B is for Bugle Flower and St. Bernadette

A Brave Sentinel: A Letter B Story Holding tight to Mrs. Applebee's hand, Michael eagerly followed her down the grassy path. Expecting to stop at another magnificent tree, Michael was surprised when Mrs. Applebee paused before a clump of flowering herbs growing in the shady ground. He admired the beautiful purple-hued flowers which grew upward in proud stalks. But something strange began to happen. One of the purple flower petals began to gently move. Rising out of the flowers, a tiny winged boy carrying a purple bugle on his waistband made his way to Michael and Mrs. Applebee. "Who's that?" whispered Michael, as his eyes grew wide. "I am pleased to introduce my son the Bugle Fairy" replied Mrs. Applebee. And as she offered the introduction, the Bugle Fairy made such a bow that the tip of his pointed, purple hat touched the damp ground. "My name is Bugle and I begin with B," announced the Bugle Fairy as he stood at attention, raising his purple bugle to his lips to trumpet the beginning of a beautiful song.

At the edge of the woodland Where good fairies dwell, Stands, on the look-out,

A brave sentinel.

At the call of his bugle Out the elves run,

Ready for anything, Danger, or fun,

Hunting, or warfare, By moonshine or sun.

With bluebells and campions

The woodlands are gay, Where bronzy-leaved Bugle Keeps watch night and day.

(From The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker)

As the Bugle Fairy finished, he handed Michael a lovely purple flower which he quickly added to the Apple Blossom. "Before you leave, I want to tell you a story about a heavenly friend whose name begins with B. St. Bernadette was just girl when Our Lady appeared to her and showed her where to dig a spring from which miraculous water flowed." The Bugle Fairy opened his red book and read to Michael the story of St. Bernadette. As the Bugle Fairy gently closed his book, Mrs. Applebee held out her hand to Michael once again. "We must be on our way. You've only met two of my children and there are still many more to find." Taking her hand, Michael and Mrs. Applebee set off once again on the grassy path in search of another flower and friend.