Draig

Rumors

The crowd erupted into cheers.

Léonin raised his hand. "We have much to do to prepare the island for visitors and to resume our work," he said. "We shall meet with the town council posthaste. But in the meantime, today should be taken as a celebration. Enjoy yourselves!"

Music wafted across the jetty. The outdoor seating around the Inn was moved back to clear a space for the musician and dancing. Dane blinked and realized Trystan was playing his lute, accompanied by Tabor. The song made him want to dance, with a driving rhythm that set his toes tapping. It was full of life. Villagers started whirling. He saw the innkeeper opening a bottle of sparkling wine. But one smiling face pushed through the crowd around the stairs and fully captured his attention.

Bell.

Dane hurried down the steps to meet her and found himself enfolded in her arms. She cried and laughed at the same time. Jax, her deema, tipped his tall pointed cap to Dane and disappeared back into the crowd.

"I didn't know what happened to you," she said into his chest. "I'm so glad you're safe."

Dane tipped her chin to look at him. "I had some work to do," he said. "But I got back to you as quick as I could." He bent to kiss her. The rest of the world melted away.

They stood very close together, breath mingling for a moment, before Dane drew back. Not too much. "I love you, Bell," he said.

Her eyes rounded. "I love you too," she whispered.

"Come live on the island with me," he said, straightening. "We know you are dewin. We know there is something wrong. You should be able to hear the Song. Come live on the island and let the majisters work with you. Find out what the problem is. We can learn together."

Bell frowned and pulled back. "But what about the Inn?"

"I know you love the Inn, Bell. But can't Lile take care of it for you a while longer?"

Bell's lips thinned.

"You could always go back to Dohnavur and check on things and then return," said Dane. Stars, I don't want to beg but I don't want to be without her. It might be selfish, but we belong together. "I need you Bell."

Her face softened. "We shall take it one step at a time. I will speak with the majisters and explain my plight. We shall see what they say. It may be none of them would even know how to help me. I'm not saying no. I suffered horribly thinking you were gone forever. I imagine I'd suffer the same way with you here and me in Dohnavur. But I need to think on it. All right?"

"All right," Dane said.

Theo tapped him on the shoulder.

"Pardon me, Dane, but we need to talk to the Wyn," said Theo. "If we are going to journey to see the Draig, we will need help getting there. They could be of great service to us."

Bell cocked her head to the side, listening. She looked from Theo to Dane. "You're planning a trip? You just became a majister. I thought you'd stay here a while."

Theo smiled at Bell. "Begging your pardon, miss. Dane will learn under me, on the road. We have to recover the refrains of the Lorica, you see. It can't be helped."

Bell looked as if she would be sick. "You can't find someone else to do it?" Her voice was quiet. Dane could barely hear her.

Dane thought quickly and said, "Bell, this is Theo. He's my mentor, my tutor. Theo, this is the love of my life. Bell Pennyweather. We grew up together."