The Bard Speaks by Montgomery Mahaffey Read Free Book Online

pale.
    “This was a thrilling tale to be certain, but I hope all of you understand it’s not only cruel, it is foolish to abuse the gift of love.”
    The boy met his grandfather’s gaze and nodded. The Bard was relieved to see his grandson understood.
    “Follow your heart,” he said. “Remember, it’s the most precious part of you. Follow your heart and you will always do right in life.”

Chapter Three
    Four years later...
     
    The hunt for Ella Bandita began with the women.
    They raged with each new tale about the notorious seductress, these women who spent their lives caring for their beauty and enhancing their manners to appeal to the most desirable men in society. Wives and courtesans worked hard for their pampered lives, fine gowns, and sparkling jewels. Ella Bandita was a spit in the face of their world. Ugly in face and grubby in dress, how could this be a woman no man can resist? How could a vagabond be the Thief of Hearts, a destroyer of indomitable men, making them shadows of their former selves and never to be the same again?
    The wrath of the women grew alongside the terror of their men. I’ve never heard of a time when married ladies and harlots of easy living cast their rivalries aside. But they did in order to stand against Ella Bandita. Ironically enough, the man who brought them together was more akin to a courtesan than a Patron. He was an easy conquest, not worth a mention if it weren’t for what happened afterwards.
    He was a charmer, the one who set all the women against Ella Bandita.
    He lived in the city, having arrived in society through a marriage of convenience. In some ways, the Charmer was blessed amongst fortune hunters. His wife was lovely with her fair hair and creamy skin. Her beauty would have been almost as appealing as her generous dowry had she not been a malcontent. Her dreary accent and petulant nature challenged his polished manners every day, and her company must have grated desperately on his nerves. The Charmer hadn’t been married a year before he pursued a courtesan who was as exciting as his wife was irritating. He must have spent quite a bit of his wife’s fortune, for he stopped at nothing until he gained the favor of the most sought after woman in her profession.
    She was known as Adrianna the Beautiful. Dark and fiery with a formidable lust, her appetite for pleasure was insatiable, her salons legendary. Her guests were the handsomest, the wealthiest, the most powerful, and the most brilliant men in the city. She had her pick of lovers from only the best, and she was selective. The Charmer was far beneath her usual choices, but he was witty and his courtship was relentless. He made himself irresistible enough that Adrianna allowed herself to be seduced.
    The night the Charmer crossed paths with Ella Bandita, he was with his wife at the opera. They sat in a balcony above the stage. The Charmer’s mistress was also present, escorted by a handsome young prince. To the amusement of Adrianna the Beautiful and the Charmer, she and her escort sat across from he and his wife. Adrianna winked at her lover when neither of their companions was looking. The Charmer smiled and winked back just before his wife turned to him with a complaint. The Charmer was a consummate gallant. His face transformed into a mask of attentive concern as he caressed his wife’s hand and whispered gentle words until she was quiet.
    He saw Ella Bandita as soon as he could look away. As was often the case when she was hunting, the Thief of Hearts was staring at the Charmer, drawing his regard down to the common seats where she sat. Their eyes met. The Charmer found her gaze startling and riveting. For a moment, he forgot his wife and his mistress. Then his attention was diverted when the lights faded and the velvet curtains lifted. Once the performance began, he had no mind for intrigue. Opera was one of the few things he cherished.
    It was surprising the Charmer even fell under Ella Bandita’s