The Witch of New Year

Now is when the witch of New Year looks for a fresh victim. Someone who lost their keys, or can't find their cell phone. A hapless soul caught on the very moment when a year has passed. She takes their time and from then on, they are a year off. They write checks for the past year, can't remember the day of the week and everything seems topsy-turvey to them for the whole year.

The witch of New Year has taken a year from them and she is now a year younger, never aging and she is very, very old, yet looks as sensuous as she did on her eighteenth birthday centuries upon centuries ago.

She walks among the party-goers, always quite fashionable, eyes turn her way, but she is on the hunt and looks at them in a different way. The person who pats their pocket to see if the keys and wallet are there. Someone who has picked up another's drink. In that moment of forgetfulness, just before they reach for drink or wallet, she takes their year exactly at the stroke of midnight. Now she needs to find the perfect victim for it was New Year's Eve.

A man of fine stature boldly steps in front of her as she walks down the street. He sees a great beauty, perfect for his party in upper Manhattan, a jewel to add to the mix. He tells her he couldn't help notice that she was a very beautiful woman and would she like to see New York from a penthouse full of famous people. He offers her his limo, the driver waiting patiently.

The witch of New Year sees a great opportunity and gladly accepts, offering the man her hand. He escorts her to the open cab of the limo where champagne and caviar wait. The witch enters the soft luxuries of wealth as comfortable to it as a cat curled by the fire.

They chat, he inquires of people he knows to see if they might have a common connection. She tells him she maintains an apartment here but lives, secluded, in Eastern Europe. His blue eyes twinkle when she smiles at him and tells him she is looking forward to a wonderful party, full of people.

He confirms there would be quite a crowd, for his luxury penthouse is the top two floors of the building. She sees he is quite handsome and must attract the same.

The limo pulls up to the curb of a fine building where the doorman opens the cab and offers his gloved hand to the witch. She is radiant, and the doorman feels what a privilege it is to assist such a beautiful woman. Her gown flows like raven black gossamer that sparkles with light here and there. She emits a sensuality that attracts everyone.

One of the great bands of the world plays and sings while people dance in a sea of writhing bodies as the witch of time gazes about. She glances at the diamonds on her wrist where her watch is precisely set. She has time and decides to dance with the one who brought her.

They are eye popping to watch. The beauty of both enhanced by the dance made them magical. People stopped to watch them in admiration as they moved to the rhythm of the music.  When it was over, he escorted her off the dance floor where many young men waited for a chance. But she wasn't interested, it was time to look about.

Leaving the gentlemen to yearn, she walked to the refreshments for a glass of champagne. It was there, she found her victim, fumbling for her eye glasses in a small silver purse. The prey was attractive but plain, like vanilla ice cream is to French vanilla. She obviously couldn't find them, for they hung around her neck from a glittering cord.

Perfect. The witch thought and walked to her.

"Hi, are you looking for these?" the witch asked with a smile as she touched the cord that held the glasses.

"Oh, thanks. That's why I put them on the chain!" The woman says with a laugh.  I'd lose my head too if it wasn't attached. My name's Dot."

The witch smiles and extends her hand. Mine is Zelda. I'm glad to meet someone else who loses things. Sometimes I think I could lose a whole year." The witch giggles with Dot at the little joke. "What are you drinking? Zelda asks.

"Oh, I can't find it and anyway, I thought I'd have a cola instead."

"Let me get it for you." The witch turns and quickly comes back with a glass of soda and places it near her champagne.

"That didn't take long,"

"It doesn't does it, I don't know why but when they see me, they come right up and ask what I'd like. Lovely party isn't it?"

"It is, I don't know what happened to my date. He's here somewhere and it's almost twelve. Are you excited about the new year?" Dot asks.

"Always, I've never missed a New Years party in my life."

"Oh, how wonderful. You must lead an interesting life, you look so young."

"Young looks but wisdom, my dear, of the ages. Look it's almost midnight, the band is about to play.

The large disk begins to descend. The countdown begins as the crowd shouts out each last second. And just before the very last second, Zelda asks Dot, "Where are you're glasses?"

Dot for one moment registers panic and grabs the chain around her neck only to find it's not there, she had put them in her purse earlier. Right then Zelda grabs her by the hand and holds her. The crowd roars, fireworks go off and everybody is screaming, Happy New Year!

"You're purse, don't you think?" Zelda says to Dot who  now has a very confused stare because she isn't sure of anything. She isn't sure where she is, or where her glasses are, or what year it is.

Zelda walks away and wanders through the crowd looking younger than ever. 

The Story Of Santa Claus And The Elves Of Frost.

A very long time ago, on the shore's of Greece, lived a very special man who's name was Nicholas. The fishing village loved him because he made people smile. He remembered everyone's birthday or if someone was in great need he left a gift. He'd place the gift in the villager's sock near where they slept. In the morning the recipient would be sure to find it, but not know who left it. That made the gift--a true gift.

Nicholas was special in other ways as well. He helped all creatures, not just his own kind. Because his heart was set true and his love for all so great, the elves of Frost showed themselves to Nicholas.

They became great friends and the elves told Nicholas of the many children all over the world that needed gifts, especially someone to come to them with only kindness in their heart even if they received nothing but to let them know they were loved. That someone, the elves of Frost said, was Nicholas.

But Nicholas would have to pay a great price to help so many children, the elves of Frost told him, Nicholas would have to go to their magic kingdom at the very top of the world. For there, they could work without being disturbed, and with the help of the elves, visit children all over the world.

Nicholas agreed but when the elves took him to their frosty palace it was much colder than his seaside village in Greece, he thought he would freeze. So the elves made him a very special garment weaved from the dreams of children. Now Nicholas would know what each child's heart held, both good and bad. The elves took the color red from a volcano to keep him warm and the color white from snow for trim so he didn't get too hot. His boots were sturdy shiny black from coal to keep him upright no matter where he went, and a matching hat to go with his shirt and pants. It made Nicholas look even more jolly than he already was.

Nicholas' life was very happy for now he could go to children everywhere and give them something even if it was only the gift of hope, for some children that was what they wanted most.

The children of the world remember getting a gift from someone they never met. A kindness when most needed, or a toy to cheer them but they never saw who until one fateful day. 

On a cold winter night in a little village not that far from where Nicholas grew up a child was born. The child's parents had fled their homeland because of war. They had no place to sleep, save a manger shared by farm animals to rest from the cold winter night. The animals gathered around the manger to shelter the child from the cold and keep the infant warm. Nicholas came that snowy night on a shining star and gave the child the gift of peace so that the family could return to their homeland.

  The child opened his eyes when he received his gift and saw Nicholas with his rosy cheeks smiling down at him. Then the child gave Nicholas a gift, that all children around the world would remember the man who bestowed love to all the children on that very special winter night. And to this day, children leave cookies and milk for the man christened Saint Nicholas who is so loved that children of all faiths and every land call him Santa Claus. 

The Imp Under The Bed

Tim woke from a noise he heard. It wasn't a squeak, it wasn't a creak, but a sound that came from under the bed. He pulled back the covers and climbed down to peer under the bed, but saw only a few wayward toys and a sock.

"Did the sock talk?" He asked himself as he reached for the items. "Maybe Johnny horse did or cowboy Bob."

But when he looked at them on top of his bed they said nor did nothing.Then the noise came again, a kind of squeak but not the kind a mouse makes. No, he thought, that was a hinge that made the noise.

It couldn't be a hinge because there was no door or gate under the bed, so how could a squeaky hinge make a noise right beneath him? Tim jumped off and looked again. He ran his hand over the floorboards, and save for a few dust bunnies, didn't feel a hinge.

He decided to lay down on the floor next to his bed and wait for the noise. He waited and waited, but not a squeak, not even a peep came from under the bed.

When his eyes grew weary and the floor too cold, Tim grabbed his blanket and pillow to settle in and wait on the floor for the sound. "Even if it takes all night," he said to himself.

The pillow was soft and warm, and though the floor was wood, the blanket made it a bit more comfortable. Tim looked very carefully at the floor. For now the full moon cast its rays through the pane window and lit the wood floor in an icy light.

A branch scratched the house outside and then came the creak. Tim opened his eyes to see the strangest creature he ever saw. Small with big ears, and hair all over, the creature helped himself up from an opening in the floor.

That's strange, Tim thought, I'm sure that wasn't there before. "

"Hello," said Tim. "How did you do that?"

The creature brushed off his shoulders and arms. "Do what?"

"Open a door in my bedroom floor."

"Oh, that. Well, it looks like your bedroom floor from where you are but it's not a floor at all to me."

"It's not?" Tim asked.

"No, not at all. I'm an Imp you know. We Imps go by a whole different order. You see, I'm tunneling at the moment."

Tim looked for a tunnel in the room but couldn't find one. "What tunnel?"

