Read Online Oracle in the Mist by Linda Maree Malcolm - Free Book Online Page A

the bright sun blinded them for a moment and they each stood blinking. When Bobby was able to finally open her eyes properly she found herself rubbing them over and over again just in case what she thought she saw was not what was actually before her. It was in utter amazement that she realised that it was all very real and not some kind of a dream after all.
    What she was looking at was more incredible than any scene she had ever seen in any movie. It almost defied description. Darkskinned people and all kinds of animals were walking about, sitting with one another and doing all kinds of crafts together. They were selling to one another in a market place and still others were sitting and picnicking with each other. Children were mingled in amongst the animals and adults and played games with each other like hopscotch and knuckles.
    It took a moment to take it all in and then Bobby realised what it was that was so alarming about what she was seeing, as a large, poisonous looking snake slithered through the crowd and on into the bush. Lions sat and were patted by babies and tigers and leopards walked around without a care in the world and certainly not looking as though they were about to make a meal of any of the people. There was harmony and serenity between the people and the animals. It was quite extraordinary.
    â€œIna, Ina and Henry! Ina and Henry!” People started to point at the children and shout out the familiar names.
    And then they were rushed at by a large group of natives who clamoured around them, and reached out to touch them or just stood staring at them, smiling warmly. Other natives insisted on kissing them and wrapping their arms around their shoulders in the warmest and most tender way. It didn’t feel threatening at all, thought Bobby. In fact it was quite pleasant.
    â€œHello. You are back, yes, yes?” was the question that was being constantly asked of them. All thoughts of getting home to Daphne or worries about where and how they had ended up in such a place left the mind of Bobby. She suddenly became aware of the professor trying to convince the people that their names were Bobby and David, not Ina and Henry.
    â€œYes, I know it’s remarkable, I agree. The resemblance is just remarkable; quite a shock in fact,” and even the professor stood back to marvel at them, smiling and clicking his tongue in awe. Then Bobby heard a question being spoken that seemed to reverberate throughout the gathering and suddenly everyone became quiet as they awaited the answer.
    â€œThe baby? Where’s the baby?” one of the natives asked and Bobby and David looked to the professor simultaneously for an explanation.
    â€œI assure you that there is an answer to every one of your questions,” the professor said politely, “but first be so kind as to allow me to spend some time with these lovely young people who have just arrived and in time all will be revealed. Do we have an agreement … please?” He then gestured that Bobby and David should be allowed to pass through the crowd and the people parted to allow them through. Bobby and David moved through the crowd and started to ascend a narrow, sandy path that disappeared into the jungle.
    â€œRight, now where were we?” the professor asked. “Ah yes, we’re setting off to my place for that cup of tea. Splendid idea, even if I do say so myself.”
    Bobby and David each had thoughts racing through their minds as they made their way to the professor’s house. Going off into the jungle with a virtual stranger went against everything they had both ever been taught but in their hearts they knew that they were safe and that there was nothing to worry about.
    The path passed through a fern glade that was so lush as to be dripping and then they found themselves walking on the softest and greenest moss they had ever seen. They next started to climb tiny steps that zigzagged up and up until finally they reached