by Donald White
The other man pointed. “You’re that musician!”
Smiling, the bard replied, “People mistake me for him all the time. My name is Robert. And I have been sent here by the magistrate to pick up the elf’s personal belongings.”
The innkeeper studied the papers carefully. “All-right. Here.” He tossed the man a key. “Room 12. It’s just down the hall.”
Rinaldo nodded and proceeded to the room. He placed the key in the lock.
A voice spoke from behind him. “Whatever you seek shall not be found in there.”
The man turned. “Reverend Sister Serena.” He bowed.
She smiled sweetly. “Rinaldo, ‘the Poet of the Plains.’ Why are you here?”
He motioned for her to lower her voice. Then, he spoke softly, “I am here to pick up the belongings of Lady Delshess.”
The little priestess eyed him curiously. “Why would you be sent to fetch them?”
Rinaldo bowed his head. “I have been given custody of her.”
Serena stared at him. “You are quite resourceful. She is indeed fortunate to have your assistance.”
The bard gave a heavy sigh. “Thank you, Reverend Sister. Tell me, why did you and Lady Nessa not try to help her?”
The priestess stated, “Delshess has been disgraced in the eyes of men. We cannot allow her shame to threaten that which the Queen’s elves have wrought here.”
Rinaldo was confused. “But, you know she is innocent, don’t you?”
Serena placed her hands together. “When she is no longer defiled, then we will welcome her back.”
The man pleaded, “You are her friend.”
She stared right at him. “I am the Reverend Sister Serena. My duty is to the Queen’s elves, not to the fulfilling of my own selfish interests.” The little elf bowed her head.
Rinaldo asked, “Can you at least give me her belongings?”
The priestess nodded and entered a nearby room, closing the door behind her.
Bowing his head, the man felt a chill go through him, realizing that the Reverend Sister had referred to Delshess without using her title. Has she already lost her place among the dark elves? Questions such as these plagued the man as he stood waiting in the lonely hall.
***
Takis, having managed to escape the inn, hurried down the city streets. I have to find Rinaldo. This has gone far enough. He has to be stopped, for his own good. But where would he be? The companion frowned. He would be where she is. He stopped. But where would that be?
As people pushed by on either side of them, Takis thought, He set her up, so that he could rush in and save her. He cannot save her if she is imprisoned… So, he has gotten her out, somehow! He struck one hand with the other. That’s it! They are somewhere in the city. He scratched his chin. Now, how do I find them?
Takis knew most of Rinaldo’s contacts in the city. But he also knew that he had nowhere near the charisma of his friend. I will probably be able to get very little from them. He smirked, But I am his traveling companion, so they should at least give me his location…
A deep voice called from behind him. “Hey! You!”
Takis turned to see the man who had been in Rinaldo’s bed, barreling towards him. His eyes grew wide and he dashed into the crowd. “I’m sorry!”
The other man forced his way through the throngs of people. “Come back here!”
But Takis pushed deeper and deeper into the crowd, hoping desperately to elude his pursuer.
***
Meanwhile, Rinaldo stood in the temple of the Disciples of Peace. He was amazed at the beauty of the building and also confused. There were no statues to be seen. Everything was nicely decorated, with floral patterns, and other assorted imagery, which seemed to serve no purpose, other than for pure aesthetic enjoyment. He glanced out at the finely carved, wooden benches. If there were a service going on, those seats would be filled with worshippers.
“Poet of the Plains?”
Rinaldo turned to see Lady Nessa approach. He bowed. “Milady.” The man noticed a trio of sprites following her, as she entered. Behind them, a group of even smaller females came into the room, carrying trays. Pixies, he recognized. Smaller than their Lady, these little creatures were about the size of nine-year-old girls. They had the same olive skin, and black hair. Their features, too, were sharp but their bright, green eyes seemed larger, and their faces were slightly rounder. Nymphets, he remembered, and chuckled to himself. They were so cute, with their solemn expressions, carrying trays of food and wine. Rinaldo marveled at their disciplined procession.
Lady Nessa approached. “Lady Ursula has commanded me to entertain you, while she speaks with Delshess.”
The bard nodded respectfully. “I would be delighted, Milady.”
She gave a slight smile, and gestured towards a room off to the side.
Rinaldo realized that this signal was not for him, but for the little pixies. Each one hurried in that direction, carefully balancing the trays of food and drink.
Lady Nessa then smiled, gesturing for him to proceed. “Refreshment awaits you.”
Rinaldo beamed. “Thank you, Milady.”
***
Elsewhere in the temple, Delshess disrobed and knelt before Lady Ursula. The other nymph was much taller, a Greater Fay. She was very beautiful, and yet quite intimidating. There was wisdom in her gaze, which commanded respect. She was regal in the way she stood, the way she looked. The same features on the lesser fay had been so cute, but now, were overpowering. The Greater Fay’s limbs were not scrawny, but long and lean. She towered over the sprites all around.
Delshess bowed before her. “Milady Ursula.”
The Greater Fay spoke in a melodious tone. Her voice was as beautiful as her form, lilting and elegant. “Delshess. Why have you come into my presence?”
