Dragons of Winter Night - Margaret Weis [122]
Tanis was, in fact, pleased to see them. It worked out well from the half-elf’s point of view and solved their second problem. If the Highlord’s troops enjoyed the show and spread the word, the companions could travel the countryside unmolested.
It was their plan—after consulting with William—to make for Flotsam, a city north of Port Balifor, located on the Blood Sea of Istar. Here they hoped to find a ship. No one in Port Balifor would give them passage, William explained. All the local shipowners were in the employ of (or their vessels had been confiscated by) the Dragon Highlords. But Flotsam was a known haven for those more interested in money than politics.
The companions stayed at the Pig and Whistle for a month. William provided free room and board and even allowed them to keep all the money they made. Though Riverwind protested this generosity, William stated firmly that all he cared about was seeing his old customers come back.
During this time, Raistlin refined and enlarged his act which, at first consisted only of his illusions. But the mage tired rapidly, so Tika offered to dance and give him time to rest between acts. Raistlin was dubious, but Tika sewed a costume for herself that was so alluring Caramon was—at first—totally opposed to the scheme. But Tika only laughed at him. Her dancing was a success and increased the money they collected dramatically. Raistlin added her immediately to the act.
Finding the crowds enjoyed this diversion, the mage thought of others. Caramon—blushing furiously—was persuaded to perform feats of strength, the highlight coming when he lifted stout William over his head with one hand. Tanis amazed the crowd with his elven ability to “see” in the dark. But Raistlin was startled one day when Goldmoon came to him as he was counting the money from the previous night’s performance.
“I would like to sing in the show tonight,” she said.
Raistlin looked up at her incredulously. His eyes flicked to Riverwind. The tall Plainsman nodded reluctantly.
“You have a powerful voice,” Raistlin said, sliding the money into a pouch and drawing the string tightly. “I remember quite well. The last song I heard you sing in the Inn of the Last Home touched off a riot that nearly got us killed.”
Goldmoon flushed, remembering the fateful song that had introduced her to the group. Scowling, Riverwind laid his hand on her shoulder.
“Come away!” he said harshly, glaring at Raistlin. “I warned you—”
But Goldmoon shook her head stubbornly, lifting her chin in a familiar, imperious gesture. “I will sing,” she said coolly, “and Riverwind will accompany me. I have written a song.”
“Very well,” the mage snapped, slipping the money pouch into his robes. “We will try it this evening.”
The Pig and Whistle was crowded that night. It was a diverse audience—small children and their parents, sailors, draconians, goblins, and several kender, who caused everyone to keep an eye on his belongings. William and two helpers bustled about, serving drinks and food. Then the show began.
The crowd applauded Raistlin’s spinning coins, laughed when an illusory pig danced upon the bar, and scrambled out of their chairs in terror when a giant troll thundered in through a window. Bowing, the mage left to rest. Tika came on.
The crowd, particularly the draconians, cheered Tika’s dancing, banging their mugs on the table.
Then Goldmoon appeared before them, dressed in a gown of pale blue. Her silver-gold hair flowed over her shoulders like water shimmering in the moonlight. The crowd hushed instantly. Saying nothing, she sat down in a chair on the raised platform William had hastily constructed. So beautiful was she that not a murmur escaped the crowd. All waited expectantly.
Riverwind sat upon the floor at her feet. Putting a hand-carved flute to his lips, he began to play and, after a few moments, Goldmoon’s voice blended with the flute. Her