Squirt Problems

What's the matter? asks Terence.

Knees, says Little Mystic.

What about knees? asks Terence.

My horse will go backwards, says Little Mystic.

Horses can't go backwards, says Terence.

Yes they can, says Surfing-with-Whales. But you have to train them.

See, says Terence. 

Why did you think your horse would go backwards? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Because my knees bend backwards, says Little Mystic.

He demonstrates.

It's true. Being a bird, his knees do bend backwards.

Your legs aren't long enough anyway, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Phew! thinks Little Mystic.

You can perch behind me on my horse, says Terence.

You guys won't be getting a horse, says Surfing-with-Whales. Think of something more realistic.

Okay, says Terence.

Like a squirt gun, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Yes! says Terence. That's what we want. Two squirt guns.

What's a squirt gun? asks Little Mystic.

A water pistol, says Surfing-with-Whales. You fill it with water then you squirt the other guy, and the other guy squirts you back. But you both have to try not to get squirted.

Like paintball? says Terence.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. But without the paint.

But how do you squirt? asks Little Mystic.

Both Terence and Surfing-with-Whales see the problem with squirting for Little Mystic.

No fingers.

On the other hand, having knees that bend backwards could come in useful.

Legs Stiffen

Gotta go, aunt Gladys, says Surfing-with-Whales. My friends are arriving.

Are you having a party ...? asks aunt Gladys.

But Surfing-with-Whales has ended the call.

Gaius pedals up to the seat where Surfing-with-Whales is sitting sideways.

How's the ankle? asks Gaius.

Could be better, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Let's hope so, says Gaius. 

He called his mother, says Roo-kai.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. She was just starting reiki when her bread rolls caught fire so she aborted.

That sounds alarming, says Gaius.

But she had done some ommms, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Which may well suffice, says Gaius. It seems to me the most important factor is belief in the process.

Hard to sustain through a crisis of bread rolls, says Surfing-with-Whales. And then I had to talk to some random cousin. And then my aunt Gladys.

How nice, says Gaius. I myself have no family. Which does have it's good side.

Lost my concentration, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

I'll make you a poultice, says Gaius.

Great, says Surfing-with-Whales. What's in a poultice?

Various ingredients, says Gaius. Bran, flour, earth, herbs, cabbage leaves ....of course not all of them are essential.

Gaius leaves his bike and the pullalong with Surfing-with-Whales and goes off in search of ingredients for a poultice.

A pleasant enough task. It's some time since he's made a good poultice.

So I'm stuck here, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Me too, says Terence. But guess what? Little Mystic and me're getting a horse each.

In your dreams, says Surfing-with-Whales. Yeah, cool. And I'm getting a motor bike.

I thought you were getting a poultice, says Terence.

Yeah, a poultice, says Surfing-with-Whales. Hey, how's Little Mystic supposed to ride a horse?

Perch on it, says Terence. 

Does he know you have to use your knees to tell it where to go? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

Yes he does, says Terence.

But Little Mystic did not know!

His little legs stiffen. 

Purple At Christmas

Surfing-with-Whales arrives in Strahan at the same time as Roo-kai.

He gets off his bike.

How's the ankle? asks Roo-kai.

Surfing-with-Whales leans his bike against a building and looks at his ankle.

Pedaling has done it no good.

Looks a bit.... purple, says Roo-kai. 

Yeah, I'm calling Lauren, says Surfing-with-Whales.

What can she do? asks Roo-kai.

Reiki, says Surfing-with-Whales. It worked with the cement burn.

Mm, says Roo-kai.

Surfing-with-Whales calls Lauren.

Ring ring.

Lauren answers. Hello?

Mum, says Surfing-with-Whales, are you busy?

Of course I'm busy,  says Lauren. I've got everyone over.

Over? says Surfing-with-Whales.

For a Christmas lunch, says Lauren. All the aunties and uncles and cousins. Want to say hi to anyone?

Not right now, says Surfing-with-Whales. I've twisted my ankle.

Again? says Lauren. 

That was a cement burn, says Surfing-with-Whales. And it's better. Got a minute to give me some reiki?

I suppose so, says Lauren. I 've got bread rolls in the oven, so it'll have to be quick.

I'm ready, says Surfing-with-Whales.

I bet you're standing up, says Lauren.

I'll sit down, says Surfing-with-Whales. There's a seat over there.

He wheels his bike to the seat and sits down on it. 

Sideways, with his feet up.

Ready? says Lauren. Let your mind open.

It's open, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Ommmm ommm omm OMG! says Lauren. The bread rolls!

The phone crackles. Voices are heard in the back ground. 

Quick! Open a window!

Hi Whalesey! says someone. Merry Christmas!

Where's mum? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

Opening the windows, says the cousin. I'll get someone else.

Crackle, thump, crackle. 

Hello dear, says aunt Gladys.

A smoke alarm goes off.

Higher And Happier

Little Mystic has led a short life.

So he doesn't know what a horse is.

But now he's asked Terence to put a second horse on his list.

He is thinking: How can I ask Terence NOW, what a horse is?

He could ask Roo-kai. But Roo-kai has flown on to Strahan.

It'll be good if we get two horses, says Terence. 

Yes, says Little Mystic. One horse each.

I have perfect balance, says Terence. I wonder if you have.

All birds have, says Little Mystic.

Not all kids have, says Terence. But I have.

That's good, says Little Mystic. How did you get it?

I got it from the saints in Saint Malo, says Terence. So I wouldn't fall off my horse when I got it.

Did you get it? asks Little Mystic

No, says Terence. But I did get a ride on a pony. A pony's a bit like a horse.

What else did it look like? asks Little Mystic.

Angry, says Terence. 

Maybe we should ask for something different, says Little Mystic.

Happy ones, says Terence.

All right back there? asks Gaius, over his shoulder.

Yes, says Terence. We're making a list.

What for? asks Gaius. No don't tell me. A Christmas list.

Yes, says Terence. We want two horses.

And I suppose you imagine yourselves galloping around Lake Macquarie, while Surfing-with-Whales and I are in the water trying to locate maugean skates, says Gaius.

Yes! says Terence. 

Does Little Mystic even know what a horse is? asks Gaius.

Do you? asks Terence.

Like a pony, says Little Mystic. But higher and more happy. 

