Page 46 of Riding A Cock-Horse
I nod in agreement.
“She’s right. It's a good way for you both to be spotted.”
The Tersh just flaps his hand indifferently.
“Not if we go now,” he negates. “It'll be too dark for anyone to see us, and I’m an exceptionally fast swimmer. It's just a matter of if the slippery dick here can keep up.”
The double meaning isn't lost on Theo, who glares back at the smartarse Tertiary.
“I don't think it'smethat has to keep up withyou, but the other way around,” he taunts boldly, and I'm surprised at his gall.
Belle laughs in delight, though, and kisses Theo’s cheek.
“You're right—Nestor has to keep up with you now. But what about everyone else? How will they get to the island?” she wonders, bringing us back to topic.
Elise and Sian look at Jude who says they’ll fly, but will need to take breaks.
“It'll be faster for us to fly there directly as opposed to going along the shoreline, but we’ll still need to stop occasionally,” he adds.
“And the others?” Belle prompts.
“They can ride us again,” Jack offers.
I don't really like the idea, but being a horny toad means that I can only go so far on foot before tiring out, but arses can travel long distances and at faster speeds. We won't get there at the same time as the others, but at least we'll get there.
“I'm coming, too,” my dad declares.
“As am I,” my uncle echos.
“And me,” my cousin tacks on.
Jack nods.
“Phineas and Arthur, you two can ride me. Dageus and Alastair, you two can ride Harry.”
“What about us?” one of my clan's Elders inquires.
My uncle shakes his head.
“It's too dangerous. You must stay here and keep the clan together while we are away. You're in charge while I'm gone,” Alastair decrees.
“Alastair!” another Elder roars. “He was in charge last time!
“No! It was Graham,” the other refutes.
“No, it was you! Something bloody stupid happened I remember; so,Ishould be in charge.”
“Neither of you ejits should be in charge—it should be me!” the last Elder proposes.
The three men begin to bicker amongst one another who should be left in charge, and my uncle just rolls his eyes. Everyone starts talking at once, and I clap my hands for attention.
“Do you really think that we should all go?” I ask hesitantly.
I don't want to say it out rightly because I know it will get me into a world of trouble, but I don't think Belle, Elise, nor Sian should join us. It's not safe for them. Thankfully, Jude understands what I’m trying to convey and nods.
“Yes, maybe only some of us should go—myself, Nestor, Jack, and Harry.”
I nod encouragingly at this new plan, but Belle's already shaking her head. I realize that she'll never go for this idea because we all need to be together—that's what she thinks is safest.
