160
JUAN FRANCISCO BLANCO
“You know,” said Jonathan, “one of Bardala’s favorite foods is
fresh Cabot strawberries, with whipped cream and chocolate
sauce.”
“That’s one secret we know. Have Yum Kaax make you a big
bowl, and ask her if she would like some of your favorite food.
She can’t resist. Then she can’t stay mad.” Viviana told Tital.
“Hmmmm...Yum Kaax, would you please make up a bowl of
special strawberries and topping like Jonathan described for
me?” Tital asked her.
“It shall be done,” she replied, and sent one of her assistants
to have it prepared.
While he waited, Tital told the group of his plans to move the
wild horses and burros from Earth to Vivia. He asked everyone
for their help. “It will be hard and dangerous work. These are
wild animals, and they like to stay free. Most have never been
around humans, and the ones that have...well, let’s say they have
not been treated kindly. They will bite and kick, plus they are
bigger than we are, so I want you to be very careful around them.
We will have to start some training for you about how to care for
the horses, how to tame them, and get them to trust you, and to
know what to do if they get sick.”
Yum Kaax arrived with a huge bowl of Cabot strawberries,
with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. The bowl looked like it
could feed ten people.
She handed the bowl of fruit to Tital as he stood up, and she
said, “I hope you and the young lady enjoy your food.”
Tital could only smile, while he walked around looking for
Bardala.
“Brilloso, go find Bardala before I drop this bowl.”
At a run, Brilloso headed towards the stream by the camp.
He found her sitting on a large granite boulder. She had taken off
her Columbia boots, and was letting the water run over her feet.
Brilloso barked, and jumped in the water, splashing it all over
Bardala. Instead of being mad, she just laughed. When she