"A Patchwork Tale" drabbles by Sara Light-Waller
Patchwork VIII
A Patchwork Tale
Clockmaker’s heart thumped as the turf dropped away below.
A faerie-beldame joined her on the rail. “Human girl, are you supposed to be aboard?”
“The King granted my passage. And, besides, I’m not human either. Both my granddames were witches of good repute.”
Whiskery lips smiled. “Are you excited for the journey?”
“It was hard to get here. And I hear the rest of the expedition will be even harder.”
The beldame laughed. “If you believe that, then it will. That’s how magic works, right enough.”
Clockmaker had forgotten. She whispered, “Thistle Tassel” and courage poured into her heart.
Patchwork VII
A Patchwork Tale
The faerie-galleon hovered like a heavy balloon, tethered with ropes of Minotaur hair and the breath of giants. Its sails shone dawn-bright, fooling the sun with their color, even at midnight.
“She’s a fine ship,” said Clockmaker.
“A work of art and love,” said the captain, “based on the Old Man’s designs.”
“Will she really soar through the heavens?” It seemed hard to imagine.
“Oh yes.” The captain straightened his hat. “But there will be dangers. I hope you won’t be too frightened, my dear.”
“Never,” said Clockmaker. Though, in truth, it scared the stuffing out of her.
Patchwork VI
A Patchwork Tale
Clockmaker was lying about who she was. She had to, a clock-making sorceress wasn’t worthy of the Elfin court. And she needed that introduction to gain passage on the Ship.
If she failed, her family would be lost forever.
A mean-spirited client complained their time-traveling clock was faulty. In a temper they cursed Clockmaker’s family into the mists.
The last she saw of her father was leaning out a tower window — “Find the Old Man and you’ll solve the curse. Now hurry!”
The girl’s head drooped. “But how?” He’s on Mars…! No matter, I’ll find him.”
Patchwork V
A Patchwork Tale
“We sail tomorrow,” said the Elfin-shipwright, who was also the captain. “Is it wise to start a journey with such a long face? If you’re unhappy later, where will your face go?”
Fairies were so literal.
Clockmaker forced herself to smile. “Is this better?”
“Oh my, yes! I’ve never known a good voyage to start with a downcast expression.”
The Elfin-knight, resplendent in his golden waistcoat, bid Clockmaker farewell. “My mount was wrong about you, girl, and he is never wrong.”
Clockmaker looked away, knowing full well that the steed was right. She was not to be trusted.
Patchwork IV
A Patchwork Tale
The Elfin-King and Queen were a splendid couple. He had a long nose ending in a hook and she, long mauve braids worn as a flapper rope.
“This girl seeks the Old Man, Majesties. I’ve promised her a birth aboard the new Ship.”
The queen stroked the griffin sitting beside her. The beast purred. “Are you sure, my dear? Our Ship's making a one-way trip. It won’t return.”
“I understand that. But, I must go. I’m on a Quest.”
“Truly?” said the king, rubbing his nose. “Then I’m sorry for you. But you shall have your berth nonetheless.”
Patchwork III
A Patchwork Tale
The Elfin-Knoll was neither cave nor barrow but a grand hall whose guardians were twin cypress trees with long, green flails.
“That’s a splendid waistcoat,” said Lash, the right-hand tree. He was the greedy one.
“The Mer-folk will take it,” said Thrash, the left-hand tree. He was the smart one. “They love shiny things.”
“It’s my gift to the Mer-Princess.” said the knight.
“With you inside it? What a fine gift you'll make!” Thrash laughed.
“Let us in now, we’re here to see the king.”
The trees bent backwards and a doorway appeared between them.
Patchwork II
A Patchwork Tale
“What’s your name, pretty maid?” said the Elfin-knight.
The princess’ eye turned steely. “My name's lost, as are my people.”
“I must call you something.”
“I’m a clockmaker, call me that.”
“Clockmaker.” He rolled the sound over and under his tongue. “Very well.”
He presented her to his mount, sea foam white with horn of ivory and a dished face.
“You’ll ride behind me on a pillow.” He snapped his fingers and a cushion appeared on the crupper.
The mount’s goat tail lashed.
“My mount doesn’t like you, Clockmaker.”
She snorted. “It’s a unicorn, why would it like me?”
