‘No! you are a vessel! A vessel! Yes, yes I know that already!’ Meddler danced before him, thoroughly frustrated. ‘Irritating! Bell Baker, irritating! Allow me, and please no more conjecture! This is no time for such powerful thought; it is quite, quite deafening!’
He whimpered and cried, holding his big, floppy ears, so much so that the children cried, ‘Poor Meddler! Poor Meddler!’
Albie, the youngest and boldest of all of them, stood up, announcing, ‘If the thinking does not stop, you will have me to answer to!’
And as all knew Albie to be a very serious, quite irresistible little character, all emptied their minds. Those that could not, well Meddler enjoyed telling them that what they thought was of no interest to either of them. Albie finishing off with a declaration of loyalty and brotherhood to Meddler; he really was the most charming and disarming of all.
‘Less of your dramatics, Creature!’ Reuben warned, ‘or I will have that Hoomey off you!’ Not only did he breathe fire with his words, Albie noticed a flicker of flame on a hanky that he took from his mouth and painfully left to sit and stare at Reuben; for Meddlers were Meddlers, but dragons… Well, dragons were sacred.
So alone again, Meddler began – teasing Bell Baker at first by avoiding his curiosity, but by and by he tired of the fight. ‘Perhaps you might translate?’ he said, crouching before him, holding his gaze and his heart with one flicker of doubt. ‘So that my friends here – my family , might take some comfort in my – your words?’
‘Of course I shall.’ Bell Baker was so touched that his voice wobbled and though for him this was a truly magnificent discovery; for Meddler, he knew, was just a little scary.
‘I would be honoured! And can you now admit that you have learned something? I might add that you should not be scared.’
With a swish of his coat he about turned, ignoring Bell Baker’s last statement, and began with a revelation for all….
‘Of course, the time shall come to pass when even the youngest of you shall leave me, not I you. I have no need to venture forth onto many plains to attain the inner sanctum you all thirst for; I have no need, nor am I directed to do anything for myself personally. So I say that although we shall part company, I am blessed with the ability to continue to enjoy your adventures, however from a distance – and although I do participate, it shall never be in this wonderful company of players and noble, fantastical beasts again! So sad am I, if only because it seems right to be.’
‘Gah! What’s this? Sentiment?’ Reuben roared. ‘Enough of this talk of death and wot not! What you playing at, Creature? You think we want pretty pictures painted of our departed? Ay? Bloody madness!’
‘Reuben please, I have my reasons and am building a scene!’
‘Rome, is it then? This scene?’ somebody jibbed, but the rebellion was quelled quickly by a frustrated Nella and her good right arm launching a boot at the mutinous head.
Meddler cleared his throat, theatrically. ‘As I was saying, ’And he spun on Bell Baker. ‘Well! I had not got there yet!’
Bell Baker reminded him that Meddler was the only mind reader there and he had not spoiled anything. ‘You will have to tell the story again my friend.’
With a wicked look, Meddler began again, remarking, ‘if you find your own assumptions adequate, then please feel free to leave at any point!’
Bell Baker – duly contrite, promised that he would tame his wild imaginings and left the stage to he who had The Hoomey.
‘I have many brothers – people who occupy many realms – as do I and have I. You see, at the end of each lifespan, dictated by math and Malachi, we return to his seat and appraise – discuss – compare our findings, successes and oddly, in times of rest and leisure, our evolution. I am sure I shall have much to show this time!’ He poked out his silly lizard-like tongue and wagged his ears.
‘Get on with it, will you!’ another shouted, ‘what about these realms?’
‘Now now, hush and listen. I am sure he’s been more than polite when it has been your turns!’ Nella stood up, a little shaky with the brew but as it was her and all abided by her, the camp fell silent again.
‘Some will travel across the mountains of the mind where a lake of souls is deep and dark; but if clear your reflection then pure you be. Others will act in the theatre of retribution, they will become pilgrims followed by the eye of the dragon – ever watchful that they have plentiful fire, warmth and light. Forever must this fire burn else we plunged into darkness where the demons thrive on the minds that fruit, on the ones who fall prey to fear!’ His impassioned speech captivated all as though they waited for this very minute in time to find a purpose they had lost.
