The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [77]
As the horse and rider enter the light from the campfire, James discovers the man to be the bard they so enjoyed from the Flying Swan.
“A bard is always welcome,” James says.
“I’ve found that to be true, yes,” the bard agrees as he dismounts. James comes over and offers to help him with removing the saddle and tack but the man refuses, saying that he shall do it himself. Once he’s done, he secures his horse near theirs and joins them by the fire. He sits down next to the fire and James offers him some of the fish left over from their dinner.
Taking the fish, the bard says, “Thank you sir, my name is Perrilin.”
“I’m James,” he replies, “and this is Miko. I enjoyed your music at the Flying Swan last night and the night before. You’re an excellent musician and singer.”
“Thank you, it’s always good to make the acquaintance of someone who appreciates music,” Perrilin says. He takes a bite of the fish and finding it to be acceptable, takes several more. The bard then reaches into his tunic and pulls out a flask. After taking a long drink, he offers it to James who declines. Miko doesn’t turn down the flask when it is offered to him and takes a small sip before giving it back.
“Where are you heading?”
“I have an engagement at an inn in Cardri,” replies Perrilin as he continues eating the fish.
“We’re heading to Cardri as well, would you like to accompany us?” offers James.
“I’d like to,” he says, “but my engagement starts the day after tomorrow and I don’t think you will be able to keep up with me since you only have the one horse between you.”
“Perhaps not,” agrees James.
“Which inn will you be performing at?” Miko asks.
“The Inn of the Silver Bells,” Perrilin responds, “I’ll be there for a week at least. After that, who knows?” He continues eating the fish and soon has gleaned ever bit of flesh from the bones. Sitting back he grabs his mandolin and asks if anyone would mind if he practices. James shakes his head no, that he wouldn’t mind. Miko of course was eager to hear him play. As Perrilin begins by tuning his instrument, James places a couple more pieces of wood on the fire to keep it bright and cheery.
The first song he plays is a fun and lively song with a quick tempo. James is soon tapping his knee and by the end of the song is singing along with the chorus. The next song is slower and a bit sad, “This one is usually for the ladies,” he explains. As the song progresses, James can see why. There’s a lot of stuff about love and sorrow, things ladies like to cry about.
When that song is over Perrilin says, “Now, how about one of you singing a song and I will accompany you?”
Miko shakes his head no and seems to shrink within himself.
James considers the request and then says, “I doubt if you would know any of the songs I do.”
Perrilin reaches into his pocket and pulls out a silver, “I know one thousand, four hundred and thirty five songs. If you can sing me a complete song that I do not know, I shall give you this.”
Smiling, James says, “You’re on.” Settling back, he takes a couple deep breathes then begins to sing:
“Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play. Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day.”
After the first verse and chorus, Perrilin begins to accompany James on his instrument and by the third, he’s singing along with the chorus. When James finishes the song, Perrilin tosses him the sliver, saying, “Here you go, I have never heard that song before. Would you mind if I give it a try?”
Flattered, James says, “Sure, go ahead.”
Perrilin begins to sing and from the first note uttered puts the rendition James had done to shame. He sings it straight through, never once faltering and uses the same inflections and melody that James had used with only slight modifications. When the last note fades into the night he asks, “How did it sound?”
Miko said, “You were great.