The Tiny Ringmaster by Jennifer Clark Read Free Book Online

perform.
Juscus came up with an idea. He discussed with the other Elders, and they all agreed, though hesitantly. He would call for a visioner – a type of psychic. The visioner would come, and the Elders would then make a decision based on visioner’s prediction. Juscus figured it was their best bet. In the meantime, the Elders cancelled all practices. No one protested.
The night that the visioner arrived was stormy – much like the night that the Elders returned from their journey. The townspeople were very anxious, and not many of them slept that seemingly endless night. People started to gather outside the Elders’ quarters at sunrise, waiting for some kind of sign that a decision had been reached. Juscus eventually came out of the Elders’ quarters to announce that they would be having a meeting in the great tent in one hour. He quickly returned back to the quarters. No one knew what was going to happen, and everyone was fearful.
All the townspeople gathered under the great tent. Everyone looked tired and beaten down; they were no longer the happy people from the village. Their hearts were still pure and good, but their tolling lives were beginning to take a toll.
The Elders entered, and everyone became silent. Juscus stepped forward. ‘As you know,’ he said, ‘our good man, the visioner here, was invited to give us guidance. We have discussed his prophecy, and you need to hear it directly.’ The townspeople started to whisper. Surely it had to be good news, or the Elders would have delivered the prophecy themselves. The Elders looked grave and tired, which caused unease throughout the audience.
The visioner stepped forward. He waved his hands and a blue fog fell inside the great tent. Everyone was silenced again. He closed his eyes, held out his hands, and began reciting the prophecy...
     ‘Living high on the hill,
Living low on the land,
You have seen neighboring towns,
Working with your humble hands.

You don’t know this yet,
But one day soon you will.
Each and every one of you is filled
with powerful magic skills.

Your talents are no coincidence;
You were born from the skies above.
You have been set on a hard path,
So that you may know the true value of love.

With some simple guidance,
And hard work to achieve,
You will understand why
it was in your destiny to leave.

You have already toiled hard,
And that will last for generations yet,
But you will grow grander and much richer
if only you let.

You will travel the world,
performing your shows,
Your children will be beautiful,
And people will see you in droves.

Every year you will journey
    Back to the fateful spot.
You will perform your best and be turned away
as if it was all for naught.

Many generations from now,
    A small child will appear.
She will be bright and talented,
and possess little fear.

With her help, guidance,
and innocent heart,
you will perform one last time,
and return to your start.

All hands will go up
When the fateful question is asked
But Aluxdrov’s descendant will be angry,
So the performance won’t be the last task.

With one more meeting
And a flip of her shiny hair
Little Ruth will change your fate
And you’ll no longer have to be a traveling fair.’”
     
                Ruth’s mouth hung open. She really couldn’t believe what Tryfod just told her. “Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me that some ancient people who are even older than my grandparents knew about me? They knew who I am and…and… and…”
                Tryfod interrupted her as gracefully as he could. “Well, yes, my child. It will all be clear soon enough… let’s get you some water and some hot chocolate. Lucin!”
    Tryfod walked off to find Lucin, and Ruth was able to sit and catch her breath for a minute. She just had to be dreaming. This absolutely could not be real. No one in their right minds would believe a story like that! She was going to lose her school’s talent show – how exactly was she supposed to help