Off Track: A Romantic Magical Quest Series (The Madeline Journeys Book 1)

by P. A. Wilson

  “You’re right. I find you very attractive. I don’t know if I love you,” she said fearing that was a lie. “If I say yes, if you court me, how will I be able to make the right decision at the end?”

  “How will you make the right decision if you do not allow your heart to be free?” Jode released her hand. “I am sorry. I said that I would not make you decide, and here I am pressuring you.”

  Madeline took his hand back. “Don’t. You’re right. I need to know how I feel before I decide. Regardless of what I can do, here or back home, if I do love you it should be part of my decision.”

  Jode became very still. “Are you agreeing that we should court?”

  “Yes. If I love you, then I love you. I warn you though; I am not going to be an easy person to court.”

  “I would have it no other way.” Jode placed a kiss on her hand. “Now that we are courting, we should not be alone together. I will speak to Arabela, and she will find us an appropriate chaperon.”

  He kissed her hand again and walked towards the center of the camp. As she watched him leave, Madeline felt an unfamiliar peace and warmth wrap around her.

  “That didn’t really work the way I intended. If I’d known he would leave I would have decided no,” she muttered.

  She stretched her arms above her head then fluffed out her hair. It was completely dry. The warmth from the brazier was dropping as the wood burned into embers, but it was enough to make her drowsy. Taking a ribbon from her pocket, she braided her curls for sleep. A servant arrived to remove the plates and cups. Madeline wished him a goodnight and went through the curtain to bed.

  24

  Jode wandered towards the music that was coming from near the goblin camp. He knew that he would find Simon there, working with the small group of musicians, creating unfamiliar, but pleasant sounds. He felt relaxed despite the difficult day. Madeline agreeing to be courted had lifted a veil of confusion from his mind. Her refusal had been difficult to understand, but it seemed he had underestimated the difference between their two worlds.

  As he walked, he thought about the rules and games of courtship. It would be difficult to follow the normal process while they were on the quest. He laughed as he realized there would be less difficulty because of the quest than there would be without it. Madeline’s attention was on her task, not on his actions. Her expression when he said they needed a chaperon was probably a good indication that he was going to find out a lot more about her culture than he already had.

  “Sir Jode,” Yorr called as the band played the closing notes to a sweet tune. “Join us. We are in need of your voice.”

  “Hey, Jode,” Simon said turning away from the flute player, Dass, Jode believed was her name. “Good timing. We need a neutral opinion to help us make a choice.”

  “What choice will that be?”

  “The choice of name for the band.” Simon drew Jode into the center of the six band members. “We have three options. Tell us which you think is best.”

  “I will try to assist.”

  “I favor the name Flight of Song,” Asla said.

  “The Goblin Army,” Buck and Urr said at the same time.

  “And the third name?” Jode asked. “I must hear all before I suggest the decision.”

  “The Pathfinders,” Simon said. “It’s the name of my original band back home.”

  “All are excellent choices.” Jode stalled. “Flight of Song is an uplifting name, and describes clearly some of the music I have had the pleasure of hearing.”

  Asla smiled. “Thank you. I think then we have our name.”

  “Ah,” Jode said. “But Goblin Army is a strong name and will serve you well throughout the life of your band.” Urr and Buck slapped each other on the back and started to play their instruments. “No.” Jode waved them back. “It seems to me that Pathfinders is also an excellent name, it describes your journey bringing new music to the land.”

  “So, which one should we choose?” Yorr asked. “It must be one we can use forever. Our name should reflect our position as the first band playing the new music.”

  “May I offer a fourth option?”

  “Sure,” Simon replied. “Anything that helps us get going would be great.”

  “It seems to me you were formed simply because Sir Simon was brought here to help fulfill the quest. If he had not come, there would be no new music.”

  “True,” Zora said. “Our name should reflect that.” The other band members nodded agreement.

  “Then your name should be the Questers or the New Questers.”

  “It’s not bad.” Simon said. “If we were in the other world we would be a folk music band, but we’re cross genre and in a whole different world, so why not?”

  “The New Questers,” Yorr said. “Yes, the New Questers. It sounds right. It feels right.”

  “Then so be it,” Asla said. “Sir Jode, would you sing for us again tonight? We miss your voice in our music.”

  “Guys,” Simon said before Jode could answer. “Practice the last few songs while I chat with Jode about that. We’ll just sit over here.”

  Here was a couple of boxes set on end as temporary seating. The six band members returned to the circle of instruments and plucked, sawed, and blew them to test the tuning. Then Yorr counted off uno, due, tre, the piano started, and a deep violin sound joined in. Then Asla’s voice floated out of the music, the hours grow shorter as the days go by.

  “That is an interesting tune,” Jode said sitting down. “What is it called?”

  “Lovers in a Dangerous Time,” Simon said. “It needs a male voice. Like most of this music, it’s written from a man’s point of view.”

  “An interesting coincidence,” Jode muttered.

  “What?” Simon turned from watching the band. “Hey, what’s up? You look more relaxed than I’ve seen you for days.”

