L’aucervels’ Folly

   It was a glow unlike most had ever seen in the community of leprechauns. This was the one, the phenomenon, the long-awaited rainbow that held treasure for them. Even before the blare of the muster horn sounded, excitement drew the multitude to the assembly cave. The vibrant shine over the glen illuminated the pathways throughout the thickets.

  Only a handful had seen this spectacle before, although every member recognized the miracle. The din of their gathering was deafening inside the walls of the dimly lit pit.

 A sudden hush spread like a breeze over the crowd as Jeagaer appeared, making his way to the altar. His aged movement was brisker than usual as he climbed the elevated rocks. In his hand was the renowned scepter, seldom seen by the mass of leprechauns. It was with great awe each elf watched the scepter raise high above Jeagaer’s head. Not a sound was uttered, for this was a ritual whose tale was repeated to each elf countless times since birth; the rite of selection. The wand would move with mystical power over the group and when it stopped, would be pointing to the chosen. One among them would journey to the rainbow’s end to accept the treasure it offered. Visions of gleaming pots of gold coins danced in heads all around the circle.

   The scepter moved slowly, as if scrutinizing each individual. It took several moments to realize it had ceased moving when Jeagaer’s eager eyes squinted to bring the selected into focus. L’aucervels glanced quickly around him expecting the scepter to be marking a nearby comrade, but all eyes were upon him and he stood as if hypnotized. No instructions were warranted, no grand celebration at his designation, for he knew time was short for the brilliant rainbow. Dallying would risk the loss of their fortune.

   He set out, amid the growing murmur of those around him. Eyes viewed his departure in disbelief as he walked toward the dimmer, pastel rainbow end. His companions were amazed that he strode with his back to the beckoning brighter end, a luster of colors holding the magnificent, golden fortune. Although dismay permeated over them, Jeagaer’s wand had fulfilled its task and was sheathed. No disgruntled word dare be uttered, else there would be severe consequence. As L’aucervels disappeared from sight, disenchantment accompanied the group's dispersing. Each leprechaun returned to his previous daily task, heart heavy at the folly of the designated fortune seeker.

   Hardly had they resumed activity fully, when the muster horn signaled them back. The incredible news of L’aucervels’ return astounded and filled them all with newfound hope. Perhaps L’aucervels had realized his error and turned around? Certainly he would not return without the pot of gold! Again the assembly cave filled. Anxious faces searched L’aucervels as he made his way to the front where Jeagaer stood. A look of pride greeted L’aucervels as he approached and knelt before his leader. Not a glimpse of gold could be seen by anyone.

   As Jeagaer came to him, L’aucervels pulled from his cloak a small leather skin and placed it in Jeagaer’s hand. A gasp sounded throughout the room. What was this? This could not possibly be the quest he set out after! Disappointment was obvious as it became clear no pot of riches was to be produced. Above them, the rainbow had faded. With it went the coveted prize they had expected to possess.

   Quiet overcame and they waited for the leprechaun king’s proclamation of failure. Instead, they saw Jeagaer lift the tiny leather flask and sprinkle the ground around the altar with droplets of water collected from the rainbow’s pale tip. Like a sudden dawning, the sun pushed the clouds away and lit the entrance of the cave. Everyone moved into the clearing in front. The murky pond near the well transformed to clear, refreshing water. Plants and flowers took on brighter color as the soil became fertile. The gloom that had blanketed the glen lifted as a fog and vanished. The heart of each leprechaun lightened with recent disharmony forgotten.

   Now celebration was rampant, for L’aucervels indeed had been the chosen. Fulfilling prophecy, he had brought rich, new life to the village. And in the brightness of the heavens not even a hint of their benefactor remained.