‘Perhaps the fire has been dim of late, Meddler?’
‘Yes, I think you are right Oaky, but look at her now!’
She’s a beauty!’ someone cried with delight and dragged others up to dance around the amber flames that raged and soared so high that it seemed eternal.
‘And so I come to the end of this tale and have one more to mention. Is you, Nella, in particular.’
The impromptu dance came to an end and as all were most eager and most fond of the lady, they sat a little closer so as not to miss a drop of the tonic he administered.
‘For you, Nella, you shall simply find a journeys end where a heart as grand as this one will warm and suffice forever! Where a pageant of beautiful and riotous blooms awaits you, whispering your name to the sweetest, softest breeze!’
‘Quite.’
‘Nella?’
‘Quite right, wee one. And I shall enjoy the wait, for as long as I may!’ she added, trying to look grateful, ‘I am, perhaps, more pertinent than simple entertainment, ay?’
Exalted in his story telling prowess, Meddler remained and was as always oblivious to such charms as sarcasm or irony.
‘The realms?’ Reuben heckled, noting Nella’s lack of enthusiasm for her tale. ‘They sound a little religious! Begging the pardon of any of the cloth present!’
‘Oh hush now, Bell Baker!’ Meddler scolded him again. ‘For the Reverend they are, Reuben – but for you my friend, my oh my what wonders lie ahead! What magic you shall see, such futures you shall carve. No no, for you, Old Dragon and many hereabouts, a fairy tale. Gruesome yes, but also spectacular and full of light and love.’
‘Well, that’s alright then!’ And he quickly downed some more of Nella’s brew. Meddler tittered politely at his display. ‘Sweet Nella, I have not finished with you yet, you shall be happy to know. You will not have far to travel; for a heart so worn with absolute faith and love, the softest seat awaits you in the prettiest of meadows, where you may have the company of whomever you wish – and whenever you wish! ‘
Nella blushed. ‘Thank you, little one.’ Mustering what enthusiasm she could, she felt the finality of her arrangements, set out by Meddler, were a little disconcerting.
‘For you, Nella, at least, I hope I have secured the best of night’s sleep tonight!’
Bell Baker comforted her, trying to mask his amusement at the scene. ‘Allow me, I forget my duties my little friend.’ And he stood next to Meddler, who looked thoroughly confused at the statement.
‘To translate, of course! Of course, please – you may share my stage!’
‘Well, I am sure my words will feel dull in comparison, but if I can enlighten any who would wish to be, or would wish to share my understanding of this – please may these words that follow bring comfort and unity.’
Nella, tired of Reuben’s obvious enjoyment of her predicament, snatched the bottle from his hands. ‘I prefer my meadow to any grim tale laced with a bit of magic!’
Reuben grabbed her hand and kissed it in an unusual act of gallantry, normally reserved for the slayers of such beasts, misguided though they were.
Never a one to stint on elaborate content of a sermon, Bell Baker talked and he talked, and well – he talked; so as that if there was any in two minds before he started as to whose explanation of what lay beyond t
hey preferred, there was not now – not after two hours of it.
Meddler continually, and quite precociously enjoyed himself at the general feeling of desperation and was in receipt of not just one flick of the ear or baleful stare.
‘In summary!’ Bell Baker’s voice rang out like church bells calling an unwilling congregation to heel, the short announcement would be welcomed by all. ‘We each have our own perception of Heaven, but the one true defining force leads us always towards good and the destruction of evil! We must all play our part, ay, Meddler?’
Meddler declared with a wink, ‘The Hoomey is over!’ He threw the biscuit bread into the fire which gobbled it up with a fierce display. Nella seemed placated, even if she was the only one, by the good Reverend’s words. Yawning, she said was time for her bed – calling Rosie to help with the young ones.
‘No matter.’ Meddler was visibly disappointed at her announcement.
‘What’s up with you then?’ Nella replied, touching his cheek affectionately.