Gaius is surprised Little Mystic knows this.

A List Of Two Horses

Surfing-with-Whales is icing his ankle.

Terence is looking at the tinsel on the drinks fridge.

Gaius comes back in, with Little Mystic.

All clean, says Gaius. He just needs to fluff up.

Is he still glowing? asks Terence.

Hard to tell in the daylight, says Gaius. We must wait till tonight.

I will be still glowing, says Little Mystic. I swallowed a glow worm.

Stupid, says Terence. But anyway, guess what?

What? asks Little Mystic. 

Terence points at the drinks fridge.

Christmas, says Terence.

What is that? asks Little Mystic.

It's when I get a present, says Terence.

Just you? asks Little Mystic.

Just me, says Terence. But how am I going to get one?

Little Mystic doesn't know.

How's the ankle? asks Gaius. 

Surfing-with-Whales stands up.

Not too bad.

Ready to push on? asks Gaius.

Guess so, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Where're you guys headed? asks the proprietor.

Strahan, says Gaius. 

That's not far, says the proprietor. 

Good, says Gaius. We've had several delays.

You should take the young fellow to see that play they do there, says the proprietor. It's a corker.

Yes! says Terence. I like plays.

That's nice to hear, says the proprietor.

It could be his Christmas present, says the proprietor.

No it couldn't, says Terence.

I'm sure we'll find something suitable, says Gaius. 

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Okay, let's get going. Thanks for the ice.

No worries, says the proprietor.

Gaius, Surfing-with-Whales, Terence and Little Mystic leave the office.

Roo-kai is outside, minding the bikes.

I'll take the pullalong, says Gaius. 

Cool, thanks, says Surfing-with-Whales.

He heads off towards Strahan.

Roo-kai takes off, in the same direction.

Gaius follows, with Terence and Little Mystic in the pullalong.

What are you thinking? asks Terence.

I hope I fluff up, says Little Mystic. What are you thinking?

I'm making a list, says Terence.

What's on it? asks Little Mystic.

A horse, says Terence.

A horse? How is that fair? 

Make that two horses, says Little Mystic.

Bad Tinsel

So now everyone is out of the tunnel.

Surfing-with-Whales sits down and rubs his ankle.

You should put ice on it, says the first hiker.

Where'm I supposed to get ice? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

The golf club's nearby, says the second hiker. They'll have some.

Fine, says Gaius. I'll go to the golf club.

I'll come with you, says Surfing-with-Whales. Reckon I can still ride a bike.

What about Little Mystic? asks Terence. He might need ice.

What is ice? asks Little Mystic.

Frozen water, says Gaius. It wouldn't help you.

Yes, he just needs a wash, says the third hiker. 

He certainly does, says Gaius. Well thank you for everything. I imagine you three are keen to return to the tunnel.

If you're sure you're all right, says the first hiker.

We are, says Gaius. Enjoy the tunnel. And the glow worms.

Don't try and eat them, says Terence.

Ha ha! laugh the hikers, disappearing into the tunnel.

Right, says Gaius. Back to the golf club. We passed it on the way here. 

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Sorry about this.

Forget it, says Gaius. A minor hold-up.

They get on their bikes and cycle back towards the golf club

They pass a golfer, searching for balls.

Where are the clubrooms? asks Gaiuis.

No clubrooms, says the golfer. 

We need ice, says Gaius.

Go to the campsite office, says the golfer, pointing.

Thank you, says Gaius.

They soon arrive at the campsite office.

Gaius goes in.

Welcome says the proprietor. Need a campsite?

No, says Gauuis, we have had a small mishap in the Spray Tunnel and could do with some ice.

Sure, says the proprietor. Who's injured?

My colleague, says Gaius. Turned his ankle. Also a small bird that could do with a wash.

Bring them in, says the proprietor.

Gaius goes to the door and beckons Surfing-with-Whales to come in.

He limps in.

Sit down mate. I'll get the ice, says the proprietor, opening a freezer.

Gaius goes back out to get Terence and Little Mystic.

He carries Little Mystic in.

There's a sink out the back, says the proprietor. You can wash him in that.

Gaius takes Little Mystic through to the back.

Terence stays in the office.

He sees a drinks fridge in the corner, draped with tinsel.

Tinsel.

Wah! says Terence.

What's wrong with the kid? asks the proprietor.

Dunno, says Surfing-with-Whales. Oh yeah, maybe he's realised it's nearly Christmas and he's stuck out here.

The proprietor looks sympathetic.

Ever Heard Of Temptation?

The hikers have run into the tunnel. 

Unwise.

It is dark in the tunnel, and there are rail tracks to trip over.

Up ahead, Little Mystic is glowing.

Stop guys! says the first hiker.

What is it? asks the second.

Something blue on the line, says the first hiker.

They approach slowly.

Kek-kek! says Little Mystic. 

It's a bird! says the third hiker. What kind of bird glows blue and sparkly?

No kind, says the second. 

Looks like a baby masked lapwing, says the first hiker. Except for the glow.

What do we do? asks the second hiker.

Pick it up gently, says the first hiker, and take it out into the sun.

I'll do it, says the third hiker. You keep on looking.

The first and second hikers move on.

The third hiker picks up Little Mystic.

What happened, little fellow? asks the third hiker, not expecting an answer.

Well, says Little Mystic. Ever heard of temptation?

Sure I have, says the third hiker. 

I saw the glow worms on the roof of the tunnel, says Little Mystic. Glow worms are insects, and I had not eaten anything since I ate that tasteless slug. Apparently I should have pierced it first, but I was too hasty and anyway my beak is quite blunt.

Is this story going anywhere? asks the third hiker.

Yes, says Little Mystic. I decided to try eating a glow worm, just one. But I had not factored in the long strings of mucus, and I became entangled. I dangled in the air until Terence and Gaius came back for me. Terence pulled me down.

And left you on your own in the dark? asks the third hiker.

Terence ran out to get the skateboard, says Little Mystic. But he hasn't come back yet. Something has gone wrong.

He's having trouble getting it out of the pullalong, says the third hiker. 

Why didn't you help him? asks Little Mystic.

Perhaps we should have. But instead we rushed into the tunnel. Is someone else injured? The one you called Gaius?

