Songbird (11 page)

Maybe she was more sensitive to it? Her grandmother had told her that sometimes the magic had no effect when people’s hearts were hard. That was one reason the Kalorians had failed against Korban’s army. But Teya’s magic was different, and much more powerful. Even with the restrictions of the
kundar
, she could touch a king’s cruel heart with music and make him cringe with pain.

“That took longer than I thought,” Bran said, sitting beside her. “How’s the food? It sure smells good.” When she didn’t respond right away he stopped what he was doing and gave her his full attention. “What’s going on?”

Teya took a deep breath, hoping she didn’t look as guilty as she felt. “Nothing, I’ve just been thinking. You should have some stew. It’s good.”

She took a few more bites and listened to the singer, giving Bran time to eat his dinner before she spoke. “Did you notice the entertainer?” At Bran’s nod she continued. “What do you think of his singing?” She wanted to know if Bran could tell he used magic.

Bran listened while he ate the last few bites. After a couple of minutes he responded. “He’s got talent. His voice is rich and beautiful, and you feel that his heart is in the song, like it really means something. I would imagine that if you listened closely, his song could touch your heart.”

Teya blinked in surprise. Was that how magic sounded to most people? The way Bran explained it, there was no magic involved. “What do you mean by talent?”

“He’s skilled. He sounds better than most people who sing.”

“Is that what you think when I sing? That I’m talented?”

Bran’s eyes widened. “Are you kidding? I mean, of course you’re talented, I’ve never heard a more beautiful voice in my life, but that doesn’t begin to explain how your music touches everyone who hears it. There’s no doubt you have more to offer than a singer like him.”

“So as far as you can tell, this singer has no magic?”

Bran paused in sudden understanding and once again concentrated on the singer. “If he’s using magic, it’s very subtle, but now that you mention it, maybe he is. The atmosphere in this room is different. The people seem more subdued than when we first came in.”

Teya smiled. Bran recognized it. It just took him a little longer to understand what it was. Either the entertainer only had a limited use of magic, or he was very good at controlling it. “That singer is using magic. He could very well be a Kalorian.”

She knew Bran didn’t want to hear that, but he only sighed. “I suppose you want to check this out.”

“Um...yes. I do.”

He sat back in his chair and took a long drink of ale. “Okay. How about you finish up your dinner, and I’ll make some inquiries about him. Maybe later, when he takes a break, we can ask him to join us.”

Teya’s lips twisted. “Why don’t you just let me talk to him? It would save you a lot of trouble.”

Bran shook his head. “No. We can’t chance it. I want to know more about him first, and it’s not any trouble.”

“All right,” she said, even though she didn’t agree. Bran was probably right, but sitting there doing nothing grated on her.

Bran reached over and placed his hand on top of hers. “I know how much this means to you. But we’ll figure it out together. Okay?”

Warmth flooded over her and she smiled. “Thanks Bran.”

He nodded and left their table. She watched him go, hope burning a hole in her heart. He did care about her, even without the magic. It settled her down enough to turn her attention to the singer. He sang a ballad of lost love, and she quickly lost herself in the song, feeling the pain of the young man who had returned to find his love married to another.

After the last note faded, a smattering of applause broke out and the singer announced he was taking a short break. Teya glanced about for Bran. This was their chance and she didn’t want to miss it. Where was he?

“I couldn’t help noticing that you seemed to enjoy my music. May I join you?”

Teya’s breath caught. The singer stood right in front of her and she hadn’t done a thing. “Um...sure. Please sit down.”

“Thank you,” he said. “I’m Jesse.” Just then, a serving girl set a mug in front of him. He nodded his thanks before turning his attention back to Teya. “Do you have a name?”

“Uh...yes I’m Teya.” She blushed, suddenly unsure of how to talk to this man. Up close, he seemed younger than she first thought, and with his wavy golden hair and penetrating hazel eyes, he was quite handsome.

