Folksburywoods Story Blog

“Honor they said. The only honor I got was being the biggest fool in the town,” said Horace.

For two centuries, the duties of the bell ringer were of great prestige. In those days, the enemy would attack day or night, in sunny or inclement weather.

“Three squares and a great view the mayor told me. More like three chunks of hard pudding and an endless empty sea to look at,” muttered the boy.

A few years ago, peace broke out, and the need to be warned of attacking hordes became obsolete. Still, the council felt some traditions should be upheld and continued to post a ringer on the point.

“If at least I saw a passing ship or mermaid, I’d be happy. Geez, even a sea monster once in a while would keep me happy,” said Horace.

The boy became less and less vigilant about his duties. Horace now spent his time sleeping under the bell’s arch.

“It’s not like they ever come out to check on me,” Horace said. “I could die, and it would be weeks before they came and found a pile of bones picked clean.”

Winter was approaching, so Horace decided to hide out at the nearby abbey. He preferred this to freezing on the point.

With his plan set, the boy waited until the first frost to make his move. Horace knew the mayor would not dare come up here in the cold.

The following night, the moon was full, and a chill settled over the land. “This looks like frost weather to me. Finally, I can relax in the abby’s barn under warm hay,” said the boy.

Horace wrapped his blanket around him and leaned against the tower to doze off.

“What, what!” cried the boy as he jumped to his feet. Remaining still, Horace listened.

“There, I hear it now. It’s coming from the sea,” said the bell ringer.

Horace crept up to the cliff’s edge and peeked over the side. “Holy Toledo, it’s a raiding party,” said the boy.

Remembering his duty, Horace ran to his bell. The bell ringer swung the cord with great force. It produced a thundering ring. This sound shook his teeth to the core.

“I must keep ringing it until someone comes,” Horace said with a renewed sense of duty.

Over and over, the bell thundered its warning. Soon, a party of guards rushed up to the boy.

“Over the ledge and hurry,” the boy shouted.

After a while, the group returned with two prisoners in tow. “Great job, bell ringer, you help save us all,” said the captain.

Villagers began visiting the point and bestowing cakes and sweets on the bell ringer.

No longer was he filling space. Horace was now a full-time hero.

“I like this new fame,” said the boy. “I’ll stick around for a while and see how it turns out,” said Horace.

Well, that’s what he did. As far as I know, he’s still there today. He protects the village and its people from anyone who dares to seek past the bell ringer.

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