Young Mario travels through Campania after the death of his father, earning his way with his unusual gift for performing magic tricks. He is happy with his life, though it isn't a rich one. He recognizes the beauty around him, and loves the people he meets, seeing them all through eyes not yet clouded by the harshness of the world. He misses his home and grieves for his father, but does not allow this to darken his life.
Along the way, he meets a gruff but goodhearted man, by the name of Jericho, who takes the innocent Mario under his wing. Together, they make a name for themselves among the other traveling performers and circus people. As they earn more money, Mario's magic show begins to grow, reaching closer to Mario's dream of his own wagon and equipage
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Then, when they join a large circus, Mario meets Miri. A beautiful, red haired performer, with strangely vacant, dark brown eyes. He falls deeply in love, even though he sees the broken shadow her dark past has left in her heart and mind.
She has no concept of love- her life has been one of survival, no matter the cost. Her mind and feelings are broken, ultimately beyond repair. He awakens a new feeling in her heart- if she knew enough, she might call it love. But she cannot fully understand this. And although she knows vaguely it is more, that she does love him in her broken way- her true reasons for marrying him are selfish. She needs the protection and care he can give. So, despite Jericho's misgivings, the two marry. At first they are happy and Mario slowly begins to help Miri become whole.
Then they have a daughter, Lidi. The circus cannot keep Miri as a performer with a child to dare for. So, they decide to try to set up a traveling show of their own. Jericho comes along to help. Finally, Mario's dream of his own wagon, with 'Marios Magical Mystification's' painted brightly on it, has come true. But it is not what he had hoped for.
Miri's mind begins to crumble again under the new hardships of this life, despite Mario's desperate attempts to prevent it. Her mind blames him, his best not good enough for what she expected he could give.
Another baby is born- Letta. Miri clings to the child, even as the last pieces of her sanity slip away. As the years go by, Mario struggles, fighting to save her, and keep his show going- but it is not enough.
One starry night, Miri leaves, taking little Letta with her, but leaving Lidi behind. And Mario is finally broken, turning his back on his faith and hope.
He turns to drinking, falling deeper and deeper into the pit he is digging himself. The happy, innocent boy he had once been disappears completely, as though by one of his own tricks. Through it all, Jericho stays, helping as much as he can, although as Mario loses his skill, there is no longer much money.
Lidi begins to grow up, learning the magic tricks herself, and becomes as skilled as her father once was. Despite his self destructive behavior and poor treatment, she too stays with him, knowing he needs her.
Until one day, he dies. But, before he dies, he realizes his brokenness and mistakes, and repents before expiring. Jericho is here for this. In Mario's last moments his mind returns to the happy innocent boy he had once been, remembering only the good and beautiful things and forgetting at last the tragedy he had faced.
The end.
by Nina D. with Ryn D. based on characters etc. from Lloyd Alexanders 'The Rope Trick'
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