“Do I know you?” he asked, his brows drawn together. “For some reason you remind me of someone. Are you from around here?”

“Oh...no, I’m from the city.” She hoped that was the right thing to say.

“Ah, well, I’ve never been to the city. They say it’s a beautiful place, and maybe someday I’ll go there, but for now, I’m enjoying the country. Singing is my first love. What makes it even better is that I get paid for it.”

Teya smiled. “You have a beautiful voice.”

“It’s passable, but there are much better.”

“And there are those much worse!” Teya added.

Jesse laughed. “You have a point there. Well, it’s about time I went back. Do you have a favorite song you’d like to hear?”

Teya’s heart leapt, this was her chance. “Yes, do you know ‘Fair Ones’?”

Jesse’s gaze caught hers with a penetrating glance before he shook his head. “I don’t think so, but I’d love to hear it. Would you like to join me up there and sing it?”

She didn’t know what to say. Bran would have a fit if she went up there to sing.

Noting her hesitation, he continued. “I promise no one will bite. Most of them are drunk and won’t care if you mess up a bit, as long as you’re pretty. And you excel in that area.”

“All right,” she gave in. “But you sing some more first. I’ll come up later.”

He smiled and bowed. “Until later then.”

Teya’s heart pounded with something close to fear at what she’d done. Jesse seemed to take it all in stride and began his next set with a rousing jig. A drummer and fiddle player joined him on the stage. Soon, people began to clap and sing along, then a space cleared in front of the stage and couples started dancing. The drummer and fiddler were excellent musicians and sang the harmonies along with Jesse. The music so engaged her, that before she knew it, she tapped her foot and hummed along.

Bran returned to sit beside her and smiled at her enthusiasm. Guilt turned her cheeks red and she quit clapping. “Did you find out anything?” she asked.

“Yes. They’re a group that travels around the towns in this area. Apparently, they’ve been playing together for the last few months. They make quite a bit of money. In fact, the innkeeper said they were in high demand.”

“What does that mean?” she asked.

“It could mean a lot of things.” Bran shrugged. “They’re good, and they’re doing well for themselves. Maybe they have some Kalorian blood in them.”

The tension eased from Teya’s shoulders. Maybe she hadn’t been so stupid after all. If they were Kalorians, she’d know when she sang. And if they weren’t? What was the worst thing that could happen? They’d go their separate ways and that would be the end of it.

“Let’s talk to them after they’re done,” Bran suggested.

“Sure.” Teya nodded, suddenly thirsty and took a drink of ale from her mug. After setting it down, she realized that Jesse’s mug sat on the table and she needed to tell Bran what had happened. She opened her mouth to speak, but with the music so loud, she decided to wait until things calmed down. The liveliness of the crowd kept the beat going for a long time, so Teya sat back and enjoyed it.

At last, the song came to a crescendo and then stopped amid exhausted applause. While the drummer and fiddler put their instruments away, Jesse strummed a few soothing chords and spoke.

“I have a treat for you tonight,” he said, and Teya’s heart raced. She glanced at Bran with alarm, knowing she’d waited too long. “I’ve talked a beautiful woman into sharing a song with us before we finish for the night. She’s from the city, so let’s show her some country hospitality.”

The crowd clapped enthusiastically and Jesse motioned for Teya to join him. “There she is, at that table there. Come on, don’t be shy.”

Teya swallowed under Bran’s incredulous frown, but with the urging of the people around her, she had no choice but to join Jesse on the stage.

“Don’t be frightened,” Jesse whispered, taking her hand and helping her onto the stage. “They’ll love you no matter what.”

Teya couldn’t help the small smile on her lips. He must think her reticence was due to a lack of singing ability. He was in for a surprise. She caught a warning glance from Bran and nodded to reassure him that she understood her precarious position. She wasn’t going to blow it.

