by Donald White
A deeper voice responded. “We did well, Spike. Pouch after pouch and we nabbed them all.”
Another replied in a rasping tone. “We couldn’t have done it without you, boss.”
The final voice was youthful and agreeable. “Biggs is right, boss. You taught us well.”
Chuckling, the boss responded. “Learn another lesson, Eddie. Don’t get cocky. The day you get too full of yourself, is the day they’ll be shackling you and dragging you off to jail.”
Spike’s high-pitched voice was heard once more. “Eddie just means to say we had a good teacher, boss. We’ll keep our eyes open. They won’t get us!”
There was a slap, and the sound of someone being shoved up against a wall. The boss replied angrily, “You want to get us arrested? Keep your voice down.”
“S-s-sorry boss.”
The rasping voice could be heard. “The boss is right. If they find us now, it will all be for nothing.”
There was a sigh, and the youthful voice responded, “You’re right, boss. We’ve got to be careful. Or else we’ll be…” He had shuffled to the side, and bumped into something that did not feel like the wall of a building. It did not feel solid like a wooden crate. And when he realized that it had flinched, he knew that it was not a something, but someone! Eddie reached into the shadows and pulled the creature into the dim light. “Hey, Boss. Look at what I found.”
The scarred face of the boss came into view. “Well, if it isn’t an elf girl. And a pretty little thing at that.”
A large man came up behind her. He spoke in a rasping tone. “What are we going to do with her, boss?”
Another man, wild-eyed and shaking stood beside her. His high-pitched voice urged, “It would be a shame to waste her.”
Of the four, the least intimidating was the one who had found her. His features were smooth, and even handsome, though he favored her with a malevolent smirk.
She quavered. “Peace, I mean you no harm.”
The boss gave a laugh. “Well now, little lady. That’s good to know.”
Eddie grinned. “Maybe we should take off her cloak so we can see her better.”
Hands grasped for her. She struggled to evade them. But she was surrounded. One of them held her, as two others removed the cloak and tossed it to the side.
Spike gave a whistle. “Woo-wee! Now, that is a sexy little body!”
She bared her teeth, kicking and scratching at them.
The boss grew angry. “Grab her. Hold her down.”
Delshess dodged their grasping fingers, twisting and ducking. She sunk her teeth into a leg.
Eddie howled. “She bit me boss. That little witch bit me!”
Biggs grabbed hold of her, dragging her to her feet. “Don’t fight us. You’ll only make it worse.”
But it was too late; she was screaming and struggling, twisting and scratching. She recoiled as a hand slapped her in the face!
The boss grabbed hold of her chin, and stared malevolently at her. “All of this stops now. Do you understand me?”
She tried to twist away, but his grip was too strong.
His hand was on her thigh.
Spike giggled excitedly.
The boss gritted his teeth. “Now, we’re going to have some fun…”
There was a high-pitched scream… but it was not from the elf.
Spike was on the ground, gripping his leg and writhing in pain. With a kick to the face, he grew silent.
Before the boss could react, he was grabbed and tossed into the wall, his face impacting violently with the unyielding stone.
Biggs shoved the naked elf to the side and lunged towards the shadowy form. Then, he dropped to his knees, coughing and gasping, both hands rushing instinctively to his groin. He jerked to the side from a kick to the head and fell sprawling.
Eddie pulled out a knife. “Don’t come any closer.”
The attacker replied, “Guh.”
Eddie took on a look of confusion. “Huh?”
And then, he was being assaulted. Before he could stab anything, his wrist was grabbed, forcing his arm behind his back. He screamed in pain, dropping the knife. But the assailant did not relieve the pressure.
Eddie howled, feeling the muscles and tendons in his arm stretched to the limit. There was a sickening crunch.
Biggs staggered to his feet, growling. “Come on.”
Eddie was tossed into a wall, and the youth fell unmoving.
Then, Biggs attacked. He punched, but the assailant ducked. The larger man felt a hand strike him in the face. There was a stinging pain, and something warm and wet dripped down his chin. In a distorted tone, he cried, “My node! My node! You busted my node!”
