Further Tales of Faygaea

by Donald White

  Rinaldo shook his head slowly.

  Takis just stared at him. “What?”

  The bard placed a hand on his companion’s shoulder. “That is not what I told you to do. I told you to say ‘there is no one else I would rather see in it, right now.’ Or ‘no other form could do it justice.’ Or even ‘you look beautiful in it!’ Takis, no woman is going to respond favorably to you, when you are that forward. Here, watch me.”

  Rinaldo and Takis approached a group of adolescent girls chattering away off to the side. The bard stepped forward. “My dear ladies, have you seen a thief come through here?”

  They looked at him, confused. One of them replied, “I have not seen a thief. Did they steal something of yours?”

  “Oh, they have stolen something most precious to me. And the thief very closely resembles you.”

  “Me, what have I taken from you?”

  The man bowed his head, turning away from them, slightly. “My dear, you have stolen my heart.”

  Becoming somewhat flushed, the girl responded, “And would you have me return it?”

  Rinaldo looked right at her. “No. I merely wished to bid it farewell, for now it is your charge.” The bard bowed and departed. Some of the girls sighed, one nearly fainted, and another gave an enthusiastic moan.

  Takis walked beside his friend. “You make it look easy.”

  “It is not so difficult. You must appear humble, but not cowardly. You must seem caring, but not fawning. You must be aggressive, and yet, submissive. When you go hunting, Takis, you wait patiently. You study the prey. You gauge their awareness, and you choose the moment to act!”

  “Rinaldo, hunting a deer and wooing a woman are two entirely different things.”

  The bard stopped. “You must see it as a hunt, Takis. Woman is an elusive creature who will run if you appear threatening. Remain calm, and above all, patient. A certain level of aggression is required, but you must focus it in small amounts. Your strength will attract her, but if you are brutish, she is likely to flee.”

  Takis’s attention was arrested by a few elves conversing nearby. “Sprites. Dark elf sprites. Do you think you could attract one of those?”

  Rinaldo looked over at the graceful little females and the lively conversation they were having. He felt the desire to reach out and pat them on the head, stroking their lustrous black hair, and gazing down into their bright green eyes. How strange to peer into those shining orbs, feeling the inhuman intelligence staring back at him. It was enticing, while giving him pause. But the desire was stronger than his fear. Everything about them drew his attention: the olive skin, the sharp features. In their slight thin attire, the bard could see the delicate little bodies and long limbs. Even their small mouths seemed to beckon him closer and closer...

  “Well, Rinaldo?”

  The bard turned to his companion. “I could.”

  Takis gestured with a finger. “What about that one?”

  Rinaldo looked in the direction he was pointing. In the midst of a trio of little dark elf sprites, the poet saw her. She was of the same size and stature as her peers, but her hair was drawn up and fastened into a bun. Her eyes were scorning, and her gestures dismissive. Her gossamer clothing was red, and she stood with poise that none of the others could match. “She is quite fetching.”

  Takis asked, “Do you really think you could woo her?”

  The bard hesitated, and then answered, “I could.”

  Staring at him, the other man slowly shook his head. “I’ll bet even you couldn’t get that one.”

  Rinaldo scowled at his friend. “How much would you wager?”

  “Everything I made tonight.”

  The bard smirked. “I accept.” He started to walk towards the sprites.

  Takis grabbed him by the shoulder. “Whoa, hold it. Wait until I give you the terms before you accept the wager. It is not enough for you to have a successful conversation with her. That would be too easy. If I am to receive my money’s worth, then you have to seal the deal…”

  Rinaldo realized, “You wish for me to engage her in lovemaking?”

  Takis nodded slowly.

  The bard pressed further. “And just what assurance will you have that the deed has been done.”

  “Rinaldo, I merely require your word. You forget, I am your companion. I have seen you deceive others. But I will see the truth in two pairs of eyes.” He pointed at his friend, and then gestured towards the elf. “Now, do you still wish to accept my wager?”

  The bard stood there for a moment, and then glanced over at the haughty dark elf. “I tell you of a surety, Takis. She will be mine.”