“May I?” she motioned to Jesse’s guitar. With surprise, he handed it over. As a child she was taught how to play many instruments, but the guitar was her favorite, and the one instrument the king had allowed her to use.

She took Jesse’s place on the stool and began to pick the strings in a haunting rhythm. An expectant hush fell over the crowd and pulled them to her mastery. When the tension reached its zenith, her clear voice filled the abyss and floated in airy wonder. In a spell woven of magic, she sang softly of a legendary place of beauty and mystery.

Restraining the images and harmonies took skill, but she held back and sang only the simple melody. The clear message touched the hearts of the people with a longing for hearth and home. As the last notes left her mouth a collective sigh escaped the audience, followed by a reverent silence. Then, as if coming from a trance, one by one they burst into appreciative applause.

Teya bowed respectfully and handed the guitar back to Jesse who stared at her with widened eyes. The crowd called for more and Teya tried to leave the stage, but they protested so vehemently that she finally gave in to their demands.

Their behavior disconcerted her, and she wasn’t sure how to handle it. She glanced at Bran for support, knowing she was in over her head, and was surprised to find him coming toward the stage, his lips turned down and his brows drawn together. His expression was so cold and dour that she took a step back without realizing it.

He reached her side and whispered. “Don’t sing again unless you can do so without using magic! It’s too dangerous. For your protection, I’ll stay on the stage, but if anything threatening happens, run to me. Understand?”

Teya swallowed and nodded, frightened at his anger. What had she done? Bran must have sensed danger or he wouldn’t be so upset. She decided to sing something lively and engaging to put everyone in a good mood.

At her urging, Jesse sang the familiar tune with her. The crowd relaxed and soon most everyone joined in with clapping and singing. The next song was like the first, only this time Teya sang harmony, leaving the main focus for Jesse. At the end of the third song Teya was ready to leave the audience in Jesse’s capable hands.

As she moved away, Jesse urgently whispered that he needed to see her. “I’ll come to your room when I’m done.”

Teya didn’t have time to argue, so she just nodded, eager to get off the stage. With Bran at her side, glaring at the crowd, no one dared to approach her, and soon he’d escorted her out of the hall.

“Our room’s up there.” He motioned up the stairs. At the top, he took a key from his pocket. Unlocking the door, he ushered her in. A lamp glowing on the small table lit the empty room, but Bran held her back while he checked the dark corners. Satisfied, he turned to face her. “We have to leave. It’s not safe here.”

“Why? Did you see something?”

“Teya.” He took her by the arms, as if to shake her. “Do you want a
kundar
put back on your neck? There were plenty of people in that crowd who aren’t as stupid as you think. They’re trained to spot magic like yours and make a profit from it.”

“But what about Jesse? He was using magic too.”

“It’s nothing like yours! He’s hardly worth the time. You, on the other hand, are a goldmine. We never should have come here.” Bran paced over to the window and gauged the distance to the ground.

Teya sank to the bed, shivering with dread. Her hands strayed to her throat, remembering all the years spent wearing the
kundar
. She had to find her people, but knew Bran was right. This was not the way. She shouldn’t have sung, and now they were both in danger. A thundering knock sounded at the door and her heart leapt into her throat. Before she could blink, Bran had the gun in his hand.

“It’s me, Jesse. Please let me in. I can help.”

Bran raced to the door in a heartbeat, his gun ready to fire. “What do you want?”

“I came to warn you, but there’s not much of time.” Bran opened the door and scanned the hallway. Satisfied that Jesse was alone, he let him inside, but kept his gun ready.

Jesse eyed Bran’s gun with apprehension, but turned his gaze to Teya. “There are some men down there who want you. I can get you to safety, but we have to leave now.”

“Why are you helping us?” Teya asked.

“Because...you foolish girl. You’re a Kalorian,” he said simply. “And we need to stick together.”

Chapter 5

“There’s a back way out of here, grab your things and let’s go,” Jesse said.

