A Rat on the Back, Part 5

The screeching fanfare of the goblin pipes filled the town square, paused as Jolly fumbled with the inn door, and wailed its final notes. Of course, not a single villager sought to stop Jolly or turn him away. He, and all of Thimblecross' problems, were Tilly's problems.

As the ragged scarecrow gave a bow, Tumm clapped and giggled.

"I have come to give my promised performance," Jolly announced.

"For the love of the Lady, please don't. I can't right now," Tilly said.

"Now's not a good time," Tomas said.

"I think I'll set up right here," Jolly said. He shoved a table aside. After he threw down his strange, furry pack, he rummaged a bit. The sack seemed to swallow him down to his waist, but Jolly prevailed in a tug-of-war and popped out with his folded puppet stage.