‘Go on, Creature,’ Oaky said softly, ‘I am not sick of your tales and I like to hear the spoken word more.’
Meddler was irritated that once again somebody had pointed out that sometimes people did not mean literally what they said. That sometimes there was an inflection, or hidden meaning. But as he was so fond of holding court he let it pass – bowing ungratefully before Oaky.
‘That I – we , may forge new futures by...’ he stopped, hoping someone would both tell him how, and also the rest – for to be sure at present, he was still absorbing.
‘Yes yes, Oaky please continue? Whilst I absorb!’
Oaky looked confused, which irritated Meddler even more and blushingly came to his rescue. ‘ Bell Baker, tell me, do you not have influence in these parts?’
‘Aye, boy, I do!’
‘And so do I!’ Harry piped up, quickly followed by Reuben,
‘And I sitting here, can say I am not short of it!’
‘Tell me, Meddler,’ Bell Baker said carefully to the perplexed little creature, ‘what futures do you see now?’
Meddler’s eyes grew wider as though the world’s affairs ticked slowly over in them – as though he saw a dawn for all, and a future for these funny souls he watched over. ‘I see a tomorrow, Reverend, and that shall do – the shaping of which shall be natural – but I must tell you, this magic is new to me and demands a healthy respect and equal study! But rest assured, I shall master it!’
Bell Baker clasped his hands to his face. ‘Wonderful!’
And Meddler confided in him, ‘I so needed a change. You see, it all grew tiresome to me. I believe I lost enthusiasm and is why, perhaps, my sight was clouded – but this! This is quite quite thrilling and quite quite beautiful!’
Oddly enough, Meddler did retain some of the old magic and could still see the good in people and the bad in their thoughts; all that had changed really were the equations. So when Bell Baker, Reuben and Oaky thought of him as a feeling and sensitive creature that night and that they would tread more carefully about him, he saw it as his magic – as his new gift. That they were now – if not before, truly in awe of him. This was meddling on an exalted plane, he thought, and winked at something he saw, someone…
‘Malachi,’ he whispered, and pulled the brim of his hat down, twiddling fingers and toes that he had grown to love, as extremities went.
A feeling of innocence endured that night amongst all and Meddler bathed in it, finding it’s magic breath-taking until the dawn – which brought a convergence of hatred at the camp’s makeshift threshold, fashioned from willow and brush.
It was Nella who missed Oaky first, as was always he who would stoke the embers and brew a tea – catch a rabbit, or visit the hive for honey.
She prodded Old Kane. ‘You laid here all night? You bloody old fools, the lot of you! What fear has took hold, ay? Now, where is that blasted boy?’
But he was nowhere to be found.
‘Reuben!’ she cried, ‘wake up, you old fart!’
The old dragon stirred from his bed, rubbing his red eyes and muttering insults for none to hear, not even he.
‘Here!’ she whispered, gesturing for him to join her.
Slowly and resentfully he came to stand by her, then rubbed his eyes several times again, unbelieving of what he saw. ‘You stay here.’ He pushed Nella back, taking great strides to where Oaky stood against a dozen – daring them to pass with a confidence only present in the young.
‘No, I’ll not wait!’ Nella caught him up and straightened his shirt tails. ‘You will need a woman’s touch,’ she quickly added just in time, before they came upon their audience.
Unbeknown to them, for was such a wee creature, Meddler stood before them all – heavily disguised in what looked like religious attire. He had the reception’s attention for now at least, and read each and every thought and emotion before carefully planning his answers and where possible, planting them. Standing on the trunk of a felled oak and holding prayer beads, he picked and chose ripe recipients for upmost effect and Reuben and Nella joined Oaky, forming a barrier between their loved ones and this brethren of bad sess.
A volatile, thick set woman, huffed and puffed at every word spoken by the diminutive preacher. Meddler seemed amused at whatever it was he spied within and so teased her, quite obviously – and to the crowd’s delight; being that they were particularly mercurial, and any victim would do. To quench their hatred on either Oaky or Meddler, and the two amused themselves endlessly with it, was virtually impossible – either confounding those that would pass them with a well-placed foot, or with sermon from our make-shift preacher, which went as so.
