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

answer right away. She knew that she wouldn’t change her mind, but she wanted to follow Tryfod’s instructions. She decided to just nod in agreement. Tryfod nodded in unison with her and held out his hand to help her off of her seat. Ruth hopped down and waved to all the Elders. She didn’t want to let these people down. She was going to try her best to do whatever it took.
    Tryfod led her to the doorway. “Alright Mistress Ruth, let’s introduce you to the flock.”

     
     
     
     
     
     

Tryfod and Ruth walked out of the Elders’ room together into a small waiting room. A few dozen people were standing quietly and anxiously. Some jumped when Ruth and Tryfod appeared. Tryfod sensed the unease and made an effort to explain the situation. “Mistress Ruth has been told the great story.” Anxious whispering spread through the crowd. “She has been told the story, and now she must have time to deliberate. I beg that none of you inquire about her decision. She will reveal her answer in the morning.”
    Eritol walked over to Tryfod and winked at Ruth. Eritol stuttered quietly, “Tryfod… um… well… that… that… the, the thing that you asked for is ready.” Tryfod nodded and looked down at Ruth. “Ruth, I know you’ve had a very long day. I will ask one more thing of you tonight, and then we will leave you to your decision.”
    Ruth looked at him and asked, “What sir?”
    “Well tonight you can help by being yourself. You think you can do that?”
    Ruth smiled excitedly. That was the easiest request of the day.  “Oh yes, yes - I can do that!” Tryfod beamed, “Alright then, off to the Banquet Hall!”
     

     
    Eritol and Ginger led her to the Great Banquet Hall while Tryfod gathered the other Elders. She could tell Eritol was nervous, so she pulled on his pants leg.
    “Yes, sweet Ruth?”
    “Eritol, I don’t want you to get in trouble with Tryfod, but I know all about the story.”
    Eritol’s eyes widened. “All about it, Ms. Ruth?” Ruth nodded.
    “Even the terrible man Aluxdrov?” Ruth nodded again.
    “Even how you have to help us? And the visioner?” Ruth nodded as relief washed over Eritol’s face. “And you’re still here?” Ruth smiled and nodded a final time.
    “Well no wonder Tryfod wants to celebrate! We haven’t scared you away yet!”
    Eritol pulled open the curtain of the Great Banquet Hall. Ruth gasped. She couldn’t believe how many people were there. They were all huddled around small circular tables that stretched on and on.
    The velvet white table clothes were lined with silver and matched the white velvet of the chair cushions. The ornate silver chairs were covered in tiny crystals and sparkled brilliantly in the chandelier light. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling above every table. Rows of waiters dressed in silver tuxedos lined the walls. Ruth wondered where the red carpet was hidden. These people definitely knew how to throw a party.
    Ruth, Eritol, and Ginger walked past table after table, many of which were still empty. Ruth was puzzled and tired. “Where are we going?” Ginger and Eritol smiled at each other. Eritol chimed in, “To the Leaders’ Table of course!”
    They finally reached the front of the room, and Ruth could see the table they were heading to. Tryfod and Eliza were already sitting down, across from another round table filled with the other Elders. “Why don’t Tryfod and Eliza sit with the other Elders?” Eritol answered again. “Well, the leaders of the groups sit at this table. I’m the Ringmaster, Ginger is the Head of the Dancing Ladies, Tryfod is the Head Male Elder, and Eliza is the Head Female Elder. You’ll meet a few of the other leaders also.”
    Ruth was still confused. “But why don’t you sit with your groups?”
    Eritol gave a big laugh. “Well, Mistress Ruth, we found it hard for our team to relax if we’re there.”
    “But why?”
    Eritol shrugged. “They leave the worrying to us, and we do all the worrying