Chapter 9: Song of the Lute

Trinity stood at the southern region exit, excitement filling every part of her body. By her sides were Alexander checking their supplies and Phoenix with a large bag. “You sure you don’t want to bring your horse?” she asked. “It’d make—”

“I’m sure,” he said quickly.

Frowning, she shrugged before turning. Having a slower trip made the adventure last longer, which was alright with her. “Lead the way, Alexander!”

Nodding, he walked ahead, Trinity and Phoenix following him out of Southern Bridge. They went along a dirt road past oak and chestnut trees, a few apple trees mixed in. Birds sang in the air, Trinity trying to freeze each thing in her mind like a painting.

All adventurers did, of course.

Taking a breath of fresh air, she walked closer to Phoenix. “How are you feeling, Phoenix?” she asked.

“Fine,” he answered quickly.

“First trip to somewhere other than Atland Village! Isn’t it exciting?”

“Sure.”

Trinity pouted. “Can you say more than one word?”

However, the short answers and awkward silence continued for the next hour. Occasionally, the trio would sit down to rest their legs before going on. Eventually, they reached a small creek, a wooden bridge crossing it. On the other side of the water was a young girl with skin as brown as Trinity’s and hair more golden than Phoenix’s. A lute was in her hand, and a frown was on her face. As the group crossed the bridge, she began to play. It was a piece Trinity had heard before played by bards in her village square. Mama had told her it was called Golden Winds.

However, she had never heard it played so badly.

Flinching, she covered her ears. The girl did not notice her, pausing her playing, tweaking the instrument, and continuing. Trinity admired her for trying and almost wanted to help her. However, she didn’t know the first thing about the lute or any instrument. Oriana was the musical one of the family.

She was snapped out of her thoughts as the girl groaned and threw the lute towards the creek.

“What are you doing?” Trinity shouted.

She and Phoenix ran across the bridge, the latter catching the lute before it could fall in the water. The girl stepped back, her surprise changing to a glare. “What do you all want?” she said.

“Don’t these things cost a lot?” Trinity said, gesturing towards the instrument. “You shouldn’t throw—”

Suddenly, Golden Winds was played on the lute correctly and nicely. However, the one who played it was Phoenix. He paused, face bright red as everyone stared at him. “It was those notes,” he said, pushing the lute back into the girl’s hands.

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“Amazing,” she said.

“You play the lute?” Trinity said.

Face redder than a tomato, Phoenix started walking. “We-We should keep going,” he said. “Otherwise, it will be dark by the time we reach the border.”

“Wait!” the girl shouted, running and sliding before Phoenix. “Please take me with you. I’d love to figure this song out more if you could help me.”

Phoenix stepped back startled. “Um—”

“Are you heading to Cameria? I could lead you in exchange for your help. The road outside can be scary.”

“Really?” Trinity said with a growing smile. “Then—”

Alexander pushed in front of her and Phoenix. “We’ll be fine, thanks,” he said.

“Oh,” the girl said, her eyes watery. “Sorry for the trou—”

“I’ll help,” Phoenix said. The girl gasped, Alexander glaring. “If-If you’re willing to lead us to Cameria.”

“We don’t need—” Alexander began to say when Trinity quickly covered his mouth.

“Thank you so much!” the girl said with a big smile. “Maybe I’ll be able to perform the song.” She picked up a small bag and turned south. “I’m Harper, by the way. As a Camerian local, I’ll escort you safely to town.” Grinning, Trinity followed her, Phoenix and an annoyed Alexander close behind.

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By the time the group had reached the border between the eastern and southern regions, the sun had fully set. Alexander set up camp near a waterfall, a river separating the apple trees from fields of flowers. Phoenix and Harper sat near the river, the latter playing her lute while Phoenix gave her advice. Trinity watched them from the campfire, her eye twitching each time a smile appeared on Phoenix’s face. “We should hopefully be in Cameria after tomorrow,” Alexander said, laying out three sleeping bags. Trinity silently nodded. “Are you alright?”

Flinching, Trinity turned around. “Of course!” she said. “I’m just surprised Phoenix agreed to help her. I didn’t even know he played.”

Her eyes fell on his bag, wondering if there was a lute inside it. Before she could think on it more, Harper and Phoenix stood and walked over to them. “Anyone hungry?” Harper said. “How about I cook us up something good?”

She picked up her bag and dumped out an array of food and spices. The other three sat around the campfire as she cooked, delicious smells filling the air. Once finished, Harper pulled out small bowls and spoons from her bag and filled them with food, handing it to everyone. “You’re very prepared,” Trinity said. “You must come out here often.”

“I suppose,” Harper said, sitting between her and Phoenix. “Dig in!”

Trinity scooped up some meat covered rice and put it in her mouth. It was hot and had a sweet savory taste. “This is delicious, Harper! What is it called?”

“Thank you, and it’s pineapple pork curry. My mother’s recipe.”

Nodding, Trinity took another spoonful of goodness, Alexander scarfing it down while Phoenix ate slowly. “So, you’re from Cameria, right?” Trinity said. “Why were you out in the eastern region playing?”

“That was the eastern region?” Harper said before shrugging. “Well, I wanted a quiet place to practice. I need to get the song just right for my teacher.”

“Teacher?” Phoenix said with a frown. “Are you a bard’s apprentice?”

Harper nodded. “I thought you had to be sixteen to take an apprenticeship,” Trinity said. “One not part of your family, I mean.” Phoenix’s frown grew. “What?”

“He’s a family friend who took me in after my parents could no longer care for me,” Harper said. She looked down and twirled her spoon. “He’s quite ill right now, and I want to perform this song for him to help him feel better. He’s a bit strict but caring, so I want it as perfect as possible.”

“Oh. I’m…so sorry,” Trinity said, scooting closer to her. “I’m sure he’ll love it regardless. That’s a really nice thing to do.” Phoenix looked away, fingers twitching as the group continued to eat.