‘Here, divided I see two groups of people – divided by circumstance, divided by ignorance; ladies and gentlemen, by he who shall not be named!’
Gasps and sighs from heavy hearts came from the impassioned group, perhaps only because their vanity made them act persecuted, when really was what they came to do.
‘Lady!’ he said, singling out the combustible woman, who seemed not only breathless with rage but also used to opinion and suspicion falling upon her.
‘Neither do you fit here amongst your peers, or are you truly welcome.’ He gesticulated wildly, asking the crowd that his words be vindicated, and that they were. All the while the vicious tongued woman, in truth an insurgent, shrivelled and shrank in stature and esteem – white faced with clenched gnarly teeth. But Meddler was wise and knew that this would not last and knew that though she was now outcast; he had to distance her still from his loved ones, exalt them in comparison but also evoke pity for her and that for sure would bring her undone.
Reuben thought himself genius, as did Nella – at what they believed to be their own thoughts. This lasted barely a second and Meddler was only too happy to acknowledge their supposition as his. And ah yes, was still Meddler magic – if not so potent and perhaps the coming to terms was met in unison for he could not have laid out the bare facts more; still, the bravery and loyalty he showed that day was the most magical thing he had ever done to date.
Clearing his throat, he continued, ‘Please, please – the woman struggles to catch her breath!’ And he forced an area around her by swinging Bell Baker’s coat about her. Furious, and red in the face, she was utterly flummoxed by this insolent little creature who seemed to cast a bewitching spell over the crowd.
‘Devil woman!’ somebody whispered, ‘look at her colour!’
‘Aye, she is set alight by the dark one!’
‘Hush now please!’ Meddler said, coming cleverly to her rescue – for at this rate the spell would not last more than five miles up the road. Applying his new magic he went on, ‘I have before me, and am proud to say, a gathering of minds that would have me unravel a mystery for them, hmm? And that mystery being of the shift of blame, so cunningly engineered by the scared and cowering vermin that did commit the sins that bring you here! That brings you to this threshold! Is more than bush and willow, people!’ He dabbed his face with a blush although there appeared to be no need as he was truly enjoying his speech from the oaken pulpit. ‘These kind and good souls who have recommended themselves so much to me, that I chose to live as one of them – have not only proved themselves as good neighbours, have you not seen a healthy return from travellers who may well have chosen the town of Goodrest over Hares Folly?’ Still a little coaxing was needed, for not all were merchants. ‘Tell me? Tell me, what you came here for? Tell me who sent you?’
The crowd murmured a little awkwardly but he continued, ‘For it is often the case that the carrier of ills is so poisoned with its toxins that they spew it forth over all who come into contact!’
‘Not you!’ A well-seasoned face burst forth from the crowd and pushed the agitated woman back. ‘I will tell you! Now you listen to me – we haves a murder!’
‘ Two murders!’ another cried.
‘But why, Sir, are you here? Is it because you look to cast the poison far from you? This I understand, because you wish to show
loyalty and respect to the dead – this I too understand; but tell me, which justice do you seek? For I am sure there are two separate cases here! For you see, I know of the murder and I know of the tragedy, but the murder was justice! For pities sake, the little child – she deserves this at least!’
The man looked confused. ‘And how do you know all of this? For sure we have only just found out, not one moon passed.’
Smugly, Meddler took him aside, but within earshot of all. ‘Let me tell you that my source is the very same as yours – and now you must ask yourselves why she chose to tell both sides of this divide? Perhaps to create a distraction? Perhaps to have us fight and forget that historically, the main accuser – shall we say Niamh to be more polite, is odd to us all to say the very least!’
‘Dark!’ somebody added.
‘So what are you saying, preacher?’
