Firebird (Revised)

Chapter 3- Just Watching

Chapter 3- Just Watching

  The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the majority of the ring. The crowd screamed as the smokeless flames rose higher and higher and stopped only a few yards from the high wire. Thought I’d seen the portion of the show before, it was even more entrancing when standing on the ground rather than risen stands.

   I was subtle as I peered between the curtains, careful to not disrupt the happenings beyond it.

   Barnabus was free of fear as he leapt across the thin wire, flames nipping at his toes. The first time across, he did no tricks but on the other he collected props. Gen, one of the Chinese acrobats, leapt onto his shoulders, standing on them as easily as he would the floor. Beside him, he lifted two Chinese girls. He held one of their hands and they leaned to the side as far as Gen’s arms would allow.

   Carefully, Barnabus started across again. There was complete silence amongst the crowd. Their anxiety overwhelmed the tent. I held my breath. Though I’d seen most of the act in previous years, they were always sure to add completely new tricks. I had no idea what to expect which was all part of the fun.

   Halfway across, Gen suddenly let go of both girls. The quiet was shattered by horrified gasps as everyone imagined their death by flame. Barnabus’ arms shot out and the girls grabbed on, their feet nicking the tips of the fire. The swung in mid-air, their faces full of delight. The crowd exploded with enthusiasm and relief.

   Gen did a back flip off Barnabus’ shoulders and onto the rope. Each girl climbed on to an individual arm then did the same, nimbly following Gen to the other side.

   I felt a smile spread across my face. I loved how every act could draw you in by the danger of it. I’d never seen a more daring set of performers than in Chalavar’s Circus. Then again, I hadn’t been to any other major circus. Only small ones held by my town.

   I let the curtain fall and looked around at all the others readying themselves in the portion of the performance tent set aside for them. They were swift in dressing and doing each other’s hair right at the last minute though none of them gave the impression that they were nervous in the slightest.

   Ryo’s act was coming soon. I spotted her, not at all thrilled, talking to Hyun. I wasn’t close enough to hear them at all over the chaos of the show. She rolled her eyes, arms crossed over her chest. He forcefully grabbed her shoulder and jerked her to face him, seeming surprised when she shoved him away. Not everything about Chalavar’s Circus was as pleasant as it had seemed from the outside.

   I thought back on what Chalavar had said outside my tent. I hadn’t seen Astley at all that day so I hadn’t been able to question not that I would have. I sort of hoped he would explain. I was shaken by his words but also afraid to ask. It was hard traveling with an entire group of people you don’t know.

   Just as I turned back to see the end of Barnabus’ act Astley draped an arm over my shoulder. He wore a silk, black suit and fancy neck tie with his usual hat that covered his blue eyes with shadows. His fingertips poked out of his black gloves. His face was neatly shaven and hair combed and washed.