“One shall certainly not come alone, then.” André gave a smile, “I only fear it might be hard to choose which. All would be delighted.” Any change of scenery might delight their moods. Those who’d been around the longest were beginning to feel a little glum. His interactions with Annaliese left André in a pleasant mood and he felt that his next show might be quite a good one.
A familiar voice caused André to take pause. Never had the puppeteer liked authority. Not before Cirque de Noir and certainly not since. Mild discomfort had started to set, to be joined with annoyance when Tanner next spoke. The Ringmaster seemed to have the act of supremacy which André could tolerate the least. Being addressed as ‘my son’ was one thing. Having someone tell him what his marionettes should do, was another. André was not of the inherently defiant types, therefore, a small part of him was, at least, relieved when Tanner closed the tent flap himself. This was quickly forgotten when the man picked up the puppet.
“Henri.” André replied sharply, not even bothering to try to conceal the bitterness creeping into his voice. It would have been fairly pointless, anyway. Pawns? No one, was meant to be a pawn. Certainly not any of André’s dolls. “All of my marionettes entertain. Make your point already.”
André said nothing while Tanner went on one of his little monologues. He was registering the words, but caring little. The annoyance caused by Henri in Tanner’s grasp had not faded, and was now joined by a minor but prevalent woe. “Whatever sick game of chess you play, I’d like no part.” André knew little of Tanner and cared to keep it that way, yet, could the Ringmaster really feel that way? There was a great deal more André wanted to say. He wished to unleash things long kept and not quiet until his throat was raw. But this was not his personal crusade. It was actually a very insignificant moment. Thoughts were better to keep to himself. Tanner would leave eventually. And the Cirque de Noir would continue on.
While André had been willing to let his own opinions on war, life, and victory pass, he wasn’t willing to stand there while Tanner belittled his feelings for his dolls. Then he heard the crack, wretched and sharp. It caused his gut to twist. Sadness hadn’t even a second to linger before anger took over. “You might presume you know something about me, tu monstre, yet you do not.” The puppeteer took several steps forward. “If you think it is solely in my interest they are in my performances and if you think my aim is ‘feel accepted.’ Try again.”
“Annaliese probably went somewhere to avoid being found.” André retorted. Now walking over to one of his shelves and replacing one of the small candles. “I’m not in the business of worshipping a Queen. That would be the English. And any ‘pawn’ dying for my victory should go find a new life.” Resisting the urge to throw something at Tanner had become quite difficult, so it came as a relief when he left. André stood facing the shelf for a few more seconds as the disdain subsided. That was when the sorrow sat in.
The puppeteer quickly made his way over to check on Henri. Even before he’d knelt down, he could see damage. There seemed a tightening in his stomach when he gazed upon the doll.
“It's a lovely doll. Such a shame.” André looked up to see a woman and child had already entered the tent. It was more than a shame. They would not have understood, though. No one would have.
“Indeed. Pardonne-moi, I shall return shortly. Please make yourself comfortable, Madame.” With that he took Henri back into the smaller tent and placed him on the work desk. He hesitated for a second before making his way back out and onto the stage. Quite a few others had joined the crowd and so he began. Regardless of his feelings, the show must go on.
“I welcome you to the show, dear ladies and gentlemen!”