The Imp looked at Tim in the most astonishing way. He then opened the hatch again and said while pointing with his finger. "What's that if it's not a tunnel."

Tim had to admit that with the hatch opened there was a tunnel from where the Imp came. "I always thought the floor was the ceiling of our living room."

"Well it is to you but not to me. It's all very simple, you see I tunnel and when I came up from below I entered here. But, you see, it's only temporary, for I'll tunnel through the ceiling over there," he said pointing to a corner of the ceiling, "And I'll be in Calerdon."

"You mean on the other side of the ceiling there is a place, it's not the roof?" Tim was very confused.

"Calerdon is not a place, it's the most beautiful of cities of all Plexideria.

"I've never heard of it. I've been to Baltimore but I haven't heard of either of those other places."

"You don't get out much do you?" The Imp said in a pitiful way.

"Yes I do, weather permitting of course. Mostly to to the playground or school. But my friend, Jack and I have explored the river. As far as we are allowed of course."

"Well that's what I mean. You're limited."

"Limited?"

"Yes, you see for you, there is a ceiling and a floor."

"Oh." Tim wasn't sure what the Imp meant, because of course the ceiling and floor have always been there. The tunnel and hatch, now that was new.

"Its alright," said the Imp, "You're not that limited. Here we are talking about tunneling, ceilings and floors. Now there are a lot of humans that can't."

"Why's that?"

"They weren't keen enough to search like you. Something got your curiosity and you investigated it until you found about it. You heard the hinge didn't you."

"Yes, I did." Tim brightened up and smiled.

"There was a glitch when I mounted the hatch and I meant to oil that hinge and didn't, my bad."

"Oh, I'm glad to meet you and hear about tunnels in the ceiling and floor."

"That's good. Usually it's not the case. Some have quite a fright." The Imp made a face and stuck out his tongue, making Tim laugh. "Yes, well I'm off. Better get back in bed before dawn comes. Don't you think?"

The Imp threw a rope ladder up in the air and it caught on the ceiling. Then the Imp grabbed the ladder and his round hairy body seemed to glide up the rope ladder to the ceiling. There he pulled out a hatch from the bag he had with him and slapped it on the ceiling. He then smoothed the hatch before he pulled out an oil can for a squirt of lubricant on the two hinges.

Tim stood next to his bed, his mouth gaped as he watched the Imp open the hatch. Then the Imp helped himself up, turned and waved at Tim before he climbed and stood in a place that should have been the roof but was a beautiful sunny day in a strange forest. The Imp then grabbed the rope ladder and pulled it up, putting it in his bag. When the hatch closed, it disappeared and only the ceiling was left just like it was before.

Tim looked at the clock on his desk before he climbed back in bed. He couldn't wait to tell his friends what happened and wondered if he should mention any of this to his parents. They never mentioned Imps living in the house.

In the morning at breakfast, Tim told his mom and dad that he met an Imp who was tunneling from the floor to the ceiling in his room and did they know about Imps?

When his mother gave him his stack of blueberry pancakes, she said, "Dear, I hope you're not bringing creatures from the river into your room, like the frog you and Jack brought home one day."

"No, he was already here. He came out of the floor and tunneled to the ceiling."

"You know your mom doesn't want you to bring wild things in the house. Now you let it go first thing when you go out today. Alright son?"

Tim was about to argue but decided instead to agree with his dad. "I will."

"Promise?" asked his father.

"I promise."

Later in the day, when Tim met up with Jack, he asked him if he ever seen an Imp. Jack wanted to know what one looked like and where did he see him. But when Tim told about the Imp coming out from under the bed and climbing up to the ceiling, opening it up, Jack looked bewildered.

"Maybe you had a bad dream." Jack said.

But Tim didn't think it was bad, he wasn't even frightened by it and remembered what the Imp said about not everyone being able to see these things because they lacked curiosity.

That day, as Tim and Jack explored the river, Tim began to notice more and more things, for his curiosity gave him a keen eye. A leaf fluttered and moved and when he looked carefully, he saw a small faerie lifting the leaf to blink at him and smile. Jack saw more and more creatures from the magic kingdoms he read about in books and they were as real as anything else.

He asked Jack if he saw anything unusual, especially when a water sprite sitting on the back of a catfish came near the river's edge, but Jack only saw the catfish albeit a very big catfish. That's when the whole world opened to Tim. He now could see things nobody he knew could and wondered what it all meant. 

Putter Patter and the Cockoo

 There once lived an elf named Putter Patter. He lived in the Black forest of Germany and was a very happy elf. He spent most days warming his hands and feet as he sat with a pint of ale, smoking his pipe at a cozy forest inn. If anyone in the village needed something repaired they would look for Putter Patter at the inn. The villager would tell the elf what was broken, or sometimes they would ask if he could make something for them, such as a cabinet or chair. Putter Patter would look at their need and either fix or make what they needed.

This was a fine arrangement for the village, who kept the elf happy with tobacco and ale while he toasted his toes at the inn's hearth. And the inn enjoyed having the elf as a guest. When wayfarers stayed, he delighted in a chat about roads and paths needed for destinations. Elves, as everyone knows, live a very long time and know every inch of the forest and its glens.

As time went by the village grew more prosperous, and people wanted something to tell the time. They needed clocks, so the town council went to Putter Patter to see if he had an idea of a clock they could use. For clocks at that time were very, very rare. Putter Patter placed his chin in his hand and puffed his pipe in thought. The fire crackled and popped, as he pondered the subject. The council stood waiting for his ideas with an occasional good soul handing the elf another pint of ale or tobacco for his pipe.

While Putter Patter steeped deep in thought, a cuckoo bird called outside the window. "Cuc-koo, Cuc-koo," the bird sang out.

Suddenly the elf stood up and snapped his fingers. "I've got it!" He cheered.

Off he ran to his workshop made within the trunk of a great oak, opened the door and went right to his tools and wood. He sawed and hammered, hammered and sawed. Putter Patter rang bells, blew whistles and sounded horns, but he just wasn't satisfied with what he heard. He tinkered and whittled, he sawed and hammered some more but for him it didn't sound quite the right tone for a forest clock, it needed the soul of the forest to sound just right for him.

While he sat to ponder what to do,  a cuckoo bird sang outside the window, "Cuck-koo, Cuc-koo." Putter Patter jumped up, grabbed one of his clocks, and ran out the door toward the cuckoo bird in the limb of his oak tree.

The elf held up his clock and said, "Mr. Cuckoo. Dear fellow, would you put your voice in my box?"

The cuckoo looked at the clock in the elf's hand and shook his head no.

"And why not?" Asked the elf for he thought his clocks had a fine quality to them.

"What kind of home is that for a bird? it looks like a clock.

Putter Patter looked at his creation. It had a bright blue front with pillars at the corners to hold up the flat roof. The dial was bright brass that twinkled in the light. Then he thought about what the cuckoo bird said.

"Mr. Cuckoo, would you be kind enough to come back tomorrow? I have an idea of what you might like."

"Very good," said the cuckoo.

Putter Patter looked about the forest where he had lived all his life. For the first time, he looked closely at each leaf and twig of the great oak, he looked at the branches and everything around him with the keenest of eye. The elf then went back  inside and began to work. His wood chisel grooved and his file smoothed, he cut and hammered, hammered and cut all through the day and night.

In the morning, as dawn warmed the day, Putter Patter held the new clock up to the window and smiled.  He went to his stove and heated water for tea to wait until the cuckoo called. With his mug of tea, he went to his rocker, sat down and lit his pipe.

After his second cup, he heard the cuckoo. With his new clock in hand, Putter Patter walked outside to greet the bird.

"Well, what do you think?" Asked Putter Patter.

The bird flew down for a closer look. The clock had carved oak leaves and branches with acorns, and a carved wood cuckoo at the top. The face and hands were made with different color woods. The roof slanted to keep the rain and snow off. It was a very handsome clock indeed. But something wasn't quite right.

"How would I sing?" Asked the cuckoo.

"Ah!, let me show you."

Putter Patter put his clock on a hook and set the pine cone weights to hang. Then he turned the carved wood hands until they went to the hour. The clock banged with a gong and a door over the face opened. Out popped a beautiful carved cuckoo.

"Oh, that's so much better. And you captured my real look. Let me fly inside."

With that, Putter Patter opened the back of the clock to let the cuckoo in and held it up for the bird's inspection. In a quick flight, the cuckoo landed inside and asked the elf to shut him in and turn the clock to the hour.

Putter Patter did what was asked and when the little door over the dial opened the tiny cuckoo came out and sang, "Cuc-koo," for each hour.

The elf opened the back again to let the bird out. The cuckoo flew high into the branches and sang as loud as he could to draw all the creatures of the forest to see what the elf made.

Deer and squirrels, owls, foxes and bears all came to the see what the elf had done. When all the creatures of the forest settled about, Putter Patter put the clock to work for the noon hour.

