The Tiny Ringmaster

by Clark, Jennifer

  When she finally saw the tent, she took off in a sprint. She flung the double doors open and screeched to a halt in front of Tryfod, Eritol, and Ginger, who had all been waiting anxiously. Ginger gasped in horror at the filthy, bruised child. Tryfod knelt down in concern and panic.

  “Sweet Ruth, are you ok?!”

  Ruth wrapped herself around his arm and started sobbing.

  “I’ve seen you’ve had quite a shock. Would you like Ginger to help you get cleaned up?”

  Ruth shook her head furiously. She pried herself from Tryfod’s arm. “Tryfod, I need to talk to you.” She looked up at everyone’s horrified faces. “Alone.”

  Tryfod nodded. “Of course, child.” He scooped her up in his arms, and he walked slowly down the hallway. “Let’s head to Eliza’s office.”

  Ruth tried to patch all of her thoughts together. Tryfod placed the small child down in front of a small door. He pulled out a key and unlocked it. The room was plain and small. A set of switches adorned one of the white walls, while two chairs, a desk, and two other doors completed the room. Tryfod closed the door to the hallway, and Ruth settled in the smaller chair. Tryfod couldn’t hide his concern as he settled himself. “Ruth, what happened?”

  Ruth was embarrassed that she hadn’t listened to Tryfod before, but now she had to be honest. Her life depended on it. “I went into the forest. I know I wasn’t supposed to, but I was so upset. Those things they said about me…” Her little voice quivered, but she continued. “I ran out to the pond and the waterfalls. I saw the little girl again, and I followed her through the tunnel.” Ruth thought she saw something flicker through Tryfod’s eyes, but it was gone before she could figure it out. “Now I realize why you didn’t want me over there. I saw the town. It was filthy and smelly and scary. I crept over to an open window because I was curious…”

  She waited for Tryfod to start yelling, but he remained composed. “Tryfod, I think they are going to kidnap me next time I try to go home. And… and…” Ruth was so frightened that she couldn’t speak. Tryfod interrupted gravely. “Now let’s not speculate on what might happen.” Tryfod was visibly upset.

  “I hate to lay more on you after the night you’ve had. Heaven knows I wanted to wait until a more appropriate time to tell you all of this. Now I’m afraid I don’t have a choice. First, let me clarify something. I can’t have this hanging on my conscious. Pepé did not spill your secret. He came to me very upset after the ceremony and swore that he hadn’t broken his promise.”

  Ruth could still feel the sting of the betrayal. “But he was the only person that knew.” Tryfod shook his head. “That’s not true. After a brief investigation, I found that Lucin had overheard your conversation at tea. Through his vast network, he was able to quickly spread hurtful rumors and lies. He has been released from his duty.”

  Ruth felt relieved and saddened all at once. She was happy that Pepé hadn’t betrayed her, but couldn’t figure why Lucin would do such a thing. It was tough to understand why he hated her so much. Tryfod read her thoughts.

  “I know it’s a tough pill to swallow. Lucin had built up resentment for many years that has little to do with you. You see, a very long time ago, Lucin’s people were kings and prophets, but they were reduced to our servants after a nasty war. Perhaps one day you will learn our varied history, but I think that is all that needs to be said for tonight. Lucin will no longer bother you.”

  He rose from his chair, and Ruth got up to follow him. He walked through one of the doors into a tiny hallway. He opened the other door at the end of the hallway, which led to Ruth’s room. Ruth looked at him confused. She thought her room was on the other side of the tents. Tryfod patted the bed for Ruth to take a seat. “I have to show you something.”

  He walked back out and turned off the lights. It was very dark. He flicked another switch, and Ruth heard a buzz over her head. Glow-in-the-dark stars shined brightly – just like the set she had at home. Tryfod turned the stars off and turned the lights back on. Ruth spoke first.

  “Are those my stars?”

  “Well, not exactly. They are the matching set.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Those are the matching pairs to your stars.”

  Ruth looked at Tryfod like he was crazy. “Huh?”

  “Ruth, we control the stars. We called you here.”

