Reset Password
Reset Link Sent
| Blogs > dreampoet > My Blog, my way |
|
THE FLAMES of PERIDOT... Part Twelve. THE FLAMES of PERIDOT... Part Twelve. “It’s getting dark.” whispered Sarah Sweetkiss, becoming aware of the strange sounds which came from behind jutting rocks. “Don’t worry.” replied Johnny Hotfoot assuringly. “We should not have stayed that long with the Origami Brothers, though we could not leave too quickly.” “Of course we had to stay” said Sarah Sweetkiss hugging into Rocky Hornblow’s fur. “It’s not too far to go.” said Rocky Hornblow as he skirted a particularly dangerous outcrop of rock. “Though you will have to keep an eye out for the evil Night Hawks and the Skinners.” he warned. “Who are the Night Hawks and Skinners?” asked Sarah Sweetkiss nervously, for she did not like the way Rocky Hornblow spoke. “They are bad monsters who will not cause us too much trouble if we work together.” replied Johnny Hotfoot, continuing… “The Night Hawks only come out at night and we only have to turn our skin so white it becomes daylight and the Night Hawks will run away, or just shrivel up and die. The Skinners are Cannibals, but they run away at the sight of red flesh and so all we have to do is turn our skin red and that will make them run.” he finished. Rocky Hornblow chuckled, telling of the time that he and Johnny Hotfoot had first come upon the horrible creatures and how they had run away, screaming. Sarah Sweetkiss turned to look back to the top of the Mountain and saw the top was already clouded in mists, while the night came upon them. “I think.” said Johnny Hotfoot, as they reached a wide ledge.”We should stop here for the night, or at least till it gets a bit lighter and the Night Hawks can spring no surprises on us." “I agree.” said Rocky Hornblow, sleepily. “I am tired with two of you on my back. I need to rest and with that overhanging rock above us to stop any loose rockfalls hitting us, this ledge is a perfect spot to rest.” Rocky Hornblow knelt down so that Johnny Hotfoot jumped from his back and helped Sarah Sweetkiss to jump down into his arms. The night air was chilly and there were the times when the spiteful updrafts of winds howled their way up the rockface, carrying the caught Butterflies and Locusts. Further down, the wind carried the growls and grunts of the Night Hawks who hunted for prey in the Lowlands. Sarah Sweetkiss shivered and Johnny Hotfoot held her in his arms and they both snuggled into the warm heavy fur of Rocky Hornblow, soon falling asleep and smiling through sweet dreams. “Hey!... Come on Rocky Hornblow!” shouted Johnny Hotfoot, rising to his feet and stretching. It was a bright morning and Sarah Sweetkiss was also up, seeing the base of the Blue Cloud Mountain quite clearly in the daylight. Rocky Hornblow was still snoring loudly and Sarah Sweetkiss bent, to tug at his ear. “Come on, Rocky Hornblow!” she called. “It’s daylight and time to go!” Rocky Hornblow woke with a start and stood up, shaking his shaggy body and yawning widely. “I suppose we had better get moving.” he said, and knelt down so that Johnny Hotfoot could climb onto his back and haul Sarah Sweetkiss up behind him. Once more, Rocky Hornblow began to descend the Mountain path, carefully picking his way past the loose rocks and dodging the rockfalls. Sarah Sweetkiss was still tired and clung to Johnny Hotfoot’s waist, snuggling into his back as she closed her eyes, feeling the powerful muscles beneath her as Rocky Hornblow continued to walk downwards. “We are here, at the Blue Cloud Mountain base.” said Rocky Hornblow as he knelt down to allow Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkisss to climb from his back. “How can we ever thank you Rocky Hornblow?” asked Johnny Hotfoot. “Thank me?” replied Rocky Hornblow. “It is I who should thank you. After all, it was you who brought me this wonderful Badge of High Status and led me up to the height of the world, where others may look up to me! It is I who thank you, Johnny Hotfoot.” finished Rocky Hornblow. Sarah Sweetkiss kissed Rocky Hornblow on the cheek while Johnny Hotfoot gave him a big hug. “We will come and see you!” shouted Johnny Hotfoot as he and Sarah Sweetkiss watched the large Mountain Goat begin to climb back up the craggy face of Blue Cloud Mountain. “We had better start walking.” said Johnny Hotfoot, gently taking Sarah Sweetkiss by the hand. They had reached the base Mountains, where Rocky Hornblow used to live, when they heard the groans and grunts, the sounds turning to spine-chilling shrieks as the evil Skinners came out from between the boulders and rocks. Sarah Sweetkiss screamed in terror, seeing the Ghouls carrying their knives and exposing sharp fangs. “Don’t run, Sarah Sweetkiss.” shouted Johnny Hotfoot, turning an angry red. “Do as I do, get red with anger. Those Skinners hate red flesh!” Sarah Sweetkiss began to