Some Try, Brisbys Do

Elizabeth Volunteers

"So tell us how you plan to move our home", Kirsty said as she, Elizabeth and Nicodemus rode in a boat with Justin rowing. "Won't we have to worry about any other animals seeing you?"

"What about Dragon?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sometimes, when we have a large project that takes us into the open, Mr. Ages makes up a sleeping powder to give to Dragon", Justin began explaining.

"How do you get him to take it?" she asked.

"Someone must go into the farmhouse kitchen and put it in his dish. The only way into the kitchen is through a tiny hole in the floor. Ages tried it yesterday. That's how he broke..."

"Broke his leg", Elizabeth finished.

They all heard a loud rumble coming from above. Kristy and Elizabeth gasped as a large rock fell from above, falling into the water near them. Kristy held onto Justin as the boat rocked violently.

"That was close", he sighed.

"What's up there?" Elizabeth asked.

"The mill", Justin answered. "It's falling apart. Hope it stays up there, at least until we've done with the Plan."

"What is the Plan?" she asked.

"To live without stealing, of course", Nicodemus answered.

"And it involved you leaving the farm?" Kristy asked. "Going to Thorn Valley?"

"My child, we can no longer live as rats", he explained. "We know too much."

"But... if you leave, I'll never see you again..."

"Don't be silly", Justin said. "I want you to come with us."

"But... my family..."

Elizabeth smiled and looked at her.

"If you want to go, it's okay", she said. "The children and I will be alright."

Justin rowed the boat to land. Kristy got out of the boat, helping Elizabeth asked.

"Um... your Majesty?" Elizabeth said. "Kristy and I should go prepare the children, for tonight."

"We shall wait here until dark", Nicodemus said nodding.

"Um... about Dragon", Elizabeth said. "Maybe... oh, nothing. Goodbye!"

Kristy followed Elizabeth as they left to go back to their home. She watched as Elizabeth ran back to Nicodemus and Justin.

"I volunteer... for Dragon!"

"Oh no, Mrs. Brisby!" Justin gasped. "Nicodemus, this is no job for her!"

"Elizabeth, think about what you're doing", Kristy said. "We just lost Jonathan the same way. We can't afford to lose you too."

"Please", Elizabeth begged Nicodemus.

"As you wish", he answered.

"Alright", Justin sighed. "I'll meet you at the west side of the farmhouse at dusk."

"Thank you. Goodbye!"

Kristy followed her sister-in-law back through the fields.

"You're either incredibly brave or incredibly crazy", she said.

"I must be crazy", Elizabeth mumbled.

---------------------------------------

Running home along the pond, they stopped as they saw a water lily moving fast across the water. It bumped into a rock, making a stick from underneath flying off.

"Excuse me, pardon me."

"Jeremy?" Elizabeth asked.

They watched as a large black crow jump out of the water.

"Shh!" he said. "I'm being followed."

"Elizabeth, who is this?" Kristy asked trying not to laugh.

"This is Jeremy", she answered. "He's a friend of mine. He took me to see the Great Owl."

"Shh!" Jeremy said. "There's a crazy lady with a hat! She's got big teeth! She tied me up! And then I... oh..."

His eyes widened as he looked at the amulet around Elizabeth's neck. He leaned in close getting a better look.

"Ooh... a sparkly..."

"What?" Elizabeth said backing away.

"You're wearing a sparkly! Can I hold? Oh, please, can I?"

"Jeremy, listen", Elizabeth said to him while he was clearly not listening. "I need lots and lots of string."

"String..."

"To move the block!"

Move... the block... hey, I've got string!"

"Oh, do you?" Kristy asked trying not to laugh.

"Pay attention!" Elizabeth said. "Go get all the string you can."

"But, that'll take all day!" Jeremy frowned.

"Good!" she said. "Get going!"

Jeremy picked up the stick he was breathing through, and ducked back under the lily. Just as Elizabeth and Kristy turned, he came back out and leaned very close to Elizabeth.

"I just thought I'd mention in passing... I've always wanted a sparkly of my very own."

"Get out of here!" Kristy said slapping his beak.

"Sure!" Jeremy said diving back underwater. "Uh... excuse me. Pardon me. Bye!"

"How do you put up with him?" Kristy asked.

"When you become a mother, you learn to be patient", Elizabeth answered.