Bran could hardly believe this man, but from Teya’s stunned expression, he knew she did, and his heart sank. Maybe it was true, but it could just as easily be a lie. He wasn’t about to believe him without real proof, but he was right about the men downstairs. Bran had singled them out while Teya was busy singing. If nothing else, Jesse could get them out of the inn, but Bran wasn’t about to trust him.

“Teya?” Bran asked. “Do you believe him?”

“Yes,” she said. “Let him help us.”

With a shiver of misgiving, Bran slid his gun away and gathered the few things he’d brought upstairs. Most of their belongings were still with the horses, but he’d just have to come back and get them later. They followed Jesse down the upstairs hallway to the other side of the building. A door at the end of the hall opened to an outside staircase and soon they were in an alleyway between the buildings.

Jesse motioned for them to follow, but Bran stopped. “That’s far enough. I can get us out of here now.”

Jessie’s eyes widened and a shadow crossed his features. “All right, but go quickly.”

“Wait,” Teya said, a restraining hand on Bran’s arm. “I don’t want to go until I’ve had a chance to talk to him.” She turned to Jesse. “Can you take us someplace safe?”

Relief flooded Jesse’s features, and he nodded eagerly. “Yes, come this way.”

“Teya...” Bran said.

“Please,” she answered.

Bran swallowed his misgiving and nodded, then followed behind them. He just hoped they weren’t walking into a trap. What was it about Jesse that made him uncomfortable? Teya believed Jesse was a Kalorian, but couldn’t
sym
give him the same magical abilities?

Jesse led them through several streets towards the outskirts of town. At a corner house, he took them around to the back and unlocked the door.

“You’ll be safe here,” he said, lighting a candle, then motioned them toward a table and chairs. “Please sit down. It’s not much, but it’s home to me.”

His living quarters consisted of a bed on one side of the room, and a table with chairs on the other. Bran peered into the dark corners, but saw nothing amiss. Still, he didn’t feel right about this.

“How did you know I was a Kalorian?” Teya asked.

“Easy.” Jesse smiled. “Your magic is pure and there are only a few of us left now because of the hunters.”

Teya glanced at Bran. “What do you mean? Who are they?”

Jesse tensed and narrowed his eyes, then glanced between them with suspicion. “Everyone knows about the hunters...unless...who are you? Where have you been?”

“We’ll answer your questions,” Bran said, not about to tell Jesse anything. “But first explain who these hunters are.”

Jesse shrugged, but didn’t relax his stance. “They’re people who get paid to catch Kalorians. They use a
kundar
to take them captive. I don’t know where they are taken. I tried to follow a group once, and got as far as the Wynd River before I lost them.”

“We need to find our people,” Teya said. “And gather all that are still free and return to the grove. We don’t have much time.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” Jesse asked.

“The grove is in bad shape. The Songmistress’s powers are dwindling and the grove is dying. Without the strength of our people it will be destroyed.”

Jesse stared at her while comprehension flooded over him. “You’ve been to the grove? How did you get past that black thing?”

“Teya, wait,” Bran said.

“With magic and luck,” she answered, ignoring Bran. “I know the notes that will hold it back.”

“So that’s it,” Jesse breathed, then smiled with wonder. “There is a way back. What about the tree? Is it still standing?”

“Yes,” Teya said. “But we need to take everyone back to the grove or it will die. Can you help us?”

“Yes, of course,” Jesse agreed. He began to pace with excitement. “There are a few other Kalorians here besides me, and I know they’ll help. In fact, there’s a man who has spent years looking for them because his sister was taken. He moves around a lot, but I know how to reach him. I could get a message off to him tonight.”

Teya’s eyes widened. “Do you know the man’s name?”

“No,” Jesse said. “He’s secretive, and doesn’t trust anyone, but I think if he knows about the grove, he’ll come out of hiding. I’ve helped him out a few times, so he knows me. If nothing else, at least you could talk to him. It might make all the difference.”

