9 The Grimwood Players

CHAPTER NINE The Grimwood Players

We're almost there!' cried Willow, as she and Ted climbed up the massive hill. They emerged from a thicket of silver birch trees and Willow started to bounce up and down and point up at the sky. 'BEHOLD!' she said proudly. 'The Magic Tower!' Ted looked up. It was an electricity pylon. It buzzed quietly. 'Have you ever seen anything like it in your LIFE?' bellowed Willow, still hopping up and down. 'They say it gives Grimwood magical powers!' Ted had, in fact, seen many electricity pylons in his life. He could have told Willow that the hot, fizzy electricity whizzing through those cables was used by humans to watch television, charge their phones and switch the lights on. But as he was a gentle and polite young fox, Ted just said, 'No! What an amazing thing.' Just then, a long black cable started to wave around madly in the air, like an arm made from spaghetti. There was a strange squawky noise. 'Duck!' said Ted, pushing Willow to the ground and covering their heads with his tail. 'It's not a duck, it's an eagle, you silly,' said Willow. 'It's Pamela. She likes to chew on the loose wire now and then. Says it gives her a "massive buzz".'

'But… but that could KILL her!' squeaked Ted. 'Yup.' Willow nodded. 'But Pamela's a tough ol' bird. She wants to feel the power of the Magic Tower.' Hello, everyone! Just a friendly note to say please don't go near electricity cables, and definitely do not attempt to chew them. It would mean certain death and would likely ruin your day! Thaaaaaaanks! Xx Ted watched as Pamela wrestled with the loose cable. He sniffed. The air stank of burning feathers. 'They say the hoomins built this tower many years ago,' said Willow. 'Humans, you mean.' 'Yes, hoomins. That's what I said.'

'Humans.' 'Hoomins.' 'Humans.' 'Hoomins.' 'Humans.' 'Hoomins.' 'Humans.' 'Hoomins.' Now listen, this is getting very silly. 'Anyway, they say that it gives Grimwood a very special kind of energy,' said Willow. 'Oh! Is that why you're all so weird?' asked Ted. 'Pardon?' 'I mean, is that why you're all so… unusual?' said Ted, correcting himself. 'It's what makes us different,' said Willow proudly, puffing her chest out. Ted looked at Willow, who now seemed to be putting on some sparkly purple legwarmers. She started to

stretch, making 'OOH' and 'AAAAH' noises as she lifted her arms, touched her toes and waggled her ears around. 'Just warming up before Drama Club,' she explained, bending over so much her head was between her legs. 'The Big Show's in a few days. We've been rehearsing for ages.' Ted clasped his paws to his face. 'Drama Club? Tell me more!' he said. 'Well, every few months, there's a big talent show in Grimwood,' said Willow. Ted's tail started wagging. 'What kinds of things do people do in the show?' 'Oh, there's all sorts,' said Willow. 'The Grimwood Players put on a play or a musical. The badgers have a

male voice choir. There's a mole called Emo Omar who recites difficult poetry.' Ted's brain was a-poppin' and a-fizzin' with excitement. 'It sounds fantastic! Is this the rehearsal Ingrid was talking about earlier?' 'Yup,' said Willow. 'And she wants me to bring you. So come on, then.' There was a nagging feeling in Ted's tummy. He'd been away from the den for a while and should probably be getting back. But he pushed the feeling away. He grabbed Willow's paw. 'Let's go!' They arrived at a copse which had been decorated with bunting and streamers. There was a small wooden stage and a few benches. Some efficient-looking beavers were adjusting two large spotlights nestled in the boughs of a pair of copper beeches. Animals were bustling about, looking very busy and important. 'Golly!' said Ted. Ingrid the duck's nervous-looking assistant, Tamara, waddled over to where they were standing.