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.