  Ruth stood up and paced around the little room. “So I’m not controlling it? But why did I end up in the forest the first time?”

  Tryfod barely hid his embarrassment. “My dear, I’m afraid that was mine and Eliza’s mistake. Our magic was a little rusty. We were surprised when you appeared because we thought it didn’t work.” He let out a small laugh and smoothed his beard. “We weren’t expecting you just yet.”

  Tryfod sat on the bed. “Ruth, do you remember the day you bought the stars with your dad?”

  Ruth nodded.

  “Remember how your dad had to ask about them? And the old man had to go in the back and get them?”

  Ruth’s eyes got wide as she nodded slowly. She looked up at Tryfod, and he winked his right eye. “It was you! You were there! You sold my dad the stars!”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “How did you find me?!”

  “Well I can’t give away all my secrets, can I? Let’s just say we’ve been watching your family for a while now. We just had to figure out how to get you here.” Ruth wasn’t impressed with the answer. She scrunched up her nose.

  “Why didn’t you wait until I was older?”

  Tryfod bellowed an appreciative laugh. “Because I knew you were ready now.”

  “So how do the stars work?”

  “Well, in simple terms, the switch creates a portal.”

  “Tryfod, this is all very confusing. I’m here, I’m not here. You guys are transporting me through a glow-in-the-dark portal. The crazy guy in the town wants to kill me. What is going on?”

  Tryfod closed his eyes as he sculpted his response. “I told you that Aluxdrov’s descendants attacked our city because they were traveling vagrants, but that wasn’t entirely true. We – our people – are keepers of the portals. These portals make for fast travel all over the universe, even to Earth. We were assigned to be watchman of these portals many moons ago, since they can be so easily used for evil.

  Our watch involves a special, complicated, and elegant magic, so our ancestors created a library in our little town that is full of books. Thousands of our ancestors have learned our magic, the art of Gianzrouka, through these books…

  And I know what you must be thinking, sweet Ruth… It’s not safe having all your magic tricks spelled out in a vast library! What a silly mistake! But the ancients were ahead of the game! The books in the library make up an intertwining system with codes and riddles! Many lessons only make sense if you can unlock the code to find the corresponding lesson book!”

  Ruth sat smugly. She knew Tryfod had been hiding something. “But the prophecy… you made it sound like your ancestors didn’t know magic.” Tryfod shook his head excitedly. “They didn’t!” Ruth stared in disgust, but Tryfod continued unraveled.

  “You see, dear Ruth, after so many years of travel – away from our library – much of our magic had been lost. A few tricks had survived, but the Elders didn’t know the depth of our powers. They had to carefully relearn much of our magic with the visioner’s help. We still haven’t filled in all the holes – as you know from waking up in the dirt the first night.”

  “But if you know your magic, why do you need the library back?”

  Tryfod continued excitedly. “My child, the library also contains one very special book. It’s written in an ancient language that only our people can read – or so we thought… The book houses the locations of the portals all across the universe. From your account of tonight’s events, I worry that my greatest fear is coming true. I am afraid, after so many generations of access to the library, that Druskov has not only trained himself in our magic, but he is also getting strong enoug
h to crack the ancient language and make a journey through a portal… You mentioned a little girl. Did you ever talk to her? Find out her name?”

  Ruth shook her head. “No. She always ran up ahead of me. I never heard her speak. I just heard her laugh… Although, I think she said my name once.”

  Tryfod sighed. “Ruth, I don’t want to frighten you anymore, but the little girl is not real. I think it was a trick Druskov was playing on you.” Ruth shivered. She hadn’t realized the danger she had been in. Tryfod was caught up in his thoughts. “He’s shown us his strength. He could not kidnap you without knowing how to perform the magic required for a journey.”

  “But why me Tryfod? If I can’t do magic and I’m not calling myself here… I don’t understand…”

  “Your mother is a descendant of our people.”

  Ruth forgot everything for a moment. “My mom?! So I can learn magic now?!”

  “Even with your extra abilities, our magic takes years to develop.”

  The excitement drained from Ruth’s face, but her curiosity quickly overcame her disappointment. “But what does Druskov want to do with a portal?”

