Seth! Oh no, justice had to be done – else we would pander more to the Lord of Chaos! We must clean up behind him, of course, but to answer your question, yes he was an innocent. You see, in the first, he was an innocent. Lucifer chooses wisely those in need of direction.’
‘But well rid?’
‘Of course! Did I not exact a justice?’
‘But the horse, Reverend?’
‘Of course, of course, my reason for this tale! You see, I truly believe it to be he. This may sound quite wild but I shall set forth my reasons and dare you to disagree. Was one summer’s evening and I was sat at my study. As I have mentioned, was a damnably low light for the season and a strange stillness – most unnervingly so – fell about the rectory. Where bird and critter would normally sing and scurry, nothing. Not even a breeze to rattle my window, not even this.’
Harry’s eyes grew wider and Bell Baker’s vanity grew with them.
‘A stroll, I thought, amongst God’s great creation – as are my flock also, would perhaps return some harmony to what is normally heavenly pasture and small copse. So I ventured forth and yes, perhaps only because they were startled, the inhabitants of this pasture seemed enlivened by my presence. Contented, I went to return to my studies. I pride myself on good vision, Harry, but I tell you at one hundred paces, all looked as I had left it. No, at fifty it did! And then – then I saw it!’
‘The horse?’
‘The Devil, man!’
‘And the horse, he was on its back?’
‘What? No! The Devil is the horse! Keep up! Saddled and reined it paced before me – foaming at the mouth, swathed in sweat, never catching my eye, never daring to! And was then, man, that I knew ! I knew that the Lord, in all his wisdom had seen fit for me to ride this beast – to be custodian until the day of reckoning!’ He lifted his arms to the Heavens, praising the wisdom in it, then stopped and hushed Harry who had begun to join in. ‘In conclusion, although this is a beast and shall never feel whip nor hand, it is for me to try and rein in the chaos it creates and it must never be in any doubt.’
‘And I am quite sure by the looks it gives me, that it is not, Reverend – as though it has been discovered! But please, let us not continue in this vein. I feel it enjoys it!’ Harry’s paltry excuse for a little peace was lost on the Reverend, and he seemed delighted with what he thought was insight into the unfortunate beast’s state. He bristled with pride at being vindicated and it must be said, that in this he felt closer to God, and if he was confused, as we all know, was Lucifer’s work.
Truth being that would not be long before they would be in earshot of the camp, of Rosalind. Bell Baker propelled by self importance and Harry drawn by the magnetic moon Meddler had told of. As for this pretty maid – who waited beneath its milky light – was never a prettier picture and the moon never so giving as it was to her that night, for took her in its arms, was a true lover’s light.
Chapter 18
What fire did light The Heart that eve as our two travellers approached, faces animated by the amber flames and her shadows.
Nella greeted them with her usual warmth, ‘Oh aye! Well I knows you, Harry and why you are here!’ She laughed and raised her skirts, whooping to all. ‘But you, Sir? I cannot says I knows you.’
Harry made a quick and apologetic exit to where Rosie sat. ‘Meddler said I would find you beneath the moon.’
‘No special powers needed for that one though, ay!’ Oaky teased, ‘she’s a fine bold one!’
Meddler busied himself with the young ones and preened his vanity with their whoops of delight at his conjuring from the flames. Reuben teased him, calling it trickery and said that none but he could hold fire in a breath nor light up the sky with a belly full of gas!
Nella clapped her hands, calling all to attention, ‘To any of you who are not acquainted, this here is the Reverend Bell Baker. Let us make him room at The Heart and for sure, Sir, you will be always welcome!’
Bell Baker smiled at all and took a seat by Nella, who snatched back her brew from a rowdy Reuben and Kane.
‘I need a drop, after you know what,’ she whispered to Bell Baker.
‘And I too.’ And he gladly took the bottle from her and they shared for a good half an hour before he took his leave and went to find Meddler; found muttering to himself that the Lord was mysterious indeed, and that for sure this was a test of belief.
‘I shall not fail you, or fail to see with ignorance or vanity that indeed your work takes many forms – and if I was a little confused,’ he said, standing back and watching this artless little creature, ‘I am not now.’
