Three Nails: Adventures of Moustache and Macintosh

By D. L. Graser

As Princess Yahaloma slept, I made my way through the wall of butterflies that surrounded us and out into the night. I noticed the heaviness of the air outside of the butterflies. It was hard to breathe as the air was thick and had an odd smell to it. My feet seemed to slip a little as I walked because of the mist that covered the ground. Feeling very uncomfortable, I picked up a large stick for protection. I moved through the tall grass, noticing the direction we must follow in the morning. Nothing moved out here. There was no moon, no wind, no sound, no nothing. It was very dark, only light came from the stars above. I stood still, watched, and listened. Suddenly, I saw a dim flicker of light about fifty feet from where I stood. Turning and looking closer I saw another dim flicker of light. I moved carefully, taking a few steps at a time forward, and my eyes began to sharpen with a clear night vision. Looking around, I saw there were ugly brown butterflies, some as tall as I. They danced as if they had legs like a man. Raising their antennas and rubbing them together made a terrible sound in the night. In the middle of the ugly large butterflies stood a very tall man. Wait, it was the man I saw walking with Princess Yahaloma! It was him! Why was he dressed so oddly? His black clothes had large sharp pointed spears all over them—so sharp that to even come close to them, you would be severely cut without even touching them. I saw fire coming up from under his feet that didn't even faze him. His arms outstretched, shaking many shiny necklaces then spewing vicious words against them, sometimes even screaming and cursing at the necklaces then laughing loudly. He threw his head backward, shrieking, and then dropped those beautiful necklaces into the fire. I crouched down in the tall grass. I didn't want anyone to see me. Who and what was this? Feeling scared, I decided to head back to Princess Yahaloma. I should have never left her. What was I thinking?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645847304

Book preview

Chapter 1

Return of Moustache and Macintosh

As Princess Yahaloma slept, I made my way through the wall of butterflies that surround us and out into the night. I noticed the heaviness of the air outside of the butterflies. It was hard to breathe as the air was thick and had an odd smell to it. My feet seemed to slip a little as I walked because of the mist that covered the ground.

Feeling very uncomfortable, I picked up a large stick for protection. I moved through the tall grass, noticing the direction we must follow in the morning.

Nothing moved out here. There was no moon, no wind, no sound, no nothing. It was very dark. Light came only from the stars above.

I stood still, watched, and listened. Suddenly, I saw a dim flicker of light about fifty feet from where I stood. Turning and looking closer, I saw another dim flicker of light. I moved carefully, taking a few steps at a time forward, and my eyes began to sharpen with a clear night vision.

Looking around, I saw there were ugly brown butterflies, some as tall as I. They danced as if they had legs like a man. Raising their antennas and rubbing them together made a terrible sound in the night.

In the middle of the ugly large butterflies stood a very tall man—wait, it was the man I saw walking with Princess Yahaloma! It was him! Why was he dressed so oddly? His black clothes had large sharp pointed spears all over them—so sharp that to even come close to them, you would be severely cut without even touching them.

I saw fire coming up from under his feet that didn’t even faze him. His arms outstretched, shaking many shiny necklaces then spewing vicious words against them—sometimes even screaming and cursing at the necklaces then laughing loudly. He threw his head backward, shrieking, and then dropped those beautiful necklaces into the fire.

I crouched down in the tall grass. I didn’t want anyone to see me. Who and what was this? Feeling scared, I decided to head back to Princess Yahaloma. I should have never left her. What was I thinking?

It had been several months since Momma told Gemma and Mattie they are building a new house on the outskirts of Grandpa’s property. The girls were excited about growing up in Dandle County. It’s the place their daddy lived most of his life.

Placing the last box of their household goods in Grandpa’s barn, the girls finished helping Momma store things away.

Walking to the gazebo, Mattie said to Gemma, I wonder what our new house will be like, do you know?

I’m not sure, but I do know we each get our own room, Gemma said, smiling.

I know, but can I come and sleep in your room? Mattie asked.

Only if I may sleep in your room, Gemma said poking her little sister.

Daddy was born here, and this is where he played. I love that we can live where he did, Gemma said.

I want to grow up here just like our daddy! Mattie said jumping up twirling in a circle.

Do you remember where the old homestead is? Gemma asked.

