Enlisting the Help of the Hoolet

Widening the Search for Beag

As instructed by the Sneach, Bhreac McGonk had climbed back up the Barr Hill to the very top, so he could have another look around over the miles and miles of wide open countryside.

From this viewpoint he could see all the way to England, but he couldn't see the standing stones or stone circle of Torhouse, nor could he see Beag! He wasn't even aware that Hooter had failed to return home, so no thought was given to his plight with the Trolls from the Twin Caves!

A little higher and Bhreac reached the big angular stone known at 'Trig'. It was massive, with smooth
stone walls and an interesting metal plaque set into the side, bearing a number. After scaling to the top, the views opened out even more, but still no sign of Beag and no sign of the Hoolet, who had been sitting there previously, eating dinner.

But then Bhreac spotted something new and different and decidedly disgusting looking! In fact, he wasn't entirely sure what it was and didn't really want to guess!

This was silly, it wouldn't hurt to take a closer look and the 'thing' wasn't exactly alive.

In fact, it was most definitely dead!

Bhreac peered down at it in disgust, wondering what, on earth, it could possibly be, sitting in such a strange place, atop the 'Trig' rock. But as he looked closer, it suddenly dawned on him what it was...

Hoolet had been here for dinner and, as we all know, olws eat all sorts of weird and wonderful things at all sorts of wonderful times of day. They really are quite greedy creatures, just gulping down their food without a care, no hesitations, no wondering what's in it, just yum, yum, yum... down the throat it goes. And then afterwards, up pops a pellet, bleugh, spat out by the owl and containing all the bits and pieces that weren't supposed to have been part of the meal.

Bhreac had found an owl pellet!

On much closer inspection of the pellet, he'd become fascinated by one particularly shiny, white object and he wouldn't be satified until he'd discovered exactly what it was. Carefully, he wrapped the pellet and set off in search of the Hoolet, to find out more. And, of course, to enlist his help in searching for Beag.

It was a long, hard walk for Bhreac while carrying the huge owl pellet, but he finally spotted Hoolet snoozing on a high ledge, far above the gardens of Thrift Cottage.

Clambering up the vertical wall, he deposited the pellet at Hoolet's feet and looked expectanty for an explanation, in particular, with regards to the shiny, white object...

Hoolet began his curious tale of mystery, how he'd spotted what looked like a tasty morsel bobbing along the edge of the long straight burn by the side of the lane, and how he'd seen the glowing eyes of the creature and heard the gurgling, eery sounds in the night. His tale went on, the watching, his stealthy, silent flight overhead and, finally, his swoop to snatch whatever t was from the water's edge just after midnight!

What an exciting tale the Hoolet had to tell, but he hadn't seen Beag since their trip to 'the Doon'. Once again, he promised to spread the word far and wide so every creature within the Kingdom of Frugal would be on the look out for the missing Beag.

As for the white, shiny object? Well, that was... the tooth of a troll!

The Snowy Home of the Sneach

It's an Icy Wonderland!

After coming face to face with the Rock Man of Clays Hill, little Hooter McGonk got very excited about his mission and was in a huge rush to report back to Bhreac. He was also ever hopeful that he'd be asked to accompany the scouting party that would, inevitably, be sent out to investigate what looked like the frozen gateway to the underground home of the Sneach.

 

Racing all the way home, Hooter bounced around, chattering and pointing back towards the hillside, trying to recount his tale of rock climbing, coming face to face with the Rock Man and recalling his exact words, telling him to seek out the Sneach so that they could uncover the missing Beag. It's all very complicated for a little McGonk! Best just follow him and see for yourself.

 

Back along the long, windswept road they went, Hooter pointing and shouting all the way, sometimes tumbling over in his hurry. Then it was up the hill, following a strange and winding trail through deep, deep snow... whatever had made the trail had done so most carefully, but it was most certainly a trail!

Onwards and upwards, further and further they climbed and then, suddenly, they were plunging downwards, slipping and sliding, twisting and turning, faster and faster until they arrived at... a snowy doorway!

 

Bhreac was amazed by what they found! Little Hooter was instructed to stay well clear of the entrance for fear he fell in and would never be seen again!

 

The entrance to the doorway was well-worn and stepped in a gentle slope that allowed for easy climbing, protected from the driving winds by snowy walls. Bhreac called through the doorway, afraid to enter for fear of scaring the Sneach. He could hear whispers and rustling sounds coming from deep within the snowy cave, but couldn't see a single Sneach! But wait... is that one I can see now, just peeking out from the doorway? Or am I mistaken?

 

Neither Bhreac nor Hooter could see the Sneach, his white fur was so well camouflaged agaist the snowy background. But they could clearly hear him as he suggested they enrol the help of the Hoolet, who should be having dinner on the angular rock at the top of the hill right about.... now!

 

Looking upwards, the McGonks just caught a glimpse of the Hoolet as he took off, but they were sure he'd seen them.

 

Off they went on their travels, once again, ever hopeful of unearthing a clue as to the whereabouts of the missing Beag.

The Return of the Wee Muddy Man

The Wee Muddy Man is Back!

It's been some time since we have seen or heard from the wee muddy man. Indeed, we thought he had moved on and forgotten about us, completely! But, just as the alpacas had promised, word was spreading fast and wide of the missing Beag and, as sure as a sure thing, creatures from far and near had begun joining in the search for our little missing McGonk.

 

Along the banks of the burn, whispers had been exchanged between the amphibians, the rodents and the feathered friends, each passing on the word until, somehow, somewhere, the news must have spread all the way to the wee muddy man.

 

Hoolet had returned from the 'Doon of May' forest to join Clan McGonk's search for the missing Beag. Afterall, it had been Beag who had accompanied the Hoolet McGonk when he first ventured forth to explore that particular forest - a task that could take many months. For now, it has been postponed until summer.

 

We were scouring the forest, looking for footprints in the snow and listening for the faintest sound of Beag when, out of the icy water, his little head popped up, had a quick look around and then the briefest nod of acknowledgement before exiting the chilly water and bounding off into the deep undergrowth of the forest! It was so good to see him back!

 

It will still take some time for all this snow to melt but, with the help of 'The Romp' (the wee muddy man's otter gang) the search has been widened and the waterways will now be patrolled daily until the missing Beag has been found.

 

Here's hoping that the sun shines brightly and the warmth melts the snow soon.