The Blue Sword

ACT 3

The halls of Hedge Manor have always been grand, possessing long, arched passageways, like those in a castle, that are constantly flooded with light from the stained glass above. The hall glistened with color, which appeared to dance to the piano's musical tones. Ebony's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she drew closer to the living room. Her brisk walking turned into slowed steps and her racing heart calmed its heaving beating. The song that was playing was so emotional; so moving. It was different from the one she heard in the garden. It was as if a story was being told through it. One that was sad yet motivational and life-changing. The tips of her fingers gently grazed the wall, tracing the fluttering lights, as she walked closer and closer to the source of the music.

"I don't recognize this song..." She thought. "I don't think Father's ever played it before. I wonder when he learned it?"

She rested her hand on top of her bosom to soothe the growing pain in her heart.

"Why is it so sad?..." she whimpered. "What could have caused Father so much grief to play such a song?"

Finally at the end of the hallway, and with careful steps, Ebony entered the living room. She watched the pianist move and sway to the chorus. He was surrounded by light that was pouring from the bay windows. He was the heart of the song. The reason why the music held so much life. Everything he did seemed so new and different. The allurement of it all drew the young woman closer, like a magnet. She passed the couch, passed the fireplace, passed the Great Chair. Ebony's world slowly seemed to disappear the further she drew to the magical source of the music. Her surroundings blurred and faded away; her steps felt lighter and more free; and her chest ached with longing. The young lady didn't understand what was happening. She's watched this piano be played countless times, but never has she ever experienced something as this. Her body felt as if she was stepping into another world that was much different from her own. She was entranced, and the source behind her enchantment was that marvelous pianist.

"You're... you're..."

The thought, that so desperately wanted to speak, was being held back in Ebony's mind. It was a consequence of the pianist's magic, and Ebony did not possess the will to force herself to think them. The thought, in question, was "You're not Father... the man playing the piano isn't Father". But why would such a thought not want to be spoken? ...Why, indeed.

There is something about our world that we humans sometimes forget. We live alongside other beings, who we cannot see or touch, but who can certainly see and touch us. Such an idea can be terrifying for those who believe that they are always in control. But such beings are not to be feared. Just as water seeps into soil and travels effortlessly through its cracks to nourish, bind, strengthen, and give life to the plants, animals, and insects that live within and upon the soil; these beings also flow through our world and shapen our lives. It is a beautiful harmony and powerful bond created to make us stronger.

So then why, upon seeing Ebony, would the musical spirit - who was awakened by the hands of the pianist - rush to her, rest its hands on her head, and gently blow into her ear? Whispering a suggestion to relax; to not think, and to bury her thoughts somewhere deep inside? But an even trickier question is why did Ebony agree to this spirit's suggestion. Some questions are meant to go unanswered. But as for the pianist, he was oblivious to the troubles he was causing to the young woman's mind. In fact, it was only when the young lady stood beside him that he became aware of her presence, thus causing him to halt in his performance and look up at her. The two of them did not say a word as their eyes remained on one another; brown looking upon brown.

The mysterious pianist was a young man with cinnamon skin and an innocent face. He had yet to grow out his facial hair, indicating his age and youthfulness. Because the piano was no longer being sung, the musical spirit was growing smaller and thus losing its power. Being drawn back into the piano from whence it slumbered, the musical spirit was grateful to the young man. For never had it ever been given such life and passion, as the young man had bestowed upon it. Seeing the two young souls, the spirit smiled and blew them a kiss containing the last of its power and a wish. A wish, that one day, the lady of the manor and this young man will never be apart. And thus, closing its eyes, the musical spirit returned back into the piano to slumber.