Songbird

  Teya’s eyes widened with alarm and she blushed. “You don’t remember?”

  “I don’t have words for what happened. It was so different from anything I’ve ever known that I find it hard to describe, and I wonder if it was real.”

  A sweet smile curved her lips. “Oh, I see. What do you remember?”

  “I remember the light and the water spiraling up over the grove. I remember singing with you. It was... it’s hard to describe, but it felt like we were part of each other. I still carry that feeling, and I don’t know if it’s real, or if it was created by the magic.”

  Teya swallowed. “What else?”

  “After that, it seemed like the sky opened and I saw a city, but it was too bright for me to look at without hurting my eyes. Was that a dream?”

  “No.” Teya sighed. “All of it was real. The city you saw is the White City my grandmother was talking about. It’s where my people hope to go after our work is finished here.”

  “You mean when you die?”

  She nodded, but didn’t look at him, and Bran was immediately suspicious that she was hiding something. “I remember our kiss. It’s something I could hardly forget. I didn’t want it to stop.”

  Her gaze flew to his and her breath caught before she ducked her head and refused to look at him.

  “Teya? What happened? What does it mean?”

  “It was only a by-product of the ritual,” she answered. “The ceremony we performed to strengthen the grove is founded on the principle of creation. It’s only natural that as a man and woman we felt the impulse to... act on it.” A rosy blush stained her cheeks and deepened the color of her eyes. It made her even more enchanting.

  “Hmm. And that’s all that happened?” Bran felt sure there was more to it. “Is there anything else I should know?”

  “I don’t think so,” she said.

  Why wouldn’t she tell him? Had he only imagined that something had happened? He wished he could remember everything Leona had said, but it was still fuzzy. With Teya’s unease, it made him certain that he was right. He decided to try another approach. “I could get used to it.”

  “What?” Her gaze flew up to meet his.

  “Kissing you. It would be nice to know if it was anything like last night. Then I’d know for sure.” He leaned closer to her, breathing in her scent.

  “Now you’re just teasing me,” she said, but her breath caught and her gaze went to his lips.

  “Let’s try it again.” He stepped closer. “Don’t you want to know if it was just the ritual?”

  Teya opened her mouth as he leaned in to kiss her, but she surprised him by taking a step back and placing her hands on his chest. “Maybe I do, but not right now. How about I let you know when I’m ready?”

  She quickly turned away and mounted her horse, leaving Bran standing there like an idiot. He let out a huff, and shook his head, then found his horse and followed behind. It took a while for his heart to slow down, but he managed to maintain his cool demeanor. But deep inside, he couldn’t stop thinking about her lips and how much he wanted to kiss her again, and wondered what the hell was going on.

  ****

  Teya held her back ramrod straight and managed to ignore Bran, although she was aware of every movement he made. She tried not to let it bother her, but guilt that she hadn’t been totally honest with him tied her stomach in knots. Reasoning that it was best for Bran not to know the truth did no good. She knew at some point, she’d have to tell him, but she couldn’t do it now.

  The tension between them mounted as they reached the outskirts of Somara near sundown. The town bustled with more people than she had expected. She welcomed the diversion, but if Bran’s scowl was any indication, he wasn’t enjoying it at all.

  A couple of men on horseback came toward them, and both slowed to gape at her. After they passed, both men threw glances over their shoulders. Bran bristled with annoyance, and pulled her to the side. “I should have thought of this long before now.” He dismounted and rummaged through his pack until finding his hooded cloak. “Here, put this on and cover your head.”

  The temperature was a little warm for a cloak, but she did as he asked, and kept her head down. With him slightly in front of her, it worked well enough, but now she worried that Bran would agree to let her sing, even though it was the only way to find her people.

  “This looks like a reputable place to spend the night,” Bran said, stopping in front of a three-story building with a beautifully carved sign that said ‘Aris Inn’ on it.

