Printed Post volume 24 | Page 27

water. Ellechim called to Enyahs to stop the wind. “How many more do you think they plan?” asked Trebor sarcastically. “Now our problem is going to be the flood we’ve caused with all that water”, said Attier. “You don’t expect an answer to that do you, Trebor?” Cyan’s tone suggested Trebor had better not make anymore sarcastic remarks. Flora and Fauna were nodding. Trebor was looking at Cyan as if he thought Cyan was trying to pull the wool over their eyes somehow. Nina pointed to the river that was now running, where once there had only been dry desert sand. “Trebor, Flora and Fauna are going to have your heads for this you know?” cried Nina. “I want an outline before I consider this idea. I might like it. Only might mind. Know what I mean?” “Not your problem Nina. Nor yours Atteir. We caused this, we’ll take the blame. If it hadn't been for you two and Arbynd I don’t know what would have happened.” said Ellechim. “I will speak to Atteir and see what she thinks; we can work on a plan for you as soon as she has a chance to decide if she wants this. Otherwise I still think the department is a good idea.” Cyan felt relief that there was no strong argument against his suggestion. “It doesn’t bear thinking about.” Everyone was tired and disheartened by the destruction the fire and the water had caused. Their faces blackened by soot and muscles aching, they headed for home to face the consequences. No one doubted that Cyan would already know about their little escapade. After Flora, Fauna and Trebor left, Cyan summoned Clime and Eus to his office. Clime admitted that he had heard of the destruction but was waiting on damage reports. CHAPTER TWELVE Eus too had heard and wanted to see the culprits before commenting. She wanted to know exactly what had been behind this unfortunate incident before making any judgment. Cyan heard of the fire and flood in Australia, when Trebor, Flora and Fauna demanding to see him. The three trampled over each other verbally as they told Cyan what went on. “That’s half your problem Eus. You always want to know what caused things. It doesn’t matter why they did it. All that matters is that they did it and have caused a near catastrophe in the desert, according to Trebor,” Cyan shouted. “It’s intolerable what that group of thugs has done down there,” they said. “We want them punished. Cyan pointed out that the Aboriginal People of Australia had been burning the desert for centuries. He also reminded them that fire and flood were beneficial to the country. All agreed, but said that there was a time and place for such things; it was not up to a group of young ruffians to start messing with the cycle of places that were none of their business. Eus flinched as if Cyan had struck her. “There are always two sides to a story, Cyan. I know what everyone is saying happened. The youngsters must have had a reason. They aren’t destructive by nature. Homework maybe?” she added hopefully as if not convinced by her own argument. “This burn and flood was not planned by my department, Cyan, these kids went out for a bit of fun and it went wrong. They have to be punished. You know what I mean?” Trebor was pointing his finger at Cyan. Clime snorted. “Homework!” Eus shrugged her shoulders. This time she would not be ab