ONSET OF THE MISSION 

Nadia had taught Ava how to stealthily hide and move in oneness with the dark night. She had discovered many secret places in the gingham forest. Many of her animal friends paid her visits regularly in her cave as she worked on her major mission. Ava had just finished a hearty meal and was poring over the journal in the wooden chest, trying to understand the strange symbols which would explain other things in the chest; the portion, powder and dagger. They must all serve special purposes. She wondered how she could understand these mysteries.

‘Ava, my friend, how are you doing today?’ The owl, now a regular visitor to Ava’s cave, peered into the cave and asked.

‘I am doing fine. Come in.’ Ava answered. The owl flew in and settled beside Ava.

‘Nadia, how are you?’ Nadia growled in response from within Ava, causing her green eyes to shine with a touch of red.

‘Jealous, are you?’ The owl asked jokingly. ‘Sorry, next time I will greet you first before I greet Ava, my good friend Nadia.’ N