10. Flounder Takes the Wagons

One night, Marina and Scuttle were in bed with Flounder.

Although King Triton was starting to think highly of him, the

other sea creatures would talk about nothing but shoelaces.

Do you remember when a shoelace had to be used to fix one of your wagons, Flounder?" Flounder tried to sound louder by talking about mermaids who went in holes, and

seagulls who got stuck up hills. But they weren't listening.

You speak too much, Flounder! said Scuttle. A nice seagull, like myself, has to speak now. I'm the only one who can pull wagons, and when I'm not available, they need

two fish. Think about that! I pulled wagons for years, and

never got lost! I know the right path! Everyone knows that they have

to choose their own path. But Scuttle forgot all about it. Get up,

Flounder!'' Scuttle said. ''The wagons have to be ready! What are you up to?

Dirty work? After all, we all start small. Now go and fetch my wagons!

Musn't dawdle!'' So Flounder left to fetch Scuttle's wagons. They were smart and red, and he did''

not bash them. They were pushed into the junction. ''We're leaving! We're leaving!'' they sang. I want to

come with you.'' Flounder said. I should love to pull the wagons and swim about! Scuttle, with a loud squawk, got ready to back up onto the wagons. King Triton was in the wagons with the others, and as soon as the whistle blew, Scuttle was ready. Look at me, look at me! he said. The wagons followed him. Squaaaawk! See ya', Flounder! Look out for me! Flounder watched the wagons leave, and went to work. He pushed some carts away,''

and fetched some wagons for another load. He just brought them in, when he heard a funny noise. Scuttle was

coming. He was trying to sneak up without anyone seeing him. Hi, Scuttle. Flounder said. What are YOU up to? Scuttle didn't say a word. He just dumped dust. Did you get lost? asked Flounder. No. replied Scuttle.

''My path got lost. I went off the main and onto the loop. Then, I went around, and back here again. Maybe you went the wrong way!'' Flounder thought. Everyone hurried to get their tickets. We want our money! they shouted. King Triton sat on a cart, and he blew the whistle. Everyone looked at him. Then, he promised them all another load. If Scuttle can't do it, then will you, Flounder? he asked. Oh, I'll try! Flounder was attached to the wagons, and all of the people went in. Try hard, Flounder! said King Triton. Hurry, hurry! said Flounder.

You're doing good, you're doing good! said the wagons. Lots of sights were seen, and everyone cheered, and they got to the junction. Everyone thanked Flounder, and King Triton was proud. Good job! he said. Would you like to take these wagons sometimes? Oh, yes! said Flounder. Next morning, when Flounder arrived, Scuttle was pushing carts. I'd like something else to do. he said. I am teaching these carts to behave. I hear you were excellent with the wagons We'll teach them!" And he bashed the carts. Flounder and Scuttle

are now great friends. Flounder usually takes the wagons, so Scuttle can rest. Scuttle never talks about shoelaces, and they both hate taking carts.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch