Better Days

“Well, Beauregard, this here rock looks perfect. Let’s sit down and play a tune or two,” said Herkel.

The young man played a merry tune while his dog napped in the morning heat. The dog’s head popped up, and he began to growl.

“Whoa there, boy, what in tarnation has got you riled up?” asked the musician.

Herkel stood and walked about to see if he might spot a wild animal. Returning to the stone, the man sat and assured his dog all was right with the world.

“Hey, how about a jazzed-up tune to get you ready for the walk into the village?” asked Herkel.

The dog lay his head down when the music started, only to throw it back up. Beauregard was on his feet and barking at the large stone behind Herkel.

“I’ll be dipped. Has a dose of vinegar gotten under your tail?” asked Herkel.

Herkel had his answer when a wee man clad all in green walked from around the back of the stone.

“See here, my good fellow, your racket is keeping the baby from its morning nap. I would ask you to take your show down the road,” said the man.

Herkel calmed his dog and said, “Baby, you say? I have just the thing,” and began playing soft lullabies.

The wee man’s face contorted with anger. “I told you to take your show down the road. That is my final warning,” said the man.

Herkel knew not to test the patience of the wee folk. Grabbing his guitar and Beauregard’s collar, Herkel headed for the village.

“We barely escaped that situation,” Herkel said. He had put some distance between himself and the stone.

Herkel hummed a quiet tune as he and Beauregard traveled down the road.

“Hey, music man, hold up, you’re walking too fast for my short legs,” came a voice from behind.

Herkel turned around to see the wee green-clad man coming at him. “I don’t want any trouble,” said Herkel as he began to run.

“Wait, I’m sorry about before. The wee baby took a fancy to your sweet melodies. The wife wants you to help put the child to sleep.” The man stood there with his hat in hand.

“You’re in hot water and you need me to bail you out,” said Herkel with a wry smile.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I’ll make it worth your while,” the man said.

“I’m an honest man, I’ll charge you the same as the rest. Two silvers and a pie,” answered Herkel.

“Thank you kindly, you won’t regret it,” said the man as they walked back to the stone.

With the baby fast asleep, the Mistress presented Herkel a beef pie and a pint of Mead for his troubles.

“My thanks, kind lady, I will enjoy it on my way to the village,” said Herkel.

Her husband walked with the musician a bit, then handed him a gold coin. “For your troubles,” said the wee man.

“I am honored that you think I’m worth such a payment. But, we had a deal, and I’ll take two silvers if you please,” said Herkel.

The wee man’s eye sparkled as he handed Herkel the two coins. “Better days are ahead for an honest man like yourself,” the man said, and he turned and walked away.

Herkel and Beauregard reached the village later that day and sought out a room and a meal. The following day, he went to settle the bill.

“Two silvers,” said the innkeeper. Herkel handed over the coins and thanked the man for his hospitality.

Later, Herkel reached into his pocket. He wanted to grab a bit of cheese he had saved for Beauregard. Suddenly, he felt something metallic.

Out came two silvers along with the cheese. “But I gave these to the innkeeper,” said Herkel.

Again, he reached into his pocket, and again out came two silvers. As many times as he reached into his pocket, he always came out with two silver coins.

“Better Days are ahead,” said Herkel with a smirk.

To this day, Herkel and Beauregard roam the byways. They play to the villagers. Thanks to the green-clad man, they’re never in want.

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