The audience sat completely spellbound in awe as Ruyne’s deep baritone voice melded with the sounds of the lute. Silver felt another shiver. He couldn’t tear his gaze away. Anyone with Song magic could sense the powerful magic that backed Ruyne’s voice now. As the last of the melody faded everyone continued to sit there in shocked silence.
Then as one, the crowd let out a roar of approval and stood, cheering and clapping. Ruyne rose and bowed to them, then he ceded the stage to the next performance, which was a group song and dance from several other Band members.
Silver blushed and looked away when he thought he saw Ruyne glance his way. His heart pounded in his ears. He didn’t hear what Cascade said to him as he rose and retreated. He sought the peace of the woods around the camp. There was a small pond on the outskirts, and he sat down at the edge of it. He felt like his heart would burst.
What could he do about it? Nothing. His love for Ruyne was forbidden now. Ruyne was Leader. He had to have a blood-heir. Silver couldn’t give him that. He started when the brush around him rustled and looked up to find Derry there.
Derry sat down next to Silver on the bank and stared out over the pond, his dark eyes holding a thoughtful look. “I saw you flee from the performances. Are you well?”
Silver did not respond immediately. Instead, he brought his knees up to his chest and rested his cheek on them as he watched the moonrise paint the pond with silver light. The story of his birth that his mother often told wandered through his thoughts. He had silver hair, but his parents had named him Silver because of the moonlight that had bathed him when he was born. He looked at Derry and made a decision. If anyone would understand, it would be Derry. “I don’t know what to do. I love him so much, Derry. It tears me apart.”
Derry frowned thoughtfully. “I know how you feel.” He looked around then gave Silver a worried look. “Please don’t hate me, Silver.”
“Why would I hate you?” Silver gave his friend a puzzled look. The four of them had been close for their entire lives; it would take a lot to tear them apart.
Derry appeared to be struggling to find words before he finally whispered, “Shadow and I are Song-Bound. It wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Silver sat up straighter, staring at Derry in shock. “What? How?”
“You know how, Silver.” Derry gave him a frustrated look, then shrugged.
“So the laws are true,” Silver frowned as he considered this information. “Will you have the ceremony then, Derry? That is what you have always wanted, right?”
Derry snorted and shook his head. “Shadow? Do you think he, of all people, would Song-Bind in a ceremony? That would mean he can’t play around with every creature that suits his fancy as we travel.”
“He loves you, though. The Song wouldn’t bind the two of you if it was just one-sided. He might not admit to it, but he does love you, Derry. There is nothing else he can do. You two are Song-Bound. That can’t be undone except by death, and it would kill you both.” Silver looked his friend over. “Are you happy with it?”
“Of course, I am,” Derry muttered. “Shadow, on the other hand…”
“Shadow needs to be responsible for his actions at some point.” Ruyne’s voice from behind them made both men jump.
“Leader!” they both gasped in unison as they stood up and turned to face him. They bowed their heads in respect and closed their eyes, as was customary.
“I am, yes. But I am still your friend as well. I’d rather you didn’t treat me too differently when we’re alone.” Ruyne crossed his arms. “Derry, Shadow is about to perform. I thought you might wish to see it.”
“Yes, Leader. Thank you.” Derry scurried off toward the crowds again.
Once he was out of sight, Ruyne moved closer to stand beside Silver and look out over the pond.
Silver’s heart pounded at Ruyne’s nearness, and his mouth went dry. “You sang something new tonight.”
“I am Leader now,” Ruyne winked at him. “Was it impressive?”
“You are always impressive, Ruyne,” Silver muttered as he ran a hand through his long silver hair to untangle it. “The crowd loves you. You should give them an encore.”
“The night is young. Many want to perform. Balerno is known to be kind to us; might as well let them take advantage of it.” Ruyne stepped closer, lowering his voice. “We need to speak, Silver.”
“About?” Silver tensed, barely resisting the urge to step away. Ruyne’s magic was overwhelming. Each Dusksinger carried an aura after a performance activated their magic. Ruyne’s magic was overwhelming and stole Silver’s breath away.