  “Lady Madeline has given me permission to court her, and we travel in a dangerous time.” Jode’s voice was matter of fact, but Simon could see a light shining from his eyes.

  “I’m not sure that would relax me.” Simon laughed. “You be careful.”

  “I was hoping you could advise me on the finer points of courtship in your world,” Jode said. “I do not wish to simply approach this from my customs. I believe I would be more successful if I included some familiar courtship rituals.”

  Simon slapped Jode on the arm. “I’m sorry. I know that look. You’re already lost so there’s no hope of talking sense into you.”

  “I can only hope you are wrong,” Jode said. “I’m not used to this feeling of uncertainty. I usually know exactly what to do.”

  “Get used to feeling uncertain. The only advice I can give you is treat her like she has a brain. She won’t appreciate you protecting her, or fawning over her.”

  “This is not new information.” Jode shrugged. “How do you court such women in your old world?”

  “It’s not about how things work in the old world. Madeline is different. She’s going to give you a challenge, not because she plans it, but because she is terrified of commitment. I think the best advice is to find something that makes you happy outside your relationship.”

  “Yes.” Jode sighed. “What would you suggest?”

  “We need a singer.” Simon grinned. “I saw you the other night. You loved being in the band. What’s the problem?”

  “I am not able to travel with your band of musicians. I have duties.”

  “I’m sure Arabela will release you after the quest.”

  “It’s not that.” Jode shook his head. “I am with Lady Arabela because I choose to be not because she commands me. I have other obligations. And, if I am successful, I will have a wife to tend to.”

  “You might want to avoid using that expression with her.”

  “I do not understand.”

  Simon shook his head. “She is not going to want to be tended to.”

  “You know what I mean, surely.” Jode frowned.

  “Yes,”
Simon said. “But she won’t. You must have noticed that she is sensitive about anything that might make her feel dependent.”

  Jode laughed. “This is very much like trying to walk silently through dead leaves. I take your point.”

  “Madeline will not be happy if you give up something you love for her,” Simon said returning to the subject of Jode’s occupation. “She will find her own interests if she stays. You’ll need to have your own too, or she’ll make you crazy.”

  “She has spoken to you of plans for a future here? That is wonderful. She is not set against this world.”

  “Yes, she has thought of a few things, but don’t get your hopes up. She’s thinking of making a change even if she goes home.” Simon saw hope drain out of Jode’s face.

  “I would prefer to have fallen in love with someone who has fewer decisions to make. It feels as though I again have no certainty, no way to step forward.”

  “Look, she hasn’t decided as far as I know. If you sit around waiting for her to decide, you’ll probably drive her to go back. I’m telling you, you need to find something to do. Join the band, man.”

  “I will join with the New Questers,” Jode agreed. “I only commit for the time we have in our journey and when I am not training Lady Madeline, or serving Lady Arabela.”

  “Fair enough.” Simon pulled papers from his pockets. “Here’re the words to the songs they know so far. We’ll run through them tonight. I’m thinking we might have a concert to celebrate our victory. So, you need to be ready.”

  Jode flipped through the sheets of paper. There were more than twenty songs. “Very well, we should get started.”

  “Yep, and, Jode.” Simon paused.

  “Yes, Sir Simon?”

  “You might want to check with Madeline if she wants to hear the Lady stuff. Her answer might be no. You can drop the Sir with me.” Simon walked to the band members and waved them to stop playing.

  Jode followed, reading through the words on the pages.

  25

  The morning brought a fine rain that seemed to hang in the air rather than fall. Madeline rose with the sound of the camp stirring. She stretched the kinks out of her arms and back, and then dressed quickly, looking forward to her training session. Alice, or someone, had placed bread and honey on the stool. A mug of caf steamed beside the plate.

  Madeline took a slice of the bread and spread the thick, almost black, honey on it before hurrying out, sword belted, knife bundle tucked into the belt. The area in front of the tents was empty, but people were hurrying to break camp. She ran to the practice ground and saw Kapeni waiting for her.

  “Good morning,” the Eldman said. “I have brought your cloak. It is good that you will get a chance to practice with that encumbrance.”

  Madeline put the last bite of breakfast in her mouth and chewed as she took the offered cloak. “Good morning, Kapeni,” she said undoing the ties then wrapping the cloak around her damp shoulders. “Is Sir Jode not joining us for practice?”

  “He has other duties this morning. He asks me to tell you he will wait until you are ready to ride out. You are to meet him and Asla at the paddock after practice. The others will have ridden ahead.”

  “We had better get on with it, then. I don’t want to keep anyone from their ride today.”

  The two worked through sword movements until Madeline was able to pull, thrust, and defend without entangling the blade in her cloak.

  “Until you are stronger, I suggest you slit the cord on your cloak and let it fall if you find yourself in a fight. It is better to be cold and wet than to be impaled because you were unable to draw your blade,” he said. “Now, join Sir Jode. You can practice your knife throwing when you stop for luncheon.”

  She thanked him, turning to go to the stable area. Madeline saw Jode and Asla, standing at the edge of the space holding three horses.

  “The stables were being packed while we waited so we decided to join you,” Jode said handing her the reins for Glory. The roan shook herself and snorted. She was clearly ready to get going.

