by Donald White
Rinaldo held up his hands. “I could not avoid sleeping on an uncomfortable sofa. And I risked my own liberty by leaving you unattended this morning. And do not forget the chair that you turned into kindling!”
She glared at him, and then her expression softened. “Perhaps you speak the truth. Perhaps I am the one bending you to my will.”
“Bend as you wish, fair damsel. I do not break.”
She smirked. “Of that, I am sure. You are quite flexible, and unbearably stubborn.”
He beamed. “Thank you.”
The sprite was indignant. “That was not a compliment!”
Rinaldo grinned. “Nevertheless, I shall take it as such.”
She pointed at him. “Ignorant man, you shall know your place.”
He leaned back in his chair. “I require a teacher.”
She stood up and walked over to him. “Only the humble of heart shall receive instruction.”
He bowed his head. “Teach me humility.”
Delshess fetched her staff.
The man was alarmed. “Whoa. Settle down.”
She asked, “Man, will you receive instruction?”
He was incredulous. “You’re threatening me?”
She shook her head. “I wish to instruct you.”
Rinaldo swallowed. “What kind of instruction?”
Delshess walked to each of the candles which lighted the room and blew them out.
The man stared at her in darkness
She walked up to him. “Give me your hand.”
He hesitated.
She stood there, patiently.
He reluctantly complied.
She held his hand for a moment, and began to chant. The crystal in her staff was now glowing! She rubbed his palm with circular motions. The staff touched his hand, and the crystal ceased to glow.
Rinaldo stared dumbfounded as a light grew in the middle of his palm. The light did not burn him like a flame; it merely shone in the midst of his hand. He looked up at her.
Delshess spoke. “Light illuminates darkness. It enables you to see that which is around you. Now, close your hand.”
He did so. “The light can barely be seen.”
She nodded. “It is a small light of itself. Hidden, it illuminates nothing. However, when it is allowed to shine, it reveals much.” She opened his hand, rubbing it some more. “The light that shines for itself is not bright enough to see that which is around you. However,” she chanted some more, still rubbing in circles, “when you add light…”
Rinaldo stared at his palm. The small light grew larger and brighter until it filled his whole hand! He looked around the room. He could see almost everything! “Hey!”
Delshess continued. “Small lights reveal little. But when many small lights shine as one, then all can be seen.” Covering his hand with hers, she spoke a few words and then released him. The light was gone. She walked over to each candle and rubbed her fingers over it, speaking softly. A tiny flame burned anew on each one.
The man just sat there, dazed. He had seen magic before, but never had been instructed thereby. For a moment, he realized just how small he was.
***
Takis stole through the streets under cover of night. He had found where Rinaldo was! All it took was a friendly chat with a drunken city guard to reveal the poet’s location. So, he set all this up, just so he could be alone with the elf? Never mind the fact that she has been charged with murder. Will he sleep with her before they hang her from the gallows? Takis shook at the thought of his best friend perpetrating such a thing.
Has he truly taken leave of his senses? He knew that his friend took wagers seriously. And that was fine, when the wager was for something of minor importance. But he would have someone accused of murder just to win a bet? What is he thinking? Rinaldo was no champion of morals, but he had a code that he lived by. And this was certainly a breach of that code!
Takis started, ducking into the shadows. He had heard something! Was it a man or a beast? Swallowing hard, he remembered the one who had been following him all day. That guy was both man and beast! Takis grew still. He slowed his breathing, but could not slow his heartbeat! He wondered Why is he so persistent? What does he hope to gain? Is it because I saw him naked? Is it because I saw his girlfriend nude? Or is it because he is just plain mean, and intends to beat me severely for both of those transgressions?
Takis stared fearfully out into the dark, knowing that a confrontation was coming…
***
Elsewhere, Rinaldo sat on the sofa, looking forward to another long night. But a smile crept across his features. He thought She called me by name. She asked if I wished to court her. She even smiled at me! The man breathed a sigh of relief. Soon perhaps…
“Rinaldo?”
He loved to hear that voice. It was both sweet and saucy. And she was calling his name! “Yes, Delshess?”
“Come to me.” It was not a request. It was a command.
The man stood up and walked over to the doorway. “I am here.” He could see her in the dim light, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“You may enter.”
The man chuckled to himself. Am I her servant now? He entered the room and stood next to the bed, waiting.
She looked up at him. “Sit.” She patted a space next to her.
He sat down. “What is it, Delshess?”
She glanced at him. “I wish to speak with you.”
The man shrugged. “What will we talk about?”
Delshess embraced her knees, resting her head on them. “Tell me why you are here.”
Rinaldo chuckled. “Because you asked me to come.”
She shook her head. “Tell me why you came to this place.”
He thought for a moment. “I came here to sing for the people. To make them happy.”
Delshess replied, “Do you bring them peace?”
“Sometimes.”
The sprite raised her head, staring out the window. “The Queen’s elves have come to bring peace to men.”
Rinaldo assured, “You have brought me so much more.”