  ***

  The giggling sprites chatted in their dulcet, childlike tones. “The men of this land hold a certain, brutish charm.”

  Lady Delshess, clad in thin, red apparel scowled at her fellow witch. “Foolish Nessa, what is this affinity you have for these lumbering beasts?”

  Reverend Sister Serena held up a hand. “Chide her not. The men of this land are not mere animals. Mother Cassondra herself has bidden us to entertain them.”

  Delshess turned away. “What amusement can be bestowed upon such creatures?”

  Distractedly, Lady Nessa replied, “They are easily and readily entertained. Serena, what does Mother Cassondra say about these men?”

  “Reverend Mother Cassondra says the men of this land can be likened unto seeds: nurture them and they will bring forth fruit.”

  Lady Delshess rolled her eyes.

  Reverend Sister Serena noticed. “You doubt the wisdom of the Reverend Mother?”

  The witch bowed her head. “No. But I wonder what manner of fruit shall be born from such a lot as this.”

  The priestess closed her eyes. “A seed is a puny, undesirable thing. Some are barely distinguishable from the ground in which they are planted.” She opened her eyes and gestured with her hands. “However, when watered and nurtured, they grow in the rays of the sun. And they become fresh greens, which you partake.” She placed her hand on Lady Nessa’s shoulder. “The grain from which your bread is made.” She glanced over at Lady Delshess. “And even the prune, whose juice cleanses you within, brightening your countenance.”

  “Serena!”

  The priestess gave a coy smile. “Lord Leonin has tasked us with nurturing these people. Mother Cassondra has sent us forth to fulfill his wish. And all in honor of the Queen of elves, who still lives through us.”

  Lady Delshess was silent.

  The other witch Nessa bowed her head.

  Serena was the first to speak. “This is a joyous scene. It reminds me of our revelries in Fayumbra.”

  Lady Delshess muttered, “I have no fondness for Fayumbra. It was the place of our exile.”

  The priestess gave a sigh. “Mother Cassondra says joy will flourish where you least expect it to.”

  Standing up straight, Delshess replied, “My joy will be when the Queen’s elves take their rightful place as the rulers of all elves.”

  Lady Nessa nodded. “She is right. How we can know joy until the Usurper’s elves are vanquished?”

  Delshess gave a slight grin. “Finally, Nessa sees wisdom.”

  Serena urged, “Calm your hearts. Be at peace. Lord Leonin knows our plight. He will not leave us without hope.”

  Lady Nessa smiled. “You still our disquietude, Serena.”

  The priestess bowed her head. “You do esteem me beyond my worth.”

  Lady Delshess clasped the hand of the priestess in hers. “No. She speaks the truth. You have bestowed your peace upon us.”

  The Reverend Sister hugged her friend closely, whispering into her ear. “I wish you peace, dear Delshess.”

  The witch replied, “Thank you, my dear sweet priestess.”

  Serena released her. “Delshess, you are ever in my thoughts.”

  Her friend nodded. “As you are in mine, Serena.”

  Nessa spoke, “There is a man approaching us.” She smirked. “He is handsome. Serena, is that not the
one they call ‘the Poet of the Plains’?”

  The priestess nodded. “He is the one who entertained us with song. And he is looking at…” She glanced over at Delshess.

  The witch frowned.

  Rinaldo bowed deeply. “I now know the stories are true.”

  Lady Nessa asked, “To what do you refer?”

  The bard did not raise his head. “It is said that elves are the most beautiful of all creatures. And nymphs are the loveliest, by far. I am Rinaldo. And I feel fortunate to bask in your presence.”

  Lady Nessa shyly covered her mouth.

  Reverend Sister Serena smiled sweetly.

  Lady Delshess gave a look of annoyance.

  Rinaldo stood up straight, grinning down at her.

  The little elf scowled back.

  “Delshess…” Serena began. Then, she turned her attention to the man. “I am the Reverend Sister Serena. I wish you peace.”

  “I am Lady Nessa and this is my friend…” She gestured towards the other witch.

