The Tiny Ringmaster by Jennifer Clark Read Free Book Online Page A

these people win their town back?!
    Tryfod returned with a glass of water and a mug of hot chocolate. He handed the small child the glass of water first. “Here, sip this.” Ruth greedily drank the water and handed the glass back to Tryfod. Tryfod tried to stifle his laugh. “Now drink the hot chocolate. It will calm your nerves.” Ruth drank the hot chocolate almost as greedily as the water. All of a sudden, calm came over her. She felt like she was being wrapped in a blanket by her mom, and she didn’t feel as panicked about the whole situation. Tryfod smiled down at her, and his smile once again reminded Ruth of her dad. She felt a pang of homesickness.
    “Are you ready to hear the rest of the story Ruth? Or would like to take a little break? I know you must be tired.” Ruth shook her head. She was already feeling better, and she wanted to get to the bottom of all this. “You can go ahead. I’m ready to listen again.”
    Tryfod cleared his throat and began again. The blue screen flashed a bright light and returned to the story. “Ummm… oh yes, the visioner…
With another wave of his hand, the visioner cleared the room of the blue fog, and the townspeople sat in silence for a few moments. Each one of them waited to see if anyone was brave enough to ask a question. Finally, whispers started to break out, and before they knew it, the entire great tent was engulfed in questions.
Juscus stepped forward. ‘I know you all must have questions, and we do too. We’re trying to find out answers, and we will inform you all to the best of our abilities. We have some answers now if you would like to ask. We promise to make sense of this prophecy as best as we can.’
A tall man timidly stood up in the back. ‘Elder Juscus, this visioner said we all have magic in us, but we have to learn. Is that true?’ Juscus nodded. ‘Yes.’ The townspeople started loudly talking again in nervous excitement.
Juscus motioned for quiet. ‘We promise to give each and every one of you training for our abilities.’ The townspeople grew quiet once again. They were doubtful of this new plan. ‘I realize this is a lot to digest. New talents, more traveling, more performing, and this mysterious child named Ruth. We will meet again tomorrow morning.’ The room grew quiet.
A young man, about your age Ruth, stood up and looked around. ‘One more question Master Juscus...’ Everyone stared. They were all terrified of what the child was going to ask. Juscus prompted him to continue and said, ‘Yes child, go ahead.’
The child cleared his throat and said, ‘When can we get started with practicing?’
No one in the room moved, but a smile spread through the crowd. Everyone started clapping. Juscus let out a relieved laugh and said, ‘Well, son, as soon as you all want to.’”

    Ruth stared again in amazement as the blue screen disappeared. She was feeling much calmer now; she wasn’t sure what she had been so worried about before. She decided that she believed Tryfod. It was all beginning to make sense - their size, their beauty, the city of tents, the lavish decoration. These were the riches and magic the visioner spoke of so many years ago. She had to help them; she now knew she must. She was nervous that she might fail, but the visioner said that she would succeed. Certainly, she didn’t disbelieve a prophecy. She didn’t even care that this may all be a dream. She had a job to do.
    Tryfod noticed the internal monologue in the small child and stooped to look her in the eye. “Ruth, I know this is a lot for a child. This role, if you agree to it, is not an easy one. It will take practice and patience.” Ruth began to say yes, but Tryfod halted her. “No, my child, I will not accept an answer tonight. We will introduce you to a few more people and then you must get some rest. You’ve had a strenuous day, and we need you to remain strong and well.”
    Ruth looked up at the other Elders. She could tell that they all wanted an