CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“We’re sorry to see you go Nikko,” said Gabrysia. “But we do understand your desire to see your home and to be with your parents.”
“In a way I’m sad to leave,” Nikko said. “But while I have made good friends here I do not belong. My home is back there.”
“Of course,” repeated Gabrysia. “We appreciate that. Just remember us, that’s all. Please don’t forget that you have friends here who care for you and wish you well in the future.”
Nikko smiled. “You can be sure of that. I will always remember my time with you. It has been a wonderful experience, one that I shall never be able to repeat. And one which I will miss.”
“Then don’t go,” said Jordon. “If you’ve enjoyed it so much, and like us, why don’t you stay?”
Nikko laughed. The youngster was apparently quite sincere with his question and it touched him. “I do like you Jordon,” he said. “But this is your home. It’s not mine. I have a mother and a father who must be worried sick about me. And I have to admit that despite all the excitement and pleasure you have given me I want to be back there with them.”
Jordon pouted. “I don’t know why you want to go somewhere like that. It seems dull to me.”
“Listen brat,” Jason said in mock seriousness. “If you weren’t here it would be dull for us too.” Then he added: “Tell you what Nikko. We’ll make you a deal. Take this nuisance with you and we’ll make it worth your while. Anything you want is yours. No. More than that. Everything we have is yours. Including Jordon.”
The children all laughed and Jason reached over and ruffled Jordon’s hair with his hands. “Don’t worry squirt. Only joking.”
They were all seated in the main chamber of the central tree where Nikko had first met the Leaf Children. There were all the familiar faces, freshly washed and with the toys once more adorning the walls, though fewer in number.
Since their return to the camp things moved quickly back to near normalcy. There had been much rejoicing and story telling in brief staccato chapters. The Drong soldiers had pledged they would fit in with the community and abide by the rules laid down and even began by helping to clean up the place and replace the toys. And Kerry had reluctantly agreed he had no choice but to go along with them also. Only time would tell if the promises and plans would actually work out. But for the moment the future seemed bright.
Long into the night the children sat and exchanged tales of their experiences over the last week or so. Repeatedly the explorers as they were now called were asked to recount details of their meeting with the Keepers, the tunnels and their hidden treasures as well as the beautiful Yshon. It was a warm, joyous communion of friends, but at the same time there was a sadness of sorts because one of them would be going away, never to return.
The time came only too soon with the rising of the sun the next morning.
The children were gathered in the centre of the forest camp. Porky was shaking Nikko’s hand. “Goodbye Nikko,” he said. “We’ll be alright. Look after yourself.” And he stepped back.
Gabrysia leant over and gave Nikko a kiss on his cheek. Then softly she held his hand in hers. “Thank you,” she said. “Thank you for everything. I shall think of you always.”
There was a piercing shriek and a loud flapping noise as out of the central tree flew Torpah and gripped Nikko in his strong talons. He seemed to hover for a moment and then with a second shriek he lifted Nikko off the ground and rose into the air.
“Bye,” the children called. “Bye Nikko. Good luck.”
Nikko looked down and waved, but emotion prevented him answering the Leaf Children.
Torpah rose above the tree tops, paused, and then flew off, continuing to soar higher and higher until even the island disappeared as clouds engulfed them. On they flew at the great height so that the last thing Nikko saw was the damp, cool mist brushing against his face. He closed his eyes and thought of the little white cottage with its green trimmings, it’s flowering shrubs and gardens, and his parents gently rocking him in their arms with his head resting peacefully on their shoulders.