Chapter 8 - News From Across A Sea One day while sitting above the wheelhouse watching the sea birds, an especially large bird crash-landed near him. He jumped and got into a fighting crouch. Each wing on this bird was as long as a human, but the bird was having an especially hard time standing up. After a few moments the bird got it's feet under it and stood up. "Hello" said the bird. "I haven't seen a ship in a long time." "You know about human ships?" asked Christofert. All of the animals on this island were surprised by appearance of the human ship. They had only seen Indians in small canoes before. "Of course I have seen them, but a long way from here. But I haven't seen one of you before. What are you?" "I'm a ferret." replied Christofert testily. "What are you? You're a funny looking bird. You are different from the birds around here and in Europe." "I'm an albatross. I came from across these islands and further. Beyond the big land there is another ocean like this one. That is where I am from. I'm an adventurer. I'm going to fly all the way around the world!" "Me too!" said Christofert. "Well, not fly actually, but sail and walk around the world. We sailed almost all the way around the world. The men are going to sail back across the ocean in a few days to return home, but I'll continue on." The albatross laughed. "There are TWO Great Oceans. You have only sailed part way around the world." Christofert was shocked. He though he had almost reached China, but he was only half way. And Columbus was going back! He didn't think he would ever reach China. He was a bit depressed now, but continued his conversation with the albatross. They talked about their different adventures. Christofert paid particular attention to what lay ahead. The more he heard, the more he realized that there was no way a flightless ferret could travel to China. Even though he had made that mighty jump to save the ship, he knew he couldn't fly. Well, at least not THAT far. After the two talked for awhile, the albatross flew off in an easterly direction to continue his journey. Christofert went below decks to look at the maps and globes that Columbus has rescued from the Santa Maria. He wasn't as good with maps as his brother Bartholofert, but he at least understood them a bit. He looked at the globe, and in his mind updated it to include a large landmass right in the middle of the ocean. He pictured himself on that continent, and a large ocean on either side to cross. He knew he couldn't swim that far. He sat and thought and thought. There had to be another way to reach China. Then it dawned on him! (to be continued) Bryan P. Coffey - Boston, MA Weasel Warriors - Albi, Esef, Merri, and Mint http://www.gis.net/~bpcoffey/furball.html [Posted in FML issue 2824]