02 Elfsong by Forgotten Realms

Author:Forgotten Realms [Realms, Forgotten]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-04-10T15:53:05.367000+00:00

The early show at the Three Pearls theater opened to a large crowd. Outside the large stone and mud-brick building, a queue of people stretched down Pearl Alley. Several troupe members strolled along the narrow street entertaining those who waited. Vendors hawked oranges and sweets, and there was a hum of curious anticipation. "Lucia, I really haven't time for this," Caladorn told his lady, an uncustomary touch of impatience in his voice as they edged closer to the entrance. The Midsummer Festival is almost upon us, and the practice sessions have been plagued by mishaps and injuries. I should be at the arena." "I would not keep you from your work, but for something important," Lady Thione said in soft tones. "You know that guilds or other groups sometimes hire the theater for private performances. A private party is paying for this show, yet the performance is open to all who care to come." "So?" "The person behind this performance is Lord Hhune, a merchant visiting from Tethyr. The city's bards are unhappy about attempts to censor their songs, and Hhune is paying them to air their discontent at a concert satirizing the Lords of Waterdeep, particularly the archmage." Caladorn stared at Lucia. "How did you come to know of this?" The noblewoman shrugged. "Some of my servants understand the language of Tethyr. I have done business with Hhune in the past, and I trust him not so I had him followed and watched. My servant overheard Hhune talking to one of his men. What Hhune hopes to gain from this, I cannot begin to imagine." She lifted enormous, haunted dark eyes to her lover's face and whispered, "You know what became of the royal family when men such as Hhune took power in Tethyr. There are many in the south who would see me dead, although my connection to the royal family is admittedly distant Now that Hhune seeks to influence affairs in Waterdeep, I cannot help but fear." Caladorn's stern expression melted, and he drew the tiny noblewoman away from the crowds. "Lucia, you are safe in Waterdeep, and with me." "You're right, of course," she said, and cast a rueful smile up at him "I suppose I'm being foolish." "Your concern is easy to understand," the young man said, and he bent and kissed her forehead. "Now, let's leave Hhune to the city's Lords. You can be sure they know of his activities." They do now, Lucia thought with dark satisfaction.

*****

As soon as Caladorn had seen his lady safely to her villa, he hurried to the palace of Piergeiron, Waterdeep's only acknowledged ruler. The young man was not particularly surprised to find Khelben Arunsun in council with Piergeiron. The Lords of Waterdeep met often these days, in full council and in small groups, to deal with the city's seemingly unending problems. "Did you enjoy the performance at the Three Pearls?" the archmage asked with a touch of wry amusement. "I didn't stay," the young Lord responded. He

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