ch02) earlier 10.30am

Zobe went downstairs and into the kitchen, closely followed by a small friendly cat called Mr. Kibbles. In the kitchen Zobe rolled the dice with eager anticipation, and much to her delight she found herself climbing up a ladder to number 34, having narrowly avoided a boa constrictor in number 32. She hadn’t yet noticed the Mexican grass snake occupying square 35, but we don’t need to worry about that for a little while.
She found an invitation on the billiards table:

“Calling all balloons and balloon enthusiasts!
We are having a party today, and would love it if you could come.
Its at 7 o’clock in the zoo. Hope you can make it, lots of love from Ellie, Ollie, Oily and Phil.”

“Do we need to establish that Ellie, Ollie, Oily et al. are elephantes?” inquired Ben.
“Yeh I guess so,” replies Judy, resigned now to the inevitable interruptions.

THEY ARE ELEPHANTS. It’s also useful to note at this point that all eliphants are balloon fanatics and have a network of secret balloon societies throughout the world. Balloons add meaning to an olifent’s life and are the reason they are usually so calm and peaceful.

“OK, it’s established….
“ooh, except that al isn’t an illyfunkt. He’s a croc!” exclaimed Judy.
“Oh yes, sorry,” said Ben, “easy mistake to make.”
This is true. Al is, after all, a master of disguise. It’s the wig that does it.

The wig, which is excitable even at the best of times, leapt up from Al’s head and into square 34 where it encountered Zobe. “Hello!” she said, “I’ve always wanted a pet!” she caught the wig and tied a lead onto it. The wig was not impressed, but its random flailings were very useful for fighting the snake in the next square, so Zobe could continue unafraid.


Squeak said the mice.