No, not Gaius, says Little Mystic. I heard Surfing-with-Whales swearing and groaning. It must have been him.

My friends will help him, says the third hiker. And here we are in the sunlight. You won't glow so much now.

But I'm still sticky, says Little Mystic. 

What you need is a good wash, says the third hiker.

Yay! says Terence. Little Mystic is saved!

Thank you, hiker, says Roo-kai. 

I'll head back in, says the third hiker. 

Take the skateboard, says Terence.

The third hiker takes the skateboard and heads back in.

He has not gone far when the first and second hikera appear in the gloom folowed by Gaius, with Surfing-with-Whales leaning on his shoulder.

Looks like you won't be needing the skateboard, says the third hiker.

Rocking The Pullalong

Back so soon? asks Roo-kai, waking up from his doze.

Accidents have happened! says Terence.

Who? asks Roo-kai.

Little Mystic got tangled, says Terence.

In what? asks Roo-kai.

In sparkly blue glow worm goop, says Terence. He was dangling. And I pulled him down, but now he needs the skateboard.

Can't he move? asks Roo-kai.

I didn't ask him, says Terence.

Why can't Gaius help? asks Roo-kai. Has he had an accident too? 

No, says Terence. Surfing-with-Whales has. He'll need the skateboard as well

I'll go back with you, says Roo-kai.

Okay, says Terence. Help me lift the skateboard out of the pullalong.

That may not be so easy, says Roo-kai. 

Can we lift it together? asks Terence.

I doubt it, says Roo-kai.

What if we push the pullalong over? says Terence. To make the skateboard fall out.

Good idea, says Roo-kai.

He flies down from the pullalong in order to help Terence push.

Rock-rock.

The pullalong is rocking.

A few people in hiking clothes come along. They are looking for the entrance to the Spray Tunnel.

Hey, look what that kid and that bird are doing!

Should we stop them?

Yeah, we should. Hey kid, stop rocking the pullalong! 

I have to, says Terence.

We don't have to, says Roo-kai. Now that you people are here perhaps you could help us lift the skateboard out of the pullalong.

Is it your skateboard? asks a hiker.

And your pullalong? asks another.

Yes, says Roo-kai. Or I should say it belongs to my colleagues who have had accidents inside the tunnel.

Crikey! says the first hiker. Why didn't you say so?

The hikers start running towards the tunnel.

They weren't very helpful, says Terence.

Always Choose B

Now I have a dilemma, says Gaius.

Where? asks Terence.

It's not a question of where, says Gaius. I have to choose between options A and B.

Choose B, says Terence.

Wait till you hear what A and B are, says Gaius.

Kek-ick-kek! groans Little Mystic.

Uuurhhh-shiiit! comes a muffled expletive from back down the tunnel.

Option A is, I go back and help Surfing-with-Whales out of the tunnel, leaving you here with Little Mystic.

Now I know what option B is, says Terence.

You carry Little Mystic to the entrance of the tunnel all by yourself, says Gaius.

That wasn't it, says Terence.

What did you think it was? asks Gaius.

Get the skateboard, says Terence.

That may not be a bad idea, says Gaius. 

Except you said it's dangerous, says Terence.

Not if he goes slowly, says Gaius. But I'd better run it past him.

What shall I do? asks Terence.

Wait here, says Gaius. I'll be back in a moment.

He heads back down the tunnel to tell Surfing-with-Whales what he's thinking.

Surfing with-Whales is crawling slowly towards him.

You took your time, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Stop crawling, says Gaius. Terence has come up with an idea. Would it help if we brought you the skateboard?

Surfing-with-Whales imagines himself skateboarding out of the tunnel, with a turned ankle. 

No way, says Surfing with-Whales. Just lend me your shoulder.

Fine, says Gaius. I suppose the skateboard idea was somewhat fanciful.

He helps Surfing-with-Whales up from the ground.

Surfing-with-Whales leans on his shoulder.

Did you find Little Mystic? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

We did, says Gaius. The little muggins had tried to eat a glow worm and may well have succeeded. Terence is waiting up ahead with him now.

But Terence isn't.

He has gone to get the skateboard, leaving Little Mystic sticky and glowing blue on the ground.

At least he is visible.

Accidental Swallow

Ke-k-ke-k!

This is not good.

Little Mystic cries out for the others to save him.

But they have gone on down the tunnel.

After one hundred metres they come out into the sunlight.

That was good! says Terence. And we get to go through it again!

We don't need to, says Gaius. The walk is a loop. If we follow the trail we'll get back to our bikes.

But I want to go back through the tunnel! says Terence.

Little Mystic's not even come out yet, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Then we'd better go back that way, says Gaius. 

They turn and re-enter the tunnel.

Ke-e-e-ek-ulp-ke-e-e-ek!

The tunnel walls echo with Little Mystic's lamentations.

Little Mystic! cries Terence. Where are you?

Surfing-with-Whales starts to run.

Not a good idea in a dark tunnel with rail tracks.

Fuck! says Surfing-with-Whales.

He has tripped.

Are you all right? asks Gaius.

No! says Surfing-with-Whales. Twisted my ankle

Wait here, says Gaius. Terence and I will go on and find Little Mystic.

Bad luck, says Terence.

Gaius shines his phone torch on the roof of the tunnel.

That's him! cries Terence, 

So it is, says Gaius. If I lift you up, can you try to pull him down?

Yes! says Terence.

Gaius places his phone on the ground.

He positions himself under the dangling Little Mystic.

Ready Terence?

Ready, says Terence

Irridescent blue mucus surrounds Little Mystic.

Terence grabs his feet, and pulls.

Down comes Little Mystic, into the hard arms of Terence.

Yuck! says Terence.

I only wanted to try one, says Little Mystic,

A glow worm? says Gaius. I thought I warned you against it.

I didn't eat any, says Little Mystic.

It looks like you did, says Terence. You're glowing.

Little Mystic wonders if he swallowed one accidentally.

Entangled In Mucus

Roo-kai and Little Mystic wait outside the Spray Tunnel.

They are minding the bikes and the skateboard.

And talking.

Maybe I should have gone in with Terence, says Little Mystic.

He'll be all right, says Roo-kai.

What if he gets lost? asks Little Mystic. 

Gaius will find him, says Roo-kai.

