Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7 Toto had to think fast. 'We've got one thing going for us: ADF and his baddies think I'm dead, so no one will be looking for me or expecting me. Plus, maybe Socks got back in time to raise the alarm to Silver and Catface. Our only chance of stopping this is by preventing Jonny from getting on the main stage. Without him the video will have no impact, as no one will be watching. But

how on earth will we get close to him?' 'There are little brooks and streams all over the site that these security guards won't know about. THIS IS MY FARM, I've lived here all my life, so I know it like the back of my paw. One stream leads right under the main stage! 'That's great, but I can't swim,' said Toto mournfully. 'No worries! YOU CAN RIDE ON MY BACK. And if we have to go underwater, you can use this to breathe.' Lutra produced a small reed that was almost like a straw. The thought of being back in the water was a pretty scary one, but Toto nodded her head. 'OK. When we get there, hopefully Catface and Silver will already be at the side

of the stage. We'll need all the help we can get. Also, I need to get a message to Larry- if we fail, then he'll need to move fast.' 'I think I can help there too. We should get going, you ready?' the otter asked. 'Well, I'm still pretty chilly, I'm about to get soaked again, I have no idea if we'll be able to stop the DEADLIEST NINJA OF ALL TIME in his quest for world domination, and I'm supposed to be on my holidays... but yes, I'm ready!' Lutra gave Toto a friendly smile. 'From what Catface has told me about you, you are the BRAVEST, MOST TALENTED AND COURAGEOUS CAT he's ever met. And if he thinks highly of you, so do I. You can do this, Toto, and I'll help you all the way.

Now, climb on board. She crouched down and Toto clambered on to her back. 'Take a deep breath,' Lutra yelled over the roar of the water as they reached the opening of the otter's holt. Toto gulped and the otter PLUNGED them both into the icy water. This was a far different experience to the

last swim Toto had had to endure. Yes, it was cold, and breathing through the reed felt very strange, but she felt safe and secure riding on Lutra's back. The otter's speed and power in the water was something to behold. Her powerful hind legs kicked EFFORTLESSLY through the current, and her tail swished with purpose and power.

After what seemed like an age, the otter surfaced by a bend in the river. 'This is the border of the main festival site. We'll have to take it carefully from here to make sure we're not spotted!' Toto could sense THE SMELLS AND THE SOUNDS OF THE FESTIVAL, and in the distance the Holt Stage stood out against the sky like a temple. The crowd were beginning to congregate to see their idol Jonny strut his stuff. 'First things first: you said you needed to get a message to Larry. I think I have JUST THE BIRD FOR THE MISSION.' Lutra let out a kind of bark, which sounded almost like a bird's chirp. An enormous bird swooped gracefully