The Winds of the Past [Rune Factory 4]

Chapter 61

"His name was Sundara...."

We all jumped at the sound of Avani's voice, and I half-rose as I quickly looked her way. She was sitting up on the bed, her chin resting on her knees as she stared ahead at nothing, and Chanda was standing next to her, stroking her hair as she looked over her shoulder at us in dismay.

"You mean your former lover? The one you remembered in your dreams one night?" I asked, trying to remember the details of that conversation. She had said he'd died... no, that he'd been murdered.

"Yes. He was two years older than me, and he was a vocational music student, the apprentice to the chief musician, called the pravada—meaning bard. One of his duties was to help teach the non-vocational students, such as me. He was very talented and could play many instruments as well as sing. He had a beautiful, rich, baritone voice. But he was especially skilled with the sur-mandal. Do you remember his instrument, Rishi? It was so beautiful, painted like the tip of a peacock's tail feather. He loved peafowl, and kept them as pets...." A strangled sob escaped her throat, and she hugged her legs more tightly.

Sharmila glanced at Rishi, then looked over to me. "Perhaps... perhaps we should go and continue this conversation tomorrow. Avani has been through a lot tonight, and she should rest. I imagine that she is feeling overwhelmed and overwrought at the sudden return of her memory. Will that be acceptable?"

I looked at my wife's huddled form as she wept quietly on the bed, then looked over to Dylas and Arthur, both of whom gave no indication of any preference. With a sigh, I said, "Yes, that will be acceptable. I think you're right—a good night's rest should prove beneficial."

Rishi turned towards me. "Is there a place in town where we may stay the night? We could teleport back to our village and return in the morning if needed, but such travel is taxing."

Arthur spoke up. "There is an inn in town. The innkeeper, along with all the rest of the town, is at a celebration tonight and is not accepting guests. However, under the circumstances, I'm certain she will make an exception for you. If you will just come with me, I will introduce you."

I stood up, too, saying, "My apologies that I cannot offer you a bed here. We only have a small daybed in the study for guests. However, if there is only room for the two of you at the inn, Chanda could stay there tonight."

Dylas glanced questioningly at me, then added, "Or if there is only room for one at the inn, I could sleep on the daybed here and Rishi and Sharmila could have my room for the night."

"Thank you," Rishi said, bowing slightly. "Your kindness is appreciated."

As I led them to the back door, to take the shortcut through the gardens to the restaurant, I said, "Then let's reconvene tomorrow, say at 10:00? Arthur, could we perhaps use your office? Or would you prefer to meet here?"

Before he could answer, though, Avani looked up at me and said barely above a whisper, "Here, please, Leo. It's more... more private."

Sharmila led Rishi to Avani, and he bent down to kiss her on her head. "Then goodnight, Avani dear. I hope you rest well," he said to her gently.

She reached up and hesitantly touched his cheek. "Good night, Rishi, my love. I... I'm glad you found me again." He grasped her hand and held it tightly for a moment, then released it and turned to leave. Sharmila also kissed her head, whispering something that brought a half-smile to Avani's face before she, too, took her leave.

Chanda hesitated, reluctant to leave. Avani smiled at her, though her eyes still glistened with tears in the amber light. She reached out and pulled the silver-haired woman into an embrace, murmuring, "Thank you for coming with Rishi and Sharmila, Chanda. We have a lot to catch up on, so please come again tomorrow. Right now, though, I need to rest. I'm so very tired...."