by Tom Hoffman
Another note drifted down.
KNOCK TWICE IF YOU ARE TRYING TO
PERSUADE ME TO VOTE FOR A
PARTICULAR ELECTED OFFICIAL.
KNOCK ONCE IF YOU ARE NOT.
Orville smacked the door once.
KNOCK TWICE IF YOU ARE SELLING
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS.
KNOCK ONCE IF YOU ARE NOT.
Orville hit the door again.
KNOCK TWICE IF YOU WANT ME
TO JOIN AN ORDER OF MONKS
WHO WEAR PURPLE ROBES.
KNOCK ONCE IF YOU DO NOT.
Orville hit the door.
Sophia was leaning back against the rocky wall, her eyes closed, her head nodding.
“This mouse is undeniably loopy.”
“Really? What makes you think that?”
KNOCK TWICE IF YOU WANT ME TO
ATTEND A MEETING OF ANY KIND.
KNOCK ONCE IF YOU DO NOT.
Clunk!
KNOCK TWICE IF YOU ARE A
METAPHYSICAL ADVENTURER AND
MASTER MARLOH SENT YOU HERE
TO IDENTIFY A STONE.
KNOCK ONCE IF YOU ARE NOT.
“Now we’re getting somewhere. I think this might be the end of it!” Orville gave the door two sound whacks with the stone.
KNOCK TWICE IF THE STONE IS RED.
KNOCK ONCE IF IT IS NOT.
Orville put both paws over his eyes. “This mouse is going to drive me nummers in the head!”
Clonk!
KNOCK TWICE IF THE STONE IS BLUE.
KNOCK ONCE IF IT IS NOT.
“Oh, great heavens, this might be it!” Orville hit the door twice with the rock.
There were no more notes, only the sound of the lonely north wind whistling through the great canyon.
Sophia was sound asleep and Orville was drifting off when the great iron door squealed open. They both jumped to their feet.
A voice from behind the door shrieked, “Hurry up! Get in here! Hurry!”
The two adventurers dashed through the doorway into Ollo the Rock Mouse’s secret hideout.
Chapter 8
Ollo the Rock Mouse
Orville and Sophia stared with intense curiosity at the mouse who stood facing them. He was shorter than Sophia and wore a blue and white striped vest, green pants covered with white stars, and a large pair of black goggles with an odd assortment of magnifying lenses welded to the frame. The cave interior was fifty feet across in both directions, had twenty foot tall ceilings, and much to Sophia’s surprise was tastefully furnished. On the far wall Orville spotted seven wooden doors, each one a different color.
Sophia gave her warmest smile. “Hello, Ollo, it’s so lovely to meet you. Master Marloh had nothing but glowing things to say about you.”
Ollo gave Sophia a dark look and held out his paw.
Orville stared at the open paw. “Oh, the stone! You want to see the stone.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the blue marble, placing it in Ollo’s open paw.
Ollo said nothing, but held the marble up and gazed at it, rotating it slowly. He flipped down one of the large magnifying lenses and a small bright light blinked on. “Hmmp.” He examined the stone closely.
Orville said, “What do you think?”
Ollo glared at Orville.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”
“Follow Ollo. Follow Ollo.” Orville glanced over at Sophia but said nothing. He was trying not to laugh.
Ollo walked across the room to the blue door and swung it open. Sophia and Orville followed him down a long winding stone tunnel which led into an enormous room with forty foot tall ceilings. Hundreds of floor to ceiling shelves lined the walls. Each shelf contained thousands of small square compartments, and resting in each compartment was a blue stone. Sophia quickly calculated that the room held roughly four hundred thousand individual blue stones.
The two adventurers waited silently as Ollo the Rock Mouse scanned the vast wall of stones. Finally he gave a short laugh and set the marble down on the floor. It rolled across the smooth stone to the left side of the room, stopping at the base of the shelves. Ollo rolled an enormous ladder down the wall and scampered up to the ninth level of shelves. He plucked a stone from one of the little wooden compartments and with another humorless laugh slid down the ladder, picked up the blue marble and scurried back over to Sophia and Orville.
