The Prodigy Slave, Book One: Journey to Winter Garden: (Revised Edition 2020)

by Londyn Skye

  “Yes.” She stopped and turned around just as she was about to sit down again at the piano. As soon as she looked at James, she could tell by his face that something was bothering him.

  “You have a guest here to see you.”

  “To see me?”

  “That’s what he said.”

  “Oh, okay. Where is he?”

  “He’s in William’s den.”

  Lily stopped before she left the library and put her hand on James’s shoulder. “You alright? I can tell somethin’s botherin’ you. Do you wanna talk about it?”

  “Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. You have a guest waitin’,” he coldly replied, still aggravated by Elijah.

  “You can’t stop me from worryin’ about you, so whoeva’ he is, he can wait. We can sit and talk for a minute if you need to,” Lily insisted.

  “I said I’m fine!” he barked. “Go on to your meeting!”

  Lily scoffed, snatched her hand off his shoulder, and looked at him like he was insane. Annoyed by his unwarranted outburst, she shook her head and hastily walked away.

  James ran his hands through his hair, instantly angry at himself for taking his frustrations out on her. “Lily, I’m sorry!” he yelled to her as she stormed off, but she never turned around to acknowledge him.

  Lily arrived in William’s den to the sight of a tall, skinny, brown-eyed man, with sandy blonde hair, sitting in an arm chair, speaking with William as he sat at his desk. By his lavish clothing, she could tell that he was someone important. “Hello, James says you’re here to see me,” she said to him.

  Her guest immediately stood and smiled as he made his way over to her. “Oh yes, Hello. My name is Landon.”

  “Hello, I’m…”

  “Lily,” Landon finished. “Ms. Lily … Umm, I’m sorry, but I don’t know your last name.”

  “Adams,” James interjected.

  Lily looked over at James, who was standing in the doorway. He answered for her to spare her the embarrassment of explaining that she had no last name, at least that was how he justified it in his mind. It was the first time Lily was hearing of any such thing. She stared at James a moment after his statement and then went along with his lie.

  “Ahh, Ms. Lily Adams! It’s lovely to finally meet you!” Landon said, sounding truly delighted to officially know her. He then lifted the back of her hand and kissed it gently.

  “Thank you. Nice to meet you too,” she replied, looking at him a bit strangely after his very formal greeting.

  “It is truly an honor to be meeting with you this evening. I read the article about you in the paper this morning and…”

  “Article?” Lily asked, looking over at William and James in confusion.

  James instantly felt his anger flare up again. He knew he had no right to be mad at Landon for mentioning the newspaper story, so he bit his tongue and silently prayed that the day’s influx of aggravations would eventually cease. He then cowardly turned his head, not wanting to divulge his knowledge of the article. Fortunately, Lily did not press further about the subject.

  “Yes, I can’t help but wonder if it’s true?” Landon continued. “What the paper said about your ability to replay music? After hearing it only once, I mean?”

  Lily looked over at James again to see if he would explain why he had not told her about the article. When he just continued to stare out the window, she turned her attention back to Landon. “Yessa’, that’s true.”

  “How do you accomplish this?”

  “It’s the way I first learned to play. I’d have to memorize everything I heard. Guess it’s just somethin’ that stuck afta’ all these years.”

  “Simply astonishing. That’s certainly a feat I’d love to see,” Landon replied, looking at Lily in disbelief.

  “But I much prefer to create my own music,” Lily explained. “I appreciate the gift that God gave me to memorize music, but there ain’t no greata’ feelin’ than bringin’ what I hear in my head to life.”

  “God deprived me of any musical talent, so I’ll have to take your word for it,” Landon joked. “Well, anyway, William tells me that I’ve caught you both just before your rehearsal together, so my apologies for the interruption. But I was hoping I could speak with you about your show, if you don’t mind?”

  Lily curiously stared at Landon. She then turned to look at James and William, who both stood there silently, wanting her to make her own decisions. Her curiosity ultimately made the choice for her. “We can talk about whateva’ you want, but only if William and James can stay,” she finally answered, not wanting to be alone with a stranger.

  “But of course,” Landon agreed. He then took her hand and guided her to a sofa nearby, allowing her to sit first before joining her. “I guess I’ll begin with just a little insight about myself, Ms. Adams, if I may.”

  Lily nodded her head for him to proceed.

  “When I was just a small boy, back home in Germany, my father began taking me to symphonies quite regularly. I’ve honestly lost count of how many I’ve seen over my lifetime. I used to enjoy them in the beginning, but now you’d be lucky to find me awake by the third or fourth song. By then my snoring is resonating in the theater along with the orchestra,” he joked.

  His comment finally got Lily to smile.

  “Don’t get me wrong, I have an appreciation for fine music, but for decades now, it seems there has been nothing but the same old dull, redundant style of music. Many people simply try to emulate such greats as Mozart or Beethoven, and even our dear William here,” Landon said, motioning his hand toward him. “During the countless symphonies I’ve attended, I had yet to hear anyone step outside of the molds they have created.” Landon got up and walked over to the window that faced the stage. “Until I sat in the second row, just on the corner there in that amphitheater … and heard you,” he said, turning back to look at Lily. “What my eyes and ears were witnessing was unlike anything I’ve ever seen or heard before. This, I can tell you after having been to dozens of symphonies all over the world. You, your music, and the brilliance of those dancing shadows, made me feel as though I was dreaming the most unforgettable dream. As a man, I would not usually dare to admit this. But, instead of being lulled to sleep by a show … I was moved to tears.”