When the hands of the cock hit noon, the cuckoo clock banged and the door opened. The carving of the cuckoo came out and sung, "Cuckoo," for each hour.

All the creatures loved this thing called a clock, though they didn't understand why humans needed such a thing. Creatures only need the sun and stars to tell you when it's time to eat or sleep. But they congratulated the elf on his new invention for humans anyway. The elf beamed with the praise, for it was one thing to fix a squeaky door and sit by the fire with a pint, but to hear the forest creatures give him credit was best of all.

Putter Patter made many, many cuckoo clocks. He carved the images of all the creatures that came that day on his cuckoo clocks after that. And to this day, cuckoo clocks look like the forest they came from, otherwise, the cuckoo won't sing. 

Zendor The Witch, Taker Of Souls

Deep in a cave that sits on top a high mountain, Zendor the witch gazed at a crystal ball. In cages going far back inside the cave were the living souls of children crying for their parents. She loves to hear their pleas and wails, it is music to her ears.

She peers into the crystal for more souls to capture in the night and add to her collection. Two children, twins born only a few days before can be seen. A worthy prize, she thinks and cackles in amusement while holding the globe up high for the souls of children held in the cages to see as well. When the children wailed and cried for her to stop, she laughed even louder.

The baby boy and girl lay in their cribs guarded night and day by the king's soldiers, for these were the children of the king and queen of the realm. Their castle sat on a high cliff with only one road to the gate. The villagers, in the valley below, complained to the king of their children's soul's taken from them, for they were left with babies that didn't cry or laugh, the children without souls found no interest in parties, parades, toys, puppies or kittens. They just sat and stared out the window at other children that played and danced, read books, and wished on stars.

The king sent for a wizard known to live deep in a primeval forest. But he could not be found, for the wizard was wise to mankind and their need for more wealth and power.

Zendor the witch plotted and planned. She sent rats and bats to spy on the castle, and black widow spiders to hear everything within the castle walls. So she knew the king was in search of the great wizard. This presented a problem, she thought, but not sure what he might do, if anything, since he detested mankind for its greed. She would have to plan her theft very carefully this time she thought.

One day a carnival came to the kingdom. They sat up tents on the outskirts of the village with bright banners and flags. They had sword swallowers, fire eaters, and trained ponies that carried pretty women who performed acrobatics on the backs of steeds. A man with a very large hat and short legs stood on a stool beckoning people to see women with beards, and men so hairy they looked like wolves. Snakes with a dozen heads and a goat who's head could turn in a complete circle were available for all to gaze upon.

As the citizens wandered the carnival grounds, the king's soldiers looked closely at the carnies and their tents. They looked in barrels and bags, they looked at the ponies and even felt in the beards of the bearded ladies but found nothing unusual. Still though they kept a close eye on everyone for the guards were suspicious.

No news came to the king of the wizard. The prince and princess had guards night and day for their children, they were never left alone no matter if asleep or awake, for two sentries always stood next to them.

Everyone went to the carnival, even people in other kingdoms heard of the wonders and traveled great distances to see the performers and strange creatures that harbored inside tents. They marveled at the acts and when it was announced that the last day of the carnival there would be a fireworks display not like any other. As word spread more people gathered on the last day when the moon was only a sliver in the far horizon.

It was a spectacular day on the last day of the carnival for all day entertainers meandered about to keep the crowds entertained and for no charge. There was cotton candy swirled in clouds of pink, yellow and blue, and ice-cold lemonade for any child. There were games to win teddy bears and dolls and as the the sky darkened, people began to gather in the fields around the carnival to have the best view.

When night's blanket covered the sky and stars twinkled in the firmament, the first firework flew high. It whistled all the way into the sky with a shrill noise it made before a boom rang out and the sky turned brilliant sparkling colors. Then more rockets, and more, until the whole sky looked like one giant waterfall of colored light, sparkling and shining brighter than the sun.

Suddenly the show ended with the sky going dark again. It went very dark without anyone able to see the stars again. That's when people began to notice that they couldn't see each other. They couldn't see anything. It may have been a good thing too. For when the sky darkened the entertainers turned back into rats, wolves and bears that scattered into the forest leaving everyone else to wander aimlessly.

For three days and nights the people couldn't see. They wandered about, some to untimely deaths, until they realized everyone was blind and decided to wait for help. But that help never came. On the fourth day their sight began to come back and finally, after a full day, their sight returned.

Everyone was so grateful see again that they didn't realize a very strange thing. All the children were quiet, they never left where they stood on the night of the fireworks, but stared with blank eyes. No crying or laughter did these children make. That's when people saw each child had lost their soul. The king and queen ran to bed chamber where their children slept and with a sharp gasp of breath turned their babies over to see eyes with only slits opened that looked at nothing.

Throughout the kingdom the wails of mothers and fathers could be heard. The king and queen, frantic to find someone who could help, went to the king of faeries themselves to beseech his intervention. After the king and queen of the realm left the faeries talked among themselves, for none of the magical beings in the world were fond of humans, their greed being a problem for all sprites. But to hear so many unhappy creatures and know how they would feel if such a fate befell their children, decided to intervene.

The reason no human could locate the great wizard was that only those in possession of magical abilities could find him. It wasn't hard for the king of the faeries to do. He opened the East door of the castle and walked into a beautiful realm where cuckoo birds called among the great oak trees and followed a running brook jumping with trout. When the king of the faeries came to a cave, where the brook sprang from, he took his scepter and banged the end against a nearby rock. It rang out like a temple bell, deep and loud.

Soon after, the great wizard appeared at the entrance of the cave. "Come in dear friend and tell me what brings you hear?" He asked of the faerie king.

"I think you know, but let's talk of this matter and see what can be done."

The great wizard bowed before he beckoned the king inside to his great hall. The vast room sparkled with cut gemstones protruding from the cavern's walls. It was like walking into a mineral glowing vibrant with colors. He led his guest to one particular group of crystals and asked the king of faeries to look.

What he saw were all the children held captive by Zendor. He saw their sad ghost like faces imprisoned and wanting to be back in their bodies. "There is a great many of them isn't there," the king finally said.

"Yes, far too many. We need to restore balance my friend and I'll need your help and that of the humans."

"You know you have mine, and I'm sure that of the humans, but we should ask them, I think."

"Let me know their answer for they will have to give up all their wealth to have the children back."

So the king of the faeries went to the king of the realm and said they had a plan but it would require the entire wealth of the realm. All jewels and gold must be turned over, anything of value so that the only thing left would be the clothes on your back and the roof over your head. The king agreed and set out to gather all the wealth.

He went to each villager far and wide, and in great heaps carted off all possessions leaving only the clothes on their backs and a home for shelter. Those that protested, the king took to his castle and showed them the bare floors with not a chair to sit on. No crown on the king's head and no rings on his fingers. Everything was brought out of the castle and stacked. So those that hesitated saw the king was a good king and did the same.

When everyone's possessions lay in front of the castle the king bid the faerie king to come and see that they did as instructed for none of the humans could bear seeing children with no soul. No amount of money was worth that.

The faerie king looked over all the things and in a flash, everything vanished from sight. "You must now wait," he said, before he too disappeared from sight.

And the humans did. They toiled the soil for bread and kept nothing that came their way save to keep clothes on themselves and a bit of food on the table. Day and night parents waited for the return of their children's souls. 

One day a peddler came to Zendor. He wanted to bargain and had many things that the witch might need in exchange for some of the souls of her captive children. She wasn't much interested, the fine jewels, silks, barrels of flour and butter didn't appeal to her nearly as much as listening to the cries of children.

The peddle offered herds of cows and goats. Cheeses, carts, donkeys and chickens. He showed her crowns of gold that glittered with diamonds. But the wail of souls soothed her to sleep she said, and how could she sleep without their pitiful pleads.

He finally unveiled a cabinet, the door made of glass so that you could see inside. It was big enough to fit two people, three would be a bit crowded. "I doubt you would be interested in this since nobody else is."

The witch looked at it with some curiosity. "What is it?"

"A travel machine of course." You can travel anywhere by getting in and saying where you want to go." He told her, "It's useless for anything else, and people don't like it because it can't hold much."

The witch thought it over before she asked how many souls for the travel machine. Which the peddler said, "I only need two, for their cries keep pesky children away."

She had so many, she thought, what would the loss of two be among all the crying souls, and a travel machine might be useful.

"Alright, you can have two but first show me how to use the machine."

"Very good and I'll be rid of carrying this around with me." He opened the door and stepped in , then beckoned the witch to do the same.

 Zendor stepped in before she turned to face the glass door as if in an elevator.

"Now where would you like to go? 

"To the top of the highest mountain."

"Very good. Now make up a rhyme that tells the machine where you want it to go."

The witch thought a moment, " Take me high, to the highest mountain, where I can see both land and sea "

There was a shudder in the cabinet when suddenly the cabinet stood on top the highest mountain where the witch could see both land and sea. The witch was delighted and opened the door to step out.

