After many interruptions and a good deal of excitement, Chicken Medium and I had a chance to talk at last, and we stayed up way past dark catching up. She was comforting and very sweet when I told her about my friends who disappeared and about the chickens on the wagon. Then, when I asked her about Providencia, she became very upset. I hadn't realized that they were such close friends. She thanked me for telling her and reminisced about her old friend and then went off to be by herself for a while. I'm sorry I had to be the bearer of such bad news.
3.4 Faster by Caravan
Travel goes so much faster by caravan! Tomorrow we will arrive in the Big City and that is where the carnival and I part company. Visiting with Chicken Medium has been wonderful. It is time for me to strike out on my own though, and the Big City is where my future lies. Besides, sleeping out of doors is OK, but I'm looking forward to finding a cozy indoor nest in the city.
3.5 Around the Campfire
Tonight we all sat around the campfire singing and telling stories... When it was my turn, I told everyone all about my trip to see the King. (Chicken Medium suggested that I leave out the part about what happened to my friends from the wagon.) Anyway, everyone laughed and applauded, and The Impresario said I should consider a career on the stage. Me, a country chicken! I've never have even thought about such a thing before. He promised to make some introductions for me in the Big City. That way, he said, I'd have friends in town. Brawler winked at me across the campfire.
3.6 Looking Back Down the Road
DD,
Everything is happening so quickly! My first day in the Big City, and I already I have a job! The Impresario set up the audition for me. When I told my campfire story, the Director hired me on the spot. I am now a member of the Clothespin Repertory Theatre! The Director introduced me to the company and I think Sparrow is a little jealous. Until now, she's been the only bird with the company. She certainly wasn't nice to me when we were introduced. I wish we weren't going to share a dressing room. Anyway, I open as Desdemona next week and then I start work on Rosalind and Juliet immediately. It is a little overwhelming.
As I was packing up to leave the carnival, The Impresario stormed past. He was so angry, he hopped and sputtered, "The Promoter again!! That... That... Hired my best roustabout just to spite me! Brawler! Get out!! You'll never work this circuit again!" Brawler just laughed and pecked at a few seeds before he swaggered away. He is so charismatic. We are going to find a place to live together -- I'm sorry the Impresario is so upset, he's been very nice to me. And I feel kind of guilty for not telling Chicken Medium about Brawler and me, even though I promised him I wouldn't.
Chicken Medium and I said our goodbyes and she told me that I'll be OK but we probably won't ever meet again. I felt so sad! As the caravan pulled away, I waved and waveduntil the dust had settled on the road... Oh, DD, She's my only friend left from home.
Chapter 4: The Big City
DD,
Brawler and I have found the perfect little roost near the theatre. I can come home and rest between rehearsals and performances and it is close to the arena where he'll train for his bouts. He'd best be careful though, he showed me the metal spurs he wears in the ring. They look so dangerous -- gruesome, really.