The Britannia Is Supposed To Be Here Somewhere

Next morning David and Vello are feeling a little under the weather and decide to have a lie in.

Belle et Bonne, Arthur, Ageless and Kobo meet Rosie beside the Water of Leith. They are going to walk along the charming walkway beside the river all the way to Leith Walk and there pay a visit to the Elvis Shakespeare bookshop.

It is a lovely Scottish summer's day. Along the riverbank they spot otters, kingfishers, heron, and brown trout.

Gaius would love this, says Belle et Bonne.

I'm guessing Gaius is a naturalist, says Rosie.

A famous Roman one, says Ageless. And a loser.

Ageless! says Kobo. Gaius is no loser.

He lost the Twitcher, didn't he, says Ageless, rejigging history somewhat. And he missed the Tour de France.

What does he need you for? says Rosie, looking at Arthur.

He calls me his right hand man, says Arthur. He thinks that I'm reliable.

I bet you're not all that reliable, says Rosie.

She looks at Belle et Bonne.

How are your knees Arthur? says Belle et Bonne, changing the subject. You said that they were itchy.

They are itchy, says Arthur. I might have to use the bandage.

No, your gold coins will fall out, says Rosie.

I shall trust to fate, says Arthur, pulling at the bandage.

You can buy another one in Leith, says Rosie. They say you can get anything there.

Are we there yet? says Ageless. I am weary.

Almost, says Rosie. Look, another otter!

But everyone now has their mind on shopping, not on otters.

Soon they emerge into the picturesque Shore area of Leith.

It's a port! says Belle There's the sea! How glorious. I do love boats and things.

Me too, says Rosie. Want to walk along the quay? The Britannia is supposed to be here somewhere.

No, says Ageless. We want to go to Elbow Shipshape, or whatever it was called.

Elvis Shakespeare, says Rosie. It's just down there. You two go on ahead.

Ageless and Kobo go on ahead to look for Elvis Shakespeare.

Which may turn out to be a very bad idea.