Strings of Chance (The Ballad of Bards and Bastards Book 1) Read online

  By then, the four women had become seven, including another with a man obviously watching. This still gave him a good selection though and he made his choice. He was about to make his move when he was approached by one of the men who had been eyeballing him as lustily as the ladies. He was an older man, wearing clothing that would cost more than the ample yield in Edson's hat.

  “You sing really well,” the man said. “I have a proposition for you, if you can spare me a few minutes.”

  “I'm sorry, sir,” Edson replied. His choice was leaving. It turned out she had actually had a watcher too. Four remained though, including the others without men. “I only play for the ladies.”

  “You misunderstand my intentions,” the man said. “I want you to sing in my hall. I was searching the streets for a replacement for the man scheduled to sing tonight. He was found dead in his bed. It seems he drank himself to death.”

  “Where is this hall?” Edson didn't both asking the dead singer's name. Other than Alwin, he had never met another minstrel he liked.

  “Three blocks south of the university. Tabara Hall.”

  “I know the place,” Edson said. Alwin had played there two years back. Edson had managed to get about ten minutes alone in the hall and had been impressed by the acoustics. There were less than a dozen places he would rather play. “What's the pay?”

  “Five mensers and a twentieth of the night's proceeds.”

  Edson would've done it for free. If he had to, he might have paid the five mensers for the chance, but he would gladly take the pay. Between his full hat and this windfall, he would spend the rest of the festival in the finest inns. Only two of the four ladies remained when he finished the negotiations, but they were without watchers. He smiled and offered an arm to each of them. His smile grew when they both took him up on the offer.

  * * *

  “Carry my heart, wherever you go,

  And I'll carry yours as well.

  Open your heart, let your love flow,

  For I have already fell.”

  Edson plucked his citole softly. He hated this song. The pathetic number was one of his few attempts at a love song. The audience was eating it up though. Tabara Hall was full to capacity. Somehow, word had spread of Edson's performance in the streets, and he was seen as a potential challenger to the favorites fighting for the championship. Braden and his tricks seemed to be real. It could still be a coincidence, but Edson didn't care. The results were the same.

  “Dance with me now, and for evermore,

  And I'll save my dances for you.

  Sing my song, let loose your roar,

  I shall let loose mine too.”

  He recognized a few people in the audience. Evan Trefry, owner of the Amber Stallion, which was one of the better taverns in Vonst. A gig there would secure Edson's spot on the listings. Kodran Novius was a well-known bard and was Alwin's biggest rival. He glared at Edson with nearly as deep of a scowl as he typically offered Alwin. The man hated competition. Aileen Sager was married to the patriarch of a wealthy family. She was known for chasing and sleeping with any renown bard. Either she was here in pursuit of Kodran, or Edson had truly arrived. He wanted no part of Aileen though. There was a reason she was the one doing the pursuing.

  “Join me, my dear, for all of time,

  And I'll give you my love.

  Hold my hand, listen to my rhyme,

  It's you that I'm singing of.”

  The audience was swooning! He rarely even played this song but had wanted to mix in something for the noble ladies in the crowd. Their reaction to this crap was all the proof he needed. Braden's tricks had worked! Edson would be the most famous singer in all of Elraon. All of his dreams were coming true, and it had only cost him four bottles of wine. The fortune teller had mentioned an additional price, but Edson wasn't worried. There wasn't much he wouldn't do to make his dreams become reality. For that, he would even consider a tryst with Aileen.

  He followed this with another love song. This one was much better and captured the audience completely. Aileen's hungry eyes watched him through the whole song, not once swaying toward Kodran. Edson was definitely the prey tonight. He surveyed the room, noting all the exits. He would do anything possible not to come close to her. Being rude to her wasn't an option, for her husband had a lot of influence. Avoiding her would be the best tactic.

  Edson's next song was livelier. This seemed to please most of the audience, but there were a few calls for more love songs. The problem was that he didn't have any more of his own. No longer believing in love made it hard to write such songs, and he wouldn't play anything other than originals in this set. After bringing up the tempo, he began introducing his bawdier tunes. These brought everyone to their feet and soon had them singing along. Aileen's eyes remained locked on Edson though, and escape was beginning to look unlikely.

  * * *

  “She followed me for three blocks,” Edson said. Alwin laughed. The two of them were sitting on the balcony of his suite, which was provided by the Cadmara Hall. That was where Alwin was playing for the rest of the festival. “I thought I was caught for sure. She moves much faster than I expected.”

  “Just take the plunge,” Alwin said. “She wasn't so bad. Of course, we were much younger then. We both paid a price for our tryst, though I didn't learn of it until later. I'd do it again though, without a second thought.”

  “I'll take your word for it,” Edson replied. He had a room at the Tabara Hall as part of his pay. Aileen was stalking the place though, and Edson had barely managed to sneak away. It was all a game to her, but he wasn't in the mood for playing. “I'm hoping someone else attracts her eye. I don't want to lose this chance because I'm too busy running from her.”

  “It never hindered you when I was pursuing you.”