  Rinaldo surmised, “Lady Delshess. I am honored to make your acquaintance, milady.” He bent to kiss her hand, but she just turned away from him.

  The bard smiled down at the other two. “Did you all enjoy my performance?”

  Lady Nessa spoke, “I found it to be delightful.”

  The priestess added, “It filled our hearts with joy.”

  Lady Delshess unexpectedly replied, “The tone of your voice is like the bleating of a goat.”

  Serena frowned at her. “Lady Delshess!”

  The witch gave a slight smile.

  Rinaldo stared right at her, and then laughed.

  Delshess scowled. “Man, do you mock me?”

  “No, milady. I am merely amazed that such a beautiful creature could be even more attractive when she is insulting me!”

  The other nymphs giggled.

  Delshess snarled, “Foolish human, do you dare incur my wrath?”

  Rinaldo made a show of bowing humbly. “No, milady. I beg your pardon. It was not my desire to mock you. It is my desire to praise you.”

  The witch threw her head back. “I am not the only one here. Save your praise for those who might desire it.” She glanced at the other two.

  “My apologies, milady. I merely wished to brighten your countenance.”

  Serena stepped forward. “Do not take offence, Rinaldo. Her heart is not at peace. I shall thank you in her stead.”

  Delshess pouted, but said nothing.

  The priestess continued. “Be at peace, Rinaldo. Your voice has brought us joy this night.”

  “No,” the man responded. “I have failed.” Tears glistened from the corners of his eyes.

  Lady Nessa drew closer to him, her features full of concern.

  Serena stared at Delshess with pleading eyes.

  The witch gave a sigh. “Human.”

  Rinaldo did not look up. “Milady?”

  “I am grateful for your performance.”

  Rinaldo fell to his knees. “Really, milady?”

  She clenched her fists at her sides. “Yes.”

  He groped forward, wrapping his arms around her. “Oh, thank you, milady. Thank you.”

  The witch’s face grew flushed. “Release me, slobbering wretch.”

  Rinaldo let go, but remained kneeling before her.

  She backed away from him. “What a shameful display.”

  Serena smiled at the man.

  Rinaldo got to his feet. “I am sorry that you find me shameful, milady. I shall strive to renew your confidence in me.”

  “Foolish man, there is no confidence to be restored.”

  Rinaldo wiped his face. “Then, I must gain your confidence, milady.”

  “You shall fail, human. Spare yourself the disgrace.”

  “Milady, I find it touching that you are concerned about my success.”

  “Silly man, my only hope is that you cease to vex me with your presence.”

  Lady Nessa assured, “We are not all vexed.”

  Rinaldo turned to her and nodded. “Thank you, Milady.” He turned to address them all. “Dear creatures, I’m afraid I must take my leave.”

  Another man approached the group. “Rinaldo, you are needed at the dining hall.”

  “Thank you, Takis.” He turned, bowing to the sprites, and then departed.

  ***

  Later, at the dining hall: “Rinaldo?”

  “What is it, Takis?”

  “You haven’t eaten much this evening.”

  “I have more pressing concerns than my appetite.”

  Takis sighed and whispered, “If you don’t eat, they’ll think you don’t like the food.”

  The man sitting on the other side of Rinaldo was a local merchant. He grinned at the bard.

  Rinaldo politely smiled at him.

  Takis shook his head.

  Rinaldo started to eat.

  Nearby at the end of the table, sat the mayor of Vandimere. “So Rinaldo, I trust you’ve found your accommodations to be adequate?”

  The poet nodded approvingly. He took a sip of wine and then replied, “Quite splendid, sir. I think I speak for my companion Takis when I say that we could not have asked for better.”

  Takis just nodded, smiling nervously.

  The Mayor beamed with approval. “Well, ‘The Poet of the Plains’ is quite popular here. There is nothing we would not do for his sake.”

  Rinaldo bowed his head, a cue for Takis to do the same. The bard spoke, “I thank you for your graciousness, though we are unworthy of such concern. My companion and I are pleased merely to come to your wonderful city and entertain your dear citizens. It is a rare thing to be among so many friends. We came to fill your hearts with joy, but you have filled ours with so much more. Thank you, my friends.”

