TERRORIST TOAD

Chapter Five

 

Mole makes himself at home in Toad Hall and Toad appreciates the company

 

The logs crackled in the grate as the flames slowly consumed them. They spread their warmth through the room like a comforting blanket. Badger had joined them in a supper to celebrate not only Toad's narrow escape from the attention of the law but also some positive news that had been reported back to them that very afternoon concerning Ratty’s progress.

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Badger had now departed and Mole and Toad relaxed in overstuffed wingback chairs in the sitting room.

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Mole swung his feet back into place on the large footstool in front of him and swirled the brandy around his glass, pleased with the way that the amber liquid clung to the side before slowly draining down into the balloon bowl. The smoke from Toad’s cigar was covering the room in comforting smog and his incessant droning chatter was conspiring with the smoke and the brandy, along with the pleasant fullness in his belly to send him to an early sleep.

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“So, what do you say, Moley?” Toad had obviously been deep in a one-sided discussion, now he needed an answer.  Mole shook himself awake.

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“Eh, sorry, what was that Toad?”

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"I said, would you agree that, since we're to be here together, that what I have suggested would make the best arrangement?"
 

The mole was unsure.  He hadn’t heard the question properly and didn’t know what arrangement Toad had been seeking his approval of. On the other hand, he was being such a generous host, Mole found it difficult to either admit that he hadn't been listening or to contradict the proposal, whatever it had been

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“Well, to be honest Toad, if you feel that it’s for the best, I think it probably is. I agree completely with you”

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Pleased with his masterful handling of a difficult situation, Mole allowed himself a smile. “To be honest, old chap, I do feel a little pooped now, I wonder if you might excuse me to take an early night and get some rest. It has been such a long and exciting day “

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“Of course, I’ll just sort these glasses into the kitchen and I’ll be upstairs myself”

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“Goodnight Toad, and thank you, for everything, I really do appreciate your hospitality “

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“Not at all old man, not at all; Adieu”

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And with that, Toad was gone.

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An owl hooted in the tree outside Moles bedroom window. He relaxed back in the bed, warm under the generous blankets which Toad’s housekeeper had made the bed up with earlier that afternoon. He sat up and blew the candle out, removed his eyeglasses, placed them on the bedside table and settled down to sleep. The clattering and crashing from the kitchen was the only thing keeping him from sleep and even that, in its own way, was strangely comforting.

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Moles eyes flashed open. He was aware that he must have dropped off, although he couldn’t say for how long. Something had awoken him, but without light and the help of his eyeglasses, he could not be sure what that something may have been. His hands swept across the surface of the table. Was it weasels or something worse from the Wild Wood come for him in the night? What could it be?

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Suddenly there was a cold draught and something slimy climbed into the bed next to him.

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“Hello?” He asked nervously.

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In reply, there was the lowest of lascivious chuckles as a cold hand ran itself across his thigh. Mole froze. The hand continued its stroking journey upwards.

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"Who's that? What's going on?" questioned the shy creature.

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In response, a long, febrile tongue crept into his ear and he felt himself stiffen further as it began a lengthy exploratory journey across his neck and downwards

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A low whisper punctuated his fear “Ever been given a real tongue job, Moley?” It was Toad!

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“Toad, what are you doing?” Mole questioned, nervously

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“Don’t give me that, you saucepot, I know what you want. Naughty furry mammals like you just want to have their dark sides explored, and it just so happens that us amphibians have exactly the equipment to do it for you”

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Mole screamed “Toad! Whatever gave you that idea? It sounds hideous”

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“Don’t come over all shy now Mole, you weren’t that worried about what you agreed to earlier, in my chair with my brandy inside you, I just want what Rat’s been getting for these past few months, I know all about you fellows, you know. And you agreed downstairs. So, give me another ten minutes of this and it won’t just be my brandy inside you, eh? If you fancy it, I’ve still got that washer-woman’s costume, if you get my drift”

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The door didn’t stand a chance. Moles furry little body took it off at its hinges as he struggled to maintain his dignity without appearing to be ungrateful to Toad. He hit the driveway in the dark and continued running. The guard dogs barking at his heels all the way down the drive.