And so he did.
I sat hunched over my beer as the Harper made his way to my table, and I didn’t look up as he stood there waiting expectantly.
“Well,” he drawled, “here I am. What can I do for you Vanya oune? I’m a busy man.” At that comment he turned and waved briefly to a comely girl sitting at his table who waved back enthusiastically.
I tried not to smile as I looked up over the rim of my glass and brushed the hair out of my face. There stood the Harper, a slight smile playing about his lips and a look of curiosity in his eyes.
“Not oune, but ouno. Oune is the feminine application of one, and Ouno is the masculine. And where did you learn to speak any words of the Ra’Laraen Ari Harper?”
“Not Harper, Strange One but Donnelly, Greyson Donnelly.” He sat down opposite me and leaned forward over the table, meeting my dark eyes with his pale blue ones. “The reason you are here must be pressing to get you to leave the Vanyamere.”
“I am exiled Donnelly, for there is a rage inside me that cannot be quenched by the laws of my people. I have left the Vanya never to return, and that choice was easy for me: for to stay would have been slow madness, and I have no desire to spend eternity locked in a cage.”
“And so what? You have sought me out to help quench this rage with what, my music? I admit to being a master of the craft so to speak, and there is some truth to the old addage about music soothing the soul of the savage beast, but what other purpose could there be in seeking me out?”
“You know things Harper. And you know this land and it’s people; in particular a man I am looking for. I need a guide and your knowledge. I also believe that it would be in your interest to accompany me.”
“How so” asked Donnelly, his voice taking on a wary tone. “You see how busy I am,” he added with that slight smile as he nodded towards his table.
“How is it you have not asked my name Harper? And you neatly avoided telling me how you know what you do. I am Char’drey Elohirim Kattarian, brother of Arestar Adyamani Kattarian who until recently was wedded to the earther Drogan Bennett, a man of some acquaintance to you.”
The Harper remained silent, but a tightening around his eyes told me I was right about him.
“Drogan left the Vanyamere twice after he wedded my sister, and I think it was to meet with you, Harper. He taught you some of our language and our ways, and I am sure you hold the answers to many of my questions.”
Donnelly sighed. “And why should I help you, lost one? The path you seek will be full of sorrow and non-fulfillment. There is no way to change the past or the choices some have made. Drogan has paid for his past, in more ways then you can ever know, and will trouble the Vanya no more. Why not leave it at that? Your rage will not bring your sister back. It will only consume you even if you get the revenge you seek. Why should I help you with that?”
“For two reasons Harper. I am not seeking revenge on Drogan Bennett, but the man who left him for dead and murdered my sister. And with what they know, they will seek you out as I have to tie up any loose ends, and you Greyson Donnelly are a loose end.”
“Be that as it may Char’drey Kattarian, I can take care of myself. I cannot help you with your problem.” He stood up. “Do not follow this path, elos ouno. Make your peace and return to your people.” With that he packed up his instruments and left the inn.
