“Right,” said Cheeky Monkey HD.Com, with more than a hint of resignation. “We’ve started a new chapter.  Will you please tell me where Brian (The Dog Sheep) is?”  He stared expectantly at All.  All blinked blankly back.

“Yeah, no problem,” replied All. “But do you want to do some sort of recap for the readers before I tell you? You know, just so they’re all up to speed.”

“No, I don’t,” barked the Cheeky One. “This is only the fifth chapter, and there’s been so much faffing about in the previous four chapters that it wouldn’t take very long to go back and catch up, should anybody need to.”  All looked rather glum.

“The thing is,” replied All.  “I was hoping you’d do a bit of exposition so that I’d have time to dry myself off.  I was playing in the sea in several of the previous chapters and, to be honest, all this chitter-chatter about Brian has left me somewhat flummoxed.  At the very least, I’d like to deal with the situation whilst not dripping wet.”

“He has a point,” interjected Sundry, who was also stood with them.  “Although to be honest, the only reason I said anything is that I hadn’t yet been mentioned in this chapter and the readers might have forgotten that I was here.”

“ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH,” screamed Cheeky Monkey HD.Com. “This is getting ridiculous.  The Mushroom Cow, who has gone missing, is probably miles away now. I was ready to go out looking for it/him/her ages ago, but I need to know where Brian is, so that he can join me on the mission. After all, it is his duty to look after all the fungus-based cattle on the island, so it would be remiss of me to allow him to relinquish any further responsibility on the issue.”

“Thanks,” said All.  “I’m dry now.  Brian is behind you.”

Cheeky Monkey HD.Com turned around to see Brian nonchalantly sauntering back from behind a clump of trees.

“Where have you been, Brian?” queried Cheeky Monkey HD.Com.

“I’ve been having a wee,” replied Brian.  “Why?”

Cheeky Monkey HD.Com bit his fist in frustration.

“Because he’s waiting for you to go look for the Mushroom Cow,” stated Sundry, helpfully.

“Well, I’m ready to go now,” said Brian.

Cheeky Monkey HD.Com sighed a sigh of relief.

“You can’t leave yet,” Said All.  “It’s the end of another chapter.”

Cheeky Monkey HD.Com bit his other fist in frustration.

To be continued…

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