  Landon walked back over to the sofa and sat down next to Lily again. “Ms. Adams, I have had the great fortune to see a lot in my life, and I readily admit that it has caused me to be a man who is not easily impressed by anything anymore. I now only seem to be drawn to things that absolutely command my attention and respect. And trust me, there are very few things that would motivate me to happily expend my money, and more importantly, my valuable time to attend. I have seen your show not once, but twice. So, I hope that serves as a clear indication about whether or not I felt it was a spectacle worthy enough to be placed at the very top of my incredibly short list of things that are worth my time and money. And if that is not a clear enough indication then let me further explain that, despite missing the comforts of my home in Europe, I have chosen to forgo my chance to depart. I have made this choice solely because I was so moved by what I had the opportunity to see just outside that window there. And so, instead of sitting on a cruise ship at this very moment and sailing the seas back home, you and your unforgettable symphony have motivated me to stay and sit here before you now, so that I may extend what I hope you will consider as a very valuable invitation.”

  “What sort of invitation?” Lily asked.

  “An invitation to allow me to help you in a way that I have, selfishly, never bothered to help any other in my life.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, my guess is that you have much more buried in that genius mind of yours. More you’d love to do with your show? Elements you’d love to add? And perhaps many other places and people you’d love to share your music with?”

  “Yes, of course … so much more.”

  “I’m positive that I can help you then.”

  “Your words
are so gracious; believe me they are. To know that my show could eva’ touch somebody the way it’s touched you, inspires me to wanna give even more of myself to my music, but…” Lily paused and looked over at William and James. “What could you possibly do for me that they haven’t done already?”

  Landon glanced over at both men as well and then turned his attention back to Lily. “Ms. Adams, I hope that you don’t take what I’m about to say the wrong way. That amphitheater is certainly beautiful, but incredibly small in comparison to many of the grand theaters I’ve had the opportunity to attend, which I’m sure William can also attest to. The magnificent visual imagery that you’ve created should be presented on the sort of stages that will allow your ideas to flourish to their full capacity. Your show should also be able to expand inside of theaters that will be able to accommodate the massive audiences that will undoubtedly be drawn to see you. And a show as remarkable as yours deserves to reach far beyond the gates of William’s estate.”

  “So, what’re you sayin’?” Lily further questioned.

  “I’m saying that I want nothing more than to take any and all limitations away from you, to tear down every obstacle in front of you, and allow you to let your dreams continue to grow in places you may have never imagined.”

  Lily was silent for a moment. She looked over at William and James again while she questioned Landon’s sincerity. She then turned back and looked him in the eyes. “With all due respect, sa’, it sounds like you’re eitha’ sellin’ me a dream, or wantin’ to sell me out to make money.”

  “I understand your skepticism.”

  “I don’t need you to unda’stand it,” Lily quickly replied. “I just need you to give me a good reason why I shouldn’t be skeptical about you or any ‘a this.”

  Landon paused and gazed at Lily, thoroughly enjoying the fact that she was not so easily swayed by his usual charms. A woman with confidence, boldness, intelligence, blended with unique physical features, was a combination Landon was rarely graced with in his young life. It instantly deepened his intrigue and respect for Lily. “I see that your brilliance stretches far beyond just that of music,” he said, smiling devilishly. “You will most certainly go far in this business with your mindset,” he said confidently. His voice then suddenly took on a more serious tone. “Ms. Adams, I will be more than happy to explain to you in detail anything that you desire, and I will most certainly do all that I can to prove myself to be loyal and worthy of your trust. But for now, in hopes of putting the fire of your skepticism out, let’s just say that I am a man who has the power and the money to make men part the seas for you if I wanted. It’s not a power that I use for anyone, unless I’m compelled, convinced, and captivated by someone … like I am by you. It’s not money I need, so I would never waste my time selling dreams or selling out someone who has warmed a heart as ice cold as mine. Anyone who possesses the sort of ability to touch me in that way is a rare and precious gift in my eyes, and certainly the last person I would ever wish to bring any harm to. In fact, it’s a rare and precious treasure that I would love to help share with the world.” Landon let the room fall silent in hopes that his words had a chance to resonate with everyone.

  “It’s my best guess that because of your life circumstances it’s rare that you’ve been able to truly trust anyone,” Landon continued after a moment. “And I understand that these two gentlemen have stood by you after proving they were worthy of your trust and that your loyalties lie with them for all they’ve done. But just consider this one last thing…” Landon glanced in William’s direction. “William’s power lies in creating, teaching, and mentoring you in music, whereas my power lies in clearing the path in whatever treacherous forest you choose to travel in.” He took hold of Lily’s hand. “If you let me be a part of this journey with you, I assure you that you will quickly learn how truly loyal I can be to you as well. I will make certain that it is a decision you will never regret. William and James have certainly helped you to take off, but if you give me a chance, I swear I will move heaven and hell to help you soar to unbelievable heights.”