I guess so, says Little Mystic. What do you think it's like in the tunnel?

Dark, says Roo-kai. Go in if you want to.

Just a short way, says Little Mystic. Just to see.

He hops off the pullalong and flies into the tunnel.

Roo-kai closes his eyes. It's been a long week.

Flying to Queensland and back with a frog in a sling, and she would keep on talking.

And then all the way south to Tasmania, on his own.

And now all this stopping and starting....

He sleeps, in a bird kind of way.

Inside the tunnel, Little Mystic is not fearful.

If he turns he can see the keyhole-shaped entrance behind him.

And daylight.

He forges on.

He sees two lights bobbing and flashing, illuminating the walls of the tunnel.

He hears voices.

The lights go off.

Arachnacampo tasmaniensis! says Gaius.

Crash!

He has bumped into Terence.

Ouch! says Terence. Watch out!

Apologies, says Gaius. I was admiring the glow worms.

Me too, says Terence.

Awesome, says Surfing-with-Whales. Glow worms. Is that what they are?

Yes, says Gaius. Not actual worms but tiny bioluminescent insects, attracting their prey.

Little Mystic has now come up behind them.

Insects? 

Don't try to eat them, says Gaius. You'll be glowing for days.

Yeah? says Surfing-with-Whales. Would that really happen?

That's something we don't need to find out, says Gaius. 

Little Mystic likes the idea of glowing for days.

The others proceed through the tunnel, but Little Mystic is tempted by the sparkling blue constellations.

Surely he could try just one.

He flies up to the roof of the tunnel. 

Ee! Euw! Kek!

He becomes entangled in long threads of sticky blue mucus.

Secret Donut

They cross the road to the food van.

What can I get you? asks Carol, the owner.

Sausage roll and a coffee , says Surfing-with-Whales.

Just a coffee, thanks, says Gaius.

Heading out are you? asks Carol.

Yeah, to Strahan, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Would the little one like a donut? asks Carol.

Yes! says Terence. 

No, says Gaius. Best not.

Going to see the Spray Tunnel, on your way out? asks Carol. It's just past the golf course.

We hadn't planned to, says Gaius. 

I want to! says Terence.

You don't even know what it is, says Surfing-with-Whales.

A spraying tunnel, says Terence.

It's an old railway tunnel, says Carol.  You can walk through it. It leads to the old silver mine. The tunnel's dark so you need your own torch. 

Yay! says Terence. Are we going?

Gaius feels a bit mean because of the donut.

Perhaps, says Gaius. We may have time, if we leave now.

Yay! says Terence. 

Gaius pays for the coffees and the sausage roll. 

Carol slips Surfing-with-Whales a free donut.

For the little one, she whispers.

Cool, thanks, says Surfing-with-Whales, pocketing the donut.

They head off towards the golf course.

Do we even have a torch? asks Gaius.

We've got phones, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Behind the golf course is a sign pointing to the Spray Tunnel.

They follow the sign.

There it is. The entrance to the Spray Tunnel, a keyhole-shaped tunnel fringed with green ferns, a narrow railway line disappearing into the darkness.

Who's going in with me? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Me, says Terence.

I may as well come too, says Gaius.

Little Mystic and I will mind the bicycles, says Roo-kai. And the skateboard.

Can I go in on the skateboard? asks Terence.

Too dangerous, says Gaius.

Woo! Too dangerous to go in on a skateboard.

Terence is thrilled.

He runs ahead of Gaius and Surfing-with-Whales, into the keyhole-shaped tunnel.

And stops short.

It's dark in the tunnel.

Until your eyes get used to it.

Then, if you look up, you see glow worms.

Fun Job

Lucky I found you, says Little Mystic.

I found YOU, says Terence.

Same thing, says Little Mystic.

Terence is about to say that it isn't.

It's the same result, says Gaius. And now we must think about leaving.

Yay! says Terence. 

You haven't seen everything, says Little Mystic. There's a movie theatre, and out in the yard there's a train.

No time for that now, says Gaius. Surfing-with-Whales will be looking for us.

They go back to the ticket guy.

Surfing-with-Whales is standing there, chatting.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Heading for Port Macquarie.

It's nice there, says the ticket guy. Scenic.

Gonna be diving, says Surfing-with-Whales. Looking for maugean skates.

No kidding, says the ticket guy. Then what?

Dunno, says Surfing-with-Whales. Count them. 

Fun job, says the ticket guy. 

Aha, there you are, says Gaius. Did Roo-kai take good care of your things?

Yep, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Where is he? asks Terence.

Outside, waiting, says Surfing-with-Whales. They don't allow birds inside.

Or skateboards, says Gaius. 

No worries, says the ticket guy. Here's your skateboard. 

Thank you, says Gaius.

They go.

Roo-kai is perched on the pullalong, outside.

Guess what! says Terence.

I'm sure you'll tell me, says Roo-kai. 

Little Mystic went on a mission, says Terence.

What was it? asks Roo-kai. 

To find me, says Terence.

And did he? asks Roo-kai.

Yes, says Terence.

Well done, Little Mystic, says Rookai. Where was he?

In the Courthouse, says Little Mystic. He was looking for me.

That worked out well, says Roo-kai. 

How about a coffee before we head off ? says Surfing-with-Whales.

There's a food truck parked over the road.

Selling coffee, sausage rolls and sweet pastries.

Another delay, thinks Gaius. And I know who'll be paying.

Red Paint On The Blade

Gaius heads to the gift shop.

Terence is still there.

Look! You can buy rocks, says Terence. Can we buy one?

No, says Gaius. And you should not have run off.

I didn't run, says Terence.

I have pictures of rocks in one of my notebooks, says Gaius. 

But I want a real one, says Terence.

He was after a crocoite, says the gift shop assistant. But we don't sell those.

Very wise, says Gaius. The crystals are toxic.

I see you know rocks, says the gift shop assistant.

He knows frogs too, says Terence.  And birds.

Does he? says the gift shop assistant.

Speaking of which, says Gaius. Has a juvenile masked lapwing been through here?

No, says the gift shop assistant. I'd have noticed.

What? asks Terence.

Little Mystic is looking for you, says Gaius.

Yay! says Terence. He's learning.

And now, we shall have to find him, says Gaius.

He and Terence leave the gift shop without buying anything.