‘I say to you all that you have no business here and that if it is justice that you seek – of any sort – then it has been done in a round-about sort of way for the girl! But never delivered by my flock! You see, the Good Lord will often deliver blows with the evilest of creatures and will exact justice quite tidily; so as you see – no guilt, no loose ends – no blame apportioned!’
A roar of approval went up from a crowd unified by his words, and clever they were –spell like – but no magic; not for them to feel, or Meddler. Though it must be said that Reuben admired the little creature muchly, as did Nella, and then the strangest whisper he heard; never before had he been the recipient of the magic he so cleverly wielded.
‘Well well, little one… now I feels you.’
Reuben coloured a little as his gentle and proud gaze fell upon Meddler, whose eyes grew so wide that beneath the wide brim of the clergyman’s hat was all that could be seen.
Once again did he whisper the name, ‘Malachi.’
Once again this new magic knew a victory.
***
Never should we forget that he had said that this future was cast and nothing to be done, but now he at least was not blinded by a talent for foretelling, or quickening a moment in time.
He himself knew now, that was purely sooth saying – a simple trick that he possessed; an ability to unlock a subconscious – but was simply that. And even still, this minor triumph was laced with a bitter resolve. Meddler was not the only one filled with dread, fear – and the most uncomfortable awareness.
The uprising awkwardly waited for the first to make a move so as to return to Hares Folly, without losing face – though some felt just a little duped – but no second sight was needed to realise this.
‘Come along!’ Meddler bravely went among them again, shooing away. ‘We all have places to be and prayers to address!’ He said it with a supercilious air reserved normally for the soldiers of God – and thankful for his given incentive, the crowd began to disperse.
They gave the large woman the hard eye – accusing her quite vehemently of wasting their time and filling their heads with nonsense! It did not seem to fit well. And the four that stood watching them leave at the threshold, wearily marked time in their heads until the last was out of sight – then silently made their way back to The Heart.
***
‘Now, Reuben? Now will you agree to us quitting this place?’ Nella looked for no argument, as it was more a statement and a call for the others to be ready. Reuben looked tired, as though the fight was lost in him; these were his family – his friends and people – and he knew that his staying would put them in jeopardy. But still, he thought, they had moved so much. Hounded from their homes – persecuted, as though it were their birthright to be so. Poor Nella, he thought, looking at her once very attractive face, now lined and hardened with a bitterness and injustice. She only spoke the words that they all felt, he knew this, and so much disappointment was behind them.
‘Meddler, you once said to me, here some would meet their ends, whilst others would find a journey’s end – can you see any other course? Though it sounds such a pretty proposition in many ways to a tired old dragon who longs to say goodnight to this struggle.’
‘Oh hush now, you old fool! We all go together and nothing is ever final, Reuben – not in my book!’ Nella spoke passionately, standing before him – and with what appeared to be some knowledge on the subject as none thought to argue. She stared intently into his worn face as though daring him not to rally.
‘What say you all, then? Can we be left this place by night fall?’
‘Aye, and good riddance to it, Nella!’ was their reply as they hustled and bustled, making light of the fact. For in truth they were more used to being unwelcome than anything else.
Bell Baker, who had slept through it all, began to stir at the fireside.
‘You will be making tracks then, Reverend?’
He stretched out his willowy limbs, defying any, it would appear, to challenge his repose. ‘My work takes me many places, Nella – and I thank you for your concern, but as an independent man, I believe that I serve the community in Hares Folly and yourselves, by staying where I am at present.’
Noting Nella’s confused look, he added, ‘I rarely sleep, dear – more nod in and out of a celestial state and a more flawed one.’ Thoroughly enjoying this current sermon, he licked his lips and savoured the words, ‘Meditation is older than prayer, as is the Lord.’ Uncaring that Nella stood even more confused, he smiled gently which calmed her and savoured his words, repeating them several times to himself, ‘Vanity, Nella? No, not at all. I simply revel in the words gracefully given to me to pass on.’