Ollo set the marble and the blue stone from the shelf on the floor and hunched down, his eyes bright and focused. He gave a loud guffaw as the stone from the shelf liquified and flowed across the floor to the marble. The melted stone was absorbed by the marble, which now had a diameter of almost three inches.
Ollo picked up the marble and tossed it to Orville. “Don’t want it, not a stone.” He rose to his feet, put his paw over his eyes and tilted his head down.
Orville looked at Sophia questioningly. She raised both her eyebrows and shrugged.
Thirty seconds later Ollo the Rock Mouse raised his head. “The sample was purchased nine years ago from Myrmac the Brave in Tatuid Village at the base of Mount Ianua for the sum of thirty-six silvers on an extremely humid summer day at three fourteen in the afternoon. Ollo was wearing green striped shirt, purple pants, white stars.”
Orville gulped. His Mum’s necklace had cost thirty-six silvers, the same as the blue stone. “Thank you so much, Ollo. You have a marvelous memory. Is there any chance you might be able to give us the location of Mount Ianua? We’re trying to find the original source of the marble.”
“Deep in the east Symocan jungle is where you’ll find Mount Ianua.”
“One last question, and then I promise we’ll leave. Is there anything distinctive about the mountain which might help us locate it?”
“Not a mountain, a volcano.”
Orville made a small whimpering noise. Sophia grabbed him a split second before he fainted.
Ollo watched without expression as Sophia dragged Orville back to the huge iron door. He pulled a long silver lever and the massive door groaned open. “Out! Hurry! Get him out!”
Sophia pulled Orville onto the ledge and the door squealed shut behind them. Orville groaned, opening his eyes. “What time is it? Am I late?”
Sophia grinned and patted the top of his head. “It’s time to head back to Muridaan Falls, my brave Captain Orville.”
“Wait, did Ollo say something about a volcano or did I just dream that?”
“Mount Ianua is a volcano.”
“Oh, no.”
“Relax, we’re not going to jump into Mount Ianua. We will decide what we’re going to do, and one thing we’re not going to do is jump into a volcano.”
“But I had that dream.”
“I dreamed I was a bird once. Does that mean I’m going to turn into a bird?”
“I guess not.”
“Hop into The Dragonfly and let’s go home. Keep the ship at five thousand feet so we don’t get hit by a spider. If we lose another wing we’ll be walking home.”
Four hours later Sophia called out, “I see Muridaan Falls!” Orville guided the ship around the outskirts of the village to Mirus Mouse’s complex and they touched down in front of the long green shed that housed The Dragonfly.
Mirus stepped out of a nearby building, waving to them with both arms. “You made it safely back, I see! You found Ollo the Rock Mouse? That’s one loopy mouse, I will tell you that much.” Mirus threw his head back and gave a great squawking bird laugh, but stopped short, his eyes focusing sharply on the ship. He gave a shrill piercing screech. “What happened to my ship?? Where’s the wing? You’re missing a wing! The landing struts! What did you do? You smashed my canopy to pieces!!”
Sophia looked as apologetic as she possibly could. “I’m so sorry, Mirus, we were hit by a dreadful force beam from an Anarkkian attack spider who just came out of nowhere and we crashed in a meadow. We’re lucky to be alive. The spider’s force beam destroyed the wing, that’s why we crashed. It was all your wonderfu
l flight training that saved us.”
“Anarkkian spider? What?? What’s wrong with you, mouse? Why didn’t you use the scramble beam? Have you been eating fermented snapberries?”
“What’s a scramble beam?”
Mirus looked as though he might explode. “What’s a scramble beam?! I told you five times! The scramble beam is in the port side storage compartment. Take it out, point it at the spider, push the red tab and badingo, the spider wanders away into the sunset. It scrambles his sensors, that’s why they call it a scramble beam! How many times do I have to tell you these things?”
“Oh dear, I don’t really recall you mentioning anything like that to us. Maybe I misunderstood what you said. Or maybe I just forgot.”
“Why didn’t you fix the wing?? I told you five times about the two spare wings rolled up in the tail of the ship! I showed you how to fix them! A first year mouseling could do it!”
