-with-Whales, Terence and Little Mystic leave the office.

Roo-kai is outside, minding the bikes.

I'll take the pullalong, says Gaius. 

Cool, thanks, says Surfing-with-Whales.

He heads off towards Strahan.

Roo-kai takes off, in the same direction.

Gaius follows, with Terence and Little Mystic in the pullalong.

What are you thinking? asks Terence.

I hope I fluff up, says Little Mystic. What are you thinking?

I'm making a list, says Terence.

What's on it? asks Little Mystic.

A horse, says Terence.

A horse? How is that fair? 

Make that two horses, says Little Mystic.

Bad Tinsel

So now everyone is out of the tunnel.

Surfing-with-Whales sits down and rubs his ankle.

You should put ice on it, says the first hiker.

Where'm I supposed to get ice? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

The golf club's nearby, says the second hiker. They'll have some.

Fine, says Gaius. I'll go to the golf club.

I'll come with you, says Surfing-with-Whales. Reckon I can still ride a bike.

What about Little Mystic? asks Terence. He might need ice.

What is ice? asks Little Mystic.

Frozen water, says Gaius. It wouldn't help you.

Yes, he just needs a wash, says the third hiker. 

He certainly does, says Gaius. Well thank you for everything. I imagine you three are keen to return to the tunnel.

If you're sure you're all right, says the first hiker.

We are, says Gaius. Enjoy the tunnel. And the glow worms.

Don't try and eat them, says Terence.

Ha ha! laugh the hikers, disappearing into the tunnel.

Right, says Gaius. Back to the golf club. We passed it on the way here. 

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Sorry about this.

Forget it, says Gaius. A minor hold-up.

They get on their bikes and cycle back towards the golf club

They pass a golfer, searching for balls.

Where are the clubrooms? asks Gaiuis.

No clubrooms, says the golfer. 

We need ice, says Gaius.

Go to the campsite office, says the golfer, pointing.

Thank you, says Gaius.

They soon arrive at the campsite office.

Gaius goes in.

Welcome says the proprietor. Need a campsite?

No, says Gauuis, we have had a small mishap in the Spray Tunnel and could do with some ice.

Sure, says the proprietor. Who's injured?

My colleague, says Gaius. Turned his ankle. Also a small bird that could do with a wash.

Bring them in, says the proprietor.

Gaius goes to the door and beckons Surfing-with-Whales to come in.

He limps in.

Sit down mate. I'll get the ice, says the proprietor, opening a freezer.

Gaius goes back out to get Terence and Little Mystic.

He carries Little Mystic in.

There's a sink out the back, says the proprietor. You can wash him in that.

Gaius takes Little Mystic through to the back.

Terence stays in the office.

He sees a drinks fridge in the corner, draped with tinsel.

Tinsel.

Wah! says Terence.

What's wrong with the kid? asks the proprietor.

Dunno, says Surfing-with-Whales. Oh yeah, maybe he's realised it's nearly Christmas and he's stuck out here.

The proprietor looks sympathetic.

Ever Heard Of Temptation?

The hikers have run into the tunnel. 

Unwise.

It is dark in the tunnel, and there are rail tracks to trip over.

Up ahead, Little Mystic is glowing.

Stop guys! says the first hiker.

What is it? asks the second.

Something blue on the line, says the first hiker.

They approach slowly.

Kek-kek! says Little Mystic. 

It's a bird! says the third hiker. What kind of bird glows blue and sparkly?

No kind, says the second. 

Looks like a baby masked lapwing, says the first hiker. Except for the glow.

What do we do? asks the second hiker.

Pick it up gently, says the first hiker, and take it out into the sun.

I'll do it, says the third hiker. You keep on looking.

The first and second hikers move on.

The third hiker picks up Little Mystic.

What happened, little fellow? asks the third hiker, not expecting an answer.

Well, says Little Mystic. Ever heard of temptation?

Sure I have, says the third hiker. 

I saw the glow worms on the roof of the tunnel, says Little Mystic. Glow worms are insects, and I had not eaten anything since I ate that tasteless slug. Apparently I should have pierced it first, but I was too hasty and anyway my beak is quite blunt.

Is this story going anywhere? asks the third hiker.

Yes, says Little Mystic. I decided to try eating a glow worm, just one. But I had not factored in the long strings of mucus, and I became entangled. I dangled in the air until Terence and Gaius came back for me. Terence pulled me down.

And left you on your own in the dark? asks the third hiker.

Terence ran out to get the skateboard, says Little Mystic. But he hasn't come back yet. Something has gone wrong.

He's having trouble getting it out of the pullalong, says the third hiker. 

Why didn't you help him? asks Little Mystic.

Perhaps we should have. But instead we rushed into the tunnel. Is someone else injured? The one you called Gaius?

No, not Gaius, says Little Mystic. I heard Surfing-with-Whales swearing and groaning. It must have been him.

My friends will help him, says the third hiker. And here we are in the sunlight. You won't glow so much now.

But I'm still sticky, says Little Mystic. 

What you need is a good wash, says the third hiker.

Yay! says Terence. Little Mystic is saved!

Thank you, hiker, says Roo-kai. 

I'll head back in, says the third hiker. 

Take the skateboard, says Terence.

The third hiker takes the skateboard and heads back in.

He has not gone far when the first and second hikera appear in the gloom folowed by Gaius, with Surfing-with-Whales leaning on his shoulder.

Looks like you won't be needing the skateboard, says the third hiker.

Rocking The Pullalong

Back so soon? asks Roo-kai, waking up from his doze.

Accidents have happened! says Terence.

Who? asks Roo-kai.

Little Mystic got tangled, says Terence.

In what? asks Roo-kai.

In sparkly blue glow worm goop, says Terence. He was dangling. And I pulled him down, but now he needs the skateboard.

Can't he move? asks Roo-kai.

I didn't ask him, says Terence.

Why can't Gaius help? asks Roo-kai. Has he had an accident too? 

No, says Terence. Surfing-with-Whales has. He'll need the skateboard as well

I'll go back with you, says Roo-kai.

Okay, says Terence. Help me lift the skateboard out of the pullalong.

That may not be so easy, says Roo-kai. 

Can we lift it together? asks Terence.

I doubt it, says Roo-kai.

What if we push the pullalong over? says Terence. To make the skateboard fall out.

Good idea, says Roo-kai.

He flies down from the pullalong in order to help Terence push.

Rock-rock.

The pullalong is rocking.

A few people in hiking clothes come along. They are looking for the entrance to the Spray Tunnel.

Hey, look what that kid and that bird are doing!

Should we stop them?

Yeah, we should. Hey kid, stop rocking the pullalong! 

I have to, says Terence.

We don't have to, says Roo-kai. Now that you people are here perhaps you could help us lift the skateboard out of the pullalong.

Is it your skateboard? asks a hiker.

And your pullalong? asks another.

Yes, says Roo-kai. Or I should say it belongs to my colleagues who have had accidents inside the tunnel.

Crikey! says the first hiker. Why didn't you say so?

The hikers start running towards the tunnel.

They weren't very helpful, says Terence.

Always Choose B

Now I have a dilemma, says Gaius.

Where? asks Terence.

It's not a question of where, says Gaius. I have to choose between options A and B.

Choose B, says Terence.

Wait till you hear what A and B are, says Gaius.

Kek-ick-kek! groans Little Mystic.

Uuurhhh-shiiit! comes a muffled expletive from back down the tunnel.

Option A is, I go back and help Surfing-with-Whales out of the tunnel, leaving you here with Little Mystic.

Now I know what option B is, says Terence.

You carry Little Mystic to the entrance of the tunnel all by yourself, says Gaius.

That wasn't it, says Terence.

What did you think it was? asks Gaius.

Get the skateboard, says Terence.

That may not be a bad idea, says Gaius. 

Except you said it's dangerous, says Terence.

Not if he goes slowly, says Gaius. But I'd better run it past him.

What shall I do? asks Terence.

Wait here, says Gaius. I'll be back in a moment.

He heads back down the tunnel to tell Surfing-with-Whales what he's thinking.

Surfing with-Whales is crawling slowly towards him.

You took your time, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Stop crawling, says Gaius. Terence has come up with an idea. Would it help if we brought you the skateboard?

Surfing-with-Whales imagines himself skateboarding out of the tunnel, with a turned ankle. 

No way, says Surfing with-Whales. Just lend me your shoulder.

Fine, says Gaius. I suppose the skateboard idea was somewhat fanciful.

He helps Surfing-with-Whales up from the ground.

Surfing-with-Whales leans on his shoulder.

Did you find Little Mystic? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

We did, says Gaius. The little muggins had tried to eat a glow worm and may well have succeeded. Terence is waiting up ahead with him now.

But Terence isn't.

He has gone to get the skateboard, leaving Little Mystic sticky and glowing blue on the ground.

At least he is visible.

Accidental Swallow

Ke-k-ke-k!

This is not good.

Little Mystic cries out for the others to save him.

But they have gone on down the tunnel.

After one hundred metres they come out into the sunlight.

That was good! says Terence. And we get to go through it again!

We don't need to, says Gaius. The walk is a loop. If we follow the trail we'll get back to our bikes.

But I want to go back through the tunnel! says Terence.

Little Mystic's not even come out yet, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Then we'd better go back that way, says Gaius. 

They turn and re-enter the tunnel.

Ke-e-e-ek-ulp-ke-e-e-ek!

The tunnel walls echo with Little Mystic's lamentations.

Little Mystic! cries Terence. Where are you?

Surfing-with-Whales starts to run.

Not a good idea in a dark tunnel with rail tracks.

Fuck! says Surfing-with-Whales.

He has tripped.

Are you all right? asks Gaius.

No! says Surfing-with-Whales. Twisted my ankle

Wait here, says Gaius. Terence and I will go on and find Little Mystic.

Bad luck, says Terence.