  Teya let out her breath, grateful to get off her horse. They entered to find a large hall at the opposite end of the main room, filled with people sitting at tables, eating and drinking. Teya’s heart leapt to see a small stage for entertaining along the far end. Maybe this could work after all.

  The owner greeted Bran, eager to be of service. “We’d like a room for the night, and some dinner.”

  “Certainly,” he said. Bran exchanged coins for a key to a room, and the innkeeper turned his attention to Teya. “Perhaps the lady would like to rest here, while we take care of your things?”

  “Uh...sure,” she answered.

  “Good. Follow me.” He led them to a seat at a side table, and Teya sat down, discarding the cloak and glancing about. The innkeeper left and Bran sat beside her.

  “Will you be all right here?”

  “Of course. It’s just...well, I’ve never been in a place like this before.” She couldn’t help the pulse of excitement that came over her.

  Bran’s brows rose in surprise, then he shook his head. “I keep forgetting where you’ve been all your life. Look, I know we didn’t discuss this, but I want to share a room tonight. It will be safer that way. Is that all right with you?”

  “Sure, that’s fine.”

  He seemed surprised at how easily she agreed. “Good, I’ll go grab our things and get the horses stabled for the night. Stay put, and if anyone asks, I’m your husband.”

  He left before she could say a word and she was grateful he didn’t see the blush that crept up her cheeks. How long could she go before he found out the truth? She hoped he didn’t try kissing her again. He would know what she’d done and probably never forgive her. There had to be a way to tell him before that happened, but for the life of her, she couldn’t do it.

  What had her grandmother been thinking? They should have explained it all that night. Now she didn’t know what to do. He’d hate her when he found out, and then what would happen? Could he forgive her? Even if it was for a good reason?

  A serving girl interrupted her thoughts by setting two bowls of stew and a loaf of bread on the table. “Your husband said to bring you some dinner.” She expertly placed a pitcher of ale and two mugs beside the bowls.

  The aroma of fresh baked bread and beef stew took her mind off her worries, and she eagerly tore off a piece of bread and dipped it in the bowl. Even though she’d been living well on grove water, she’d missed the taste of food.

  As she chewed on her second bite, music filled the hall, catching her full attention and banishing all thoughts of food. On the small stage, the singer sat on a stool with a guitar in his lap. He was singing an old lover’s ballad and his rich voice flooded her senses with the emotion of love and longing.

  The noise in the room softened, but most people kept talking in quiet tones. Teya watched in amazement. She knew the performer used magic, and couldn’t understand why it didn’t catch everyone’s attention.

  Maybe she was more sensitive to it? Her grandmother had told her that sometimes the magic had no effect when people’s hearts were hard. That was one reason the Kalorians had failed against Korban’s army. But Teya’s magic was different, and much more powerful. Even with the restrictions of the kundar, she could touch a king’s cruel heart with music and make him cringe with pain.

  “That took longer than I thought,” Bran said, sitting beside her. “How’s the food? It sure smells good.” When she didn’t respond right away he stoppe
d what he was doing and gave her his full attention. “What’s going on?”

  Teya took a deep breath, hoping she didn’t look as guilty as she felt. “Nothing, I’ve just been thinking. You should have some stew. It’s good.”

  She took a few more bites and listened to the singer, giving Bran time to eat his dinner before she spoke. “Did you notice the entertainer?” At Bran’s nod she continued. “What do you think of his singing?” She wanted to know if Bran could tell he used magic.

  Bran listened while he ate the last few bites. After a couple of minutes he responded. “He’s got talent. His voice is rich and beautiful, and you feel that his heart is in the song, like it really means something. I would imagine that if you listened closely, his song could touch your heart.”

  Teya blinked in surprise. Was that how magic sounded to most people? The way Bran explained it, there was no magic involved. “What do you mean by talent?”

  “He’s skilled. He sounds better than most people who sing.”

  “Is that what you think when I sing? That I’m talented?”

