by Donald White
As he closed his eyes, a pair of slanted green eyes opened. They were even more piercing than usual, shining in the night, full of what the pointed ears had heard. The gaze was cold, and the thin lips held back a flood of pain, and the whisper of a curse.
Chapter 4: “The Kiss and the Curse”
Takis lay in bed, staring out into the night. He scowled, thinking that Burke was sleeping soundly in the room next to him. But more painful, was that Rinaldo had hired the big guy just to prevent him! All those nights he and Rinaldo had performed together… All the places they had been… And what happened to their friendship? The elf has taken it all away. Before Rinaldo met her, everything was fine. Everything was fun. The women were plentiful.
He sighed. Sure, the bard could be a scoundrel. More than once, Takis had been left out in the cold, because his friend was entertaining the ladies. But this was different! Rinaldo had never hired someone to chase his best friend all over the city. He had never framed someone for murder, just to get close to her! In spite of all her scorn, Takis did not hate the elf. He actually felt sorry for her. She had made her feelings perfectly clear concerning his friend. But Rinaldo would not take no for an answer!
Takis rubbed his face. Then, his eyes grew wide! A concert! Yeah… Force him back into the real world. The draw of the crowd… The power of the music… The lure of the women…
He drew his arms up, lacing his fingers together behind his head. I think we know who the real brains of this group is. He closed his eyes, peacefully. Tomorrow would be a big day.
***
Rinaldo could feel a gentle voice calling him from the world of dreams. It was a sweet sound, almost childlike in its appeal. She is calling me… He swam up through the layers of consciousness, hearing her beckon him. His eyes opened and he saw her standing next to the bed. “Guh…” He stopped short. He had meant to say ‘Good Morning.’
His eyes grew wide, as she smirked back at him. He felt liquid coming from the corner of his mouth! He was drooling! And it was not in response to her… He went to wipe the spit away. And then suddenly felt an itch in the midst of his palm. There was something soft there… an irritating smoothness. He turned his hand over slowly and saw… hair! His palm was covered with short hairs, which resembled fur! Alarmed, he inspected the other hand and found the same thing… “Guh?” The words were in his head, but only this one fumbling utterance came out. “Guh!”
Delshess laughed. “Rinaldo? Speak to me, slobbering man.”
He rolled out of the bed and onto the floor. He stared at her with questioning eyes.
She held her staff with one hand and pointed at him with the other. “Foolish human, you are cursed. You sought to mock me, and now you are a mockery.” She snickered.
Rinaldo stood up. “Guh?”
Delshess held a hand next to one pointed ear. “What is it? Speak clearly, gibbering man, that I may rightly discern your meaning.”
The man took on a look of irritation. “Guh?”
She flashed a wicked smile. “I believe the word you meant to say is ‘Why?’ And that is an interesting question. One I wish to have answered. Why did you deceive me, foolish man? Why did you speak such pretty words, knowing all along your own treacherous desires?”
Rinaldo tried to answer. “Guh…”
Delshess grew irate. “Speak now, fawning man! Speak now, seducing wretch. Tell me of this wager you have made. Tell me of these lies you have told! All to ensnare one of the Queen’s elves for the sake of your lust.” There were tears dripping down her olive cheeks.
He bowed his head. “Guh.”
She glowered up at him. “Tell me why should I listen to another word from your lips, corrupt fool? I despise the noise you make. Better that you should never be heard from again! No. No longer with words shall you grasp at this heart which beats within! You have told your last lie. You have sung your final song. But I shall not kill you. I shall leave you.” She shook with the fury of her words. “You will live with your shame, pitiful man! There shall be none to save you. None to help you.” She gave a menacing scowl. “None to hear you.”
Rinaldo shook with rage. “Guh!” He leaped on top of the bed, glaring down at her.
And suddenly, Delshess was afraid. She dashed out of the room, with the man following close behind. She desperately sought cover behind the table.