Gaius shines his phone torch on the roof of the tunnel.

That's him! cries Terence, 

So it is, says Gaius. If I lift you up, can you try to pull him down?

Yes! says Terence.

Gaius places his phone on the ground.

He positions himself under the dangling Little Mystic.

Ready Terence?

Ready, says Terence

Irridescent blue mucus surrounds Little Mystic.

Terence grabs his feet, and pulls.

Down comes Little Mystic, into the hard arms of Terence.

Yuck! says Terence.

I only wanted to try one, says Little Mystic,

A glow worm? says Gaius. I thought I warned you against it.

I didn't eat any, says Little Mystic.

It looks like you did, says Terence. You're glowing.

Little Mystic wonders if he swallowed one accidentally.

Entangled In Mucus

Roo-kai and Little Mystic wait outside the Spray Tunnel.

They are minding the bikes and the skateboard.

And talking.

Maybe I should have gone in with Terence, says Little Mystic.

He'll be all right, says Roo-kai.

What if he gets lost? asks Little Mystic. 

Gaius will find him, says Roo-kai.

I guess so, says Little Mystic. What do you think it's like in the tunnel?

Dark, says Roo-kai. Go in if you want to.

Just a short way, says Little Mystic. Just to see.

He hops off the pullalong and flies into the tunnel.

Roo-kai closes his eyes. It's been a long week.

Flying to Queensland and back with a frog in a sling, and she would keep on talking.

And then all the way south to Tasmania, on his own.

And now all this stopping and starting....

He sleeps, in a bird kind of way.

Inside the tunnel, Little Mystic is not fearful.

If he turns he can see the keyhole-shaped entrance behind him.

And daylight.

He forges on.

He sees two lights bobbing and flashing, illuminating the walls of the tunnel.

He hears voices.

The lights go off.

Arachnacampo tasmaniensis! says Gaius.

Crash!

He has bumped into Terence.

Ouch! says Terence. Watch out!

Apologies, says Gaius. I was admiring the glow worms.

Me too, says Terence.

Awesome, says Surfing-with-Whales. Glow worms. Is that what they are?

Yes, says Gaius. Not actual worms but tiny bioluminescent insects, attracting their prey.

Little Mystic has now come up behind them.

Insects? 

Don't try to eat them, says Gaius. You'll be glowing for days.

Yeah? says Surfing-with-Whales. Would that really happen?

That's something we don't need to find out, says Gaius. 

Little Mystic likes the idea of glowing for days.

The others proceed through the tunnel, but Little Mystic is tempted by the sparkling blue constellations.

Surely he could try just one.

He flies up to the roof of the tunnel. 

Ee! Euw! Kek!

He becomes entangled in long threads of sticky blue mucus.

Secret Donut

They cross the road to the food van.

What can I get you? asks Carol, the owner.

Sausage roll and a coffee , says Surfing-with-Whales.

Just a coffee, thanks, says Gaius.

Heading out are you? asks Carol.

Yeah, to Strahan, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Would the little one like a donut? asks Carol.

Yes! says Terence. 

No, says Gaius. Best not.

Going to see the Spray Tunnel, on your way out? asks Carol. It's just past the golf course.

We hadn't planned to, says Gaius. 

I want to! says Terence.

You don't even know what it is, says Surfing-with-Whales.

A spraying tunnel, says Terence.

It's an old railway tunnel, says Carol.  You can walk through it. It leads to the old silver mine. The tunnel's dark so you need your own torch. 

Yay! says Terence. Are we going?

Gaius feels a bit mean because of the donut.

Perhaps, says Gaius. We may have time, if we leave now.

Yay! says Terence. 

Gaius pays for the coffees and the sausage roll. 

Carol slips Surfing-with-Whales a free donut.

For the little one, she whispers.

Cool, thanks, says Surfing-with-Whales, pocketing the donut.

They head off towards the golf course.

Do we even have a torch? asks Gaius.

We've got phones, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Behind the golf course is a sign pointing to the Spray Tunnel.

They follow the sign.

There it is. The entrance to the Spray Tunnel, a keyhole-shaped tunnel fringed with green ferns, a narrow railway line disappearing into the darkness.

Who's going in with me? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Me, says Terence.

I may as well come too, says Gaius.

Little Mystic and I will mind the bicycles, says Roo-kai. And the skateboard.

Can I go in on the skateboard? asks Terence.

Too dangerous, says Gaius.

Woo! Too dangerous to go in on a skateboard.

Terence is thrilled.

He runs ahead of Gaius and Surfing-with-Whales, into the keyhole-shaped tunnel.

And stops short.

It's dark in the tunnel.

Until your eyes get used to it.

Then, if you look up, you see glow worms.

Fun Job

Lucky I found you, says Little Mystic.

I found YOU, says Terence.

Same thing, says Little Mystic.

Terence is about to say that it isn't.

It's the same result, says Gaius. And now we must think about leaving.

Yay! says Terence. 

You haven't seen everything, says Little Mystic. There's a movie theatre, and out in the yard there's a train.

No time for that now, says Gaius. Surfing-with-Whales will be looking for us.

They go back to the ticket guy.

Surfing-with-Whales is standing there, chatting.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Heading for Port Macquarie.

It's nice there, says the ticket guy. Scenic.

Gonna be diving, says Surfing-with-Whales. Looking for maugean skates.

No kidding, says the ticket guy. Then what?

Dunno, says Surfing-with-Whales. Count them. 

Fun job, says the ticket guy. 

Aha, there you are, says Gaius. Did Roo-kai take good care of your things?

Yep, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Where is he? asks Terence.

Outside, waiting, says Surfing-with-Whales. They don't allow birds inside.

Or skateboards, says Gaius. 

No worries, says the ticket guy. Here's your skateboard. 

Thank you, says Gaius.

They go.

Roo-kai is perched on the pullalong, outside.

Guess what! says Terence.

I'm sure you'll tell me, says Roo-kai. 

Little Mystic went on a mission, says Terence.

What was it? asks Roo-kai. 

To find me, says Terence.

And did he? asks Roo-kai.

Yes, says Terence.

Well done, Little Mystic, says Rookai. Where was he?

In the Courthouse, says Little Mystic. He was looking for me.

That worked out well, says Roo-kai. 

How about a coffee before we head off ? says Surfing-with-Whales.

There's a food truck parked over the road.

Selling coffee, sausage rolls and sweet pastries.

Another delay, thinks Gaius. And I know who'll be paying.

Red Paint On The Blade

Gaius heads to the gift shop.

Terence is still there.

Look! You can buy rocks, says Terence. Can we buy one?

No, says Gaius. And you should not have run off.

I didn't run, says Terence.

I have pictures of rocks in one of my notebooks, says Gaius. 

But I want a real one, says Terence.

He was after a crocoite, says the gift shop assistant. But we don't sell those.

Very wise, says Gaius. The crystals are toxic.

I see you know rocks, says the gift shop assistant.

He knows frogs too, says Terence.  And birds.

Does he? says the gift shop assistant.

Speaking of which, says Gaius. Has a juvenile masked lapwing been through here?

No, says the gift shop assistant. I'd have noticed.

What? asks Terence.

Little Mystic is looking for you, says Gaius.

Yay! says Terence. He's learning.

And now, we shall have to find him, says Gaius.

He and Terence leave the gift shop without buying anything.

The ticket guy calls out as they pass. 

Hey! I've located your bird in the Courthouse.

Wonderful! says Gaius. Where is that?

The ticket guy points them in the direction of the Police Station and Courthouse.

They just have to follow the signs.

The family of one adult and five children are having fun in the Courthouse.

You can dress up in olden day clothes and re-enact a trial.

Little Mystic is Exhibit A: a Dead Parrot.

One of the children is accused of his murder.

A second child is providing evidence that the first child did it.( A wooden prop knife with red paint on the blade).

A third child ( the witness) is claiming that the parrot died of natural causes

The adult and the fourth and fifth child are the jury.

Gaius and Terence enter the courtroom.

Little Mystic! says Terence.

Little Mystic sits up. 

Kek kek! I found you!

The murder case is abandoned due to the resurrection of the victim.

All five children are disappointed.

Never mind, says the adult. There's a Blacksmith's Shop somewhere.....

They're Toxic

Little Mystic has decided to hide on the train.

He hops up into the cabin.

Kek-kek! 

The five children have followed him.

A cute little bird! cries one.

Catch it! cries another.

Don't hurt it. It's scared, says the oldest.

Little Mystic is not scared. 

He escapes through the side window, and up to the top of the train, where, kek-kek! he spies a chimney!

He settles inside.

The five children can't get up to the chimney.

They lark about in the cabin. until they get bored.

Come on, says the adult who brought them. We'll go to the Police Station next!

Little Mystic pops his head out of the chimney.

How good it would be if he could see Terence.

But he doesn't.

A thought strikes him.

Maybe Terence has gone to the Police Station.

He jumps out of the chimney and follows the noise.

Meanwhile Gaius has seen all the rocks in the exhibition.

And still no Terence. 

He leaves the Minerals and Gemstone Gallery and returns to the ticket office.

Have you seen my young charge? asks Gaius.

Isn't he with you? asks the ticket guy.

He disappeared, says Gaius. Did you see where he went?

To be honest, I stepped outside for a minute, says the ticket guy. Couldn't resist trying out the skateboard. Thought the kid wouldn't mind.

I'm sure he wouldn't, says Gaius.

Where's that bird you had? asks the ticket guy.

Not back yet, says Gaius.

You weren't supposed to put him down, says the ticket guy.

He volunteered to go and find Terence, says Gaius.

So they could be anywhere, says the ticket guy. This is quite a big place.

So I gather, says Gaius. 

Want me to check the security cameras? asks the ticket guy.

If you would, says Gaius.

It's not long before before Terence is located in the gift shop.

He is looking at rocks.

