Mean Neptune

Gaius is in the cellar, helping the saints peel potatoes, when Terence returns.

Guess what? says Terence.

You saw Napoleon's barge, says Gaius. How was it?

No good, says Terence.

Not what you expected? asks Gaius.

Napoleon wasn't there, says Terence. Only a mean Neptune. And he used to be an eagle, but that was before, when the crown wasn't on it. 

Dear me, says Saint Arnoc. Did they give you faulty headphones?

No, says Terence. They worked. And also, there was a sea horse that wasn't a sea horse, and a kid that was riding him got off and we hid behind a model ship and then Bertille's dad grabbed me and made me leave him behind.

It doesn't sound all that educational, says Gaius. 

It was! says Terence. The kid had fork holes in his bottom.

Ha ha, laughs Saint Ténénan. Then he stops laughing.

No, it does not sound all that educational.

I have something to tell you, says Gaius. 

What? asks Terence. 

About Saint Roley's brother, says Gaius.

Yay! says Terence. Where is he?

We still don't know, says Gaius. Don't get your hopes up.

What then? asks Terence. 

I met an oystercatcher on the shore, says Gaius. He came to consume the dead sea slug.

What does that mean? says Terence. Which sea slug?

The chocolate box one, says Gaius. The sea hare rescued him, but it was too late. The sea slug was dead.

There goes that plan, says Terence.

That plan had long gone, says Gaius. But the good news is, the oystercatcher will ask around and report to us later this evening.

Before or after dinner? asks Saint Arnoc.

He did not specify, says Gaius.

Never mind, says Saint Arnoc. We'll eat on the beach.

Potato soup? says Gaius, surprised.

We have a large thermos, and plastic cups, says Saint Ténénan. 

What fun! I'll get them out, says Saint Arnoc

Terence is not the only one who is excited.