She smiled to feel the shock of cold and a view so far up. Then she got back in the booth. 'I'll take it."

"Very well," said the peddler, " Take us back from where we came, take us to where souls cry and wail."

Another shudder occurred before they came back to Zendor's cave and the wailing souls of children.

They stepped out with the witch excited about the travel machine, but still hesitant to part with any children. She still wasn't sure if it was worth two souls.

"Oh, I forgot to mention that you can travel anywhere, even the stars if one want, but who would want to go to a star?"

The witch very much wanted too, for she had heard from a rat that said he had seen the great wizard himself, of a distant star that gave anyone who went there, great magical powers. The Wizard star, and it was said it held a fountain with the water of magic.

"It might be useful. Alright then, do you have a preference of souls?"

"No, just as long as they scream loud so as to ward off pesky children who only want candy, but not to buy."

She went to a cell and said a magic spell. The cage opened and the witch fished about before she caught two souls. She placed them in a bird cage and then handed the cage to the peddler. "There you are, now be off with you, for I have work to do.

The peddler gathered all his belongings before he started his walk back to the base of the mountain. When he was well on his way, the witch stepped into the travel machine and with a shudder it disappeared. At that moment, the great wizard transformed himself from a lizard nearby and went to the cages of souls. He said the magic spell he heard the witch whispered, and all the cages opened. Then he led the souls of the children back to his camp below and soon they each found their way back home where their bodies lay waiting.

The whole land was happy, for the laughter of children could be heard and everyone agreed, their happiness was worth all the gold in the world. And the witch, try as she might could not get back to her cave, for it no longer held the souls of wailing children.

The Meanest Witch that Ever Was.

There once was a witch so mean she had only stone soup to eat. Nothing alive could stand to be around her. Not even the trees and ferns of the forest could stand living nearby, and because of that it left her cottage barren, save for the rocks in the earth. On occasion though, some poor hapless soul would wander to close and then end up flavoring the broth of her stone soup. She was so mean that whatever she caught would flavor a soup more than once before she ate them whole.

In the same kingdom lived a goblin who loved everyone he met. If it wasn't for being very, very ugly, as goblins tend to be, he would be the most popular creature in the kingdom. Still, some people and creatures of the forest, took the time to know him.  Once they got over how terribly horrible he looked, which took some doing, they found him quite the fun fellow.

One spring day the village in the forest of this kingdom decided it would be good to hold a fair in a nearby meadow. Everyone was invited, there would be booths for merchants from all over to show their goods and a farmer's market with baked breads, pies and cookies. People could spend the day to get to know their neighbors and shop for things not found in the village.

As word spread, far and wide, the fair grew and grew each year. It was the biggest event the kingdom hosted and with the word spread among all the people that came, and all the goods that could be had, even the meanest witch got word albeit from a tasty victim.

The goblin had a kissing booth. Quite popular because young people would dare each other to kiss such a hideous creature, and as always, the goblin would make friends with his easy, laughing ways. He had the booth not so much to make money, although it was nice, but to show people it's best not to judge someone by how they look until you get to know them. Some of his friends had said he was 'kinda cute in an ugly sort of way.' It always made him smile.

The meanest witch ever thought how delightful to be so mean that she could ruin the whole event. A catastrophe so terrible that no one would ever come to the fair again. It would be her meanest most horrible act ever, and that made her smile.

The day the fair opened was the best day of the whole year. The meadow was thick and green with wildflowers. The sun shown the brightest, and the sky the bluest that anyone could ever remember. The fair launched kites and flags to flutter and play in a gentle breeze that kept the air cool while the sun warmed. Merchants polished and painted their booths before donning them with wares from every corner in the world to entice even the most miserly to buy. Minstrels gathered here and there to coax those listening to have a pint of ale and a song. It was so delightful and everyone very excited to go to the fair that day. So was the meanest witch and the ugliest goblin.

When everyone was at the fair, and all enjoying themselves, the witch showed up. She spilled the drinks of children to make them cry, turned wildflowers brown and dead, changed the pitch of the musicians instruments so they sounded like cats fighting and even cut the strings on the kites flying in the wind, she was that mean.

People began to avoid her as quick as possible, many leaving the fair in fear of her meanness as she walked around the fair grounds pulling down shelves of merchandise and overturning booths. But when she got to the ugliest goblin's kissing booth she stopped.

She stared at the sign above his booth that read, "Do You Dare To Kiss The Ugliest Goblin?"

The witch had to ponder this, because she had never kissed anyone let alone a goblin. It came to her mind that this would be the perfect topping to her day, to kiss a goblin and he would never kiss anyone again.

She gathered her dress and walked up to the booth to peer inside. What she saw was the hideous goblin smiling at her and then he threw her a kiss. She stumbled back in shock.

Once recovered from the blown kiss the witch thought of turning him into a toad but he was uglier than a toad so that wouldn't do. She thought for a moment before she approached the booth again. When she did, he winked at her. That got her anger stirred up.

The witch gathered herself up and walked up to the booth once again,"You're the ugliest creature on earth. How can you live with yourself being so ugly? Why don't you jump off a cliff, you hideous thing you."

The goblin laughed and then patted the chair next him, "Come here and let the most hideous thing you ever saw give you a kiss."

"Kiss you," she said, "Why I wouldn't kiss a creature so ugly as you. You could give me warts."

"You're afraid aren't you. The meanest witch that ever was is afraid of kissing an ugly goblin."

Now the witch was really flustered. "I'm not afraid of you. You should be afraid of me. I'm so mean nobody likes me."

"I like you," and with that he blew her another kiss.

"Stop doing that this instant."

"I won't until you kiss me." Then he blew her several more kisses."

The witch grew so furious that storm clouds formed overhead and lightening flashed. She stomped her feet and the ground turned black as coal before she humphed and puffed herself to twice her size.

Once the witch got control of  herself and straightened her dress, she turned again to the goblin, "Alright, I'll kiss you and watch if you don't turn to stone because I'm so mean."

"Go ahead and try if you like."

The goblin patted the seat next to him and beckoned the witch to sit for a kiss. She smiled and sat next to him. He puckered his big slimy green lips with warts and moles before he leaned over and planted a kiss right on the witch's lips.

At first she almost gagged, feeling the warty lips and the slime that oozed from them. But then something strange happened, the goblin's mouth felt warm and comforting. She felt a strange tingle in her toes that went all the way up to the top of her head. Her witch's head felt a bit dizzy and her witch heart beat faster than ever before.

The goblin broke off the kiss and stared, dreamy eyed at the witch as she smiled at him. They had fallen in love. Suddenly, where the earth beneath her feet had turned black, it now was green with fresh grass. The storm clouds above vanished and everyone seemed more at ease at the fair.

The two spent the day at the fair making wreaths of flowers for the children and dancing to the music. They spent that day and the day after together. They hugged and laughed and played with the town's children whom they taught lessons in making the world a better place.

And above the cottage where the smell of mushroom and wildflower soup floated in the air, was a sign. 'All you need is Love.' That's where the ugliest goblin and the meanest witch lived for ever after.

The Baby Whisperers

Long ago and far away in a primeval forest, a pristine lake glistened. In the middle of the lake was an island far from the shores of a forest that surrounded it. And on this island was the realm of the faeries. The Fae that lived there had a king and queen who ruled their land with fairness to all. This made the faeries that lived there very happy with their king and queen. But no Fae ever left the island, and why should they, when they only knew happiness on their isle, in the middle of a lake deep in a primeval forest.

One day the queen gave birth to a beautiful fairy prince. The child was doted on by all the faeries in the realm for he was the most beautiful and fairest of the Fae.  The king and queen were so proud of their prince and watched over him as he grew, teaching him the ways of the Fae and the use of magic spells.  But as the child grew he became curious of the land around lake and what lay beyond.

He went to his mother. "Who has gone across the water and beyond the forest?" He asked her one day while they watched a procession of carp parading in a brook.

His mother asked her faerie hand maiden if she might know or someone she knew might know, but hard as they tried, none of them knew of any fairy that went beyond the water let alone on the other side of the forest.

He asked his father, "Do you know what is beyond the forest on the edge of the lake?"

"No," his father replied, "No one has wanted to go there. And why should they, isn't life good here my son?"

"There is nothing to compare it with." He answered.

"Aren't you happy here?" He asked.

"I am, but I can't help wonder what is out there."

His father feared he might leave their island and never return, or worse vanish into the unknown.

As faeries live for a very long time, the story of the their clan, and how they first came about on their island was steeped in lore. The prince asked who among them was the oldest faerie. And as they talked among themselves, who the oldest would be, decided after some consideration that a faerie on far side of the island would be the one, her name was,  Tiertonia.