  “I’m not entirely sure. I’m afraid that he’d like to turn Earth into his personal pig pen.”

  Ruth didn’t like the sound of that. She thought about her parents, and she hoped they were safe. Tryfod attempted some reassurance. “Ruth, my dear, you are safe in this tent. Druskov’s magic cannot work here… but I do have some bad news.” Ruth looked into Tryfod’s eyes. She was frightened. She had no idea things were so serious when all of this began. Tryfod struggled to break the news to the battered child. “You cannot return home until after the performance. It just isn’t safe.”

  Ruth hung her head. “But what about my mom and my dad? What about school? Won’t they know I’m missing?”

  “We’ll take care of that.”

  “I guess I don’t really have a choice now… as long as you say everything is ok, I will believe you. Do I get to go home after the performance?” Tryfod nodded slowly as Ruth put the puzzle pieces together. “Will I ever get to come back here?”

  “Let’s not worry about that just yet. Why don’t you get some rest? You’ve had a long day.” Tryfod patted her tiny head and walked out of the room. As the lights went off, Ruth felt more homesick than she thought was possible.

  The coming days were tough on everyone. They practiced from early in the morning until very late at night. At times, Eritol felt like the show might never come together, but everyone, even little Ruth, worked through their sweat and tears. A few nights, Ruth even fell asleep on the tiny podium standing straight up.

  Eventually, and very late in the game, the show came together. Ruth followed Eritol’s movements as if she was his shadow, the dancing ladies got the last rhinestones sewn on their costumes, and the trapeze artists ran across the tight rope without worry. It was time.

  The last dress rehearsal went flawlessly – just as expected. Every cue was hit, every joke snapped, and every sequin twinkled. After the final bow, the room felt somber. Everyone knew it was now or never.

  Tryfod stood on Eritol’s podium. He struggled to find the right words to motivate the crowd. “A few weeks ago, this small child came into our lives. It’s been a rollercoaster ever since.”

  Ruth nodded her tiny head in agreement as the crowd chuckled softly.

  “We haven’t always been the most welcoming, and little Ruth could have left at any time. But she stuck it out. Her bravery, curiosity, and wonder have all made us better performers and people.” Everyone broke out into thunderous applause. Ruth couldn’t believe what she was seeing and hearing. They were all cheering for her. Tryfod motioned to settle everyone down again. “It is with great honor that we present Ruth with a token of our gratitude.”

  Eritol brought Tryfod a small box that Tryfod opened carefully. Inside was a small, sparkling baton. It looked just like the one Eritol used, but it was Ruth’s size. Eritol lifted the child to the stage, and Tryfod continued the ceremony. “Dear Ruth, it is with great pleasure that I present you with your Ringmaster baton. There has never been more than one Ringmaster at a time in the history of our people.”

  He placed the tiny baton in her hands as she stared in wonder.

  “Three cheers for our newest, and tiniest, Ringmaster!”

  The crowd cheered louder than before.

  As the crowd thinned and everyone returned to their rooms, Tryfod pulled Ruth aside. Ruth was very eager to thank him. “Thank you so much for my baton. I love it.”

  “My dear Ruth, I’m afraid I have more bad news.”

  “What is it Tryfod?”

  “After the performance tomorrow, I’m going to have to turn on the stars and the portal. I cannot hold off time any longer in your world. You have to go home.”

  The pit crew packed up the performance tent very early the next morning. The entire circus crew was uncharacteristically quiet. Everyone ate in silence, practiced in silence, and dressed in silence.

  They all set out on the small road to the top of the hill two hours before nightfall. Tryfod warned everyone to avoid the forest. The walked was long and not very long, all at the same time. They reached the top of the hill and the dirty little town and scurried right off into the performance tent.

  Most of the tent was already set up just like back at the bottom of the hill. For a moment, everyone forgot where they were and went about straightening and fixing, priming and perfecting every banner, every wire, and every light. Tryfod kept an eye on the time and on his performers. Finally, he made the call. “Alright everyone! Time to go backstage for final touch-ups. Pepé will be around if anyone needs assistance.”

