Free Song Magick by Elisabeth Hamill Page B

discovered that I am getting
old—and lonely, despite my attempts to live the life of a much
younger man. I have found a companion in whom I am very content.
Ciara is a widowed lady, and much like me. Neither of us will marry
again, but because of our strong affection for each other, Ciara
has agreed to become my consort, and live with me in Rothvori.”
    “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me this in
your letter!” Telyn threw her arms around Riordan delightedly and
laughed with genuine pleasure. “I am very happy for you, and she is
a fortunate woman, indeed. I know what songs to offer, then. There
is nothing more worthy of celebrating at the spring rites than
love.”
    Riordan winked at her with a satisfied nod.
“I could not agree more. Very well, then. Let us begin!”
    Riordan signaled to Rand, who in turn alerted
the musicians in the hall to strike up a fanfare. The assembled
guests stood for Riordan’s entrance, Mithrais and Telyn following
close behind him. They climbed the steps to the dais and stood
behind their seats to Riordan’s right, while Lady Ciara took the
place to her lord’s left.
    The musicians abruptly ended the entrance
music as Riordan raised his cup, offering an invocation in the
sudden silence. “Blessed be the mother of us all, who grows fertile
with the bounty of the vine and field.”
    “Blessed be!” The call rang back from the
hundred voices gathered in the hall, and all lifted their cups and
drank in salute.
    “Welcome, my friends, to my hall!” Riordan
shouted, raising his arms. A rousing cheer followed his words, and
as it died, Riordan continued speaking. “I have many reasons to
celebrate this spring, not the least of which is the fact that I
have lived through yet another ghastly winter. Like the bear whose
guise I wear tonight, I slept through most of it in a cozy den,
with the she-bear of my choice.”
    Bawdy comments and more cheers followed, and
Telyn noted with amusement that Lady Ciara seemed as prone to
blushing as Telyn herself. Riordan raised his hand, stilling the
noisy crowd.
    “I wish to take the opportunity on this
night, when all creatures heed the call of the wild and choose a
mate, to announce that Lady Ciara of Thasbrae has agreed to become
the consort of this grizzled old bear. Tonight, she presides over
the feast with me for the first time as mistress of my hall.”
    Lady Ciara curtsied deeply to him, and he
raised her up to more cheers. Riordan bowed to his lady and kissed
her hand, the expression on his face so tender that Telyn felt
tears of happiness spring to her eyes. She wished them nothing but
joy of each other.
    Riordan spoke again. “Another reason to
celebrate is the esteemed presence of Telyn Songmaker, a true bard.
Many of you may remember her as Emrys Harpmaster’s little shadow!
As you can see, she is no longer in anyone’s shadow, and will lead
the rites this evening.”
    Telyn acknowledged the cheers with a smile
and placed her hand over her heart, inclining her head. “The honor
is mine, Lord Riordan. It is always a pleasure to return to
Rothvori and to the old bear, himself.” Laughter and applause
followed her affectionate words.
    “My final guest of honor was an unexpected
surprise, but is no less welcome,” Riordan finished. “Who better to
take the role of the Green Man, but a lord of the Wood? Mithrais is
the son of my old friend, Gwidion, Lord Cerisild.”
    There were more cheers at Gwidion’s name,
which Telyn could see pleased Mithrais a great deal. It was
apparent that many present remembered those long-ago days of
‘diplomacy’. The throng was in such high spirits that a grinning
Riordan beckoned the servitors to bring out the meal rather than
attempt to speak again.
    Enormous quantities of food appeared: roasted
meats and root vegetables, meat pies, cheeses, breads and the
finest wines of Riordan’s cellar. Telyn’s cup again held nectar,
and her instruments were arranged on the dais before the head
table,