An assistant is showing him the one that looks like a peacock.

And he's asking for the one that looks like a pile of grated carrot.

And she is saying we don't sell those to people. They'e toxic.

And Terence is trying to persuade her that he doesn't mind.

Of course Gaius and the ticket guy can't hear this conversation.

The security camera has vision but doesn't have sound.

Two First Missions

Where is Terence? asks Gaius.

He went, says Little Mystic.

But where? asks Gaius.

I'll go and find him, says Little Mystic. You can wait here.

A tempting offer. Gaius has not seen all the rocks yet.

All right, says Gaius. But don't let that ticket chap see you.

I won't, says Little Mystic.

Little Mystic is elated. His first mission. Find Terence, without being seen.

He skitters to the door of the Gemstones and Minerals Gallery, and peeps out.

The ticket guy is not looking in Little Mystic's direction.

He is lifting up Terence's skateboard. 

Seeing the dragons.

Looking impressed. 

Dropping the skateboard to the floor and stepping onto it.

Heading outside.

Little Mystic now has two missions.

Find Terence and tell him about this.

But how to find Terence?

He listens.

Thud thud, he thinks he hears Terence's feet.

He follows the sounds down a corridor and onto a boardwalk which leads to a whole other building. 

It's an olden days theatre. The Gaiety.

And a olden days movie is on.

Thud thud. It's the sound of hammers.

Not Terence.

But the movie is good.

Louise Lovely is in it, disguised as a boy.

Little Mystic hasn't forgotten about finding Terence.

Just postponed it.

Luckily the movie is short.

He exits the theatre, and finds his way into a yard.

The yard is full of old mining relics.

But no Terence.

'This way to the train'.

Little Mystic can't read but he hears another visitor reading the sign.

Someone with five dollars worth of children.

Come on kids! This way to the train!

Little Mystic follows the family.

One of the five children turns and spots Little Mystic. 

Little Mystic isn't supposed to be spotted.

Should he go back to the mining relics, or hide on the train?

With Birdlike Qualities

Gaius padlocks his bike to a post, and lifts Terence out of the pullalong.

Where are we going? asks Terence.

The Heritage Centre, says Gaius. 

What about me? asks Little Mystic.

You too, says Gaius. If they'll let you in.

We want to look for parrots, says Terence. 

Afterwards, says Gaius. 

What if someone steals my skateboard? asks Terence.

Tch! says Gaius. I know. We'll take it inside and find somewhere safe to leave it.

What if... begins Terence.

What if nothing, says Gaius. We're going in.

He enters the Heritage Centre with Terence, Little Mystic, and the skateboard.

Enquires about the price of a ticket.

Twenty five dollars for an adult, thirty for an adult with up to five children, says the ticket guy. No birds and definitely no skateboards.

One adult then, says Gaius. And one child. I assume that will be twenty six dollars.

Thirty dollars, says the ticket guy. 

So four extra children can get in for nothing, says Gaius.

Theoretically yes, says the ticket guy. But you don't have four extra children.

No, says Gaius. Only a baby masked lapwing. Which I shall carry.

Or he could go on the skateboard, says Terence. 

How would that work? asks Gaius.

Not happening, says the ticket guy. Okay, you can take the bird in, if you carry him, I'll mind the skateboard. 

Gaius pays the thirty dollars and enters the first room of exhibits.

Which are: hundreds of rocks in glass cases.

Boring, says Terence.

Zeehan was a mining town, says Gaius. Hence the focus. Why don't you look at them all and then choose your favourite.

Because they're all rocks! says Terence.

I'll choose my favourite, says Little Mystic. 

That's a good attitude, says Gaius. How do you like this one?

This one is crocoite, but it looks like grated carrot.

Or a parrot, with no head or legs but lots of spiky orange feathers, rolling itself into a ball.

That one! says Little Mystic. It looks like a parrot.

A parrot covered in grated carrot, says Terence.

Yes, says Little Mystic. It's my favourite.

Mine too, says Terence. Can we go now?

Not yet, says Gaius. There are many more rocks to examine.

He peers at a sample of peacock ore, or bornite.

Irridescent, like the feathers of a peacock. 

He is going to point this out to Terence. Another rock with birdlike qualities

He turns to do so.

But Terence is not in the room.

A Blue Patch

Surfing-with-Whales has not yet returned for his back pack.

And his phone has stopped ringing. But there has been a DING!

The back pack is half open.

Roo-kai wonders if he should look in.

But he doesn't.

Meanwhile, Gaius has almost reached Zeehan.

He passes the sign saying Welcome to Zeehan.

He must be there.

Here we are, says Gaius, stopping.

Where? asks Terence.

Zeehan, says Gaius. We're going to wait here for Surfing-with-Whales.

Can we look for parrots? asks Terence.

Nothing is stopping you looking, says Gaius. If you see a swift parrot, alert me. They're bright green, with a blue patch on the crown.

Can we get out? asks Terence.

No, says Gaius, I'm going to ride down the main street. I've heard there are several grand historic buildings.

Woop! says Terence.

What are grand historic buildings? asks Little Mystic.

Palaces, says Terence.

They may not be palaces, says Gaius. But this was once a prosperous mining town. They called it the Silver City.

Silver palaces! says Little Mystic. He looks forward to seeing them.

Terence does not. He is looking only for parrots.

Fast ones, bright green, with a blue patch.

Gaius cycles slowly past the old Gaiety Theatre, and a Heritage Centre.

Fascinating architecture, says Gaius. 

Someone is cycling towards him.

Can it be? Yes it is. Surfing-with-Whales.

Hey, says Surfing-with-Whales. Get my message?

No, says Gaius. Did you send one?

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Had to borrow someone's phone, because I left mine in my back pack.

Wisely, says Gaius. Seeing that you were in a kayak.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. But I couldn't remember your number. So I sent it to me.

We must have already left Lake Rosebery by then, says Gaius. What was the message?

Bring my stuff to Zeehan, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Which we could easily have done, says Gaius. 

Meaning you didn't, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Roo-kai stayed behind to look after it until you arrived, says Gaius.

So he would've read the message, says Surfing-with-Whales.

He may have, says Gaius. But he couldn't very well bring your stuff.

Fuck, says Surfing-with-Whales. So I have to go back there.

It's not that far, says Gaius. We'll wait here in Zeehan, and pass the time visiting the Heritage Museum.

And finding parrots for our parrot gang, says Terence.

Yes, in Zeehan there'll be plenty to do.

High Price For A Parrot

Gaius has eaten the cake. 

It was a small cake, and he is still hungry.

He thinks about having some crackers, with apricot jam.

But no, he decides to eat an apple.

When are we going? asks Terence.

As soon as Surfing-with-Whales gets back, says Gaius.

Can we have your apple core? asks Terence.

Certainly, says Gaius. 

He finishes the apple and gives Terence the core.

Can we get in the pullalong? asks Terence.

Yes, I'll lift you in, says Gaius. It's my turn to pull you.

He lifts Terence in.

Little Mystic takes a run-up, flaps his wings and gets in on his own.

Well done! says Gaius.

Can we go now? asks Terence.

I'd like to, says Gaius. It's slow going with the pullalong. And Surfing-with-Whales will know where we've gone. But we ought not to leave his back pack unattended

I'll wait here for him if you like, says Roo-kai.

Thank you, says Gaius. I could send him a text.

No, says Roo-kai. I'll wait here and take care of his things. We'll meet up in Zeehan.

Gaius picks up his back pack, mounts his bike, and heads for the Murchison Highway.

Roo-kai stays behind, waiting for Surfing-with-Whales.

There is a blanket strapped onto the back pack.

And a phone ringing inside.

In the pullalong, Terence and Little Mystic are hatching a plan.

A plan involving the apple core.

And an unsuspecting parrot.

We'll have a parrot gang, says Terence. 

He-he! laughs Little Mystic. 

Terence has stuck the apple core on his claw. 

He is extending it over the side of the pullalong.

Which is dangerous.

And hasn't attracted a parrot.

A car overtakes them and pulls up at the side of the road.

Gaius stops, because the driver has got out of his car and is waving him down.

Terence withdraws the applecore.

Hello mate, says the driver to Gaius. Do you know what your kid's been doing?

No, says Gaius I've been concentrating on the road. What's he been doing?

Waving an apple core over the side of the pullalong, says the driver.

Dear me, says Gaius. He'll be trying to attract a parrot.

He could lose an arm, says the driver.

Indeed, says Gaius. High price for a parrot.

Yeah well, says the driver. Just thought you should know.

I appreciate your concern, says Gaius. Thank you. Are you going to Zeehan?

Yep, says the driver. Zeehan, the Silver City. You?

Stopping there, says Gaius. Then pressing on.

Might see you, says the driver. 

He gets back in his car and drives off.

Now what? says Terence.

Do you really need another parrot? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Terence. We're forming a parrot gang.

One minute, says Gaius. Then we're moving on, and I'm taking the apple core.

Terence waves the apple core.

No parrots are attracted.

But one ot two are observing.

The Fortunate One

Surfing-with-Whales paddles back to where Gaius is waiting.

Want a go? asks Surfing-with-Whales. I hired it till lunchtime.

Why not, says Gaius. Thank you, I will.

Surfing-with-Whales eases himself out of the kayak.

He steadies it.

Gaius eases himself in.

Surfing-with-Whales gives him the paddle, and Gaius paddles out into the middle of Lake Rosebery.

He stops paddling, leans back and soaks up the scenery.

The myrtles and eucalypts, the mountains and their near-perfect reflections.

How relaxing.

A trout plops nearby.

Back on land Terence is explaining to Surfing-with-Whales that Little Mystic is now good at talking.

Cool, says Surfing-with-Whales. Your lessons paid off.

Roo-kai helped a little bit, says Terence.

Is he back from Queensland already? asks Surfing-With-Whales.

Yes, says Terence.