  Bran’s eyes widened. “Are you kidding? I mean, of course you’re talented, I’ve never heard a more beautiful voice in my life, but that doesn’t begin to explain how your music touches everyone who hears it. There’s no doubt you have more to offer than a singer like him.”

  “So as far as you can tell, this singer has no magic?”

  Bran paused in sudden understanding and once again concentrated on the singer. “If he’s using magic, it’s very subtle, but now that you mention it, maybe he is. The atmosphere in this room is different. The people seem more subdued than when we first came in.”

  Teya smiled. Bran recognized it. It just took him a little longer to understand what it was. Either the entertainer only had a limited use of magic, or he was very good at controlling it. “That singer is using magic. He could very well be a Kalorian.”

  She knew Bran didn’t want to hear that, but he only sighed. “I suppose you want to check this out.”

  “Um...yes. I do.”

  He sat back in his chair and took a long drink of ale. “Okay. How about you finish up your dinner, and I’ll make some inquiries about him. Maybe later, when he takes a break, we can ask him to join us.”

  Teya’s lips twisted. “Why don’t you just let me talk to him? It would save you a lot of trouble.”

  Bran shook his head. “No. We can’t chance it. I want to know more about him first, and it’s not any trouble.”

  “All right,” she said, even though she didn’t agree. Bran was probably right, but sitting there doing nothing grated on her.

  Bran reached over and placed his hand on top of hers. “I know how much this means to you. But we’ll figure it out together. Okay?”

  Warmth flooded over her and she smiled. “Thanks Bran.”

  He nodded and left their table. She watched him go, hope burning a hole in her heart. He did care about her, even without the magic. It settled her down enough to turn her attention to the singer. He sang a ballad of lost love, and she quickly lost herself in the song, feeling the pain of the young man who had returned to find his love married to another.

  After the last note faded, a smattering of applause broke out and the singer announced he was taking a short break. Teya glanced about for Bran. This was their chance and she didn’t want to miss it. Where was he?

  “I couldn’t help noticing that you seemed to enjoy my music. May I join you?”

  Teya’s breath caught. The singer stood right in front of her and she hadn’t done a thing. “Um...sure. Please sit down.”

  “Thank you,” he said. “I’m Jesse.” Just then, a serving girl set a mug in front of him. He nodded his thanks before turning his attention back to Teya. “Do you have a name?”

  “Uh...yes I’m Teya.” She blushed, suddenly unsure of how to talk to this man. Up close, he seemed younger than she first thought, and with his wavy golden hair and penetrating hazel eyes, he was quite handsome.

  “Do I know you?” he asked, his brows drawn together. “For some reason you remind me of someone. Are you from around here?”

  “Oh...no, I’m from the city.” She hoped that was the right thing to say.

  “Ah, well, I’ve never been to the city. They say it’s a beautiful place, and maybe someday I’ll go there, but for now, I’m enjoying the country. Singing is my first love. What makes it even better is that I get paid for it.”

  Teya smiled. “You have a beautiful voice.”

  “It’s passable, but there are much better.”

  “And there are those much worse!” Teya added.

  Jesse laughed. “You have a point there. Well, it’s about time I went back. Do you have a favorite song you’d like to hear?”

  Teya’s heart leapt, this was her chance. “Yes, do you know ‘Fair Ones’?”

  Jesse’s gaze caught hers with a penetrating glance before he shook his head. “I don’t think so, but I’d love to hear it. Would you like to join me up there and sing it?”

  She didn’t know what to say. Bran would have a fit if she went up there to sing.

  Noting her hesitation, he continued. “I promise no one will bite. Most of them are drunk and won’t care if you mess up a bit, as long as you’re pretty. And you excel in that area.”

  “All right,” she gave in. “But you sing some more first. I’ll come up later.”

  He smiled and bowed. “Until later then.”

