A Piper's Song: The Pied Piper Tales

by C. K. Johnson

  I stood up wearily and started for the door stifling a yawn. “We’ve got to take Dog,” I whispered.

  “We cannot,” Malcolm whispered as he tried to nudge me toward the door.

  “We have to. Don’t tell me he’ll be okay if they find out he warned us,” I hissed as I held my ground.

  Malcolm rolled his eyes at me. “Dog, are you truly apprenticed, or have you just been promised a spot with my father when your stirrings become stronger?” he asked.

  “Master, just promised, but there is no need for you to worry about me. No one saw me come up, I made sure of it,” he quietly replied. Malcolm saw the stubborn look on my face and shook his head, then picked up the boy and started down the stairs. Dog didn’t protest and bring attention to our little band.

  We made it to the car quickly, with Malcolm carrying Dog. I couldn’t exactly run with my ankle newly healed, but I went as fast as I could. Once in the car, we made it down to the gate without trouble. This time Malcolm hopped out himself to open it, drove through it, then closed it behind us. I sat in the car with Dog, who looked like he wanted to bolt the moment we looked the other way. I was sure he thought attempting to run from the Law of a clan was bonkers.

  Malcolm sped for the next two hours, moving from our previous back road adventure to the freeway, which allowed him to go faster. I feared that if we ran across another cop, he wouldn’t even bother to pull over this time.

  Sometime right before dawn, we pulled into the driveway of an old Victorian house. He left the car running and told me to stay with Dog while he went inside and confirmed with them whether we would be okay to stay here for what was left of the night. Malcolm carefully stayed vague on who they were. The dark shadows under his eyes warned me to shut up. I didn’t want Dog to get scared again; I had just gotten him calmed down.

  Malcolm came back with a silver-haired gentleman who took what little things we had out of the trunk. Malcolm picked up Dog, carrying him inside and up a set of the stairs with me trailing closely behind.

  “Here are a set of towels and something to sleep in. We can talk more in the morning. Malcolm says you’ve had a rough few days,” said a woman. She had black hair shoved up in a clip.

  “Thanks,” I whispered as I picked up the pajamas. I felt so tired, even my bones seemed weary and I decided I wasn’t going to bother to shower until after I got some more sleep.

  “I am sorry. I’m guessing that from the little Malcolm mentioned, you must be exhausted. I don’t want to sound rude, but how exactly do you know Malcolm?” the older woman asked as she took a step toward me and then paused.

  “Oh, it’s no problem. My uncle put me in a tight spot and I had to apprentice sooner than I wanted. Malcolm helped me out. I guess in a way, he saved me,” I said, looking intently at the pajamas as if they held the answer to why my world kept turning upside down time after time.

  “He always was a good boy. After Avalyn—” she paused, emotion rising in her voice, “When our daughter—died— it was hard on us to see him. If I’m being truly honest, it was me. When we left our clan, I asked Henry to tell him not to visit any more. We knew he still went to see her grave because we’d see flowers on it now and again. He visited her last week for their anniversary. I reached so many times to pick up the phone, tell him how stupid I had been, and ask him to stop by, but I never did. Then Henry said it would be cruel for me to call him now. ‘Let the boy move on,’ he said. They were so young when they married, barely eighteen. So you see, I am embarrassed I asked, but I had to, in case, well, you were who he moved on to,” she said, the words spilling out as if she were apologizing to me for all the things she couldn’t apologize to Malcolm for. As if telling me now would somehow make it right with him.

  Malcolm appeared beside her. “She will always be my wife, Linette. That has not changed. Kyra is my apprentice and nothing more. I would not bring another woman into your house and disgrace her memory like that,” he said not hiding the hurt in his tone.

  “What my wife is trying to say is she understands if you had and that she hopes if and when you do move on, you’ll bring her here for us to meet her, too. Know that you can always come whenever you want,” said Henry as he rested his hand on Malcolm’s shoulder.

