Gallery 3

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

On discovering this very appealing
Grey-eye Bronze-cropped Blue Bar
the research team was chuffed
to the rafters

Andalusion cock

Marbled Red Grizzle cock

Slate Golden-Shield with Indigo influence

Faded Red Grizzle hen

Ash Red T-pattern Checker hen

Basic Red Grizzle hen with Ash Red Faded
Dilute Offspring (Faded Yellow Squeaker)

Clouded Recessive Red Squeaker
and Homo-Grizzle Sibling

As the juvenile pigeons presented herein
go through their first moult we intend to post
them again to enable breeders to see the
phenotypic development of each individual
as they mature into adulthood
The Tiger Grizzle is one such variety whose
color changes markedly as it matures and
unless viewed in its early stage of development
one could be forgiven for thinking it to be
two very different phenotypes

At four months - a side and
front view of the unique
Ash Red Blue-head mutation

Silver Mealy cock enjoying a siesta

Spread Ash over Spread Indigo cock
Sire of the Blue-head and
Charcoal-face mutations

Ash Red Blue-head T-pattern
                Velvet hen
         The Dam in all her
             colourful glory

The side view photo above
exhibits the beautiful
gun-metal-grey color
around the shoulders - it is
envisaged this will become
more intense at maturity

Kite Scale-pattern Pied cock w/f/Almond

Indigo influenced
Tiger Grizzle cock
This bloke is so big and
robust the team decided
to call him Arnold -
no one messes with our
territorial Arnie!

Ash Red T-pattern Checker
Dilute hen (Yellow)

What we so far understand about the mutative Clouded
genetic trait is it greatly inhibits the iridescence of feather
color we find with Marbled. Recessive Reds’ also become
less intense and one may confuse an adult Clouded
Recessive Red with a rich coloured Brown.
Clouded phenotypes are visually appealing and upon
Maturity appear as if the Homer has been finely coated
with a dull translucent film

Pearl-eye Indigo T-pattern Pied cock

Clouded Red versus Faded Yellow

Head shot of Ash Red Charcoal-face
Checker cock

Clouded Ash Red Checker cock

In a color comparison to the
Marbled cock and Ash Red
Checker hen - we have
established Clouded Genotypes
result in lacklustre Phenotypes

Pearl-eye Tortoiseshell Grizzle cock with Stockings.
Please note: this is a true genotypic Tortoiseshell
and does not morph into a Tiger Grizzle as do
most Torts’.

Manny Arquette

9th July 2009

Photo Gallery

Tucker Time at Loft 4

Scale-pattern Bronze-crop cock

Slate Scale-pattern cock carrying Indigo & reduced

Slate Golden-shield cock
with white patch

Indigo velvet & Spread Indigo Siblings

Khaki Bar hen & Brown Checker hen

Manny Arquette

18TH Oct.2009

Pivotal Relocation Manifestation

Slate Black-Satin cock

Members of the Research Team Just wanted to say a Big Aussie Hello!

Beverley with Jayke

Michelle with son
Aidan

Julie

Paul with sons
Jacob & Ashton

Grant

Michelle

George

Bev

Lynne

Manny

Sue

Vanessa

Amanda

Michelle

Stephanie & Jayke

Rodney

Myriah

Matthew

The Russell Report

by Kathy Coleman

Manny Arquette

Oct. 19, 2009

Russell resided in our upstairs bathroom for about two weeks. With the addition of antibiotics
to his drinking water, he soon quit wheezing and rattling. His demeanour, however, failed to
Improve. He was simply one GROUCHY, curmudgeonous bird.

I walked into the shop and was greeted by a jabbering of coos, warbling, and various sorts of
noises that I had NO IDEA could be made by a BIRD. Well, that was the END of the “Era of Silence”;
as from that point on - Russell never shut up.

Top of page

Ash Red Faded Dilute (Faded Yellow)

Ash Red T-pattern Checker Dilute (Yellow)

Frosty & Snowy

Slate Zebra-pattern Black-Satin
Pied cock with Bronze Crescent
& w/f

T-pattern Checker/Opal & carrying Indigo
Slate and Smoky

Spread Scale-pattern cock/Bronze Scale-pattern
This Black-Self fledgling clearly exhibits the
Dominant trait of Scale-pattern over all known
modifiers we are working with at present.

