The travelers walked in pale moonlight. Progress was difficult because the trees grew right next to one another. Weeds and tall grass covered the ground around the bedrock that continued from the pasture. The almost-full moon climbed over the canopy.

“Couldn’t ask for a better night, at least,” the chipper pig pointed out.

“Speak for yourself, pig. I’ve been attacked by mosquitoes ever since we walked into this miserable place,” the goat replied in disgust. Benjamin reached into his backpack and pulled out a skinny can. “I don’t have your thick, leather skin. We goats–” Roscoe felt a cool, wet breeze on his back and looked around.

“What are you doing, Sire?”

“I’m putting bug spray on you. It’ll help.”

“Is it safe for goats?”

“I dunno.” The boy sprayed his own arms and legs.

“I think there’s a big difference between humans and–aaaaaahhhh, that’s better!” Roscoe’s face melted in relief.

“Anybody else?” Benjamin held up the can.

“Yes, please,” Paco said.

“What about you, Clementine?”

“No, thank you, Your Majesty,” he said smugly. “We pigs are feared by the insect world. They know better than to mess with us!” Clementine trailed the others, his wiry tail swishing back and forth to swat the mosquitoes biting his rear end.

“Suit yourself. Paco, how far away is this creek supposed to be?”

“I don’t know, Sire. I’ve never been in these parts.”

Benjamin’s foot kicked something hard and sharp. “Ouch!”

“What is it, Your Majesty?”

Something yellow protruded from the weeds and vines. The boy grabbed the corner, grunting as he freed it. “Whoa, cool!” He held up an old metal sign.

“What is that?” Clementine asked.

Benjamin read the fading words, “Coming Soon!

The J.Q. Lazarus Traveling Carnival – Prepare to be amazed! May 15–June 1.”

“Wow!” Roscoe looked at the others “Hmm, yeah…so what is it?”

“It’s a carnival sign. My grandpa told me that when he was a kid a carnival came through Haverhill. I’ll bet this is from that very one!” He imagined the rust covered sign new.

“Was it in the woods?” Clementine asked.

“I doubt it…I don’t know. But I wish I could take it with me!”

“May I recommend that you don’t, Your Majesty? It’s a long trip.”

“You’re right, Paco. We need to keep going.” Benjamin leaned the sign against a tree and studied the area in case he had the opportunity to find it again. “Let’s go.”

• • • • •

THEY WALKED ON, listening to the forest sounds and growing tired. But tiredness was forgotten at the sound of an argument coming from a tree trunk.

“Oh come off it, Maxine. I haven’t gained that much weight!”

“Look at yourself, George! You’re a lot fatter than you were just a year ago!”