So the faerie prince went to see Tiertonia, and found her near the water's edge in a very dear home of driftwood and moss. She had placed moonbeams in a lantern that glowed next to her door. He knocked on the door and waited. Soon Tiertonia answered.

"Hello Prince Sarton. What brings you to the far side of our island?" Teirtonia said as she bowed.

"I came to ask if you knew what lies beyond the forest on the other side of the lake."

She opened the door wider and said, "Come in dear prince and I'll tell you what I know."

The prince walked in and took a seat on a sunflower while Tiertonia brought him nectar tea. She then sat down herself and took a sip of the tea before she talked.

"I heard the story from my father who had heard it from his father. We have not always lived here, but came to this isle to escape from humans."

"What are humans?" He asked.

"They are a breed of animal that are very cunning. My father was told that we found them amusing at first because they valued gold so much and  were always delighted when one of the Fey offered them some. But they always wanted more. They wanted more of everything, nothing would satisfy them because it was never enough for them. They like to kill and dominate all others. When the Fae of our tribe would not give them more gold, they began to hunt us. When they could not catch us, they burnt our forests to the ground. We lost our sacred grove and fled far enough that no man could follow us here to this island."

The prince pondered what Tiertonia told him while he sipped his nectar tea. Then he gave the old faerie a blessing and thanked her before he left. He went back to his parents and told them the story of how the Fey came to the island.

"You see son," his parents said, "It's better to live here for we have fortified our island with magic spells so no living thing can see our beautiful paradise. This is where you belong."

But the young faerie prince could not shake his yearning to see more of the world and decided to leave the sacred island of the Fey. He built a boat of Sycamore leaves to sail across the water. On the day of his departure all the faeries came to bid him farewell and a speedy return to their magic kingdom. His mother and father kissed him goodbye before he set out on the waters.

Prince Sarton sailed to the other side and stepped out of his boat. He looked backed toward the island but could not see where it was, so he made a magical mark and stowed his ship on shore should he decide to return before he flew deep into the forest.

Years went by and everyday his parents looked toward the far side of the lake hoping to see their son. They gave a royal proclamation for a magic crystal to be fashioned that would make a light for the young prince to see the isle of the Fae and hung it in a lantern made from an acorn where they placed it in the highest oak tree near where the young prince left on his journey.

After many more years, the king and queen were now old, even for faeries and very sad, afraid they would never see their son again. But one day a sycamore leaf boat came to shore guided by the crystal in the lantern that still hung in the great oak tree.

Prince Sarton stepped out and flew to his parent's castle, Eroinia in the middle of the island. His wings were a bit worn and tarnished. The princely dress slightly tattered and he looked weary, something the Fae on the isle never knew.

The faeries in the main square where a fountain played and water lilies bloomed, blinked their eyes, not sure of the stranger in their midst. Then, when Prince Sarton bowed and said, "I'm home," they knew.

All the Fae gathered around the Prince before his parents came, parting a way through to their son. Everyone was so happy that the faeries glowed with brilliant colors.

"Our son has returned." Proclaimed the king and queen. "Every faery dress in your finest and bring your favorite dish to the banquet hall this evening. We'll have a feast worth remembering."

That night, with the faerie castle all aglow in moon rays and crystal lamps. The great hall covered in ferns, orchids and lotus blossoms. The table filled with a variety of flower nectar, and honeyed fruit, the Fae rejoiced for the return of their Prince. When all had ate their fill the king rose for a toast to Prince Sarton.

When the blessing of the faeries was finished, the prince rose, his wings strong and light, his cloths of the finest spider gossamer. "I missed all of you so very much. But I  had to see the world. It is beautiful and frightful. There are only a few faeries left in the world, tucked away in what forest humans have left. Mankind has dominated the whole earth and use it for their own means. They no longer recognize our work done before they arrived here to make the world a special place, and scar the land in their quest for more and more."

The Fae talked among themselves, nodding in astonishment.

"There is hope for our world. The children of humans can see us. They delight in our presence. That's why the faeries that are left have stayed. They are teaching the children, while their innocence is intake, to heal the world for all mother earth's creatures."

Prince Sarton raised his goblet, "A toast! If any of you want to help this noble cause, let them come to me and we'll talk. To Mother Earth!"

All the Fae joined him in the toast.

As time passed, a faerie or two would go to see good Prince Sarton and ask about the mission to heal the earth. They would talk, after which some of the faeries did leave to whisper in the ear of giggling children, how to heal our mother--Mother Earth.

It is with this hope for the future that the work of faeries will one day be rewarded with our mother healed so that all her creatures can live in peace and harmony.

In dedication to the baby whisperers.   

The Curse Of A Witch

Long ago and far away lived a cobbler in a village. He made shoes for the town's folk, and repaired those of weary travelers on their way to see a great king. The king lived in a city a day's journey from the village. The cobbler lived just out of town on the same road to the city of the king. For their audience with the king, they all wanted to look their very best, and would stop at his shop for their shoes.

The cobbler lived alone in his comfortable house by a brook that ran fresh water to the fields of the villagers. He was happy with his home near the road. The cobbler's shop faced the road with his residence in back. It made for a comfortable life at the forest's edge . The back had windows facing the stream where lay the most beautiful garden of vegetables and flowers to cheer his home. But what he wanted most was someone to love him.

 All the maidens, young, mature, rich, or poor in town spurned his requests for marriage. They all thought a cobbler to low to marry. The cobbler, although nice and well thought of, was not very bright or handsome, and cobblers do have little money. But the cobbler, though lacking in what others thought important, had a kind and loving heart. He didn't resent what they said of him.  "They don't know who I really am." That's what he told himself, and decided to wait for someone to see him for his real self. For he knew someday it would happen.

One day a hag came to the village with clothes made of patched rags, for that was what her clothes had become. Thinned boned, with a walking stick to help her crooked back, she was on her way to see the king. For she had a complaint of a witch's curse.

When she rested, for she had no home, people threw money at her to move her on her way. That income was her only money for she was forced to live by the kindness of strangers. When the hag came to the cobbler's shop, she saw a bench at the front window. Beneath the  window was a flower box that cascaded over the side with color, making the bench more inviting. At the end of the bench stood a lovely earthen water jar with a leather laced ladle around the neck of the container. A sign near the jar read, 'Sit and rest'. She sat down on the bench to rest and thought of a cup of water if no one minded. She lifted the ladle and filled it with fresh water before bringing it to her dry, weathered lips.

It brought a smile to her, the first she's had in a long while, to sit in the shade with flowers about and fresh clean water to drink. She thought of having another drink but didn't want to impose herself, having no money to give in return. The hag stood up, opened the door to the cobbler's store and walked in. There, she looked about, everything in neat cubby boxes, filled with shoes and sandals, and a beautiful yellow canary singing. She also smelled a wonderful soup coming from somewhere. 

What a lovely shop, she thought and walked to the cobbler who was busy stitching a new sole on a pair of boots. "May I another cup of water?"

The cobbler turned and saw a very tired old looking woman.

"Why of course you may. I was about to stop and have a cup of tea. Would you join me?"

The hag wasn't sure what to say, nobody ever asked her to come inside their homes let alone have tea. "Well, if you don't mind. It's been so long since anyone asked if I would like  a cup of tea." She held on to the side of her tattered clothing, ashamed of how she looked.

"Oh my dear, you're fine enough to me. Here, let me help you, I have a nice cushioned chair near the window next to the hearth. I like to read there. Let me take you to it."

"Oh, no. I couldn't, my clothes, I might ruin your beautiful chair."

"I'm not worried about the chair, and I would love the company, being with shoes all day. They have tongues you know but I never heard one speak."

She laughed at his joke and he thought her younger than when he first saw her. "I'll tell you what. Let's dress up. I have a dressing gown in the back for you, and if you'd like, take a bath, for the water is warm.  I'll make tea for our soup and sandwich. You wear the gown and I'll put on my best coat and hat. Will have a tea party fit for royalty."

He then held out his hand, "My name is Tot, and you?"

She took his hand, smiled and said, "Mine is May."

"You mean the lovely, May?"

"No one has called me lovely in a long time."

"How sad, because you are very lovely, just like the month of May. Now here, go through that door there, down the hall and turn to the left. You'll find the bath."

May thought it strange that Tot would find her attractive. When she got to the bath, there was a beautiful dressing gown hanging near the towels and she smiled again.

Once May bathed, washing all the dirt and tired off her, she took the robe and wrapped it around, feeling how soft the fabric felt on her skin, not like the rags she wore everyday, and her body wasn't as tired as before. May then walked toward the shop side of Tot's house but was stopped by his voice calling out.

"I'm out here in the garden, come join me," Tot said pointing to a French door for her to use.

May opened the door and stepped out to a beautiful garden with the canary now singing in his cage hooked near the door. Tot had sat a wonderful table of sandwiches, tea and the soup she had smelled earlier. There were flowers from the garden in a bright vase in the middle of the table and Tot held out a cushioned chair for her.