Where is he? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Over there catching slugs with Little Mystic, says Terence.

Awesome, says Surfing-with-Whales. Which reminds me, I'm starving. 

He heads for the food.

What is there?  He and Gaius have already eaten the chocolate. What about those long-lasting wrapped cakes? 

He rips open a packet.

Roo-kai and Little Mystic come over.

Any luck catching slugs? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

Yes, says Little Mystic. Roo-kai taught me how to find them. And he taught me to make a hole in them first, so they taste better.

Far out! says Surfing-with-Whales. Are you the same Little Mystic that couldn't even say are we there yet?

Are we there yet, says Little Mystic.

Not yet, says Terence.

I wasn't asking, says Little Mystic.

You were, says Terence. Are we there yet's a question.

It was a demonstration, says Little Mystic.

Of what? asks Terence. 

Of me saying it, says Little Mystic.

I got that, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Me too, says Terence.

No one asks him what it is that he got.

Gaius paddles back, done with relaxing.

Right, says Gaius, stepping out of the kayak and dragging it onto the shore. Lunch, and then we head off to Zeehan.

I've already eaten, says Surfing-with-Whales. I'll go and return the kayak. See you back here.

He climbs into the kayak and paddles off to the Tullah Lakeside Lodge, where it came from.

Gaius looks at the packet of long-lasting cakes.

Of six wrapped cakes, there is only one left.

Well, that is fortunate. 

He eats it.

Make A Hole In It First

There should be plenty of slugs around here, says Roo-kai. Come with me, Little Mystic.

They head for the trees.

Turn over those leaves, says Roo-kai. There will be slugs underneath them.

Little Mystic shuffles around in the debris.

He moves a few leaves.

Several slugs are uncovered.

There you go, says Roo-kai. Buon appetito.

What? says Little Mystic.

Eat one, says Roo-kai.

Little Mystic picks up a slug with his beak.

Gulp. He swallows it.

Tasty? asks Rookai.

Not really, says Little Mystic. 

Did you make a hole in it first? asks Roo-kai.

What with? asks Little Mystic.

Your beak, says Roo-kai. Watch me do it.

He pierces a slug with his beak. Sprong!

And swallows the slug.

Urm, not the best, says Roo-kai. Too earthy. But you might have liked it.

Why would I like it if you didn't? asks Little Mystic.

Being an oystercatcher, says Roo-kai, I prefer sea slugs, which are more salty.

I thought you were a parrot, says Little Mystic.

No, says Roo-kai. Are you a parrot?

No, says Little Mystic.

Terence likes to think of his bird friends as parrots, says Roo-kai. It's to do with his past.

What's in his past? asks Little Mystic.

He lived on a palace in Barcelona, says Roo-kai. He would have seen plenty of pigeons.

Are they the same as parrots? asks Little Mystic.

No, says Roo-kai. But they fancy themselves as descendents of the paraclete.

This is somewhat beyond me, says Little Mystic.

As it should be, says Roo-kai. Best forget all about it. No doubt Terence has.

This is comforting, kind of.

And Little Mystic has decided he really likes slugs. 

He tries another one, but it still isn't nice, because he's forgotton to pierce it.

Mystic Understandings

Terence thinks I'm hopeless, says Little Mystic.

Why would he think that? asks Roo-kai.

Because I wouldn't say mosquito, says Little Mystic.

You just said it, says Terence.

Yes, in a sentence, says Little Mystic. 

It seems you've underestimated Little Mystic, says Roo-kai.

What does that mean? asks Terence.

That he doesn't like eating mosquitoes, says Roo-kai. And he's too shy to say.

This sounds right to Little Mystic. He did not like to say. 

He might like slugs, says Roo-kai. They don't have legs, which is a plus in my opinion.

Let's find a slug, says Terence. And Little Mistake can try it.

MYSTIC, says Rookai.

I'll go and get it, says Terence.

He runs off to the pullalong, passing Gaius.

Where are you off to? asks Gaius. 

Roo-kai wants a stick, says Terence. So I'm giving him mine.

You left it behind, says Gaius. Remember?

Wah! says Terence.

What's this about Roo-kai? asks Gaius.

He's back, says Terence. He's over there, under that tree.

Gaius hurries over.

Roo-Kai! says Gaius. I had not expected to see you so soon. 

Thought I'd look in on you, says Roo-kai. Keep you up to date with the latest.

Fire away, says Gaius.

The Kroombit tinker has been returned to Kroombit Tops, says Roo-kai. The other frogs welcomed her as a hero. She intends to deliver a series of talks, about her European adventures.

Wonderful! says Gaius. How did the orange net bag work as a sling?

We managed, says Roo-kai.

Good for you, says Gaius. Now what's this about you needing a stick?

I don't need a stick, says Roo-kai.

You said it, says Terence.

Roo-kai recalls his last words to Terence before Terence ran off.

MYSTIC. 

Oh yes, says Roo-kai. A misunderstanding.

Terence left a good stick behind in Waratah, says Gaius. 

It was supposed to attract a parrot, says Terence. 

Sticks don't attract parrots, says Roo-kai.

What about a stick with an apple core stuck on the end of it? says Terence.

Oh, right, says Roo-kai.

 

Parrot Cool

 Surfing-with-Whales has hired a kayak.

There he is now.

Kayaking across to the other side of Lake Rosebery.

Cutting through pristine waters, surrounded by myrtles, sassafras and eucalypts.

Nature is magnificent.

Or is it?

He thinks of the problems ahead.

Gaius watches from the shore.

He wonders how much Surfing-with-Whales paid for the hire of the kayak. And how long he has hired it for. Perhaps he should have hired one himself. They could have kayaked together. But then of course there is Terence. Terence! Where is he?

Terence is not far away. He is sitting under a myrtle with Little Mystic. 

Giving him lessons.

Mosquito, says Terence.

But Little Mystic doesn't want to learn the word mosquito.

Okay, try and say mozzie, says Terence.

Little Mystic suspects that mozzie might be a short version of the same word.

He does not say it.

You're not my best parrot, says Terence.

Parrot, says Little Mystic.

That's better, says Terence. And what do parrots do?

Little Mystic looks up at the sky.

Terence looks up too, to see what Little Mystic is looking at.

And wonder of wonders! Guess what?

It's Roo-kai!

Roo-kai lands beside them.

You came back! cries Terence. 

Who's this? asks Roo-kai.

Little Mistake, says Terence. He's learning to be my new parrot, but he's hopeless.

He's a baby masked lapwing, says Roo-kai. He hasn't even got his grown-up mask yet. 

Will he get one? asks Terence.

Of course he will, says Roo-kai. Hello, Little Mistake. I'm Terence's old parrot, Roo-kai. Nowadays I'm  more of a freelance.

Hello, Roo-kai, says Little Mystic, And my name's Little Mystic. I swallowed an egg, and they made me eat two mosquitoes.

Ha ha! laughs Roo-kai. You need an ally.

Kek kek! 

How cool is Roo-kai!

Little Thin Legs

What was that for? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Apologies, says Gaius. It was a mosquito.

Surfing-with-Whales looks at his arm.

A mosquito is smeared there.

Don't wipe it off, says Gaius. It will do for Little Mystic.

Yeah? says Surfing-with-Whales. Okay.

He picks the dead mosquito from his arm and dangles it before Little Mystic.

Eat it, says Terence.

Little Mystic opens his beak, to eat the mosquito.

Ulp. He swallows it down.

Was it tasty? asks Terence.

Little Mystic can't say that it was.

Never mind, says Gaius. Tasty or not, it was nourishment.

Did his egg come out? asks Surfing-with-Whales.  

Most of it, says Gaius. Not the shell, which raises some questions.

What questions? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Was it an egg in the first place? says Gaius. Or is the shell still inside him?

If it was, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Yes, if it was, says Gaius. Anyway he seems quite well now.

Yeah, so are we heading off or staying? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

Why do you ask? asks Gaius.

If we're staying I might hire a kayak, says Surfing-with-Whales.

I suppose we could stay for the rest of the morning, says Gaius. It is pleasant here. And there seems to be a ready supply of mosquitoes.

He whacks Surfing-with-Whales's arm again.

Lucky Little Mystic. He gets a second mosquito.

Ulp. Yerk. Chhah! 

It's not the body that's the problem. 

It's those little thin legs.

Unusual Force

Is that your egg? asks Terence.

Yegg, says Little Mystic.

How come the shell didn't come out? asks Terence.

Little Mystic moves away from the glutinous pile.

He examines it.

No pieces of eggshell.

This can mean only one thing. The eggshell has stayed inside him.

Who cares? says Terence. Something came out. And guess what?

Little Mystic is not into guessing.

No more catching worms, says Terence. It's heartless.

I wozint, says Little Mystic.

You have to catch insects, says Terence. 

Little Mystic cheers up.

Insects. 

And in fact, the glutinous pile is already attracting some insects.

But they are not the right sort.

Gaius returns.

He peers down at the glutinous pile.

Hmm, says Gaius. No eggshell. Perhaps it wasn't an egg after all. But it has come out quite glutinous. And therefore we can conclude that it was no mineral. Perhaps an egg, with no shell. But then why did it crack when I tapped on his tummy with a pebble...?

Terence and Little Mystic wait for him to finish his musings.

It seems he has finished.

Let's go back to the water says Gaius. Terence needs to wash his face, and you, Little Mystic, need to wash your nether parts. And who knows, perhaps we shall spot some tasty insects.

Which ones are tasty? asks Terence.

It depends who you are, says Gaius. Little Mystic is a juvenile masked lapwing, so I imagine he likes earwigs, beetles and slugs.

Little Mystic doesn't know if he likes earwigs, beetles and slugs, but he follows Gaius and Terence to the water.

And mosquitoes, says Gaius. But they are not easy to catch.

Surfing-with-Whales has been splashing away in the distance.

