Inharmonic (The Music Maker Series Book 1) Page 33

  Nadja’s own wounds had also been attended to. Her neck and arm were clean and bandaged, but her earlobe required stitching, and the pain medicine the doctor had given her made her light-headed. All things considered, it could have been much worse.

  Her eyes wandered to the opposite side of the hold, where Luca lay as still as the dead. If not for the faint rise and fall of the sheet over his chest, she would have thought he’d already joined their ranks. He still may.

  Pax followed her gaze. “So, what’s the story there?” he asked.

  Nadja turned her attention back to him. His eyes were warm and encouraging, and she let out a sigh. Luca was the one part of her story she’d never told Pax. In the beginning, she didn’t know why she withheld that part. But as time passed, she understood. Little by little, since the beginning of their acquaintance, Pax had worked his way deep into her heart. She never wanted her relationship with Luca to be a barrier between them. It was in the past.

  But now, with the effect of her volatile serenade clearly still weaving its spell over Pax, a barrier was just what she needed.

  “Luca was my Promised One. My betrothed,” she said.

  Pax dipped his chin in a single, slow nod, waiting for her to continue.

  “He was one of the scouts who took me from the Harvest Bazaar that day.” When Pax opened his mouth to protest, Nadja hurried on. “He also helped me escape so I could return to Cantio and remain in hiding. He knows about Baulo.”

  “What happened to him?”

  She turned her eyes back to Luca’s cot. His face bore an unnatural pallor. His dark hair, now loosed from its binding, spread out across his pillow in an ominous halo. A lump formed in her throat.

  She swallowed hard. “He was protecting me.”

  She bit the inside of her cheek, fighting back the lump which would not go away. Foolish man. Why couldn’t he have stayed with the tribe? Why risk himself for her, putting both his position and his life in danger, knowing they had no real future together?

  “He must love you very much.”

  And there it was.

  Nadja nodded in reply, not trusting herself to speak.

  “And you love him, too.”

  Pax stated the words as fact, but his tone carried the hint of a question.

  Visions of the past swept through her mind. A youth of ten or twelve with serious eyes and impeccable manners helping her mother transport the day’s catch. A watchful young man, ever on the fringe of activity, while she and her friends were at play. A kind and patient teacher, encouraging and sympathetic as she endeavored to master his trade. A man of courage, standing between her and disaster on more than one occasion.

  The warmth of fraternal affection bloomed in her chest and pressed against the lump, causing a single tear to escape down her cheek.

  “How could I not?” she replied.

  Nadja knew the love she confessed was not the kind Pax wondered about. But one look at his face proved her words had the desired effect. Dismay marred his features and the corners of his mouth curved downward.

  Recalling himself, Pax cleared his throat and shook off his temporary dejection. He fixed a firm smile on his face he said, “Then I am even more glad Brooks was able to send help for you.”

  “As am I,” she replied. The day before, when she’d first spotted the Mia Fair in the Chansey harbor, she had wondered if Brooks had noticed her as she surveyed the docks. Apparently she had, and had also noticed Nadja’s departure with Baulo. When Uncle Tau and Wheedler returned with Pax, Brooks related the information. Because of her keen eyes and the willingness of the painted lady from the inn to trade information for coin, her uncle and Wheedler had been able to track them.

  Without warning, Pax reached out and plucked the cup from Nadja’s hands. He placed it on the floor before grasping her hands in his and wrapping his long fingers around them. An involuntary shudder danced across her shoulders at his touch. His face wore a renewed look of determination.

  “Listen to me, Nadja Machinal. I know you say what I feel for you isn’t real. That it’s something which comes from you, and not me. But if what you say is true, then you carry in your heart a love for me that cannot be denied.” She tried to pull away, but he held her hand fast. “I don’t care what or who came before. Whatever this is between us, whether it’s you or me or both of us, it’s not nothing. If your heart still belongs to him, then I will step back and wish you all the happiness in the world. But if I can dare to hope otherwise, please say it and relieve me of this heartache.”

  Oh, how she longed to do just that. But she couldn’t be so cruel to him. Once the effects of her song wore off, he might feel the need to honor his words out of a misplaced sense of obligation. No, she had to take the burden of responsibility upon herself.

  “Pax, I—”

  Just then, the hold door opened. The sound of boots, heavy on the wooden steps, announced the arrival of Uncle Tau, followed by Wheedler and Brooks. Their conference with the doctor had taken longer than Nadja expected.

  Nadja slipped her hands from Pax’s grasp.

  “Did he follow orders, or does Wheedler need to get his throwing arm ready?” quipped Brooks as they weaved their way past the rather small cargo shipment.

  Nadja retrieved the cup and turned it upside down, displaying its empty state.

  “As always, your wish is my command, Nurse Brooks,” said Pax, flashing Brooks one of his winning smiles.

  Brooks huffed, but nodded in approval.

  With no preamble, Uncle Tau began, “It is time we discussed your situation. Though, we can take our discussion to a more private location if—” he broke off, inclining his head towards Pax.

