didn’t quite understand, the bardling warily hid the manuscript behind a shelf of books.
There. That should keep it safe till tomorrow.
He scooped up his copy. Returning to the squires’ quarters, the bardling followed his Master’s orders (though they seemed unnecessarily wary) and hid the copy in a secret pocket in his saddlebags, which in turn he hid under his clothes in the chest—With a
It was true. Grinning, Kevin knew he really did have the gift for Bardic Magic. And who knew where that might lead?
“Bard,” Kevin whispered joyously.
In the morning, not even noticing how the squires continued to snub him, Kevin ate and dressed in a rush and hurried to the library, eager to start the day’s copying. Let's see, he’d hidden the manuscript behind this row ...
“No, oh no!”
The manuscript was gone.
That’s impossible. I—I must have just mistaken which row it was.
The bardling started searching in the next row and then the next, carefully at first, then more and more frantically—It had to be here! Elvish words or no, manuscripts just didn’t get up and walk!
Kevin was on his knees, facing denuded shelves and surrounded by piles of books when a gentle cough made him start. He whirled so sharply he lost his balance, sitting down hard on some of the books, and stared up at ...
At one of the loveliest girls he’d ever seen. Her long plaits of hair were such a beautiful gold, her eyes were the clearest blue, the same shade as her silky gown, while her face and figure were ... were ...
Reddening, Kevin scrambled to his feet, trying to brush off as much dust as possible. “I... uh ... was working in the library.” Oh, you idiot! She can see that for herself.” I mean, I was copying out a manuscript For my Master. He’s a Bard. And I—I’m Kevin, I mean his apprentice, I mean, a bardling.”
The lovely eyes widened. “How wonderful! I’ve never met anyone studying to be a Bard before. You must be very wise.”
“Uh ... well, I don’t know about that It’s not easy being a bardling, though.”
“I can imagine! All that musk to learn—I never could manage to do more than pick out me simplest tunes on the harp, no matter how my tutors insisted. Arc you a harper, too? No? What instrument do you play?”
For a moment, staring into those warm blue depths, Kevin couldn’t remember to save his life. “The—the lute,” he stammered out at last.
“My goodness,” she said respectfully. “That’s a very difficult instrument, isn’t it?”
“Not for me.” Wonderful. Now, instead of an idiot I sound like a braggart.
“I’d love it if you’d play for me. If you want to, that is.”
“Oh. I do!” Kevin exclaimed.
The girl gave the most delightful little giggle. “But I’m forgetting my manners! Here I’m asking you to play for me, and you don’t even know who I am. My name is Charina, and I am Count Volmar’s niece.”
Kevin hastily bowed. “My lady.”
“Please!” Her sweet laugh sent a little shiver through him. “I hear enough formalities at my uncle’s court. But I didn’t mean to startle you, or interrupt you in ...” Her glance took in the empty shelves and piles of books. “In whatever it is you’re doing. Please, continue.”
How could he, with such a wonderful creature watching him? One eye on Charina, Kevin did his best to look for the missing manuscript, but at last sank back on his heels with a groan. “I can’t find it.”
To his wonder, she knelt by his side in a feint, sweet cloud of perfume. He heard himself say, “You'll get your gown all dusty,” even as he was hoping she wouldn’t listen—