After the two sat and Tot poured the tea they talked over lunch. Tot asked, "Are you on your way to see the king? So many are that take this road,"

"Yes, if he will see me in my tattered garments. I hear he is a very wise king and I need his help."

"What is it? If I may ask."

"I'm cursed by a witch and maybe he can help me. They say he is very good and solved many problems."

"Oh dear, I'm sure our king can help you. Let me get you some shoes and clothes so you look your best."

"That would be wonderful. I could make my own clothes if you have cloth and allow me use your scissors, needles and thread."

"I have some cloth but not the kind to see a king in. I'll go into town after lunch and get some very fine cloth for you."

"You're so kind to me. I'm very grateful. Can I watch yours shop while you go to town?"

"That would be perfect."

And so, the two had their lunch while they listened to the canary sing  and the brook's gurgle on worn stones. When they finished Tot went into town while May sat about tidying up and helping the occasional customer who dropped off shoes for repair or waited until Tot returned.

In no time at all, Tot came back with the most beautiful bolts of satin in different colors, and delicate white lace for trim.  He also brought everything a lady would need for making clothes. He handed them to May, which she thanked him for most graciously.

"Two gentlemen are waiting and there are shoes left for repair that I put on your workbench," May said.

"Thanks very  much. What a wonderful day, isn't it May?"

May thought for a moment, so much had happened in such a short time, "It is a wonderful day. I feel so different somehow."

"You make it a wonderful day, May."

For a moment the two looked deeply into each others eyes before they broke their gaze to set about the tasks at hand.  It took up the rest of their day but in the end, May had cut the cloth to make a very nice dress and pinned it together for sewing. She had a rabbit stew simmering on the stove with a fresh pot of tea when Tot came to the living quarters.

 "Oh May, I could smell the rabbit stew in the shop, what a delight and the customers wanted to know what was for dinner, as if hinting to be invited. Can I help you with anything?"

"Could you set the table? It's funny, but you put things where I would put them. I could find everything. It was as if I had lived here."

Tot stood still a moment, his heart beating so hard he thought May might hear. "Well, eh. I have a spare room with a nice bed. May?"

"Yes Tot."

"You could stay as long as you like. I really mean it, as long as you want." Tot held his breath while he waited of her answer.

"Thank you. I will need a few days before I see the king. You are the kindest most generous person I have ever met." May walked to Tot holding out her arms to embrace him.

They held each other for a while when May gave Tot a kiss on the cheek. At that moment, a tingling took place that rippled through them both.

When they let go of each other, Tot said, "I haven't seen you use your cane.

May looked around the room, wondering where she put it because her bones no longer ached. "I don't feel like I need it for some reason."

"You look so beautiful May, I'm a lucky man to have you as a friend."

May smiled, and  on her way to sit for dinner she passed a mirror and noticed the crook of her back was gone and her hair no longer grey. Her faced too, the lines and wrinkles had faded.

It was a dinner by candlelight and when finished and the dishes washed, they sat by the fire, May sewing her dress, and Tot working on a beautiful pair of shoes.

The next day, they sat about their tasks, and each day after. May made herself a closet of clothes and talked to Tot on adding clothe's repair to the business. Tot agreed and the two were soon very busy with all the new customers.

Years passed, yet May never went to the king. In town, people commented on what a lovely and handsome couple they made, and how gracious the both were to strangers, for no one had a bad word to say of them. 

One day, after years had passed and children raised, Tot asked of May, "Why have you never gone to the king with your request?

May held her husband's hand, "I found out the witch didn't curse me."

"How's that?"

"I had asked for a spell from a witch I was told to be very good and wise. In the land I came from I was the most beautiful maiden, that's what people said of me, and I suppose it was true, because I was sought after by many suitors. But none of them wanted to know who I was as a person. They looked at me as something beautiful to treasure. I asked the witch to cast a spell that only those who loved me for who I was, rather than my beauty, would find me."

May reached over and kissed her husband sitting on the couch with her, "She took my beauty from me and because of that, I found my one true love."

Ratty Mole And The Cunning Fox Final Chapter

Ratty came out one morning and stood on their dock next to the river.The crisp air told him Fall was not far away. The river traffic was quiet even though this was a good time to gather roots for winter. But instead of bustling with river folk on their way to stock up their larders, the water steered the yellow and gold leaves fallen from sycamores along its bank instead.

When Mole came out to join him for a morning cup of tea, Ratty told him that they should implement the plan before the town went hungry for lack of winter supplies. So, after a breakfast of toast and jam they set out for the deep woods nearby where Badger had a hidden entrance to his vast tunnels underground. Once at the entrance, Ratty pulled out a key that Badger had given to him and unlocked the door at the base of a giant oak tree. With a quick look around, to make sure no one saw them, they went inside and shut the door. Ratty felt for the candle holder he knew was near the door and found it. After he lit the candle and placed it in the lantern, Mole lead the way, being that he knew how to navigate underground.

They went down long corridors far under the oak tree with Mole tasting the air now and then, and before long they came to a green door where Mole said he thought Badger might be. Ratty knocked and after a long pause, Badger answered.

"Come in," Badger said greeting his two guests, "Sit by the fire and I'll get us some tea."

When Badger came back with a pot of tea, biscuits and cups, he poured the tea and offered them the tray of treats to go with it. It was like old times. Before the fox and his messages from this Creator being came into play, Badger thought, to hear the laughter and banter of friends.

Once everyone had caught up on the latest news, Badger stood and cleared his throat. "We must act now, before that fox leaves our village desolate as he has others. The good book merchant has been busy, he made our costumes and and wrote our lines. There will be a disturbance in town and we are sure it will cause the fox to gather his flock once again. Everyone will be there and this is the time we will strike!"

The book merchant came out from his room with costumes and pinned to each one were written lines. He handed them to each so everyone could read aloud to make sure they had it right.

"What fun!" Cried Mrs. Weasel.

"We'll have to see," said Mr. Weasel turning to his wife, "It will be if everything goes right, but what if it doesn't?"

"Let's not fret," Badger said, "We all know our parts and have talked about what to do. "It will be fine. After all, we have a secret weapon."

"What weapon?" asked Mole.

"We can read," answered Badger.

The next day the book merchant came back to town. He unlocked his door nestled in a Bay tree, dusted off his books and put the open sign in the front window. After everything was arranged he stepped outside to sit and read at the store's front window. It wasn't long at all before he was noticed and word of it spread.

When the fox heard of this, he demanded everyone to attend a meeting that very night. "The Creator is very angry!" he bellowed to the field mice who scampered everywhere with the message.

As the sun went down the fox lit torches at the entrance to his tent after which he banged a brass bell to call the faithful. When the tent was full, with the last straggler seated, the fox went to the back of the tent and entered behind the stage. Suddenly, there was a fierce noise of thunder rolling through the tent. It startled everyone and they looked about in fear as if they should flee.

The fox came out on stage from behind a curtain and walked to the podium where candles were lit on each side.  He wore a magnificent black and red cape from his shoulders with a feathered hat on his head. His eyes scanned each and everyone seated with a glare that bore into their inner core.  The fox's teeth flashed in the candlelight with a glisten sharp and cutting before he spoke. "The Creator is very angry for a sinner is in our midst." His voice boomed so loud that mother's grabbed their young and held them close.

"Are we to allow sin among us, bringing the wrath of the Creator?"

A "No," started here and there before it was picked up by others.

"What do we do with sinners?

Someone stood up and said, "Kill them. That's what we do. Kill the sinners or face the wrath of the Creator."

"Yes," said the fox with a smile. "Now let's hear everyone. What do we with sinners?"

"We kill them. We kill them." Was everyone's reply.

"That's right we kill them!" Said the fox.

At that very moment, thunder rolled through the tent. The fox looked about wondering how it happened when from behind the curtain, Toady appeared dressed in fine regal regalia. Along with him were two of the kits of Mr. and Mrs. Weasel that held the end of Toady's long robe, and as they approached the center of the stage a booming voiced announced, "Hail to the Creator. He has heard your cries and has come to exact vengeance."

The fox was truly bewildered. He looked at the crowd who obviously believed what they saw to be the Creator. And before the fox could speak, Toady raised his scepter to bang against the floor which made a very loud noise. "Silence!" He bellowed.

Everyone in the tent went silent.

"Prostrate  yourselves in the presence of the Creator." A booming voice bellowed.

Everyone fell to their knees.

Toady strode to edge of the stage and looked around at the quivering congregation. He stomped his scepter again causing another wave a fear to flow over the crowd and then he did the strangest thing. He took off his crown, dropped his robe and began to laugh.

"You silly creatures, it's me Toady. Look. I'm Toady," he said pointing to himself.