  “Thank you,” Madeline said, vaulting into the saddle. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

  “Not at all, your training is the most important thing. We will catch the others before they reach the village and still be able to finish training.” Jode helped the Asla onto her saddle, and then mounted his own horse. “Asla has kindly agreed to join us today as our chaperon.”

  Madeline turned, shook hands with the scaled woman, and then followed Jode at a walk until they reached the road. The way was wide enough for three horses. Asla rode between them, ensuring her duties as chaperon were fulfilled.

  “I would like to learn this method of mounting a horse that you use,” Asla said. “It seems much more useful than waiting for someone to assist you.”

  “Sure, as soon as we stop I’ll teach you.” Madeline leaned around Asla to speak to Jode. “Why is my training so important?”

  “It is the only thing we can do to prepare you for your task.”

  “But you don’t know what I’m supposed to do,” Madeline said, and then brightened. “Unless, you have more information?”

  “No,” Jode answered. “There are other things we could do to prepare you if we had more time. But since we do not have that luxury, the skill that seems to be easiest for you is use of sharp instruments.”

  “You should be happy that is all you have time for,” Asla said. “If they had time to develop your magical talent, yes, Jode, we know she has some kind of talent,” she said acknowledging Jode’s raised eyebrow. “Anyway, if they had time to do that, you would be fasting and meditating not riding out on this beautiful day.”

  Madeline looked around her. The trees dripped with the misty rain that still fell. Her cloak had gained five pounds with the weight of the water. The horse’s legs were spattered with mud from the road. There were no birds singing, no buzzing insects. The world had closed in on itself in a gray, wet, quiet blanket. “I haven’t heard irony before in this world,” she commented.

  “What is irony?” Asla asked. “I do not recognize the word.”

  “It’s a form of humor.” Madeline racked her brain for the dictionary definition. “It’s saying one thing, but meaning another. Like when you said, it’s is a beautiful day.”

  “But,” Asla said. “I meant that, do you not enjoy the weather?”

  “Asla’s people come from a desert area,” Jode said. “Any day when water falls from the sky is a beautiful day to her.”

  “I guess that makes sense.” Madeline laughed. “I come from a place with much the same weather as this. We call it a rainforest environment. It rains a lot.”

  “A paradise then.” Asla sighed. “But, I suppose that I would find it less beautiful if it rained more often. I must admit it is quite cold.”

  “Uh huh,” Madeline agreed tired of the subject of the weather. “How do you know Jode?”

  “Lady Asla is part of a musical group that I have been spending time with,” Jode said.

  “Yes, Sir Jode has been singing with our group, the New Questers. He has a beautiful voice. We are lucky to have him with us.”

  “Sounds like something Simon would like to be involved in.” Madeline thought back to her discussions with Simon about his musical background.

  “Indeed,” Asla said. “He brought us together and gives us wonderful new music to perform.”

  “Oh man.” Madeline rolled her eyes. “Simon has set up a rock band?”

  “I do not know what rocks have to do with it,” Jode said.

  “No.” Madeline waved her hand to dismiss the thought. “A different meaning of the word. I knew he was working with musicians at the castle, but not that he’d gone so far as to form a band.”

  “Further, perhaps than you imagine.” Asla looked sideways at Jode. “Sir Jode is considering joining our group after the quest.”

  “No,” Jode said. “I have not promised anything. I may not be free to decide that.”

/>   “In my world,” Madeline said looking over at Jode who was blushing. “Musicians are considered to be the most desirable of men.”

  “It is so here, also,” Asla said. “In fact, many women will actually lock their daughters in their rooms when a roving group of musicians arrives.”

  “Yes, we have that expression too.” Madeline giggled. “Lock up your daughters, though most parents would not actually do it.”

  Jode coughed, his face deepening in color. “I would not take advantage of a young woman. Lady Madeline, please believe me I am an honorable man.”

  Asla and Madeline burst in to laughter at his obvious discomfort. “I believe you,” Madeline was finally able to say.

  “I am sure that is true,” Asla added.

  “Are you really interested in doing this, this singing in a band?” Madeline was surprised that Jode would consider such a different life from the obviously respectable and responsible one of knight.

  “Yes,” Jode said. “But it is not my decision alone. As my betrothed you would expect me to maintain a respectable position in society.”

  “Hold on. I don’t remember agreeing to a betrothal.”

  “No,” Jode answered quickly. “That is not what I meant. I meant if you were to become my betrothed.”

  “Wait,” Asla jumped in. “Are you implying that my profession is not respectable?”

  “Ladies.” Jode held up a hand in surrender. “It appears I have been clumsy in my words. Musician is a very respectable and valued profession. I would be proud to count you as one of my close friends, Lady Asla. You are welcome as a guest in my home whenever you wish to grace us with your presence.” Asla smiled and nodded her acceptance of his apology. “And, Lady Madeline, I would not make such a decision without consulting the woman I have given my heart to. Regardless of whether you are my betrothed or not, you still hold that heart.”

  “Very pretty,” Asla said. “Lady Madeline, how can you not be charmed by this man?”