It didn't take long for them to reach the circus campground.
"Welcome, welcome to the Cirque de Kan!" shouted a voice. "Magic! Magic! Tricks that you cannot ever dream of!"
People and children were everywhere, laughing and staring in awe. Even Chip was so excited that he joined the other children.
"Oi, Chip, stay close!" Spike called. "I don't want to lose you!"
"Go on, Spike" Ginger urged. "Rocky and I will explore."
Shrugging his shoulders, Spike followed Chip with a smile on his face.
Rocky could tell that Spike was a little suspicious of the circus.
"Whatever is bothering Spike, I don't trust these people" the rooster muttered.
"What is that supposed to mean?" frowned Ginger.
"Well, just look at them. They may look cheerful, painted clown freaks but something is not right. They travel town to town like-like-like-like..."
"Gypsies?"
"Yes. NO! That's not what I meant."
Ginger was a little annoyed, thinking her husband was stereotyping the circus people.
"Rocky, are you saying they're gypsies?" the hen asked suspiciously.
"No, no!" protested Rocky. "We'll talk later."
Ginger sighed and walked away, thinking it over until she bumped into Spike.
"Ow!" yelped the rat.
"Sorry, Spike" apologized Ginger. "So, um, where is this Cholena that you've been muttering about?"
"Oh, I haven't got the foggiest idea. But I'm sure think she'll be out soon.
Inside a dressing room, Cholena has explained to Tzekel Kan about Spike.
"This rat of yours is not your concern" said Tzekel Kan. "I need that bell."
"You don't understand" Cholena said. "You didn't see him yourself. I don't want to be apart of this anymore."
"You should have thought of that before you stole from me."
"But I was only six years old!"
"...'and you were starving and it was only a few coins.'"
"I made a mistake."
"Yes, and who took you in, looked after you like a true friend? Who didn't turn you over to the authorities or the workhouse? Who?
"You did."
Cholena didn't like it when Tzekel Kan reminded her that she was a orphaned nobody and who raised her.
"Yes, all you have to do is look beautiful for him and he'll tell you what I need to know" Tzekel Kan finally said. "Remember, you need to know your place. You're not with us to play around!"
Tzekel Kan left the room, leaving Cholena alone with the acolyte.
"You're on in five minutes" he said to her, gently handing her the dress she's supposed to wear.
Cholena looked at her reflection in the mirror and stared sadly. She didn't want to betray her new friend, but she 'needed to know her place.'
To be continued...
Sorry the chapter is short, but I promise there will be more excitement coming up in the next chapter.