The Sphere Chronicles: A Holding Kate Series Book (14 page)

Krenne soaked up bardic knowledge as though she were preparing for Ascension. They laughed and wrote songs, held hands, and shared secrets. Each night fastened them more tightly than the last.

They continued their rendezvous until Krenne and Candol went on a river run to trade with the lower towns. Manifus felt her absence acutely. He would still go to their terrace every night and watch the moonrise over the edge of the next mountain. He decided he would accompany her on her next run. He needed to check in with his fellow journeyman, Vann, and he did not think he could stand another long absence by Krenne.

Manifus returned from a visit to an ill old lady in Cnoccos. His raft thumped the dock, and Staid tied it off with a hearty welcome. “Hail, Bard!”

“Staid! It is good to see you.” Manifus clambered out of the raft.

“Likewise. Where is your shadow, Agus?” Staid asked.

“He decided to go home to Spear Cathair to check on his family. He will be back soon.” They walked up the streets toward the palace.

“Has Krenne made it back from her trade route?”

“No, I had expected them to come back tonight. That is why I was hanging out at the docks,” Staid replied. Krenne’s and Candol’s trade run to Peidersen Inlet had them making several stops along the way.

Manifus turned questioning eyes to Staid. “Why were you waiting for them?”

Staid’s downcast expression startled the bard. Manifus recognized the lovesick look in them. His heart skipped a beat. Surely Staid knew how he and Krenne felt about one another. Perhaps he was pining over Candol.

Staid answered, “It is too quiet. With Starlythe, Drayse, and Stealthlin off chasing the sisterhood, and Krenne and Candol away, and you making your rounds, it has been unbearably quiet. I have never wished more for a break in the peace than I do right now.” Staid huffed in an attempt to laugh. It fell short.

“We should see what we can do to stir up some excitement then.” Manifus clapped Staid on the shoulder, even though he had to reach up considerably to do so.

“What did you have in mind, Bard?” Staid questioned warily.

“Let’s start here.” Manifus drew up in front of the tavern and lifted a hand to the sign.

Staid smiled and turned to enter the pub. Manifus followed. There were few customers left in the tavern. Staid and Manifus drew up to the bar and laid down three coins each. The bartender sloshed mead into large wooden cups in front of them.

Staid lifted his cup to Manifus and said, “To stirring up trouble.”

Manifus laughed and raised his cup in salute. They drank greedily of the golden liquid and set their cups down for a refill. The barkeep sloshed more mead into the cups and walked away.

“Staid, do you remember my first night here?” Manifus questioned.

“Yes, I remember it well,” Staid answered. “It was a night that stands out in my memory as one of the best nights I have lived.”

Manifus cut him a questioning glance.

Staid continued quickly, “Why do you ask, Bard?”

“Do you remember what Chief Murkhul asked of me?”

“Yes, she asked that you take a bride from the Cheleuthi women,” Staid confirmed. He looked back at Manifus. “Have you chosen, then?” He smiled.

“I believe I have, but there is a problem of which I would like your opinion.”

Staid dipped his chin to indicate Manifus should continue.

Manifus fingered his drink. “I am in love, Staid. There is no question about it. She is life and breath to me.” His cheeks flushed as he spoke.

“Then take her, man. What are you waiting for?”

“I have not been in the Crags for even a year. I am fresh out of the Certosa, and I did not plan to have a wife this soon. How long should I wait? If I wait too long, my love may be taken by another or the people will begin to suspect that I am arrogant. But if I take a bride before I am ready to give her all she requires, then I fear I will be a poor husband indeed.”

“What does she require that you cannot give her?” Staid asked.

“I don’t know, a home for one.”

“You live in the palace, man. What more could a girl want?”

“True. What about stability? Isn’t that important?”

“You will never be able to offer that, Bard. It is part of your duty to travel and be flexible. The wife you choose will have to understand that.”

“So you are saying that I should go ahead and marry my beloved?”

“If you know without a doubt that she is the girl for you, then I would not hesitate to take her as a wife.” Staid took a big swig of his drink. “I would marry my love today if it were possible. Life is too short to hide behind duty and excuses.”

