Chapter 3, Polliwog Pond

Chapter 3- Elton Frobbs

Down a narrow bridge and across the open sky, Frobbington Forest awaited them. The dark mysterious swirls and twirls of mystical mist beckoned for them to enter. The Captain was as gung-ho as always, but Beignet was appropriately apprehensive. What monstrous monstrosities might await them in this ghastly grove?

As the sun passed through the clouds above him, Beignet cautiously walked through the Frobbington gate. Fearing the worst, he was astounded at the scene before him. Giant red cedar trees, climbing through the clouds, their massive roots curling and whirling and stretching and reaching as far as they might across the forest floor. Moss blanketed the rocks, logs and anything else it could overcome. Delicate little mushrooms adorned the verdant plant life that shrouded the path in front of them. Feeling more confident, the travelers with a sigh of relief, set forth to Polliwog Pond. 

Along the way, The captain and Beignet noticed there was an abundance of frog and frog related friends. Snails, slugs, grubs, frogs and moths seem to decorate every mossy surface, springing and leaping and flittering about. Was this normal in for a forest? The closer they journeyed to the peculiar pond, the audience of flora and fauna grew. Suddenly Beignet realized there was no polka pox to plague these curious critters. Feeling hopeful, he approached the pond, to speak to the elusive Elton Frobbs. 

Mr. Frobbs was as froggy as frogs could get. But as far as frogs tend to go, he was decidedly going in a different direction. Giant orange eyes gazed lazily through gold speckled glasses, seemingly not to care about any of the acrobatic amphibious activities occurring around him. Atop his glamorous green noggin, sat a top hat, it’s gold buckle glittering in the speckled sunlight. He looked very dashing and dapper in his aesthetic attire. He seemed to lounge while sitting up and sit up while lounging. His velvety scarf lay amidst the mossy mounds as he sipped on what appeared to be a delicious cup of tea. In a quiet and soothing manor, he gestured for them to sit amongst his legion of long legged leaping friends. 

Beignet told Mr. Frobbs his story, of the mysterious polka pox and how they seem to be overtaking Grubliewood. He pleaded and implored the frog for any answer he might be able to provide the weary travelers. 

Elton Frobbs was a frog of many words and could spin a tale on a wheel of magic and mystery, delighting the senses and entrapping the imagination. He told them of the precious pond and the magical water that could cure the polka pox, just one sip, spray or sprinkle would send those pox packing. 

However, he said that in order to reach the pond, they must bring him what he has always desired. a tasty treat to tantalize the tongue. Something so marvelous and splendid his senses would promulgate with pleasure. Could they find such a thing? Something no frog has ever dreamed of?

The Captain had an idea. He was the connoisseur of crunchy cuisine. He knew everything there is to know about savory snacks and mouth-watering morsels. He knew just the thing to bewilder that finicky frog. Bounding toward the hovering ship, he dashed to the kitchen and clamored through the pots and pans and boxes and barrels until he exclaimed in exultation! He had found the scrap of scrumptious snack he had been saving for a special occasion. Willing to forgo the magnificent masterpiece of a morsel he had saved, he carefully returned to the pond and to Elton Frobbs. He presented his present with pride and delight as the frogs eyes grew and grew until they almost seem to envelop him. A hum could be heard in the forest as the frobbits (as Mr. Frobbs likes to call them) quivering with excitement. This was the moment. This was the snack that would tower beyond all of the tasty treats. As he delighted in his new delicacy the friends could see a small path emerge behind him. Standing aside, Elton Frobbs bowed as the frobbits escorted them to the pond. 

Polliwog pond. Finally, the perfect place to end the Polka Pox predicament. Except this pond wasn’t a pond at all. It was green. The water seemed thick and smelled slightly of sour sludge. This couldn’t possibly be the solution to the situation, could it? Cautiously creeping to the edge of the pond, Beignet notice that that muddy, mucky mire was full of teeny tiny polliwogs. These wee little wogs seemed to be snacking on all of the grimy gunk that was growing around them. Maybe the polliwogs held the secret to curing the plague! Beignet snagged a smidge of the slimy solution and headed back to the Sand Flea Shanty. Hopefully this goo would extinguish this infirmity once and for all. 

Excited to see Moxy Muddlefoot, the travelers set sail, back to the throes of Cobblewood Castle.