  They all seemed so weighed down by sorrow, it hurt to watch them wade through it. “I think it best we all get some rest. We can discuss our plans in the morning,” he added as he slipped his arm around his wife’s shoulders and walked her to their room, gently closing the door behind him.

  Malcolm waited until their door closed before stepping into my room and shutting mine. Whatever he wanted to say must be important for him to break his code of etiquette.

  “I will say this once and then we will never mention it in this house again. They must not know what we found out about that night from your uncle. It near broke them when she became hollow and eventually died from the consuming. I fear what they would do should they find this out.”

  “I didn’t plan on it. I’m not an idiot,” I said, but even as the words came out of my mouth, I remembered his version of my story.

  He tilted his head, as if he sensed a change in my mood, but decided to leave it be for tonight and left the room. I tossed on the pajamas and crawled into bed. Even with dawn, the curtains were thick enough that they blocked out most of the light. I looked forward to going back to sleep. Healing Dog exhausted me.

  I lay for a minute or two when the door creaked open. Dog quietly walked in, dropped his pillow on the floor, and wrapped up in a blanket. I wanted to tell him it would be all right, that he would be safe with me. I was on the verge of offering a place at our house, but who was I to offer something I did not have myself? My uncle had been humiliated, and I had no doubt he would hunt me down. Tomorrow, I’d ask Malcolm if he could help me find a safe place for Dog. I could not save all the piper apprentices, but I could do something for him.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  The In-Laws

  I WOKE UP TO THE SOUND of someone playing my pipe. The music spilled through the house, permeating every corner with a sweet, soulful song. Dog sat by the window as if watching out for me while I slept. Outside, the leaves on the trees were burnt umber. Summer had slipped into fall. Soon enough, school would be starting. It seemed like such a faraway thing now. Who cared about what to wear the first day of school when you were running for your life?

  When I pictured my life as a piper, it had been much more glamorous, not being chased by a clan who wanted nothing to do with my family. My greatest desire had been fulfilled and somewhere in the process, it led me down the rabbit hole.

  “Good morning, Dog. I think we need to get you a new name. I feel ridiculous calling you that. How about Jacob?” I asked, glancing over at him as I stretched.

  He scrunched his nose and shook his head. I had been planning to take a long, hot shower, but one look at Dog and I reconsidered. I could wait.

  “Dog, go shower and let me know when you’re done,” I said as I handed him my towel and directed him toward the bathroom.

  “Don’t need to bathe,” he grumbled, folding his arms. He may be shy around Malcolm, but I was just another apprentice like him, and I didn’t have the right to order him about.

  “Dog, I’ve seen dirt cleaner than you are. You need a shower,” I said, pointing to the bathroom.

  I met him glare for glare, trying not to let the smile I was suppressing slip. He rolled his eyes and stepped into the bathroom, slamming the door behind himself.

  My heart clenched for a moment, thinking of Conner. I had often had this argument with him—though he had never been half as dirty as Dog. I missed my siblings. It was safer for me to be away from them. I hoped when all this died down I would be able to see them again.

  The shower turned on, bringing me out of my musings. Second order of business: find Malcolm and get Dog new clothes. His old ones must burn. No amount of washing would make them any better. I followed the pipe music downstairs and into the kitchen.
The tune had shifted into a harmony between Malcolm and Linette.

  He winked as I came in but didn’t pause as he continued to wind the music together in a series of escalating notes increasing in difficulty until it peaked at a beautiful crescendo. The tunes gradually parted and went still. I clapped as I sat down at the table.

  Linette raised an eyebrow at Malcolm. Even here, the position of an apprentice meant I should somehow matter less.

  “Good morning, Little Bird. I trust you slept well. I let Linette know you managed a healing song last night, which is why I allowed you to sleep longer. And where might Dog be? He disappeared from my room last night,” he said. They both looked at me with such intensity, I found it a little bit unnerving.

  “Dog slept on my floor. Don’t ask me why. I sent him to shower. We’re going to need new clothes for him. His need to be burned,” I said, waving toward the direction I had just come from. “I’d suggest we get them before he’s done and puts the old ones on. I’ll have to send him to shower again.”

