I had a little pony
He was dappled gray
He could muster he could trot
He could carry the mustard pot
Horseradish made it hot
Hey boys, Hey!
His grandson was laughing and shouting - "Again Grandpa! Sing it again!" As he bounced up and down.
They played with the little boy while the old gentleman scooped buckleberry ice cream into pastry shells, dribbled honey over the top, and stuck in two flat wooden sticks. They paid for the Honey Dunks and the eggs, and headed back to the cave while eating their treat.
After eating the cold ice cream, the cool air made them shiver when they entered the cave. In a few moments their eyes adjusted to the dim light. The cave seemed to be just one large room with a high ceiling.
Travis gazed in wonder at the strings of herbs hanging from the ceiling. Shelves along one wall were covered with very large leaves and plants in various stages of drying.
Telah examined barrels along the other wall. "These barrels are full of apples and potatoes. And that one over there has onions, but they all look normal size," she sighed disappointedly. "I guess this is just a storage place."
But Travis was drawn to the shelves. He set down the eggs, and looked closely at the plants. "Wow," he breathed. "This is really something. These leaves are huge. Of course there isn't much light in here, but I don't recognize any of them."
"Do you think they might be - other worldly?" she said raising her eyebrows teasingly.
He grimaced. "Some look a little like plants I'm familiar with - but they're way too big."
"Maybe there's something in this old chest," she said. He turned to see what she was talking about. A chest with tarnished brass hinges sat against the wall. The clasp on the front was shaped like an acorn. There was no lock. A large oak leaf with a small W was carved in the top.
Slowly Travis opened the lid, and they looked inside. There were some old clothes, a lyte rope, and some lyte beads. A stale, musty smell from an old burlap bag assailed them. Telah wrinkled her nose, and said, "Whew." Travis quickly closed the lid, and rubbed his nose. They continued looking around.
As they explored, they tried to be careful not to disturb anything. When Travis reached the back of the cave he discovered that the wall curved around, and there was a passageway they hadn't seen before. "Hey, look at this," he called.
Telah hurried over, and together they cautiously walked up the passageway. It was fairly dark. Empty barrels lined one side.
The path sloped up rather steeply. A thin shaft of light from the afternoon sun shown through a narrow crack in the roof. A chill air filtered down on their heads. Telah shivered. They had only gone a short way when Travis stopped suddenly. "Look," he said in awe. "It's?it's?a door?" his voice trailed off.
Telah stood beside him staring in amazement. "Do you think it's the door?" she whispered. Travis didn't answer. After a moment's hesitation, she headed purposefully towards the door.
"Wait a minute!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing?"
But she was already trying the handle. Then her shoulders slumped in disappointment. "It's locked," she said. "I wonder if it needs a key, or if there's a secret mechanism."
Annoyed and somewhat relieved the door hadn't opened, he said testily, "Well what does it say in your book?"
She ignored him and looked up at the opening. "It's just about noon outside, and the light is shining on the path. If we'd been here earlier this morning it would have been shinning right on the door, and we could have studied it for a keyhole or a some mechanism."
"Speaking of time," Travis said, "We better get those eggs back or they are going to wonder what happened to us."
Telah agreed, and they went back down the passage. Picking up the eggs, they headed back home.
CHAPTER 7 - LYTE SPINNING
On the eve of the big party, women and girls all over the village were spinning starlight. Kendra and Telah were on the balcony. There was just enough room for the spinning wheel and two small wooden chairs.
The waning moon hadn't risen yet. Thousands of stars filled the clear, dark sky. Well above the horizon, the eye in the Fox Constellation shown brilliantly. Carefully adjusting the spindle to catch the blue light from the star, Telah started spinning it into a fine thread.
Kendra took the lyte thread and deftly twisted into an intricate pattern that they would wear as a netting over their dresses and hats.
"Is Travis coming to the party tomorrow?" Kendra asked.
"I think so," Telah answered absentmindedly.
