The water had fallen over the cliff so gracefully creating the magnificent sight of the
falls. The roaring water had a deafening sound that made it difficult to think. Gruffi had
been pacing beside them for about an hour. He hadn't been here since Gusto had left.
Tummi had used the opportunity to make the property his despite the idea that Gruffi had
forbidden it. The brown bear was afraid that if Gusto would have returned and found out
that his home and been taken over he would have felt betrayed. Tummi had moved in
despite Gruffi's disapproval and had been living there for about 7 years now. Along with
moving in Tummi and taken ownership of Artie, Gusto's smart talking tucan. He wasn't
sure what scared him more. The idea of walking back into Gusto's home Gustoless or
finding out what Artie had to say. Touching the rope on the elevator allowed him to
realize that there was no turning back. In order for him to move forward with his life he
had to do this. The tug on the elevator rope secured his fate. Up he went. He could feel
his heart racing. What if Artie had nothing to say and it was just his dreams giving him
false hope? Upon reaching the top he came to the conclusion that is better knowing then
not knowing. He steps off with one mission alone and that was leaving here with
answers. His confidence dropped once he approached the once filled paint room.
Nothing…the smell of paint was gone and so was everything of Gusto's property.
Tummi had changed everything around. There was absolutely no trace of the painter's
previous life in his own home. He was too distracted by the changes that he hadn't
noticed the bigger bear creeping up from behind.
No longer wearing his hat the bear had appeared much older and mature. He had
developed some bags under his eyes and had never really lost the weight. His arms were
a bit bigger and toned based on the fact that all he does now is build ships. The physical
work came naturally.
"Gruffi?"
"You got rid of everything."
Tummi was in the middle of cleaning his tools. Not expecting anybody in such a short
notice he takes a moment to put his tools down and sort out the place.
"Yeah. I had to. Artie didn't like seeing his stuff all over the place."
"Artie?"
"Yeah. I guess it was too painful for him. What brings you here Gruffi?"
He couldn't get over the fact that he had gotten rid of everything.
"Artie…Oh yes! I need to speak with Artie!"
Tummi was a bit standoffish. First Gruffi had never come by all these years and now he
wants to speak to Artie. To Tummi's knowledge Gruffi and never made any attempt to
reach out and speak to the tucan in any meaningful conversation.
"Sure. He's back here."
He leads the bear out back where he developed a shipper's market. There were all sorts
of tools and pieces made specifically for ships.
"Wow Tummi. I never knew you had this in you."
"Yeah, well you never came by."
It was true. They rarely spoke back at the Glenn. Cubbi had the effect to leave a room
quiet. Tummi hating confrontations thought it was just best to remain quiet then find
himself at the mercy of Cubbi. Gruffi could tell right away how comfortable he was
living here.
On the stool was the old bird. Tucans has been known to live up to 20 years and Artie
was pushing 15. The tucan's feathers appeared more withered and his eyes a bit more
grayish.
"Well look what the wind blew in? If it isn't Gruffi Gummi."
Tummi reaches a hand out for the tucan to climb on.
"Hi Artie."
It was more like an awkward hi. They haven't really seen each other and when they did it was always so quick and subtle.
Perched on Tummi's shoulder he ruffles up to get a bit more comfortable.
"Something tells me you didn't come to check up on an old bird's health."
It shamed him but it was true.
"Yeah, I need to talk to you alone."
Both Tummi and Artie return the comment with a raised eyebrow.
"Fine by me, but I prefer you say it in front of Tummi as well."
"Why?"
"Because I'll tell him later."
Same old Artie.
"Alright. It's about Gusto."
There was a look of annoyance in Tummi's eyes.
"Really Gruffi?"
Artie intervenes.
"It's alright. Haven't had good talks about him in a while. What do you want to know?"
"I know it might sound silly but the other night I had a dream. I vaguely remember Gusto telling me to ask you something."
The long pause was excruciating. Gruffi saw something in Artie's eyes that told him that there was much more to this story.
"Hmmmmm. Ask me you say?"
"Yes!"
"I'm an old bird Gruffi. I don't have the same spunk as you do, but I can tell you this. That's something Gusto has to tell you."
"Gusto?"
"I overheard a couple of crows chatting about Igthorn leaving Drekmore for a couple of days. For what? I don't know. I think you should use this small window of opportunity to reach out and talk to him yourself."
Tummi did not like the idea at all.
"Artie! Don't put that idea in his head! You know he'll do it."
"I know. If that surprised you then wait till I sell him the idea of bringing you along."
"What!? ME!?"
"Yeah tubbers. You and Gruffi should head into Drekmore. If I'm not mistaken he's leaving this afternoon."
Never had Gruffi imagined this day would come. The idea of seeing Gusto again brought him weak to the knees.
"Let's do it!"
"See? Now you got him all riled up about something that's not going to happen."
"Why not!?" We can do this Tummi!"
"No Gruffi we can't! Your not as young as you used to and I don't want to be involved with something we aren't sure is happening. Igthorn is a changed man. A more dangerous and ruthless man! If we get caught who knows what he'll do to us."
"That's a chance I'm willing to take!"
"But I'm not! I'm not risking myself for him. Have you forgotten? Cubbi and I went there once. We tried to save him, but instead we were greeted with Gusto making it very clear that he wasn't coming back! Are you prepared for that? To have him look you in the eyes and tell you that."
"Yes."
"Ugh! Artie this is your fault!"
The tucan lets out a laugh.
"Tell Gusto I said hi."
Tummi does a double take at the tucan.
"You're not coming!?"
"Don't be silly! I'm an old bird and need my rest."
"But it was YOUR idea!"
"I know and you're welcome."
Giving up Tummi accepts the fact that they will be departing to Drekmore.
"Alright Gruffi. I'll go with you, but under one circumstance. If Gusto tells you that he's not coming back you forget about him and move on with your life."
Just happy with the thought that he had accepted was enough for him.
"Yes. I promise."
"I can't believe I'm saying this but looks like we're headed to Drekmore."
The three begin to discuss of a plan on how to enter the castle during Igthorn's absents.
It was really happening. He was going to see him again. Tonight he'll be seeing Gusto the first time in 10 years.
"We're coming kid. Hold on."