Madame Viola and the Serpentine Circus

“Let’s explore a bit. I’ve been ever so bored awaiting your arrival.” Joey has the habit of meeting my eyes and stubbornly not blinking. Drilling his sentiments straight through to my mind. I tend to give in to his whims. He truly doesn’t ask for much, and I feel awkward and ungrateful when I deny his simple requests.

“Sure, Joey. Where shall we explore? All I see are prairie and the outpost. Doesn’t leave much for exploring.”

“Ah, you haven’t my visionary skills. I see much through my tortoiseshell eye glasses. They were a real find.”

“Okay, spell out your plans. Where?”

“Beyond the prairie, there is a small copse of woods. We’ll fly there.”

Before I had time to carefully consider the idea, I was riding upon Joey’s back and taking to the air. Oh, it had been a long time since my last flight. The breeze was cool against my face. Then I looked down, horrified to see I was still in my pajamas.

“Joey, we have to stop. I need to change into proper clothes.”

“Nonsense. No one will notice at the place where we’re headed.”

With a sense of exasperation, I held onto Joey’s mane and within minutes, we were hovering above the woods. He dropped through the air and ground to a rough landing. I nearly fell off his back. “Whoa, Joey!”

“Give me a break, Bo. I haven’t carried a rider lately. I need a little bit of practice. Besides, my top hat was about to blow off and I had to retrieve it. It’s from Enchanteur, you know. Magical.”

For a moment, it crossed my mind that Enchanteur had given all the mules and donkeys a talisman of their own, but why would she do that? I deemed it prudent not to ask such questions. I didn’t want to know what possible magic was embedded in that hat.

“Destination is in these woods, Bo. A grand circus.”

“Joey, we’re in the middle of nowhere. Have you been sampling the apple cider?”

“Bo, what a question. I an full of adventure, but not apple cider. Anyway, I seldom touch the stuff. Always need a clear mind, especially when you’re in a big jam.”

“Joey! That’s not really true. I can take care of myself.” Immediately upon saying those words, I regretted them. I knew I depended on him for help. He knew it too, but was diplomatic and didn’t counter my outburst.

“No spat now, Bo. Let’s go. I hear the Serpentine Circus is the best in Lemuria. Full of surprises, and we might run into someone we know.”

We wandered a bit around the dusty grounds, and I eyed the stand with the cotton candy. My stomach was rumbling; I hadn’t eaten all day. But Joey was partial to a trip to the fortune tellers, especially the gypsy’s tent where a flashing sign beckoned us to see our future in her crystal ball. As we headed toward Madame Viola’s tent, I was surprised to see Samm and her donkey, Daniel, leaving. They were both shaking their heads and mumbling to each other. They didn’t see us as we passed and they seemed somewhat bewildered. As I motioned to Joey that I was going over to speak to them, he shook his head in warning. With some consternation, I followed his lead. We walked past them without saying hello. They didn’t notice.

“Do you think we should go in?” I hesitated. Maybe this crystal ball stuff was more than I had bargained on.

“Of course, lots of the donkeys are bringing their travelers here. We should at least hear what she says. Lemurian gypsies are known for their superior ability to see into the future. Besides I’m curious. Better to know what we might face than go in blind to danger.”

So this was Joey’s impetus for coming to the circus. I should have known he knew more than he shared. I had my doubts, but I’ve learned from the past. Joey is uncanny in his hunches.

Joey pawed the mat at the tent’s entrance as I hesitantly rang the bell swinging from a braided rope of horsehair and red blossoms. It jingled, softly and melodically. Madame Viola poked her head through the heavy curtain. She gave me a toothy grin, but frowned at Joey and shook her finger at him. “Yesterday a mule came for a reading and he left muddy prints all over my Persian carpet…”

I interrupted her. “But look, Madame Viola. Joey is a gentleman donkey. He even has a perm and manicure. See how handsome he is.”

“Ah! So he is, he with the purple polished hooves. And he has dressed for the occasion, which is more than I can say for you. But I will overlook your… nightwear… and you both can come in. I swear I’ve foretold the future for every four legged creature within fifty miles of here, and all asking the same questions. Of course, none of them get the same answers. Some leave here quite forlorn, while others whistle themselves away.” Then she directed her conversation to my donkey. “I suppose you talk?”

