Birgitta the Nun

Part 37 - The Nest

A fantastic view presented itself from the treetops - even in the darkness of the night it was astounding. Each guest embarking the nest, stopped to take it in with awe. The silhouette of the black woods cut through the murky sky, and continued its dark painting as far as the eye could see. It was nothing but forest and sky, blending forever, composing its very own kind of grayness.

There was no plan to the nest or anything. Just sticks, branches, and stems put together in a fantastic random manner. The intricate and untraceable non-pattern gave the structure incredible strength, and not even jumping up and down would provoke that much of a swaying. It wasn't large in any way, but for one person it was almost roomy. And for four it was just enough.

Charlie showed them around by spinning in her place at the center of the nest, pointing in all directions.

"I actually wanted to paint it a sort of eggshell-ish color," she said, "but the owl overrode me on that matter. So, this naked structure you see before you, that's what we ended up with. I am proud I must say. Oh—and the owl is proud too of course. Though I haven't got wings or a beak, I did a fairly good job constructing this fort. And I am rather useful when it comes to gripping things, and poking—wouldn't you say my dear owl?" The wizard turned to her companion, but got no answer.

"What if one needs to use the bathroom?" Birgitta said.

"I don't see a bathroom," the wizard replied and looked around. She lighted up every nook and cranny of the small nest with her flashlight. Then, after making her unnecessary point, "Did you bring one? In that case your tent might be more convenient."

"You know what I mean," Birgitta muttered.

"The forest is your bathroom and the darkness its walls," the wizard continued. "Personally, I'd just hold it in and wait for dawn. No one will hear you cry for toilet paper in the night—a bit dramatic perhaps, but I hope you're not scared of the dark."

"At least leave your flashlight on," Birgitta said between her teeth.

"Oh, high maintenance are we?" the wizard challenged. "So you're the princess of the family?"

"And you're the village idiot?"

"What?" The wizard took on an indignant expression. "Do you think I grow flashlight batteries out here in the woods?"

"Yes, actually I do," Birgitta cried, tired of the wizard's government. "And maybe some weed as well, being all big-headed—"

"Never mind, Birgitta," the abbess interrupted. "I'll join you in the tent. Let the tough guys sleep among the clouds."

"Hey—stay, will you?" Charlie hurried, regretting her savage manners. "I'm sorry—I do enjoy your company. Just wake me up if you need to go, and I'll go with you."

"That's better. Thank you." The abbess pushed Birgitta back down into the nest and made herself comfortable next to her.

The merchant placed herself on the other side of Birgitta and, after her, Charlie sprawled at the far end. This way Birgitta was almost safe, being guarded on both sides by her comrades.

"How did you manage alone in the dark before we caught up with you?" the abbess said and turned to Birgitta.

"I stayed at hotels," Birgitta said, showing no signs of trouble. "First rate—I've got a punch card by now."

"Jeez—" the abbess hissed. She heaved herself up from the nest-floor and hung over Birgitta, "Not on credit, surely?"

"But of course," Birgitta replied. "I've got no money, I'm a nun."

"And where were the bills sent?"

"Don't worry—" Birgitta said. Now it was her turn to push the abbess back down into the nest. "Madeleine will take care of things. If you trust her, then I trust her too. I'm sure she's a wizard when it comes to economy. If you don't mind me saying so, Charlie?"

The wizard didn't answer but started laughing uncontrollably. The whole of her body shook with laughter and she squeezed some tears from her eyes. Apparently she wasn't the only buffoon in the company. But suddenly she choked on her amusement. A second laugh could be heard in the darkness, coming from further away in the woods. The company fell silent. They strained their ears to locate the strange guffaw, praying to the Heavens it wouldn't approach. Then, by and by, the strange echo died away.

"Jeez—" the abbess repeated.

The forest fell silent.

Charlie enjoyed having company, despite actually scorning company, and she smiled to herself. Some stars ventured to break the murkiness of the sky. The wizard watched the twinkle with calm, for the first time in weeks feeling contented.

"So—can I buy your owl or what?" the merchant interrupted the silence of the night.

"Can I buy your horse?" the wizard replied.

"No—forget it," the merchant said. "You keep your bird and I'll stick to my nag." She let go of the idea and didn't try to make any more deals that night. But before falling asleep she mumbled to herself, "Still, I've always wanted a grand owl—"

The owl, who was the only one hearing this remark, puffed its feathers and receive the flattery. Its fluffy wings and haughty posture said it preferred to remain with Charlie, of course, but people were welcome to fight over it, and crave its beautiful company.

End of Book 2