‘A smile would have done!’ Nella exclaimed as she hurried along the others – stumbling over Harry and Rosie who sat holding hands – Rosie blushing as Harry spoke whispers to her.
‘And you, Harry? What will you do? Will you leave our Rosie?’ Exasperated at their lack of urgency, Nella didn’t wait for his answer and was gone before his blushes faded from Rosie’s cheek, and hers appeared. He stood up, pulling her beside him. Shakily he announced to any for an ear for romance, ‘I cannot, and will not be without her!’ He then went to sit down but was urged on by Rosie. ‘If she will not stay under my protection, then I will say again, that I cannot do without her!’
‘Yes, yes, yes!’ Meddler halted his eulogy, pacing around the fire in deep contemplation.
‘Stop it now,’ Reuben said kindly to him. ‘Tales will be told of this time, Meddler – and I shall always be the hero, and alive in the wild dreams of others; you say yourself there are many realms!’ He raised a cheer from within, which broke as it left him. ‘I am greedy is all, for this company in particular.’
Meddler ran to him sobbing, grabbing him and burying his head in his lap.
‘Anybody missing their tears?’ Reuben asked playfully. ‘Just, he seems to have stolen some!’ He checked his pockets. ‘Well, I’m blown! They are mine ! Pesky thief that you are, but still – I says I don’t need them.’
Meddler’s suffering was not new to Reuben, he had known he had the biggest heart all the while, but had enjoyed the repartee between them too much to ever show him sympathy – until now.
‘Just a bit of adjusting needed, Creature.’ And he propped him up beside him, whistling Rosie to tend to him – who quickly came to sit down beside
Cuddling, she said, ‘Oh, Creature! I am sure we will have to call you a proper name now, a good name – you know? What do you think, Reuben?’
‘No! He will never be anything other than a meddlesome and troublesome creature to me!’
‘How about Tarquin?’ a young one teased, which set them all off and brightened the mood magically.
‘It is of no use, you know old friend,’ Meddler confided in Reuben.
‘I know, Creature, I know,’ he said resolutely, ‘but are you with me to create a little diversion? A little game?’
‘Of course!’ Meddler replied, with as much enthusiasm as he could muster – knowing to press further about the future was too painful for the old dragon.
‘This
shall be our very best adventure, Reuben! The very best that ever there was!’
Reuben winked and went to fetch Bell Baker and Harry – making four conspirators in all, all very useful and talented in their many different ways.
And here starts the beginning of the end, at least for this tale.
Chapter 19
‘And where, are you lot off to?’ Nella caught them making for the road and was flustered with preparation for leaving the camp.
‘Shan’t be long, Nella,’ Reuben remarked as nonchalantly as possible. Lying was not natural to him and under the glare of the very wise Nella, a little colour touched his cheeks.
‘You all look mighty suspicious, I must say!’
‘Just seeing the good Reverend and Harry home Nella, no need to fuss,’ Meddler added, facing her with an exaggerated wink and a look to the heavens.
‘Yes, well, I am not prone to hysterics, dear – but as the rabble have not long departed I was grateful for the offer of chaperone.’ Bell Baker stepped in noting Meddler’s lack in finess at the art of diversion.
‘Oh yes, Reverend! What was I thinking? Of course you must have company!’
He acknowledged her concern with a nod and a smile, and Harry doffed his hat,
‘Be sure to tell Rosie that I shall be returning this evening, Nella – if you would be so kind?’
‘Go on then. I am sure you are all up to some mischief but I shall carry your messages, tie your bundles and Reuben, Meddler – have a pot of something waiting for you!’
The cart pulled away, flagged by Bell Baker and Harry and an entourage of Raven and Crow.
‘Always they will follow the death, you see?’ Reuben said, shuddering as he looked upon the carrion. ‘Pluck my bones clean, I reckon!’
Meddler jumped from the cart, throwing rocks and running at them as they screamed hysterically at his assault.
‘I am changing futures, Reuben!’ he said as he was helped back aboard by Harry, and applying a little of his new magic.
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