The orcas followed them all the way. Liala spent most of the time in the water with Bryn. They hung onto ropes and menaced the orcas with their ray guns. With two in tow, the boat was slowed to a crawl and it was late afternoon before they neared shore.
Bands were playing in the main square. Ten days of festivities was drawing to a close. Tomorrow, there would be a big parade attended by senior guardians. Elm Grove hadn't seen anything like it in years. It was a great honour and a great opportunity for Plaid Koerno.
Liala unzipped her dolphin suit. A bitter wind blew from the mountains. It chilled her to the bone. She wasn't going to waste time hiding her naked body as she changed into warm clothes. Bryn was of like mind. They dried themselves hurriedly. Allain remained silent. He had either changed his views on nudity or had more important things on his mind.
Two men were waiting with a truck. It was painted in bright colours and decorated with patriotic pictures of the guardians and members of the royal family. Liala recognised herself in the green-and-gold costume she wore in the nature programs that she made for television. The men helped them secure the boat and they ran to the truck.