Vessia
"The Bone Whistler does not wish to bring war to innocent people," said Vio. "Do you really want your tribehold filled with the cries of widows and orphans just to protect a few outtribers?"
"I will not ask more than three times," Hertio said. "What are your master's demands?"
"Surrender all Imorvae Tavaedies in your hold. Turn away any others who try to enter your lands," Vio answered. "Do that, and my master will spare you the blooded spear. Refuse, and we will treat your defiance as a deathdebt."
"Then here is my answer," said Hertio. "Better the blooded spear of war than the broken dagger of a false oath. I promised to protect those in need. I will keep my word."
Vio gave a quiet laugh. "You know what happens when someone hears the song of the Bone Flute. No one can resist it."
"I know," said Hertio. "And that's why I offer something else."
Vio raised his eyebrows.
"Your master has a flute that no one can resist. But I have a dancer no one can resist. We call her the Corn Maiden. She is as lovely as a living doll. If I give her to him, will he pass us by?"
"No!" shouted Danumoro, jumping to his feet. "You can't betray her! She is your guest!"
"I made no vow to her," Hertio snapped. "If she had accepted your offer of marriage, Danu, then I would protect her. But she refused you. You owe her nothing."
"It's not about what I owe her," said Danumoro. His voice shook. Tears ran down his face. He dropped to one knee. "It's about what's right. Please, don't give her away."
"It's too late," Hertio said. "I already sent warriors to bring her."
Danumoro lowered his head.
Just then, warriors entered the circle. They looked shaken. "She's gone! She fled!"
"This is nonsense," said Gidio, one of the Rainbow Labyrinth men. "What's the point of this show?"
"It's no show," Hertio said quickly. Sweat dotted his face. "Once you see her dance, you'll understand. We'll find her. She often wanders off. I'm sure she hasn't gone far. When you see her, you'll agree she is worth more than anything else you asked for."
"One girl? I doubt it," Vio said.
"She's strange, but she's not stupid," said Danumoro. "She learned what you were planning. That's why she ran. You'll never catch her."
"What are you so happy about?" Vio asked him. "If I had agreed to take her, it would have saved your life."
"I would never pay such a high price for my life," Danumoro said quietly.
Then Vessia stepped out from behind the stones.
She walked straight down the center of the grassy circle, stopping between Vio and Hertio.
"There's no need to search," she said. "I'm here. I'll dance, if you like."
All three men stared at her like they had never seen a woman before.
"I should have guessed," said Vio the Skull Stomper. Pain flickered over his face.
Vumo gave a low whistle. "You didn't lie about her beauty, Hertio. Once we defeat you, I think I'll ask our master to give her to me as my prize."
"You rotten vulture bait," Danumoro growled.
Vumo laughed. "She turned you down already. How do you know I'm not exactly her type?"
Vessia looked him up and down. "You're not."
This time Vio laughed. He nudged his brother. "So much for your charm, Vumo."
"I can win her over," Vumo muttered. "Just give me time. And beer."
The three men laughed, but Vio never looked away from her. His gaze burned, as if he wanted to devour her.
"You're a Tavaedi?" he asked.
"I dance."
"Imorvae, I assume. Many-banded."
"I dance what I dance."
"Then dance." Vio crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. He was testing her. "Let's see what's so irresistible."
Hertio clapped his hands. Women hurried to clear the food mats. No one spoke of moving to a stage. No one needed to.
Vessia began to dance.
And all around her, the stones lit up and sang.
***
Dindi
Even though Dindi was caught inside the Vision, part of her still knew what she was hearing. The strange music that surrounded the Corn Maiden's dance felt familiar—too familiar.
Where have I heard this before?
She listened harder, hoping for words. But there were none.
Then she remembered.
The Corn Maiden was dancing the tama of the Unfinished Song.
It was the simplest dance. Bare feet skipped over the grass in a circle. Her arms reached toward the sky, full of joy. So plain. So beautiful.
No wonder Mad Maba thought I could do this tama, Dindi thought. If I can do no other, I can do this one. Anyone could.
I can dance it.
I can learn it just by watching her.
If I can only remember it.
If I can hold it in my heart and never let it go.
But the Vision kept going.
And she had no way to wake up from the past.
***
Vessia
Vessia danced the same way she always did. To her, it felt like only a moment had passed. But in truth, hours went by.
The shadows from the moon moved across her as she spun. Then the sun rose, and its light made new shadows that crossed her the other way.
When the light of both moon and sun, shining between the standing stones, touched her at the same time, she stopped.
Time returned. It opened its eyes.
Vio stretched and rubbed his face. He blinked in surprise.
"By the Seven Faeries! It's morning! We watched you all night."
Vessia looked at him but said nothing.
"You're not even sweating," he said. "What are you?"
"I must have her," said Vumo. "Whatever it costs. I must have her!"
"You must?" Vio's voice turned cold. "Don't forget yourself, little brother. We serve the Bone Whistler. But… I do agree with the idea."
He turned to Hertio and bowed slightly. "We accept your deal, War Chief of Yellow Bear. We will take the Corn Maiden."
Danumoro stood. "Then you must take me too."
"Don't be a fool, Danu," said Hertio. "I did this for your sake."
"Then you never understood what it means to be a friend," Danumoro replied.