‘A word, little friend?’
Meddler bowed before him and gestured to a tent.
He would often oblige and humour a mortal with words though were truly never necessary, that is until now perhaps.
‘I may have something to tell you that you cannot see, and though I believe and am in awe of your wisdom and knowledge – breath-taking calculations – I believe I have something still to add.’
Meddler’s dark, haunting eyes grew wider and wider and a little colour flushed his cheeks. ‘I never mind a blush, Reverend,’ he said, quite flustered, ‘they are really quite toxic!’ And took his secret bag, dabbing away the escapee with a handkerchief. ‘I am intrigued by your statement, Reverend – please tell me, what could it be? I am sure, quite sure that I cannot see.’ And he winked a heavy eye. ‘Malachi? But how would you, why would you be interested? I am sure, I have never mentioned he to you.’
He paced about the tiny tent as only one of such diminutive proportions could, looking suspiciously at Bell Baker, who continued, ‘I believe you have more to tell me than I have to tell you, my friend. I know not of a Malachi, but a Michael !’
‘Malachi is preferred! But what would you have me tell you?’
‘Nothing, nothing that I have not already guessed.’
‘Well, for sure you have confused me!’
Bell Baker sat staring at the ground, glancing only briefly in the direction of Meddler as though he ought not, as though he had not the right. He dared himself to think that this discovery was not chance, that it be significant. Had he been too inquisitive? Had he questioned where faith should have been enough?
‘What do you think about, man?’ He had come to stand before Bell Baker, pushing his floppy hat up to stare him in the face, ‘I am sure it is all quite boring! All this toing and froing you are doing. The Lord and your faith, your faith and the Lord! I had thought you more creative.’ Meddler put a funny, tadpole-like digit to his lips as he went to speak – and that was that.
Bell Baker waited as though he might speak more, but when he went to gaze upon the little creature, he was gone. He did check the copious amounts of scarves and laces in a heap, but was fruitless and perhaps unimportant, for sure Bell Baker knew enough already. He sat back on his haunches, ‘Malachi, Michael. The Angel of Death is he? Surely he cannot mean, he ?’ He needed to know more and felt strangely vacant at such a definitive moment – void of questions. He noted that this feeling often dogged him, especially when the Good Lord saw fit to remind him that he was but a vessel – a channel. He shuddered at the thought and looked up to the Heavens. ‘Father, do I enjoy this too much?’ Though knew the answers already, so what or who, bid him seek confirmation? Was it vanity? And for whom would this confirmation be? ‘Ah now I see.’ And he clasped his hands in prayer and went in search of Nella, if only to enjoy some of the warmth and light these people emitted, and to have it shine upon he.
Reuben unfortunately, had taken his fair share of the Nella brew and was the night’s entertainment, Rose between his teeth, full skirt and bonnet. Bell Baker caught Nella’s eye and gestured for her to accompany him. Finding a seat outside a pretty caravan, he waited for her impatiently, until by and by she joined him.
‘Aye well, I knew you would be back! I have a good mind for riddles, ay Reverend? Some even think to reward me.’ She held out her hand.
He touched i
t and ignored the intent. She went to continue, but he hushed her.
‘Nella, friend? Confidante?’
‘Of course! All three!’
She blushed and Bell Baker managed to keep hold of his precious coins. As a rule, he was loath to part with any and would often beg a meal or a nip under the guise of some urgent message from the Lord to impart.
‘What we talked of earlier? The little one. I feel I need a little more information. Tell me, is he normally very open?’
‘Oh very, Reverend – mind you cannot stop him once he starts! Only the other day at The Hoomey, was my turn, you see, and there I sat telling my tale and the little one was right put out, you see? Oh, I shouldn’t laugh but you see, he never gets The Hoomey Bread and so wants to tell his story. Most times he ignores the tradition, so he does, and just carries on and on!’
‘He is obviously very dear to you, Nella.’
‘Oh, like one of my own, Reverend! Some of the elders attribute him with more than he is and can seem a bit harsh at times – but not I, Reverend, I know he has heart.’