But the attacker did not relent, punching him again and again, until his face was bruised and bloody.
The boss had recovered somewhat and came charging at the attacker, swinging an empty bottle.
Ducking, the other grabbed hold of his wrist, smashing both bottle and hand against the wall.
With an agonized cry, the boss gripped a broken and bloodied hand. Then, an elbow impacted with his jaw, loosening a few teeth. Another strike, and his mouth was full of blood. The man stumbled backward as he was pummeled repeatedly. A final hit to the underside of his chin, and the man dropped heavily onto the ground.
Delshess cowered in fright, hearing the footsteps approach her. Spike was moaning, and another kick silenced him. The little elf backed away, as the figure loomed over her.
It was Rinaldo! She had guessed that by the one utterance he made. And now, the sprite was truly afraid. The man’s face was red, and his breathing heavy. He scowled, staring down at her with eyes full of rage. His hands were clenched into fists, and the drooling that had seemed so comical that morning, gave him the appearance of a rabid animal!
“Peace,” she mewled. “I shall release you from the curse.”
He shook his head, and the rage was gone. “Guh.” He turned away from her, and began to walk out of the darkened alley.
Delshess did not know what she was doing. It made no sense to her. But she suddenly darted after him. “Wait!”
He stopped, bowing his head.
She sheepishly advanced. “Please, Rinaldo. You helped me. Allow me to help you.”
He shook convulsively. “Guh…” He was crying.
The nymph drew close, touching him on the arm.
Rinaldo flinched, but just stood there.
She grabbed hold of his hand, rubbing it rhythmically and chanting. When she was finished, the prickly hairs were gone. She did the same to the other hand, until the skin of his palm was hairless once more.
And then, she gazed up at him, this brave man with his face bowed low. Delshess clasped her hands behind his neck, and pulled herself up, until her lips met with his! She released the lip-lock, leaning her head back and beginning to chant. Then, she kissed him again. Delshess chanted some more and kissed him again. Then, she embraced the man, wrapping her legs around him and kissing him deeply. Their tongues met, curling around each other. When the kiss was done, she stared at him with those bright green eyes.
He looked at her and, before the man realized what he was doing, he spoke. “Delshess.”
“Rinaldo, my reckless, foolish man.”
He shook his head. “I am not worthy of you.”
“Silly man, you saved me. You protected me, even when I had cursed you.”
His lip quivered. “No, I endangered you, though I did not realize it at the time. I never thought anyone would want to hurt you. I never would.”
She smiled. “I am unhurt. Thanks to you, my love.”
He pushed her away, placing her gently on the ground. “You were right about me. I deceived, seduced, and betrayed you.” He bowed his head once more. “But I will make it right.”
“Rinaldo?” She cocked her head to the side, staring up at him.
He spoke, as if to himself. “It wasn’t for the bet, was it Rinaldo?”
Delshess watched, as he stumbled out of the alley. She
turned and ran back to where her attackers still lay, moaning in pain. Hopping over each one, she sought out and found her cloak. One of them reached for her weakly, but she easily evaded him and made her way out of the darkened alley and into the moonlit street.
Chapter 5: “That Strange Warmth”
Takis grew frantic. He had come to the house, to find the door wide open. He called, but there was no answer. Finally, he had entered the darkened domicile to find… nothing! No Rinaldo. No elf. Nothing! The companion went out into the street, and began to pace back and forth. Where is he? The show will start soon, and he is nowhere to be found!
He started biting his nails, trembling nervously. If I come back without Rinaldo, they’ll lynch me for sure! In his mind’s eye, he could see the angry faces, and feel the burning eyes. “Hey guys, I couldn’t find Rinaldo, but I can play a few tunes for you instead…” He felt his throat being constricted, as the rope grew tighter and tighter.
Takis rushed back into the house, searching desperately. He could not find Rinaldo. He could not find the elf. And he could not find a clue as to where they had gone!
