| Dan wheeled around and collapsed into Ozzy’s outstretched arms. “He’s had too much to drink. Won’t even remember having said anything tomorrow. Please forgive his rudeness.” “Lucky duck. That’s what he is. A lucky duck.” The big snow goose remarked, and stood back allowing Ozzy to move Dan’s unconscious body onto the back of Splash, who stayed in character and let out his best excuse for a bray. “Eoww!” Splash brayed and gave a little buck but not enough to buck off Dan. “Lucky duck is going to have to pay a fine if you want to take him up the mountain.” The big snow goose stated. “We will have to discuss this.” Ozzy replied. The group gathered into a huddle and Ozzy whispered, “Does anybody have anything to give them?” Anna looked around and was very careful to whisper quietly, “Splash, can you help us out with a poop?” There was a quiet jingle as three gold coins fell onto the ground behind Splash. Ozzy quickly grabbed them up. He turned to the big goose and said, “Here you are sir. One shiny gold coin for one rude duck.” “I heard more than one coin jingle.” The big goose said. “Keep going.” Ozzy was inclined to argue but decided it was too important they get through. “Very well sir. Here are two gold coins.” He dropped the coins into the goose’s hand. “Move along.” The goose stated. The group moved up the mountain path without further incident. A short while later Dan began to wake up. He climbed off of Splash and the group kept working their way up the mountain path. Every once in a while Ozzy would look back down the path to make sure they were not being followed. About mid day they reached the spot where the hidden path left the path they were on. If they took that path it would lead them to Anna’s parents and the good magic army. “This is where we leave the main path.” Ozzy noted. He looked both up and down the way to make sure nobody would see them leave the main path. “Follow me team.” next page |  Buzzy, Anna, Splash and Friend  Check out Little Monsters with Anna and Splash when done with this story |