"Hello Mr Crow", said Peter sitting up with straw stuck to his hair. "How are you today?"
"Peter, come quick," gasped the crow hoping down onto the platform under the winch. "The Griffen is sick. He needs your help."
"Whatever do you mean," asked Peter. "Who is Griffen?"
"Griffen is the half lion half eagle that lives in the hidden cave up in the mountains. I was flying by and saw he was ill. He asked for my help and you're the only person I knew who could."
"Well then," said Peter, "The mountains are a long way. You will need to guide me."
Peter climbed down out of the loft to find Robbie the Robot. He was holding up the back of the tractor so Pa could work on a broken part.
"Pa," said Peter. "I need to have Robbie please. It's an emergency."
Pa saw that Peter was serious.
"Alright then, just let me put some blocks under the tractor and then he's yours."
In no time at all Pa had the tractor resting on the blocks and Peter, Robbie and the crow were away. Robbie carried Peter on his back as he ran as the mountains were quite some way over the fields and through the forest. Then it was a great climb which Robbie managed effortlessly. Higher and higher they climbed up into the sky until they were almost to the clouds.
The crow landed on a small ledge where a cave entrance could just be seen, but if you didn't know where to look you would never find it. Just in the cave lay the Griffen. He was a beautiful golden colour and large as a lion but with great folded wings. He lay just inside the cave and looked at Peter with big sad eyes.
"What is the matter Mr Griffen," asked Peter.
"Ohhhh," moaned the Griffen. "My stomach hurts. I ate something which has made me very ill."
"I would like to help," said Peter. "What can I do."
"Do you know what Jingle Berries are?" asked the Griffen. "They grow in the forest near the stream. They are very hard to find, but if you can bring me some I will get better."
"Yes I think I know the ones, but Robbie here can help me look. His eye sight is very very good."
With that Peter climbed back onto Robbie's back. "Don't worry Mr Griffen we'll be back soon."
With that Robbie climbed back over the ledge and down the mountain again to the forest below. They searched for what seemed a long time going deeper and deeper into the forest. Peter told Robbie what to look for and together they found all sorts of berries but not Jingle berries.
Then at last Peter saw them, hiding behind some rocks near a clear pool where fish looked at them from below and then darted back into the shadows. Peter filled his pockets with the Berries but waqs mindful not to take them all. When he had enough Robbie once again speed back up the mountain to the Giffen's Cave.
When the Griffen saw the berries he sighed with relief and Peter gave them to him to chew. In no time at all The Giffen appeared to grow well and the saddness in his eyes dissappeared until he smiled again.
"Thank You Peter," he said. "I owe you my life. If one day there is anything I can do to repay you then just ask."
With that the Griffen flew up into the air and dissappeared into the clouds.
"I must be going too," said the crow. "But I will see you again soon." And they watched as he also flew away. Far below in the distance Peter could see the farm.
"Well," he said to Robbie who stood there waiting. "It looks like we have made a new friend."
"Indeed," said Robbie. "Shall I take you home now?"
"Good idea," said Peter.
COPYRIGHT 2002 A.D.SUTTON All Rights Reserved