Free The Tiny Ringmaster by Jennifer Clark Page A

waterfalls. Ruth hadn’t noticed the tunnel until just then. She smiled at the little girl and wondered who she was. She was overjoyed to see someone her size, but she didn’t know why they hadn’t been introduced before. Ruth stood up dizzily to get a closer look at the little tunnel. The girl certainly knew her way around the forest. Ruth marveled at what treasures might lay just beyond the waterfall. She took the first step out onto a rock.
     

     
    “RUTH!!! RUUUTTTTTHHHH!!!”
    Ruth turned around startled and shaking. She saw Tryfod and Eritol bounding toward her. She looked back at the little girl, but she was gone! Ruth rolled her eyes and stood at the edge of the pond with her arms crossed. The light was dimmer, and the water sounded harsher. Ruth was beginning to think Tryfod ruined everything. Tryfod spoke first.
    “Child! Why would you go running into the forest?! It’s dangerous out here!”
    Ruth halted a second eye roll. “I was just following my friend…” She turned around and pointed toward the tunnel hoping the small girl would appear again, but she was long gone. Tryfod wasn’t impressed. “There’s no need to blame irresponsible behavior on an imaginary friend! We need to get you back before you catch your death of cold!”
    Eritol wrapped her in a blanket, and she followed his lead. She hadn’t felt the cold until she was wrapped securely in the warm blanket. One last time, she turned around. The little girl’s face was barely peeking from within the tunnel. She waved goodbye to Ruth, and Ruth waved back sneakily as she mouthed, “I’ll be back.” The little girl grinned and nodded before she disappeared into the tunnel.
    Tryfod expressed his concern on the walk back. “Strange things happen in this forest Ruth. Remember, this isn’t your world anymore. You must be careful.”   
     

     
    Tryfod had softened on the cold walk and changed the subject as they entered the tent. “So Eritol tells me that you wanted to learn a little bit of magic?” Ruth shrugged her shoulders, and Tryfod realized she was still upset from the lecture. “Get some lunch, sweet Ruth. We have a big practice this afternoon. You are going to shadow Eritol.” Ruth perked up a little. “Shadow Eritol how?” Tryfod gave Ruth the most reassuring smile he could muster. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
     

     

 
    When it came time, Ruth followed Eritol into the performing tent. She was told she had to mimic Eritol's movements on a shorter, smaller podium next to Eritol's that they built just for her.
    As soon as they stepped inside the practice tent, Ruth was overwhelmed with the activity. Animals roared and sounded; tight ropers swirled and hopped; Ginger and the dancers spinned and leaped. It was a cacophony of circus noise. They all wore their costumes, and the bright colors were blinding. Green, red, blue, yellow, orange, purple, pink, white – every color of the rainbow.
    She followed behind Eritol timidly as he made his way to his post. She was still tired and a little dizzy from her forest adventure. Everyone stopped what they were doing when they saw Eritol’s large frame looming towards them. Eritol hopped up on his podium, and Ruth quickly did the same. Eritol broke out into a huge grin, “Alright, places, places! Let's get started!”
    From that moment on, Ruth did everything she could to keep up. Eritol had a thousand different hand movements to cue the next act or next trick. He didn't talk much except for a joke or an introduction. Ruth felt panic take hold. She could barely get her band to stay together and play well for one song. How was she going to co-lead an entire circus? The practice passed by in a blur, and before Ruth knew it, they were all taking a break. Ruth shook out her tired arms and sat down wearily.
     

     
    After an all-too-short break, they began once again. Ruth still struggled to keep up with Eritol, and she was so sleepy that everything just felt like a haze. She