Improvidence

It was only Thursday, but Arthur decided to set off for Alcoota Station, on Gaius's hired bicycle.

In the wire basket on the back of the bicycle were Ageless, Baby Pierre, Ouvert and Lavender, and plenty of water and  snacks. There was also a book, One Thousand and One Arabian Nights, which had been presented to Ageless.

Gaius was seeing them off.

Are you sure you want to do this? said Gaius. You know it's the wrong sort of bike?

Doesn't matter, said Arthur. I can ride anything.

But what about us? said Lavender. And why's it the wrong sort of bike?

It's an urban bike, said Gaius. For riding around town and doing the shopping.

Phoo! said Arthur. There's a repair kit somewhere.

Goodbye then, said Gaius, We'll see you on Saturday.

Have fun in the Jeep, said Arthur.

Arthur set off along the Stuart Highway.

Ageless looked up from his book.

Has anyone else read this? he asked.

We weren't allowed, said Lavender.

What did Kobo say about it? said Ageless.

It's ribald, said Ouvert. That's what she said. She said you would like it.

Well she didn't mean this part, said Ageless. I don't like it.

Why not? asked Baby Pierre.

Never mind, said Ageless.

What, what? chanted Lavender and Ouvert.

A beautiful maiden has her hand cut off, said Ageless, by an ifrit, for being unfaithful. Then her head.

Everyone was silent for a moment, thinking about the relevance of this to themselves.

Arthur hadn't been listening. His knees were beginning to itch. He turned and addressed the wire basket.

I haven't brought bandages, he said.