She introduced herself to Derby as my cousin and a member of our band, Cole said.
Cousin is a surprising twist, Sir Caleb said.
Can you do your job with her there, Cole? the king voiced. Will she distract you from your mission?
Cole thought about it. Not from any task. Only that I’d be worried about her safety.
It’s only natural to worry about a friend’s safety, Achan voiced. On the battlefield or off.
That’s the story you’re going with? Kurtz said. That they’re just friends?
Apparently, we’re cousins, Cole said. She told Derby so, and I’ll go along with it. That will keep things platonic between us.
Because the mission must come first. Ice Island and his uncle. Plus, Cole cared for Mistel enough that he didn’t want to risk her getting hurt because of him. Best they stay friends only.
As long as she doesn’t interfere with the mission, Prince Oren said.
Or jeopardize anyone’s safety, including her own, Sir Caleb added.
Cole, Achan voiced, if problems should arise, have Kurtz bloodvoice me right away. Is that clear?
Yes, sir. Cole tried to imagine what kind of scenario might constitute such a problem.
So, we let her stay? Kurtz asked.
It’s up to Cole, Achan said. If he isn’t opposed, she can stay.
Cole couldn’t deny that he wanted Mistel around, yet he could feel the conflict inside him, fear warring with the desire to be close to her—to sing with her. To show up Jeffrey.
She consistently tells me that she can take care of herself, Cole said. And dressed as a soldier, perhaps she can. But what about when we reach Tsaftown, and she is Mistel Wepp again? I’d feel better if she at least had a female companion.
That’d make me feel better, too, it would, Kurtz added.
Cole raised an eyebrow at Kurtz, but the man’s eyes were shut.
A prudent thought, Cole, Sir Caleb said.
I have just the person, Prince Oren voiced. I’ll check in with her. Contact me once you arrive in Tsaftown, and I’ll give you instructions.
Then it’s settled, Achan voiced. Mistel Wepp can stay and be brought in on the mission only as Prince Oren allows. She is to keep herself hidden until Tsaftown where she will have a female companion, and she will pose as Cole’s cousin.
A chorus of farewells filled Cole’s mind, and then his thoughts became his own again. A heavy silence fell over the tent.
Cole met Kurtz’s gaze and asked, “Since when do you think a woman needs a chaperone?”
“Since she attached herself to you.”
Cole smirked, and a breath of laughter escaped. “Whatever happened to letting a woman help me forget all my troubles?”
“It’s different when she’s the one causing trouble, it is,” Kurtz said. “Go on. Find your new cousin and tell her the news. And try not to look too happy, eh?”
Cole pushed to his feet, crouching beneath the low ceiling. “I’m not unhappy, but I am worried about her safety, especially once we reach Tsaftown.”
“If she wants to stay, she’ll fall in line, she will,” Kurtz said.
As if Mistel was a string Cole could tune on his lute. Plus, some strings refused to stay in place, no matter how often he adjusted them.
He left the tent and returned to the practice field. Mistel was nowhere to be found. No surprise. As he stood, considering where she might have gone, Jeffrey Korngold’s melodic notes reached him.