  “That was different. With you, it was playful. Even though you were persistent, you still left the choice up to me. That isn't the case with Aileen. She'd take me whether I want it or not. You'd never do that.”

  “Don't think I never considered it,” Alwin said. Edson couldn't tell if he was joking or not. “She won't give up as easily as I did. Unless another unknown singer comes out of nowhere, you'll be her target for the rest of the Challenge. My advice is to get it over with. She'll catch you eventually anyway. Especially now that you'll be playing the Amber Stallion.”

  “She'll find someone else more interesting,” Edson replied. The offer for a gig at the Stallion had come in after his show at Tabara Hall. Having such a prominent gig meant Alwin was likely right, but Edson would go down fighting. “At first, I thought she was there for Kodran.”

  “They have their history as well. Keep your eye out for that one. He's as malicious as they come and wouldn't hesitate to shove a knife in your back now that you're a threat. He's tried to get me a few times.”

  “I know. I was there for a couple of them. I'm not a threat though. It's a miracle that I've gotten as far as I have. Someone probably heard that you trained me. It'll still come down to the two of you, but Kodran doesn't have a chance. This is your year.”

  “Perhaps,” Alwin replied as he filled both of their wine glasses. He had never been one to boast and would probably celebrate a loss as much as a victory—as long as Kodran didn't win. Alwin would be miserable if that were to happen. “I've seen strange things happen here before though. You aren't the first one to rise up from nowhere. I've seen unknown singers take the prize more than a few times and nearly did so myself when I was young. Maybe you'll be one of those. Just be careful. Kodran is a treacherous man. Sleep with your knives handy.”

  * * *

  Edson's head was pounding. He had managed to make it back to his room after drinking most of the night with Alwin, only departing when his mentor's level of drunkenness brought his flirting passed harmless play. Edson had watered his wine when they had traveled together to avoid such situations. As he awoke, he realized that his head wasn't the problem: someone was pounding on his door. Had Aileen found him? He
got up and answered it. A pair of men from the city watch waited outside.

  “Are you Edson Pye?” one of them asked. The other just stood there looking intimidating. Aileen might be less troublesome.

  “I am,” Edson replied. “Is there something I can do for you?”

  “We're to bring you in for questioning.”

  “Why's that?”

  “They didn't tell us,” the guard replied. The other one remained silent. What questions could they have? He hadn't stolen anything since cutting the woman's purse strings. Had she recognized him at one of his shows? Would they send guards over such a petty matter? “I'm sure it's nothing important.”

  “Let's get this over with then,” Edson said. There was no way he was going to escape, even if he wanted to try. They knew who he was, so running would only prolong the inevitable. “I'm always willing to help the city watch.”

  Four additional guards fell in with the others, and they led Edson through the city. They hadn't restrained him but kept a tight circle around him as they walked. This was definitely over something more serious than a simple theft. He was taken to a guardhouse and led inside. They brought him to a room, which held a pair of chairs and a small table, then left him there. The door was locked from the outside. A man came in a few minutes later. He was a big man, with a receding hairline.

  “Please, take a seat,” the man said as he dropped into one of the chairs. Edson did the same in the other. “I have a few questions to ask you in order to clear something up.”

  “That's what the guards said,” Edson replied. A barkeep in Rov had eyes like this man. He had always been able to see through Edson's lies. Some caution might be in order. “I can't imagine what you might have to ask me about, but I'm glad to help.”

  “Wonderful. First off, are you indeed Edson Pye?”

  “In the flesh.”

  “Very good. My name is Brentley Sholl. You can call me Brent though. I've heard that you're quite an entertainer. One of the favorites to win this year. Is this true?”

  “It's true that I'm quite the entertainer, but I don't think I have a chance at winning. Alwin Floyd or Kodran Novius will take the prize. I'm humbled just to be considered.”

  “I've been told that you were trained by Alwin.”

  “Yes,” Edson said. What was this about? The questions seemed to be leading nowhere. “I spent three years as his apprentice. He sent me off on my own last year.”

  “That's unusual. Don't apprentices typically serve for five years or more?”

  “Alwin thought I was ready.”

  “I've also been told that he likes the boys as much as the girls. Was that part of the apprenticeship?”

  “No, although not for lack of him trying.”

  “So, he tried to take advantage of you then?”

  “Not really,” Edson replied casually. Was this guard working with Kodran in some scheme? “He just reminded me often of his interests.”

  “When was the last time you saw him?” Brent leaned in closer.

  “Last night.” Where was this going? “We drank together until the early hours of the morning.”

  “Interesting. Where did you go from there?”

  “Back to my room and to bed. Why?”

  “Because Alwin Floyd was found dead in his bed this morning. He'd been stabbed repeatedly. I think you did it.”

  “What?” Edson tried to stand, but his legs refused to work. A lump formed in his throat and there was no stopping the tears coming from his eyes. Why? How? There was only one person who could be responsible for this. “Why would I do such a thing? Kodran is who you should be talking to. He's been trying to kill Alwin for years.”

  “Perhaps you knew that you couldn't beat your old master.” Brent leaned back, shaking his head.

