Chapter Five. The Adventure Begins.

Following a lengthy discussion relating to the sightings down by the orchard, Bob, Daisy and Lucinda decide they should take a closer look. Firstly they must ensure they have plenty of bubble wrap for they must keep safe. Bob has given strict instructions to both Daisy and Lucinda to be on their absolute finest behaviour, and they have insisted that he won't know they are there. 'Mmmm,' Bob wonders if this is to be believed, after all we are talking about Daisy Dipple 'the girl with the lipple'.

On leaving the hut they follow the narrow muddy path alongside the stream. The fear shared between them is almost tangible. Daisy breaks wind. One of those little squeaky high pitched wind breaks which, under normal circumstances, would engender immense delight and amusement. However, this is not the time for such frolics and no one appears to notice apart from Daisy who has reached new heights of mortification. This, mixed with her terror is making her feel somewhat faint, but they have important issues to be dealing with so she must remain strong. They approach the small rickety bridge obscured by the undergrowth and large billowing trees which sway with oblivion. 'I want to go home.' whimpers Lucinda. 'This is simply ghastly.'
'Ssh.' Bob hisses, and then becoming aware of his authority attempts to restore some reassurance. Not an easy task. As they cross the bridge the stream widens, water calmly bubbles below them. The path divides and in so doing offers a little glimpse of the orchard still some way in the distance.

'Right,' says Bob 'we will need some protection.'
They unfold their bubble wrap. Carefully they each wrap a sufficient amount of the material around their bodies ensuring they are completely covered. Lucinda helps Daisy to tie a small section of bubble wrap at the back to secure it. Once done Daisy performs the same task to Lucinda's bubble wrap. Bob has managed to do his own. Once satisfied they are all secure they head toward the brambles which over hang the footpath ahead. The brambles become denser with each step.
'Careful.' whispers Bob to the girls. Daisy, known for her talkative nature remains quiet much to Bob's relief. Thorns stab at their bubble wrap creating a sound so melodious they seem to forget, albeit for a very short time, the impending doom which they fear awaits them. The sound begins to provoke anxiety in Bob. 'what if they are discovered' he thinks 'what will become of them!......stay calm.' he sharply reminds himself. Finally they manage to weave their way through until they reach the gate leading to the footpath running parallel to the orchard. The sky is beginning to darken, it must be almost tea time and Daisy and Lucinda's parents will begin to worry if they are not back home soon. They climb the gate slowly and quietly. Bob slips on a little mud but quickly regains his balance, the girls momentarily hold their breath. They look up to Bob and feel his protection. He always has been a trooper, something shared by the glass people, except that is for Sebastian Sebbings who always considered Bob a bit of a goody two shoes. As they approach a small opening the wind begins to rise creating a slightly eerie quality. The orchard is hidden within a murky mist trailing between the hundreds of apple trees making the darkening evening all the more intense. Suddenly they hear a noise, although it seems impossible to decipher its nature. They stand very still. Through the gaps in the trees and undergrowth surrounding the east side of the orchard they notice glimmers of light. It becomes clear a large fire has been lit in the centre of a small opening surrounded by apple trees. Something swoops up above and suddenly Bob feels a light brushing sensation past the back of his head. He quickly spins around. There is nothing to be seen. It is at this point that Bob realises he is alone. Daisy and Lucinda are nowhere to be seen. Bob gasps. Another swoop this time brushing him fiercely but not painfully along his left arm. The noise seems to diminish and then quite abruptly everything goes black.