Manny Arquette

Nov. 10, 2009

The complex Genomic Cohabitation
of the Spread Ash over Spread Indigo Mutation

By Manny Arquette

Spread Ash over Spread Indigo cock

The Spread Ash above
with Variegated Primaries
is closely related and
exhibits the color-norm
shade of Spread Ash.

This is the same mutation at fourteen months of age and
the overall color has darkened. The black tail-feather is also
more pronounced. He is mated to the adjoining Khaki bar hen
and can be seen above with their offspring - Spread Ash over
Spread Indigo/Khaki - Dilution of Brown.

As father and daughter embraced in miraculous reunion, a flood of tears anointed
the hallowed ground at Andy and Wenzel’s feet; and to look closely, a solitary tear
drop hung from the giant lizards eye!

Basic Spread Ash.

Slate Zebra-pattern Black-Satin
Pied cock with Bronze Crescent
& w/f

Slate Scale-pattern hen/reduced

Carrying Indigo & Tort-Grizzle

Tort-Grizzle & Yellow Checker hens

Manny Arquette

Dec. 16, 2009

Iceberg cock with Stockings

Spread Ash over Spread Indigo Squeakers

Michael Seiler

I am a scientist and educator presently teaching high school chemistry. I have
been breeding pigeons all of my life and Short Face Budapest for over 40 years.
I am currently the secretary/treasurer of the American Short Face Pigeon Club
and the President of the American Singer Canary Club. I have won many pigeon
show championships. I have also won thirty championships in American Singer
Canary shows. I hold MASTER BREEDER AWARDS in Short Face Budapest
pigeon and the American Singer Canary. I am also a certified judge in both and
have published many articles over the years.

Budapest Short Face

My Start in Budapest Short Face

have raised Budapest Short Face Tumblers for 40 years. However, I was
working with birds that came to America from Hungary in the years prior to and
right after World War II. I visited my mentor in Budapest, Hungary in 1986—Dr.
Istvan Szecsenyi and he allowed me to take home a few very nice specimens
to work with. I was able to produce this yellow hen from one of my red males
and one of his yellow hens.The Princess—as I called her was the breakthrough
that I needed to produce the current flock that I have now.

White Beak Black

White Beak White

White Beak Red

White Beak Yellow

White Beak Ash

White Beak Blue

White Beak Brown

White Beak Checker

White Beak Silver Bar

White Beak White Flight

Ganzle (Heartback)

Best Budapest and Best
Squarehead 2006(Blue Cock)

The Australian Avian Research Organization is highly appreciative of
the excellent photography - courtesy of Michael Seiler.
www.shortfacebudapest.com

Just when you think you have seen the most colourful and eye
catching pigeon possible, along pops up another avian specimen of
such beauty that leaves one deliriously salivating with envy and
renewing one’s enthusiasm towards breeding that ‘ultimate’, most
‘talked about pigeon’ that is Columba livia.
I have selected an array of pigeon varieties that any breeder would
love to wake up to whenever it’s tucker time at his or her stately
loft to gaze upon a highly prized collection of captivating pigeons.

Manny Arquette

Dec. 16, 2009

Australian Avian Research Organization

These Birds Are Smokin’!

Manny Arquette

Dec. 16, 2009

A Very Rare Budgeon
Definitely an Ebay Item

Jan. 1, 2010

2010

Gier Pigeon

Hungarian

Lebanon Pigeons

Rakovnik
Roller

German
Beauty
Homer

Antwerp
Smerle

Arabian
Trumpeter

German
Modena

Gascogne
Pigeon

Budapest
Shortface
Tumbler

Canaria
Cropper

Coburg Lark

Cologne
Tumbler

Danish Suabian

Dragoon

Dutch Cropper

German
Nun

German
Shield Owl

Ghent
Cropper

Ghent Owl

Holle
Cropper

Hungarian Giant House
Pigeon

Italian Owl

Lahore - Stencil

Moravian
Strasser

Old Dutch Owls

Old German
Magpie

Pomeranian
Pouter

Saxon Fairy Swallow

Show Pen
Homer

Timisoara
Tumbler

Berlin
Shortface
Tumbler

English
Longface
Tumbler

African Owl

Gaditano
Pouter

English Trumpeter

Indianer Gelb

Russian Schuki

Polish Orlik

Chinese
Nasal Tuft

Dutch

Dutch
Highflier

Creatures of Great Beauty

January 2010 Birds
of the Month

Grizzle influenced
Kite

Black Grizzle

Magpie Grizzle

Manny Arquette

Genetics Newsflash!