Of course, I do, Mattie replied.

I heard grandpa say that our new house is being built very close to the old homestead. Mattie smiled.

You don’t think those bad men will come back do you? Gemma softly said.

I think once the big trucks come and all the construction people are working, those bad men will stay away, Mattie assured Gemma.

We better keep our eyes open in case they show up, Gemma said to her sister.

Should we tell Momma? Gemma whispered.

If we see those guys, we will tell her; otherwise, it will only scare her, Mattie said.

You are right. Let’s just wait to see if they show up, Gemma said.

Noticing the butterflies fluttering over the flowers in a distance, Mattie took Pappy’s journal out of her backpack and asked Gemma to read to her as she snuggled close to her sister.

We are safe for now, I thought as Princess Yahaloma and I floated above the ocean on the back of this magnificent creature who rescued us from death.

The quietness of the blue sky above us and the blue green waters below had such a soothing effect on me. The thought of the pirates grabbing for us, and then our falling to the cold churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the scenery made the trouble we had been in just disappear.

Princess Yahaloma, resting beside me, stood up, closed her eyes, and began singing a beautiful song in a strange language. As she sang and turned in circles, hundreds of beautiful butterflies were put in motion above us.

Her song flowed from deep within her, rising out of her mouth with grace and beauty which unlocked a joy within me I had never experienced before.

I just sat there amazed. Princess Yahaloma twirled around and around; dancing as the little butterflies lifted her up off the creature’s back and danced with her in the air.

Look! Princess Yahaloma said as the little butterflies set her back down. Look at all these amazing butterflies…my friends!

Turning to them, she said, You’re so beautiful!

Little creatures, you are so far from land, you must be tired from your travels, please come rest upon me, Princess Yahaloma said motioning the butterflies to come and rest on her arms.

The little butterflies loved Princess Yahaloma, and as she sang, they swayed back and forth to the sound of her voice. Some butterflies turned different colors; others would jump into the air and turn in circles, where others fluttered above her.

Gemma, Mattie where are you? Momma called out.

Closing Pappy’s journal, Gemma shouted, We are here, Momma! and waved.

Grandma and I are going into town and will be back around supper time. Grandpa is in the barn. Come give us a hug goodbye, Momma shouted.

Racing up to the house, the girls leaped up and hugged their mom and grandma goodbye. The girls promised to finish their chores and help grandpa if he needed help.

Mattie put in an order of chocolate candy and gummy worms, and Gemma begged Momma not to forget the ice cream. The girls waved and smiled at their mom and grandmother as they drove down the driveway hoping they would bring them back some goodies.

Noticing the Gonker twins coming up the road on their bikes, the girls tried to avoid the boys by turning away, but the boys began teasing the girls anyway.

Look, Nathan, little babies, whaa, whaa! Nick shouted to his brother, making a face like a baby crying.

Yes, crybabies, Nathan laughed and sped past the girls.

Crybabies! I’ll give them crybabies! Gemma said irritated by the boys.

Let it go, Gemma. We will get our chance to teach these boys a lesson, but the time is not here yet, Mattie told her big sister.

If they only knew who we are and how we saw what crybabies they really are, they would never show their faces around us ever again! Gemma said stomping up to the house.

Let’s get our chores done and get our disguises on and carry on with Pappy’s adventure. It has been a while since we put on our disguises, I think it’s time we get back to finding the treasure of gold and silver Pappy buried somewhere, don’t you agree, Gemma? Mattie said.

Well, it has been nice not to have to deal with those arrogant, snotty, rude boys, but if you think it’s time to get started again, let’s do it. But only if I can punch that Nick Gonker in the nose! Gemma grumbled.

No, Gemma. Remember last time? Mattie told her sister. I believe these boys will be our friends one day and good friends. So let’s do our best not to sock them in the nose or call them names. We can set an example for them. They will be sorry for how they treated us, just watch and see, Mattie said.

I can’t wait to see their faces when they find out just who we are. I will laugh as they eat their words! Gemma said grumbling into the kitchen to put the dishes away.

Let’s just get this stuff done and get to our real work! Mattie said as she smiled at Gemma.

Rolling her eyes, Gemma focused on her chores.

Chapter 2

Gonker Boys and the Oath

Flying out the back door and down to the barn to