“Of course I talk. You may call me Joey, and this is my companion and friend, Bo. We would like to know…”

“Yes. Joey and Bo. You’re on my list. I know what you want to know, so just hush.” We were ushered inside where a table and two chairs were placed against the far wall. Upon the table covered with finely woven silver cloth, a crystal ball rested on an orange silk pillow.

“Just what list are we on?”

“List? Ah, yes. To business.” She bowed deeply. “You have five minutes. But, first, pass over two pieces of silver,” said Madame Viola firmly.

I met Joey’s brown eyes. Then looked towards the Madame and shrugged. Embarrassed, I tried to explain. “I…I don’t have, umm…”

Joey nudged my neck. “Look in Enchanteur’s bag. Barter if you must. This is important.”

I swung my body madly towards him. “Joey, I can’t do that! Every thing is a treasured talisman.”

He stamped his hoof and glared at me with his famous stare. He cleared his throat meaningfully and stared. He rolled his brown eyes, first clockwise and then counterclockwise, still staring Then he gave me a huge smile and waited.

“Okay! Give me a break. I’ll look.” I rummaged through my bag and handled the familiar objects - spectacles, unicorn medallion, candlestick, dream seeds. Then my fingers touched an unfamiliar object at the very bottom. I pulled out an intricately carved gold thimble and proffered this to Madame Viola. She looked at it carefully through her magnifying glass and bit it with her sharp teeth. Then she sniffed the thimble and held it to her ear.

“Hmmphf. I’ll not trade anything for this. Tis magical indeed, but only for it’s true owner. I’ll be a dear and do your fortune without payment. Enchanteur’s instructions, of course.”

I stared at her, surprised. “You know Enchanteur?”

“Of course I know her. Ain’t she talked to every man, woman and child in this circus? Sit down. And Joey, stand there and please don’t move an inch. There are family heirlooms in here.”

Madame Viola waved her hands, letting her fingers dance in mid-air over her crystal globe, and incanted words I couldn’t understand. No abracadabra for this lady. After minutes of looking intently into the ball, images floated within it. She eyed us with poorly concealed emotion. “You’re soon to take an exciting journey, but it is fraught with danger and trials. If you remain together at all times, and follow your instincts - especially you, Joey - you have a chance of true enlightenment and a safe return home. Be forewarned, though. Travel may be difficult, taxing your every move, and you will meet demons in disguise. At all cost, avoid any creatures that are cursed. Some carry upon themselves a heavy coat of brilliant red fur and often wear flowing black capes. Dark. Very dark. Now go. I have other customers waiting.”

I gulped hard and dared not look at Joey. I blindly stumbling from the tent; Joey followed thoughtfully. My eyes filled with tears and a black pit settled in my stomach. Outside, waiting their turn, was Chefleur accompanied by Spindleshanks. We nodded hello as they rang Madame Viola’s bell, but Madame ushered then into her inner sanctum before we could have a word.

“Well, Joey, are you satisfied? Did we really need to go see her? What does she know, anyway? Balderdash!”

“Hmm. Talk about beasts of burden. Lots of burdens on my shoulders.” Joey was thinking out loud. “Though this could work for the best, as there will be many lessons along the way. Always good to know what to expect. That darn Enchanteur, always making everything so difficult. Climb aboard, Bo. We’re expected back at the outpost soon. Perhaps there will be a Union Meeting and we can discuss the gypsy’s warnings.”

“I’m not sure of this journey, Joey. Maybe I should tell Enchanteur I’m not well enough to travel. That I simply cannot go.”

Joey sighed deeply and shook his head again. “She knows the truth, Bo, no matter what you say. We need to leave now. I’m uncomfortable staying any longer.” He adjusted his eyeglasses, adjusted his top hat, and looked at me expectantly. But my feet were rooted to the ground. I looked around and saw nothing suspicious. Perhaps I could stay with the circus folk. They seemed a nice enough lot.

“Bo! Get on. I’ll count to five. Then I leave without you.”

“Joey, you wouldn’t dare!”

“1…2…3… Get on!”

I tossed my leg recklessly over his back, all the time staring at Madame Viola’s striped tent which had suddenly begun to sway, yet I perceived no wind. While I puzzled over this, Chefleur exited the tent with Spindleshanks and walked quickly into the deeper woods. Sitting astride Joey, I watched as smoke curled from Madame Viola’s tent. Black smoke seeped from under the tent. Before my eyes, Madame Viola’s tent disappeared. When I surveyed the rest of the circus grounds, there were only patches of matted grass.

Joey was right. It was time to leave this place. I said a quick prayer and we headed for high sky.