  “He knows as much as I do at this point,” said Nadja. “But—” copying her uncle’s action, she inclined her head towards Wheedler and Brooks.

  “Ah,” said Tau, running two fingers across his beard in an unusual moment of hesitation. “They also know as much as you do, and a great deal more.”

  Nadja stiffened. How much did they already know? And for how long? A sense of betrayal crept up the back of her neck.

  “Is that so?” She punctuated each word, looking at the three of them in turn. Wheedler shrugged sheepishly while Brooks lifted her lips in a half smirk. Tau remained impassive, awaiting her permission to proceed. After a moment of consideration, she threw her hands in the air with an indignant sigh. “Fine.”

  Tau settled himself onto a nearby crate and motioned for Nadja to resume her stool.

  “You are Mevocali,” he began, “but you are not alone in this.”

  “I knew it,” said Nadja, clapping her hands together and jumping up from her seat. “You are too. That had to—”

  “No,” said Tau, cutting her off. “But there are others.” He waited for her to resume her seat before continuing.

  “History teaches us the last of the Mevocali were killed at the Battle at Annuay. Most of them were. However, a small group escaped and went into hiding. They have lived peaceably, apart from the rest of the world, for over two hundred years. They send a few of their number back to Amrantir every so often, and for a short time, as provisions needs arise. Though they have done their best to remain anonymous, this is no doubt why they are rumored to still exist. Because they do.”

  “If they’ve been trying to stay hidden for the past two hundred years, how do you know all this?” asked Nadja.

  “The Mevocali who went into hiding at the end of the war did their best to reestablish their people. But the number of survivors was too small, and with each new generation, their population has declined.”

  “It’s kind of hard to make babies when every pretty girl is your cousin,” said Wheedler.

  “Indeed,” said Tau. “The Mevocali came to a crossroads. Rejoin society, or face extinction. The choice was clear, but they could not simply walk through the Cantio gates and announce their return. They would need help. And so, a few years ago, they sent a representative to Amrantir to begin making connecti
ons with people they hoped would be sympathetic to their cause.”

  Nadja nodded in understanding. “And that’s where you come in.”

  “Over the years, our numbers have grown.” He raised his hand towards the two guards. “Wheedler and Brooks are a part of our network, as are others you know.”

  Realization struck Nadja. “Grandmaster Kero,” she said.

  Tau dipped his chin in acknowledgment. “And others. We have been discreetly adding to our numbers and plotting the logistics of their reentry into society. It is why I captain a boat to Chansey a few times a year.”

  Nadja’s eyebrows rose. “I thought you were trying to avoid the Delegation.”

  Wheedler chuckled.

  “Chansey is the central location for all of our activities,” said Tau, with a glint in his eye. “Though, I will admit to some personal indulgence when it comes to the scheduling of our visits.

  “The Mevocali call us Defenders because that will be our job when the time comes. History has not been kind to them. It has left a baseless but deeply rooted fear in the heart of Amrantir which has lasted for generations. The Mevocali are a people who only ask for the right to live in peace alongside us as their ancestors did. However, because of their particular skill set, they will surely be met with resistance upon their return.”

  “How soon will that be?” asked Nadja.

  “Time to move! Time to move!” squawked Monty.

  Brooks snorted.

  Tau rose to his feet and crossed over to Monty, who was deeply involved in his bathing ritual. He stroked the bird under the chin. “The manifestation of your abilities has moved up our timetable. Due to the public nature of some of your . . . displays, we must assume there are others who suspect your lineage.”

  Nadja squeezed her eyes shut, trying to process all her uncle had said. But there were still questions nagging her. “Yes, about that. You still haven’t explained how this is happening to me, or what I’m supposed to do about it.”

  Tau turned to his guards. “Brooks, ready the barge to cast off. Wheedler, see that our two invalids are secure for the trip to Cantio. Nadja,” his tone turned soft as he gestured towards the hold door, “come with me.”

  A sinking feeling formed in her stomach as she followed her uncle. She looked back at Pax, who had remained wide-eyed and silent during Tau’s explanation. He gave her an encouraging wink.

  The breeze coming off the ocean was soothing and familiar as Tau and Nadja climbed on deck. Nadja turned her face towards the water and stopped short. A familiar cloaked figure stood aft with his back to them. He turned as they approached.

  “Nadja,” said Tau. “Allow me to introduce you to Alek.”

  The man bowed at the waist, then stood, pushing his hood back. A fair face and glittering pair of emerald eyes, exactly matching Nadja’s in color and intensity, met hers. He studied her with a mixture of curiosity and hesitation.

  “I saw you in Cantio,” she blurted out, not sure of what else to say.

  Alek glanced at Tau, and it seemed an entire conversation passed between them in that moment. Nadja’s frustration mounted as the quiet stretched on.

  “Will someone please tell me what’s going on,” she snapped.

  Tau ended the silent conversation and turned to Nadja. “Alek is the Mevocali representative and our main contact with them.” Tau cleared his throat. “He can introduce you to your father.”

  Nadja’s brows drew together. “My father is dead.”

  “Fralo Filamen is dead,” replied Tau, keeping his words low and steady. “Your father is very much alive.”

