{W-2}

As you approach the cockatoo, you notice that someone else seems interested in the bird as well. Before the other person gets near, the cockatoo opens its crest and flaps its wings excitedly, creating a cloud of pinkish white dust that gets in your eyes and momentarily blinds you. You rub your eyes and feel a weight on your shoulder.

“G’day, mate,” the bird on your shoulder says. “I’m known as Winston around here.”

“Where am I?” you ask, looking around you. You are standing in the middle of a crowd of people dressed like tourists. Nearby, a big ship is docked at the harbor.

“We’re in Australia!” Winston says. “This is where I’m from. Let’s chit chat latter. We need to get going.”

“Go where?” you ask, but Winston is urging you toward one of the groups of tourists.

“Anywhere but here, mate. We need to get away from the Magician.”

“Magician?” you ask.

“Yeah. He is trying to catch me so he can use my magic for his shows again. Charlatan! He barely knows any magic. If he is smart, though, he may use some leftover dust from that pet shop and transport himself here,” Winston explains.

“So how do we lose him for good?” you ask.

“Beats me, but mum always said there is safety in numbers. We should blend in with those wackily dressed tourists, if you ask me,” Winston suggests.

The group of tourists is breaking into smaller groups going in different directions. One large group is boarding a big ship bound for Tasmania, while another group is taking a bus into the interior.

“I prefer to fly, but I guess you need transportation mate,” Winston says. “My magic is so powerful, that I can only use it from time to time. Which way do you want to travel?”

You say:

“I want to feel the breeze off the water during our escape. Let’s get to that boat.” {W-3-A}

“The bus seems like the quickest way out of here. We need a bus ticket.” {W-3-B}