He grabbed hold of it and shoved it to the side.
Instinctively, she stretched forth her staff.
The man yanked it away from her!
Delshess managed to elude him, and ran screaming out the door.
Rinaldo just stood there, watching her go.
***
Takis spent the entire morning promoting the concert. Being Rinaldo’s companion, he knew all the right people to talk to. And since he was speaking of a surprise performance by the ‘Poet of the Plains,’ he was able to gain the ear of all the most important people in the city. The arrangements were made. The stage was prepared. Soon, all that would be needed was to spread the word throughout the city. Several boys were tossed a few coins each to head out into the busy streets and tell one and all about the concert.
But Takis was no slouch. He went out personally, telling everyone he met about the surprise performance. He sighed. Of course, the ‘Poet of the Plains’ would be the one who would find the news most unexpected. But Takis knew his companion. He knew what the roar of the crowd did to the bard. He even expected the ladies swooning over Rinaldo would make him forget about the elf. Everything would be set right. Sure, his friend might be angry, at first. But the lure of performance was too much. Once the singing began, everything else would be forgotten.
Takis turned around, bumping into someone. The musician’s eyes went wide. “Burke!”
The muscular man stared at him for a moment.
The musician replied in the most pitifully apologetic tone, “I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going. I’m really sorry.”
Burke scowled at him, wrapping his arm around the woman at his side.
Takis bowed his head, hoping this would not be too painful. Then, he felt a slap on the shoulder.
The muscular man patted him roughly, laughing.
Takis just stared at him, dumbfounded.
Burke grinned. “No problem, buddy.”
The companion grimaced. Buddy? He managed to speak. “Uh… Rinaldo is giving a surprise performance tonight.” He smiled nervously.
The bigger man nodded. He turned to his lover. “Do you want to go, honey? We’d get in free.”
Takis felt a scowl coming on. But he managed to just stare hopefully at them.
The woman smiled. “You can’t beat the price. Sure, let’s go.”
Burke laughed loudly. Then, he slapped Takis on the shoulder again. “We’ll be there.”
Dazed, the companion just nodded. He watched, as Burke and his girlfriend disappeared into the crowd.
***
Somewhere in the midst of the city, a small creature clung to the shadows. Delshess trembled, as tears dripped down her olive cheeks. She had fearfully dashed through the city streets, not realizing what a stir was caused. Rinaldo had threatened her and she had run.
The city was full of people who were at first startled by her nudity. But as she weaved through the assemblage, she drew eyes… human eyes staring at her nakedness. Men eyed her lustfully. Women glared at her scornfully. Some viewed her with eyes full of pity.
She did not like this attention. Not now. Not when her heart was breaking. Delshess remembered the words of Lady Ursula. “Shield yourself from the eyes of men. For they shall take what they desire.” The little elf sought cover, knowing that she was being followed.
She turned a corner quickly, desperately searching for a place to hide. Few people were nearby and only one seemed to notice the elf.
A woman was beckoning to her from a nearby selling tent.
Delshess did not have the luxury of thought. Her pursuers would soon be upon her! She dove into the
tent, crouching behind the table, which was laden down with fresh fruits and vegetables. They were arranged in baskets, which had been placed on a thick cloth covering the table. The cloth hung down in front, held in place by a barrel on each side. The elf breathed a sigh of relief. She could barely see under the cloth, and no one walking by could see her.
The woman glanced down at her, with eyes full of kindness.
Delshess weakly smiled back. Then, she crouched down low, hearing the sound of people approaching. She could hear voices accosting the woman. They were asking about a naked elf. Delshess shook uncontrollably as she watched the seller raise a hand. But it was not pointed at her!
There was the sound of many feet. And soon, all was quiet once again.
Delshess waited.
Then, the woman knelt beside her.
The elf stared at her fearfully.
Smiling, the woman held out her arms to the little creature.
Delshess timidly moved closer.
