‘Something has grabbed him in Hares Folly, has it Kane?’ Nella spoke up, mother of boys only, which had made her tough, some said. And though she asked the question, was faint hope that had her think the answer would differ from what she already knew.
‘And is a bitter one I’d say!’ he replied, though knew he told her nothing.
Ever prepared was Nella, as were her boys - and though the youngest but four, he could steal a widow’s tears if they of some worth.
Kane searched the darkest eyes you ever saw, but was lost in them, and pulled back scared by the shadows he saw. Struck by how somebody so full of wonder could seem so empty; but then was other people’s dreams he harboured, their souls cast on a moonless night. Too dark for Old Kane, though made him wonder, where was he?
‘It is Feudal. Yes, you are right, Kane!’ Meddler comically shielded his eyes from the old man’s stare, ‘Nella, you are worried?’
‘Not for you, Meddler, but for those who wish only to dream and are satisfied enough to do so.’
‘Ah, but still I am touched, your thoughts belie a soft heart and sentiment is abundant here.’ He pointed at her accusingly, though was praise for sure and to which she replied,
‘I’ll say you taught me one thing, Meddler, to blush is to waste. Funny but I miss it sometimes. How can it be that we have changed so much where you have not? And still your place here amongst us is as valid. Seems odd...’
‘And yet I count many ways, Nella, for sure! Most pertinent being this!’ He poked out his tongue and wagged it at all, ‘Now tell me I haven’t changed, I had no need for one! I remember that at least. Perhaps I become more like you, Nella? Perhaps I shall fall pregnant!’ Looking confused at his own revelation, he continued wistfully, ‘How odd it has been in the coming, consider yourself lucky that for you evolution passes discreetly. This has been a terror to me, a nightmare!’
‘That’s enough of that then!’ she scolded all who laughed. ‘Evolution is a serious business!’ And hid her own delight at his quandary.
‘I travel to Hares Folly tomorrow, in the company of Reuben!’
‘Oh no, you are not coming with me! I will not be party to your madness!’ Reuben, a snaggletooth red beard, got up, irritated at being singled out by our Meddler. He was habitually purple, if not with rage, with laughter and you would struggle to find an ‘In Between’ for the Meddler to mess with here. He had no truck with untruths and so rarely shut up and Meddler would say that mostly, he did not dream - mostly.
‘Tomorrow then, Reuben?’
‘I am going to bed, meddlesome creature!’ And he left, muttering scathing words for impudent creatures, but still perhaps checked that none of them hurt.
The late summer sky had lost its warmth and as captivating as his company was, most were cold and some were sleepy, but was all that felt the ground harden beneath their feet. Was their peace that was stolen away silently that night and made all gasp at its loss. Was a wholly unnatural fear that they shared and stranger still, was not by the Meddler that they did so.
It had been bigots and a common disdain for their type that had created the fairy tales which sent even the elders to sleep, but this feeling was new and foretold of a descent from this place of safety. Could they have shared their worries? Too sad that they could not. And they feared even more that the Meddler did not share these thoughts with them. They feared he had become bewitched…
But really, what harm could he do?
Later that night a small mischief was played on a guitar and such a merry tune for one at least.
‘Dance a while then Meddler, lightly go amongst these orphaned souls and conjure with them for one last time. Such a dark time creeps slowly upon all.’
Chapter 4
‘I thought I would escape you if I left so early, damn the days I awake feeling alone! Do you see me as a fool now, meddlesome creature?’
‘Oh but never, Reuben, I marvel at your optimism! And yes you are right, I do look to win favour with you, ha!’
‘None of that now, not today. We will talk like people if you please, less you have a taste for a tanning?
‘But surely, Reuben, if this was your course I would know it? I am struck by the notion that I would truly make the most fantastic pugilist, with no element of surprise. Do you not think so, Reuben?’
‘Aye, but more so a great thief! Ha, did you ever think?’
‘No, but I see that you did.’
‘You are reading again, Meddler! Is not promise of a beating warning enough?’