Heterozygous refers to having two different alleles for a single trait.

Heterozygous

Organisms have two alleles for each trait. When the alleles of a
pair are heterozygous, one is dominant and the other is recessive.

An allele is an alternative form of a gene (one member of a pair)
that is located at a specific position on a specific chromosome
and whereby the Dominant gene is expressed or revealed and
the Recessive gene is masked or hidden.

Genes: Are units of hereditary information that consist of DNA that
are located on chromosomes and can exist in alternative forms
called alleles.

When two recessives are combined we see them visually
expressed, or recessive + recessive = visibility of recessive.

Heterozygous: Diametric or Dissimilar.

Jan. 10, 2010

Pigeons of Romania
Courtesy of Porumbell

A.A.R.O’s Big Family Day out

2009 Young Pigeons of Breathtaking Beauty

February 2010 Pigeons of the Month

Bronze Tortoiseshell w/f

Peak-head Tortoiseshell

Animation Express

Feb. 12, 2010

Celebrity Slideshow 2010

Feb. 19, 2010

Angelina Jolie

Also Known As Angie, Catwoman, Ange, AJ
Birth Name Angelina Jolie Voight
Birth Born on 1975-06-04 at Los Angeles, California United States
Height 5' 7"
Sex F
Hair Brown
Eyes Blue
Nationality American
Profession Actress
Education Lee Strasberg Theater Institute (enrolled at age 11)
New York University (majored in Film; attended night classes, 1997)
Married To Billy Bob Thornton (actor, director; b. August 4, 1955.

Brad Pitt.
Relationships Brad Pitt (actor; born on December 18, 1963; rumoured to
have a relationship during filming Mr. And Mrs. Smith (2004),
Timothy Hutton (actor; born on August 16, 1960; dated 1998-1999)
Father John Voight (actor; born on December 29, 1938; married on
December 12, 1971
Mother Marcheline Bertrand (former actress; born in 1950)
Brothers James Haven Voight (director; born on May 11, 1973)
Sons Maddox Chivan Thornton Jolie (adopted; born on August 5, 2001)
Daughters Zahara Marley Jolie (Ethiopian; adopted; born on July 6, 2005)
Uncles Chip Taylor (aka James Wesley Voight; musician)
Star Sign Gemini

     Jolie was born in Los Angeles, California, and is the daughter of divorced
     actors Jon Voight and American born Marcheline Bertrand. She is the
     niece of Chip Taylor and the goddaughter of Jacqueline Bisset and
     Maximilian Schell. In an article in Vogue (2004) she stated that her mother is
     from Chicago. At the Premiere Magazine "Women in Hollywood" Awards she
     said her mom was born in a bowling alley.

Color Variety Classification Feb. 2010

I am very excited to now introduce the latest development from our intensive
breeding program: The new color variety aptly classified: Platinum Indigo Bars
& Checkers. The final ground-color result was realized from the third mating of
a Charcoal-head Indigo Bar Sire and a Black-Satin Slate Checker Dam.When
viewed in direct sunlight the birds are most dazzling to say the least and the
final result is certainly a noteworthy achievement by the research team. Even
the Rainbow Budgerigar is elated by the newcomers!A comparison to all other
Indigo color varieties on this site will reveal how truly marvellous these new
Platinum Indigo’s are to behold.

Secret World of Whispers

By Manny Arquette

Existance of a parallel universe in the balance, the saving grace of all deemed
holy in the hands of courageous crusaders and allied loyalists to the cause.
Satanic Overlord’s warring impetus saw a defensive frontline wall of five hundred
king’s horsemen.The wily wizard stationed on high prepared to commit thirty
winged Darrayaks in aerial attack against the Volks thirty Mordok’s. Confronting
the beasts distant approach with unsettling riders under General Aarimus, the
hungry

Chapter Thirty Nine

Were it not for Onslow’s message to the king, Lord Hedron’s sinister plot would
surely have rolled the propitious dice his way.

birds of prey released to swoop down upon the encroaching Mordok’s.

Ensuring Mordok’s were preoccupied with defending against unrelenting ferocity
of Darrayaks, General Aarimus commanded his spirited army to steer their trusty
steeds towards Lord Hedron’s large battalion of foot soldiers uphill advance;
among them three fire spitting Mooks.

