Illusions appeared in the center of the room. Images of loved ones, long dead, began dancing to the music in a green forest setting. Shimmering tendrils of light gave the whole scene an ethereal feel. The moment seemed suspended in time; untouchable, and even when the sounds drifted to silence, and the forest dancers curtseyed away into insubstantial mist, the memory of it remained crystal clear.
No one spoke as they gathered their things and left, one by one, returning to their own homes and hiding places. Melody too, prepared to leave. She embraced Aellielle while Rhodoban fetched her cloak and his. She followed him silently out into the night, where he led her back to the inn.
Jovan woke immediately when the doorknob turned, and was on his feet behind the door before it even started to open. He listened intently. One of the gamblers from earlier? After a moment, he heard the soft chattering of Melody’s teeth, and smiled. He closed the door behind her, still saying nothing.
She jumped back slightly, frightened at the shadow of Jovan’s bulk against the window. He put out his arms to steady her, and when she looked up at him with those wide red-gold eyes with her lip caught between her teeth in an effort to be quiet, Jovan thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Even the bruise covering half her face couldn’t hide it.
Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest to share his warmth. Melody offered no resistance, and the way she sighed against him, practically melting into him – Jovan thought he might never let her go.
He had intended to ask where she had been, and he had intended to be very firm in the asking. He had wanted to scold her, to ask her why she hadn’t woken him up, why she had left her staff, and a hundred other questions. Instead he helped her readjust her cloak, and pulled her down to lie tucked against him in front of the door.
She wriggled around until she could look at him in the dim light of the room, but never once tried to escape the circle of his embrace. Jovan met her gaze, slightly distracted by the nearness of her lips, wondering what she would do if he were to kiss her.
She opened her mind to him then, sharing with him what she had seen and heard and experienced. It was incredible, impossible— a man who walked in dreams, a hidden community under the town itself, an Elven woman, stories of the Lich King and theories of magic, children with their mother’s pointed ears, a wordless song and visions of memories…
He did kiss her then, just a brush of his lips against hers, and he was certain he could be content to leave it at that simple curious kiss – right up to the point where she parted her lips and kissed him back.
Whatever connection the two of them shared made this unlike any kiss Jovan had ever felt. He could feel her uncertainty, he understood her shy clumsiness, he could taste himself through her lips, and he shared her wonder at the whole experience. Jovan hauled her closer to him and kissed her more thoroughly.
He loved the way she trembled against him because he knew in his blood that she was neither cold nor afraid. He loved the way she opened herself more with each of his insistent passes over her irresistible lips, thoroughly entranced by the dual sensations coursing through his body. He stopped only when he felt the sharp-sweet pain of her lip splitting open again, and he could taste the coppery brightness of her blood on his tongue and hers.
Melody clung to him, taking short shallow breaths, nearly overwhelmed by the hugeness of what had just happened. Even without the kiss, Jovan could feel her – amazed, sore, pleased, curious, and hungry for more. So was he. A calm, responsible part of his mind reminded Jovan of his little brother, asleep not five feet away from them, and he took a deep, steadying breath.
He wanted nothing more than to kiss her again, but instead he tucked her head under his chin and simply held on to her, knowing without asking that she would understand. Melody cuddled closer, and the two of them fell asleep in a peaceful silence that left nothing unsaid.
28
“As always, I remind you one last time to respect your opponent’s surrender. These are not death matches, my friends. And now, let the fights begin!” Sedrik Ving took his seat in the newly renovated box overlooking the equally renovated arena. Below him, fighters of every shape and size lined the walls of the freshly raked fighting ground. It looked like every citizen of Foley and the surrounding area were crammed into the stands.
He sighed contentedly. Despite the grievous injury done to his treasury, and as much as it pained him to admit that Chancellor Garen had been right, this tournament was the best thing to happen to Foley since he had assumed leadership.