  The warm sea breeze turned cold as his words bounced around in her mind. They made no sense.

  “No.” Nadja’s voice trembled as she spoke. “My father died when I was barely a year old.”

  “Nadja,” said Tau, taking her hands and turning her to face him. “Fralo married your mother, but he was not your father. Mevocali talents are passed through bloodlines. I know your father. He is one of the last Mevocali.”

  The urge to bolt made her heart pound and skin itch, but Nadja fought against it. She turned her focus away from the hundred new questions racing through her brain. There would be time for that later. Reigning in her control, she dropped her uncle’s hands and took a single step back, planting her feet and angling her body to face both of them.

  “All right,” she said, projecting a calm she didn’t feel. “That answers the question of how. Now, what am I supposed to do about it?”

  This time, it was Alek’s turn to speak. “I would like to take you back with me to train among the rest of the Mevocali. It is imperative newly manifest powers are treated with great care, or there could be dire consequences. You may have already discovered that.” There was no hint of sarcasm in his voice, only a gentle sincerity.

  Nadja paced the deck. “I can’t just pick up and go with you to who-knows-where. What about Luca? And Pax?”

  “I’ll look after them,” said Tau. “There is nothing you can do for Luca now. His recovery is up to him. But, I can promise you I will do everything in my power to see he does recover. Pax’s injuries are not extensive. He should be able to return to the conservatory as soon as we make it back to Cantio.”

  “And what about the conservatory? Final examinations are in a few weeks. If I don’t score well enough, I won’t be able to advance in the autumn.”

  The corners of Alek’s mouth twitched. “I can assure you the instruction you will receive among the Mevocali will more than make up for your lack of conservatory training.”

  “I can take care of your absence from the conservatory,” offered Tau.

  Nadja stopped pacing and folded her arms across her chest. “How long are we talking about?” she asked.

  “Six months,” said Alek. “A year, maybe. It depends on the trainee.”

  “A year?” She gaped at him. “Are you crazy? You don’t understand. I’ve finally started to make a life for myself here. At the conservatory. And you want me to walk away from all of it? My best friend, whom I left with no idea of my whereabouts, is probably beside herself with worry.” And what of her mother and Kizzy? The news of Baulo’s death would surely bring them some relief. If Luca lived, it could be in his power to reveal the truth about Baulo and have the charges against her dismissed. She might be able to see her mother again without fearing capture.

  As reasons and excuses swirled around in her mind, Alek’s voice cut through the commotion. It struck her how melodic his tone was. The pitch of his speaking voice was slightly higher than that of the average man, but the effect was most pleasant.

  “If you do not receive the proper training, any effort spent building this new life of yours may be all for nothing.”

  With those words, her choice was made for her. What kind of life would she have knowing she could be a danger to herself, or worse, to the people she loved? It would take only a single, careless moment.

  “Fine,” Nadja conceded.

  Tau nodded in approval.

  “So now what?” she asked.

  Alek smiled. “I hope you don’t mind getting your feet wet.”

  Click HERE to read it for FREE!

  When Pax left for the Music Conservatory to pursue his dream of becoming a Master Craftsman, he also left his family in a bind. Now, home for the Candlefire Celebration, he discovers his role has been filled by a less-than-perfect replacement.

  Can Pax repair his broken relationships before returning to the conservatory, or will he have to choose between his family and his dream?

  "Heart of the Wood" is a new short story told from Pax’s POV, and set during the action of “Inharmonic.” Though it is an “Inharmonic” companion story, it is spoiler-free and can be read as a stand-alone.

  Acknowledgments

  “Self-publishing” is a misnomer, because no one who does it successfully can truly do it alone.

  To Mom and Dad: Thank you for fostering my love of reading from the very beginning.

 
To Aslinn, Jane, Courtney, Katherine and Adam: Thank you for your willingness to plod through my freshman novel and hold nothing back.

  To Susan: Thank you for loving on my babies and giving me distraction-free hours to write - whether you knew it or not.

  To Deranged Doctor Design: Thank you for a book cover beyond my imagination.

  To Keith Morrill at Little City Editing: Thank you for your notes and guidance.

  To Ann M. Martin: Thank you for the BSC, the first series I was ever devoted to, and for setting the bar for number-of-volumes-in-a-series unattainably high.

  To my Girls: Thank you for all the times you patiently (or impatiently!) waited when I said, “Gimme just a minute.”

  To Adam: Thank you for being my support, sounding board, cartographer, tech guru, encourager and critic. You are my heart.

  To God: Thank you for the Cross, your Grace, Mercy and Love.

  And finally, to you, the Readers: Thank you for taking a chance on me.

  About the Author

  A.K.R. Scott is a musician, actor, and lover of the written word. This native South Carolinian spent her childhood devouring books, whether tucked away in her bedroom, up a tree, or hidden under the dinner table. Now, she lives in Texas with her husband, two daughters, one rascally dog, and an ever-expanding library. Visit her website for the latest info and to sign up for her mailing list. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Goodreads.

  www.akrscott.com