 He sees them and waves.

He freestyles towards them, until he gets to the shallows. He stands.

That was awesome, says Surfing-with-Whales. I was floating out there looking up at the mountains.

Very nice, says Gaius. 

And this guy in a kayak came by, says Surfing-with-Whales. He reckons you can hire them.

Really, says Gaius. Stand still. Don't move. 

He whacks Surfing-with-Whales on the arm, with unusual force.

Inexplicably, unless of course he has seen a mosquito.

Cruel Mustard

It's good if he just ate an egg, says Surfing-with-Whales.

No necessarily, says Gaius. It felt hard, so it still had the shell on.

Little Mystic looks worried.

He has eaten an egg with the shell on, instead of a worm!

What'll happen? asks Terence.

We wait for him to pass it, says Gaius.

How? asks Terence.

The natural way, says Gaius. 

A whole egg! says Surfing-with-Whales. That'll be painful.

I may be able to do something to assist him, says Gaius.

Do it! says Terence.

All right. This may seem cruel, says Gaius. Lie down, Little Mystic.

Little Mystic lies down.

Gaius picks up a middle-sized pebble which was lying nearby.

And raps Little Mystic's tummy. Rap rap!

Toppit! cries Little Mystic.

Courage! says Gaius. 

He raps harder. Crack crack!

There! says Gaius. The shell is now broken and the egg will be easier to pass.

Little Mystic's tummy starts to gurgle.

Excellent, says Gaius. Something is happening already.

What is? asks Terence.

The shell will come out in small pieces, says Gaius. We don't need to watch.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. I'm heading down to the water. Coming Terence?

I'll come too, says Gaius. I'll collect a few worms for Little Mystic.

They head down to the shores of Lake Rosebery, leaving Little Mystic to pass his pieces of eggshell in private.

Surfing-with-Whales sprints ahead and dives into the water.

Terence watches as Gaius searches for worms.

I should have brought something to draw them out, says Gaius. Mustard, for example.

Or peanut butter, says Terence.

Hum, says Gaius. I'm not sure worms will come up for peanut butter.

There's one! says Terence.

Sure enough, a worm has stuck its head up, through the mud.

We don't like peanut butter, says the worm. And we really hate mustard.

That's the idea of the mustard, says Gaius.

Heartless! says the worm, sinking back into the mud, leaving a tiny hole which fills up straight away.

We lost it! says Terence.

Perhaps we should give up on the worms, says Gaius. Little Mystic can make do with insects.

Yes! says Terence. I'll go and tell him.

He runs back to where Little Mystic is sitting in a glutinous pile.

Familiar Egg

Did you get one? asks Terence.

Little Mystic nods. Yes he got one.

But what was it? It didn't taste much like food.

There is a round heavy thing in his tummy.

He looks up at Terence.

What words does he know that will suit the situation?

Toppit, says Little Mystic.

Okay, says Terence. Let's go.

They go back to where Gaius and Surfing-with-Whales are eating the chocolate.

What happened to you? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Nothing, says Terence.

There's mud on your face, says Surfing-with-Whales.

I was showing Little Mistake how to find worms in the mud, says Terence.

Did he find any? asks Gaius.

He found something, says Terence. And he ate it. 

Gaius looks at Little Mystic, who is looking unwell.

Come here Little Mystic, says Gaius. 

Little Mystic lurches towards Gaius, and falls over.

Woah! says Surfing-with-Whales. What's wrong with him?

Gaius feels Little Mystic's tummy.

There's something hard and round in there, says Gaius.

Wah! cries Terence. A hard and round worm!

Little Mystic looks alarmed.

It was probably not a worm at at all, says Gaius. The question is, what was it?

I'll ask him, says Terence.

His vocabulary is lacking, says Gaius. But it would help if we knew.

Try drawing a picture, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Excellent idea, says Gaius. 

He takes a notebook from his back pack opens it at an empty page, near the end. 

He takes a pencil ( he has one!) and starts sketching.

A pebble, an egg, and a coin. 

He shows the sketches to Little Mystic.

Was it one of these that you swallowed?

Little Mystic doesn't know.

But the egg looks familiar.

So he points to the egg with his beak.

He Swallows It Whole

There is an IGA Express in Tullah.

Gaius has picked up a large bag of apples, and six packets of crackers.

He is looking for peanut butter when Surfing with-Whales comes up behind him.

You made good time, says Gaius. 

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Wanted to help with the shopping.

Help me find the peanut butter, says Gaius.

Sure, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

He goes looking for chocolate, and long-lasting cakes.

Terence and Little Mystic are waiting outside in the pullalong.

Lissen, says Little Mystic. 

What? asks Terence.

Lissen, repeats Little Mystic.

He points at his tummy.

Terence leans in to listen to Little Mystic's tummy.

It's grumbling. Grumble-burr.

Gaius and Surfing-with-Whales come out of the IGA Express, with apples, crackers, peanut butter,  mixed nuts, chocolate and cake.

Now we're square, says Surfing-with-Whales.

We are, says Gaius. I must thank Lauren. 

Mum wouldn't want us to starve, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Little Mistake is! says Terence.

Is what? asks Gaius.

Starving, says Terence.

Of course! says Gaius. We have been inconsiderate. We'll head straight for Lake Rosebery, eat our lunch there, and let Little Mystic forage for insects and worms.

He might not know how to, says Terence. 

I wozint, says Little Mystic.

Don't worry, I'll help you, says Terence.

Gaius and Surfing-with-Whales head down to the shores of Lake Rosebery. 

A beautiful lake with Mount Farrell reflected in it.

But will there be worms?

Gaius and Surfing-with-Whales find a good spot to sit and eat crackers and chocolate and cake.

Terence and Little Mystic make their way to the edge of the water.

A muddy spot. Perfect for worms.

Start fossicking, says Terence.

Little Mystic looks confused.

Like this, says Terence getting down on his knees and leaning forward, until his face hits the mud, 

Surely Little Mystic will get the idea.

Little Mystic leans forward and pokes in the mud with his little blunt beak.

Kek kek! He's found something!

It's round and hard, and he swallows it whole.

Airy Verret?

Gaius is making good time. 

It's much easier without the pullalong.

He will soon be in Tullah, where he will look for a shop from which to replenish their supplies.

More apples of course. But perhaps also some crackers. 

And something to spread on the crackers.

Like peanut butter, or apricot jam.

Some way behind him, Surfing-with-Whales has come to a stop.

Terence is shouting.

What is it? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

We forgot the stick, says Terence.

We don't need it, says Surfing-with-Whales. You've got your parrot.

HE wants it, says Terence.

What for? asks Surfing-with-Whales. And how do you know he wants it?

He can talk, says Terence.

That's good, says Surfing-with-Whales. Tell him we'll find a new stick in Tullah. 

You tell him, says Terence.

We'll find you a new stick in Tullah, says Surfing-with-Whales, addressing Little Mystic.

Kek kek, says Little Mystic.

I hear you've started talking, says Surfing-with-Whales.

I wozint, says Little Mystic.

Hey! That's super awesome, says Surfing-with-Whales. So what do you say?

Kek kek, says Little Mystic.

About the stick? says Surfing-with-Whales.

I wozint, says Little Mystic.

Is that all he can say? asks Surfing with-Whales.

So far, says Terence.

So how did you know what he wanted? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Can we get going? asks Terence.

Sure, says Surfing-with-Whales. We've wasted enough time. Why don't you try and teach him some useful phrases, while we're going. I wozint isn't that useful.

He starts cycling again. 

No chance of catching up with Gaius before Tullah.

Which means Gaius will have found a shop and bought more supplies.

More frikin apples. When what they need is some of those wrapped cakes that stay fresh for ages. And mixed nuts. And chocolate.

Maybe he could still catch up with Gaius. He pedals faster.

In the pullalong Terence tries to think of some useful phrases to teach Little Mystic.

Little Mystic is looking up at him, with trustful eyes.

Try saying this, says Terence.

Viss, says Little Mystic

I haven't said it yet, says Terence. Now listen.

Lissen, says Little Mystic.

Stop it, says Terence. 

Toppit, says Little Mystic.

Are we there yet? says Terence loudly.

Airy-verret? says Little Mystic.

Not yet, says Surfing-with-Whales.

A Dog's Trick

Kek kek? asks Little Mystic.

I'm okay, says Terence. 

Surfing-with-Whales returns, with the blanket.

Where's Gaius? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

The post office, says Terence.

Cool, says Surfing-with-Whales. How's it going with Little Mystic?

He did an errand, says Terence.

What errand? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

He brought me this stick, says Terence.

The parrot-luring stick, says Surfing-with-Whales. Where was it?

Over there, says Terence, pointing.

It's a good start, says Surfing-with-Whales. Is he talking?

Only kek kek, says Terence.

That's no good, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Little Mystic looks sad.

What's he supposed to be saying?

Gaius returns from the post office, having paid the camp fees.

Can we go now? asks Terence.

I thought I left you in the pullalong, says Gaius.

I got out, says Terence. I had to show Little Mistake how to do an errand.

What errand was that? asks Gaius.

Bringing me a stick, says Terence.

Ah! A dog's trick, says Gaius. How did he go?

He brought it, says Terence, but he couldn't lift it.

He'll grow stronger, says Gaius. And now, you must both get back in.

They can sit on this blanket, says Surfing-with-Whales.

I thought you were going to return it, says Gaius.

The campers said I could keep it, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Kind of them, says Gaius.

Surfing-with-Whales folds the blanket and places it in the pullalong.

Gaius lifts Terence and Little Mystic onto the blanket.

Guess it's my turn to pull the pullalong, says Surfing-with-Whales.

It is, says Gaius. We'll have lunch in Tullah.

He mounts his bike and heads for the Murchison Highway.

Surfing-with-Whales hitches the pullalong to his bike and follows.

It's a fine morning. 