The Chancellor. Ving spared himself a small grimace as the fighters filed out to wait their turns in combat. He gave silent thanks that Garen was out there today, among the people, probably among the fighters. Better there than back in Ving’s keep, in Ving’s suite, sitting in Ving’s chair at Ving’s desk, drinking Ving’s wine. It wasn’t that he disliked the Chancellor, it was just … well, no, that wasn’t true. He did dislike him. But dislike or no, Ving was not a stupid man – he knew enough to remain on the Chancellor’s good side, if there was one. So here he would sit.
Garen smiled up at the richly appointed box he had insisted that Ving fill. Here, as a combatant, he had much better access to the people he needed, and he got to work off a little of his restless energy as well. Kallisti had been delicious, but more appealing than her silent, tearful submission had been the thought of Melody in her position. He could easily imagine Melody’s neck locked in the whisper soft leather collar that the loyal Jasper had delivered late last night. What could be sweeter than Melody, minus her voice, his to possess completely… And there she was.
He licked his lips. Melody was standing alone, obviously uncomfortable. Garen could see her searching the mass of fighters. Jovan was in the arena already, as was his brother. Being the man in charge of the lists had its advantages, Garen thought. He cracked his neck and stretched his muscles, knowing how impressive he looked in the simple leather trousers, without his shirt. Impressive, and nothing at all like a Chancellor of the Duke who wished her dead. Yes, she would respond to him – all women did.
Jovan did not relish leaving Melody to endure the crowds on her own, but the schedule put him and Kaeliph both in opening matches. His opponent in the first fight was nearly a full head taller than he was, and may take some time to defeat. He had gotten a brief look at Kaeliph’s fighting partner on their way in – she was going to be keeping his little brother on his toes, that was certain. Melody was just going to have to hold her own for a while.
Melody stood at the edge of the arena, almost wishing she had taken Kaeliph up on his suggestion to remain at the Inn while he and Jovan fought. Despite the crush of people, though, she was still more at home under the open sky. And, she admitted to herself, she was hoping to see some of the people she had met the night before. A glimpse of a blue aura out of the corner of her eye made her turn with a smile, but the man approaching her was not one of the users she remembered, and there was something not quite … right. Melody’s smile slipped.
He was shirtless, as were most of the men surrounding the arena gate this day. Lean, yet solidly muscular, he moved with an easy grace – and he was heading straight towards her. Melody felt a sudden, inexplicable flash of fear.
Then he was there, perfectly ordinary with no aura at all, bowing his head and wishing her good day with an open, unassuming smile. Melody dropped a small curtsey, her fear forgotten in her curiosity. Why had she thought he was a user? He had paused, expecting her to respond to his greeting. She blinked up at him, realizing she hadn’t heard a word he had said, and saw amusement in his dark green eyes.
“I asked how you fared this day, milady, but it’s my guess you’re a bit overwhelmed.” His voice was pleasant, low and smooth, and she found herself nodding at him in agreement. “That’s a bad bruise you’ve got. I hope whoever did it got worse.” She said nothing, but the smile never left his face. “Might I know your name?”
Melody bit he
r lip, and forced herself to not simply send him her thought. Both Kaeliph and Jovan had insisted she be careful, and after the things Rhodoban had said about any use of magic being punishable by death, she did not want to slip up. Instead, she practiced the simple motion Kaeliph had suggested – two fingers over her lips, pressing them closed, and a shake of her head. The man furrowed his brow for a moment.
“Can’t you speak, then?”
Melody shook her head.
“Must be difficult, I’d think,” the man continued, unperturbed. “You’re here to watch the tournament, are you? You like the fights?”
She turned to look towards the arena in time to see Jovan’s expression as he ducked a sword swing, spun around, and backhanded his opponent in the face with the hilt of his weapon. The other man staggered back, blood spraying from his nose. In moments, he had sunk to his knees before the triumphant Jovan.
