Entanglement

When are we going to Queensland? asks Shorty-Tartus.

Soon, says Gaius. 

Not yet, says Terence, we've got things to do first.

Like what? asks Shorty-Tartus.

See the five islands, says Terence.

I've seen them, says Shorty-Tartus. There are five of them. They get smaller.

You've wrecked it, says Terence. I don't want to go now.

We'll continue walking, says Gaius. Five islands or no.

No, says Terence.

I'll fly ahead, says Roo-kai.

Why? asks Terence.

To see if they get smaller, says Roo-kai. It may be an illusion.

He flies off, over the tranquil estuary, towards the sea.

We need to get on with our training, says Quiet-Tartus.

Okay, says Shorty-Tartus. Hopping, or shall we lift weights?

Quiet-Tartus is pleased with the suggestion.

Lifting weights.

They go down to the river bank, looking for suitable pebbles.

Now what? says Terence.

We wait, I suppose, says Gaius. Let's go down to the riverbank and assist them.

Yay! says Terence. Can I throw pebbles into the water?

Better not, says Gaius. There are people canoeing and kayaking.

It is true. Knappinghat Creek is perfect for such activities.

There goes a canoe now, with two people in it, both with binoculars.

O look, says the small one. An eagle!

It's a white-breasted sea eagle, says the big one. Write that down in your notebook.

The small one writes that.

O look, says the big one. Two frogs lifting up pebbles. There, near the reeds!

They drift closer, and become entangled in reeds, rushes and sedges.

We're stuck! says the big one.

May I help? asks Gaius, appearing.

And me, says Terence.

Yes, please, says the big one. Just give us a push.

But it isn't that easy. Gaius can't reach the canoe. 

Terence leans forward.

His arms are even shorter. Plop! he falls in and sinks to the bottom.

Luckily the bottom is not far from the surface.

Curses! says Gaius.

Don't panic, says the big one. I'll lift him in.

She leans over and grasps an exposed part of Terence.

Oh! she cries.  

For Terence is heavier than she expected.

Gaius wades in. 

Terence is lifted into the canoe, which now sits dangerously low in the water.

The small one clambers out, and wades to the shore, near the frogs with the pebbles.

The big one clambers out too.

Gaius drags the canoe, with Terence inside it, away from the tangled reeds and onto the mud flat.

Get me out! says Terence.

In a minute, says Gaius. 

I'm Coralie, says the big one. Sorry about that

And I'm Tilly, says the small one. Look at these frogs! They've collected a whole heap of pebbles.

Unusual behaviour, says Coralie.

They're going to Queensland! shouts Terence.

For comparative purposes, says Gaius.

Coralie would like to know more.

Gaius is in the middle of explaining when Roo-kai returns with his findings.

He sees Terence, dripping wet, in the canoe.

Well? says Terence.

It's not an illusion, says Roo-kai.

But Terence has forgotten about the five islands. 

Now he wants a canoe.