Blown Out To Sea
By: Mark Starlin
Tags: Animals, Island Of Phiddle, Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction

by Phineas Phiddlephaddle

Once there was an unusual bird on the Island of Phiddle who refused to fly. But thanks to a warbler at the top of Phiddle Mountain, the bird found the courage to try and discovered that she loved flying. The bird’s name was Stroller.

Now, before Stroller learned to fly under her own power, Professor Tinkerhoffer had built her a bird-sized hot-air balloon so she could fly a different way. Of course, once Stroller discovered her natural ability to fly, she no longer needed the hot-air balloon and promptly gave it away. To a chipmunk named Doughty.

As chipmunks aren’t particularly good at flying — rather awful, in fact — Doughty was thrilled with the gift. And being a courageous and clever chipmunk, Doughty soon started a business flying other small Phiddle creatures to the top of Phiddle Mountain so they could enjoy the view and the wonderful singing of the warblers.

Doughty charged a reasonable fee of two Phiddleberries per trip. His hot-air balloon business was quite successful. So much so, that he had put on a few ounces. Phiddleberries are hard to resist.

One morning, Doughty was taking a bunny named Fleecy to the top of Phiddle Mountain. The trip was going as usual, with Doughty pointing out landmarks below. When suddenly, a strong wind blew in from over the top of Phiddle Mountain and carried Doughty’s balloon far out to sea. Doughty tried changing elevation, but the wind was too powerful. Eventually, the wind died down, but by then Doughty and Fleecy could no longer see the Island of Phiddle.

“Oh, dear me,” Doughty said.

“Oh my, oh my,” Fleecy added. “Can we find our way back?”

“Have no fear. The wind blew us in a straight line. I simply need to reverse course, and we shall eventually return to our cherished home.”

Despite his brave words, Doughty was nervous on the inside. But he followed his plan and found a wind blowing the opposite direction, toward the Island of Phiddle. Unfortunately, they had been blown farther out to sea than Doughty had guessed. After quite some time, they still could not see the island.

“I am afraid I have some terrible news. We have run out of wood for the burner. We will soon land in the sea.” Doughty said.

“Look!” Fleecy cried out.

Below them, three large shapes began to surface from under the water. They were whales.

Doughty called out to the whales.

“Excuse me. We are in a spot of trouble. I wonder if you might be willing to help us? You see, we were blown out to sea by a strong wind. We are about to run out of fuel for the burner which keeps our balloon in the air. Since we are both land animals, a lengthy stay in the sea could prove disastrous for us.”

“Well, that is a problem, alright. Why don’t you land your flying machine on my back and I will give you a ride back to land. Where are you from?”

“The Island of Phiddle.”

“Ah. I know it well. It is not far. I would be happy to help you out.”

“You are so very kind. My name is Doughty, and my friend’s name is Fleecy.”

“Pleased to meet you both. My name is Mammoth. My friend’s names are Hugo and Blimpy.”

Doughty gently landed the balloon on Mammoth’s back. Mammoth shot a stream of water out of his blowhole. The water flew into the air and then landed on his back, giving Doughty and Fleecy a good soaking.

“I beg your pardon. I have never had a flying machine land on me, and it tickled,” Mammoth said.

“No problem at all. I planned to take a bath tomorrow anyway,” Doughty said.

“I am glad. The boys and I are just returning from a trip to a distant sea where large icebergs float on the surface, and the most curious birds swim under the water.”

“That sounds amazing.”

“Oh, it was. But I have heard tales of amazing things on the Island of Phiddle as well.”

“It is true. There are countless wonders on Phiddle. Which is why we are desperate to get back. And so grateful for your rescue.”

“It is my pleasure. And what a tale you have given me. I am quite sure I am the first whale ever to have a chipmunk and a bunny in a flying machine land on his back.”

“That is most likely true.”

The morning progressed nicely, and they enjoyed many stories of each other’s adventures. Soon they were in sight of the Island of Phiddle. Doughty and Fleecy had already packed the ballon into the basket and moved it over Mammoth’s blowhole as he instructed.

“Are you ready?” Mammoth asked.

“We are,” Doughty replied.

“Then I wish you many more adventures. Farewell, friends.”

“Farewell to you, my large friends. May you see all of the sea and it’s many wonders.”

With that, Mammoth blew air out of his blowhole, lifting the basket containing Doughty and Fleecy, and hurling then across the water and onto the beach of Phiddle. It was a bumpy ride ending with quite a jolt, but both Doughty and Fleecy were unharmed. The balloon was fine also, thanks to the soft sand on the shoreline.

Doughty and Fleecy climbed out of the balloon basket and waved to their new seafaring friends. The three whales waved their tails in return and then disappeared under the water.

How was it possible that the whales surfaced at precisely the right moment, and at exactly the right place to rescue Doughty and Fleecy? That remains one of the many mysteries on the Island Of Phiddle.