  Ruth followed everyone to the back, even though she didn’t have much to do. She was holding her baton and guarding it with her life. Ginger had helped her pick out a dress that would work well under the lights. Eritol saw the child and waved for her to come to his mirror. Ruth climbed and ducked under people until she made her way to the corner. Eritol was straightening his red tie. “Ruth, I have something for you.” He reached behind him to pull a small garment bag from a hanger on the wall. “I think you might feel more comfortable in this.”

  Ruth eagerly grabbed the bag from his over-sized hands and unzipped it. She squealed with delight when she saw an exact shrunken replica of Eritol’s costume. The black top hat, the sparkling tuxedo jacket, the red tie, and the striped pants – it was all there. Eritol winked at her. “A Ringmaster’s got to look the part, no?” Ruth beamed and hugged Eritol’s leg. “Oh thank you! Thank you!” Eritol patted her head and pointed off to his side. “I’m not the only one you have to thank.”

  Pepé was standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. He was nervous to come any closer. Ruth was embarrassed. She should have known Pepé wouldn’t have betrayed her trust so easily. She ran over to him. “Oh Pepé, thank you. Thank you for everything.”

  A huge smile broke across Pepé’s face. He fell to his knees and started kissing her feet again. “Oh! Oh! My dear BEEEUUUTIFUL prinzezz!!! Pepé lovaz youz two! Pepé iz juz zo happy! You are going to be zo lovaly on stagez! Mua. Mua. MuaMuaMua.”

  Eritol wiped a tear from his eye. “Oh I’m just so proud of my girl!” Ginger walked over, and Eritol blushed as he tried to hide his tears. Ginger reached up and brushed a tear from his cheek. “Oh Eritol, you big sap.” She leaned over and kissed Eritol on the cheek. Eritol stood dumbfounded, and Ruth could practically see the hearts swimming around his head. Ginger winked at Ruth and pointed at Pepé.

  “Ok. Let’s get Ruth ready!”

  Ruth and Pepé obediently followed Ginger as Eritol stood gazing blissfully into space.

  Ruth stayed in her tiny pop-up dressing room well after she had her costume on. “This is nothing more than a dress rehearsal. This is nothing more than a dress rehearsal.” Tryfod’s voice boomed over her thoughts. “Places everyone! Places!”

  Ruth took a deep breath and stepped out. Everyone was rushing quickly to th
eir spots. She saw Eritol and headed towards him. He looked calmer than Tryfod. One by one, the performers left the backstage area. Ruth peaked out from the curtain in the corner. The tent was packed with hundreds of cranky, dirty men. She swallowed hard. She peered around to the stage area and noticed that there was only one big podium. Her miniature podium was missing.

  “Eritol! Eritol! Where’s my podium?! Where am I going to stand?!”

  Eritol beamed as he heard Tryfod’s announcement beginning. “That is your podium, my dear. I’m watching from back here.” Ruth looked up in horror, but Eritol kept his smile. “Only one Ringmaster, remember?”

  Through the curtains, Ruth heard Tryfod finishing up. “… Our newest and tiniest Ringmaster, Ruth!” Eritol gave Ruth a gentle push into the front of the tent. Ruth walked cautiously out towards the podium. Every step required more bravery than the last. The audience looked mean and unimpressed.

  Out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of Pepé. He had a jacket made of sequins, and he looked like he was already crying. He blew her a kiss as she climbed the steps to the podium, bowed, turned around, and raised her baton as the lights dimmed. “It’s just like practice. It’s just like practice.”

  Once Ruth was on the podium, everything felt ordinary. Her hands were so familiar with the cues that her baton felt like it had a life of its own. Lady Karinza and the acrobats performed flawlessly, Ginger and the dancing girls outshined the glitter they wore, Boobamboo and the animals looked bigger and braver than they had before. Sir Adalberto and the flame throwers lit up the sky, Reeceecee and the trapeze artists dazzled on the pencil-thin wire, and Ruth charmed nearly everyone in the tent. As Ruth lowered her baton and made her final bow, the lights went out to thunderous applause. Ruth beamed. They did it! They did it! She could just feel it in the air.