  “This is ridiculous. Alwin was like a father to me.” The tears stung. They would never sing together again.

  “Tell that to the magistrate,” Brent said smugly as he stood up. He knocked twice on the door. It was opened by a guard. More than a few stood behind him. “Maybe he'll believe you.”

  Edson sat in shock for a few minutes after the door closed. The memories of his apprenticeship to Alwin flooded through his head. He didn't even bother wiping his tears, for they would only be replaced by more. Why Alwin? Why now? Everything pointed to Kodran, for Alwin had no other enemies. Anger began to overwhelm the grief but was eventually replaced by determination. Kodran would not get away with this.

  Songwriters and Soul Suckers

  “Left alone to rot, in a cell I didn't earn,

  Will they string me up or cut off my head?

  Or just tie me to a stake and let me burn?

  I don't know, but I wish they would decide,

  If this is to be my life, I'd rather be dead.

  Instead I sit alone, rotting away from the inside.”

  Edson wished he had his citole. Even more, he wished he was free, but the citole would do a lot to calm his nerves. Keeping a beat by clapping his hands against the cell walls wasn't the same, but he would never remember the words without some sort of rhythm. Not that it mattered. He wasn't likely to ever have a chance to perform again. Even if he did, this wasn't the type of song anyone wanted to hear. He was singing to pass the time and to clear his thoughts more than anything. Kodran had pulled off a masterful stroke, eliminating both of his primary competitors at once. He would win the prize Alwin had coveted and deserved. Somehow that seemed the greatest injustice of all.

  “His prize was stolen, taken away unfairly,

  Will he be avenged? Will there be justice?

  Or will Kodran dance away so happily?

  I don't know, but I wish I could go back,

  If I could, I'd rewrite this midsummer solstice.

  Instead I sit alone, watching my world turn black.”

  The acoustics weren't bad in the cell. He had learned where and how to hit the walls to get each note. This brought back memories of Alwin teaching him those notes. Kodran would pay for this. For all his faults, Alwin had been a kind and dedicated mentor. Edson owed the man more than he owed his own father. That debt would remain open until Kodran faced justice.

  “Kodran thinks he'll get away with this,

  Does he think this cell will bring my death?

  Will he be surprised by my dagger's kiss?

  I don't know, but I wish I could be free,

  If only to witness Kodran's last breath.

  Instead I sit alone, wishing I was anyone but me.”

  “Not one of your better performances,” a woman said, breaking Edson's rhythm and concentration. He turned to find Aileen standing outside of his cell. A guard stood behind her. “Though I share your distaste for Kodran Novius. Do you really think he was involved in murdering poor Alwin?”

  “I would bet my life on it,” Edson replied. “He eliminated his two biggest competitors at once.”

  “He is the favorite to win now.” Aileen had pretty eyes, even if there was a dangerous hunger within them. A sadness too, but she tried to hide that. “Enough about him though. I came here to talk about you. Do you have any witnesses who would speak in your defense?”

  “There isn't really anyone I can think of. I don't remember seeing anyone after I left Alwin's.” He barely remembered leaving, let alone the walk back to his room.

  “I can help, but there's a price.”

  “Are you serious? What's the price? I don't have much.”

  “I think you know what I want.” That hunger in her eyes burned even brighter. “Our game of cat and mouse was amusing, but it comes to an end. I always get what I want in the end.”

  “Alwin said the same thing,” Edson said. That was the last bit of advice he got from his late mentor. “He told me of your night together.”

  “Nights. He was one of my first. We spent three weeks together in my country house.”

  “He didn't tell me that.”

  “I'm sure there were a lot of things he didn't tell you. How about it? Do
we have a deal?”

  “I'll give you what you want if you can get me out of here,” Edson said. He would too. He would match Alwin's three weeks if it would get him out of his cell. “We have a deal.”

  “Very well then,” Aileen replied, turning to the guard. “Open the door. I'll be taking him with me.”

  * * *

  “If I were only ten years younger,” Aileen said. Her head was resting on Edson's chest. She had surprised him more than once during their night together. The experience hadn't been nearly as bad as he had feared. “I'd leave Thomas and run away with you. I see why Alwin liked you so much. He always liked young men with stamina.”

  “He and I were never lovers,” Edson replied. “Not from lack of effort on his part. That just isn't a road I wanted to go down.”

  “You missed out. He was one of the best I've ever had. You remind me of him in some ways.”

  “I'll take that as a compliment.” She had been with all the legends, including Farris Dent, who had been Alwin's mentor. Some called her a kingmaker, for she had been part of the rise of so many famous singers. What might she have looked like in her youth? “Is there any more wine?”

  “Of course.” She handed him the bottle from the nightstand. The taste surprised Edson, even though they had been drinking the same vintage all night. He wasn't used to such quality. Thomas Sager had an impressive cellar. Edson took another drink before offering the bottle to Aileen. She returned it to the nightstand. When she turned back toward him, the hunger was back in her eyes. Had it ever truly left? “Have you another round left in you, or have we finally reached the end of your stamina?”