  “I think we could manage that,” said Henry as he ambled into the kitchen and patted the top of my head. “Malcolm, I believe we have a solution to your problem, but I must ask you again, are you certain she is ready? It seems too short a time and makes me uneasy with her not even grown up in the life. I fear for her life’s song.”

  “Were she anyone else, I believe I would. However, I think her lack of growing up in our world has not hindered her. She did a Master-level healing yesterday and didn’t hesitate. I have seen her do things I dare not share with you for her own safety, as well as your own. She will do well; I have no doubt of it. I would not send an apprentice to their death, much less one who is still a child,” Malcolm said confidently as he gave me a single nod.

  I nodded back, willing to agree with what he had been saying even if I wasn’t fully sure what it was about.

  “If you are certain, I’ll make the call. We will sponsor her so it doesn’t seem odd that we are making the arrangements. As for her family, one of our friends is already on their way to keep an eye on them,” Henry said to Malcolm. He turned to me and asked, “Shall we get your friend Dog some clothes?”

  I followed him upstairs to his room, where he pulled out some grey sweatpants and an old t-shirt that would drown Dog. At least they were clean. I thanked him and went for my room. “Dog,” I whispered, tapping on the door.

  “Yes,” he whispered from the other side.

  “How about Dylan, Nathan, or Luke?” I asked.

  He snorted loudly. “So that’s a no? Anyway, I’ve got some other clothes for you. When you’re ready, come out,” I said. I heard hopping, then a few minutes later, Dog emerged, looking much better.

  “Go downstairs. I’ll be down in a sec,” I said as I pushed him out and locked the door.

  Twenty minutes later, I opened it to find him sitting out in the hallway, waiting. He stood up and followed me downstairs. My stomach rumbled and I swallowed, hoping Malcolm or our hosts could provide us with some food.

  The kitchen looked half as big because three massive men who looked like kin to Fischer stood there, grinning. “Your escort has arrived, Little Bird. They will be taking Dog as well,” said Malcolm as he started for the garage.

  Dog’s shoulders slumped forward again. He reminded me of the little bugs that rolled up into a tight ball. He stood inches behind me the whole way to the car as if he believed he would be left behind.

  As we traveled, one of the big men held his hand out to Dog. Dog started shaking.

  “Dog, call me Gregory. I’ve heard rumor you have been promised, but not sealed. How do you like the look of me? Like a playful bear?” asked Gregory as he continued to hold Dog’s hand. I watched it dawn on Dog that a Master had joked. He went from a look of fearful intimidation to a timid smile, but the only other reply he mustered came as a slight nod.

  “Well Dog, these two are going on a long journey, one that you cannot go on. I’ve been asked if I wouldn’t mind a small apprentice. What do you think, Dog? I might add there is a small bonus. Once you have made a deal with me, he can’t take you back,” Gregory said as he wiggled his eyebrows.

  I watched Dog to see if I could read what he thought from his facial expression. His mouth dropped open, his eyes wide with surprise.

  I looked to Malcolm, wishing I could ask more about Gregory and frustrated that my apprentice status prevented it. Malcolm met my worried gaze and nodded.

  Swallowing, I reminded myself all Malcolm had done for me, the most recent of which was going up against his own father.

  “It might be best to say yes,” I said, elbowing Dog.

  Dog nodded emphatically and shook Gregory’s hand. I could feel the binding between them. The deal was sealed. I could rest easier knowing Dog would be okay.

  “So, want to tell me where exactly we are going on this long journey?” I asked.

  “We are going to Scotland, my little lassie,” he replied in a decent Scottish accent. Returning to his own, he added, “Any other piper your age would be overjoyed at this information, given what time of year it is. I forget you aren’t any other piper,” he added and lifted an eyebrow at his statement.

  Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to go to Scotland—anywhere outside the country, for that matter—but the tone of his words led me to believe I should be gathering something else from his statement. I just wasn’t following.

  “Have you not heard of The Fields, Little Bird?” asked Gregory, joining Malcolm’s amusement.