‘Forgive me, forgive me. I merely laugh at Reuben, the would-be sneak!’
‘Sneak?!’
‘Thief! I mean thief . Ha, ha, no matter nor insult they are one of the same. Reuben, how fortunate am I that you do not read minds also?’
‘I do very well thank you, but your beating will have to wait. I have a mind to catch the morning dew on spring blooms. A man such as I, his attentions are always welcome, ay, Meddler?’
‘Do you ask simply for confirmation, Reub? Or are you really in the dark as to how critical such things are, to the blooms in question?’
‘Aye well, you just keep to my side this day, Creature. You will pass for a son of mine, one that I am ashamed of mind - a sickly one or something. Still, sympathy is no bad thing with little else to recommend.’
‘Why thank you, Reuben, though the chill is unsettling this morning.’
‘Well that will teach you, won’t it? Perhaps you do see things others do not; but still an insult, no matter how prepared you are, is still as painful. There, you learn I think. Pains me to be so harsh but as none else will. Now go-on then, Bess!’ Pretty as the old cobb was, her manners were not and though obliged with a temporary trot she did also with pent up wind and so warily Reuben eased off the rein, all too aware of the pervasive effects of this, her most strategic assault at such a delicate age.
Soon the two settled on their journey, the morning a heady potion made of an August morning sun that cradled late blooms and a gentle southerly gifted the scent of wild rose and jasmine.
‘It is a pretty land this one, Creature, do you think? A man need not breakfast when he’s a honey like sun that warms the fruit and flower till they yield a scent enough for any hunger. No man needs be hungry or poor on such a morning.’
As wistfully as one so wholly disinterested could manage, our Meddler looked about and also within coffers, filled with others’ dreams, ‘As though the sun has fallen in love as much as we and is loathed to leave its earthly slumber.’
‘A pretty meadow would have sufficed, Creature, I am mistrusting of such verse from you. We none of us speak so.’
And so it continued between dear Reuben and his companion and more and more did the land delight the old man.
Meddler knew that it came to own him once more, and that a chain of events would spill this fire dragon’s earthly blood; but something in Reuben had him care not a bit, for as fearsome as he looked with his wild, red beard, and though he truly breathed fire with his words, this world had not equal enemies to fight and so his true fire never did alight.
A little jealous then, and somewhat bored with his own magic, Meddler prodded, ‘I thought we rushed to catch the dew? Heavens, perhaps we would do better camping and waiting for tomorrow?’
‘Just a bit more. Come on now, Bess, is a bit laboured even for you! And a bit of patience from you, Creature; what is your hurry, I might ask? When you know it all already!’
‘Hurry, Reuben? I do not hurry , do I? I only wish to catch a funeral not eighty years from now!’
‘Ha, ha, she will not give no more, she cares even less for you than she does for me. Can you not tell, Creature? Do you lose your magic as you do your temper? Now settle down and answer me this, for I am all wonderment at what gives you this fever.’
‘I do not pry Reuben, if that is your question? I have reason enough to have found you wanting all this journey.’
‘That pleased I am then, Creature, you will see why if yo
u look over there to the west and beyond them trees – there now, does she disappoint?’
‘I see her, Reuben! I see her! Set a course, man - west, sou’west and we will make shore this hour. Beware though, Reuben, for this sea of sweet meadow betrays at least one of us.’
‘As I say, Meddler, I require no more magic than what I see before me; a fire, a fight or fair face is enough for old Reuben. The magic, Meddler, the true magic is in the not knowing.’
‘Reuben, I never knew you an unkind man, but would you have me question whether I a curse or a gift? It would seem so. One thing I would say, and you may take it as compliment if you wish, though it but an observation, the world is full of bores both good and evil but very few such as yourself. And though I speak these words, Reuben, I do not understand them, for I shall miss you, you old fool.’
Reuben with fearsome face, turned on him. ‘You will not, Creature! Cast your net other ways!’ Pushed him from the cart, and making to be off.