He went out into the street, searching under the lamplights. Takis lost track of all the twists and turns he made in his frenzied seeking. And then, he saw a lone figure shuffling towards him. At first, he did not believe what he saw. But as he grew closer, the person’s identity grew clearer. “Rinaldo!”
Takis swiftly closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around the poet’s neck. “I am so glad to see you! What happened? I searched everywhere for you! Did you get rid of the elf? Did you spend some time at the tavern? Come on, speak to me!”
Rinaldo gasped, “You’re… choking… me…”
His friend released him. “Oh, sorry.”
The bard just stared at his companion.
Takis knew this was a bad time, but with the concert scheduled to begin shortly, there was no other time to say it. “Uh, yeah… Rinaldo… I…”
His friend just stood there, waiting.
Takis realized this had seemed easier than it was. “You see… we have… we have a concert to put on in just a little while…” Having finally said it, he clenched his eyes shut; hoping Rinaldo’s anger would not hurt too much…
He did not see the look of confusion on the face of the poet, as it slowly twisted into elation. “You set up a concert?”
Without opening his eyes, Takis replied. “Yeah, I did. Look, I know I didn’t tell you, but…” And then, he felt arms wrapped around him. The companion opened his eyes to see his friend hugging him tightly. “Uh, Rinaldo?”
The bard was ecstatic. “This is great! It’s the perfect opportunity. I was thinking I would have to wait for the word to spread, but you’ve made it simple! Thank you, Takis. Thank you. Thank you.”
His companion gave a bewildered smile. “Yeah. Uh, sure… I’m there for you.”
Rinaldo rubbed his friend’s head. “And here I thought you were still mad at me for that whole thing with Burke…”
Takis responded, “Well actually… I… I kind of am… I mean… I’m your best friend… and…”
The poet was overcome with emotion. “I’m sorry about that. I’m so sorry… I don’t know what came over me… I’ll make it up to you buddy. I really will.”
Takis had heard enough. He pushed Rinaldo away. “What the hell have you been drinking?”
“Huh?”
The companion brushed himself off. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing. I…”
“You what? You want me to forgive you? You want me to just overlook all the things you’ve done?”
Rinaldo sighed and turned away. “No. No, I would never expect that.” He gave a sigh. “So, I guess this will be our last concert together?”
Takis was stunned. The question took him completely off guard. He had never even considered that, nor even realized he would be so angry with his friend. The words had come out and he could not stop them. He bowed his head. “No. That’s not what I want.”
Rinaldo walked up to him, grabbing him by the shoulders. “Then, what do you desire, my dear friend? Do you want another apology? Do you want me to say I was wrong? I was wrong. I was so very wrong. Would you like me to give you the money I owe you?”
“For what?”
The poet chuckled. “I lost the wager. She cursed me. And then, she removed the curse.” He stared down at the ground. “And now, I have not the heart to pursue her further.”
Takis shook his head. “I never should have made that bet, anyway. Let’s just say it never happened.”
“No. You shall not.” The voice was melodic, yet childlike in its tone.
Rinaldo and Takis turned to see the little elf nearby. The bard’s eyes went wide and his companion bore a startled expression.
Rinaldo spoke, “Delshess.”
She drew closer. “Foolish man, I have lifted the curse, but I can renew it. Now, I demand you speak the truth to me of all that which has transpired.”
Takis started to back away.
She glared at him. “Stay. I would have a witness.”
The companion held up his hands. “Yeah, but this is between the two of you. I shouldn’t…”
Frowning, the elf pointed at him. “Stay.”
Something in the way she gestured convinced Takis to do as she said.
Delshess turned to Rinaldo. “Speak of this wager, deceitful man.”
He sighed heavily. “I’ll make it right. Don’t worry…”
Now, she was pointing at him. “Inattentive man, I did not request a series of meaningless assurances. Tell me what you have done.”
Rinaldo tried not to look at her. “We made a bet, Takis and I.”