“I have been blind. The entire camp knew how you felt about me, but I did not.” Ruyne said. A thoughtful frown crossed his lips. “Why didn’t you tell me, Silver?”
“What good would it do?” Silver turned away from him and crossed his arms. “You are Leader. It’s forbidden. The Laws dictate I must forever be only your friend now.”
“Do they? What does your Song say, Silver? What does your heart say?” Ruyne asked gently.
Silver closed his eyes and hesitated before he answered. “All that I am will always be yours. There will be no other for me.”
Ruyne let out a soft thoughtful hum at that and continued to stare out over the pond. “I do love you, Silver. You know that. Besides my brother, there is no one that I love more. They will expect me to Song-Bind soon, now that I am Leader.”
“I know. You will have your pick of the women of the camp. They all stare at you longingly. They all daydream of being Bound to you.” Silver nodded as he took a deep breath to steady himself. “Do you have someone in mind?”
“I have been thinking about it. Song-Binding scares me, Silver,” Ruyne turned to meet his gaze. “I saw what it did to my parents.”
“It is not meant to be a bad thing, Ruyne. Your mother would tell you not to be afraid. I don’t think she would have changed a moment of her time with your father.” Silver reassured him, even finding a slight smile.
“Marriage and building a family doesn’t scare me. But there is only one person I trust enough to halve my soul for.” Ruyne reached to turn Silver toward him. “How can I trust any other?”
“Because you must. There is no other way.” Silver said firmly, even though his heart ached. “I can’t give you a blood-heir, Ruyne. You must bind with a woman. It is in the Laws of the Song.”
Ruyne’s response was to tilt Silver’s chin up and touch his lips softly to Silver’s. Silver melted against him. He couldn’t help it. He had dreamed so many times of Ruyne finally coming to him that the rush from Ruyne’s touch made him feel dizzy. But only for a moment. Then he remembered himself and pulled back. He bit his lip as he looked up into Ruyne’s blue eyes. “Ruyne…”
“You would deny me?” Ruyne asked softly. “Silver, what if there is another way? I could hire a woman from the townspeople to bear us a child. Then I would have my heir. There is nothing in the Laws against that. It simply says the heir has to be from my blood. It doesn’t say it has to be from a Song-Binding. If I Bind to you then I will not Bind to the woman. She won’t be cursed to stay with the Band once the child is born.”
Silver leaned against Ruyne, his knees feeling weak. “Is…that what you want, Ruyne? I know you enjoy women.”
“I like women. I love you. I can’t halve my soul for anyone who might betray it. I know you could never betray me,” Ruyne leaned close to murmur into Silver’s ear. “Will you Song-Bind to me, Silver? Will you share your soul with me for eternity?”
Silver slid his arms around Ruyne’s neck to pull him back down for a kiss. A long passionate kiss. When he finally had to pull back for breath, he whispered, “I long for nothing more. But I would not have you break any of the Laws or betray your position.”
“You know that I could not do this if it would. The Law of the Song is what I live by.” Ruyne slid his hand down to take Silver’s. “Is that a yes, Silver?”
“It is yes, my Leader. Where you lead, I w
ill follow.” Silver blushed, trying to swallow the knot in his throat.
“Then come and watch me sing once more. We will speak of the ceremony tomorrow.” Ruyne winked at him, then lead Silver back toward the stage.
Silver couldn’t stop his mind from tripping over itself. His thoughts tumbled over and over like the Band’s acrobats, as he let Ruyne lead him to sit in the front row before the stage.
Chapter 7
Shadow
Shadow enjoyed performing. He loved the crowds and their adoration. He lived for the rush of making both women and men swoon with his words of love. What he was best known for was letting the Song magic possess him fully and making up songs as he sang. Excluding Ruyne, everyone else in the Band practiced them well before performing and had a repertoire of songs they had learned were more accepted in one town or another. He was known for singing romantic ballads. Tonight, however, Shadow had suang a goodbye to his mother. He’d let the Song magic use his words and his voice to sing her a safe journey to the sea. He felt more somber tonight than usual and, after his performance, he wandered back to the camp instead of seeking company.