‘Well!’ Meddler exclaimed, hiding a relish of such things badly, ‘I’ll make my own way from here then, shall I? Thank you!’ His voice caught in his throat and you might wonder but never know, as this Meddler did at that moment, the thief that steals your innocence. For truth he exists, and darkly goes amongst us, more so as bairns; but a Meddler, now there he might take his time and enjoy all the more his efforts. Meddler wildly lashed out, but at what? Too swift and too clever that you question yourself, but not too shy to let this one know.
‘Reuben! Please, a bit of your wisdom? I find evolution a most unsettling process. I do believe I am upset!’
Reuben, seeing the distraught state our Meddler be in, softened and could no longer laugh at him than he could chastise, ‘You are confused, Creature, is all.’
‘I do not get confused, Reuben. No, I truly do believe I am upset. Yet your words have more wisdom than first I thought. As a race you are habitually confused, brought on by an incurable emotional state. It has also been a favoured subject of myself and my peers; much discussed, perhaps more so despaired of. So, to conclude, dear Reuben, if I am as you say and see, confused , then surely is brought on by a fluctuation in my state? Reuben?’
The question he posed with one look was tragic enough; that he was aware that in all probability he became more human, and that he briefly despaired, only compounded it. So a little courage was needed in realising that this simple fact would make his gift – magic - far harder to bear.
Sad enough then to end this tale here, surely the outcome is predictable and as sad as you can imagine. But if you’ve the heart, you will stay a while longer for much more must be told and if you are unsure of the voice in your ear, then really you haven’t been listening.
‘Come on then, you. I was just startled is all. There, you see I can still surprise!’
‘Perhaps you might allow me to pre-empt you in the future, Reuben? I do not feel the magic you spoke of, in the not knowing.’
‘Perhaps it is as easy as that then, Creature? What do you say? Don’t you want to be more like Old Reuben? Lay down your magic then, for there is times I pity you, Creature, I don’t mind saying. Sometimes I looks upon you and feels you must be lonesome.’
‘No, no, no, Reuben. Never lonely. How could I be? For sure if a hermit existed to live on a hill and guard the most sacrosanct dreams of your most revered gods, for sure he would be known to me. Sentiment, Reuben, it has no logic or elementary worth and is what even you - the most fierce of men - is crippled with. Why yes, I know of many very evil doers but still they can be sentimental. It is a most human failing, and as I say sometimes, quite boring! Tell me its purpose, Reuben? No, tell me the sense in wishing and not doing ? You cannot! And I cannot imagine a more pious state than the human mind, why do you deny yourselves, only to become embittered? Tempted I am not, hah! No, I am set back is all, perhaps by less studious attention of yourself. As you would wish, I shall dare your wrath and be myself more, you Old Dragon!’
‘Enough! Enough, Creature, let us talk no more on this; I am no scholar and you are yet confused! Ha, ha, Lord, I make myself laugh, Meddler. I must stop here, or you may also develop a bitterness. I mean no harm, Creature, you know this.
Too flighty for profound feelings over a revelation that held more gravitas to this fated wee Creature than realised, and with promise of a darker subject than he had seen for at least five years, Meddler focussed on the town called Hares Folly. Funny, he noted that a town will always sound happy on approach as a whole, and actions both good and bad and thought bear no consequence to the riotous music played out on arrival. Hares Folly was no exception, in fact even the steps of the barefoot impoverished could be heard and beat out a rhythm, threatening to captivate unsuspecting opportunists.
‘I wonder that you cannot hear, Reuben?’
‘Ah well, I have not your funny ears, Creature, nor your will to see things that are of no consequence.’ He tugged at one hidden beneath a large floppy hat, and for sure was exaggerated for just such a reason, he told.
‘No, no, Reuben, for even I can balk at the thought of predicting a town full of folk, acute senses simply add to an unerring talent.’
And a great conversion was struck between the two as they entered Hares Folly, on how the gift of hearing could not and should not ever be replaced by a more meddlesome talent, for there was real beauty to be had in it. Though they both agreed, perhaps not so the eye, at least in this case. Hares Folly’s gothic architecture and high principle gave way to a softer, less contrived scape and such as it was, a town lost to progress. Would be theatre for a tragedy played to a most avaricious audience, begging for one such as our Meddler to give life to an abundance of malcontents and have them realise some equality if only in their dreams.
