Chapter 6 #2
“No. Neither said anything.”
“Might I speak to Tiddle?” Lizzy ventured.
“I will have him brought to you.” The estate owner then turned to a brownie working nearby and said, “Find Tiddle and bring him here.”
The brownie nodded before rushing off to complete his new task.
“I must warn you. You may find Tiddle a little unusual,” the gentleman said.
“He is much shorter in stature than most brownies, and his hair is an unusual shade of red. It reminds one of the sunsets with streaks of red and orange running across the sky. A few of my brownies claim he has some Scottish heritage in him. With Scotland not that far away, it is possible, but I have never met another brownie of a similar height or coloring.”
“I have just finished working in Scotland, and I honestly can say I did not encounter any brownies with reddish hair. As to height, I have seen very little variation in the brownies I have encountered over the years,” Lizzy offered.
“McFlair, he serves out in the stables and is from Scotland, says Tiddle must have been frightened as a young pup. His grandad told him it was almost the only way to stunt a brownie’s growth and keep him shorter than all his brethren.
Since I never met any brownie as short as Tiddle, I never explored the old legends about stunted growth. ”
“There are few books that explain brownie legends and myths, but the ones I have read never mentioned reasons why some brownies might be shorter than others,” Lizzy offered.
Before more was said, McFlair entered with an extremely short brownie trailing him. Lizzy was surprised because he was unusually short. She judged he might be a wee bit shorter than her eldest brother.
“Tiddle, I would like you to meet a lady who has an offer for you,” the master said.
Tiddle only bowed, and being courteous, Lizzy returned a curtsey to him. Lizzy knew brownies believed in the importance of etiquette.
“Tiddle, would you like to travel with me to find a young boy who would very much enjoy having a brownie who found him special?” Lizzy smiled cheerfully as she spoke. She found an agreeable tone helped a brownie feel more comfortable.
Up to this point, Tiddle made no eye contact with her, but at the mention of a boy, Tiddle looked up but did not smile or reveal any emotional response. He did, however, give a slight nod of his head.
“You realize if you travel with me you will have to cross the lake in a boat.” Lizzy saw, momentarily, fear flitter across his features, and his body tensed slightly.
“I have suggested we blindfold you so you will not see the water, and if you think it might help, I can share stories about the young boy I wish to introduce you to.” Wanting to make sure he knew he had options, Lizzy added, “If you decide you cannot enjoy the company of this young boy, we will look for someone else who you feel comfortable around and give you time to decide whether a bond might be formed.”
In a small, shaky, tentative voice, Tiddle replied, “Yes, I go, but who protect Tiddle from monster in lake during trip?”
“What monster?” Lizzy looked questioning at the owner who only shook his head.
“Monster live in lake. Young master showed him to me. Said monster eat brownies who go on his water.”
The owner looked surprised at this information.
“When did my son show you a monster?” the estate owner asked.
“Many years ago. A’fore he leave for school. Said I no go because monster eat me,” Tiddle replied.
Lizzy suspected the owner’s son had, for whatever reason, wanted to leave Tiddle behind and made up the story about the monster. She wondered how the boy could make Tiddle believe in a monster without visible evidence.
“Did you see the monster?” Lizzy asked.
“Yes. Master Theodore show. Scary beast. Made growling noise.”
Lizzy looked to the owner who once again only shook his head. Obviously, the young boy had somehow created a believable monster; at least believable enough for Tiddle.
“Tiddle, I can create a ward around you that will protect you from this monster. If I do this, will you be willing to cross the lake with me so we can find you a new master?”
Lizzy then explained more about the warding of an individual brownie, which pleased Tiddle, and the brownie agreed to travel with Lizzy and her party. After placing the ward around Tiddle, Lizzy made plans for their trip across the lake the following morning.
Early the next morning, the three travelers, Lizzy, Tiddle, and Ben, set out.
Lizzy was happy to notice the winds from the day before had calmed and nary a ripple appeared on the surface leaving the waters placid as they rowed to the mainland.
She knew the calmness improved Tiddle’s ride since he did not feel the rocking or tossing of the boat.
Also, as mentioned, a blindfold was placed around Tiddle’s eyes to calm him more, and Lizzy spent the trip telling Tiddle stories about Robbie.
Once they reached the other side, Lizzy had Ben quickly remove Tiddle from the boat and then remove the blindfold.
Tiddle, wide-eyed, stared at the lake but then quickly turned away from the view and focused instead on the trees and bushes.
Without needing to ask, Lizzy could sense an easing in his emotions, which while in the boat had been extremely tense.
Lizzy would have chuckled at the whole affair, but she knew brownies were highly sensitive, and she wanted him to enjoy their upcoming trip together.
They still faced a long trip back home since one more estate needed to be visited.