The sprite raised her head slightly to answer. “Milady, I have been maligned among men.”
Lady Ursula nodded. “Nessa told me of that which has transpired.” She approached the trembling lesser fay. “Your shame threatens everything we have done here.”
Delshess’ eyes grew moist. “Milady, I have not done that of which I am accused.”
Lady Ursula gazed down at her. “Delshess, my loyal disciple, you have hearkened well unto my teachings. If you had shamed yourself, you would have been cast from my presence.”
Delshess shivered, but not from cold. “Milady, I beg for mercy. I live only to serve the Queen’s elves.”
Lady Ursula turned to her sprite attendants. “Leave us.”
They quickly obeyed.
Delshess cowered before the greater nymph. “Milady…”
Lady Ursula bent down, and lifted up the little elf’s chin. “Delshess, a trial has been set before you. Not one of men, but one you must face. Your disgrace imperils all we have done… and all we shall do. Go forth, bringing your shame with you.”
The lesser fay began to cry. “Please, Milady. Do not cast me from your presence!”
Lady Ursula knelt beside the weeping sprite, cradling Delshess’ head in her lap. “You must go forth, my dear disciple, and face this trial of your courage and worth. Your presence here threatens us all. Lift your shame, and then I will welcome you with open arms.”
“Milady…”
The Greater Fay stood once more. “Your course is set, Delshess. Be faithful, even in the midst of your trials, and I shall be well pleased.”
The lesser fay knelt once more, bowing low. “As you wish, Milady.”
Lady Ursula nodded.
Delshess humbly left her presence.
Chapter 3: “The Power of Desire”
Takis spent the better part of the day tracking down Rinaldo’s contacts. Most had no idea where the bard might be. Some suggested he might be entertaining the ladies, but Takis doubted that based on his obsession with the dark elf. Others said Rinaldo could most probably be found singing in the midst of the city streets. But again, Takis knew his companion was too preoccupied. As the evening drew o
n, a few even suggested the bard would be found at one of the local inns, with the female of his choice. But Takis dismissed this, as well. She has been charged with murder. None of the inns would welcome her.
And that was another thing. All throughout the day, everywhere he went, people were talking about the murder. Some found it hard to believe that such a cute, little creature could have done such a heinous crime. Others disagreed, pointing to the testimony of the witnesses.
Takis wondered how Rinaldo had arranged it all. How did he fake the man’s death? He halted suddenly. Did there need to be a corpse at all? If Rinaldo had the local authorities helping him… Takis shivered. Then, the accusation might be enough. No one would believe the elf. She’s an outsider, and she’s not even human. He thought about how easily the whole thing could have been staged. From the witnesses, to the murder weapon, to the arrest in the middle of the night! No one knew who the victim was. He, too, was an outsider…. but he was human. Takis turned suddenly. A large arm was reaching for him!
“Now, I’ve got you!” It was the man who had been chasing him.
Takis ducked frantically.
Those large arms grabbed for him.
But he was gone.
The muscular man gave a frustrated roar, stumbling around in search of his quarry.
In a shadowy alley nearby, Takis exhaled slowly.
***
Elsewhere, Rinaldo stared at the wooden staff. It was made for smaller hands, but was sturdy and beautifully crafted. He gazed at the end of it, carved to resemble the head of a serpent with a green crystal wedged in its fanged mouth. Her weapon? Lady Nessa had given it to him earlier that day to give to Delshess. He wondered why she did not give it herself.
The man gave a heavy sigh. So much about these creatures made no sense to him. If Takis had been the one accused, I would have been right there at his side defending him. But not only has Lady Delshess been left alone to deal with this, she has been cut off from her own people. Why?
He could hear sobbing in the other room. She had not even looked at him when he offered her the staff. As soon as they had entered the house, the tears began to fall. She had been crying ever since.
Rinaldo stood up and walked over to the open doorway. The little nymph lay curled on the bed. She was nude and trembling, but the bard knew there was no chill in the air. “Milady?”
She rubbed her swollen green eyes and replied, “Foolish human, you do err. There is no lady here. Only Delshess.”
The man knelt down in the doorway. “I do not feel worthy to refer to you in such an informal way. Delshess is a beautiful name. It is the name of a lady, not some mere girl.”
She glanced over at him. “Doting man, spare me your pity. I have lost my title; do not take from me my dignity.”
“Very well.” He bowed his head. “Delshess it is.”
She pointed towards the doorway. “Now, leave me.”
He raised his head. “If you have no title, then you have no authority.” He stood up and entered the room.
The sprite glared at him. “I shall not entertain your foolishness, human.” She began to gesture and chant.
Rinaldo rushed forward, grabbing hold of her wrists!
The dark elf screamed, “Release me!”
He shook his head. “I do not ask for much, mila… Delshess. But you will listen to me.”
She snarled. “What need have I to hear your driveling, worthless wretch?”
He gazed into those bright green eyes, which menaced his soul. “Calm down and I will release you.”
The elf smirked. “I will destroy you, human.”
Rinaldo nodded. “I’m quite sure you can.” He released her.
She looked at him questioningly. “What are you doing, human?”
“I released you.”
