"I do perform that rather well, don't I? It is not easy. But just the thing for acquiring (ouch!) muscle tone. Are there any more cookies? Ah, there are. Delicious! As I was saying, let this be a lesson to you, my boy. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."
The Phoenix would take wing again. And David would settle back against a rock and watch. Sometimes he thought of the education he was to get. Sometimes he thought how nice it would be if he could fly. And sometimes he did not think at all, but just sat with his eyes half shut, feeling the sunlight on his face and listening to the rustle of the wind in the thicket.
At the end of the week the Phoenix, after a brilliant display of acrobatics, landed on the ledge, clasped its wings behind its back, and looked solemnly at David.
"Well, my boy," it said, "I believe your education can begin forthwith. Are you ready?"
4: In Which David and the
Phoenix Go To Visit
the Gryffins, and a
Great Danger Is
Narrowly Averted
A chill raced up and down David's spine as he got to his feet.
"Do—do you think a week's practice is enough?"