Then the curtain behind the podium raised and there was Badger holding a megaphone that he had bellowed in. Next to him was Mole with a piece of sheet metal in his hand that he wiggled and caused the sound of thunder and Mr. and Mrs Weasel who pulled the curtain up.

The crowd started to wave their fist and became very angry, they picked up chairs to hurl on the stage, and they looked like they might do worse. But before they could, the mayor of the town stood up, dusted himself off, fixed his spectacles to his face and asked, "Is this some kind of joke?"

Badger, Mole, Toady, and the Weasel family walked to the center of the stage, with Toady holding on to the fox's shoulder rather tight.

Badger said, "The fox here only wanted to show all of you how important it is to learn to read. Because if you had read how we all came about from thousands of years of evolution, you would have never been fooled. There is no Creator and of course the fox knew this. Didn't you fox."

The fox dangled a bit from the grip of Toady's as he held him nearest the edge of the stage where the crowd gathered.

"Yes. Yes," said the fox as sweat ran from his brow and he tried to stay away from the clutches of the crowd.

Badger picked up the megaphone again and said into it, "Fox is going to give you all back your treasure and add two gold coins to it."

Everyone began to smile, with the fox saying of course he would, that was his plan all along.

Then Badger said, "And with those two gold coins, fox ask you to buy books from his good friend the book Merchant and learn to read so that no one can be fooled again.

Badger grabbed the other arm of the fox and they went to where the fox kept all his treasure. He wasn't released until everyone had their money back plus two gold coins.

After that, the village never saw the fox again. And the town built a library and installed the book merchant as the librarian who, with the help of Badger, Ratty, Mole, and the Weasels gave free reading lessons. Soon their little town by the river prospered and word spread of the good news on why it was so important to read and learn of the world.  


 

Part Two Of Ratty Mole And the Cunning Fox

Ratty and Mole sat on the dock with their sandwiches, tea and books. But Ratty no sooner began to read  when he saw someone he wanted to introduce to Mole. Ratty wanted everyone to meet Mole who, by the hour, he became more and more endeared to.

And as the day went by and afternoon's light began to fade, Mole became anxious. "Ratty, I have had such a good time. This is all so wonderful and exciting to me.  But it is getting late, and I must return to my hole while I can still see."

"Oh dear." Ratty said, suddenly realizing what time it was. "Why don't you spend the night here, there is plenty of room. I'll build a cozy fire and we'll retire early, seeing what a busy day it's been."

Mole thought for a minute, so enjoying his time with Ratty, he really didn't want it to end. "If it's not too much trouble then. I would love to stay, Ratty."

Ratty beamed, "It's settled then. Come inside and I'll show you around. I have quite a selection of books."

The two went inside with Ratty showing Mole where everything was and asked Mole's help to bring in a spare bed for Mole to sleep in. They had bean soup with toasted cheese sandwiches while Ratty talked of all the things they could do the next day before exhaustion caught up with them and they fell asleep in their beds.

Mole woke to the sight of the river going by outside the bedroom's window. Even with his near-sightedness, he was delighted, so different from his hole in the ground, it felt to him like he always belonged here.

Ratty had made porridge and tea. He wondered though if they should eat on the dock or at the kitchen nook when Mole came in and said good morning to him.

"Oh Ratty it's so wonderful here, I could stay forever."

"Well, it's settled then. Why don't you!" Ratty couldn't be happier with the news Mole gave him. "Shall we dine al fresco?"

"Wonderful," said Mole.

In a weeks time Mole moved in with Ratty. They boarded up Mole's hole in the ground, should he ever return, and made Ratty's place into Ratty and Mole's home. The two spent their days on the river, and everyone said how happy Ratty was, and what a fine fellow Mole was, and isn't it nice that they should find each other.

One day a fox came to the river. He set up a tent on the outskirts of town and posted messages about the village that he knew the Creator and that all the creatures should come and hear what the Creator wanted from them or suffer the wrath of the, All-Knowing. There was to be a meeting at noon and everyone was to bring someone with them. So all the town's people came, but many on the river didn't hear of the meeting, or didn't care what the fox had to say and stayed away.

As the animals gathered inside the tent, they faced a stage with a podium in its center and lit candles on each side. An organ played somber music while the crowd gathered and when the tent was near full, great bangs of thunder rolled from the stage. It made them nervous, for creatures naturally don't like thunder and lightening. When  a hush fell on the crowd, the fox appeared wearing a black and red cape. He had on a large hat that looked quite regal, with a slick feather attached to the hat's band. The fox walked to the podium where he stood for several minutes staring out at the crowd. Sometimes he seemed to stare right through a creature that caught his attention.

When the crowd became absolutely still. He started to speak. "I know what is in your hearts, for the Creator has given me the power to know what you are thinking. You are afraid."

The crowd was afraid, from all the thunder and that the fox may know what they were thinking, so they nodded and muttered to each other that yes they were afraid.

Once the murmuring from the crowd quieted down the fox continued. "You have offended the Creator with your bad ways and he is very angry at you. He will destroy all of you if you don't do what he commands. But if you do what he ask then he will spare you and give you many blessings.

There was more talk among everyone about what would the creator want from them.

"Quiet! All you sniveling nonbelievers." The fox came down from his podium with a black box in his hands. "If you believe in the Creator, then give to him whatever gold you may have." He handed the box to the animal closest to him and told them to pass it around until it was full.

As the box was passed, the fox watched who put gold in and those that did not. "The Creator will show no mercy to those that are not generous. But to those that are, he will give them tenfold."

Once the box was passed, he took it back before going to those that didn't contribute shoving the box under their nose until they finally placed treasure in as well.

When the fox came back to the podium, he told the congregation that they were now true believers in the Creator. He then took from his pocket string bracelets and passed them among the crowd. "With this bracelet you are now under the protection of the Creator. And if you hear of anyone who does not believe--come to me." He then sent his congregation home with all of them showing off their string bracelets.

Soon suspicion grew among the river dwellers. The fox visited all those that did not believe, telling them of the danger they faced without protection from the creator's wrath. A few shut their door on the fox, forbidding him an audience.

The fox gathered all the believers once again and told them how vital it was for everyone's safety that all convert, or the Creator would bring destruction on them all. He also told them to bring any books they had, for the Creator forbids animals to read. There would be a book burning in the center square and it is now forbidden to talk to the book merchant.

The town's folk stopped talking to one another, for fear someone might think they did not believe in the Creator and report them. The fox had wrote down what offended the Creator and how much wealth everyone must contribute for the Creator's purpose to bring the word to all. He posted the laws all around town and at the tent where he held services. One rule that stood out among the rest was no one was allowed to have any books, for the Creator forbids that most of all.


The river flowed as it always did, bringing life to the river folk but few went out except to get food or some important item. The town's busy cobbled streets were left empty and the merchants went without customers. Especially the book merchant, who felt it was no longer safe to stay in town and left for the deep woods. They were afraid to buy books, or toys for their children, or dance and sing, for all those things were forbidden by the Creator who demanded more and more gold from everyone.

Late one night, Badger came from his home deep in the forest and knocked on Ratty and Mole's door. Ratty looked through the peephole to see who was there before opening the door. "So glad you got my message, Badger and you were able to come. Sit down by the fire and I'll fetch you a cuppa. There, sitting around the fireplace with cups of tea were Mole, Toady and the Weasels.

"I don't think anyone saw me, I took paths few know about." Badger said as he  walked to an empty chair.

"There aren't many creatures out anymore, but still it's best to be careful. Is the book merchant safe?" asked Toady."

Ratty came back from the kitchen with a hot cuppa for Badger and handed it to him. "Did you find out anything about this fox?" He asked Badger.

Badger grunted before he took a sip of tea, "The book merchant is at my home where he is safe in in one of the vast chambers I've made through the years." He then fished in his coat pocket and pulled out a bulletin similar to what the fox placed about town, listing what everyone could and could not do. "This came from another town far up the river from us. I had a talk with some of the residents, and the fox was there." Badger looked in the face of everyone before he added, "He didn't leave until he had all the town's wealth, leaving them a very poor community with not one book."

"Poor buggers," Mrs. Weasel said with a kit tucked in her arms.

"It's their lack of education, that's what did them in." Mr. Weasel added.

"Well, some animals still don't believe in reading books. Imagine in this day and age. What's to become of them? As you can see, all you need is a few poor ignorant souls to fall victim to someone's cunning. In this case a fox saw an opportunity to get rich off a fellow's ignorance."

"What can we do to save our community?" Asked Mrs. Weasel.

Mole put down his cup and cleared his throat, "I have a plan."

To be continued...

Ratty, Mole And The Cunning Fox

Once upon a time, where a gentle river flowed, many animals lived along its banks. They built a village, raised their young, and all lived in peace and harmony because the river gave a good life for everyone.

Ratty, a river rat, lived near a bend in the river where a willow tree grew. His home, built in the bank of the river, had paned windows to look out and watch the river traffic go by. Below his home, at river's edge, there was a small dock that sheltered his rowboat for excursions on the river, and to visit friends.

