In this way Uuffi finally arrived again at Craylan's door. Traci opened the door. She was dressed for school. Pollyn waved for them to enter.
"Uuffi, you didn't come back to take your bath!" the little chick scolded.
Jozlyn told Pollyn that since Uuffi's bathing is very messy, they'd better go up to the tower room, since it was more splash-proof. Uuffi really didn't care where he took his bath now. Jozlyn was home and here were Pollyn and Traci to watch him bathe. So up in Jozlyn's room, Uuffi executed wondrous gyrations under the fine streams of water. He greatly enjoyed hearing Traci's squeals and the laughter of the two other humans.
"His best performance yet!" Jozlyn exclaimed as the three humans tried to stay out of range.
Finally finished, Uuffi moved out of the spray onto the counter top and gave himself a vigorous shake. To the music of the squeals of the humans, he flew up to the east windowsill and spread himself out in the sun to dry. As he preened himself, he totally forgot about the humans and what they might be doing. Well, now that he was dried off, it was time for more breakfast.
Off he flew into the air over the Keep, circled around, then headed for his favorite fruit tree in the garden where he'd dined earlier. Fortunately for him, the humans didn't care for this kind of fruit. Uuffi didn't know why, as it was so delicious. But at least they didn't yell at him to stay out of the tree and stop eating the fruits like they did when he landed in some of the other trees in the Keep's orchards.
The colorful a-a had finished eating and was preening himself again, when he heard the bell that Jozlyn used when she wanted to call him. It rang three times. Oh, better hurry! He launched himself into the air and soared up to the south window. Looking down at the three humans, he squawked.
"Uuffi!" the human chick looked up. "We hafta go to school now! You don't wanna be late, do you? Come on. Let's go!"
Oh yes, that's right--Ethan said Uuffi could go to school today! He sailed down and landed on Jozlyn's arm. |
