“The very definition of immorality is wickedness,” Linus said.
“It is,” Arthur agreed. “But who are we to decide what’s what?”
“Millions of years of biological evolution. We don’t stick our hand in fire because it would burn. We don’t murder because it’s wrong.”
Arthur laughed as if elated. “And yet people still do both. Once, in my youth, I knew a phoenix who loved the way the fire felt against his skin. People murder other people every day.”
“You can’t equate the two!”
“You already did,” Arthur said gently. “My point remains the same as it is in my sessions with Lucy. The world likes to see things in black and white, in moral and immoral. But there is gray in between. And just because a person is capable of wickedness, doesn’t mean they will act upon it. And then there is the notion of perceived immorality. I highly doubt Chauncey would even consider laying a tentacle on another person in violence, even if it meant protecting himself. And yet people see him and decide based upon his appearance that he is something monstrous.”
“That’s not fair,” Linus admitted. “Even if he does hide under my bed one morning out of every three.”
“Only because he’s still wrestling with what he was told he was supposed to be versus who he actually is.”
“But he has this place,” Linus said, ducking under a branch.
Arthur nodded. “He does. But he won’t always. The island isn’t permanent, Linus. Even if you in your infinite wisdom decide to allow us to remain as we are, one day he will go out into the world on his own. And the best thing I can do is to prepare him for that.”
“But how can you prepare him if you never let him leave?”
Arthur whirled on Linus, a frown on his face. “He’s not a prisoner.”
Linus took a step back. “I never—that wasn’t what I—I know that. I apologize if it came across any other way.”
“I prepare them,” Arthur said. “But I do shelter them, somewhat. They … for all that they are, for all that they can do, they’re still fragile. They are lost, Linus. All of them. They have no one else but each other.”
“And you,” Linus said quietly.
“And me,” Arthur agreed. “And while I understand your point, I hope you can see mine. I know how the world works. I know the teeth that it has. It can bite you when you least expect it. Is it so bad to try and keep them from that as long as possible?”
Linus wasn’t sure, and he said as much. “But the longer they remain hidden, the harder it will be when the time comes. This place … this island. You said it yourself. It isn’t forever. There’s a whole wide world beyond the sea, and while it may not be a fair world, they have to know what else is out there. This can’t be everything.”
“I am aware,” Arthur said, looking off into the trees with an inscrutable expression. “But I like to pretend it is, sometimes. There are days it certainly feels like it could be.”
Linus didn’t like the way he sounded. It was almost … morose. “For what it’s worth, I never thought I’d be discussing moral philosophy while wearing tan shorts in the middle of the woods.”
Arthur burst out laughing. “I find you fascinating.”
Linus felt warm again. He told himself it was the exertion. He swallowed thickly. “You knew a phoenix, then?”
Arthur’s gaze was knowing, but he didn’t seem inclined to push. “I did. He was … inquisitive. Many things happened to him, but he still kept his head held high. I often think about the man he became.” Arthur smiled tightly, and Linus knew the conversation was over.
They continued through the woods.
* * *
They came to a beach on the far side of the island. It was small and made of white and brown rocks rather than sand. The waves rolled through them, and they clacked together enjoyably.
“Easy, men,” Lucy said, scanning the beach. “There’s something foul afoot.”
“We’re not all men,” Talia said with a scowl. “Girls can be explorers too. Like Gertrude Bell.”
“And Isabella Bird,” Phee said.
“And Mary Kingsley.”
“And Ida Laura Pfeiffer.”
“And Robyn—”
“Okay, okay,” Lucy grumbled. “I get it. Girls can do everything boys can. Jeez.” He looked back at Linus, the devilish smile on his face. “Do you like girls, Mr. Baker? Or boys? Or both?”
The children turned their heads slowly to stare at him.
“I like everyone,” Linus managed to say.
“Boring,” Talia muttered.
“I’m a boy!” Chauncey exclaimed. He frowned. “I think.”
“You are whoever you want to be,” Arthur told him, patting him between the eyes.
“Can we please get back to the task at hand?” Lucy pleaded. “You’re going to get us all viciously murdered if you keep talking.”
Sal looked around nervously, Theodore perched on his shoulder, tail wrapped around his neck loosely. “By who?”
“I don’t know,” Lucy said, turning back to the beach. “But as I was saying, there is something foul afoot! I can smell it.”
All the children sniffed the air. Even Theodore craned his neck, nostrils flaring.
“The only thing that smells foul here is Mr. Baker,” Phee said. “Because he’s sweating a lot.”
“I’m not used to so much exertion,” Linus snapped.
“Yeah,” Talia said. “It’s not his fault he’s round. Right, Mr. Baker? Us round people need to stick together.”
That didn’t make Linus feel any better. But he said, “Exactly.”
Talia preened.
Lucy rolled his eyes. “It’s not something you can smell. Only I can. Because I’m the leader. It’s coming from over there.” He pointed toward a copse of trees just off the beach. It looked dark and foreboding.
“What is it, Lucy?” Chauncey asked. “Is it the cannibals?” He didn’t sound very enthused at the prospect.
“Probably,” Lucy said. “They could be cooking someone as we speak. So we should definitely go over there and check it out. I’ve always wanted to see what a person looked like while being cooked.”
“Or maybe we can stay here,” Talia said, reaching up and taking Linus’s hand. He stared down at her, but didn’t try and pull away. “That might be for the best.”
Lucy shook his head. “Explorers don’t back down. Especially the lady explorers.”
“He’s right,” Phee said grimly. “Even if there are cannibals.”
Theodore whined and stuck his head under his wing. Sal reached up and stroked his tail.
“Bravery is a virtue,” Arthur said. “In the face of adversity, it separates the strong from the weak.”
“Or the stupid from the smart,” Talia muttered, squeezing Linus’s hand. “Boys are dumb.”
Linus couldn’t help but agree, though he kept it to himself.
Lucy puffed out his chest. “I’m brave! And since I’m the leader, my brave order will be that Arthur goes first to make sure it’s safe while the rest of us wait right here.”