  Teya’s heart pounded with something close to fear at what she’d done. Jesse seemed to take it all in stride and began his next set with a rousing jig. A drummer and fiddle player joined him on the stage. Soon, people began to clap and sing along, then a space cleared in front of the stage and couples started dancing. The drummer and fiddler were excellent musicians and sang the harmonies along with Jesse. The music so engaged her, that before she knew it, she tapped her foot and hummed along.

  Bran returned to sit beside her and smiled at her enthusiasm. Guilt turned her cheeks red and she quit clapping. “Did you find out anything?” she asked.

  “Yes. They’re a group that travels around the towns in this area. Apparently, they’ve been playing together for the last few months. They make quite a bit of money. In fact, the innkeeper said they were in high demand.”

  “What does that mean?” she asked.

  “It could mean a lot of things.” Bran shrugged. “They’re good, and they’re doing well for themselves. Maybe they have some Kalorian blood in them.”

  The tension eased from Teya’s shoulders. Maybe she hadn’t been so stupid after all. If they were Kalorians, she’d know when she sang. And if they weren’t? What was the worst thing that could happen? They’d go their separate ways and that would be the end of it.

  “Let’s talk to them after they’re done,” Bran suggested.

  “Sure.” Teya nodded, suddenly thirsty and took a drink of ale from her mug. After setting it down, she realized that Jesse’s mug sat on the table and she needed to tell Bran what had happened. She opened her mouth to speak, but with the music so loud, she decided to wait until things calmed down. The liveliness of the crowd kept the beat going for a long time, so Teya sat back and enjoyed it.

  At last, the song came to a crescendo and then stopped amid exhausted applause. While the drummer and fiddler put their instruments away, Jesse strummed a few soothing chords and spoke.

  “I have a treat for you tonight,” he said, and Teya’s heart raced. She glanced at Bran with alarm, knowing she’d waited too long. “I’ve talked a beautiful woman into sharing a song with us before we finish for the night. She’s from the city, so let’s show her some country hospitality.”

  The crowd clapped enthusiastically and Jesse motioned for Teya to join him. “There she is, at that table there. Come on, don’t be shy.”

  Teya swallowed under Bran’s incredulous frown, but with the urging of the people around her, she had no choice but to join Jesse on the stage.

  “Don’t be fri
ghtened,” Jesse whispered, taking her hand and helping her onto the stage. “They’ll love you no matter what.”

  Teya couldn’t help the small smile on her lips. He must think her reticence was due to a lack of singing ability. He was in for a surprise. She caught a warning glance from Bran and nodded to reassure him that she understood her precarious position. She wasn’t going to blow it.

  “May I?” she motioned to Jesse’s guitar. With surprise, he handed it over. As a child she was taught how to play many instruments, but the guitar was her favorite, and the one instrument the king had allowed her to use.

  She took Jesse’s place on the stool and began to pick the strings in a haunting rhythm. An expectant hush fell over the crowd and pulled them to her mastery. When the tension reached its zenith, her clear voice filled the abyss and floated in airy wonder. In a spell woven of magic, she sang softly of a legendary place of beauty and mystery.

  Restraining the images and harmonies took skill, but she held back and sang only the simple melody. The clear message touched the hearts of the people with a longing for hearth and home. As the last notes left her mouth a collective sigh escaped the audience, followed by a reverent silence. Then, as if coming from a trance, one by one they burst into appreciative applause.

  Teya bowed respectfully and handed the guitar back to Jesse who stared at her with widened eyes. The crowd called for more and Teya tried to leave the stage, but they protested so vehemently that she finally gave in to their demands.

  Their behavior disconcerted her, and she wasn’t sure how to handle it. She glanced at Bran for support, knowing she was in over her head, and was surprised to find him coming toward the stage, his lips turned down and his brows drawn together. His expression was so cold and dour that she took a step back without realizing it.

  He reached her side and whispered. “Don’t sing again unless you can do so without using magic! It’s too dangerous. For your protection, I’ll stay on the stage, but if anything threatening happens, run to me. Understand?”