Little Mystic looks up at Terence.

What? asks Terence. Are you still scared of the dragons?

I wozint, says Little Mystic.

You said it! says Terence. Good work! You were just a bit slow. 

Say I Wasn't

Can't you talk? asks Terence.

Kek kek, says Little Mystic

Plenty of time for that, says Gaius. Who's for an apple?

Another freakin' apple, says Surfing-with-Whales. Yeah, thanks.

There's always Lauren's green peppercorn cheddar, says Gaius.

No way, says Surfing-with-Whales. I'm not breaking that open.

Very well, says Gaius. Apples it must be.

I won't have an apple, says Philosopher Smith. I shall return to my waterfall.

Is that where you live? asks Terence. Up the ladder?

And thereabouts, says Philosopher Smith.  

It has been pleasant, says Gaius. We shall shortly be leaving for Tullah, and may not see you again.

Unless you return to drop off Little Mystic, says Philosopher Smith. 

Always possible, says Gaius. 

Philosopher Smith leaves for his waterfall.

I'd better return this blanket, says Surfing-with-Whales.

He goes off, with the blanket.

Now, Terence, says Gaius. You and Little Mystic can wait in the pullalong while I go and find the post office.

He lifts Terence and Little Mystic into the pullalong and goes to look for the post office to pay the camp fee.

Little Mystic is facing Terence, with the skateboard behind him

That's my skateboard, says Terence, to Little Mystic. 

Little Mystic turns his head and sees the dragons.

Kek kek!

They're not real dragons. says Terence. Don't be scared. And don't say kek kek. Say: I wasn't.

Kek kek, says Little Mystic.

I wasn't! says Terence.

Kek kek, repeats Little Mystic.

Okay, says Terence. You don't have to talk, but you have to do errands.

Kek kek, says Little Mystic.

I'll give you an easy one, says Terence.

Little Mystic waits for his errand.

Terence tries to think of an easy one.

Yes! His good stick.

He looks over the side of the pullalong and sees the stick on the ground, where Surfing-with-Whales left it.

Bring me the stick, says Terence.

Little Mystic is lower than Terence. He can't see the stick.

You probably can't see it, says Terence. I'll lift you.

He lifts Little Mystic and drops him over the side.

Kek kek.

Little Mystic sees the stick and tries to pick it up in his beak.

He does it!

Now bring it here, says Terence.

Little Mystic drags the stick closer to the pullalong.

He can't do more than that.

Terence reaches over the side of the pullalong.

Stretching for the stick.

Stretching...stretching...until.... 

His centre of gravity determines an unwelcome outcome

Serpens Caput

I meant it was mystic he didn't have a name, says Surfing-with-Whales.

He seemed willing to call his chick Mystic, says Gaius.

My new parrot, says Terence. When is it morning?

A few hours yet, says Gaius. I suggest we turn in.

We should've brought tents, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

It was remiss of us, says Gaius. Never mind, cold air won't hurt us.

A good attitude, says Philosopher Smith. 

I'm going for a run, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Fine, says Gaius. Don't wake me when you get back.

What will I do? asks Terence.

Watch the night sky, says Gaius.

Okay, says Terence.

Gaius lies down next to the dwindling bag of apples, and closes his eyes.

Philosopher Smith points out a few constellations to Terence.

Bootes and Serpens caput.

Terence points out a Parrot.

Interesting, says Philosopher Smith.

Which proves he is kindly.

Surfing with-Whales comes jogging back, with a blanket.

Borrowed this, from another camper,says Surfing-with-Whales.

He lies down under the blanket.

Night passes. 

The sun rises. 

The masked bird appears with Little Mystic, his chick.

Kek kek kek, says the masked bird. Here's Little Mystic, ready for his adventure. 

Little Mystic looks around. Which one is Terence?

Hello Little Mistake, says Terence. 

Kek kek, says Little Mystic.

He's a bit shy, says the masked bird, his father. Well, I'll leave you all to it. 

When are you expecting him back? asks Philosopher Smith.

Whenever, or never, says his father. 

With that, he absents himself from the campsite.

This won't do, says Philosopher Smith.

He wakes Gaius.

Little Mystic has been abandoned, says Philosopher Smith.

Dear me, says Gaius, rubbing his eyes. We must find out why.

I'll find out, says Terence. Come here Little Mistake. 

Little Mystic totters over to Terence. 

Terence proceeds to explain what is required of a parrot.

Mainly, errands and rescues.

But first, answer some questions, says Terence.

Key kek, says Little Mystic.

Why doesn't your dad want you back? asks Terence.

But Little Mystic thinks it will be better if he doesn't know.

Little Mystic

Vanellus miles, says Gaius, adressing the masked bird. What brings you out this dark night?

Are you talking to me, old person? asks the masked bird.

I don't see myself as an old person, says Gaius.

I don't see myself as a vanellus miles, says the masked bird.

Sounds like an icecream, says Philosopher Smith.

Why? asks Terence.

Vanilla, says Philosopher Smith. 

Vanilla and millies, says Terence. What are millies?

Millepedes, says Surfing with-Whales. 

I don't identify with any of this nonsense, says the masked bird. What was your question?

What brings you out this dark night? says Gaius.

I was dozing, says the masked bird. Then I hear this crackling sound and I wake up and this infant's barging through my habitat. And also a man.

Me, says Surfing-with-Whales.

You, says the masked bird. You I like. You said I was mystic.

Yeah I did, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

The infant tells me he's seeking a parrot, says the masked bird. A parrot which he intends to lure with a stick.

With an apple core on it, says Terence.

A parrot to go on adventures, says the masked bird. Of course I declined.

Not being a parrot, says Gaius. I assure you that doesn't matter. Several of his parrots have been oystercatchers. And one was a crane. One was a balloon.

A balloon? laughs Philosopher Smith.

It didn't last long, says Gaius.

The thing is, says the masked bird, I have family obligations.

We quite understand, says Gaius. You can't just up sticks and go travelling.

However, you seem like good people, says the masked bird. May I propose you take one of my chicks as your parrot? On loan of course. 

This is most unusual, says Gaius. 

The chick I refer to is quite unusual, says the masked bird. An adventure could be beneficial.

What do you think, Terence? asks Gaius. 

Does that mean we don't need the stick? asks Terence.

We can still keep it, says Surfing-with-Whales. It might come in useful.

What's his name? asks Terence.

He doesn't have a name, says the masked bird.

Mystic, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

If you like, says the masked bird. I'll bring little Mystic round in the morning.

The masked bird turns and disappears into the night.

Bacchus's Balls!

Now, sod off! says the masked bird.

Okay, says Terence. I need to keep looking for a parrot.

Go ahead, says the masked bird. 

When I find one I'll give it a job, says Terence.

Come on Terence, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Coming, says Terence.

He turns and steps on a twig.

Crack! It's broken. And it was a good one.

That was a good stick, says Terence. 

A bit thin, says Surfing-with-Whales. There'll be better ones

They start to move off.

What's the job? asks the masked bird. Stick-finding?

We find a stick and the stick finds a parrot, says Terence. 

What's the parrot's job? asks the masked bird.

Being my parrot, says Terence. 

Who'd want that job? asks the masked bird.

Who wouldn't? says Terence. We go on adventures. 

Rules me out, says the masked bird. 

Here's a good one! says Surfing-with-Whales.

He picks up a forked stick.

Perfect! says Terence. Let's take it back to the campsite.

Terence and Surfing-with-Whales start to make their way back.

The masked bird follows at a short distance.

How will they use the stick to find a parrot? 

This will make a good tale for the chicks.

Any luck? asks Gaius.

Found a stick, says Surfing-with-Whales. Anyone got an apple core?

Philosopher Smith had been munching an apple. He stops short of devouring the core.

Thanks, says Surfing-with-Whales. Now all we have to do is...

Kek kek kek!

Bacchus's balls! says Gaius. A masked lapwing!

The masked bird stops kekking. but does not retreat.

Is that what it is? says Surfing-with-Whales. 

He stops fiddling with the stick and the core, and turns towards the masked lapwing.

Yeah, bird, that's what humans call you, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Had it been asking? asks Gaius.

No, says Terence. It said I am what I am. Then it said sod off. Then it asked what the job was.

What job? asks Gaius.

Being Terence's parrot, says Surfing-with-Whales. But it ruled itself out.

Of course it did, says Gaius. Masked lapwings are territorial, and can be quite aggressive. See those sharp spurs on its wings?

Terence can't see them. 

Nor can Gaius. 

But he knows that they're there. 

Not Blaming The Whales

 No one is worried about Terence.

They can hear his feet crunching, as he looks for a stick.

Gaius has opened another bottle of water.

Philosopher Smith is asking about the aim of their journey.

When we reach Lake Macquarie, we intend to count maugean skates, says Gaius.

For what purpose?  asks Philosopher Smith.

They are critically endangered, says Gaius. Last count, there were just fifteen hundred. But lately a number of baby skates, bred in captivity, have been released. And we wish to ascertain how they’re doing.

 A noble enterprise, says Philosopher Smith. I assume it will entail…swimming?

It will, says Gaius. And that is why I have brought Surfing-with-Whales along with me. He’s a strong swimmer.

I expected no less, says Philosopher Smith. One does not surf with whales unless one is a strong swimmer.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. It used to be a good business.

And is no longer? asks Philosopher Smith.

I blame the whales, says Surfing-with-Whales. Well, not blame exactly.

He doesn’t want to seem petty, by blaming the whales.

Indeed, one can’t blame the whales, says Gaius.

Surfing-with-Whales has forgotten why he is holding an apple core.

He eats it.

Terence comes back, with no stick.

All the sticks were too short, says Terence.

Shit, says Surfing-with-Whales. I ate the apple core. Sorry.

Wah! says Terence. I’ll NEVER attract a new parrot.

Yeah you will, says Surfing-with-Whales. Go back. I’ll come with you.