‘It is just that I feel a gathering of the elders is needed, Nella. My vision, it worries me and has become clouded.’
‘No no, dear one – you are just excited! And look, look at your Nella. Do I look distressed by a foreboding, or thoughts and visions?’
‘No, Nella you do not, which is what worries me, you see? The farmer Lickspittle.’
‘I know, wee one, he wants us gone.’
‘But now, you see, Nella, he was close with...’
‘With?’
Meddler stopped short of telling, for there was no need. ‘Ah, but I see now that Reuben and the good Reverend have seen fit to tell you all.’
‘Aye, little one. I know it all. And if repercussion were to happen, do you think that their secrecy would have kept us safe?’
‘No, no, Nella – more the opposite. It is better that you are forewarned.’
‘And, Meddler,’ she said, stifling a yawn, ‘if it helps, I was not shocked by it, was as though I already knew.’
‘You did of course, Nella – perhaps I have so much to think of that.’
‘That some things are so basic, Meddler, that you do not notice your telling of them – but rest assured.’
‘No secrets.’
‘No, Meddler, not ever between us.’
‘Still, I have a few things to discuss and as you are so tired, dear Nella, I shall visit you as a dream? If you are too tired to stay awake?’
‘Aye, that will be just fine.’
And she left for her berth with the young ones. Rosie – heavily under the influence of a Meddler, came back to the fire for she needed Harry that night and the two were inseparable. Odd that she should, but is how it goes, for Meddlers grow tongues to speak fortunes and woes.
Old Kane was the first to speak, ‘Such a night it has been! But I feel it will be the last one that we shall all enjoy so much – and together as we are.’
‘Aye, he gets us all like that! Morbid Creature!’ Reuben hurled a stick at Meddler. ‘What now, ay? Can’t you quit that meddling for just one night?’ Though his words were not harsh and he was full of the brew for sure, but also full of trepidation – as were the rest.
‘I believe we shall have a visit.’
‘From the farmer?’
‘Just so, Reuben. I did warn that we would not make any friends there last visit; and now with suspicion to fall about us, for Hares Folly already misses their poisoned son. Well, I am sure of a visit, of sorts.’ He wrung his white little hands in a genuine show of apprehension. ‘I fear it is not preventable.’
Oaky stood up with some urgency. ‘I say, did any of you ever have a spontaneous thought?’
‘It is not possible, Oaky, I am afraid. As I am before you – all knowing.’
‘Then why, Meddler, did you not think that my plan would work?’
‘Probably because it wouldn’t,’ Meddler said a little stiffly and laughing a little, he went to continue but Oaky was determined,
‘But you see, will you hear me out?’
‘I do not see the point.’ Meddler was growing more and more incensed, and tutted,
‘But very well, if you must!’
He sat down, flicking his silly feet in a petulant act and gave the rest a look of condescension. ‘If we must – we must.’
Oaky ignored him, standing an impressive six feet with quite a commanding presence of late. ‘The farmer has a daughter, who has eyes for me – so I am told.’
Meddler leapt from a nonchalant repose. ‘Enough! I see, yes! Well I am sure I knew already and you must concede that is my exemplary plan? Not yours? Come now, Oaky, we all know that where I excel at such things; in fact everything , you are useful but not – as you see, myself.’
‘No, allow me!’ Oaky was not put off by Meddler’s dressing down, in fact it made him more eager.
‘Please,’ Meddler replied, sounding just as terse.
‘No! Was my idea!’
‘ But I have The Hoomey, Oaky, now please if you do not mind!’
‘You do not have it anymore!’
‘That’s enough!’ Harry arrested the two as they jostled, a little roughly, for position.
‘I think we all have the idea now!’
‘And I require no thanks!’ Meddler added quickly, dodging a cuff from Oaky.
