Not Finished Yet, but Here's Another Chunk

(see yesterday's post for first part of story, tomorrow's for conclusion)

“Wolf or a crab? Of course not,” scoffed the turtle. “Don’t be ridiculous. I am a proud member of the ancient race of turtles. We are the only creatures who live here. Except for the camels, of course. But they don’t really count.’ Felix and Boo exchanged looks of confusion. The turtle motioned for them to follow, and so they did, along the beach for a while, and then into a cool, piney forest, and then through a meadow in which wildflowers bloomed in bursts of orange and red like miniature planets and suns.

Finally, the turtle stopped and held out his arm as though to say, “Well? What do you make of this?” Felix and Boo had no words. They were at the top of a hill that sloped so gently they had not realized they were climbing it. But now they could survey the entire island. It looked like a patchwork quilt with colorful squares of flowering trees in full bloom, the greenest pastures, buttery yellow sandy stretches rippled with blue bubbling brooks. Felix let out a breath. Boo sat beside him. It was spectacular.

After a few minutes, they realized that they were surrounded. Turtles had gathered in clusters, from enormous sea versions to the tiniest painters. Large tan creatures with pronounced humps on their backs, the size of horses with faces like llamas, stared openly at them. Felix whispered to Boo, “The camels.”

One of the sea turtles lumbered up to where Felix and Boo were standing with the turtle who’d found them on the beach. “Welcome,” he said. “I suppose you know you’ve stumbled on the most special island in the wide and wonderful universe?” Felix gave Boo's foot a sharp peck before she could protest.

“Yes,” said Felix. “And if you don’t mind, we’d like to have a look around.” It was arranged for a couple of camels to take them touring for a few hours, show them the sights. But first: a feast. Platters of woven reeds were brought out, on which sat piles of the brown fuzzy fruits they’d noticed in the trees, cut open to reveal green insides flecked with tiny black seeds.