Elfsong - Elaine Cunningham [31]
"I believe we can work together," Lucia agreed. "Now, tell me a little more about your plan."
"That is not necessary. We shall proceed one step at a time. When I require your services, I will detail what is expected."
That was more than a descendant of royalty could abide. Lucia rose slowly to her feet Trembling with anger, she glared down at the half-elf. "I am servant to no one. Remember, you need my political power."
"Less than you need the magic I wield through music," Garnet returned. For a long moment their eyes held in silent challenge. Lucia was the first to look away.
"Then it is settled," Garnet said with a smile. "Bardcraft and politics will join forces once again, and that is as it should be. Now, let us show Khelben Arunsun what can be done when there is a proper balance between the two."
*****
Now that he was face-to-face with Elaith Craulnober, Danilo began to doubt the wisdom of his decision to confront the elf and bargain for Vartain's services. When they'd first met, some two years earlier, Elaith had taken an instant dislike to Danilo and, for that reason alone, had ordered his death. Judging from the vexation on Elaith's handsome, angular face, Danilo supposed that the elf was regretting his decision to rescind that order.
A wild giggle shattered the tense silence, and a ragged elf capered through the garden. The setting sun cast a long, emaciated shadow behind him as he whirled and leaped. Danilo watched the elf disappear around a corner, then turned a bland smile toward Elaith. "Friend of yours?"
The moon elf ignored Danilo's needling and pointed to the Harper pin. "How did you come by one of those? I know many who would pay dearly to obtain it, should you choose to sell."
"One must earn a Harper pin," Danilo said quietly.
The elf chuckled. "And you have?"
"Let's just say that if I haven't already, I'm about to."
Elaith folded his arms and cocked a silver eyebrow. "You have my attention."
"The Harpers require the services of a bard. Since most of these have fallen under a spell that affects their music and memories, I was drafted to help."
"Really! Thank you for sharing such welcome news," the elf said with a cordial smile. "Many of my associates will be delighted to learn that the Harpers have fallen to such depths. I shall dine out on this tale for months to come."
"So glad to be of service. Now, if I may present my companions: Morgalla the Mirthful, a bard of astounding talents, and Wyn Ashgrove, a minstrel from Evermeet. Perhaps you've met him before?" Danilo's choice of words was not entirely without malice; he knew of Elaith's self-imposed exile from the island homeland of the elves.
Wyn greeted the moon elf with a polite ritual bow, which Elaith simply ignored. He shot an incredulous glance at the stout, short, brown-clad woman who'd come to stand at Danilo's side. "A dwarf, Lord Thann? Your taste in traveling companions has sadly deteriorated. Where is Arilyn these days?"
"Elsewhere," Danilo said curtly. "Now, if we've exhausted our present supply of verbal stilettos, I have a business proposal for you."
Elaith looked intrigued. "A deal that brought the son of a Waterdeep merchant this far afield might prove interesting."
"It's unusual, at the very least," the Harper said. "Sing him the ballad, Wyn."
The minstrel took his silver lyre from its shoulder strap and sang the Ballad of Grimnoshtadrano. Elaith