Chapter 13 Scene 2

The large group crosses the recently built bridge back to the island Phato named Sophialand. They proceed to Amy and Braden. Amy appears much better, and asks, "How was the tour?"

"It was great," answers Sophia. "The guys are going to chop dead trees for wood to make a bridge between Phatoland and The Excavations, and there is a lot of fruit over there. Can I go help pick some?"

"Who is in ... Phatoland ... now?"

"Phato and Kuruka. I'll be fine."

"Someone should make sure you cross that bridge safely."

Sophia doesn't think that is necessary, but figures it's better not to argue. Nicole offers to watch Sophia cross the bridge, and the girl does so without incident.

Tom, Olof, and Machk cross Sophialand to the elevator while John makes the sacrifice to the Statue of Dungu so Tom can stay in the elevated Jungle without becoming nauseous. They cut down five dead trees and collect the timber. They make it to the Excavations just as the effect of the sacrifice wears off. At the excavations the men cut down three more dead trees and bring them to the end of the bridge that leads to Phatoland.

"I'll go get whatever wood Phato has," offers Tom, "and bring it up here."

"We can start building the bridge with what we have," responds Machk. He and Olof put the boards in place and use tools and nails from Braden's house.

Tom makes his way back to Sophialand, careful to stay on the railroad tracks in the Jungle so he doesn't get nauseous. He meets up with Nicole, Braden, John, and Amy. "Any news?" he asks.

Meanwhile, back on Phatoland, Kuruka talks to Phato while he is chopping down some dead trees. "You are faring well, but I believe the Spirits have more in store for you on these islands."

Phato doesn't interrupt his work to answer. "The Spirits have already done a lot to me on this island."

"You told us about the Spirit of Gilles. Have you seen others here?"

"I have not seen others, but felt that others are testing me."

"Can you explain more?"

Phato isn't thrilled to explain, but realizes Kuruka won't give up. "Yeaterday when I went to get that Dakura Bowl, many birds attacked me and made me fall into the mud pit. I sank all the way up to my belly!"

"That sounds familiar."

"I know, except back on our island it was a boar. And this time I had poles to help me out, but the birds kept attacking me when I tried to get out and I couldn't hold on and kept sinking back."

How did you get out then?"

"They left me alone when I stopped trying to get out. Then I pulled out the Datura Bowl, and sank up to my armpits while doing so. I think they laughed at me but then stopped bothering me."

Kuruka doesn't laugh. "I believe I know what is going on. You are being observed by the Spirit of Dungu."

"What should I know about Dungu?"

"He tests children who have not paid sufficient respect to their elders by teasing them, getting them into embarrassing situations."

At this point Sophia approaches Phato and Kuruka. She keeps her distance for a while, admiring Phato chopping down trees. When he has finished chopping down the third tree, he takes a break, his body glistening with sweat. Then Tom comes over the bridge from Sophialand and greets the group.

"We cut down eight trees, how many did you cut?"

Phato emotionlessly replies "Three."

"Great, then we have one extra, for five pieces of lumber. "I'm sure we'll find a use for them soon."

Quest 13 complete!

Does this still not change register? No, it does not.

Trying again.

This finally works!

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