She frowned. “That is obvious. Your reasons for doing so are not. Do you not know the power I wield?”
He bowed his head. “I know it well.”
The dark elf raised her hand, and then brought it back down again. “You are attempting to court favor with me. Why?”
The man shrugged. “I do not like to see a lady cry.”
She stared at him. “And what of Delshess?”
He sighed, looking up at her. “Her tears grieve my heart.”
The elf stared into the man’s brown eyes. “How can you be grieved for one, who would never grieve for you?”
He gave a chuckle. “I am a foolish man.”
Delshess surprised him… with a smile. “Perhaps there is wisdom in your foolishness.”
He bowed his head. “Thank you… Delshess.”
She bowed her own. “My thanks to you…” She hesitated.
He replied. “I am Rinaldo.”
She nodded. “Yes, you are.”
***
Rinaldo had arranged to have food brought to them, and now they sat at a table, eating. The bard watched the little elf nibbling away at her meal. She was obviously hungry, but she still chewed every morsel thoroughly before swallowing it. She took very little of the meat, but she ate plenty of the vegetables and fruit. The man grinned.
“Rinaldo, what amuses you?”
He replied, “You.”
The nymph studied him carefully. “One should not partake of wine to excess, human.”
“It is not the wine which has affected me. It is the company.”
She tried not to smile. “You are not accustomed to elves?”
He shook his head. “I am not accustomed to dining with lovely nymphs.”
Delshess grew flushed. “Rinaldo, I am not the sort of elf to be taken with mere words.”
The man smirked and nodded. “Of course not.”
She glanced up at him. “Human, why did you make me your charge?”
Rinaldo answered, “You were in distress. I felt that you required assistance. What kind of a man would desert a fair damsel in her time of need?”
She stared at him. “You desire me, human. The desire of man inspires all of his deeds.”
The man grew silent for a moment, and then responded, “How could I not?”
Delshess reddened once again, but she persevered. “And what will you do to fulfill your desire?”
He smiled. “I shall win your heart.”
She paused, and then said, “Lady Ursula teaches us to be wary of males. Whether man or he-fay, their desires are never pure. A lady may be courted, but not taken.”
Rinaldo thought, You said you were no longer Lady Delshess. But he considered such a reply to be cruel, and instead answered, “Are you to be courted?”
She tried to maintain her composure. “Perhaps. Rinaldo, is that what you desire?” She gazed at him longingly.
He replied, “Perhaps.” He took another bite. “I found your church to be quite beautiful.”
Delshess nodded. “It is a lovely place, but it serves a greater purpose. Rinaldo, we are here to bring peace to you.”
The man asked, “Is this born of your own desire?”
She frowned. “Human, we are the Queen’s elves. Lord Leonin has bid us make peace with men. My wishes are of little worth.”
Rinaldo looked at her. “You did not answer my question.”
Delshess was indignant. “Meddlesome man, do not presume to know my thoughts. I live to serve the Queen’s elves. My desires are as nothing to those of my people.”
He smiled again. “But you admit that you have your own desires.”
She scowled. “Irritating man, do not presume that you have gained mine.”
He nodded. “You know, Lady Nessa proved to be delightful company, as well.”
The sprite grew silent.
Rinaldo continued, “She brought food and drink, and even engaged me in some lively conversation.”
Delshess replied, “Lady Nessa is too eager. She actually has a liking for your kind.”
The man winced.
She smirked. “Human, do I vex you?”
Rinaldo shook his head. “No. Even your ins
ults I find to be desirable.”
The little elf tilted her head to the side, staring at him.
He asked, “What?”
“You intrigue me, human. Lacking in wisdom, and yet, full of passion. You follow your cravings, though it may be your doom. Longing for that which you cannot have, and yet, are not content to be refused. What is this passion which shall not be denied?”
The man shrugged. “I know what I like.”
Delshess bowed her head. “And do you like me?”
He smiled. “How could I not?”
She giggled.
He asked, “What is it?”
She answered, “You long for that which hurts you. Do you rejoice in your sufferings?”
The man grinned. “Some things are worth suffering for. Like the oyster suffers the grain of sand, and a pearl is produced.”
“Silly man, with the creation of the pearl, the creature ceases to be vexed.”
Rinaldo smirked. “Then, perhaps I shall envelop my desire with like substance, and bring forth that which gives me peace.”
“Foolish man, you love that which hurts you. When you cease to suffer, your desire will be lost.”
The bard did not speak. He could not deny her wisdom! How could a creature so wise be so snide?
Delshess spoke. “Human, my peril is nigh. Your kind fears me, though they desire me. They shall lead me to my death, believing in their righteousness.”
Rinaldo studied his empty plate. “We must find the culprit, and clear you of his crime.”
The elf asked, “How will you do that?”
He grinned. “The same way I gained custody of you. I shall seek out those who may be of assistance.”
“I was not aware that humans could be so resourceful.”
He returned, “There is much you do not know. For the very same desires that men have, are the means with which to bend them to your will.”
The sprite’s eyes grew wide. “Do you deem to bend me to your will?”
He chuckled. “I could never do that, Delshess.”
She frowned. “Deceitful man, I do not believe you.”