The woman lovingly embraced her. “Shh… Shh… You’re safe now…”
And then, the tears had come. Delshess could feel the warmth, but could not understand it. Why was this woman helping her? What did she have to gain? But the sprite was unable to halt the spontaneous flow dripping down her cheeks. The woman had helped her. This human’s gaze was not a scorning one. And not full of pity, but full of love!
For awhile, they just knelt there, holding each other close; the woman whispering soothing words into the elf’s pointed ears. Then, when the little creature had well nigh ceased to tremble, the woman released her.
The sprite gave a look of confusion, cocking her head to the side.
Smiling the woman removed her cloak, holding it out. “Here. Take it.”
The elf shook her head. “It is yours.”
Again, the garment was offered. “If it is mine, then I may give it to whomever I please.”
“But what about you?”
The woman shook her head. “You need it more than I do. Please, take it as my gift.”
Nervously, the elf stretched forth her hand.
Smiling, the woman wrapped the cloak around her, placing a kiss on her tear-stained cheek.
Sniffling, the elf nodded. “Thank you…”
The woman answered, “Grace. My name is Grace.” She stared at the elf questioningly.
“I am Delshess. My thanks to you, Grace.”
Once more, the woman hugged her close. “Be safe, Delshess.”
“Be at peace, Grace.” And with that, the little elf left the tent, feeling strange warmth under her cool skin.
***
Scrape. “Guh.” Scraape. “Guh…” Scraaape. “G-guh!” He dropped the blade, applying pressure to his hand to stop the bleeding. Inside, Rinaldo was seething. She cursed me. That little witch cursed me! I’m standing here scraping hair off my palms, cutting myself because that little WITCH cursed me! He growled in pain.
Everything had changed in an instant. One moment Rinaldo was sleeping next to his lover. The next, he awoke to find she had taken his voice, and caused hair to grow on the palms of his hands. And the bard was drooling on himself… which he had to admit he had done once or twice when viewing the naked nymph. But now, there was no way to stop the saliva, which pooled inside his mouth, forcing him to spit it out or just let it drip down his chin. Why did she do this?
She heard about the bet. She even mentioned overhearing it. Damn you, Takis. If you had only kept your mouth shut, everything would have been fine! Did you do this on purpose? Are you THAT obsessed with winning?!
The man stared down at his hands, and the prickly hairs still sticking out of them. Why, Delshess? Why did you curse me? Because I made a bet? Many a man has made a bet, and so many of those bets were of a sexual nature. So what?! He shook with rage. She had not only cursed him, she had humiliated him. And what did she say? That I would have to live with my shame? After all of my kindness, to be treated this way! I took her in. I protected her. She owes me a debt of gratitude… and instead, she curses me.
He stumbled away from the washbasin. She took away my voice. Of all the things she could have taken… She took my voice! I am a poet! I am a singer! And SHE took my voice! I cannot speak. I cannot sing. I can only stand around making stupid noises.
He gritted his teeth. Damn it, Takis. If only you had not interfered. If only Burke had been able to stop you. Having been my best friend, you should have known what I was doing. Is this spite born of jealousy, since you cannot woo a woman yourself? I showed you how to do it. I tried to teach, but you would not listen! I said the act of wooing is like hunting. I instructed you! And now, YOU have destroyed me!
He stared sullenly at the wall. But you were right. This was a mistake. I let myself feel for that THING! And I got hurt. She is gone… and I am RUINED! He tore the sheets from the bed. The man furiously tossed the furniture around.
Then, he noticed something in the other room. The door was open. He had never shut it. The light of day streamed through the opening. Rinaldo walked out of the bedroom, moving towards the open doorway. That light shining on the floorboards… That glorious radiance! So many possibilities waiting out there… No limitations! All he had to do was step forward into the light… Rinaldo stood in the doorway, and then, slowly closed the door.
