Dale is Found
Circus Spectaculum 2
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Dale dined and danced and played with the children. They were impressed with his agility and intrigued at his frailty. It continued until the chieftain returned to camp and a discussion was held over what to do with Dale.
It involved the entire tribe, with the chieftain at the center, surrounded by his council, and the rest of the tribe around them all.
Taking Dale back to his family was fraught with risk as there could be misunderstandings of how Dale came to be with the barbarians. They didn’t clearly understand the reason themselves.
The chieftain gave Dale a chance to explain, which shocked the other children. It was a great honor for a child to be able to speak at a tribal discussion. Dale sensed something unusual was going on but didn’t know what it could be.
“What brought you into the woods to our camp?” the chieftain asked.
“Berries,” answered Dale, causing much confusion.
The child-leader, Moz, slapped his own forehead.
“Why did you eat berries in this forest?” the chieftain asked patiently.
“I was hungry,” answered Dale, “And I was lost.”
“How did you become lost?” the chieftain asked, growing curious.
“I was searching for my brother,” answered Dale, “He ran away from the circus. I was trying to find him.”
“At last,” said the chieftain, relieved, “Is your family part of the circus?”
“Yes,” answered Dale.
“Which circus?” the chieftain asked.
“Circus Spectaculum,” answered Dale, causing a murmur to roll through the tribe.
“Quiet,” ordered the chieftain, “Be seated.”
Dale sat down directly in front of the chieftain, causing a ripple of laughter in the council, until Moz pulled him back to where the children sat together.
The chieftain began speaking again but Dale couldn’t understand the words.
“We passed the circus on our way back from gathering,” said the chieftain, “They are headed for Telius, but they may not stay long when they learn the Telius township has been occupied by fighters of Grayfalls. An army of Shampton from the south threatens to siege the castle. Many of our brothers and sisters have joined that army. It would not be wise for us to approach at this time. Even following the circus to its next destination would arouse suspicion.
“If they proceed west to Grayfalls, it will be a season or more before we can approach. If they head to the northern highlands it will be a year or more.
“We have no people among the circus to call on.
“Bella?”
Bellatrix, a councilwoman, asked, “Could we ask the Thieve’s Guild in Telius?”
The chieftain responded, “Expensive to do it through thieves, but possible.”
“We could send Bo―”
“No, no,” cut in the chieftain, “If our people are seen in town it would bring us trouble.
“I’ll ride to the traders’ outpost and arrange it in the morning.”
Dale felt a mix of emotions as the fire died down and the barbarians slept. He worried about Charles, but knew Charles was good at taking care of himself. Charles wouldn’t have gotten lost in the forest like his dumb self. Still, he was sad that Charles would run away alone and leave him behind. It didn’t make any sense.
He had made some new friends and the adults even held a meeting about him. Moz told him it was a big deal, and Dale believed it. The chieftain was going to send someone to check with the circus according to Moz. Everything was going to be OK, he told himself.
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