Manifus was not sure if they were still talking about him or if Staid had gone into his own world.

“Staid, I did not realize you were such a hopeless romantic,” Manifus teased.

Staid pushed up from his stool and stood, emptied his tankard and said, “There is nothing greater than love, Bard.” He set his cup down and poked Manifus in the chest. “You should know this.” He walked out of the pub with a wave over his shoulder and sauntered up the incline toward the palace.

Manifus walked to the door of the tavern and watched him climb the Cheulseti streets. He turned to look up river, wishing to see a boat with a beautiful, young warrior at the prow. He stood there for a long while willing the boat into existence. He climbed the rock stairs to a peak where he could see the river bending around a mountain and settled down to await the vessel that would bring his love home to him.

“Hello,” Krenne whispered in his ear.

Manifus startled from his sleep, tingling sensations raking his cheek that had been pressed against the railing. He jumped up at the sight of Krenne and touched her to be sure it wasn’t a dream. Satisfied, he enfolded her into his cape, pressing his lips to the top of her head. Holding her tightly, he felt as though the tilted world had righted. “Krenne, my soul, you are back. How was your trip?”

“Uneventful.” Krenne buried her face in his chest. “I am finally home,” she said, pressing into him with a hum of relief.

Her scent was light and delicate, just like her. He breathed in the perfume of Krenne, and dragon wings fluttered inside him, singeing him from the inside out.

“What song shall we sing tonight, dear Bard?” She turned her face up to him and lifted an eyebrow.

He studied her face as it reflected the moonlight and rested his fingers gently on her cheek where a bruise colored her skin.

“Uneventful, huh?” He traced the bruise tenderly. She closed her eyes and leaned into his hand.

“Nothing that Candol and I couldn’t handle.” She shrugged. “I don’t want to talk of battles, Mani. Sing to me.”

He sang the song they had first sung together when they met. She lifted her voice to match his, eyes still closed. They wove their harmonies in embracing tones like a couple in a waltz.

When the song was finished, she opened her eyes and looked into his. A question lingered there, and an invitation. Manifus didn’t know if he would ever be able to breathe again.

“Are you going to choose me, Manifus?” she whispered, eyes glistening.

“I am.”

“Good.” She sighed contentedly and leaned her head into his shoulder. “What is our next song?”

Manifus wrapped his arm around his warrior, and they sang songs of blessing for their friends to the moon and the stars. 

© 2014 LaDonna Cole and HwV Productions, excerpts from
Threshold
,
Tsian the Wise
, and
A Story and a Cup of Tea

DEFINITIONS

JUMP:
A journey to an alternate dimension through the carriage of a quantum event called a sphere. Jumps are a type of quantum therapy designed to immerse clients in experiences with representations of their most prominent fears to overcome obstacles in a controlled environment.

SPHERES:
Quantum pockets designed to carry passengers safely to and from alternate dimensions. They can be manipulated to retrieve passengers from any site within broadcast parameters.

ITALIAN TERMS

AMICI:
Friends

ASCOLTERÀ
: Listen

BAMBINI:
Children

BELLO:
That’s nice

BENVENUTO:
Welcome

BUON APPETITE:
Bon appetite (Enjoy this meal with a good appetite.)

BUONGIORNO:
Good morning

CHE LE È SUCCÈSSO:
What happened?

CHE MACELLO:
What a mess!

CHE PARTITA:
What a game!

COS’È QUESTA COSA?:
What is this thing?

ELICOTTERO:
Helicopter

HO MAL DI TESTA:
I have a headache.

LE NOSTRE FAMIGLIE:
Our families

LEI CI ASCOLTERÀ:
She will hear us.

MIEI CARI OSPITI:
My dear guests

MIO CARO:
My dear

NIENTE:
Nothing

NON MI PARLANO DI QUESTE COSE:
I do not talk of these things.

PISCINA:
Swimming pool

PROIBITO:
Prohibited

SALA DA PRANZO:
Dining room

SCHERZOSO:
Playful

SEGRETI:
Secrets

SIGNORE:
Mister

SII LIBERO:
Be free

SURFING SLANG