The way clear for engagement, the first body of horsemen charged toward the
vociferous Satanic fray. Enemy frontline soldiers met with a devastating assault
as horse and man impacted upon each other with harsh consequence. Several
severely wounded animals seen with protruding spears and arrows in such
fleetingly inglorious end; their unsaddled riders fataly wounded or frantically
fighting for survival. In the aftermath of conflict, a great number of the enemy
becoming ill-fated casualties.
Two Mooks entering the melee, a second barrage of mounted peacemakers in
sword weilding ascention, hurtled towards the flame projecting giants. During
infighting, many a horse and man thrust into the air, as Mooks lashed out with
powerful clentched fists to have followed through discharging a far reaching
torrent of flames. The blood chilling screams of engulfed soldiers so
horrendously confronting to the three hundred peacemakers, anxiously bearing
witness and awaiting the General’s order of imminent combat.

Lord Oberon embracing Lord Dordin’s return with additional freedom fighters,
briefed the Yannik warrior as to the Volks siege upon Harrogate Castle. Warlords
breaking into two factions of sixteen, spirited riders whipped their mounts in
impassioned pursuit of unheralded battle. Yambo and Morgantha anticipating
Bihnt’s arrival would join the mystics sizeable infantry.

No sooner the Warlord’s leaving, the Lembrakka and elfin’s sharp ears attuned to
fast approaching galloping horses, could only wonder who comes their anxious
way. Keeping low, observed to their shagrin, a raiding party led by the Volks
second in command. Yambo’s eyes focused on an alluring female warrior riding
astride from the dreaded Lothan. Coming to a halt, Deeta was first to dismount,
followed by Garreth.

“Many riders abound here my Lord!” The dark warrior informed, looking every
which way her gaze coming to rest where Yambo and Morgantha hid behind an
outcrop of large boulders. “Deeta now climbs to the area of large boulders
scouting the lofty terrain, my Lord!” She added, her fleet of foot finding a heavily
armoured Garreth lagging behind.

Signalling they quickly vacate, Yambo led Morgantha to an area of shrubbery to
safely observe Deeta’s movements.
The elfin placed an arrow to her bow. Knowing they had little chance to outrun the
surrounding enemy, could only pray favourable providence not desert them. Deeta’s
moving their way, visibly anxious Morgantha raised her bow in readyness to release
the shaft. With Garreth coming into sight, Yambo signalled to wait awhile, fearing
once captured, death would assuredly come slowly and painfully. Only yards from
their position, the blowing of a Volks horn sounded enemy retreat and with Garreth
at her side, the two soldiers making a downhill return to Lothan’s awaiting command.
Mounted, Lothan addressed his soldiers.

“My brother’s messenger reports heavy fighting at Harrogate Castle and we must
swiftly return to take up the fighting. Both sides incur heavy losses and our Mooks
now most regretably vanquished. So let us ride to join Lord Hedron’s armies in
fierce battle!” The Overlord sharply beckoned.

Observing from above, Yambo and Morgantha breathing a sigh of relief to see the
Volks galloping Harrogate Hill way.

“An elfin’s heart beats faster than an attacking Mordok and Morgantha thankful the
cursed Volks depart to conceivably be met with crusaders thrusting swords.”

“Yambo also relieved and trusting in our soldiers providential deliverence to see the
demonic warmongers spirited to Satan’s inferno, now anxiously wonders the
reasoning of Bihnt’s prolonged absence?”

“Perhaps the Lord and Master chooses the Northern path to Harrogate?”

“Whatever the ungodly magician’s tactical resolve, we must henceforth make our
hastened way in joining Oberon and Dordin’s freedom fighters.” Yambo suggested,
taking Morgantha’s hand to duly traverse the heavily trodden path below.

May. 10, 2010

Chapter Forty

Yambo and Morgantha setting out on foot towards Harrogate Hill, Bihnt’s unruly
gathering having reached intersecting pathways were now travelling the same road.
The noisy throng were some distance in front marching in high spirits to confront
Lord Hedron’s battling armies.