The ticket guy calls out as they pass. 

Hey! I've located your bird in the Courthouse.

Wonderful! says Gaius. Where is that?

The ticket guy points them in the direction of the Police Station and Courthouse.

They just have to follow the signs.

The family of one adult and five children are having fun in the Courthouse.

You can dress up in olden day clothes and re-enact a trial.

Little Mystic is Exhibit A: a Dead Parrot.

One of the children is accused of his murder.

A second child is providing evidence that the first child did it.( A wooden prop knife with red paint on the blade).

A third child ( the witness) is claiming that the parrot died of natural causes

The adult and the fourth and fifth child are the jury.

Gaius and Terence enter the courtroom.

Little Mystic! says Terence.

Little Mystic sits up. 

Kek kek! I found you!

The murder case is abandoned due to the resurrection of the victim.

All five children are disappointed.

Never mind, says the adult. There's a Blacksmith's Shop somewhere.....

They're Toxic

Little Mystic has decided to hide on the train.

He hops up into the cabin.

Kek-kek! 

The five children have followed him.

A cute little bird! cries one.

Catch it! cries another.

Don't hurt it. It's scared, says the oldest.

Little Mystic is not scared. 

He escapes through the side window, and up to the top of the train, where, kek-kek! he spies a chimney!

He settles inside.

The five children can't get up to the chimney.

They lark about in the cabin. until they get bored.

Come on, says the adult who brought them. We'll go to the Police Station next!

Little Mystic pops his head out of the chimney.

How good it would be if he could see Terence.

But he doesn't.

A thought strikes him.

Maybe Terence has gone to the Police Station.

He jumps out of the chimney and follows the noise.

Meanwhile Gaius has seen all the rocks in the exhibition.

And still no Terence. 

He leaves the Minerals and Gemstone Gallery and returns to the ticket office.

Have you seen my young charge? asks Gaius.

Isn't he with you? asks the ticket guy.

He disappeared, says Gaius. Did you see where he went?

To be honest, I stepped outside for a minute, says the ticket guy. Couldn't resist trying out the skateboard. Thought the kid wouldn't mind.

I'm sure he wouldn't, says Gaius.

Where's that bird you had? asks the ticket guy.

Not back yet, says Gaius.

You weren't supposed to put him down, says the ticket guy.

He volunteered to go and find Terence, says Gaius.

So they could be anywhere, says the ticket guy. This is quite a big place.

So I gather, says Gaius. 

Want me to check the security cameras? asks the ticket guy.

If you would, says Gaius.

It's not long before before Terence is located in the gift shop.

He is looking at rocks.

An assistant is showing him the one that looks like a peacock.

And he's asking for the one that looks like a pile of grated carrot.

And she is saying we don't sell those to people. They'e toxic.

And Terence is trying to persuade her that he doesn't mind.

Of course Gaius and the ticket guy can't hear this conversation.

The security camera has vision but doesn't have sound.

Two First Missions

Where is Terence? asks Gaius.

He went, says Little Mystic.

But where? asks Gaius.

I'll go and find him, says Little Mystic. You can wait here.

A tempting offer. Gaius has not seen all the rocks yet.

All right, says Gaius. But don't let that ticket chap see you.

I won't, says Little Mystic.

Little Mystic is elated. His first mission. Find Terence, without being seen.

He skitters to the door of the Gemstones and Minerals Gallery, and peeps out.

The ticket guy is not looking in Little Mystic's direction.

He is lifting up Terence's skateboard. 

Seeing the dragons.

Looking impressed. 

Dropping the skateboard to the floor and stepping onto it.

Heading outside.

Little Mystic now has two missions.

Find Terence and tell him about this.

But how to find Terence?

He listens.

Thud thud, he thinks he hears Terence's feet.

He follows the sounds down a corridor and onto a boardwalk which leads to a whole other building. 

It's an olden days theatre. The Gaiety.

And a olden days movie is on.

Thud thud. It's the sound of hammers.

Not Terence.

But the movie is good.

Louise Lovely is in it, disguised as a boy.

Little Mystic hasn't forgotten about finding Terence.

Just postponed it.

Luckily the movie is short.

He exits the theatre, and finds his way into a yard.

The yard is full of old mining relics.

But no Terence.

'This way to the train'.

Little Mystic can't read but he hears another visitor reading the sign.

Someone with five dollars worth of children.

Come on kids! This way to the train!

Little Mystic follows the family.

One of the five children turns and spots Little Mystic. 

Little Mystic isn't supposed to be spotted.

Should he go back to the mining relics, or hide on the train?

With Birdlike Qualities

Gaius padlocks his bike to a post, and lifts Terence out of the pullalong.

Where are we going? asks Terence.

The Heritage Centre, says Gaius. 

What about me? asks Little Mystic.

You too, says Gaius. If they'll let you in.

We want to look for parrots, says Terence. 

Afterwards, says Gaius. 

What if someone steals my skateboard? asks Terence.

Tch! says Gaius. I know. We'll take it inside and find somewhere safe to leave it.

What if... begins Terence.

What if nothing, says Gaius. We're going in.

He enters the Heritage Centre with Terence, Little Mystic, and the skateboard.

Enquires about the price of a ticket.

Twenty five dollars for an adult, thirty for an adult with up to five children, says the ticket guy. No birds and definitely no skateboards.

One adult then, says Gaius. And one child. I assume that will be twenty six dollars.

Thirty dollars, says the ticket guy. 

So four extra children can get in for nothing, says Gaius.

Theoretically yes, says the ticket guy. But you don't have four extra children.

No, says Gaius. Only a baby masked lapwing. Which I shall carry.

Or he could go on the skateboard, says Terence. 

How would that work? asks Gaius.

Not happening, says the ticket guy. Okay, you can take the bird in, if you carry him, I'll mind the skateboard. 

Gaius pays the thirty dollars and enters the first room of exhibits.

Which are: hundreds of rocks in glass cases.

Boring, says Terence.

Zeehan was a mining town, says Gaius. Hence the focus. Why don't you look at them all and then choose your favourite.

Because they're all rocks! says Terence.

I'll choose my favourite, says Little Mystic. 

That's a good attitude, says Gaius. How do you like this one?

This one is crocoite, but it looks like grated carrot.