Melody’s hand flew to her mouth, and her stomach instantly knotted at the terrible sight – but she couldn’t bring herself to turn away. As his huge opponent flopped to the ground, unconscious, Jovan raised his sword, acknowledging the applause of the rowdy crowd. Melody watched him scanning the crowd until he found her, and saw his face cloud with anger.
“Not much of a showman,” the stranger commented. “I’m up later, if you want to see a real fight.”
Melody watched as Jovan took Kaeliph’s arm and practically dragged him to the nearest arena exit before turning back to her persistent new friend.
“Looks like you know them? Was it him that struck you?” He moved closer, companionably settling his hand against her back. “I’d be happy to teach him a lesson.”
Melody didn’t know whether to nod yes that she knew them, or no that Jovan hadn’t hit her, so instead she did nothing. He smiled at her again, letting his hand linger on her hip before he brought it back. “You’re not from here, are you? I would have remembered you if you were.”
“No. She isn’t.” Jovan’s voice was as cold as the dark of his eyes, and he brushed past the newcomer to put a protective arm around Melody. She unconsciously took a step back, remembering the fierceness with which he had struck his opponent. She could feel his unspoken confusion.
“Well met, fellow fighter.” The stranger was not put off by the ice in Jovan’s tone, and offered a hand in greeting. Jovan merely looked at it. “My name is Tambor. I am also competing here today. Congratulations on your victory.” He dropped his hand and bowed his head to Kaeliph, who had moved to stand on Melody’s other side. “To you as well, friend.”
Kaeliph returned his nod. “Well met, Tambor. I hate to appear rude, but my brother and I have little time to refresh ourselves between rounds. I bid you success in your fight.” He hoped his smile would offset Jovan’s obvious anger. He followed behind as his brother ushered Melody towards the food tent.
Garen watched them go, not feeling the cheer in his wave or the smile he kept on his face.
She had known. He couldn’t explain how, but she had known the moment she saw him that he was not what he pretended to be— he only hoped he had been able to conceal his talent in time. But how could she have known?
And Jovan. The hulking man was much too protective of her, and the other brother was almost as bad. For her part, Melody seemed far too willing to rely on them. That was a concern.
Garen heard his name called. His anger continued to build as he made his way into the arena. He had lost Bethcelamin to Solus, and then to Korith – he would not be denied her exquisite daughter by this nothing of a man. It simply would not happen. Melody was still young, that much was clear, and obviously innocent. There was time to reclaim her if he acted quickly. And act he would, for she was made for him and he had no intention of letting her go.
A formidable fighter when he was in a good mood, Garen’s frustration and anger made him positively lethal. The poor unfortunate paired against the Chancellor made the very foolish mistake of assuming that since Garen was unarmed, he was less dangerous. The man was marked as the first death of the tournament, and Garen was immediately disqualified.
Melody struggled to keep up with Jovan’s pace as he led them away from the arena and the sociable Tambor. Why were you so unpleasant to him?
Jovan didn’t answer until the food tent was in sight. “Did you speak that way to him?” He half whispered, half hissed the words.
Melody shook her head vigorously. Her eyes were wide, bordering on frightened, and he hated that he had caused it, but she had no idea what people – men – could be like.
Of course not! I was in no danger, Jovan, I’m sure he was just being friendly. She nearly stumbled over her own feet as Jovan turned sharply to avoid a large group of people. He caught her upper arm in one huge hand, keeping her from falling, and brought her around to face him.
“Men are never just friendly. I don’t want you talking to him again, Melody.”
I didn’t even talk to him the first time. Her voice was small in his head.
“You know what I mean.”
“Jovan.” Kaeliph dragged his brother to a halt just outside the food tent, his face incredulous.
Melody looked where Kaeliph was pointing, and saw a vivacious, smiling blonde woman sharing a laugh with one of the ever-present town guard. Jovan stiffened against her, his hand still clenched around her arm, and Melody could have sworn she heard him growl.
“What is she doing here?”