He and Terence go back to the trees.

Are we looking for a stick or a parrot? asks Terence.

Either, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Up or down? asks Terence.

Up, says Surfing- with-Whales. I’ll look down.

So why am I looking up? asks Terence.

Parrot, says Surfing-with-Whales.

This makes sense. Terence looks up.

He sees nothing that looks like a parrot.

But hey.

He does see a masked bird frowning down from the hairy low branch of a tree.

It is white underneath, which is why Terence spotted it.

Found one, says Terence.

Meaning me? asks the masked bird.

Are you a parrot? asks Terence.

No, says the masked bird.

Ask it what it is, says Surfing-with-Whales

I am what I am, says the masked bird.

Mystic, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Yeah. Why should a bird know what humans call it?

Stick In The Dark

They climb down the dark ladder.

Terence behind Gaius, followed by Surfing-with-Whales.

Philosopher Smith comes down last.

Shall I guide you back to the campsite? asks Philosopher Smith.

We can find our own way, says Gaius. But you're welcome to come back with us. 

Is there any more cheese? asks Philosopher Smith.

Only a green peppercorn cheddar that Surfing-with-Whales bought for his mother, says Gaius.

Fond as I am of green peppercorn cheddar, I wouldn't presume to deprive anyone's mother, says Philosopher Smith.

They are walking among hairy trees.

Avoiding slimy fungi.

Hearing night sounds......

Growl...

What about apples? asks Philosopher Smith.

We have plenty of apples, says Gaius.

I shall come, says Philosopher Smith. And be glad of the company.

They arrive at the campsite.

They sit down.

Gaius takes a knife from his back pack, and an apple from the apple bag.

He slices the apple and offers the slices around.

Crunch. It's a good tasty apple.

Where to, next? asks Philosopher Smith.

Tullah, says Gaius.

You know Tullah? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Indeed I do, says Philosopher Smith. It was a tin mining town. Now a hydro village, on the shores of Lake Rosebery. 

More water, says Terence. Which is what I don't like.

Why's that? asks Gaius.

Because I get treated like a baby, says Terence.

There's a steam train, says Philosopher Smith. An old steam locomotive that runs for the tourists, in summer. It's called the Wee Georgie Wood.

Can we go on it? asks Terence.

We shall see, says Gaius. 

It only runs on the second and last weekends of the month, says Philosopher Smith.

Then probably not, says Gaius.

Boo! says Terence. No train AND no parrot.

Philosopher Smith looks surprised.

Terence has been missing his parrot, says Gaius.

A parrot'll turn up, says Surfing-with-Whales.

How do you know? asks Terence.

We'll attract one, says Surfing-with-Whales. Where's the apple core?

Here, says Gaius.

Now all we need is a stick, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Terence goes off to look for a stick.

In the dark.

Fuffles And Hoots

What did he say? asks Terence.

WTF, says Surfing-with-Whales.

What does that mean? asks Terence.

He was probably amazed, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Or like me, he was surprised you allowed Terence to enter the water, says Gaius.

It was relatively safe, says Philosopher Smith. We were there.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Maybe the photo makes it look worse than it is.

He takes another look at the photo.

Terence is knee deep in creek water. Beside him, a platypus, grinning.

The water looks bubbly, but there is no sign of the poisonous spur.

Nah, says Surfing-with-Whales. He just wrote WTF because he was too lazy to write Amazeballs!

I knew he'd like it, says Terence.

More cheese, James? asks Gaius.

Philosopher Smith takes more cheese.

Gaius opens a bottle of water.

It is growing dark at the Waratah campsite. 

Other campers have returned to their tents.

I should be going, says Philosopher Smith. Who wants to join me?

Me! says Terence.

We'll all go, says Gaius. There's safety in numbers.

They follow Philosopher Smith to the start of the trail.

It's an easy trail in the daytime.

But at night not so much.

The trees grope with their hairy branches.

There are slippery fungi to avoid.

Rustlings in the undergrowth. 

Fuffles. Hoot-hoots.

Metal steps with wooden railings leading up into blackness.

Who'd like to go first? asks Philosopher Smith. You, Terence?

Not Terence, says Gaius. Terence will follow Surfing-with-Whales, and I'll go behind him.

Like a baby, says Terence.

Better safe than sorry, says Gaius.

They ascend the dark ladder to the viewing point.

There it is, says Philosopher Smith. Impressive isn't it?

The waterfall tumbles over rocks and down to the deep depths of nowhere.

White foam illuminating the way.

Terence leans over the railing.

He sees a fallen dead tree, poised near the top of the waterfall.

Makes you think, doesn't it, says Philosopher Smith.

Think what? asks Terence.

Perhaps not you, says Philosopher Smith.

I'm thinking, says Terence.

Me too, says Surfing-with-Whales. That dead tree looks like it's been there for ever.

So it does, says Gaius. One might think the waterfall would have dislodged it by now.

Waterfalls have their own logistics, says Philosopher Smith. Both rapid and slow.

At the same time, says Gaius.

Yeah, cool, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Amazeballs, says Terence.

To prove he had been thinking, after all.

Tin Philosophy

They walk back to the campsite together.

Gaius has cut up the cheese and set out a few apples, in a pleasing formation.

We've got a guest, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Guests are always welcome, says Gaius. 

Not poisonous ones, says Terence. 

Even poisonous ones are welcome, says Gaius. 

A fellow philosopher, I see, says James Philosopher Smith.

A natural historian, says Gaius. Gaius Plinius Secundus.

James Philosopher Smith, says the Philosopher.

Pleased to meet you, says Gaius. I trust you like cheese.

I do, says James Philosopher Smith. And I'm fond of apples.

He takes one.

Sit down, says Gaius. Make yourself comfy.

Guess what? says Terence.

You spotted a platypus? says Gaius.

He did, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

He shows Gaius the photo.

Gaius is not quite as pleased as Terence might have expected.

You went into the water! says Gaius. 

I was careful, says Terence. And we made friends. 

He was careful, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Can you send the photo to Sweezus? asks Terence.

Yeah, why not, says Surfing-with-Whales.

He sends the photo of Terence and the platypus to Sweezus.

Do you live hereabouts, James? asks Gaius, munching his first slice of cheese.

Since 1871, says Philosopher Smith. When I discovered tin in the area, at Mount Bischoff.

Ha ha! laughs Terence. Mount Bischoff!

Was there much of it? asks Gaius.

A great deal, says Philosopher Smith. It became the biggest tin mine in the southern hemisphere, but I'd sold my shares before that.

I see why you became a philosopher, says Gaius. 

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. You must've missed out on a fortune.

Philosopher Smith takes a last bite of his apple, and reaches for cheese.

He nods philosophically.

We're going up to look at the falls after this, says Surfing-with-Whales.

In the dark? asks Gaius. 

Yay! says Terence. 

It won't be dark for ages, says Surfing-with-Whales.

His phone dings with a message from Sweezus.

WTF!

They've Got Venom

Yes, it is a platypus, says the Philosopher. You spotted it.

My job is done, says Terence.

He turns to go back down the track.

Surfing-with-Whales is walking up it.

I spotted one! shouts Terence.

A growling noise comes from behind him

Terence turns again.

It wasn't me, says the Philosopher. 

Surfing-with-Whales is now here.

G'day, says Surfing-with-Whales to the Philosopher.

Good day to you, says the Philosopher.

I see you've already met Terence, says Surfing-with-Whales.

So it would seem, says the Philosopher. But I didn't know his name was Terence.

It was, says Terence.

And still is, I presume, says the Philosopher.

Terence ignores this ridiculous statement.

Look! says Terence, pointing to the creek where the platypus is sporting.

Or was.

It is now glaring at the intruders and growling.

They do that, says the Philosopher. Time to move on. They have venom.

Shit! says Surfing-with-Whales. I wanted to get a photo.

What's venom? asks Terence.

Poison, says Surfing-with-Whales. And it doesn't look friendly.

Terence walks across to the creek bank.

The platypus growls.

Where's your venom? asks Terence.

In my back foot, growls the platypus.

Can I see it? asks Terence.

The platypus turns and shows Terence its poisonous spur.

Same! says Terence, showing the platypus his claw. 

Is yours poisonous? asks the platypus.

No, says Terence. That would be stupid. 

Why? asks the platypus. 

Every time I ate something I'd die, says Terence. 

You don't look like someone who would die, says the platypus.

I'm not, says Terence. Okay. But I might give someone something and they might die accidentally.

At least my venom's in my foot, says the platypus. No chance of me dying accidentally.

That's good, says Terence. Are we friends now?

I suppose so, says the platypus.

Let's have a photo together! says Terence.

He steps carefully into the water.

Surfing-with-Whales takes a photo. 

That should be a fine one, says the Philosopher. 

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Well, we'd better head back to our campsite. 

Not going up to look at my falls? asks the Philosopher.

Your falls? asks Surfing-with-Whales. Are you the Philosopher they're named after?

James 'Philosopher' Smith at your service, says James 'Philosopher' Smith.

Cool! says Surfing-with-Whales. Yeah well, maybe after supper. Wanna come back with us? We've got cheese.

Only cheese? 

Nevertheless, James 'Philosopher' Smith accepts the invitation.

I'm The Philosopher

Terence runs ahead. 

He is platypus-spotting.

He sees a sign with a P, followed by some other letters.

The sign points to a trail. 

Terence thinks about waiting for Surfing-with-Whales before starting out on it.

But why should he? 

Surfing-with-Whales can read, and will know where Terence is going.

Terence sets off up the trail.

What is holding Surfing-with-Whales up, we might wonder?

Could it be his foot, which is hurting again, since the reiki scabs have rubbed off after putting his shoes on?

Or perhaps he has spotted a platypus.

Terence continues up the trail on his own.

Up and up. 

He wonders to himself what a platypus looks like.

