The Wheel in a Tangle of Vines

Bramble vines, ivy, dry leaves and little caps of snow were piled in front of the great wheel. Four broad spokes could be seen, but each one was trapped in a different kind of tangle.

Puschel spotted an especially thick vine. Puschel“Once this is gone, we shall see everything.” He gripped it with both paws and pulled. The vine stretched like a spring while Flauschi held the glass flower safely by its green ribbon.

With a gentle snap, the vine came loose—and curled in several loose loops around Puschel’s belly and tail. An entire mound of red leaves showered onto his head. Only his blue ears and two surprised eyes peeped out.

Flauschi bit her lip but could not stop a giggle. Flauschi“You have a clear view now. We can barely see you, though.” Together they loosened the vine without pulling it any farther.

Beneath the leaves, they found a small brass plate on the wheel. It carried four signs: a blossom, a sun, a leaf and a snowflake. Puschel brushed the last leaf from his nose. Puschel“The wheel is not merely stuck. Its four parts seem to belong in an order.” Flauschi studied the signs. Flauschi“Then we should understand it first and turn it later.”