Free Song Magick by Elisabeth Hamill Page A

corridor, Telyn stared incredulously at the sight
of a costumed rooster and hen walking several paces before
them.
    “Oh, my...” She glanced up at Mithrais, her
fingers tightening on his arm as she stifled her laughter. “I’m
suddenly relieved that we’re expected to lead the rites.”
     

 
    Chapter
Six
     
    The great hall was teeming with denizens of
the animal kingdom. Guests were costumed as creatures both common
and fantastic, in pairs and alone. Telyn couldn’t help but shake
her head in amusement, wondering what had possessed Riordan to
choose this particular theme.
    The wooden rafters holding up the cavernous
roof were draped in banners and buntings, resembling nothing more
than the canopy of fantastically colored trees. Narrow windows at
the top of the walls let in fresh air and dispersed the torch
smoke. As she and Mithrais made their way toward the entrance,
Telyn saw that Riordan had beaten them downstairs after all,
despite his previous record of never arriving before the third
fanfare of trumpets.
    The Lord of Rothvori was fittingly dressed as
a bear, an enormous furry headdress and mantle making him seem even
larger than he was. Riordan was greeting the line of guests at the
door of the great hall, the seneschal behind him surreptitiously
checking off a list of invitees. Riordan’s female companion, who
stood beside him as he greeted the guests, was a sweet-faced woman
of indeterminate age whom Telyn had not seen before. Her hood was
also in the likeness of a bear, although more delicate and in
reddish-brown shades that matched her hair.
    Riordan caught Telyn’s eye and signaled to
her that she and Mithrais were to hold back and enter with him in
procession. Telyn acknowledged that she understood. She needed no
explanation for Riordan’s change of habit, and admitted that
although she thought he might be overly cautious, it was a prudent
move to greet his guests personally. One more uninvited guest in a
room full of masked people might not even be noticed. The thought
triggered a realization, and Telyn cursed under her breath,
remembering that the dagger still lay on the bed in her
chamber.
    Mithrais heard her muttered oath. “What is
it?”
    “I’m unarmed,” she whispered back.
    “I will not leave your side. And look.”
Mithrais indicated the raised platform at the end of the hall with
a nod of his head, and Telyn saw that there was a liveried servant
at each end of the dais. “Lord Riordan has taken precautions. I
would wager that those men are from the garrison and not his usual
household staff.”
    Telyn had to agree, as the men were more
muscular than the average servitor, wearing tabards emblazoned with
Riordan’s device which barely covered their chests, and were
obviously meant for much smaller individuals. The line of people
dwindled quickly, until at last Telyn and Mithrais were the only
ones remaining. Riordan beamed at Telyn with a mischievous wink,
sending Rand and the lady just inside the door to await him.
    “I fear that I had already planned my little
jest before the messenger arrived,” Riordan said apologetically to
Telyn and Mithrais. “Under the circumstances, I would not expect
you to perform the rites in the fields. I can lead them
myself.”
    “Nonsense. I see that you have matters well
in hand, and believe I will be perfectly safe.” Telyn patted his
furry mantle playfully. “We did not have a chance to discuss what
you want me to accomplish tonight with my music.”
    “Ah, yes. My guests will want to hear the
gossip from all Three Realms, I’m sure, but I have no need of
specific persuasions this year.” Riordan blew a kiss to the waiting
lady, who smiled back at him fondly. “I simply wish for my guests
to enjoy themselves, and that includes you and your Green Man.”
    Telyn raised an eyebrow. “My goodness, Uncle
Rio. Is all this restraint on my account?”
    “Not at all.” Riordan smiled, his eyes still
on the lady in the doorway. “I have