It was kind of funny, actually, because he didn’t see it coming until after Doris and I began watching. He was, probably, just sitting there throwing pebbles at grasshoppers and congratulating himself on having gotten out of all the work when he spotted the glowing balls. By that time they’d bracketed him and were descending.
Doris said, “Maybe he didn’t make up all that shit about them pulling him inside and doing something to him. They sure didn’t have no trouble finding him again, did they? Even after we ditched that cart and all that magical stuff.”
“An excellent observation, brother.” I watched Dojango jump up, try to run in several directions, all of which turned out to be blocked as soon as he chose them. He never stopped trying though, like a squirrel in a box trap. While prancing on stones because his tender feet were bare.
I noted that the vineyard workers were trying to make themselves seem scarce while they watched, too.
Once the balls of light were on the ground they faded to become three eggs of lead-gray metal with little in the way of exterior features.
I said, “We can probably expect their company in a few minutes. We’d better roll up our sleeves and get ready.” Playmate came flopping down out of the discus. Marsha started dragging him away. I said, “Hide all these people in the woods. Under the brush, maybe. Then get yourselves out of sight. Where is that girl?” I hopped over the foot of the ladder. “Singe!”
Singe didn’t respond.
I said, “On second thought, leave Saucerhead and Playmate lying out in the open. This guy, too.” I used a toe to nudge the silver elf lying nearest the ladder. “That’ll give them something to focus on. So they’ll maybe overlook the rest of us. You guys hide. Take whatever steps seem appropriate.”
Gritting my teeth, I reached out and touched the metal ladder. Quick and cautious, using just the tip of one finger.
Nothing happened.
Not even a hint of brown smoke.