Patty Liu - Silent Reflections
Fifty-Three“Wolf, you better tell me what is wrong right now or I am not going to speak to you for the rest of the day!” Virginia threatened Wolf. He whimpered softly but finally gave a loud sigh and slumped his shoulders. He turned his head to the sides and back to see if anyone else could hear them.
“I think we’re being followed,” he whispered in a low growl. Virginia wasn’t surprised by his announcement.
“By whom, do you know?” she whispered back.
“I-Virginia, it doesn’t matter by whom. Huff, puff. We just need to get moving fast and get back to the palace.”
Virginia narrowed her eyes at him and gave him a You-can’t-hide-anything-from-me look. Wolf shied away from her eyes and tried to pay attention to other things in their surroundings.
“What are you two whispering about over here?” Tony sprang up next to them. He was in such high spirits that Virginia didn’t want to bring him down.
“Nothing, Dad. I was just asking Wolf how much further it was to get back to the castle.”
“Huff, puff Tony. Have no fear. I say we should have about three quarters of the day to get to the castle if we hurry enough.”
Tony nodded his approval and cracked a big smile. He walked back to Princess Wendy and Pip who were quietly conversing with one another. He raised his head suddenly as if he heard something in the air. Patrick seemed to have also caught the same sound.
“Hey, do you guys hear that tinkling sound?” he called out.
Wolf had also raised his head at the precise moment. But it wasn’t his ears that had caught a sound. It was his nose that caught a familiar scent. And the scent spelled immediate danger. It was overpowering.
“Virginia!” He gripped Virginia’s shoulder tightly. He looked up at everyone who was gazing at him. “RUN!” he howled.