 Ratty was very happy in his home. Comfortable with his collection of books, he enjoyed sitting in a willow chair on his dock on warm days to read and wave at friends passing by. Everyone in his neighborhood knew him, often being invited for watercress sandwiches and tea on his cozy dock. Ratty liked nothing better than to chat with a passerby.

In the winter, Ratty would cook stews and soups by the fireplace as he watched the river rise to rush by his windows leaving mud on the sills that smelled like plum pudding. But in the winter time, everyone depended on their larder, only venturing out when it was safe to do. Ratty, even with his large collection of books, became lonely at winter's time.

His neighbors knew Ratty to be a good and jolly fellow. He would watch their children now and then, and always dependable to borrow a bit of butter or grain for the table. Often, his neighbors would say, "Ratty, have you found a love yet, another river rat to have a family?"

"No." Would be his answer, "All the single river rats I've met weren't interested in me or taken." Ratty would look to the horizon then before he said, "I suppose my destiny is a lonely life." That was his answer when asked the question, which came much too often.

Ratty, in truth, wasn't interested in the other river rats he met. He never felt the spark everyone talked about when you meet and fall in love. But Ratty knew, deep inside, it would happen one day.

One spring, when the river's creatures were busy restocking from the long winter, Ratty went to the Menders shop. He needed a pair of britches he tore repaired. And "odds and ends," as he called it, for Ratty loved to shop and meet people.

After the Menders, Ratty strolled about the village in search of anything of interest, always ending at the book seller before he left for home. In the Mercantile while searching for jute twine, he spotted a very handsome creature. An animal, who had just pushed his spectacles up to read some fine print on a blue bottle stood not far away. Ratty knew what it was the animal picked up and felt compelled to intrude.

"Excuse me sir, but I can recommend that oil of lavender you have in your hand. Very good brand." Ratty said.

"Oh good. It's hard for me to read this tiny print. Thank you. My name is Mole. Howard Jay Arthur Mole to be exact." Mole extended his hand toward Ratty which he took with a smile.

"Ratty is mine. That's what everyone calls me, and you? Is it Mole you go by?"

"Yes, I think only my mother called me my full name."

"Mine too, it's settled then Mole. What a cheery day it is. Would you like to have watercress sandwiches with a pot of tea with me?

Mole had to think a bit, he never encountered such a creature as Ratty, most didn't bother with him at all. "Yes. Yes, I think I would. I left home for errands, and so seldom see the light of day in my hole, it's been very enjoyable.

"Well then, Mole it's settled, I have my boat tied in the harbor. Do you mind if we stop by the book merchant?"

"No, not at all. He carries some large print books for me. I'm very grateful to him."

"Funny we didn't run into each other before. Don't you think?"

Mole adjusted his glasses, "Yes I think so but I'm so nearsighted you know."

Ratty placed his hand on Mole's shoulder, "Let's go shall we?" And off they went.

Ratty lead Mole through the streets with his hand on his shoulder or arm to guide him to the right or left for which Mole was very grateful. Poor Mole, on his own he had to apologize now and then for the creatures he bumped into whenever he went to town. And for being a shy creature it became wearisome, so he mostly stayed home in a hole in the ground where little light came.

The two chatted all the way and at the book merchant, Mole picked up a novel the merchant had ordered for him. Ratty grabbed the latest mystery that he couldn't wait to read and off they went to Rat's boat.

"Oh what a wonderful boat," Mole said as Ratty helped him in. "I've never been in a boat much less on the river. And I love to sit by the river to read and smell the outdoors."

"Well then," said Ratty, "I think you might like my little house on the river. We'll sit on the dock to have our lunch and a good read."

"Splendid. Absolutely splendid." Mole clapped his hands when Ratty launched the boat and floated to midstream. All the way back Ratty told Mole about life on the river, and how exciting it all was, and who lived where, and what fun they would have for Ratty felt the spark.

To be continued...



    

The Ogre Under The Bridge.

Once there was a great Orge that lived under a bridge. He was an ugly Ogre who had a heart of gold. The town's people knew the Ogre to be very helpful when their wagons became stuck in the mud after a storm. The Ogre would come out from under the bridge and push them to dryer land. And the Ogre would divert water when it threatened to wash the town away in the great storms that came to the mountains where the village lay.

He was very ugly with a disfigured face full of warts and blemishes and often would scare a stranger at first who didn't know the Ogre.  But once they got to know him, his disfigurement wasn't noticeable because of his kind and gentle heart. People would often say once they knew the Ogre, "What a beautiful creature your town has. He helped me find my dog, or he fixed our cart and never asked for gold." The town's people were happy with their Ogre and repaired his clothes if torn or brought him hearty soups when it was cold.

One day developers came to the town for they heard stories of the game in their forested mountains and the good fishing in the streams. The mountain tops had plenty of snow to draw skiers and the town itself was pretty and quaint with flowers in window boxes and cobbled streets that wandered here and there in the village.

The developers told the elders of the town about the wealth everyone could obtain if they encouraged tourists to come. Inns and restaurants would be built to house the tourists and bring jobs to the town's folk making everyone very rich. But there was one stipulation. The town would have to get rid of the Ogre under the bridge for the developers were sure he would scare the tourists away.

The elders told the developers that he was a wonderful Ogre who helped many of the people in town and even saved their village from floods. But the developers insisted the Ogre would scare the children of the tourists because he was so ugly and no one would come to their village.

The elders pleaded with the developers to give the Ogre a chance and said, "Once you get to know him, he isn't ugly at all but quite handsome because of his gentle heart."

The developers were insistent that the Ogre must go. So the elders thought about what to do. If they lost their beloved Ogre who would save their village in a flood? And the developers always had an answer. "You will make so much money that flood channels would be built." The answers were always that there would be plenty of money to fix anything so the Ogre would no longer be needed.

The people in the town began to turn their hearts away from the Ogre. They thought more and more of the riches tourists would bring to them. They would live easy and plush lives in fancy new homes and grow fat on all the wealth they would make. The Ogre would have to go.

So one day the elders went to the bridge to talk to the Ogre. They told him they appreciated all he did for them, but the developers thought he was too ugly to draw tourists and he would have to leave. The village was going to change for the better, but only if he left.

The Ogre looked around at all the friends he had made, he looked at each and every one that he helped, and then cried. "I thought you were all my friends. But you're not after all are you. You want me to leave because you think I'm ugly. Well then, I will leave."

So the Ogre packed his few belongings and walked into the forest, to the deepest, darkest part where no human had ever been or ever would go. And there, deep in the woods near a small lake, stood a lonely cottage. As the Ogre approached he saw a beautiful wood nymph trying to attach a shutter to her house. She tried and tried but couldn't get the shutter to stay in place.

The Ogre crept close and afraid to scare her, he cleared his throat and said, "Excuse me, but can I help you? I am very good at fixing things."

The wood nymph turned and smiled, "Oh an Ogre, and a handsome Ogre at that. Yes, can you please help me? In return, I'll fix you a delicious supper.

In quick order the Ogre had the shutter repaired and attached in its rightful place. Then the two went inside the cozy cottage. A fire in the hearth waited for them and on the stove the most delicious smell of wild mushroom soup simmered in a pot.

"No one has ever invited me in their home before," the Ogre said.

"And why not? You are wonderful. I wouldn't known what to do if you didn't help me."

The Ogre smiled and blushed, "My name is Borg."

"Glad to meet you, Borg. My name is Titinia." She pointed to the best chair she had for him to sit by the fire and warm himself.

From then on, Titinia and Borg lived happily in their cottage by the lake deep in the forest. As time grew on, the forest creatures heard of the couple. If a deer had a wound or a bear a thorn, the two would give aid. Because of their kindness all the woodland kept watch to make sure the couple were safe and well hidden.

The village grew and prospered, just as the developers said. More and more people came, and the town grew to a city with many more people trying to get rich. The old town folk left their cozy homes and cobbled streets. They moved into new apartments with all the luxury they could know. But no one helped them without wanting money. No one visited anymore because everyone wanted to make more money. The cobbled streets were torn up and cement poured. The old bridge torn down, the babbling brook now a flood channel of solid rock so that the water rushed to the sea.

And as more people came and wanted more money, people's homes were robbed and everyone became afraid to leave after dark. They were afraid to talk to strangers lest they be robbed of their precious money. The city belched smog that killed the trees around it. The stream became polluted with trash and waste, an ugly scar that ran through an ugly city where no birds or wildlife dare to venture. And the city became known far and wide for how ugly it looked and how greedy the people that lived there were.

And as time passed, the city became more and more decrepit until no one came to spend money and the people that lived there turned on each other fighting for anything they could steal or rob from someone else. But in the forest, deep in the woods, a beautiful wood nymph and a handsome Ogre lived happily ever after.