Page 39 of Zel
Another easy truth, but omission still felt like lying when Zel wished he didn’t have to.
Ulrich stepped closer, watching Sophie and Gregor through the glass.
“Is that your music shop?” he asked.
“Yes. Pied Pipers.”
“Would you often sing and play together?”
“Almost every night. Sometimes for members of the guild too.”
“I am sorry I cannot hear you all together. If I touched the orb, the vision would vanish. It is only intended for one. But… would you perhaps play that song for me from the beginning?” Ulrich produced what appeared to be the same violin as the one Zel had used on their first night and many since.
He looked back at his parents in the orb, bid them a silent farewell, and removed his hand, returning the contents to green mist and stopping the sounds of music in his mind. But Zel could create his own. “I don’t suppose you know how to play any instruments to accompany me?” he asked as he accepted the violin.
“I am afraid I never learned, but I do know the words to that song.”
“I thought you wouldn’t sing for me.”
“Notalone,” Ulrich scoffed. “But in harmony with you, Zel, I can try.”
Once again, Zel was charmed, but for the first time…
Ithurt.
Zel moved to the middle of the room, and as he began to play, and then added his voice, Ulrich harmonized with him using his deep, haunting resonance. He had a lovely voice to be so timid about it, but it surprised Zel that playing and singing with Ulrich filled him with the same joy he used to feel at home with his parents.
Do not mourn your marks. They are already dead.
Zel had to finish this. He had to.
Tomorrow night, he would move forward.
Tonight, he would enjoy what he could.
ULRICH
“You wish to go to the city? To a tavern?”
“I wish to accompanyyouto a tavern, my lord,” Zel explained. It was the next night, nearing the evening meal. “Or are we to never leave the walls of this tower other than for strolls through the wood? You did say you leave often. Do you never go into the villages or city?”
Ulrich was no fool and allowed his smile to reveal that he knew he was being goaded. “I sequestered myself in this tower to stay away from others, remember? But yes, I do visit the city from time to time. In disguise, of course.”
Zel had already dressed for the occasion, it seemed, in one of the outfits brought along rather than one made from the loom, complete with bodice, petticoats, and—Ulrich assumed—corset and chemise. The more traditional garb wouldn’t prevent stares, however, pretty as Zel was.
Zel also wore the pendant from Rudy that Ulrich begrudged, but it matched the gold and emerald hairpin Ulrich had given Zel, which helped assuage his jealousy.
“Then tell me, my lord, will you grant your bride-to-be this request?” Zel held out a hand to Ulrich, who had been reading while lounging on the chaise.
Ulrich set his book aside, took Zel’s hand, and stood. “How could I refuse? But I assume you expect some magical transport to get us there promptly?”
“We wouldn’t arrive until nearly tomorrow otherwise. I imagine you have your ways.”
“I do. We will need to gather some of therapunzelto bring with us, so you do not go without tonight when we have our evening meal.”
“I had a feeling you would suggest that and already have some in my pockets.” Zel opened one to show Ulrich the bursting of greenery.
“And where will we be going?”
