On the back of a throne made of birch and pine
Sits the king of the beavers sipping teasel wine
About him courtiers fuss this way and that
Combing his hair, wetting his coat
And beside him on their thrones sit kings vole, otter and stoat
Their talk is cut short as you enter the glade
So you bow awkwardly to the kings who sit comfy in the shade
(every one bow in your group to the kings)
The Beaver King clasps his paws and there is silence in the court
For they all want to see what fabulous gifts that you have brought
But your hands are empty
And judging by their sudden grunting
Your lack of gift offering is terribly insulting
To come into this glade without gifts for the kings
Is surly the most inconsiderate of things!
But King Beaver is up leaving the others on their thrones
And he places his wine upon a convenient stone
He then approaches you with welcoming arms
For he see that perhaps you were unaware
He then clears his throat and announces to all
‘Beauties, beasts and animals all (that's you!)
Welcome, welcome to the court of the Wild River Kings'
And all about the animals whoop, chatter and sing
‘It is our sacred custom, enshrined in forest law
That all who approach this wild river court
Must add to our precious stores'
‘So new friends, go find something organic like a feather, a leaf or bark
(but be careful it's not too dirty, dangerous or sharp)
It might be a nut, or fruit or even a pebble
Then take it to the wise birds who will spot the finest
Sometimes (he says with a wink) the winner is the tinniest!
Go find something now from about this place
You have just three minutes, so don't be slow paced.'
You have your instructions, come back to this spot in three minutes, find a pretty leaf, a feather, a pebble or a piece of bark and hold it tight.
Make it different from your team members so your group has a nice mix of different things ready to show the wise birds.
Chapter one
Welcome to the Court of the Wild River Kings
A - Go to the red umbrella