Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Mungai and the Goa Constrictor

In Children's Books, Mungai and the Goa Constrictor, Young Adult Fiction on March 20, 2013 at 9:58 pm

On 20th March, 2013, we experienced the wonder of the Spring Equinox

To celebrate this, and the significance of this passage to Mungai and the Goa Constrictor, you could WIN an Amazon Gift Card worth $25

The Vernal Equinox

“Bravery is when you walk into a battle you are not sure of winning” – Jeffrey Fry

A great battle occurred during the Spring Equinox of the year of 2011, the year of disgruntlement. Tired of domination, deception and destruction, Mungai’s minions rose in rebellion against their oppressors and attempted to reclaim what was rightfully theirs, ours and that of future generations. They fought using every resource at the tips of their fingers, claws, hooves and paws. They fought in the jungle and they fought in the forest. They fought without fear and they fought with courage in their hearts.
The battle raged on with casualties on both sides until…

Find out who the victors are, and what becomes of our heroes, by getting your own copy of Mungai and the Goa Constrictor on Amazon.

Meet all the endearing characters – well, not all are endearing; some you wouldn’t wish to meet on a dark night, and some you may rue the day you ever met them at all. But unfortunately, if you haven’t already, you may well encounter at least one of them at some time in your life.

“Be careful who you trust, the devil was once an angel” – Unknown

To enter; answer the following three simple questions correctly and you could win a $25 Amazon Gift Card (All answers can be found in the excerpt below)

Who gave the signal to commence battle? a) Crow-Crow b) Caw-Caw c) Claw-Claw
What is the Oracle’s real name? a) Forest Grump b) Shriek c) Edgar
What did Gerald, the Oracle and Felicity hide in their clothing? a) Feathers and bones b) Guns c) A goodly supply of bananas

Please leave your answers (e.g. 1a ) in the comments section with your contact details

The competition closes at midnight (EDT) on 31st March, 2013

The winner, randomly chosen, will be announced here on APRIL 1st – NO JOKE!

An Excerpt from Mungai and the Goa Constrictor – Chapter Twenty Seven – Operation Equinox

The reptiles, animals and birds were gathering silently in the clearing.

“Now that we’re all here,” said Caw-Caw, breaking the silence, “the time has come. We must all go to our battle stations. Is everyone prepared?”

All the creatures nodded.

“Does everyone know what he or she must do?” Caw-Caw continued.

They nodded again.

Then out of nowhere came a voice. “COMMMPANY…HALT…AIMMM…oops! so sorry…‘TENNN…SHUN. Captain Gerald Rupert Horatio-um-Peanuts (he added again very quietly) Brice-Copperbottom at your service…SIR.”

The Oracle’s, aka Edgar’s, ‘spirit sense’ had kicked in, and he was able to know where they were all assembling, and since no word had been received as was promised, he had alerted Gerald and Felicity. Suspecting they might be left out if they did not invite themselves, they had come along to ‘do their bit’. Edgar looked surprisingly sensible, having lost the feathers and bones, and now being dressed in green and clothed like his companions.

“Um…we won’t need those,” said Caw-Caw pointing at the long sticks that made noises and killed. “But you are most welcome.”

“Don’t worry.” Gerald reassured him. “We’re not allowed to have the bits that do all the damage. These are just for show. Keeps the enemy on its toes, don’t you know!”

Caw-Caw briefly introduced the newcomers to the others, and decided they would be best placed inside the paper mill, preferably up in the rafters. They would be able to climb through the opening at the top of the mill without being seen. There, they could wait until they were needed.

“Organise that in no time,” said Gerald. “COMMMPANY…ATTT…EASE. Private Felicity…you take the right…Gunner Edgar you take the left…I’ll take the middle.”

“Reminds me,” started Edgar, “of the time I was forced to take on a gorilla. Big devil too! Couldn’t escape that time! Gerald tried to organise that, as well. Gorilla didn’t like him all…reason I got into trouble in the first place. Called him a…”

“Yes, yes, Edgar, but we need to keep moving. We’re running out of time. Captain Gerald, ready your troops to take up their positions,” interrupted Caw-Caw before the rest all surrendered to boredom.

Gerald stood to attention again, and saluted. Then, without Caw-Caw seeing, they managed to hide the guns under their clothing.

“Good. Well now that’s settled, let’s go…and may good prevail,” said Caw-Caw.

The creatures had been turned into an efficient and formidable fighting force. Together they were battling a common cause. Even those who were natural enemies had become friends and allies, each one honoured to share in this campaign. They moved forward with pride and dignity.

Word came that Mungai and Goa hadn’t moved the lair yet, so the plan remained the same, and Duggit’s contingency plan remained unrevealed.

The creatures moved towards the lair, peeling off as they each reached their positions, until the only ones left, as they approached, were the deer and wolves. Absolute silence was now maintained. Wilbur and Wily had come with them, ready to pass on information and progress. Akanya and Kaya were outside the lair waiting for their own signal, as were the deer. Duggit and the other two-legs were also in position now, having made their way successfully to the undergrowth. They too waited in total silence.

Still observing the silence, they saw dawn break, without the chorus, and Caw-Caw raised his wing. In his claw he held a long branch which he swept in an arc from right to left in front of the rising sun.

Operation Equinox had begun.

“In battle it is the cowards who run the most risk; bravery is a rampart of defence” – Sallust

*****