‘I am quite sure, Creature, that we would have – if not – did not, come to the conclusion very quickly on our own! We are still very able to think without assistance!’ Reuben never tired of being slightly annoyed by his creature, and the two enjoyed themselves much in each other’s company because of the fact. Neither was in awe of the other and both had their fair share of magic. Reuben’s fire grew brighter and brighter of late and made Meddler’s ebony eyes burn with its amber promise; and he in turn recommended himself to the old dragon more and more, as faults and flaws, in a once dazzling display of crystal-like clarity and wisdom, made him less obvious to both himself and Reuben. Far more interesting, Reuben might say, and if full of mischief – less boring! And so perhaps, a dangerous innocence that once had Reuben worry for, or defend this little creature, was evolving into something much darker and in truth, something to be wary of – and as Reuben was no angel, the friendship bloomed into a brotherhood. A united front with one purpose and a fate intertwined.
‘Not all magic,’ Reuben had remarked, ‘comes from a hat or a seeing eye – some comes from making someone feel warm and loved – appreciated when the only company they can really rely on is their own shadow – or even worse, that of another.’
As a group, they mulled over the plans for farmer Lickspittle’s daughter but was with little enthusiasm, as was more a distraction – and as Hepzibah dreamed of having her way and Oaky began to regret his sacrifice and all began to enjoy his predicament a little – A Quickening – an aligning of fates… the town of Hares Folly had raised a guard and they came urgently to the camp.
Meddler cursed the day when a magical moment in time – a good time shared – was lost by a Seeing Eye and pre-emptive thought.
‘When then, Creature?’ Reuben said with resignation.
Oaky looked dejected, Bell Baker alerted and Old Kane’s smile had vanished, replaced by a furrowed brow and a fearful look.
‘And there is nothing you can do?’ Reuben quizzed him again, impatiently.
Meddler seemed lost for words and tentatively sat down beside Bell Baker.
‘What use are you, ay?’
‘It’s not his fault, Reuben!’ Oaky cried, almost tearful, ‘Nella says that all of us lose magic as we grow older!’
Meddler’s little shoulders shook gently beneath his oversized jacket and under a wide brimmed hat a solitary tear fell, stinging his cheek. Terrified to look up, he muttered,
‘Is witchery – as I have said before, a magic that I cannot undo as has no maths, no reason?’ Still shaking, the dark shadow of Reuben appeared above him and he flinched as though in pain. He looked up, eyes haunted with fear and hid trembling lips puckered in a
grimace.
Reuben stooped down and tapped his nose, ‘There there, Creature, not all is lost! You have done us proud to warn us, for sure! We are all aware that hate comes this way, ay?’
‘Aye!’ came a call from all.
‘But, Reuben,’ Meddler choked, ‘was simple maths for you all – in fact, I believe I have stopped you all acting instinctively by your very reliance and faith in me!’
‘No. Can’t say you have ever affected me, none of us have ever been put in harm’s way because of your silly meddling, Creature! And did you not give fair warning to us all, plenty before this night – and say that there was nothing to be done?’
Kane liberated his smile from thin lips and Oaky quickly sat beside Meddler. ‘Was a good plan you gave me, I was just teasing you.’
Reuben cuffed the youth about the ear. ‘Ere now! You should be grown out of mischief by now!’
‘And it will still work, you’ll see, Meddler.’ Oaky said clutching his ear in pain. ‘Just let this be your new magic – a magic that can change fates! Fates cast by the Gods, in the air that we breathe and that course through our veins, so as we may never alter them! But they did not reckon on you, ay little one?’
A moment’s clarity brought crimson colour to Reuben’s cheeks. ‘They did not reckon on us all! Creature, that magic you talk of in me, well I spy it here.’ He pointed to Oaky. ‘Here.’ And too at Kane. ‘Here!’ He gestured to all and danced till he fell, overcome with the brew.
All this while Meddler sat absorbing the thought of this new power; this evolution was truly magic. ‘Of course,’ he said, clearing a space for a pending speech, ‘this is odd to me – but so it should be, as has happened at such breath-taking speed that I laugh – for my tongue is struggling to keep up with my thought! But here, this has never bothered us before!’
‘No, no, let it be so!’ somebody heckled, ‘God knows we can manage with a bit of meddling! You give that tongue a rest!’
The Meddler Page 12