  Takis said, “Thank you.”

  The mayor gave a hearty laugh. “Eat, valued guests of Vandimere. Eat your fill. You have entertained us this night. Now, it remains for us to return the favor!”

  The feasting continued. Beautiful women served them all manner of food. One of the servers bent over to spoon vegetables onto Takis’ plate. He could see her cleavage! Another woman was cutting meat for Rinaldo. Her round bottom was close enough to touch. Takis glanced over at his friend. But, the bard continued eating, utterly oblivious.

  Afterward, those seated at the table retired to another room. There, a few local dancing girls performed for ‘The Poet of the Plains’ and his companion. Their movements were sensual, and their breasts jiggled with each step. Takis’ eyes were wide and his mouth dropped open. One of the girls danced up to Rinaldo, blowing him a kiss. The bard did not even notice.

  Takis wondered, Why is he not enjoying the performance? This is so unlike him. He could picture now, the way it should be. Rinaldo would sit there, gazing at the dancers. Often he would gesture towards them, but always respectfully. But his eyes would tell the real story, beckoning the girls to draw close. When they approached, he would bow humbly before them. The women quite often could not contain themselves and they would embrace Rinaldo, lavishing their affections on him. And the bard would show his appreciation. But now, he just stared at them, almost as if they were not there…

  When the feasting had ended, Rinaldo and Takis cordially excused themselves, exiting the dining hall. Takis nudged his friend with an elbow.

  Rinaldo looked at him. “What?”

  “Just where have you been tonight?”

  “What do you mean?”

  Takis grew flustered. “You look like Rinaldo, sound like Rinaldo, act like Rinaldo, but you are not the Rinaldo that I know.”

  The bard stared at him questioningly.

  “The feast, the wine, the dancing girls… the Rinaldo I know would have enjoyed them to the fullest.”

  The bard assured, “I found it all to be delightful.”

  “How could you? You weren’t there tonight. You were somewhere else. Now, tell me what happened?”

  “I am distracted.”


  Takis realized, “You’re still thinking about that sprite, aren’t you?”

  Rinaldo did not speak.

  Takis grinned. “Do you mean that haughty creature has gained your attention?”

  The bard held up a hand. “What matters to me most is the wager we made.”

  Shaking his head, Takis responded, “Don’t worry about it. I don’t think anyone could have wooed that one. Her nose is stuck so far up in the air that if it rains, she’ll drown.”

  Rinaldo chuckled. “You’re a fool, Takis, to think I would give up so easily.”

  “But, your charms didn’t work on her. Did she even acknowledge you?”

  The bard thought for a moment. “By name, no. But there was something in the way that she rejected my advances…”

  Takis urged, “Let it go. She’s not worth it. Look, I’ll even drop the wager. Let’s just enjoy ourselves…”

  “No. I told you I would have her, and I shall.”

  “Rinaldo, you’d freeze to death trying to sleep with that thing.”

  The bard stopped. “When you go hunting…”

  Takis shook his head wearily. “Not the whole hunting thing again.”

  Rinaldo continued, “When you are hunting quarry, if it eludes you, what do you do?”

  “Go into town and purchase some meat killed by another.”

  The bard gave a look of annoyance. “If the quarry escapes, you pursue, Takis. You skulk about the wood, waiting patiently for a chance to strike.”

  “And what happens, if she strikes first, with a few hooves to the face?”

  Rinaldo brushed the question aside. “Diligence is required. I will find out where she is staying. That will be quite easy.”

  Takis threw his head back and sighed. “How long are you going to pursue this?”

  “As long as it takes to be successful. I made a vow to you, my friend…. nay, a wager. And I plan to see it through.”

  “Rinaldo, we had planned to leave tomorrow morning.”

  The bard shook his head. “We are not expected anywhere else. So, we have plenty of time available.”

  “Why are you doing this? Do you like her?”

  Rinaldo stared right at him. “I merely like to win.”

  Chapter 2: “The Opportune Moment”