Chapter 1: Knives (2)

Chapter 1: Knives (2)

As the soldier waved down one of the serving girls, the bard reached the first chorus, and virtually everyone in the tavern lent their voice to the effort.

Dinner under the stars

We ended up with scars!

What could be more tragic,

Than Maribels Magic?

The song told the story of love gone awry between a noble prince and a mage named Maribel. In the usual version, Maribel was portrayed as beautiful but moody, while the singer of the song was naive and lustful. However, this bard tweaked the lyrics to change the meaning, turning Maribel into a misunderstood romantic, while the singer seemed depressed that he wasnt a mage of her caliber.

Okay, I think I like this version, Gandash said after the third chorus.

Same, Gem said as the serving girl swept by and dropped a tankard in front of him. Picking it up, he said, Cheers, boys.

The three of them drank and enjoyed the rest of the bards rendition of Maribels Magic. By the end, the room was in a frenzy, screaming the chorus and stamping feet and clapping hands with such vigor that the entire tavern seemed to shake.

After the bard finished, he stood and bowed to thunderous applause and quite a few lewd comments.

Id give Maribel a good time. Or two! Bahahaha!

What ol Maribel needs aint a mage, its a good strong man!

What if we did a little demonstration for these Unsighted gentlefolk? Show them plain and simple what a mage can do?

Gem grinned widely, revealing the huge gap made by his missing teeth. Whaddya ave in mind?

Xerxes explained his plan and Gems grin widened. Even Gandashs frown had leveled out and seemed on the verge of turning into a smile.

Agreed? Xerxes said.

What if someones seen that trick before? Gem asked.

Xerxes shrugged. Play it by ear?

Gem nodded. Alright. Lets do it! Been a while since I've been part of a show. Without any further discussion, he smacked his hand loudly on the table and rose into a standing position. Friends! he shouted over the buzz of conversation, and quite a few heads turned in his direction. Clapping twice, he raised his voice even louder and said, Friends! I ave a bit of an announcement to make!

The room quieted even further.

Allow me to introduce myself. My very short and simple name is Gemegishkirihallat, and Im but an umble soldier from the capital!

His comment provoked some laughter. His long name was something of a running joke among the soldiers, although there was another soldier in the group who had a similarly long appellation.

Continuing, Gem said, I am passing through your most lovely town along with my fellow soldiers and mages.

Xerxes and Gandash werent soldiers, so they didnt need to wear uniforms. At the moment, they wore utilitarian travel clothing that made it impossible to guess anything about them. And even if they had been wearing their mage attire, it was unlikely rustic folk such as this would have realized what it was.

As Gem let his words hang for a moment, the room grew more quiet. Xerxes took the opportunity to look around and gauge the feeling of the crowd. Most people seemed curious, and perhaps slightly apprehensive.