He walked slowly along the path, listening to the sound of the wind through the trees and watching their long shadows flick across the cobblestone before him. Ruyne had been raised to be Leader. He had probably had less freedom than Shadow. He was raised to obey and enforce their Laws. Shadow knew the lecture. The Laws were created to protect their people and were not meant to be broken, shirked, or taken for granted. Their father had come from a long line of Leaders. Then their mother had replaced their father and taken her duties very seriously until their eldest son reached adulthood. With that background, how could he have not have known Ruyne would react that way to the Song-Binding?
Lost in his thoughts, it took him a while to realize someone was following him. Or maybe he had tried to ignore the warning from his Song. Just Derry. He cringed at that thought. Just? As his best friend, Derry was probably the most important person to him besides his brother. Thoughts of Ruyne soured his stomach, though. They had never been this far out of harmony before.
Shadow glanced back at Derry and came to a stop. He waited for Derry to come up to him before continuing. They walked in silence, in perfect harmony, their Song magic entwining them, even if they kept a respectful distance from each other. Sea be damned. Shadow hated when Ruyne was right, but he could definitely feel his Song was not his own anymore. It was no one’s fault but his own. He had seduced Derry, needing comfort in that moment and knowing Derry could give it to him. Selfish of him, yes. He’d always had a selfish streak. He gave Derry a side-glance. He was still being selfish by not asking Derry to Bind with him officially.
Derry stared at the cobblestone as they walked. A slight blush tinted his normally pallid cheeks, and he wore his typical pensive expression.
Shadow loved that about Derry. Derry never questioned him. Derry merely gave unconditional love and support. Shadow glanced behind them toward the camp. He was a fool to think he didn’t want that. Would he trade Derry for all those trysts in town? He didn’t even pretend the answer wasn’t an emphatic no. He wouldn’t trade Derry for anything. Probably not even his brother. That thought startled him into looking at Derry again. He felt like he should say something to break their silence. “I’m sorry, Derry.”
“I don’t want you to be sorry,” Derry responded. He had such a soft, gentle voice compared to most people with the Song. “You needed comfort. I would have given you anything I could to help, you know.” He fidgeted with the leather string he always wore around his neck. The silver raven’s wing charm glittered in the moonlight as he made it dance.
Shadow remembered giving that necklace to Derry one year for his birthday. As far as he knew, Derry had never taken it off. The charm had been meant to remind Derry to adapt after he joined the Band. “We’re Bound, Derry. We can’t undo that.”
“I know,” Derry shrugged. Always calm and a little gloomy. Maybe that’s why Derry loved Shadow so much. Shadow was bold, boisterous, dangerous. They were opposite sides of the same coin. In harmony, but different aspects. “You don’t want to marry me do you?” Derry murmured, though it wasn’t really a question.
“I am a selfish creature, Derestan. You know that.” Shadow said seriously, using Derry’s full name for emphasis. Derry was the only child in the camp who did not have some sort of nature-related name. His parents had fled a town and had joined the Band for a simple life and to protect their son. They hadn’t been born to the Song like everyone else. Though the Song spread to any in the camp and gave them the magic, it was stronger in those born in the camp.
“Is it only about being free to choose people in the towns to enjoy? I am not selfish enough to say you couldn’t still do that, Shadow.” Derry said, glancing at him, his dark eyes stormy. “Our souls are entwined. That’s the important part of the ceremony, and we’ve already accomplished that.”
Shadow pulled his shoulder-length hair out of the tail he had worn while performing and shook it out as he took a deep breath. “That is too generous of you, Derry. I’m supposed to be loyal only to your bed if we marry.”
“You’re supposed to be a lot of things, Shadow. You are none of them. And that is why I love you. You are contradiction in human form.” A slight smile turned Derry’s lips as he spoke.
“You are as well, Derry. You should be angry with me. Shouting, cursing, something. Not this calm acceptance. I seduced you and Bound us, knowing what might happen, but without telling you.” Shadow tilted his head.
