“I still don’t get why we can’t just sail all the way.” I say, throwing the anchor overboard.

“Because we’ll never make it in time.” Ebony calls back, handing me a ticket.

“But why do we have to fly?” I ask

“Oh, quit complaining, will you?” she asks, handing Summer her ticket.

“Right. Unfortunately, I’m not sitting with you two. I’ll be across the aisle thought.” Ebony points out. “I don't know when our flight is, so we’d better get going.”

“What about all your pets?” Summer asks, stroking Spike.

“They’ll be ok one their own one the boat.” Ebony says, heading down below deck. I go over to sit with Summer.

“So whereabouts in Australia are you from?” I ask

“Adelaide.” she replies, the sun glinting in her golden hair.

“Oh. I’m from Kent, actually. I spent most of my childhood at an orphanage.” I explain. Ebony comes back up and looks at us, clearing her throat.

“Well, we’d best head to the airport. I’ve backed a bag for each of us. Let’s go.”

~*~

“Welcome to Karmue airport.” the receptionist says, grinning.

“Hi. We’d like three tickets to Iraq.” Ebony says.

“Have you pre-booked?” he asks

“Um, yes. On Tessa Renbar’s account.” I improvise. Ms Renbar is not going to be happy when she finds me.

“Very well. Flight 126 leaves in 45 minutes at Gate 7.” the receptionist instructs us.

“45 minutes!” Ebony complains “Isn’t their an earlier flight?”

“Well, flight 119 is about to close up at Gate 11. You might be able to make it if you hurry.” he says, but Ebony’s already sprinting towards gate 11.

“Sorry about her. She’s a bit stressed.” I explain as the receptionist hands us our tickets. Summer and I sprint to keep up with her. We arrive just as the flight attendants are about to close the doors.

“Here.” I hand the tickets to one of the attendants who nods.

“You’re just in time.” she says, scanning them. We board the plane and find our seats.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please prepare for take off.” the captain instructs through the loudspeaker. The flight attendants walk us through the safety briefing.

“I have to admit, I’ve never been on a plane before.What’s it like?” Ebony admits from across the aisle.

“It’s great.” Summer replies. “You get places much faster than by boat.” she explains.

“Right. All my cousins and family live in one big house. I believe their address is 29 Mansour street.” Ebony says, reading a map.

“Mansour?” Summer asks “As in Caliph Mansour? The man founded the city of Baghdad?”

“I think so. I don’t know of any other Caliph Mansours. Do you?” Ebony asks me.

“Don’t ask me. All the history I learn about was modern history. The world Wars, Queen Victoria, the Industrial age, that kind of stuff.” I say.

“Your orphanage doesn’t sound like the best of places.” Summer says.

“You get used to it.” I shrug.

“Really?”

“Yeah.” Summer laughs a golden laugh.