Orville gave Sophia a nervous glance. “I’m so sorry, Mirus, I guess we forgot you told us about the spare wings and how to replace them. Sorry.”
Sophia nodded. “We just forgot everything. We did find out where the blue marble came from though.”
“Of course you did! Ollo the Rock Mouse is as loopy as a Mintarian Flatbird eating fermented brimbleberries, but he knows everything there is to know about rocks. Where is it from?”
“From deep in the east Symocan jungle. He purchased it in Tatuid Village near the base of Mount Ianua.”
“The volcano? Are you talking about the volcano?”
Orville grimaced. “Yes, the volcano.”
Ollo furrowed his eyebrows. “Interesting, most interesting indeed.”
Orville gulped. “Why is it interesting?”
“Why wouldn’t it be interesting, mouse?”
Orville stared blankly at Mirus.
Sophia raised her paw. “Umm… Mirus, would you mind dreadfully if Orville and I took The Dragonfly to Mount Ianua? We need to track down the source of the blue stone.”
“What? Of course you can! What’s wrong with you, mouse?? Come back tomorrow and The Dragonfly will be as good as new. I’ll show you how to replace a wing and how to use a scramble beam. How hard is it? Easy as pie, that’s what I would tell you.”
Chapter 9
Up and Away
“I would really feel much better if you took Proto along with you.”
“It’s not going to be dangerous, Mum. Master Marloh knows exactly where we’re going. We’re taking The Dragonfly to Tatuid Village, asking Myrmac the Brave where he got the blue stone, and then flying straight home.”
“You sound just like your papa, always trying to convince me his adventures were perfectly safe, a lovely stroll through a field of pretty wildflowers on a warm summer’s day.”
“Well, I don’t think it’s going to be dangerous, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to take Proto. The Dragonfly can carry four mice so there’s plenty of room.”
“Thank you, I feel much better already.”
Proto stepped out from the doorway. “Did I hear someone say adventure? Do you think there will be terrible ferocious snapping creatures like the ones we–”
Orville held up his paw for Proto to stop. “Mum doesn’t want to hear about our boring adventures. I’m sad to say we won’t be encountering any such creatures on this trip. It’s going to be quite uneventful, probably very tedious.”
Orville’s Mum put her paw on Proto’s arm. “You’ll watch out for Orville and Sophia and keep them safe?”
“Of course, Mum, I promise. It will be Proto to the rescue, as always. I remember on our last adventure we confronted a ferocious autonomous A6 warrior who was trying–“
“PROTO! We have to go! We’re meeting Sophia at Mirus’ complex and he’s going to teach us how to use a scramble beam and replace a wing on The Dragonfly.”
A light seemed to blink on in Proto’s eyes. “Oh, I see what you’re doing. We don’t want Mum to worry about us, do we?”
“Quite right, we don’t want Mum to worry about us.”
“I’ll be right back. I just have to grab a few things from my room.” Proto dashed down the hallway and up the stairs.
Orville’s Mum gave him a long hug. “Have a safe adventure, sweetie. You’ll keep an eye out for Sophia?”
“I will.” Orville didn’t mention it was usually Sophia who did the rescuing.
Proto reappeared wearing an enormous canvas backpack. “Just a few odds and ends which might come in handy on our very uneventful and extremely safe adventure with no chance of meeting any ferocious creatures.” He gave Orville a painfully obvious wink.
“Let’s go. Bye, Mum, we should be back in a week or so. Don’t worry if we’re a little bit late.”
Orville and Proto headed out the door and down the front steps. An hour later they strolled through the gates of Mirus’ complex.
“The Dragonfly is in that long green building.”
“Do you think Mum believed me when I said the trip would be extremely safe and uneventful? I didn’t want to worry her by mentioning all the terrifying creatures we’ll probably encounter.”
Orville nodded. “I think she believed you. Thanks for not mentioning the dreadful creatures. I know she was pleased you agreed to go with us, especially after I told her how many times you’ve come to our aid.”
Proto beamed. “I’m more than happy to rescue my two best friends in the world.”
“We’re lucky to have you for our friend. Hey, there’s Sophia and Mirus!”