"I noticed he brought you a Wing-Bud the other day," she teased. "Was it from his father's garden?"
Telah hesitated, and then replied, "It was from the Pixie Woods."
"Really?" Kendra said surprised. "Pixies usually aren't very social with gnomes. He must know them pretty well. They've been reported to be unfriendly to anyone entering their woods. Some gnomes think they aren't the best influence." She glanced at Telah out of the corner of her eye to see her reaction."
Telah stiffened a little, but shrugged and said defensively, "Some folks say things they don't know a lot about."
Kendra laughed, "You are right about that. So?how does he manage to take their flowers from under their little noses?or is that a family secret?"
Telah said with a grin, "He tells them stories."
"Stories? What kind of stories?"
"Oh just about anything you can make sound believable. They love stories. Lately he's been telling them tales from Grandfather's books." Kendra stiffened and her hand trembled. She lost her place in the pattern she was weaving, but Telah didn't notice. "I've been telling him about The World Beyond the Door."
Kendra knew she should tell Telah there really was a door, but she wasn't sure how to start. She found her place in the pattern again and said, "You've been spending a lot of time reading that old book. What does Travis think of it?"
Thinking she might have said too much, Telah hesitated. "Oh, he's too practical to really believe in other worlds. He said they are great fantasy stories."
Telah quickly changed the subject, and talked about their dresses. All the gnome girls and women would have party dresses and tall pointed hats of the same soft gray color. In addition to the netting over their dresses, a thin starlight fabric attached to the hat would float behind them like a glowing gossamer web. Heavier lyte ropes would be draped from the tip of the hat to the brim.
Each clan chose light from a different star. There would be nets of blue, green, red and yellow. Many of the patterns, like the one Kendra was using, were handed down from mother to daughter. Occasionally one of the women would create an original design and a new tradition would begin.
When they all got together in the dancing hall, the combined light glittered and sparkled over the walls and ceilings, casting a rainbow of highlights among the shadows.
When they finished the nets, Kendra moved the spindle to a white star and spun a small amount of some very fine white lyte. This she quickly twisted into a necklace and bracelet for each of them. When all was finished they stored the starlight items in a basket, and closed the lid tightly.
Things woven from starlight usually only last one night, but if they are stored out of sight of the sun, or the star from which they were made, they will last several days. No one really minded because the netting and jewelry were just for one night, and afterwards would be allowed to evaporate. Part of the fun was making new things the next time. It also meant that they could wear the same dress to parties for years, and still have a new outfit for each event.
It was very late when all their preparations were finished. Tired but satisfied with their work, Kendra and Telah lit their candles from the oil lamp on the table. Heading to their bedrooms, they chatted happily about the party and their dresses.
After saying goodnight, Kendra closed her door, and placed her candle on the table next to her bed. In the faint light she could see the flower
that Morley had brought her. It was still fresh and lovely. Taking the pitcher of water from her dresser, she bent over the vase and breathed in the delicate fragrance from its petals. Smiling with happy memories, she added water to the vase. Blowing out her candle she went to bed.
CHAPTER 8 - OLD NEWS
Early the next morning Travis leaned on the gate outside Telah's house. The cool air was a reminder that summer was over. The sun was just emerging over the horizon, filling the sky with orange streaks, and illuminating the leaves that had turned red and gold.
He had been hoping that Telah might be up, but the house was quiet. He reconsidered his plan. He wanted to check out the cave and see if the early morning light would be shining on the door, and maybe show up some hidden mechanism. At the same time, he wasn't sure he should explore the cave without Telah. After all, it had been her idea.
He didn't notice the sparkle of light glinting on copper colored wings in the woods behind him. A slight breeze blew leaves in a circle on the ground. Spike and Briar were standing on a branch and sprinkling green and copper pixie dust into the swirl.