She glared up at him, with those bright green eyes. “Tell me the nature of this bet.”
He answered, “I bet Takis that I could engage you in love-making.”
The elf noticed the look of surprise on the face of Rinaldo’s friend. She crossed her arms over her chest. “Again you wish to deceive me. You are not the one who made the wager.”
Takis swallowed hard, feeling those bright green orbs inspecting him for the first time. “I… I… I can explain…”
Rinaldo interrupted. “After the first rejection, he told me to forget about the bet.”
Takis breathed a sigh of relief, as those slanted green eyes found another object for their attention. He thought, How can such a little thing, be so intimidating?
The poet continued. “I was obsessed with winning. So, I pursued you.”
A look of hurt could be seen in the elf’s sharp features.
Rinaldo bowed his head. “You did not kill anyone.”
The bright green eyes grew wide.
He raised his head slightly, looking right into her eyes. “I set it up. I set it all up.”
Delshess was shocked. She believed him to be an opportunist. But she had never expected this. “Explain yourself, human.”
Rinaldo pursed his lips. “I made the arrangements. I had you arrested. The blood on the knife was from a slaughtered animal. The “witnesses” were friends of mine, who agreed to lie about the murder. The guards grabbed you. They dragged you out of the inn and through the city to the jail. They questioned you, and then, according to my instructions, they took you to the house, and released you into my custody.”
Takis’ expression was not one of surprise, but of bewilderment. He suspected this all along. No one else had the motivation. No one else had the influence. And no one else had the desire to do what had been done to this elf. But why did Rinaldo do it? Was he that obsessed with their bet? And then, for the first time he stared into both pairs of eyes, and realized the truth. “Whoa.”
The bard just stood there, gazing at the elf. “You were right to curse me, Delshess. And maybe you should curse me again.”
She snarled, “Brazen man, I shall be the one to decide whether or not the curse shall be renewed.” She pointed at him. “Speak. Did you do all of this for the
sake of your wager?”
He bowed his head, and hesitated before replying, “Yes.”
Delshess demanded, “Do not avert your gaze! Look at me, and tell me that you caused me to be banished from the sight of my people, to bear shame in the eyes of men, abused my emotions and attempted to ensnare my heart all for the sake of a wager!”
He tried to look right at her. “Yes.”
She grew indignant. “And what of that which transpired in the alley? Why did you save me?”
He trembled slightly. “I was angry. You had cursed me. And I wanted revenge. And no criminal scum would keep me from getting my hands on you.” His fingers curled into fists as he spoke.
She peered up at him. “And why did you not avenge yourself upon me?”
Rinaldo looked at her nervously. He struggled to come up with a reason for his actions. One that she would believe… “I… I… don’t know.”
But she was insistent. “Why did you turn away, when I offered to release the curse?”
The poet did not speak.
She smirked. “Why did you say you were not worthy of me? As if I would ever believe your own deceitful, foolish, assertions!”
Takis turned to his friend. “You love her, don’t you?”
Rinaldo did not look at him. He stared down at the elf. “I am a foolish man, Delshess. I do not want you to suffer for my foolishness.”
She took hold of his arm. “I have already suffered because of your foolishness.” A tear trickled down her olive cheek. A few more followed the first. “And your rejection will only bring me greater woe.”
Rinaldo sighed wearily. “Takis and I are leaving tomorrow. We’ve stayed here too long as it is.”
“Yeah,” Takis replied, “and we have a concert tonight that we should really be getting to.”
The elf glared at him.
He held up his hands. “Say, why don’t I go take care of that, right now. You guys just stay here, and talk.” Takis started to walk away.
Rinaldo reached out, grabbing him by the shoulder.
Takis turned toward his best friend.
The ‘Poet of the Plains’ said, “Thanks.” And then, he hugged him tight. “I’ll be along shortly.”
Takis smiled. “Hey, there’s always time for the ladies.” And with that, the companion continued on down the street, turning a corner and disappearing from sight.