Armulyn the Bard
I glance over to the quieting crowd and see Armulyn waking over. Nia tenses and starts pulling us away.
“Mama, can’t we meet him?” Tink looks over his shoulder.
“No. It’s time we get home. Papa will be worried sick.”
“Mama, please?” Leeli asks.
“I said no,” Trying to go faster, she pulls Leeli off her feet and we stop to pick her up, giving Armulyn time to catch up.
“I like your dog,” he tells . . . someone. I don’t know who it’s directed to.
Turning towards him, he’s kneeling and petting Nugget.
Leeli works her way to talk to him, “Thank you. His name is Nugget. I like your singing.”
“Why thank you, little princess.”
Nia stands firm behind us, I can barely hear her breathing.
He offers Leeli his hand and smiles, “My name is Armulyn. I don’t like it here.”
“My name is Leeli. I can’t walk very well.”
He leans slightly closer when she says her name.
I look around and see a cricket close by. Kneeling by it, I call Tink over.
“Tink! I found a bug!” I make sure to say his name slightly louder.
“And who might you be?” Armulyn asks.
I glance up, the question directed towards me.
“Uh-Maddie. Maddie I-Igiby.”
Great! You forgot your own name!
“Quiet!” I say aloud.
“Pardon?” Armulyn questions.
“Sorry, talking to myself. It’s, uh, it’s nice to meet you, though. Have you enjoyed Glipwood?”
“Well, I’ve enjoyed the human side of things. The snakes, not so much.”
“We have to leave though,” I help Leeli up, “Our Grandpa is waiting for us back home. We’re lalready ate.”
I pass Leeli to Tink and Janner so I can shake the Bard’s hand, “Once again, it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope you enjoy Glipwood while you stay.”
I head off after the others, holding onto Nia’s wrist.
“Thank you,” She whispers.
As the cottage comes into view, the lamps are visible through the windows and the silhouette of Podo blocks the front door.
“WHERE IN ALL THE GREAT GOOD GOAT GOBBLIN’ WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN, OUT TRAIPSING THE FROLLOCKY HILLSIDES WHILE I’VE BEEN HERE GNAWIN’ ON MY GUMS! YOU JUST MARCH YER SOGGY FEET OVER HERE BEFORE I YANK OUT YOUR INNARDS AND STEW ‘EN IN . . .” He goes on longer, and would have gone ‘till the sun went down if the others hadn’t broken away from Nia and tackled him.
“You’ll be wanton’ some of my cheesy chowder and butterbread, won’t you, my little warriors? It’s been simmering all evening, along with a thousand prayers that ye’d make it back to yer Podo safe and uneaten.”
Tink was the first to head into the kitchen, Podo and Leeli following him in.
“Lost yer wee crutch, eh? We’ll make you up another in the bright morning,” The door swung closed behind him.
“I love you, Mama,” Janner says, wiping his face, “I’m sorry I lost her.”
“Shh. It’s alright, you did well, son,” she nudges him towards the door and places a hand on my shoulder, “Thank you. Really. For keeping everyone together and safe. And especially with the Bard. Even your father lost Esben some days. You’ll be fine.”
She closes her eyes, takes a breath, and we head inside.
Ahh, poor Maddie 🥺