10 Minute Tales

Jan 17 - Weather's Score

She climbed the stairs leading up to the viewpoint, humming to herself. Already the wind stirred, a gentle breeze dancing through her hair. She smiled a soft smile; the weather seemed to be cooperative today. That made a pleasant change.
"What do the people ask for?" She asked, voice barely louder than a humble whisper. Her aide, a scrawny and balding man, brought out an envelope and opened it, reading the letter contained within.
"It seems as though they want your ladyship to summon a gentle snow storm. The people tire of the hot weather."
"Are the crops ready?"
"Yes, ma'am, they are protected within your range. You may proceed." She nodded, hair rippling gently. Stepping onto a small stage, she cleared her throat and sung a pure note. The energy in her voice reacted to the pendant she wore, sending a chill through the air. The aide shuddered, taking a wary step back. He had heard her powerful song many a time, but not once did he approve of it. Tampering with the will of the gods, he argued, though only out of the Lady's earshot. Her song grew cooler, singing of the joys of winter, and the sky responded. Where once sat blue emptiness, dark grey clouds started to form. They were not ready yet, but soon. The ground beneath suddenly started to quake, not with the power of her voice but the echoing footfalls of men. She turned to look, her song growing quiet.
"Who would...?" She started to ask, but the sight awaiting her struck her words from her. Her aide was stuttering softly, gasping for air and grasping at the foot of steel that now protruded from his chest. His blood ran down his front as the blade was withdrawn.
"We... promised..." he muttered, shakily reaching for a knife. He collapsed before he could draw it.
"There was a change of plans." The murderer grinned, turning to face the Lady.

"What have you done?!" She demanded, rushing over to the aide's cooling body.
"Sorry, lady." He grinned a toothy grin, clearly not sorry in the slightest. "Just doin' my job."
"You murdered him! In cold blood, too, why would...?" Her voice grew quiet as she sobbed, fighting back the urge to panic. Something tickled her back, and she looked up. The snow! She had summoned it, but the song hadn't finished so it wouldn't end! She quickly rushed back to the stage, but was yanked back before she could reach it by the murderer, now firmly holding her by the hair.