Breath of Angel Read Online Free PDF

strings, the harp’s calm energy flowed through her. Hands curved, she rolled one chord and let it ring. The tones shimmered within her like light. She let herself ease into the music, then began springing notes to life. Her fingers hugged the strings, climbed up, and leapfrogged down as her hands danced, at one with the harp, at one with the music, which swirled within her like shimmering colors of light. When she had flung out the final chord, she bowed her head and leaned into the vibration of the wood. She had never played such music before.
    As the last breath of the song lingered in the air, the kingsman tossed a pouch of coins onto the table. “The king’s gold. For a harp worthy of him.”
    Melaia stiffened in alarm, and she sent a pleading look to the overlord. “Benasin should be consulted.”
    “Why?” Yareth picked up the pouch and tested its weight in his palm. “With this much gold, Benasin could buy a dozen harps.”
    Lord Silas eyed the kingsman and thumped his hands on his lap. “I assume you mean to have the harp for the king’s healing?”
    “The royal physician believes music might aid the king’s recovery.” The kingsman sipped from his goblet.
    “Then I shall send the chantress as well,” said Lord Silas.
    Melaia’s mouth dropped open.
    The kingsman coughed on his wine. “I would not deprive you of your chantress,” he said.
    “I insist,” said Lord Silas. “The chantress has soothed me well. She will be Navia’s envoy to Redcliff, my gift to the king.”
    “Might I suggest that the high priestess be part of this discussion?” said Melaia.
    “What is there to discuss?” Yareth chuckled. “One harp, one chantress in exchange for a pouch of gold. Payment has been made. All that remains is for the goods to be delivered.”
    Lord Silas scowled at Yareth. “Excuse my son. He could use a lesson in tact. The truth is, I grant a great gift to the king by sending him my chantress.”
    “I’m sure the high priestess will be happy to take up the matter with you tomorrow,” said Melaia. “In the meantime I should return the harp to Benasin’s room.”
    “If you wish,” said Lord Silas. “But you must come for it early on the morrow. I believe the envoy intends to leave for Redcliff by midday, is that not so?”
    “No later,” said the kingsman.

    “You’re not even angry!” Melaia had never yelled at the high priestess, but she was close to it now. She stomped down the corridor to the sleeping quarters with Hanni right behind her. The other girls scattered to their chores.
    “I don’t deny that Lord Silas should have consulted me.” Hanni’s almond eyes were stern. “He also should have consulted Benasin. I’m appalled that he didn’t, and I shall certainly take up the matter with him.”
    “In the meantime I’m donated like property?” Melaia dug through a chest and pulled out a journey bag, the one she had meant to help Iona pack.
    “Try to see it as the other girls do.” Hanni folded her arms. “In essence, you’re simply taking a post at the temple in Redcliff.”
    “Without my consent or yours.” Melaia stuffed her sleep shift into the pack. “And what about my duties here?”
    “Iona can take over. I was already considering sending you out in her place.”
    “But I thought—”
    “I know. I chose you to take over my position because you alone, of all the girls I’ve trained, came to me under uncommon circumstances.”
    “I was a foundling. Left on the temple doorstep. That’s nothing uncommon.”
    “Mellie, sylvans brought you here.”
    “The woodspeople. You told me that.” Melaia scooped up her comb and a pouch of anise seed.
    Hanni sat on a stool and studied her hands. “I didn’t tell you that sylvans are earth-angels.”
    “Earth-angels?” Melaia plopped down on her mat, gaping at Hanni.
    “Minor guardians who never enter the heavens as other angels do.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me before?”
    “I meant to. I would have.” Hanni