The Fellowship of the Frog

One man to lead them all, one man to mind them, one torch to guide them all and in the darkness find them.

Saturday afternoon. A large group of young adventurers gathered together in the heat of the midday sun. There had been stories of old about a Hypsiboas boans living deep within the jungle. Some brushed it off as myth, tall tales made up for sport around camp fires. This group however were not so sceptical and one among them, Chris, believed he had heard the Hypsiboas boans himself calling out in the dead of night from the Frontier Trail. “One cannot simply walk into the Frontier!”, exclaimed Andy. “One would need a torch, a map, biscuits and lollies!” Chris nodded. He was aware of the arduous journey ahead. He summoned all the EMs present at camp and made the request for their help. This was a trek two men could not do alone and assistance was needed. Some declined, too scared to join the quest but a group of five: Rachel, Dan, Nat, Amy and Tom volunteered. And so it began “The Fellowship of The Frog”.

Hours passed before the fellowship stopped to eat upon a hill overlooking the forest. There they rejuvenated themselves with a bowl of pasta, cinnamon biscuits and a dozen lollies. The spirits were high and the prospect of finding the Hypsiboas boans excited them. They set off again before nightfall towards a stream before The Frontier. The sun was dropping fast. One by one the torches clicked on. The trail was partially overgrown and difficult to find but despite it all the Fellowship had found the stream. They waded through the water scanning the banks for signs of life when all of a sudden a loud croak broke the silence. “That’s him”, whispered Chris. Dan had heard it too and called for the others to gather round. All eyes peered along the thick vegetation and sure enough there it was, Hypsiboas boans sitting high up in a thin and gnarly tree. Chris sprung out of the water and staggered up onto the bank. “Come to me my precious”, he hissed. The draw of the Hypsiboas boans was overpowering and he had become delirious with desire to be the first person to catch it. “Pull yourself together Chris”, snapped Andy. He knew that catching a frog like this was an operation that required the Fellowship. The EMs got themselves in prime position ready to pounce if the Hypsiboas boans leapt from its spot. Chris sneaked up behind it as agile as a bull and as quiet as a macaw. He stretched out his right arm and in one fell swoop he scooped up the H.boans in his hand. “I got him!” he shrieked and the others heaved a sigh of relief. The Hypsiboas boans was bright orange in colour and all agreed it was the most striking frog the Fellowship had ever seen.

That night they returned to camp content and exhausted. Upon arrival they joined the others up by the fire pit to relay the details of their adventure. It was a story to be told around the camp fire for years to come.

The Fellowship of the Frog