The Carnival at Moonbright

Lyla and Myla came down from the rafters, and Rhokhishi rushed into the main tent.

“Elysium!”

“Yes, Rhokhishi?” Elysium stood with concerned regard as he saw the half-orc’s apprehension.

“Something is wrong. I must tell you.”

Rhokhishi took the time to explain as Lyla, Myla, Torra, and Elysium listened. While explaining, Gisela and Leaf made their way in, accompanied by Mr. Muffins, and described what they saw.

Elysium listened to each of them, then glanced over to Torra. Their eyes spoke volumes to each other before he spoke.

“Let’s go forth and get everyone inside then. This place is safeguarded by magic, so we’ll just get the show started early and keep an eye out for this fella. Don’t worry, my friends. Everything will be okay.”

Master Elysium left the tent and let his voice boom to the citizens. Magnified by magic, he spoke to the troupe and citizens of Moonbright.

“Hello and welcome, one and all! We will be starting our show a little early tonight, so for those who have come to see it, please step inside and let the festivities begin!”

Myla glanced over to Lyla and telepathically spoke to her.

I know that symbol. The scratch marks on that specific symbol. Those were the ones that Yla showed me the night I came to get you.

Lyla’s eyes grew wide as she reflected on the man in the alley, the same man from Rhokhishi’s monastery… Was this man after her? She reached over to the ladder, and the twins moved up to the rafters to prepare for the show, Lyla’s heart beating faster and faster as she skimmed around and watched the people coming into the tent.

The next half an hour was a hustle as people entered the tent and began filling seats. As the performers and citizens gathered into the massive tent to take their seats and positions, there was a loud buzzing of sound as people chattered excitedly amongst each other. The sounds of animals behind the tent roared and trumpeted as the scent of popcorn, peanuts, and cotton candy filled the space.

The sun commenced to set past the horizon, and the lights in the tent turned off simultaneously as the tent was plunged into darkness. Then, a radiant beam of light pierced the center of the stage as Master Elysium strode up to his pedestal and beamed.

“Welcome one and all to the Arcana Emporium! I, Master Elysium, will be your not-so-humble host tonight as you see wonders beyond your imagination! Remember, magic is all around you, so tilt your hats up to the sky above, keep your glasses to the tips of your noses to see the ground below, and don’t forget to leave your coin behind as we offer food, drink, wonder, mystery, and amazement!”