As the dust mixed with the air, it created a strong wind current that caught up the leaves, and brought them spiraling up to the branch. As one of the big maple leaves floated nearby, Briar jumped onto the middle of it. His weight tipped the nose of the leaf sharply downward causing it to pick up speed and soar out away from the tree. Spike quickly leaped onto a second leaf. Surfing close to the trunk, they dodged branches and vines and raced to the forest floor. The leaves slid across the mossy ground, and came to rest on a slight rise at the edge of the woods.
Briar flew into the air laughing. Spinning backward he landed on a nearby branch, and smugly smoothed down his tousled hair. As the thin branch bent under his weight, the end slapped at Spike's shoulder. Quickly grabbing the branch, Spike shook it until Briar lost his balance, and fell laughing to the ground. After more laughing and pushing, they stretched out in the moss to rest. Looking out from the edge of the woods they noticed Travis leaning on the gate.
Travis had finished debating with himself, and had decided to visit the cave. Of course he wouldn't do any experimenting, just check the time and position of the light. Happy with this decision, he headed off. Spike and Briar had a brief consultation, and then flew after him.
All was quiet at Morley's too. Probably up late last night decorating the hall with rainbow lights for tonight's party, he thought. Slipping quietly past, he arrived outside the cave and hesitated, listening. The two pixies hovered, waiting to see what he would do next.
Not hearing anything from the cave, Travis ducked down and went inside. Once his eyes adjusted, he headed for the passageway. The shaft of light shining from the crevice was filled with dust particles, some sparkling suspiciously like pixie dust. It shown directly on the door, revealing a pattern carved into the wood. He looked closely at the carving trying to find a recognizable design.
Hearing a soft buzz, he spun around and looked behind him. Spike and Briar had flown past, and were perched on a rock shelf next to the crevice where they sat quietly. Their wings were silent now, and only a faint light shown on their delicate surface. Travis, however, saw nothing but the beam of sunlight full of spiraling dust particles. He shivered slightly and turned back to the door.
As he refocused on the pattern, he suddenly realized it was the outline of the Forester Constellation. Excitedly he ran his hand over the door looking for a keyhole. Overlaying the pattern was a lightening bolt that ran from the left hand, through the belt, and ended at the right foot. Tentatively he tried the door handle again, but it was still locked.
Sighing, he went back to the main cave. Spike and Briar glided after him, landing on a shelf where they settled in among the dried leaves. As Travis passed by the old trunk he suddenly thought maybe there's a key inside.
Opening the lid, he was greeted with the same musty smell as before, which made him sneeze. He rummaged through the chest trying to keep everything in place. Don't know why I bother, he thought. It sure doesn't smell like anyone's been in this chest in a long time.
The burlap bag had lyte beads nestled in the folds. There was an old leather hat that was cracked and weather stained, and of a fashion that was popular a long time ago. Pulling out an old woolen shirt, he held it up. He could see through the holes where the fabric was frayed.
As he put it back in the chest, his hand brushed up against something cold. His fingers closed around a round tube. Pulling it out, he saw it was a spyglass. An ornate pattern of strange flowers had been painted on the tube, but the colors had all faded to muted grays and browns. He extended the tube, and looked through it. Spike and Briar ducked back into the shadows as he swung the glass in their direction. It was still intact and worked perfectly. He collapsed it.
As he carefully put it back in the chest, he noticed a page from an old copy of the Village Monthly. The Monthly was a publication that included information about crops, weather, local politics, and community events. He gently unfolded the page to reveal the headline. As Spike leaned forward, trying to see what was on the paper, his foot slipped off the edge, causing a small shower of debris to drift to the floor. Briar grabbed his coat and hauled him back up on the ledge. They sat crumpled in the shadows shaking with silent laughter.
Travis was absorbed in the Monthly and didn't notice the commotion behind him. In the dim light he could only read the headline "Monstrous Mammal Bones Found on Axel Wordsmith's Farm." He chuckled and thought, I'll just borrow this and show Telah. She'll want to read about her grandfather. He refolded the paper and tucked it into his pocket. We'll bring it back after we've laughed together over the article, he thought.