She rolled her eyes. “Do you serve only your desires?”
He smiled. “I desired to sing. And now, I am a singer. I wished to travel. And I journeyed far. My heart longed to be a poet. And now, ‘The Poet of the Plains’ is seated here next to you. Do not underestimate the power of desire.”
She frowned. “Lady Ursula teaches us that desire must be tempered with wisdom. Foolish passion will only bring you to ruin.”
The man yielded. “Lady Ursula is wise.”
Delshess grabbed his hand. “Can you not see your peril? Do you not know that such things often lead to destruction?”
He looked over at her. “Passion leads men to belief. And what a man believes in, he will strive for. No obstacle can prevent him. No hindrance can stray him from his purpose. For desire is like a fire within, burning away the dross.”
The sprite shook her head. “Silly man. Such futile gestures you make in the pursuit of that which eludes you. These passions will consume you if you tread not the path of wisdom.”
He smirked. “I would much rather tread the path to your heart.”
She let go of him. “You liken me to a road?”
He shook his head. “My dear, you are the destination.”
She turned away.
He could tell she was trembling. The Poet of the Plains started to sing:
The stars up in the heavens,
She interrupted. “Rinaldo, I see no stars.”
He continued:
the moon, it shines so bright!
Delshess shook her head. “The moon is obscured by clouds.”
The man ignored her comments and persevered:
You are here beside me,
She giggled. “Do you always sing about that which is obvious?”
Rinaldo frowned, but continued singing:
beauty bathed in light.
Delshess laughed! “Human, you perceive ample li
ght where it is scarce.”
He stopped singing, reached out and pinched her!
She jumped off the bed, and stood there glaring at him. “Foolish man, defile me not with your touch!”
He smirked, lunging at her in the darkness.
She hopped to the side, mocking. “Clumsy oaf, you must catch me to hold me.”
The man peered into the shadows, snatching at her.
She jumped onto the bed, eluding him. “Give up human, and spare yourself the disgrace of failure.”
He grabbed for her ankle, but she flipped off the bed.
The sprite landed nearby, laughing at him. “Catch me, fool. I am standing right here.”
He reached out, but she evaded his grasp.
The man stumbled forward, but she slipped to the side, giggling.
He made several more futile attempts at grabbing hold of her.
But the nymph was as light on her feet as her size had suggested.
Every time he attempted to make contact, she would either duck low, hop to the side, or move out of reach. Though the room was not large, there was plenty of space to maneuver her light form.
The man suddenly grew still, focusing his gaze in the darkened room.
Snickering, the sprite beckoned him forward.
He reached towards her.
She hopped to the side.
The man dropped suddenly, grabbing hold of her foot as she landed. “Hah! Now, I’ve got you!”
Delshess struggled to free herself. “Release me!”
Rinaldo was breathing heavily, but smiling. “Not after all this effort…” He pulled her over onto the floor.
The little elf vainly thrashed about. But his grip was too strong. “Very well, Rinaldo. You caught me.”
He nodded. “You were hard to catch, but easy to subdue.”
She smirked, kicking at him with her free leg.
He managed to grab hold of that one, too. Soon, despite her struggles, he held both of her ankles in a firm grip.
Delshess clawed at the floor, struggling to break free. “Peace, aggressive man. I am overcome. Either release me, or finish me.”
He grinned. “Finish.” Holding her ankles together, he started tickling her feet!
Delshess let out an unladylike shriek. “Peace, Rinaldo! Cease your vexations!” She squirmed. She pulled. She twisted, and writhed. But all her attempts were futile.
Rinaldo gleefully titillated the trapped soles. They were slender and delicate, the toes slighter longer than those of a woman. He frequently dipped his fingers into the spaces between them.
The sprite screamed with tortured laughter. Her forehead was damp, and her hair was disheveled. The elf’s energy was abating.
The man laughed as the feet jerked in reaction to his touch.
Soon, Delshess was reduced to soft giggling, pulling weakly at his arms. “Peace,” she gasped. “I submit.”
Rinaldo let go of her, and knelt by her side. Brushing the hair from her cheek, he gave her a kiss. Then, cradling her tenderly in his arms, he placed her on the bed.
Her breathing slowed to a normal rate. Quietly, she said, “You are naughty.”
The man grinned, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I cannot help it my dear. You bring out the best in me.”
“Flattering man.” She cooed, gazing at him, with those slanted green eyes.
Rinaldo chuckled.
The delicate little creature eyed him carefully. “Will you rest here with me?”
Startled, the bard asked, “Is this a request or a command?”
Delshess smiled. “I am requesting your company.”
Rinaldo replied, “Very well.” He could feel the sprite trembling next to him. “Peace, silly elf. My desire is to win your heart, not take your body.”
The nymph placed a hand on his arm. “I know.”
He stood up, removing his outer clothing, but leaving his undergarments in place. Then, he lay down next to her and held her close.
The little creature returned his embrace.
They lay there, holding one another, until their hearts were at peace, and their bodies at rest.
