Page 58 of Lady's Steed

“Would you rather run out into the fog like the townsfolk?” Josslyn riposted.

Avera sighed. “The cellar it is.”

“Let’s quickly grab some bedding before we head down for the night. Gustav, get the hatch open and grab us some cups and plates. There’s food down there we can eat.”

Josslyn and Avera raced up the steps and entered the marquis’ bedroom to snatch the linen and pillows from the bed. As they reached the main level with their armfuls of bedding, Avera heard Josslyn murmur, “Can you hear that?”

“Hear what?” She glanced back at Josslyn who stared vacantly.

“It’s so beautiful.” Josslyn dropped her armful and began walking for the door.

“Whoa, where are you going?” Avera ditched her load to grab Josslyn by the arm.

Josslyn blinked and shook her head. “What happened?”

“You were trying to go outside.”

“Why would I do that?” Josslyn laughed, but it emerged reedy and thin.

“I don’t know. You said something about it being beautiful.”

The reminder pursed Josslyn’s lips. “For a second, I could have sworn I heard singing.”

“Do you hear it now?” Avera asked, squeezing her arm.

Josslyn shook her head.

“Let’s get to the cellar before we disappear like the townsfolk.” They grabbed the linen, and as they began to climb down, Gustav appeared at the bottom.

“Do I hear singing?” he asked.

Avera didn’t, but Josslyn turned her head, and her eyes got that dreamy look again. “Don’t you dare,” Avera growled, giving her a shove. “Down into that cellar. Now.”

Josslyn bit her lip and headed down the steps, Avera at her heels. Gustav then climbed to grab the hatch, only to pause.

Avera dumped the bedding and grabbed his pant leg just as he went to climb out of the cellar. “None of that, now. Close the hatch.”

A grim-faced Gustav slammed it shut before huffing, “Don’t know what came over me.”

“Probably the same thing that happened to the townsfolk.” Avera pursed her lips. “Can you still hear the singing?”

He shook his head.

“Did you recognize the melody?” she asked only to have Josslyn reply.

“It had words and didn’t. More of a melody that rose and fell. I’ve never heard anything so lovely.”

“And was it telling you to go outside?”

A frown knit Josslyn’s brow. “Yes and no. It was more like I wanted to get closer to the music.”

“Why?” Avera tried to understand since she’d not heard it at all.

“Because it felt good,” Gustav muttered. “Which I don’t understand since I’m not a music lover.”

“But you’re both fine now. No singing?”

“We’re fine. Told you the cellar would work,” Josslyn stated a little too brightly. “Shall we see what we can scrounge for our dinner?”