  * * * *

  Lily sat on the porch swing with William, resting her head on his shoulder long after their intense meeting with Landon earlier in the day. They swayed slowly with the sweet smell of William’s pipe enveloping the air, sipping lemonade from time to time as they talked. The little ritual had become their nightly tradition after dinner and long rehearsals. It was in these moments that William often dove into the lighthearted and funny, nostalgic stories that Lily loved so much about his life in Great Britain. After yet another tale in the saga of his life on this evening, though, William could sense that Lily’s mind had quickly strayed to other things, which was evident by her sudden question.

  “William, have you eva’ been afraid of anything before?”

  “Well, of course. Let’s see, there was the time that my brother and I were supposed to be part of a wedding when we were just five and six years old. Being the antsy little boys we were, we just had to do something to pass the time. So, we decided just before the ceremony to play hide and seek. I was always so good at that game. I’d sometimes have my brother searching for a half hour or more, sometimes until he was in tears fearing that he’d truly lost me,” William laughed. “So of course, wedding ceremony or not, I had to maintain my reputation as the greatest hider in all of Great Britain. Sooo, I got the wise idea to hide … in a chimney.”

  “William, you didn’t!”

  “With a white suit on.”

  “Dear Lord!” Lily began laughing hysterically.

  “Oh, it gets worse. My brother, to his credit, had learned to look for me in the oddest of places by then. He slithered his way into the chimney too, confident that he’d find me there … in his white suit.”

  Lily dropped her head in her hands as she continued laughing at William’s childhood stupidity.

  “Just as you are now, my brother and I were laughing, having a jolly old time … until my mother found us just minutes before the ceremony, covered from head to toe in soot! The way she snatched us by our scrawny little necks, I was truly afraid it was going to be my last day on earth,” William laughed.

  “I sho’ can’t blame yo’ mama. I’d‘ve whooped both ‘a y’all good,” Lily teased.

  “Oh, trust me, she did!” William laughed. “But somehow I know you’re not asking me if I was ever afraid of anything because you wanted to hear another one of my foolish boyhood tales.”

  “Your stories aren’t foolish, William. I always look forward to hearin’ ’em.”

  “Come now, tell me what’s really eating away at your mind.”

  Lily let out a breath, stood up, and walked over to the porch railing. “It’s just that … well, my whole life I ain’t neva’ had to make any real decisions ’bout my own welfare. I ain’t been no different than a horse just doin’ whateva’ I’s told. But now, here I am,” she said, staring out at the amphitheater, “havin’ life alterin’ decisions laid at my feet. And these decisions not only affect me but nearly everybody around me. And I’d be lyin’ if I said that didn’t make me a lil’ afraid to decide what’s best.”

  “Lily?”

  She turned to face William and saw him patting the seat next to him. She hesitantly joined him again.

  “In my whole life, I’ve never met another as intelligent and wise as you. And please do not think that I mean only within the boundaries of your color or your gender. I genuinely mean of anyone I have ever met. And I have known a great many people over my lifetime. I have realized in my short time knowing you that you possess a rare and precious instinctive wisdom, musically. Effortlessly, you always seem to know just what to do. I have seen you grow more and more confident day after day in your own ability to expand on the elements of your music, the dancing, the theatrics, and the show as a whole. It is awe-inspiring to watch from my old eyes. But even more precious than that, you carry that same instinct into your everyday life.” William took hold of Lily’s
hand. “You just don’t realize it yet. You don’t see it the way that I have or in the way that James clearly has. You move people in a way that you aren’t even aware. You seem to know, without even trying, how to make everyone feel a sense of importance in your presence. It is that rare instinctive nature that you were born with that allows you to touch so many people in that special way.

  “So, Lily, I have every bit of confidence in you that you will always know exactly what to do, be it with music, or when making decisions that could be life altering. Your ability to make the right move is there, but you’ve yet to grow the confidence to let it guide you without questioning it the way you have musically. Somehow, I know it speaks to you now … Listen,” William paused and patted Lily’s hand. “Just listen. Soon the voices of fear will begin to fade into silence. Then, and only then, will you hear how loudly the voices of reason are speaking.”

  Soothed by William’s words, Lily said nothing in response. Instead, she drew her legs up into the porch swing and laid her head back down on William’s shoulder. William usually would have continued to entertain her with his childhood tales, the way Lily always wanted, but on this evening he was silent. He put his pipe back in his mouth with one hand and put the other around Lily. He then pushed back on the wooden planks beneath his feet to start a gentle swaying motion in the swing and said not another word, in hopes of allowing Lily the opportunity to “just listen.”

  The sound of crickets and croaking frogs in the distance soon increased in volume, as the sky darkened, and the stars illuminated the crystal-clear night. After Lily and William had swayed together for a while, he turned and found her fast asleep. He brushed her hair aside, and just as he would have with his own child, he innocently kissed her forehead, silently hoping that her dreams were just as beautiful to her as she was to him.