Page 50 of Ahelno
“If you will play and sing three songs in front of my store, you can have it, Lumanela,” she said.
“That’s a great deal! But, given how the Ptexari freeze up when I sing, I think it’s best that I play two songs with just the guitar, and then sing the last one. How does that sound?”I asked.
“That is wise. In truth, no one else will buy that thing anyway,” she chortled. “I’ve had it for years with no luck. I am glad to see that it has found a home with the right being.”
We made our way to the front, and the shop owner told the current musicians they could take a break while I tried out a new instrument. They all seemed fascinated with the guitar and gave me encouraging smiles as I stepped up to play. I started with the full version of “Yesterday” for the crowd. It was difficult with only five strings. I couldn’t rely on the muscle memory I had for playing, but had to remember where the notes were with the adjusted strings. I made a few mistakes, but overall, I was pleased with it. It was going to take some getting used to. I picked Taylor Swift’s “Begin Again” as the second song, again, because it was easy enough to figure out on the new instrument. I felt more comfortable after that, but I still wasn’t ready for anything ambitious. I chose “I’ll Fly Away” as my final song to sing. It was a simple spiritual that I’d always loved. And it seemed appropriate to sing for a winged people.
A crowd had already gathered when I played my first two songs. As I passed through the introduction and started the first verse of the spiritual, I saw the Ptexari’s eyes glaze over. It was unnerving, watching them enter into the euphoria that seemed to follow my singing. I was startled to hear a few sudden thuds and realized that some of the flying Ptexari fell onto the platform out of the air! I heard a splash and a yelp as one of the Ptexari fell into the lake.
I stopped and watched as everyone’s eyes cleared. “Why did you stop?” asked Dakleth.
“Um, some of the Ptexari fell out of the air in a trance,” Isaid, pointing to a wet, angry male who was stomping his way down the causeway.
“What was that?!” the hulking male shouted as he came towards our booth. Dakleth moved in front of me as the crowd parted. “What was that noise?!” the big male demanded. “Someone tried to kill me.”
“I’m so sorry!” I said, peeking out from behind Dakleth. “I didn’t realize my singing would harm anyone.”
His wings flared open, and his crest rose as he spotted me. He shook himself like a dog, spraying us and the crowd with water droplets. “Is that a Lumanela?” he asked Dakleth. “Like the legends?”
“That is my mate,” Dakleth answered flatly, crest raised and ready to fight.
“Peace, Prince Dakleth, I mean her no harm,” the new male tried to get a look at me. He dropped to his knees. “Forgive me, Lumanela, I was merely taken by surprise. A good dunking never hurt anyone,” he chuckled. “I am your servant, Tavar of Kerlea.”
“Ah, thanks. You can get up,” I said to him. Several others in the crowd were also on bended knee. “Um, everyone can get up. Sorry for the disturbance.”
Tavar stood up and gracefully stepped around Dakleth to address me. “You are gracious as well as beautiful. Would you like to join me for a cup of Oonag?”
Dakleth pushed him away from me. “Stay away from my mate,” he growled.
Tavar stood tall and looked him in the eye. “Is she really your mate, though?” he challenged. “We have all heard about the Lumanela at the capital and how you forced yourself upon her. She has not accepted your mate bond.” He looked backat me. “Do you need help, Lumanela? I will protect you and provide for you. I would stand by your side and cherish you always.”
Oh, shit.I was not expecting anything like this to happen, and I could see both males sizing each other up and spoiling for a fight. Dakleth looked downright murderous.
“Thank you for your offer, Tavar, but that’s not necessary. The Prince has asked my forgiveness, and I’ve given it. He brought me here to enjoy the market, but I think it’s time for us to go.”
I stepped between the two males and took Dakleth’s hand. “Let’s go now, Dakleth.”
He bristled and then shook, settling himself. “As you wish, mate.”
I turned and looked at the shopkeeper. “Sorry for the disturbance,” I said, sheepishly.
“Not at all!” she said. “Look at the crowd! They are now exploring my shop. You’re good for business, Lumanela. Come back any time!”
The other musicians took their places back and started up again. I led Dakleth through the crowd, guitar in hand. He pushed past Tavar and gave him a shove with his shoulder. “Keep your eyes off what is mine,” he snarled. I rolled my eyes and tugged on his hand.
“Let’s goooo,” I insisted.
He let me pull him along. “I will follow you anywhere, mate,” he said.
“STOP calling me that,” I insisted. Dense male.
“My apologies, Andie,” he conceded. “That male’s interest scraped at my instincts.”
“Well, put your instincts away. Let’s take our things andhead home.”
“Yes, Princess,” he said, smiling at me. He narrowed his eyes and peered at me more closely. “Why is your skin pink?” he asked.
“What? I don’t know.” I felt my face, and it was hot. I looked at my arms and pressed a finger to my skin. It made a white spot that slowly faded back to pink to match the rest of my skin.