Bran glanced at Teya and knew she thought the man Jesse talked about was her brother, Hewson. He admitted that it could be him, but it seemed unlikely. If Hewson had gone after Teya two years ago, and knew she was at the palace, what would he be doing around here?

“That’s all fine and good, but I don’t think we should stay here,” Bran said. “It’s too dangerous.”

“Yes, it probably is,” Jesse agreed. “But I think it’s dangerous wherever you go. I have friends who will help if you want to get a message to this man.”

“Yes,” Teya said without hesitation. She glanced at Bran with apology. “Jesse... I think the man you’re talking about is my brother. I know he’s been looking for me. If he’s here he can help us.”

Jesse’s eyes widened in shock, and he studied Teya with renewed interest. “It’s you. You’re the Songbird.”

Bran swore under his breath. This was either a huge mistake or a freaky coincidence. Now that Jesse knew, he hoped it was the latter.

“Yes,” Teya said. “Do you think you can get a message to Hewson?”

“Yes, of course,” Jesse said, still taking it all in. He glanced at Bran with a raised brow. “If she’s the Songbird, then who are you? I know you’re not a Kalorian.”

“He’s from Braemar,” Teya answered. She opened her mouth to explain further, but Bran stopped her.

“I’m here to protect her, and that’s all you need to know,” Bran said, pinning Teya with a hard stare. He glanced back at Jesse. “And I swear if anything happens to her because of you...”

“It won’t,” Jesse broke in. “But we need to move fast. In order to set up this meeting with your brother, I need to go back into town, but after what happened tonight that will be tricky.”

“Could Bran help you?” Teya asked. “No one knows him there, he could take the message.”

Jesse glanced at Bran, thinking it over. “Yes, it would be easier and faster if he helped.”

Bran pursed his lips. Now they were in for it. Helping seemed like the best solution, and he was willing to take the risk. But leaving Teya alone didn’t sit right. Of course, taking her would be worse. At least if he went with Jesse he could keep an eye on him. If things went bad, he could leave Jesse behind and get Teya safely away. “All right, as long as Teya stays here.”

“But I could help…”

“No,” Bran said, his tone gruff. “It’s the only way I’ll do it.”

Teya shrugged. “All right. I’ll wait here.”

“He’s right,” Jesse agreed. “It won’t take long if we both go. You sit tight, and we’ll be back before you know it.”

Bran didn’t like how quickly Jesse took over. Teya should be listening to him, not Jesse. “Let’s go,” he said instead. “You can fill me in on what you need me to do on the way.”

Jesse glanced at Bran with an agreeable nod, then grabbed a floppy hat and pulled it low over his eyes, effectively hiding his hair and face. “Lock the door when we leave,” he said to Teya.

She nodded, and followed them out. Before she could close the door Bran whispered urgently. “If I don’t come back, get away from him. Understand?”

“What?”

“There’s no time to explain. Just be careful.” With a quick glance at her puzzled expression, he closed the door behind him and waited to hear the bolt catch before he caught up with Jesse. Hopefully, there would be no need for her to heed his warning, but this was almost too easy, and there was a hunger in Jesse’s eyes that Bran didn’t like.

“The tavern’s on the other side of town,” Jesse said. “But if we keep away from the main roads it will be easy to reach without much trouble. One of the serving girls is my contact. When we get there, you can go inside and I’ll wait out back.” He described the table where he normally sat and what the girl looked like. “Just tell her that I need to leave a message for our mutual friend, but couldn’t come in. She’ll know what to do.”

“All right,” Bran agreed.

As they made their way back to the center of town, Jesse shook his head and smiled with incredulity. “You’re lucky you ran into me and not someone else. This is a dangerous place for her. I can’t believe you let her sing in public.”

Bran bristled at the criticism. “It seems to me that you’re the one who lured her up on the stage. Not me.”