‘The Hoomey, Nella? Please enlighten me?’
Nella told him the tale which he thought delightful, but expanding on it would have to wait. ‘Nella, you are aware of my thoughts on our little friend and now must tell you that if I was unsure before, I am not now.’
Nella blushed. ‘Oh, Reverend, Sir. I cannot believe! But no, there I can! We have so many special souls here. There is Reuben, I am sure I have yet to tell you of him.’
‘Yes, Nella, but please, perhaps later? I must ask a favour of you, could you possibly arrange for Meddler to receive The Hoomey Bread? You see I must know. Lord I fear – no I hope – I do not trespass between our worlds!’
Nella was shaken by his impassioned plea.
‘Surely Nella, the Good Lord, in all his wisdom has seen fit to bring us all together.’
‘Sir, as a man of the cloth, and a good one I’m sure, you need not Nella’s approval for anything!’
‘Nella, I love your innocence!’ And he took her hand. ‘I am sure that if this all be true and Meddler hath come from The Angel Michael, then he has found the best of welcomes here amongst you people!’
A gasp and squeal came from the caravan. Nella pushed back the curtain to see Rosie and Harry flee out the back.
‘Bloody earwiggers! Rosalind, my girl!’ she yelled after them, poking out her tongue.
‘What is this for?’
‘For keeping your teeth from falling out, Nella!’
Rosie had been taught well by Nella. Being a girl naturally prone to telling tales, Nella had scared her saying that babbling brought about a spell of tooth loss. And so, when reminded, Rosie would press her tongue to her teeth until Nella saw fit to relieve her of the spell thus rendering her unable to pass on any other’s business.
She turned to Bell Baker who sat in contemplation of the moon. ‘She will be no trouble, Sir.’
‘There are scientists, Nella, who must have so little magic in their lives that it almost seems wanton to have all that we do. ‘
‘Reverend, you think too much and I am far from wanton.’ She blushed again, not fully understanding his play on words, and took his hand. ‘I shall sort The Hoomey for you.’
And there she left him and there he sat, hoping the Lord not take from him the enchantment he felt.
***
Back at The Heart, Meddler acted up to Bell Baker’s suspicious actions quite comically, although it must be said that there was a little part of him that was just a little curious….
Taking a perch beside him he remarked casually, ‘You know, there really is nothing you can teach me, nor hide, I think.’ He added the latter in a whisper to himself.
‘But what if it is something you perhaps – and the Lord, forgive me if it is true – if it is something you were never meant to discover? To maintain this glorious innocence that seems to keep you safe?’ He waved his hands as though his words were an incantation above little Meddler.
‘Impossible, Reverend, though I thank you for the bare seconds’ contemplation. It is a rare state indeed for myself, and so was truly a treat!’ Was not a snipe but the truth and as all knew that there was no deceit or conceit in him unless through mischief and the comment was well received. Bell Baker vainly prided himself on an inherent ability to make people question. He went to continue, ‘Ah, Nella!’
Meddler leaped before her. ‘Are we to have The Hoomey, tonight? I only ask, as am sure our guests would so much enjoy it!’
Nella cocked her head to the side. ‘I cannot think of a reason why we would not? Ay?’
Meddler scuffed the floor with his big boots, then kicked them off as though in a sulk. ‘I shall not find it in my bed.’
‘Well, probably not, little one but you may as well look.’
‘You know, I do believe I’ll not bother.’
‘No?’
‘No, Nella! I am tired of disappointment.’
‘But surely, Meddler, you never are disappointed as is how you say it, knowing ? Hmm?’
‘Yes, this is true and, Nella, may I compliment you on your sharp wits tonight?! I would have thought you less so with the amount of brew you have taken; but sometimes Nella, I like and can choose to be surprised.’
‘And tonight is not such a time?’
‘I am sure, I am not sure, as cannot decide if I have chosen to surprise myself. For you see, if I knew, it would cancel out the whole concept! Perhaps I am just tired of the oversight. It is hurtful and though I cannot feel the pain, is only fair that I speak up as the pain is mine –whether I feel it or not! Can you imagine a world where if, just because you did not feel as others would dictate – you were denied and overlooked?’