He should have asked Gaius. Too late now.

He hears the sound of rushing water.

He sees an old man, standing at the side of the trail.

The old man is tall and thin, with white hair and a bushy white beard like a grandpa.

Hello, young fellow, says the old man.

Hello, says Terence. Are you looking for a platypus?

No, says the old man. Are you?

Yes, says Terence. Do you know what they look like?

Yes, says the old man. Do you?

No, says Terence.

Then, says the old man, how will you know when you see one?

 I'll ask it, says Terence.

And you expect it to answer? says the old man. It may remain silent. 

Terence can't believe that would happen.

I know this trail goes to where they are, says Terence. 

How do you know that? asks the old man.

I saw the P sign, says Terence.

Philosopher Falls, says the old man. That's what that sign is for.

How do you know? asks Terence.

I'm the Philosopher the falls are named after, says the old man.

Like Vello and David, says Terence.

Who are they? asks the old man.

What you said, says Terence. Famous ones. Are you famous?

Only hereabouts, says the old man. 

Okay, says Terence. I have to keep looking for a platypus. 

Do you want me to tell you what they look like? asks the old philosopher.

Okay, says Terence.

About this size, says the philosopher. And furry. With a duck bill and a beaver tail and otter feet. 

Yikes! says Terence. Is that one?

He points to a sleek brown creature moving back and forth in the creek at the side of the trail.

Platypus-Spotting

What are you looking at? asks Gaius.

Not AT, says Terence. FOR.

So what are you looking for? asks Gaius.

A parrot, says Terence.

Any particular type of parrot? asks Gaius.

No, says Terence.

You may like to look for a swift parrot, says Gaius. They are critically endangered and sightings need to be logged.

Okay, says Terence. 

He continues standing there, looking.

Come along, says Gaius. We must get to Waratah before evening.

Want me to look too? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

We should all keep our eyes open, says Gaius.

Thet head for the Waratah highway.

What do they look like? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Bright green, with a blue patch on top, says Gaius.

Too easy, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Then what? asks Terence.

What do you mean then what? asks Gaius.

If I see one, says Terence.

Perhaps it will be attracted to you, says Gaius.

Why would it? asks Terence.

You could try making swift parrot calls, says Gaius. Chit chit!

Chit-chit! says Terence.

Three or four times in succession, says Gaius.

Chit chit! chit chit! chit chit! chitters Terence.

This is fun.

But if there are any swift parrots nearby, they remain unattracted.

Soon they arrive in Waratah, an old tin mining town.

A sign points to a caravan and campsite.

We'll stop there for the night, says Gaius.

The campsite turns out to be at the side of Lake Waratah.

This is cool, says Surfing-with-Whales. I might go swimming.

He drops his bike and his back pack and runs towards the water.

No swimming, says a man who is fishing. You'll scare off the trout.

Sorry, says Surfing-with Whales. So what's to do beside fishing?

Plenty, says the man. You could try platypus-spotting......

Yeah right, says Surfing-with-Whales.

By the way, says the man. You pay your camping fees at the post office.

Okay, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

He heads back to Gaius and Terence.

No swimming, says Surfing with-Whales. But there's platypus-spotting.

Perhaps you'd like to take Terence platypus-spotting, while I cut up the cheese, says Gaius. 

Yay! says Terence. I always wanted to go platypus-spotting.

Come on then, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Sharp Crumbly Person

They are not far from Burnie.

I look forward to buying the cheese, says Gaius.

Yeah? Me too, says Surfing-with-Whales. I had a dream about it. 

While you slept under the pine tree? asks Gaius.

Yep, says Surfing-with-Whales. But that's not the reason.

What then? asks Gaius.

Mum wants me to buy her one, says Surfing-with-Whales.

You're not thinking of buying it now are you? says Gaius. And traipsing it half way across Tasmania?

Didn't think of that, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

It's up to you, of course, says Gaius.

Are we there yet? asks Terence.

He has just seen a sign that says Burnie. 

The B of which he could read.

Yes! says Gaius. Good spotting Terence! And the Heritage Cheese Factory is just down the road. 

They head towards it.

They arrive at the cheese sales door.

Leaving their bikes outside, they go in.

It's cool in the cheese shop. There are cheeses of different colours, aromas and textures to try. 

Gaius tries a few. Creamy ones Smelly ones.

But he still prefers cheddar.

 May I help you? asks a cheese expert, coming up behind him.

I seek a tasty cheddar, says Gaius,

You strike me as a sharp and crumbly person, says the cheese expert. Try this one.

It's a Mersey Valley classic cheddar, sharp and crumbly.

I'll take it, sys Gaius.

Just the one? asks the expert.

She looks at Surfing-with-Whales, who is looking undecided.

Got one with green peppercorns? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

An afficionado, I see, says the cheese expert. 

She shows him a green peppercorn cheddar.

How long would it keep? asks Surfing with-Whales.

Theoretically, for years, says the cheese expert. Assuming you don't open it. But it's best before some time next April.

Awesome, says Surfing-with-Whales. I'll take it.

Just the one? asks the cheese expert, ever hopeful.

It's a gift for my mum, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Then I assume you'll be paying for it, says Gaius. 

I can't use mum's credit card for a gift for herself, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Hmm, says Gaius. All right, I'll get it, but if we find ourselves lacking food for any reason, we're eating it.

Sure. Thanks, man, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Gaius pays for two cheeses and looks around for Terence.

Where is he?

He has gone back outside.

Yes there he is, looking up at the sky, in hopes of seeing a parrot.

He's Already Had It

Surfing-with-Whales falls asleep under the tree.

The wind in the branches....whoo,  the roar of the ocean....shhrummm. 

He dreams about cheese.

In the dream he is in a specialty cheeseshop in Burnie.

He is choosing a cheese.

He chooses green peppercorn cheddar, sharp and crumbly.

But why does the cheese looks familiar?

A vintage mountain bike approaches, pulling a pullalong.

Terence's voice can be heard.

Are we there yet?

Not yet, says Gaius. But nearly.

Will Surfing-with-Whales be there? asks Terence.

He should be, says Gaius.

What's that? asks Terence.

What's what? asks Gaius.

Someone lying under a tree, says Terence. We just went past him.

I was concentrating on the road, says Gaius. Perhaps we should turn back and see.

Yes, says Terence. 

Gaius turns around and cycles back to the tree.

It is obvious now that the person is Surfing-with-Whales, sleeping under the tree.

His feet are bare, and he is muttering.

Wake up! says Gaius. You'll be missing your reiki session wih Lauren.

Whaaa..? says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Reiki, says Gaius.

Yeah, nah, I've already had it, says Surfing-with-Whales. That's why I stopped here.

Is it better? asks Terence.

Surfing-with-Whales sits up and looks at his cement burn.

It has scabbed nicely.

It worked! says Surfing-with-Whales.

Gaius nods. It may well have. Almost as well as a poultice.

Woo hoo! says Terence. Can we go now?

Yes, says Gaius. It's not far to Burnie.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales, putting his shoes on. Remind me when we get there to buy cheese.

Excellent idea, says Gaius. I too shall buy cheese. It will serve us for dinner, when we stop for the night in a forest.

Cool, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Are we camping? asks Terence.

Yes, says Gaius. We'll make camp after passing through Waratah.

They continue their journey to Burnie.

Where they plan to buy cheese.

Omm Before Cheese

I guess it's my turn to pull Terence, says Surfing-with-Whales.

It is, says Gaius, but you have a sore foot, so I'll do it.

Yeah thanks, says Surfing-with-Whales. I'll get going and meet you in Burnie.

He heads off, in the direction of Burnie.

Time to say goodbye to Baby Bin Penguin, says Gaius.

Goodbye, says Baby Bin Penguin.

Goodbye, says Terence. 

Will you be back soon? asks Baby Bin Penguin.

I don't know, says Terence. 

We'll be returning this way, says Gaius. I don't know when exactly.

See you again then, says Baby Bin Penguin.

You should think up some better jokes, while I'm gone, says Terence.

So should you, says Baby Bin Penguin.

I thought your jokes were quite good, says Gaius.

Thanks, says Baby Bin Penguin.

He meant my jokes, says Terence.

I didn't, says Gaius, lifting Terence into the pullalong, and wedging the skateboard behind him. 

He rides off, in the direction of Burnie.

How's that, Terence? asks Gaius. Can you see better?

No, says Terence. All I can see is your bottom.

Look to your right, at the ocean, says Gaius.

Okay, says Terence.

The ocean is choppy today, with fast-moving white tops,

Surfing-with-Whales is way ahead of them, but has not not yet reached Burnie.

He looks at his watch.

Only five minutes until the reiki. Should he stop and lie down?

Yeah his foot hurts anyway. 

He stops at a tall pine tree, leans his bike against it and sits on the grass.

He looks out at the choppy ocean, awaiting the phone call.

He takes off his shoe and examines his foot. He wriggles his toes

Come on Lauren. 

His phone rings

It's me, says his mother. Are you sitting somewhere comfortable?

Yeah, mum, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Describe the ambience, says Lauren.

A pine tree, says Surfing-with-Whales. I'm under it. The sea's over there, kind of choppy.

Lovely, says Lauren. Now relax and receive my vibrations.

Surfing-with-Whales tries to relax and receive her vibrations.

But he can't stop thinking about that time she did the same thing for Nietszche, and afterwards, when Nietszche had to borrow his boardshorts.

This stops the vibrations from working as well as they might.

Omm omm omm, says Lauren. Sit up now. Your foot should feel better. Does it?

Yeah, thanks ma, says Surfing-with-Whales. Heaps better.

It does actually. In spite of old Nietszche.

How are things otherwise? asks Lauren. Where are you? 

Nearly in Burnie, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Don't they make cheese there? asks Lauren.

Probably, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Pick some up for me, says Lauren. I love Tassie cheese.