Or a parrot, with no head or legs but lots of spiky orange feathers, rolling itself into a ball.

That one! says Little Mystic. It looks like a parrot.

A parrot covered in grated carrot, says Terence.

Yes, says Little Mystic. It's my favourite.

Mine too, says Terence. Can we go now?

Not yet, says Gaius. There are many more rocks to examine.

He peers at a sample of peacock ore, or bornite.

Irridescent, like the feathers of a peacock. 

He is going to point this out to Terence. Another rock with birdlike qualities

He turns to do so.

But Terence is not in the room.

A Blue Patch

Surfing-with-Whales has not yet returned for his back pack.

And his phone has stopped ringing. But there has been a DING!

The back pack is half open.

Roo-kai wonders if he should look in.

But he doesn't.

Meanwhile, Gaius has almost reached Zeehan.

He passes the sign saying Welcome to Zeehan.

He must be there.

Here we are, says Gaius, stopping.

Where? asks Terence.

Zeehan, says Gaius. We're going to wait here for Surfing-with-Whales.

Can we look for parrots? asks Terence.

Nothing is stopping you looking, says Gaius. If you see a swift parrot, alert me. They're bright green, with a blue patch on the crown.

Can we get out? asks Terence.

No, says Gaius, I'm going to ride down the main street. I've heard there are several grand historic buildings.

Woop! says Terence.

What are grand historic buildings? asks Little Mystic.

Palaces, says Terence.

They may not be palaces, says Gaius. But this was once a prosperous mining town. They called it the Silver City.

Silver palaces! says Little Mystic. He looks forward to seeing them.

Terence does not. He is looking only for parrots.

Fast ones, bright green, with a blue patch.

Gaius cycles slowly past the old Gaiety Theatre, and a Heritage Centre.

Fascinating architecture, says Gaius. 

Someone is cycling towards him.

Can it be? Yes it is. Surfing-with-Whales.

Hey, says Surfing-with-Whales. Get my message?

No, says Gaius. Did you send one?

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Had to borrow someone's phone, because I left mine in my back pack.

Wisely, says Gaius. Seeing that you were in a kayak.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. But I couldn't remember your number. So I sent it to me.

We must have already left Lake Rosebery by then, says Gaius. What was the message?

Bring my stuff to Zeehan, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Which we could easily have done, says Gaius. 

Meaning you didn't, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Roo-kai stayed behind to look after it until you arrived, says Gaius.

So he would've read the message, says Surfing-with-Whales.

He may have, says Gaius. But he couldn't very well bring your stuff.

Fuck, says Surfing-with-Whales. So I have to go back there.

It's not that far, says Gaius. We'll wait here in Zeehan, and pass the time visiting the Heritage Museum.

And finding parrots for our parrot gang, says Terence.

Yes, in Zeehan there'll be plenty to do.

High Price For A Parrot

Gaius has eaten the cake. 

It was a small cake, and he is still hungry.

He thinks about having some crackers, with apricot jam.

But no, he decides to eat an apple.

When are we going? asks Terence.

As soon as Surfing-with-Whales gets back, says Gaius.

Can we have your apple core? asks Terence.

Certainly, says Gaius. 

He finishes the apple and gives Terence the core.

Can we get in the pullalong? asks Terence.

Yes, I'll lift you in, says Gaius. It's my turn to pull you.

He lifts Terence in.

Little Mystic takes a run-up, flaps his wings and gets in on his own.

Well done! says Gaius.

Can we go now? asks Terence.

I'd like to, says Gaius. It's slow going with the pullalong. And Surfing-with-Whales will know where we've gone. But we ought not to leave his back pack unattended

I'll wait here for him if you like, says Roo-kai.

Thank you, says Gaius. I could send him a text.

No, says Roo-kai. I'll wait here and take care of his things. We'll meet up in Zeehan.

Gaius picks up his back pack, mounts his bike, and heads for the Murchison Highway.

Roo-kai stays behind, waiting for Surfing-with-Whales.

There is a blanket strapped onto the back pack.

And a phone ringing inside.

In the pullalong, Terence and Little Mystic are hatching a plan.

A plan involving the apple core.

And an unsuspecting parrot.

We'll have a parrot gang, says Terence. 

He-he! laughs Little Mystic. 

Terence has stuck the apple core on his claw. 

He is extending it over the side of the pullalong.

Which is dangerous.

And hasn't attracted a parrot.

A car overtakes them and pulls up at the side of the road.

Gaius stops, because the driver has got out of his car and is waving him down.

Terence withdraws the applecore.

Hello mate, says the driver to Gaius. Do you know what your kid's been doing?

No, says Gaius I've been concentrating on the road. What's he been doing?

Waving an apple core over the side of the pullalong, says the driver.

Dear me, says Gaius. He'll be trying to attract a parrot.

He could lose an arm, says the driver.

Indeed, says Gaius. High price for a parrot.

Yeah well, says the driver. Just thought you should know.

I appreciate your concern, says Gaius. Thank you. Are you going to Zeehan?

Yep, says the driver. Zeehan, the Silver City. You?

Stopping there, says Gaius. Then pressing on.

Might see you, says the driver. 

He gets back in his car and drives off.

Now what? says Terence.

Do you really need another parrot? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Terence. We're forming a parrot gang.

One minute, says Gaius. Then we're moving on, and I'm taking the apple core.

Terence waves the apple core.

No parrots are attracted.

But one ot two are observing.

The Fortunate One

Surfing-with-Whales paddles back to where Gaius is waiting.

Want a go? asks Surfing-with-Whales. I hired it till lunchtime.

Why not, says Gaius. Thank you, I will.

Surfing-with-Whales eases himself out of the kayak.

He steadies it.

Gaius eases himself in.

Surfing-with-Whales gives him the paddle, and Gaius paddles out into the middle of Lake Rosebery.

He stops paddling, leans back and soaks up the scenery.

The myrtles and eucalypts, the mountains and their near-perfect reflections.

How relaxing.

A trout plops nearby.

Back on land Terence is explaining to Surfing-with-Whales that Little Mystic is now good at talking.

Cool, says Surfing-with-Whales. Your lessons paid off.

Roo-kai helped a little bit, says Terence.

Is he back from Queensland already? asks Surfing-With-Whales.

