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Tales From the Riverbank
Deep in a burrow on the west bank of the river Fimyo in the heart of the Verdant forest a gathering of woodland creatures was underway. On a red gingham sheet covered in plates of triangle cut sandwiches, cocktail sausages, plates of crisps and pots of warm tea the various representatives nibbled and sipped at their picnic, discussing a variety of topics until Ahriman, the wizened old badger called the meeting to order.
"Gentlemen" he waffled politely "and lady" he added, tipping his head to Phaedra the vole, "we are gathered here today to address a very serious development indeed"
"Petard's over-eating?" interjected Bellaphon the otter, prodding his rotund companion. "Look at him, he's not a weasel anymore, he's an obeseal!"
Petard grunted and reached for another treacle crispy treat with one stumpy short arm, wriggling like a beached whale.
"No, something of much more serious import. Gentlemen, we have a mole amongst us."
Before anyone could blink, Rasmussen the stoat had leapt across the cavern and slit Berkeley the mole's throat clean across with a pearl handled straight razor. There was a wet splat as Berkeley's thorax split and disgorged crimson blood all over the picnic. The assembled animals watched in utter horror.
Rasmussen looked from face to face, waiting. "What?"
Ahriman took a deep breath and began again "we have a spy amongst us, who may or may not have been a mole."
Rasmussen sheepishly sheathed his razor.
"We found a weapons cache nearby which we believe was used by whoever might be embezzling from us. Ingredients were mixed with nitro-glycerine to create a sweet, edible explosive; half a pound of tuppenny rice, half a pound of treacle. If we can figure out where the money goes we might have a solid lead."
All animals present scrutinised their immediate neighbour. Ahriman looked at Rasmussen, Rasmussen looked at Phaedra, Phaedra looked at Hela, Hela looked at Epheseus, Epheseus looked at Bellaphon, Bellaphon watched as Petard reached for his final treacle crispy treat, his mind suddenly realising what was to come next. Mausolos the river rat had long ago made his escape.
Oct.12.2006