Sophia waved. “Hi, Orville! Hi, Proto! Mirus showed me how to replace a damaged wing on The Dragonfly. It’s really simple and we have two extra wings rolled up inside the tail of the ship. Oh, and he showed me how to use a scramble beam. It’s easier than walking!”
Mirus gave a great screechy laugh.
The three adventurers stepped into the Dragonfly hangar. Proto gasped when he saw The Dragonfly. “Oh, my, what a lovely little flying machine. In all my years I’ve never seen one like this. How thrilling! I do hope we don’t get attacked by a Gnorli bird, I’m afraid they would make short work of this delicate little craft.”
Sophia smiled. “I think we’ll be fine. Fortunately for us, Gnorli birds are only found on Periculum. Besides, the Gnorli bird we met there seemed like rather a pleasant fellow, even if he did have a dreadful memory.”
Mirus clapped his paws together. “If you asked me what I’m hearing I’d tell you I’m hearing too many flapping jaws and not enough flapping wings! Jump into The Dragonfly and let’s get this bug into the sky!”
Orville laughed. “I’m with you, Mirus. Proto, you sit in the back and Sophia and I will sit up front. I’ll teach you how to fly the ship once we’re airborne. It’s easier than pie, that’s what I would tell you!”
Mirus gave another squawking bird laugh and slapped Orville on the back. “You sound just like me, mouse! All right, let’s hit the clouds!”
The three adventurers climbed into The Dragonfly as Mirus swung open the barn doors. Orville started the two duplonium motors, then inched the left stick forward. The gleaming transparent wings became a blur and the ship rose several feet above the barn floor.
Sophia grinned. “All set, Captain Orville! Let’s take her up into the blue!”
Orville nodded and pushed the right stick forward. The Dragonfly darted out of the barn and across the grassy field. Orville shoved the left stick forward and the craft shot up into the sky at one hundred and thirty miles an hour.
Sophia raised both arms above her head. “Whoo hoo! How do you like The Dragonfly, Proto?”
“Quite marvelous, Sophia, but it might be wise to ascertain the craft’s maximum velocity and maneuvering speed. You never know when we might have to evade some dreadful flying creature with a fondness for tasty mice.”
“Hopefully we won’t run into anything like that.” Sophia flipped open the storage compartment and pulled out a map. “Mirus marked the location of Mount Ianua with a red circle. We head east southeast
for about seven hundred and fifty miles. It’s going to take us a while, even cruising as fast as we are. We can set down at noon and have a nice lunch.”
Proto leaned forward between Orville and Sophia. “No need to worry about shaping lunch. I have prepared a lovely noonday repast for you and Orville, and I’m certain you’ll find the fare quite to your liking. I’ve included sandwiches, four tasty cakes, four oatmeal cookies, a small box of lemon and orange cream chocolates, and chilled lemonade.”
Orville grinned. “You’re the best! Thanks! Say, do you have any stories you could tell us to help pass the time? You know how much Sophia loves to hear your stories. The longer the better, right, Sophia?”
Sophia kicked Orville’s leg sharply. “That’s so thoughtful of you, but I’m quite tired. I was up with the sun this morning so I think I’ll take a short nap.”
Proto leaned forward again. “A nap is an excellent idea. Perhaps this will help.” He reached into his backpack and pulled out a large fluffy pillow.
Sophia took the pillow and laughed. “You really are amazing! Is there anything you don’t have in that pack?”
Proto thought for a moment. “Well, now that you mention it, I didn’t bring insect repellant. I decided it would be ineffective against the monstrous and terrifying venomous insects we’ll have to contend with.”
Orville glanced over at Sophia, who raised both eyebrows in mock horror. Orville realized at that moment there was nowhere else in the world he would rather be, and no one else in the world he would rather be with.
Chapter 10
Two Bees or Not Two Bees?
Sophia was still sleeping when Orville spotted the lovely meadow passing below them. He pulled back on the right stick and The Dragonfly slowed to a hover. Orville twisted the dial on his flight goggles and peered over the side of the ship, his vision magnified six times by Mirus’ invention. “Beautiful! Look at all those flowers. Sophia will love this, it’s the perfect spot for a yummy picnic lunch.”
