The Wizard Thorn Berry

Chapter two - Manitoba

It was the beginning of another Spring. The snow had started to melt, and flowers would be coming up through the earth in a few more days. It still bothered Thorn that the peddler had known his name. He had never heard the old man say anyone else's name, how did he know Thorn's. So far, each spring he would ask the peddler to explain things, but year after year the old man would somehow manage to distract away from the question, and Thorn was left disappointed yet again.

The years had passed, and Thorn was now 18 and out of school. He was determined to get his answers the next time the peddler stopped in Manitoba, which would probably be in another two or three weeks. No more avoiding his questions, Thorn would walk with the old man and his mule for all eternity if necessary. This year would be different. This year he would get answers.

His Mother interrupted Thorn's thoughts, "Thorn, I'll need some more bread, would you be willing to go to the store and get me two loaves?"

"Sure." He took the money she handed him, and headed out the door to the market. It was a cool and windy day, so Thorn put on his favorite heavy coat, and headed out. The sky was dark with clouds, and the wind quickly started turning his ears red, and it seemed like his favorite coat wasn't keeping the cold out. He felt the cold as the wind whipped by, and hoped to have some hot coco when he got back home.

As he approached the market, he saw the old peddler seemingly waiting for him just outside the market. The old man waved to Thorn, and called out, "Thorn, do you have a minute to talk with me?"

When Thorn reached the old man, Thorn asked, "How is it that you know my name? I've never heard you call any of the other children by their name."

The old man smiled, "Not sure how I came to learn your name, one of the children must have mentioned you. Why? Is it important?"

"Not really, I guess, just curious. Where's your cart and mule? Isn't it kind of early to be stopping by, you've never been this this early in the past?"

The old man smiled, "actually I'm here at the request of the Wizard Honey Bea. She has heard about your interest in her, and wanted to meet you."

Thorn's eyes were as large as saucers. "She wants to meet me? Why?"

"I assume it's to answer all your questions about her. So, do you want to meet her?"

"Yes!" Thorn could hardly believe his ears, he was actually going to meet the Wizard.

"You cannot tell anyone that you are going to meet the Wizard. Of course, you will need to tell your parents, but this trip must be kept a secret from everyone else. Tell your parents you will be gone for seven to ten days, and tell them not to worry, the Wizard will keep you safe from any harm. I need to go now, get what your Mother wants from the store, and I'll be back when it's warmer." He then smiled, turned and walked away.

Thorn was beside himself with excitement and anticipation. As far as he knew, no one had ever actually seen the Wizard. He would be the first. Now he would have stories to tell his friends, and the adults as well. He never dreamed of actually meeting the Wizard Honey Bea. Then he suddenly realized, his parents would never believe him. He called out, "Sir, wait a moment please!"

The old man stopped and turned, waiting for Thorn to run to him. "Sir, my parents would never believe this, and wouldn't let me leave. Please, won't you come with me to convince my parents? Please."

The old man nodded his head, "You're probably right, I'll go with you and see what I can do. Now get the bread your Mother wants, and I'll wait outside for you."

He hurried into the market and bought the bread his Mother wanted. "Wait!", Thorn thought, "How did he know that I was sent for bread? Another question for him." He then bought the bread, and headed outside to meet the old man.

As they walked towards Thorn's home, he noticed that the old man didn't seem cold or bothered by the wind. Every time he would ask a question, the old man either evaded the question or pretended not to hear.

"How did you know I was to get bread?", he asked.

"You told me.", replied the peddler.

"No. I didn't sir."

Smiling, "Yes, just before you went into the store, you said 'I just have to get some bread', remember?"

Thorn was confused, he knew he hadn't mentioned the bread, but what the old man had said sounded correct. He didn't remember saying that, and yet he did sort of remember saying that. "Oh. OK."