Jesse frowned. “But I didn’t know who she was then. All I knew was that she liked my music, and once I saw her, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I’ve never seen anyone like her before. She’s ... well, now that I know who she is, it makes sense, but I’ve never been so drawn to anyone like that in my life.”

A surge of anger swelled inside Bran. He didn’t like Jesse talking about Teya that way. It also made him realize that she’d affected him the same way, and he didn’t like the comparison. But it was different with him. Teya was his.

As soon as he thought that, something fell into place, affirming the truth deep in his bones. Whatever had happened between them at the grove, Bran knew on a deep level that somehow, she was bound to him. It gave him comfort, but with it came a responsibility to keep her safe at all costs. No matter what.

After walking several blocks in silence, Jesse motioned Bran to stop in front of a worn and shabby tavern. The roof sagged in the middle, and the door needed repairs. Glancing through a grimy window, Jesse pointed out the table and girl, then disappeared to the back of the building.

Raucous laughter spilled from the doorway as Bran entered. He made his way to the back table with casual ease, while scanning the room for trouble. After sitting down, the serving girl approached him with a glass of ale.

“What can I get for you, sir?”

Bran set a gold piece on the table under his palm where only she could see it. “I’m here for Jesse. He needs to get a message to your mutual friend.”

“Jesse?” Her brows rose. “That blackguard? If this is one of his jokes…”

“No,” Bran interrupted. “It’s not. He sent me to get a message to a friend you both have in common.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said. “Jesse must be playing a trick on you. He’s a conniving liar and you...”

Before she finished, Bran surged to his feet with a hiss of anger. He rushed out of the tavern and around to the back where he’d last seen Jesse. There was no sign of him, and Bran’s heart raced. Damn. This was all a ruse. He rushed back down the alley, anxious to get to Teya before Jesse did.

A black shape flew out of the darkness, shoving Bran into the wall. Caught off-guard, Bran fought to stay on his feet. Two men joined the first and Bran did his best to throw them off, landing a few solid punches before a blow to the jaw sent his head crashing into the wall. Another well-aimed punch to the stomach sent him to his knees.

“Enough.” Jesse hissed. “Tie him up and get him out of here.”

“What should we do with him?”

“Take him to the woods and kill him.”

As Bran tried to breathe, his arms were jerked roughly behind him and tied together, then a rope came around his neck and he choked on a gasp.

“Wait.” Jesse bent down and pulled Bran’s gun from his waist. “I don’t think you’ll need this anymore.”

The men pulled Bran to his feet, and he took that moment to butt heads with one man, and stomp on the other’s foot. He shoulder-butted the third man and tried to run, but Jesse stepped in and pulled the rope tightly around his neck until he gasped for breath and fell to his knees.

“Get him out of here!” Jesse hissed. “Before anyone sees you.”

Darkness clouded Bran’s vision, then the rope loosened and he took several huge breaths. Before he could recover, the men got him to his feet and pushed him down the alley, skirting the tavern and the other buildings. Struggling did Bran no good, and he fought to hold down his panic. How was he going to get out of this and stop Jesse from taking Teya? He had to get back to her.

Jesse’s men kept pushing him forward, and he fell to his knees several times before coming to the edge of town. The woods loomed dark before them and one of the men paused to light a torch before leading the way deep into the forest. Crackling twigs and the rustle of small animals scurrying through the brush accompanied their steps. The path took them past a creek before opening into a secluded clearing.

“This is far enough,” one of them said. They pushed Bran onto his knees in the dirt, and he knew there was only one chance he could escape alive.

“Wait,” he panted. “If I’m going to die, at least give me the dignity to stand up and fight.”

“Go ahead,” one of them said. “Stand up.”

He struggled to his feet before the first blow knocked him down. Stunned, he got back to his feet again, blood trickling from a gash on his forehead. “Come on,” he cajoled. “Cut me loose. Give me a chance.”