“You didn’t know it would,” Derry replied with assurance. “And I do love you, Shadow. It is what I have always wanted.”
Shadow stilled a little at that. The Song had listened to Derry and given him this. That’s why they had Bound. Ruyne was right again. Shadow resisted the urge to scowl. And Derry’s sweet, sincere words cut him to the core. How could he deny Derry? He wasn’t that selfish. Besides, breaking the heart of the one to whom he was Song-Bound was not a good idea, even if he wanted to.
“You are so hesitant. Why?” Derry asked with a frown. “You care for me or the Song would not have Bound us, Shadow,”
Shadow let out a deep sigh. “I think I always hoped to find a way to leave, Derry. If we do this, I am bound to the Band even more. Leaving it will be impossible.”
“You can’t leave!” Derry hissed in shock, stepping closer and lowering his voice. “That’s blasphemy, Shadow. You know the Song doesn’t let anyone leave the Bands. You would die if you tried.”
“It’s a spell, Derry. There has to be a way it can be broken.” Shadow shrugged, irritated. Derry’s response was exactly why he had never told anyone his plans. It sounded crazy because it was crazy. Selfish, disrespectful, ungrateful. He could hear his mother’s voice scolding him.
Derry reached to take Shadow’s hand gently in his. “Forget that madness, Shadow. It is just the Song that drives you to be restless. It is part of being the family of the Leader, I think. Perhaps one day we could have our own Band, and you could move it when and where you wanted. Would you feel freer then?”
Shadow squeezed Derry’s hand. Derry was the last person he should be talking to about this. He knew his friend was jealous of the power of his Song magic. And Shadow did enjoy the magic and its affect on people.
He tightened his grip on Derry’s hand and led his friend down to a small clearing in the woods. They could look up and see the massive sky with its brilliant stars. He looked up at them until Derry did the same. He always felt so small against the sky like this, and it took his breath away. He was larger than life on stage. It humbled him a little to be reminded of how small he really was.
Shadow finally turned to Derry, took his other hand, and held them both in his own. Derry had small, soft hands, so different from Shadow’s large calloused ones. He caught Derry’s gaze and held it, obviously serious. “Do you want me to marry you, Derry? Would that make you happy?”
Derry blushed and looked
down, shyly. “I want to be at your side forever, Shadow. It doesn’t matter how. The important thing is to be there.”
“Tell me, Derry,” Shadow urged gently, leaning close to whisper in Derry’s ear. “Do you want to marry me?”
“Yes,” Derry’s reply came in a breathless whisper.
“All right. I’ll do it. Just for you,” Shadow said with a smile.
Derry pulled back at that, frowning. “I don’t want you to do it just for me, Shadow. I want you to do it because it’s also what you want.”
“Well, like you said, I must want it. The Song magic was not tricked. It’s our destiny, I suppose. Does that sound romantic? We were fated to be together.” Shadow grinned and winked at Derry.
Derry blushed bright red and tugged at Shadow’s hand to pull him back toward the camp. “Good thing we built you a wagon. I made sure it was big enough for both of us.”
“That was you?” Shadow snorted. “I wondered why they chose the bigger design.” He let Derry lead him back toward the camp, feeling a little more at ease with his decision. It could be fun. He did enjoy Derry’s company the most.
As they came to the camp, they realized that everyone had returned from the town’s performance, but instead of preparing for the morning, were standing as if anticipating something. “What’s going on?” Derry whispered, hesitating at the edge of the woods.
Shadow could see Ruyne standing in the middle of the camp with a very nervous looking Silver at his side. He tilted his head, considering. Was Ruyne bold enough to do that? It was unprecedented for a Leader to take a same-gender partner. And up until this point, Ruyne had shown no interest in Silver that way. “Let’s get closer, Derry,” Shadow whispered and pulled Derry to the outer edge of the camp.
When Ruyne saw them, he tipped his head slightly to Shadow, acknowledging his presence. Then he cleared his throat and faced the camp. “As you know the Laws are clear about the line of the Leaders. It must be an unbroken line through blood-descendents. As such, the Leader has always taken a partner of the opposite gender so that they could have children.”
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