Continuing his search of the chest, he ran his fingers along the bottom to check for any sign of a secret compartment. All he found was a leather strap. When he held it up, he laughed at the funny configuration. It was a belt with pockets, strings, and loops for hanging, tying and attaching objects. Deciding all this was a pointless effort; he put the belt back in the corner of the chest, closed the lid, and left the cave.
The pixies flew back down the passage, up through the crevice, and off to the Pixie Woods.
CHAPTER 9 - THE PARTY
It was finally the night of the Harvest Gala, and there was much excitement at the Wordsmith household as Kendra and Telah dressed for the party. Earlier they had taken their food to the hall and helped set up. Morley would be arriving at any moment to escort them.
As they rushed about, the light made their swirling gray dresses change from pale to dark, and back again. The blue lyte nets fastened over their skirts created intricate patterns on the gray background. Delicate necklaces and bracelets of starlight sparkled on their skin.
Up the path outside it was dusk, and Morley was just leaving his house. His dark trousers and jacket blended in with the brown branches, and he was just a shadow slipping through the trees. Under the jacket he wore a tan shirt of brushed cotton. Moonlight glinted on the lyte thread that was woven into a design on the dark green sash about his waist. His leather shoes made no noise as he walked down the path.
He fidgeted with his sash, and ran his fingers through his hair. He knew that Kendra was looking forward to the event, and he very much wanted to make the night special for her. He reached the door and stood nervously on the porch for a moment. Running his fingers through his hair again in a nervous gesture, he took a deep breath and knocked softly.
He caught his breath as Kendra opened the door, and stood framed in the doorway. The light from the lamp behind her caught the pink flush in her cheeks. A breeze gently ruffled her hair creating a soft halo about her face. Light glinted on the golden starlight strings woven in her hair. After an awkward silence he cleared his throat and said, "Is the Light Princess ready to go to the ball?"
Kendra smiled slowly and replied quietly, "If the Prince is ready to escort her."
He held out his arm, and she slipped her hand through. Telah call
ed from the other room, "Is that Morley? Are we ready to go?"
Morley laid his hand over Kendra's and squeezed it. He called over her shoulder, "Yes, blow out the lamps and let's be off." He and Kendra walked out, and waited by the gate.
Telah hurried down the hall putting out the lamps along the way, and pulled the door shut behind her. This was her first gala when she was allowed the wearing of the gray. There would be lots of children at the party, but they would not be dressed up in the grays and browns of the adults. She was very excited about her new gray dress, and was feeling very grown up and sophisticated.
The three of them walked through the cool night. The leaves rustled in the light breeze that carried the faint smell of a wood fire. The sky was clear, and the stars were shinning brilliantly.
As they neared the hall there was the sound of pixie laughter from the trees. One of the pixies was calling yoo-hoooo. Morley thought of the owl and shivered slightly as he pulled Kendra protectively closer, and glanced up at the sky. She turned to him questioningly. He smiled and patted her hand. Turning to Telah he motioned for her to lead the way into the hall. Happily she skipped past, and went to join her friends.
As they entered the room they were greeted with the delicious smell of roasted meat, spiced potatoes and sauces. The aroma of baked fruit pies blended with the pleasant tang of cider. Over all was the pervasive fragrance of yeast in the freshly baked bread, and it mixed delightfully with the flavor of cinnamon from the sweet rolls.
A large fireplace blazed and crackled with a fire of apple wood. The room was filling with gnomes dressed in gray and brown. The light from the ladies dresses and the men's sashes began to light up the otherwise softly lit room. A band at one end of the hall was playing lively music, and some of the younger gnomes were dancing in one corner.
A podium was setup on a raised dais where poetry and recitations would be forthcoming. Hung on the front of the podium was a dark blue cloth, and draped over it was a lyte net woven in a depiction of the Forester Constellation, which was this year's theme.