Elfsong - Elaine Cunningham [87]
The adventurers' relief was palpable, and even Elaith's grim visage relaxed somewhat. Seeing that, a seed of mischief took root in Danilo's fertile mind. He drew the magic weapon and with a solemn face handed it to the elf.
"If I were to be killed or disarmed during the battle, the sword's music would cease at once, and all would be lost. You're by far the best swordsman among us. You'd better use this."
Elaith's silver brows rose in a skeptical arc, but he accepted the magic weapon. "Very sensible of you," he said, question and sarcasm blending in his words.
Danilo shrugged. "First time for everything." The thin, outer edge of the keening waves of sound began to reach them. "The sword will sing as soon as you take your first strike. Mind that you don't put it down once it begins, though. It can be touchy, and it might not start up again."
The elf made a few experimental passes to test the sword's balance and to activate the song. Immediately a rollicking baritone voice began to sing:
"There was a knight who longed to wield
A more impressive lance
To carry into battle
And to aid him in romance."
Elaith turned an incredulous stare toward the Harper. Danilo responded with a bland smile and drew his own blade. "Here they come," he said, pointing with the sword in the direction of the approaching monsters. There were nine of them granting the fighters below one-to-one odds.
The harpies were close enough now that their hideous faces were clearly visible, fangs gleaming from mouths flung wide open with their magical song. Although the unearthly music chilled the adventurers, the harpies' fell magic could not compete with the enchantment of the singing sword. Meanwhile, the sword rolled on through the chorus.
"Hey, there! Ho, there!
A lesson's here for you:
Be careful what you ask for,
For your wishes might come true."
Elaith held the sword at arm's length, glaring as if it were an ill-trained puppy that had just puddled his best boots. He had little choice but to continue wielding the weapon, though, and he slashed viciously at the first harpy to venture within range. The stroke cut deep into the creature's arm nearly severing the filthy gray limb. Shrieking with pain and rage, the harpy flapped out of the elf's reach and circled back for a second attack. Its teeth bared, it dove, screaming, toward the elf. Elaith pulled a knife from the sleeve of his sword arm and threw it at the oncoming monster. It caught the harpy in the throat, abruptly cutting off its screams. The creature plummeted straight toward its killer. Elaith threw himself to one side and rolled, taking care not to lose his hold on the magical sword.
"A wizard overheard the knight
And granted his request.
The knight at first was overjoyed
To see how he was blessed."
Again the sword went into the chorus, admonishing the fighters in jovial tones to beware of wishes lightly made. The harpies, too, seemed to take this advice to heart Perhaps the creatures recalled their last battle with these fighters, or at least had learned to be wary of prey who wouldn't obligingly hold still. The harpies circled the clearing, keeping carefully out of reach of the flashing swords as they sang their deadly, beautiful song. Clearly audible above the harpies' charm song was the sword's cheerful baritone:
"The knight went to a party
With his weapon thus enhanced.
The lance made dining difficult
And tripped him when he danced."
Morgalla chuckled briefly, then her brow furrowed in frustration. This fight was not going to the dwarf's liking, for her opponents stayed out of reach. Using her spear like a javelin, she hurled the weapon at a low-flying harpy. The point tore through the creature, and the sheer force of the dwarf's throw carried it along for the flight. The spear struck a tree trunk and bit deep. Impaled upon the spear, the dying harpy writhed and shrieked. Morgalla nodded with satisfaction and drew her axe in readiness for the next attack.
"Shoot them down!" Danilo shouted, taking the dwarf's lead. He put away his sword and snatched