Rustia and Mingey zipped around the inner perimeter of the big top on their unicycle. Rustia’s rippling calves radiated heat and speed on the pedals as her sister coolly affected languid pose after languid pose atop her sister’s shoulders. Lever boys and jugglers milled around, setting cranks askew and liberating weighted pins from gravity.
“That’s all?” Ungulen questioned Violet. “Usually an elephant show needs far more space than what you’re squaring out.”
“No no,” Violet said. “I’ve scaled things down. It’s artful this time.”
Ungulen exchanged a glance with Goren Hargus.
“Miss,” Ungulen bowed slightly to Violet, “the showcases are meant to turn in some coin.”
“Coin, yes.” Hargus agreed. “You like eating, don’t you, Violet?”
Violet smiled at the two men. “It’s going to be the talk of the town. I’ve taught the elephants a lot of new tricks. It’s very interesting.”
Ungulen squinted at Violet. She stuck her chin out. “Drutherstone entrusted it to me and it’s not like Ernt Rauchebaum ever came back.” she said.
“Whatever happened to Ernt, anyway?” Hargus said.
“Belfast, I think?” said Violet.
Ungulen shrugged agreeably. “Alright then. But if we don’t make any money, you’re back on the chorus line.”
Violet saluted, military style. Ungulen sniffed at her. She was funny, once you got to know her.
The twins, Mingey and Rustia suddenly sliced down the diameter of the circus ring like unicycling shrapnel. The three conversationalists were cast in separate, panicked directions.
“Get a bell!” shouted Ungulen after the crazy sisters. They cackled and zoomed out of the tent.
x9dread 