“She’s heading this way, brother, that’s what she’s doing.” Kaeliph did not sound the least bit upset. Melody looked curiously from one brother to the next, and then to the woman. Her eyes were a bright, unexpected violet, made more vivid by the pale blue of her fine dress. Her blonde hair framed her face in an elaborate series of looping braids and ribbons.
She was lovely, Melody thought, though there was a sharpness to her. The young lady barely spared a glance for Melody as she swept over to them in a bustle of silk, wormed between them, and tiptoed up to wrap Jovan in a welcoming embrace. Jovan released Melody’s arm.
“You’re here!” she cooed, lingering just long enough in Jovan’s arms to make Melody feel awkward. “After the way you snuck out on me last time, I was certain I’d never see you again!” She playfully slapped Jovan’s muscular arm as she stepped back, still smiling her thin little smile. “I’m still mad at you for the horses, don’t let me fool you.”
Her focus turned to Kaeliph, and if her embrace of Jovan had been uncomfortable, then her attentions to the younger brother were practically indecent. Kaeliph didn’t seem to mind, rather, he was managing to look simultaneously amazed, flattered, and content.
“I do understand, though,” she continued, running her slim white fingers through Kaeliph’s dark hair. “Father was being a bear. I was so disappointed you didn’t bring me with you. But here you are! The tournament is a wonderful opportunity for Father, there’s plenty of new people for his merchandise. He was so happy he even suggested I come with him on this trip. I was hoping I’d see you here.”
Melody was still trying to figure out what had been said. The new woman spoke so quickly and with so much animation that her words all ran together. Clearly, she knew Jovan and Kaeliph. But, Melody noticed, only Kaeliph smiled at her endless chatter.
After a breath, the woman continued on, entwining her arm in Kaeliph’s. “Are you fighting today? I’m sure Jovan is— I’ll have to tell Father you’re here, he was wanting to gamble. We all know Jovan is a sure thing. When is your next fight? Are you free this evening?”
Kaeliph beamed at her attentions. “It’s a busy afternoon. Whoever made the lists seems to have some sort of grudge against me and Jovan.” He smiled down at her to show her that he was more than ready for the challenge. “I am scheduled for two more fights, but if they are anything like my first, they shouldn’t take long. I’d love to meet up with you after, perhaps we all—"
Kallisti didn’t let him finish. “You and I have so much to catch up on, Kaeliph. I’ll be waiting for you after the fights
. My father would love to see you again. I’m sure he won’t mind if I bring just one surprise guest for dinner…” She pressed up against Kaeliph and whispered something into his ear that made the younger man’s cheeks color before dropping another brief, polite curtsey to Jovan and Melody and disappearing into the swirling crowd.
Jovan bristled.
Kaeliph frowned at his brother. “She’s not nearly as bad as you think, Jovan. If you hadn’t been trying to look so ferocious, she might have been more pleasant to you.”
Jovan snorted rudely. “She didn’t hurt my feelings. You, my dreamy little brother, have terrible taste in women.”
Kaeliph let the matter drop, and they were silent as they ate, and on the walk back. When they arrived, the arena crowds were abuzz with hints and rumors.
“Killed, he was.”
“Never had time to swing his sword.”
They gathered that the tournament had been paused in their absence, and Kaeliph slipped off to find out what had really happened.
“Tambor should have known better, I say. Fast as he was? He could have won this thing.”
Jovan’s face was unreadable, but Melody was plainly surprised. Tambor? The man from earlier?
Jovan nodded. “Sounds like. We’ll see what Kaeliph finds out.”
When the younger brother returned, he made it official. Tambor had been disqualified for killing his opponent without mercy— that is to say, in one hit.
“So much for being friendly,” Jovan whispered to Melody as his name was called for the next round of fights. He met Kaeliph’s eyes as he straightened his spine and walked past him.
The younger brother nodded. “I won’t leave her side.” He was faithful to his word; Kaeliph kept close to Melody and they watched Jovan do what Jovan did best. He looked away only to scan the crowds for the killer that had taken a social interest in Melody. He saw nothing.
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