***
Later, Takis staggered towards a non-descript house on the outskirts of Vandimere. I’m here… At last… Chased by phantoms all the way, the man was out of breath. Sweat dripped down his forehead, despite the cool evening air. He stepped up to the door, with an exultant expression… until he heard a low growl behind him. He turned his head mechanically to face the large muscular man who had been chasing him all day.
The man glared at him.
Takis held up his hands. “Look, what happened this morning was an accident. I thought my friend was underneath those covers. It was his room…”
There was another growl, and the man came walking towards him.
Takis plastered himself against the door. “Like I said, it was your room and I should not have intruded. I’m sorry…”
The man was getting closer.
Takis searched frantically, but there was no place to hide. If he ran, the stronger man would overtake him. So, he stood up straight, looked right into the man’s eyes… and then spun around, beating frantically on the door!
“Hey!” The muscular man quickened his pace.
Takis added screaming to his pounding. “Rinaldo! Help! Rinaldo! Please!”
The muscular man grabbed hold of him, just as the door opened from within.
Had it not been for the fact that Takis was thus restrained he would have knocked Rinaldo down.
The poet stood there in his undergarments staring at them both.
Before either of the companions could speak, the muscular man blurted, “I’m sorry, sir.” He was looking right at Rinaldo!
The bard held up a hand. “It’s fine, Burke.”
Takis stared first at his friend, and then at his captor. “You know each other?”
Burke replied to Rinaldo, “I tried to stop him.”
The bard nodded. “He is very persistent.”
Burke released Takis.
Rinaldo gave a sigh. “Let me guess, you’re here to tell me the error of my ways.”
Takis brushed himself off, glaring back at Burke.
The larger man clapped him on the shoulder and laughed.
Rinaldo peered into the darkened house. “Delshess?” He waited for a moment, with no response. Then, he gestured both men out the door. “I don’t know how she slept through all of that racket.”
Once the door was closed, Takis said, “Well, excuse me for interrupting you two when I just happened to be in mortal danger.” Again, he glared at Burke.
Rinaldo smiled at the muscular man. “Good work. At my next concert, you and a guest get in free.”
Burke clapped his hands. “Thanks, Rinaldo. Hey, I’m sorry that he ended up finding you…”
The bard shook his head. “You did fine. I knew he’d find me eventually.”
The companion stood up straight. “Yeah, that’s right. I can’t be stopped…”
Burke clapped him on the shoulder, harder. And then, he walked back towards the city.
Takis muttered to himself. “Keep walking, tough guy.” He shook his fist.
Burke glanced back at him.
Takis turned his closed fist into a wave, adding a nervous grin to go with it.
Burke chuckled, continuing on into the city.
Rinaldo pointed at his friend. “You should have seen the look on your face…”
His companion gave a frown. “If you had someone that big coming after you…”
The bard laughed.
Takis bore a puzzled expression. “Hey, how did you know that I’d go into your room?”
“I didn’t. If Burke hadn’t met you at the inn, then he was to go out looking for you.”
His companion gaped at him.
The bard grinned. “The room was already paid for. I might as well let someone use it.”
Takis wearily shook his head. “All of this just to keep me away.”<
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Rinaldo shrugged. “I knew that you would try to talk me out of it.”
His companion grew serious. “You’re darn right I would. Listen man, that elf has gotten into your head.”
Rinaldo said, almost to himself, “She’s gotten a lot lower than that…”
Takis grabbed his friend by the shoulders. “It’s not like you, Rinaldo. You’re the ‘Poet of the Plains.’ Women swoon all over you. And here you are, obsessed with winning a bet!” He pointed at the house. “And you set all this up? For what?”
Rinaldo turned away. “As usual, you understand nothing.”
Takis was flustered. “What is there to understand?”
The bard looked right at him. “How important this is to me.”
“All I know is that you have lost your mind. To go to these lengths…”
Rinaldo interrupted, “You don’t see it, do you?” He muttered, “I’m not even sure I see it…”
Takis patted his friend on the shoulder. “Just let it go…”
The poet bowed his head. “Not when I am this close…”
Takis looked at him. Then, he looked at the house. He thought he saw someone standing by the window! “Uh, Rinaldo?”
The bard raised his head. “What?”
His companion looked over at the window again. No one was there. “Oh. Never mind.”
Rinaldo nodded. “I agree. Never mind what I am doing. You could never understand.”
“Come on, man…”
Rinaldo gestured for his companion to leave.
Takis stared, dumbfounded.
The poet responded, “Goodnight, Takis.”
His companion grew irate. “What? Huh? You sent your dog back to his cage, after sicking him on your best friend. And now, you want me to leave willingly?”
Rinaldo turned. “Goodnight, Takis. We will talk later.”
The other man started to walk away. “Yeah, yeah, I’m sure we will. After you’ve made the biggest mistake of your life…”
The bard stared after him for a few moments, and then went back inside, closing the door.
Rinaldo lay down next to Delshess once again. “Did she just shiver?” The man got up and closed the window. Then, he took his place once more at her side.