turn red, even though her whole body shook with fear. “Come on, you evil Skinners!” shouted Johnny Hotfoot, moving towards the threatening Ghouls. Sarah Sweetkiss watched in amazement as the Skinners suddenly dropped their sharp knives and ran back from where they had come, shrieking in fear. “There, Sarah Sweetkiss, do you see what cowards they are?” said Johnny Hotfoot, taking her by the hand and kissing her so their skin blushed to a sweetest and pleasurable pink. “Everything is alright now.” said Johnny Hotfoot, taking her by the hand. “First I shall take you to where the Sweetwater River runs, to see my Gondola, my boat where we will live till I have built a house in the town of Redwood Area. That is where we have to go after you have seen the Gondola, to Redwood University Hall where I shall introduce you to Professor Jamtrot. We will have to also undergo a ceremony, so we become full Citizens of Redwood.” The air was sweet with the scent of flowers, while ran and played in the fields as Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss passed, so they smiled, wandering slowly, hand in hand as they made their way down towards the river bank. “Wait a minute.” said Johnny Hotfoot, stopping by a tall Chestnut Tree. “Have you got the velvet bag?” Sarah Sweetkiss took the velvet bag from around her neck and gave it to Johnny Hotfoot and stood watching as he climbed high into the branches of the tree, collecting the Chestnuts which he put into the bag before scrambling down to the ground again. “Why do you want those nuts?” asked Sarah Sweetkiss. “You will soon see.” answered Johnny Hotfoot as they continued their walk. As they neared the Sweetwater River, they could hear happy whistles and shouts till, at last reaching the bank where the Gondola was moored, they saw a troop of Boy-Scout Chipmunks, all hurrying and scurrying, laughing and whistling happily as they scrubbed and polished at the woodwork of the Gondola, so that its colours shone brightly in the sunlight. “Thank you!” cried Johnny Hotfoot. “You have made a wonderful job of keeping my boat clean while I was away!” He handed over the Chestnuts he had collected earlier and the Chipmunks thanked him for the payment before scampering off with the nuts, to share them out in the Scout-Hut in town. “Welcome to your home!” exclaimed Johnny Hotfoot, helping Sarah Sweetkiss to board the Gondola. “I love it!” shouted Sarah Sweetkiss, running around the deck and then going down the steps which led into the cabin, with its small bed and galley kitchen. Johnny Hotfoot followed her, smiling broadly at her happy shouting. “But after the ceremony in the town, I will build you a beautiful house, with a lovely garden of flowers and with large windows which look out into the sun every morning.” said Johnny Hotfoot, watching and laughing as Sarah Sweetkiss bounced on the bed. “Oh, Johnny Hotfoot!” exclaimed Sarah Sweetkiss, rising from the bed and looking at him with sad eyes. “I don’t want a big house. I love it here, just you and I, living here on this Gondola. We could take trips down the river and watch the Rainbow Fish play and we can swim in the Sweetwater River!” she said. Johnny Hotfoot lifted her up, twirling around with her, his face alight with joy. “That’s all I wanted. I just thought you would want a big house like those folk of Redwood Area.” he said. “We have all we want here, Johnny Hotfoot.” she laughed. “Come with me. It’s time we went to meet Professor Jamtrot, in town. But we shall walk through the town’s park as we go.” said Johnny Hotfoot and, taking her hand, led Sarah Sweetkiss towards the park. played in groups, the Squirrel and Rabbit family all together, some playing a game of chase, while others sat and read books and comics. “Do you see how the can all read the words now?” asked Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss smiled, knowing the could read the truth of history, because of what she and Johnny Hotfoot had done, what they had gone through back at the Lands of the Sinking Sands. The sound of Bagpipes came loudly towards them and they stood and watched as a large Bear strode forward, playing a tune, while a young Bear sang out the words of a song from a song-sheet. The music and singing was beautiful, so that Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss stood and watched as the procession passed by, the small Bear singing, followed by the large pipe-playing Bear and the crowds of dancing folk who followed behind. “Come now.” said Johnny Hotfoot, taking Sarah Sweetkiss by the hand and leading her towards the town centre, to the University Library Hall, where huge crowds stood beneath a banner which had the words… ‘Johnny Hotfoot, welcome home to the Hero!’ As they drew near, the crowd began to cheer loudly, so that both Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss blushed a pleasured pink. “Look!” the crowd cried, pointing out Sarah Sweetkiss. “Johnny Hotfoot has got a wife!” The door of the Library Hall opened and all the Teachers and Professors, led by Professor Jamtrot, came out and walked down the steps, their faces alight with smiles and they began to cheer loudly as Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss made their way through the crowd. “Welcome home, Johnny Hotfoot, Citizen of Redwood Area!” cried Professor Jamtrot, shaking Johnny Hotfoot by the hand. “May I introduce you to my wife, Sarah Sweetkiss.” said Johnny Hotfoot proudly and Sarah Sweetkiss blushed a deepest pink as they all crowded around her, remarking on her beauty. “Come into the main Hall of the Library.” said Professor Jamtrot, leading the way back up the steps and into the main Reading Room, where all the books were laid out, so that Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss could see all the written words. “There.” said Professor Jamtrot, indicating the books with a wide sweep of his hand. “You can see that all the Vowels and Consonants are in their right places, all thanks to you, Johnny Hotfoot. Today, we will make you a full Citizen of Redwood Area, along with your lovely wife, Sarah Sweetkiss, of course, and then after the celebrations the whole town of Redwood Area is going to gather in the Town Square, to have a statue erected of you, in honour of this great and brave deed you have done, to save us from a worst time in our history, of not being able to teach the to read and write.” Sarah Sweetkiss felt so proud of Johnny Hotfoot that she squeezed his hand and began to cry, which set off all the Teachers and Professors crying. “This is a time of happiness!” shouted Johnny Hotfoot. “We should not be crying.” “But these are tears of happiness!” cried Uriah Candle, wiping at his eyes. Professor Jamtrot held up his hands to quieten the sound of sobbing and called for the University Runner to be brought. Josiah Weasel, the University Runner, was roused from his bed and brought to the main Library Hall, standing grumpily before the Professor. “Go, Josiah Weasel!” ordered the Professor. “Run all over town and tell all the Townsfolk to come to the main Hall, so they witness the ceremony of Citizenship awarded to Johnny Hotfoot and his wife, Sarah Sweetkiss!” At this, Josiah Weasel ran from the Hall, running from house to house and ringing a large brass bell, telling all to go to the main Hall of the Town’s Library. Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss were entertained in the big Dining Hall, with fruits and lemonade, while Meercats sang and recited wonderful poetry, especially Jenkins Meercat, who stood up and read out a long heroic poem about Johnny Hotfoot and his marvellous deeds. The company was very cheerful, with Professor Jamtrot sitting beside them and smiling hugely. “Everyone is here!” shouted Josiah Weasel, poking his head round the door, so that the Professor bid everyone to follow him as he made his way to the main University Hall alongside the Library Building. The University Hall was jam-packed with all the Townsfolk, craning their necks to get a glimpse at Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss, calling out their names and trying to touch them. Both Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss were very embarrassed at all this notice taken and hoped the ceremony would hurry up so they could get back to the Gondola and just drift in pleasure on the gentle waves of the Sweetwater River. “Come.” said the Professor, pointing to two chairs which were placed up on a high stage, so that all the audience could see them. “Sit on those chairs and we shall begin the ceremony.” Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss sat on the chairs, seeing the sea of faces staring up at them from down below. “Bring the Citizen Chains!” called out the Professor, so that two large Ambassador-Bears came forward, stepping up onto the stage, carrying two gold chains. Placing the chains upon the necks of Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss, the Professor looked out at the audience and, in a loud voice, boomed out… “My friends of Redwood Area, I am delighted to make these two folk, Johnny Hotfoot and his wife, Sarah Sweetkiss, full Citizens of the Community!” The Hall resounded with cries of welcome and applause, and cheers and tears of happiness as the crowd sprang to their feet. “Rise, Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss, dear friends.” said Professor Jamtrot and hugged them both as they rose from their seats. All the Professors and Teachers came onto the stage, taking it in turns to shake their hands. Sarah Sweetkiss was overwhelmed with all the congratulations and sat again as Johnny Hotfoot spoke to the crowded Hall, telling all how much he loved being one of the Community and that he and Sarah Sweetkiss