***
Takis was smiling. He stood in the afternoon sun, feeling a real sense of accomplishment. Rinaldo will be proud. This could very well be his biggest concert yet! The companion breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, everything would be as it should. He and Rinaldo would share the stage once again. The obsession with the elf would be lost in the roar of the crowd. The eyes of the bard would be full of the beauties all around. The music would drown out the regret. Everything would be set right.
The companion shuddered at the thought of what had happened to his friend. The obsession with the elf… The schemes to obtain her… The thug he hired to make sure his companion could not prevent him. Takis wiped the sweat from his brow. This obsession had threatened to destroy their friendship.
The musician remembered all the cities and towns in which they had performed. He grinned, thinking of all the ladies who literally swooned before the ‘Poet of the Plains.’ Excitement followed the duo, wherever they went.
He thought about the traveling. Long rides from city to city and town to town… They would tell stories along the way, laughing at the predicaments they had found themselves in: the close calls, the narrow escapes. Rinaldo made you feel close. Almost like family. And he was so smart, full of such ingenuity.
Takis stared at the people all around him. He could feel the excitement in the air. They were ready. And he was ready. Now, one more thing left to do: fetch the poet himself.
The companion hesitated. Rinaldo would be angry. He would not want to leave the elf. No problem. She could come, if she wished. She might even see it as a chance to be rid of the bard. The elf could slip away in the middle of the concert. Go back to her people. By morning, Rinaldo would have forgotten her. So they would all win. Takis nodded to himself. All the preparations were complete. The stage was set. Now, it was time to fetch the ‘Poet of the Plains.’
***
A diminutive creature cowered in the shadows of an alleyway. Her slanted eyes were swollen from the tears she had shed. Delshess wrapped her skinny arms around her knees, just as she had the night the elf sat next to Rinaldo. But there was no peace in her green eyes as the light of day faded into dusk.
What could she do? She had been banished from the presence of her people. The woman named Grace had shown her kindness, but Delshess knew the human could not give her shelter. And the one man who would protect her for the sake of his lusts, she had cursed. And now, the little elf was alone.
She trembled at the thought of being alone in the world. She was a loyal servant of the Queen’s elves. And Delshess was the disciple of the great Lady Ursula. The sprite had friends among her people. She lived for them, and would die for them. But now, they
had cast her out. Her death now would mean nothing.
Could the elf lift her shame? She shook her head in despair. She could not fathom what had happened that night. Delshess could only recall the noises that awakened her.
And then, chaos ensued. The sound that had roused her was of someone beating on the door. Suddenly, it burst inward, and several men entered. They were guards! They dragged her out of bed, covering her in a sheet.
They forced her down the hall, and out of the inn, asking her questions she did not know the answers to. When the first accusations were made, she had perked up. Murder? They are accusing me of slaying someone? She was outraged, and let them know it.
They produced a knife caked with blood, referring to it as the murder weapon. She had been seen, stabbing the man. And they kept asking her questions. As she was led down the darkened streets, they asked questions. They took her into a building, asking her questions. Delshess was led into a room, where they questioned her further. And she did not know what to tell them!
Then, she was dragged off to a house, and tied to a chair. And she was placed in the custody of that man! Delshess felt cold inside, thinking about him. This man had lied to her. He deceived her. He hurt her! And she had lashed out, cursing him, mocking him, humiliating him.
Vengeance had tasted so sweet. And then, he attacked her! She ran away. She ran through the streets, drawing a crowd of lustful men and scorning women who leered at her nakedness. One lone woman hid her from the pursuers. The elf was embraced and clothed. Someone had shown her kindness.
But now, she was alone: hiding in the shadows, trembling in the dark. She heard a sound! There were footsteps approaching. The sprite moaned, struggling further into the shadows.
The sounds of men’s voices could be heard. She could discern four different speakers.
“What a haul, boss. We sure hit them hard today.” The tone was high-pitched and excitable.
