Me: Gosh, it’s hot, isn’t it?
Nell: Yes. We had Morning Thoughts outside today. Poppy stood guard.
Me: Why?
Nell: Because it’s cooler outside first thing in the morning.
Me: No. Why was Poppy standing guard?
Nell: In case of a Beefy attack. Word in the field is that they are planning one.
Me: What can we do?
Nell: Hats should be worn whenever possible and swords drawn.
Me: We’ve only got one sword.
Nell: It still needs to be drawn.
Me: I suppose so.
Nell: David has been advised to Lie Low.
Me: My poor Big Brave Beautiful Boy. It’s not like Stephen Seagull was permanently damaged. He only lost a few feathers.
Nell: He’s wearing an eye patch and walking with a stick.
Me: The cunning blighter.
Nell: Cunning blighter? This is 2020 you know.
Me: So what’s the plan?
Nell: Well, Benjamin has offered to do A Very Brave Thing.
Me: Oh my goodness.
Nell: He is going to Beefy HQ.
Me: I don’t think Beefy HQ is the nicest place to go on a Saturday, Nell. Mightn’t a little walk by the sea be better?
Nell: He’s not going for fun. He’s on a mission.
Me: I see.
Nell: And he’s taking Henry with him.
Me: Now, far be it from me to criticise the smaller creatures, being one myself, but don’t you think a larger animal might be better?
Nell: Certainly not. A reindeer is going to stick out like a sore tail and don’t even think of suggesting the llamas. The mere idea.
Me: What is the mission then?
Nell: To reveal the truth and put an end to this ridiculous charade.
Me: I thought they were going to prove Stephen Seagull is lying.
Nell: That’s what I just said.
Me: Oh, yes. Sorry.