Unbeknownst to Lord Lothan, galloping at speed with a small battalion to assist
brother Hedron’s warring effort, the eleven Volks were to soon run into some seven
hundred strong armed loyalists and retreat would not be an option. Bihnt’s
soothsayer reported the Volks approach and the alchemist called together his
twelve deciples instructing they warn the many peacekeepers to prepare for an
offensive. With such great numbers to brief, the messengers managed to
complete the assignment with only seconds to spare. In a tactical move the battle
hungry masses split into two factions laying low on either side of the trodden path.
Brought to a hush partisans waited till the enemy horsemen galloped midway to
jump into vociferous action closing in from both sides in their frenzied atttack.

In heart stopping astonishment, the Overlord and soldiers were without escape.
Wildly wielding sword and axe, enemy warriors smiting all destined to die. In a
matter of minutes riders were pulled from their mounts to be savagely set upon
with forks, swords and whatever weapon carried. Bihnt’s bearing witness, the
magician merely grinned at the brutal manner of retribution. Once the blood
thirsty crowd gratifyingly appeased, the barely recognizable bloodied remains
a stark sacrificial offering to the Holy Order of Mystics. Left where they lay, Yambo
and Morgantha’s coming upon the despised Volks remains deliberated awhile the
highly disturbing atrocity.

“Though overjoyed in mine enemys righteous demise, an honorable Lembrakka
finds no pleasure in witnessing such unrestrained reprisal and questions one’s
motivation in condoning such unholy ordinance?”

“Morgantha mirrors Yambo’s feelings. An elfin’s heart so heavily burdened by
such ghastly carnage and futility of war now sadly sees only demons in the guise
of holy peacemakers.”

Falling silent in their forward journey, it was as if the Lembrakka and Elfin warriors
lost all heart with warring and wondering aimlessly into the arms of a seemingly
inglorious death without heartfelt commitment or sound reasoning.

Further afield, freedom fighters at the forefront of fierce fighting saw Lords Oberon
and Dordin in back to back offensive. The Karrajong now fewer in number looked to
lightly armored soldiers to confront. Jago wielding his long handled axe with
devastating execution seeing many fall at his demonically inspired hands.

Spying Jago, Lord Oberon’s former unresolved encounter coming to mind. Taking
his leave from his resourceful friend, the Warlord would tackle the Karrajong
and this time, in a do or die battle, none would command the freedom fighter’s
undying resolve.

“And so we meet again Karrajong!” Lord Oberon smiled in saying. “Only this time
my cowardly, foul smelling excuse for a warrior, there will be no Volks horn to save
Jago’s miserable hide!”

“A Karrajong only laughs at the Warlord’s whimsical denunciation of Jago’s warring
prowess and a traitorous Oberon had better now prepare to soon lose his head!”

No sooner the Karrajong’s threating words left his grimacing face, the warrior’s axe
brought down to have narrowly missed Lord Oberon’s helmeted skull. After a number
of clashes, in such canny evasive action and swift reply, the freedom fighter’s sword
wielded with such force, as to unbalance Jago; his bloodied weapon falling to the
ground to be kicked a distance from the bewildered enemy’s grasp.

“Perhaps Jago better now speak his last words of testament to such unholy warring
that on reflection must surely prove to be without reward for friend and foe alike!”

“A Karrajong soldier has no fear of death!” Jago decreed, his hand moving to grasp
the concealed dagger snugly sheathed behind his back. “And in a battle weary
warrior’s final moments, Jago now desires to offer a worthy opponent his hand.”

A fool to no man, anticipating his treacherous enemy’s intent, Lord Oberon thrust
the long bladed sword to run Jago through the heart; the dying Karrajong falling to
his knees before collapsing face down at his crusading slayer’s feet.

A slowing of battle between warring factions revealed the extent of devastation and
countless bodies scattered every which way. The heart wrenching mournful cries of
the many wounded and dying choked the air and nauseating stench of death a grim
consequence to forevermore hauntingly pervade the scarred minds of surviving
soldiers. There would be victorious rejoicing among battle hardened crusaders, but
also a time of prolonged grieving for so many loved ones lost. Bihnt’s army never
reached the area of contention and Yambo and Morgantha’s, having encountered the
clan of Lembrakka, together with Tipalipasip and Goobledooble, returned from
whence they came. Lord Hedron reportedly vanished and none knew where.
With the passing of time, the parallel universe of a paranormal deity and world of
humans would subsequently heal itself.