Chapter 5
‘Fi Fi La La?’ Meddler cried as they came upon the establishment; was for ladies and their maids to turn pennies into ribbons and frills, but the promise of beauty in the window he could not resist. ‘A fantastical claim, Reuben! I have seen many swine trussed up in ribbons acquired here, but what is better? A swine with ribbon or without? The proprietor I see, has high opinion of herself, but oh, Reuben please tell me you are not fooled by that accent? Ha, ha, Lord no! No need for magic here, ay man? For you must have discovered her a charlatan, yes?’
Reuben blushed, for as promised, Meddler had helped himself. He shrugged his shoulders. ‘She keeps a fine shop though, Creature, a man could find several wives there at any time of day. I would say she has a heart and a passion for looking after the young ladies, is all. And no, Meddler, I do not believe her truly French, so quit that begging for a beating look!’
‘No indeed, Reuben, I have never met a more astute fellow as yourself and if you remain fooled is only to indulge a silly woman who is most times passed over. Though wait, there is another! But no, she would never consider, you see Reuben you could tell her or I. She is so very well, all together and established, that none see her as in distress. Tell me, Reuben am I wrong to say that men as a rule find the state of this most attractive? I myself would offer her advice, to not fix her buttons so fast and to take less care where she might befall minor accidents.
‘Ah well, Meddler, is that very stress that you note a lack of that I finds so becoming, and she is truly heartbroken from want of attention.’
‘Dear Reuben, I bow to your superior insightfulness. And yes her day is brightened by me, but no more by you! She may well be less accommodating next time you meet as are the admired in general. At least you shall not feel her terse, a gift to you, Reub for bringing me this fine day to such a fine place.’
‘You cannot help it, I must keep reminding myself, Meddler, but I will not have a day I find most enjoyable spoiled by it, and I swear to you, Creature, she knew well of my feelings long before you announced them!’
‘I would have thought near on two thousand years of knowledge and experience would have trounced your fifty, Reuben, but no. You see I am forever challenged by superfluous information.’<
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‘Aye I see now, now let us move on. As I say, I have much to show you and as I say, am enjoying myself.’
‘Yes, Reub, but I see that it is my disguise that amuses you most, shall I remove my hat and make your day?’
‘Don’t you dare, Creature! You will have the militia, the clergy and who knows what else upon us!’
‘Would I? Really! And speaking of men in skirts, said vicar rushes to make his morning known to you, look! He struggled this day to pass a decent deposit so if he appears less than interested, is because of this. He is well and truly bunged. You might suggest boiled water, Reub? I do not pry so save your blushes, we have talked on it before. Be assured, Reuben, that is a part of the human mind that holds no fascination for me, and most times I do well to ignore it!’ He continued his appraisal with feigned interest as for sure all that occupied the man was his toilet, ‘ Unfortunately and more so for me, he is a man of method and habit and is consumed by it! It is no fun, Reuben, but he seemed so impassioned that I was attracted and now can no more be rid of him as he can his preoccupation. Do you know that he will chose his wife by her morning ritual, in that if she keeps house well and is amused more by it he will choose her over a love match. One that would be more attentive to him would only add to his affliction.’
Shaking with laughter at his pointed description, Reuben hushed our Meddler and is here that we first meet the Reverend Bell Baker - a plain man in everything but character and whose sermons whether at the pulpit or the dining table always sparked controversy. Added to this an aptitude for condescension that left even the most bigoted feeling that not only were they charitable, they might enjoy more efforts that way. Perhaps then a divine calling? The fact that he didn’t trip on his voluminous skirt was surely by the hand of God, as he rushed to Reuben’s cart.
‘Reuben, how good to see you. And I see you have a companion?’
‘Morning, Reverend, and aye I do have company. Scrap of a lad so he is, and not worth the mentioning. Ain’t that right, boy?’
The Meddler Page 2