Free Minstrel's Solstice by Nicole Dennis Page A

I welcomed here?”
    “Crazy travelers. Many within these lands know to never venture beyond the walls during an incoming ice blizzard.”
    “I was told to travel in this direction. A village refused my entrance. They said nothing about the incoming storms,” Kerryll said. “Am I welcomed?”
    “As the Captain of the Duke’s guards, I’ll welcome and escort you to the castle.”
    “And my pony?”
    “He’ll be well treated. You’re both safe within the D’Antuono’s lands.”
    Kerryll let the unknown man take the reins to lead them through the streets. Frozen to the core, he wanted to fall off Aychear’s back.
    “Can you step off your horse?”
    “I may not be able to stand for long.”
    “I’ll help you inside. The Duke’s seneschal will take care of you. See if you can slide your leg around. I’m right behind you.”
    With a groan as he moved his body, Kerryll unhooked his boot from the stirrup and lifted his leg. He felt strong hands press against his back and guide his stiff body. When both boots reached the stone covering, he held on to the saddle as his knees quivered. “My things… I can’t leave….”
    “One of the servants will bring them to the chamber the seneschal assigns.”
    “I can’t step away….”
    “I’ll help you,” the captain said, moving his arm around Kerryll’s stiff body.
    “May I ask your name? So I know who to thank once I’m well.”
    The captain helped Kerryll move toward the castle’s heavy front doors. “I’m Donovan Layder, the Captain of the Duke’s guards. How about you, Minstrel?”
    “Kerryll MacGhylle of the Bard Guild. My pony is called Aychear.”
    “I’ll make sure the stable marshal knows,” Donovan said.
    Kerryll lifted his head, deep inside the covering hood, when he heard the heavy doors open. He shuffled his way past them and the guards. Unable to stand straighter, he saw several pairs of indoor shoes.
    “Minstrel, may I introduce the seneschal, his chamberlain, and other staff. Seneschal Bladyn, may I introduce you to our unexpected frozen traveler, minstrel of the Bard Guild, Kerryll MacGhylle,” Donovan said.
    “Welcome to the Northern Quadrant and our home, Minstrel,” one of the newcomers said.
    “I apologize for my sudden, unexpected appearance. My pony and I weren’t able to procure a contract with the last village. I hope to make a contract for the Dark Solstice celebration. If I could, I would straighten and offer my respects, but….” Kerryll moved a hand over his frozen cloak.
    “What is happening?” another male called in a booming voice.
    “Duke D’Antuono, we have an unexpected traveler. I took the chance and welcomed him,” Donovan said, but didn’t shift his support from Kerryll’s arm.
    “And our traveler is?”
    “I’m Minstrel Kerryll MacGhylle of the Bard Guild, my Duke,” Kerryll said. “I’m here to request a contract for the Dark Solstice celebrations.”
    “It’s been some time since a minstrel graced us with his presence and abilities. The last so-called travelers tried to pass off their talents, but they weren’t of the guild.”
    “I’m guild trained and received my official bands upon completing my training and internship with a master. I would reveal them, but I’m not feeling well.”
    “We need to help you heal. I missed having music for our celebrations. Seneschal, is there a free chamber?”
    “There is, sire. I’m having it prepared now,” the seneschal said.
    “I can’t leave until the contract is fixed,” Kerryll said.
    “What does it take to complete the contract?”
    “There is magic, an intonation, and a clasp of my hand.”
    “I’ll accept this contract.” The Duke lifted a hand to stop the seneschal’s protest. “Is there harm doing this?”
    “No. A minstrel never harms anyone who accepts a contract. The magic will remain until the contract ends or is broken.”
    “Perform your magic, minstrel,” the Duke said as he stepped into Kerryll’s limited view