Whilst our six survivng freedom fighters were last seen riding for home, the sleepy
inhabitants of Orlando awakened to a bright sunny morning. Up with the birds, Andy
tended his many pigeons, whereas Hope dutifully engrossed in housework.

May. 11, 2010

Chapter Forty One

Five years passing since Jasmine first stepped into the welcoming arms of Orlando. About
to give birth, Foley was at one with the universe. In essence, her life a glowing example of
how one’s formerly seeking recognition from celebrated peers, in reflective hindsight, finding
good fortune embracing a man’s love and challenging fulfillment of motherhood.

So close to the onset of labor, Jasmine was at the cottage under Hope’s loving care. Jonathan
only a phone call away kept in constant touch. The happy couple spent hours contemplating
suitable names for either sex and fore planning the decorating of a newborn baby’s room.
Wenzel and close friends busied themselves with knitting all manner of clothing. Bill Carson
put up his hand to acquire a cot and pram; one and all becoming excited in the waiting.
Jasmine and Hope were in the family room browsing an array of magazines. Jasmine pointed
to a particular pictured advertisement.

“Not knowing the sex of my baby rather complicates things a little, don’t you think?” Foley
remarked, drawing Hope’s attention to a captivating pink outfit.

“Well should color become an issue, one can always use a recommended dye. And just
before my Andy was born, I visited a fortune teller friend and Sheryl suggested a girl was being
nurtured. And with that in mind, of course the color pink and white was high on the list of
babywear to buy. My darling husband Jimmy was to solve the dilemma with an assortment of
toxic free dyes; so pink became blue.”

Entering the room, Andy addressed Hope.
“Is it okay if Amber comes over to stay the weekend?”

“Can’t see why not. You will however, need to organize a spare bed from the Carsons.”

“Okay mom. I’ll let Amber know it’s alright to come over.”

Leaving the women to continue their chit chat, Andy made for the fridge to grab an apple
before going outside to fly his pigeons. In his preoccupation watching his highflying marvels,
the teenager never noticed an approaching elderly woman with long grey hair to the pit of her
back. In her slow advance and the kit moving her way, the boy spied the white witch from the
corner of his eye and went to her.

“Why hello Chirrika. Is everything alright with you and Marley?”

“Marley asks, I come here to let you know he often thinks of a dear friend. And he also
cherishes many fond memories.”

“Please tell Marley I miss him also. I only wish he would come over to see me so we can spend
time together. Just because I have a steady girlfriend and we go away on holidays quite a lot,
doesn’t mean I won’t find time for him.” Hanson informed, feeling a little saddened over
Marley’s distancing himself. “Will you please tell Marley I would like for us to meet where he
and Amber got to know each other. I know your son likes her also and maybe we can be close
friends again. Do you want me to go and ask mom to drop you off somewhere?”

“Thank you Andy, but I prefer to walk. It’s good for an old witch to keep nimble. Please keep in
mind the next moonless night is due in three weeks from today and a mother grieves for her
son’s pitiful state of being. Not a day goes by that Chirrika doesn’t pray Marley should be
released from the damnable curse to lead a normal life once more.” She said with a heavy
heart. Watching her walking away, Andy couldn’t help but feel sorrowed by the white witch’s
haunting words. Knowing Jasmine soon becoming a mother, wondered how she could see her
way to attempting such a risky proposition for a second time. Andy deciding to let providence
guide him while awaiting further contact from Marley or Chirrika.

The magic garden having returned to a semblance of serenity and harmony, Andy felt safe to
enter and be at one with all inhabitants; also rejoicing and partaking in whatever uplifting
festivities should come their merry way. Tragg and Traggle were their usual weird and wonderful
selves, Zwebb and the mountain gnomes doing what mountain gnomes do best and Prince
Worell now King to the Fairy Throne!

The arrival of Jasmine and Jonathan’s newborn gave rise to much celebration throughout
Orlando. Christened Andrew, Jonathan Lacey the bundle of joy taken home to Ravenswood to
be nurtured with loving care; a proud mom and dad rejoicing in such providential blessings. It
certainly seemed for Jasmine Foley, life could not possibly be any better.

Andy having spoken to Jasmine of Chirrika’s visit and heartfelt concern, Foley suggesting
Hope look after baby Andrew and they do their best with breaking Marley’s enduring curse; with
the grace of God to deliver Chirrika’s son and only child into her loving arms. On this auspicious
occasion with seeing the quest to fruition, Wenzel was to join them.