  “Malcolm said I couldn’t go until I was a Master,” I said, glaring at Malcolm.

  “I said you could not go until you were ready to be a Master, Little Bird. However, given the circumstances with your uncle, we can no longer wait. He will want to retaliate over our—” he glanced at Gregory, “misunderstanding, and we must be ready. Do you remember our conversation after our first lesson when you called the birds?”

  I nodded. My first lesson in piper politics—if you’re powerful, keep it to yourself.

  “Good. I had hoped to wait until you were a Master. Now we’re going to have to wing it and hope an old clause still holds true. It was written in during the late medieval period. In case of war, a catastrophic event, or some such epic occurrence, if you can place well enough on The Fields, it will count as your exam and you’ll go straight to Master Piper status. He’ll have a hard time accusing you of going bad after you’ve proven your control in front of so many people. At the very least, it should make him think twice about coming after you,” he said with a smug smile.

  I settled back in my seat and felt safe packed between three large men. I glanced over at Malcolm when we pulled onto a tiny airstrip in the middle of nowhere. He nodded, but said nothing. We drove up to a decent-sized jet at the far end. My first plane ride and it was in a private jet. I wished I could tell Ben about it. And that my family was here to see this.

  Malcolm raised his hand when the car stopped. “Little Bird, the rules might not be as strict on this trip, but you must follow them all the same. Remember, I am your Master, and you do not speak until I release you,” he said.

  I nodded. My heart half-raced in a mixture of nerves and excitement at the idea of challenging other pipers. Proving myself sounded cool. My power rose up, awakened by my emotions. It promised that whatever lay ahead would be an adventure.

  Malcolm stepped out before me, and then waved me to follow. “Aaron?” I asked Dog, trying one last time.

  He hesitated, but met my gaze. “But I’m an apprentice,” he whispered, shaking his head.

  “Not to me. Aaron it is.” I hugged Aaron, wishing I couldn’t feel his bones so prominently, and whispered, “When I get back, I’ll find you no matter what and make sure you’re okay. Okay?” He hugged me back tightly and only let go when I started to slide out of the car.

  Malcolm frowned at the delay and strode toward the plane. I ran to catch up with him, then slowed down because proper piper etiquette said I should walk one step behind.


  Once inside, I stopped and stared. Amongst the luxury of a private jet were five guys my age dressed in puffy silk pantaloons and hose. I would have laughed had Malcolm not glanced back at that moment and glared. It’s good he stopped me there because when I realized they had on colorful shirts so loose they looked like blouses, I would have lost it.

  So this was the piper get-up. Had we been precursors to minstrels? The thought of me having to wear bright, slightly clashing colors which went out of style for a reason helped me wipe the smirk off my face. At least the half cloaks they had on were cool. So I was riding into battle in a private jet. It could be worse.

  One of the guys pulled out a pipe and started playing as the plane took off. Soon after, the rest joined in, creating something like a Piper’s Barbershop Quartet. They certainly looked like they had taken a wrong turn and gotten lost from some sort of medieval festival.

  I restlessly plucked at my shirt. Last fall, I had been wearing this same shirt when this all started. Now, I wore it into battle.

  I looked up and saw Malcolm watching me. I lifted my hand to wave but let it drop back in my lap. At least back then, I had been Kyra, not Little Bird, and I desperately wanted to be Kyra again.

  The pipers switched to a different song. The key dropped into minor, the notes became long, drawn out, and sounded melancholy. One of the apprentices trilled a series of notes that came out a whisper and rained down on us like tears. The cabin air started to smell of stormy weather and rain. Loneliness, an all-encompassing emotion that could bring the bravest of us to our knees, could be summed up in one chord, so close to the sorrow that poured out from the pipe beside it.

  The twin songs begged me to gracefully fall into their trance. I closed my eyes, combating the call with thoughts of Ben holding my hand. Then I summoned the memory of running my fingers through Abby’s thick hair so I could braid it while she played tea party with her rag dolls. Last came Conner as he skipped around the living room, new pipe in hand, content to just hold it, much less play it.