Robert Newcomb - A March into Darkness

“This is your doing, isn’t it?” he asked sternly.

Trying to stifle her glee, Shailiha bit her lower lip. “I’ll never tell,” she whispered from behind her mask. Everyone’s eyes soon returned to the orchestra leader.

“So who among you lovely ladies would like to get things started?” he shouted. “Now then, don’t be shy! It’s all for a good cause, you know!”

“Ten kisa for the First Wizard!” one woman hollered. “I’ve always wanted to dance with a wizard! I hear they can be very light on their feet!”

As the crowd erupted into laughter, Tristan heard Wigg groan. The prince smiled evilly.

“Fifteen for Faegan!” another woman shouted. “With or without his chair!”

The crowd laughed good-naturedly. Curious, Tristan leaned forward to glance down the line of Conclave members. Unlike Wigg, the mischievous Faegan had lowered his mask and was grinning from ear to ear.

“Seventeen for Traax!” another called out. More congratulatory applause followed.

Urgently elbowing her husband out of the way, an especially rotund woman stepped forward. She lowered her mask to show a hooked nose and far too much rouge adorning her cheeks. With a coy look on her face, she stared straight at the prince. Fearing the worst, Tristan swallowed hard.

“Twenty for the prince!” the woman shouted. The crowd cheered.

Lowering her mask a bit, Shailiha leaned toward her brother. The catty expression on her face was plain to see.

“I’d be careful if I were you,” she whispered. “She must mean business-she just paid twenty kisa for you. Watch your feet. One wrong step and they might be crushed beyond recognition.”

Tristan scowled. “Twenty kisa, eh?” he mused. “I’d gladly pay one hundred not to have to go down there!”

Then another woman came forward. She was tall, and her red dress was stunning. Her handheld mask was white, with pink overtones. Wondering who she might be, Tristan leaned forward a bit. The unidentified woman looked over at the orchestra leader.

“One thousand kisa for the prince!” she shouted. “And don’t worry-I’m good for it!”

A hush came over the crowd as they all wondered who the rich mystery woman might be. Then they started applauding. Taking another step forward, the winning bidder lowered her mask. When Tristan saw her face, his eyes went wide. He sat back in his chair.

It was Tyranny.

Tristan looked over at his sister. “This is your doing again, isn’t it?” he asked.

To his surprise, Shailiha seemed as shocked as he. She shook her head.

“I knew she wanted to dance with you tonight,” she said, “but not this badly.” She smiled again. “Your duty is clear. One thousand kisa will go far for the orphanage. Besides, she’s right about one thing,” she added softly.

Tristan raised an eyebrow. “What is that?” he asked.

“She can afford it,” the princess answered with a smile.

As the bidding for other men continued, Tyranny walked to the dais. Smiling, she curtsied, then reached one gloved hand out toward Tristan.

“Shall we?” she asked.

For several moments Tristan simply stared at her. He had never seen Tyranny so lovely. Even though he suspected that her dress belonged to Shailiha, the privateer seemed to be a totally different woman. The only reminders of her piratical nature were her familiar gold hoop earrings. Relieved to have been rescued from the unappealing matron, he smiled.

“By all means,” he said. He took her hand and placed his other one behind his back as he escorted her to the center of the floor.

Bowing respectfully, the crowd quickly gave way for the stunning couple. As Tristan took Tyranny in his arms she beamed back at him. Leaning in, he placed his mouth near her ear.

“I certainly hope this will be worth one thousand kisa,” he whispered.

A gentler look suddenly overcame Tyranny’s face. “Of that I have no doubt, my liege,” she answered softly.

With the auction concluded, the conductor was again standing before the musicians. Tristan looked his way.

“A waltz, if you please,” the prince suggested. With a nod from the conductor, the musicians started playing.

Even though he cared little for dancing, Tristan had always been good at it. As he led Tyranny around the floor, he was surprised to find her his equal, if not better. She followed every command effortlessly, gracefully. According to custom, the other dancers let the dashing couple command the entire floor. After two graceful turns, Tristan gave the signal for the others to join in. Soon the floor was alive with elegant dancers, and the lovely waltz was carrying them all away.

Her mask in one hand behind Tristan’s shoulder, Tyranny looked the prince in the eyes. Tristan smiled.

“I had no idea you were such a wonderful dancer,” he said. Turning with the music, he led them toward a spot that would yield a bit more room. Tyranny followed his every motion like they were one.

“Where did you learn?” he asked.

“From my parents,” she answered. “They were marvelous dancers. I wish you could have seen them together!” Showing her lovely neck, she threw her head back and laughed. “I might be mostly seagoing wildcat, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely ignorant of social graces,” she said coyly.

Sending her whirling, Tristan brought her to her toes, then wheeled her around again. As he did, he realized that for the first time in a long while he was starting to enjoy himself.

“By the way, is Scars here?” he asked. Tristan suspected that even tonight her giant first mate would be near his captain.

“Yes,” she answered, “he’s here somewhere.” Then her infectious laugh came again. “But you know, although I’ve known him forever, I can’t tell you whether he can dance. I love him like a brother-you know that. Even so, I don’t imagine that Scars’ dancing would be a pretty picture, do you? I pity the poor girl he might hold too tightly! And may the Afterlife forbid him stepping on her feet!”

For the first time in months, Tristan laughed out loud. It felt good-as if the dense fog surrounding his heart was finally starting to lift.

“Yes!” he said, amid his own laughter. “I suppose you’re right!”

Tristan took a moment to look around. Then he smiled and laughed a bit more. Wheeling Tyranny leftward so that she could take a better look, he motioned with his chin. She also grinned at what she saw.

The two wizards had levitated themselves and their partners high into the air. At first the two women accompanying them seemed terrified. Realizing they had nothing to fear, they soon settled down. Then Wigg’s partner suddenly blushed, and she urgently whispered something into the wizard’s ear. After whispering back to her, Wigg smiled and he called a spell that effectively prevented the guests on the ballroom floor from sneaking looks under the ladies’ dresses.

Tristan realized that it was much like watching all four dancers slide and twirl atop an invisible glass floor that was suspended high in the air. Having left his chair behind, Faegan dutifully held his delighted partner in his arms as his useless legs dangled below him.

Waving one arm, Tristan caught Faegan’s eye, then winked. Understanding, the old wizard nodded. Tristan and Tyranny were promptly lifted into the air to join them. Soon all six were the center of attention.

Amazing, the prince thought as he looked into Tyranny’s delighted face. He had been right about the invisible floor. It provided just enough support to twirl Tyranny about, but also gave a feeling of being lighter than air.

Smiling, Tyranny leaned closer. “This is definitely worth one thousand kisa!” she exclaimed.

Smiling broadly, Tristan looked back down at the swirling dancers to notice the heavyset woman whom Tyranny had so easily outbid. With her arms crossed atop her plentiful breasts and her face beet red, she was fuming. Looking farther across the room, he saw young Brent. Despite his recent trauma, the boy seemed mesmerized by the spectacle. That gave the prince an idea.