All packed in readiness, the three enterprising adventurers made their careful way through the
magic garden by torch light. Wenzel knowing this may be the last chance of removing the spell,
her magic globe revealing Marley’s life glow at its lowest ebb, prayed the man within the bird not
succumbed to the dark, destructive forces of the curse devouring his spiritual essence and
physical state of being.

Jasmine ensured to wear the magic amulet given by her late mother. Their reaching the Golden
Willows entered the cave to meet Marley in the form of a white pigeon. Gunderrah was there to
greet them.

“It warms an old lizards heart to welcome my human friends and escort them to where Marley
now awaits your coming.” The giant lizard said, leading them to the chamber previously visited
by Jasmine and Andy.

“And where is Bihnt, your divine Lord and Master, Gunderrah?” Jasmine couldn’t help to ask.
In it’s reply, the lizard turned its head and eyes her way.

“The alchemist was never Gunderrah’s Lord and Master. The creature had taken up
residence to counsel a following of power seeking soothsayers and many others of questionable
repute.” Soon reaching a dead end, Gunderrah lifted high its tail to forcefully bring it down. The
noise of impact resounded throughout; The earth shaking in the manner of a minor earthquake.
Whilst Wenzel remained composed, Andy and Jasmine becoming a little fearful in the lizard’s
unsuspecting intent.

To the astonishment of Jasmin, Andy and Wenzel, the dividing wall gradually moving apart until
an accessible entrance presented Itself; causing Jasmine to shiver and fold her arms tightly
across her chest.

“Is Marley in there?” Andy asked, looking forward to seeing his friend once more.

“Yes. However the ailing bird is now of great concern to Gunderrah and time of breaking the
evil spell is of the essence and so we must not tarry.”

Andy’s laying eyes on the puffed pigeon made the heartbroken teenager tearful. The sad and
sorry sight also brought a tear to Jasmine and Wenzell’s eyes.
“Yes. We all must hurry before time runs out and even a white witch’s incantations will do little
to heal the dying human within the bird.”

In comforting a highly distraught Andy, Jasmine held the crying boy close, all the while
whispering words of consolation.

Wenzel gently taking up the wasting pigeon followed Gunderrah to another lit passage way and
with Foley and Hanson at their heels emerged into the open to be at the edge of a lake of
glowing water lighting a wide expanse all round.

“Oh my sweet Lord! How absolutely beautiful!” Jasmine exclaimed, in awe of such a
magical sight to behold.

“Jasmine must now remove the amulet to place it around the bird.” The wise old
lizard decreed and Foley wasted no time.

“What happens now Gunderrah?” A sniffling Andy impatiently asked, his sadden
eyes never leaving a listless Marley.

“Jasmine must now take the golden chalice to the anointed waters and return so the
bird might drink and permit the healing to begin.”

Doing the lizard’s bidding, Foley offered the hallowed water to Marley. In the sick
pigeon’s hesitation, all were to observe it’s lackluster eyes and a heavy cloud of
dread came over them. Wenzel’s holding Marley, Andy suddenly coming to his dulled
senses, having done so many times before with his pigeons, now gently prying open
the beak for Jasmine to slowly pour water down its throat.

One and all waited with baited breath to see what would happen. To their
unheralded delight the bird started to wriggle about and Wenzel suddenly found it
necessary to tighten her grasp to avoid injury in falling.

“Praise all that is holy!” Gunderrah announced to the Heavens. “For the power so
ordained now working its wonderous healing magic and we might all rejoice in
Marley’s salvation!”

To see the pigeon once more full of life with ruffling and preening its feathers, tears
of joy begun to flow. Flapping its wings where it was perched on Wenzel’s open
palms and the amulet dangling from its neck, the pigeon flew to the lake’s edge and
started to bath itself in the shallows.

“In final providential expelling of the demonic curse, Jasmine is to now join Marley
with placing the amulet round her neck.” Gunderrah wisely decreed.

Following the lizards instructions, Jasmine sat next to Marley to soon have the
talisman round her neck. As Andy and Wenzel watched on, the white pigeon quickly
transformed and within minutes the man within the bird was freed from his ungodly
prison to be astride from Jasmine and cherished daughter! For Marley was the High
Priest and missing father presumed to have been murdered at the hands of witch
hunting vigilantes.

Finis

May. 12, 2010