Yes, says Terence.

Where is he? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Over there catching slugs with Little Mystic, says Terence.

Awesome, says Surfing-with-Whales. Which reminds me, I'm starving. 

He heads for the food.

What is there?  He and Gaius have already eaten the chocolate. What about those long-lasting wrapped cakes? 

He rips open a packet.

Roo-kai and Little Mystic come over.

Any luck catching slugs? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

Yes, says Little Mystic. Roo-kai taught me how to find them. And he taught me to make a hole in them first, so they taste better.

Far out! says Surfing-with-Whales. Are you the same Little Mystic that couldn't even say are we there yet?

Are we there yet, says Little Mystic.

Not yet, says Terence.

I wasn't asking, says Little Mystic.

You were, says Terence. Are we there yet's a question.

It was a demonstration, says Little Mystic.

Of what? asks Terence. 

Of me saying it, says Little Mystic.

I got that, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Me too, says Terence.

No one asks him what it is that he got.

Gaius paddles back, done with relaxing.

Right, says Gaius, stepping out of the kayak and dragging it onto the shore. Lunch, and then we head off to Zeehan.

I've already eaten, says Surfing-with-Whales. I'll go and return the kayak. See you back here.

He climbs into the kayak and paddles off to the Tullah Lakeside Lodge, where it came from.

Gaius looks at the packet of long-lasting cakes.

Of six wrapped cakes, there is only one left.

Well, that is fortunate. 

He eats it.

Make A Hole In It First

There should be plenty of slugs around here, says Roo-kai. Come with me, Little Mystic.

They head for the trees.

Turn over those leaves, says Roo-kai. There will be slugs underneath them.

Little Mystic shuffles around in the debris.

He moves a few leaves.

Several slugs are uncovered.

There you go, says Roo-kai. Buon appetito.

What? says Little Mystic.

Eat one, says Roo-kai.

Little Mystic picks up a slug with his beak.

Gulp. He swallows it.

Tasty? asks Rookai.

Not really, says Little Mystic. 

Did you make a hole in it first? asks Roo-kai.

What with? asks Little Mystic.

Your beak, says Roo-kai. Watch me do it.

He pierces a slug with his beak. Sprong!

And swallows the slug.

Urm, not the best, says Roo-kai. Too earthy. But you might have liked it.

Why would I like it if you didn't? asks Little Mystic.

Being an oystercatcher, says Roo-kai, I prefer sea slugs, which are more salty.

I thought you were a parrot, says Little Mystic.

No, says Roo-kai. Are you a parrot?

No, says Little Mystic.

Terence likes to think of his bird friends as parrots, says Roo-kai. It's to do with his past.

What's in his past? asks Little Mystic.

He lived on a palace in Barcelona, says Roo-kai. He would have seen plenty of pigeons.

Are they the same as parrots? asks Little Mystic.

No, says Roo-kai. But they fancy themselves as descendents of the paraclete.

This is somewhat beyond me, says Little Mystic.

As it should be, says Roo-kai. Best forget all about it. No doubt Terence has.

This is comforting, kind of.

And Little Mystic has decided he really likes slugs. 

He tries another one, but it still isn't nice, because he's forgotton to pierce it.

Mystic Understandings

Terence thinks I'm hopeless, says Little Mystic.

Why would he think that? asks Roo-kai.

Because I wouldn't say mosquito, says Little Mystic.

You just said it, says Terence.

Yes, in a sentence, says Little Mystic. 

It seems you've underestimated Little Mystic, says Roo-kai.

What does that mean? asks Terence.

That he doesn't like eating mosquitoes, says Roo-kai. And he's too shy to say.

This sounds right to Little Mystic. He did not like to say. 

He might like slugs, says Roo-kai. They don't have legs, which is a plus in my opinion.

Let's find a slug, says Terence. And Little Mistake can try it.

MYSTIC, says Rookai.

I'll go and get it, says Terence.

He runs off to the pullalong, passing Gaius.

Where are you off to? asks Gaius. 

Roo-kai wants a stick, says Terence. So I'm giving him mine.

You left it behind, says Gaius. Remember?

Wah! says Terence.

What's this about Roo-kai? asks Gaius.

He's back, says Terence. He's over there, under that tree.

Gaius hurries over.

Roo-Kai! says Gaius. I had not expected to see you so soon. 

Thought I'd look in on you, says Roo-kai. Keep you up to date with the latest.

Fire away, says Gaius.

The Kroombit tinker has been returned to Kroombit Tops, says Roo-kai. The other frogs welcomed her as a hero. She intends to deliver a series of talks, about her European adventures.

Wonderful! says Gaius. How did the orange net bag work as a sling?

We managed, says Roo-kai.

Good for you, says Gaius. Now what's this about you needing a stick?

I don't need a stick, says Roo-kai.

You said it, says Terence.

Roo-kai recalls his last words to Terence before Terence ran off.

MYSTIC. 

Oh yes, says Roo-kai. A misunderstanding.

Terence left a good stick behind in Waratah, says Gaius. 

It was supposed to attract a parrot, says Terence. 

Sticks don't attract parrots, says Roo-kai.

What about a stick with an apple core stuck on the end of it? says Terence.

Oh, right, says Roo-kai.

 

Parrot Cool

 Surfing-with-Whales has hired a kayak.

There he is now.

Kayaking across to the other side of Lake Rosebery.

Cutting through pristine waters, surrounded by myrtles, sassafras and eucalypts.

Nature is magnificent.

Or is it?

He thinks of the problems ahead.

Gaius watches from the shore.

He wonders how much Surfing-with-Whales paid for the hire of the kayak. And how long he has hired it for. Perhaps he should have hired one himself. They could have kayaked together. But then of course there is Terence. Terence! Where is he?

Terence is not far away. He is sitting under a myrtle with Little Mystic. 

Giving him lessons.

Mosquito, says Terence.

But Little Mystic doesn't want to learn the word mosquito.

Okay, try and say mozzie, says Terence.

Little Mystic suspects that mozzie might be a short version of the same word.

He does not say it.

You're not my best parrot, says Terence.

Parrot, says Little Mystic.

That's better, says Terence. And what do parrots do?

Little Mystic looks up at the sky.

Terence looks up too, to see what Little Mystic is looking at.

