It Will Be A Hero

When the tide turns, says Gaius, we'll go down to the shore, and return the sea slug to it's proper habitat.

Then what? says Terence.

We'll look for the right kind of sea slug, says Gaius. 

One that can take a message, says Terence.

No, says Gaius. It's time to talk about that.

We are, says Terence.

Seriously, says Gaius. Think, Terence. It's not just about you.

It's about Saint Roley's brother, says Terence.

And the sea slug, says Gaius. Is it fair to involve it?

Yes, says Terence. It'll be a hero.

Does it want to be a hero? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Terence.

Ask it, says Bertille.

Do you? asks Terence.

Bleuh! says the sea slug.

See? says Terence. That means it does.

WEE means it does, says Bertille. We don't know what bleuh means.

A holy colour, says Saint Arnoc.

Don't confuse things, says Gaius. 

The sea slug starts moving towards the chocolate box nests.

Its intention is to push the box off the table.

Then they will know.

But the closer he gets the stronger is the smell of old chocolate. 

He is drawn to it.

He reaches the base of the box. It is made of a substance that crackles. 

He inches up the sides and onto a narrow viewing spot at the edge.

Most of the nest shapes are round or square, but one is log shaped.

That is where the sea slug would like to spend a few moments, contemplating its options.

It drops into the log shaped chocolate nest.

And falls instantly into a torpor.

It's dead! says Terence. 

I don't think so, says Gaius. We must return it to the shore as soon as possible. Has the tide turned?

Saint Ténénan looks at his watch. It's about to.

Shall we all go? asks Saint Arnoc. Ténénan and I will sit on a rock and watch over it until it recovers.

That is kind, says Gaius. 

What about the message? says Terence.

Have you understood nothing? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Terence.

He scoops up the chocolate box with the sleeping slug in its nest and runs up the stone steps.