would treasure the honour. “Now.” he finished. “I will take my wife back to the Gondola and rest.” With these words Johnny Hotfoot took Sarah Sweetkiss by the hand and led her down the steps and through the crowds of cheering people. Outside, Old James McPherson stood, dressed in full Tartan, his bagpipes a whirl in tune as he marched before Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss. Old James McPherson strode out towards the park, his young before him, singing at the top of his voice, while behind them, strung out, came the whole of the town. The parade marched through the park and then stood as Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss took the path which led them down to the banks of the Sweetwater River. “There are times when it is lovely to have some peace and quiet.” remarked Johnny Hotfoot, as he helped Sarah Sweetkiss board the Gondola. The music and cheering could still be heard, but became more distant as Johnny Hotfoot cast off the ropes and guided the Gondola upstream, through gentle waters, to where the families of Swans and Ducks dipped their heads in welcome as the boat passed. Johnny Hotfoot stood beside Sarah Sweetkiss, his arm around her waist as they looked at the green and blue scenery which banked either side of the Sweetwater River. “Where do you think you are going!” demanded a voice. It was the leader of the Sharptooth Water Rats. “What are you doing on our Turf?” he demanded. The gang of Sharptooth Water Rats were spread out across the river, stopping the boat from going any further. Sarah Sweetkiss hugged close to Johnny Hotfoot in fear. “Don’t be afraid of them.” said Johnny Hotfoot, hugging Sarah Sweetkiss before turning back to the leader of the gang. “I have no green cheese or chocolate.” he told the leader. “Then how do you expect to get past us?” shouted the leader, coming menacingly close to the boat. “I will tell you what I will do.” replied Johnny Hotfoot. “My wife and I will play you and your gang in a game of Water Polo and the first one to score a goal will win!” “And what does the winner get?” shouted one of the gang as the others laughed, sure of winning. “If you and your gang win, then you get to keep our boat… But if you lose, then we are allowed to pass through your Turf without paying, for the rest of our lives.” “That’s a deal!” declared the leader, setting out his gang in their places, spreading out. “What shall we do?” quavered Sarah Sweetkiss, fearing they would lose their boat. “When we dive into the water, we shall change our skin to blue, the same as the water, so the Sharptooth Water Rats cannot see us. I will score the goal for us, have no fear, Sarah Sweetkiss.” said Johnny Hotfoot. “Are you ready!” shouted the leader of the Water Rats, throwing the ball high into the air. Both Johnny Hotfoot and Sarah Sweetkiss dived into the water, their skin becoming blue so that the Water Rats could not see them. “Where are they?” shouted the Water Rats to each other as the ball suddenly seemed to vanish under the water and not coming up to the surface. “Here I am!” shouted Johnny Hotfoot, suddenly popping up and slamming the ball past the frightened goal-keeper. “Goal!” shouted Sarah Sweetkiss delightedly, popping up alongside Johnny Hotfoot. For all their rough reputation, the Sharptooth Water Rats prided themselves on being fair and grudgingly allowed the Gondola to pass along the way, agreeing to allow the boat a free passage forever more. Once more aboard the Gondola, Johnny Hotfoot pointed out the bend in the river, which would lead to the home of the Dreamcaster. “You must meet the Dreamcaster.” said Johnny Hotfoot. “He will forecast our dreams for us.” Sarah Sweetkiss smiled, saying nothing, for she already knew they would make dreams come true. As Johnny Hotfoot tied up the Gondola to the side of the bank near to where the Dreamcaster lived, he stood up and pointed up into the distance. “Do you see that big Mountain which loses itself into the clouds? That is the Blue Cloud Mountain. One day we shall go back up and visit our friends.” he said. “And welcome to my house.” said the Dreamcaster, shaking the tassle of his hat away from between his eyes and blinking rapidly. “Thank you, Dreamcaster. Sarah Sweetkiss and I have so much to tell you…” said Johnny Hotfoot. So saying, they all sat down and Johnny Hotfoot began to tell the Dreamcaster all about his travels. THE END. 
|
||||
|
What an adventure Johnny Hotfoot's quest to return the missing vowels (and therefore honorary Redwood citizenship) turned out to be. He certainly was the right person for the important mission. What a happy ending for all, and Johnny especially for having met fellow chameleon Sarah Sweetkiss :- )
| |||
|
And what a story he had to tell. All's well that ends well. Thanks for sharing the magical adventures of Johnny, Sarah and the rest of the gang  
|
×
×