And wonder of wonders! Guess what?

It's Roo-kai!

Roo-kai lands beside them.

You came back! cries Terence. 

Who's this? asks Roo-kai.

Little Mistake, says Terence. He's learning to be my new parrot, but he's hopeless.

He's a baby masked lapwing, says Roo-kai. He hasn't even got his grown-up mask yet. 

Will he get one? asks Terence.

Of course he will, says Roo-kai. Hello, Little Mistake. I'm Terence's old parrot, Roo-kai. Nowadays I'm  more of a freelance.

Hello, Roo-kai, says Little Mystic, And my name's Little Mystic. I swallowed an egg, and they made me eat two mosquitoes.

Ha ha! laughs Roo-kai. You need an ally.

Kek kek! 

How cool is Roo-kai!

Little Thin Legs

What was that for? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Apologies, says Gaius. It was a mosquito.

Surfing-with-Whales looks at his arm.

A mosquito is smeared there.

Don't wipe it off, says Gaius. It will do for Little Mystic.

Yeah? says Surfing-with-Whales. Okay.

He picks the dead mosquito from his arm and dangles it before Little Mystic.

Eat it, says Terence.

Little Mystic opens his beak, to eat the mosquito.

Ulp. He swallows it down.

Was it tasty? asks Terence.

Little Mystic can't say that it was.

Never mind, says Gaius. Tasty or not, it was nourishment.

Did his egg come out? asks Surfing-with-Whales.  

Most of it, says Gaius. Not the shell, which raises some questions.

What questions? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Was it an egg in the first place? says Gaius. Or is the shell still inside him?

If it was, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Yes, if it was, says Gaius. Anyway he seems quite well now.

Yeah, so are we heading off or staying? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

Why do you ask? asks Gaius.

If we're staying I might hire a kayak, says Surfing-with-Whales.

I suppose we could stay for the rest of the morning, says Gaius. It is pleasant here. And there seems to be a ready supply of mosquitoes.

He whacks Surfing-with-Whales's arm again.

Lucky Little Mystic. He gets a second mosquito.

Ulp. Yerk. Chhah! 

It's not the body that's the problem. 

It's those little thin legs.

Unusual Force

Is that your egg? asks Terence.

Yegg, says Little Mystic.

How come the shell didn't come out? asks Terence.

Little Mystic moves away from the glutinous pile.

He examines it.

No pieces of eggshell.

This can mean only one thing. The eggshell has stayed inside him.

Who cares? says Terence. Something came out. And guess what?

Little Mystic is not into guessing.

No more catching worms, says Terence. It's heartless.

I wozint, says Little Mystic.

You have to catch insects, says Terence. 

Little Mystic cheers up.

Insects. 

And in fact, the glutinous pile is already attracting some insects.

But they are not the right sort.

Gaius returns.

He peers down at the glutinous pile.

Hmm, says Gaius. No eggshell. Perhaps it wasn't an egg after all. But it has come out quite glutinous. And therefore we can conclude that it was no mineral. Perhaps an egg, with no shell. But then why did it crack when I tapped on his tummy with a pebble...?

Terence and Little Mystic wait for him to finish his musings.

It seems he has finished.

Let's go back to the water says Gaius. Terence needs to wash his face, and you, Little Mystic, need to wash your nether parts. And who knows, perhaps we shall spot some tasty insects.

Which ones are tasty? asks Terence.

It depends who you are, says Gaius. Little Mystic is a juvenile masked lapwing, so I imagine he likes earwigs, beetles and slugs.

Little Mystic doesn't know if he likes earwigs, beetles and slugs, but he follows Gaius and Terence to the water.

And mosquitoes, says Gaius. But they are not easy to catch.

Surfing-with-Whales has been splashing away in the distance.

 He sees them and waves.

He freestyles towards them, until he gets to the shallows. He stands.

That was awesome, says Surfing-with-Whales. I was floating out there looking up at the mountains.

Very nice, says Gaius. 

And this guy in a kayak came by, says Surfing-with-Whales. He reckons you can hire them.

Really, says Gaius. Stand still. Don't move. 

He whacks Surfing-with-Whales on the arm, with unusual force.

Inexplicably, unless of course he has seen a mosquito.

Cruel Mustard

It's good if he just ate an egg, says Surfing-with-Whales.

No necessarily, says Gaius. It felt hard, so it still had the shell on.

Little Mystic looks worried.

He has eaten an egg with the shell on, instead of a worm!

What'll happen? asks Terence.

We wait for him to pass it, says Gaius.

How? asks Terence.

The natural way, says Gaius. 

A whole egg! says Surfing-with-Whales. That'll be painful.

I may be able to do something to assist him, says Gaius.

Do it! says Terence.

All right. This may seem cruel, says Gaius. Lie down, Little Mystic.

Little Mystic lies down.

Gaius picks up a middle-sized pebble which was lying nearby.

And raps Little Mystic's tummy. Rap rap!

Toppit! cries Little Mystic.

Courage! says Gaius. 

He raps harder. Crack crack!

There! says Gaius. The shell is now broken and the egg will be easier to pass.

Little Mystic's tummy starts to gurgle.

Excellent, says Gaius. Something is happening already.

What is? asks Terence.

The shell will come out in small pieces, says Gaius. We don't need to watch.

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. I'm heading down to the water. Coming Terence?

I'll come too, says Gaius. I'll collect a few worms for Little Mystic.

They head down to the shores of Lake Rosebery, leaving Little Mystic to pass his pieces of eggshell in private.

Surfing-with-Whales sprints ahead and dives into the water.

Terence watches as Gaius searches for worms.

I should have brought something to draw them out, says Gaius. Mustard, for example.

Or peanut butter, says Terence.

Hum, says Gaius. I'm not sure worms will come up for peanut butter.

There's one! says Terence.

Sure enough, a worm has stuck its head up, through the mud.

We don't like peanut butter, says the worm. And we really hate mustard.

That's the idea of the mustard, says Gaius.

Heartless! says the worm, sinking back into the mud, leaving a tiny hole which fills up straight away.

We lost it! says Terence.

Perhaps we should give up on the worms, says Gaius. Little Mystic can make do with insects.

Yes! says Terence. I'll go and tell him.

He runs back to where Little Mystic is sitting in a glutinous pile.