‘Go on you!’ Nella laughed and flicked his ear, ‘Get you, and check your berth – and no more mucking with me!’
The excitement he felt could not be contained and although he did indeed know , the thought of an audience captivated with the magic of The Hoomey had him leap from the two conspirators and into the great feathery flames of the fire. The shadows and plumes of light carved out a sinister look on his face – almost wild. He lunged at the young ones, playing up to that fact, making them scream with excitement and dare him to come down. An incandescent light carried him upwards until he danced on the tips of each amber tongue and until Reuben had had enough,
‘Ere, you little ones! Want to see me breathe fire?’
Their fickle nature and hunger for a more dramatic magic had them circle the old dragon within seconds and were soon baying for him to perform. Lighting a torch, he turned about –bent over, holding the flame to his rear – and farted! The blueish flames fiercely blew, and the children both screamed with laughter and amazement and were chastised by their mothers as they went to try it for themselves. Indignantly, Meddler fell to the ground – dusted himself off and stiffly acknowledged a magnificent display by Reuben. He took his leave, heading for his favourite silken scarf den.
‘Pretty things,’ he muttered as he continually turned over his bed, ‘I know it is here.’
Then, the little pale biscuit showed itself underneath a secret hoard of pretties he had hoped nobody knew of – they belonged to others and he had collected them by accident, of course.
‘Damn you, Nella!’ he scolded, ‘look at my blushes!’ They danced before him, lighter than a moonbeam, kissing his cheeks mischievously. With a petulant swipe, he gathered them all and safely put them back in the pretty velvet purse and eyed The Hoomey lustfully. ‘Now then, this will require some calculus. I must not bore nor tell all but leave them hungry for more! As for you, Bell Baker, well I am not ignorant of the fact that nothing, not one being, can be conscious of everything at every given time; but it does not follow that it is not known and controlled. I am sure my tale of the many realms will not only fascinate but bring an end to this inquisition! I am not disconcerted by your observations, simply sad that I must disappoint. But let us see, for your mind is unusually blank,
are you dead? For sure you must be!’ And with this summary in mind he made his journey back to the fire, full of trepidation which obstinately refused to budge.
The fire was stoked and the company full of joy and honest incredulity that Meddler held The Hoomey. Nella reminded him – on seeing his shyness, that she had sewn him a deep dark pocket to put such things in, and to forget about them.
‘Meddler has The Hoomey! Meddler has The Hoomey!’ whispered the crowd that had gathered for the ceremony, some in disbelief and some with genuine horror. Reuben showed a rare and soft side by announcing that they were all in for treat and no need to dissemble into an unfeeling and spiteful lot, just because he appeared not to feel.
‘And don’t we all at times!’ Nella added, bringing the rabble to heel.
‘Well, I am not sure where to begin? I have so much to tell, some of which you already know, but much you do not!’ Meddler stood taller than he ever was in reality. ‘I think I have no need for this!’ And he launched his hat ceremoniously, hitting Reuben in the face as the children stifled giggles. Bell Baker gasped, for although he knew that this creature to be of another world, he had not realised just how pronounced this fact was.
Nella rubbed his hand excitedly. ‘He is a beauty, isn’t he?’
Still reeling from the unveiling, he remained silent, only nodding and smiling in response.
‘An epiphany, I think your lot call it, Reverend?’ Nella warmly looked into his eyes.
‘Thank you for reminding me, Nella.’
‘Scant?’
‘Rarer than that, Nella!’
‘And is what makes ‘em so special, I suppose, Reverend?’
‘Is why, dear Nella, they are called epiphanies – as opposed to daily observations.’
‘Blessed we are, Sir, blessed we are.’
Meddler was showing more than a little impatience. ‘When you have both finished! After all, is I who holds The Hoomey! Or is it only sacred when you hold court, Nella?’
Both apologised immediately and gestured for him to go on, although must be said in defence of our little friend, that Bell Baker would not hush! He wondered if he had the right to question? Or if he had the courage to hear the answers? Lord, he prayed, I am but a good man and your loyal servant.
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