Redsand Canyon Cyberiad theory.

INT. MATRONA'S DEN. DAY.

Towhee, a new wet-nurse approximately the same age as the child's own mother, descends the short distance to the dirt.

While Cornelius cannot see or hear them, their smell is something else entirely. Part tantalizing, part medicinal. Sharp in the way of a grandmother with a violent abundance of perfume.

Cornelius struggles to make sense of that peppermint smell and decides he does not like it. It is too different from the sweet milk aroma that caresses his fat nose. He squirms and refuses to latch to any of the offered teats.