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Nodding, I snuggled myself into the thick blankets, which he tucked around my body.
He bent forward to kiss me again, on my lips that time, and all the days of worrying over the two of us melted away.
23
THE BARON
The crunch of autumn leaves announced the baron’s approach, as he strode toward the spot where Solomon had instructed him to meet, deep in the woods. The old man stood with his back to him, and the baron could not help but wonder how unsettling it would be to lose one’s sight. Yet, Solomon did not so much as stir, seemingly confident that it was the baron who approached.
In the clearing ahead, what had to be fifty black birds poked around in the grass, in search of worms. He’d not seen so many gathered in one place since the day at Mount Helios, when he’d fallen off the rock and watched them circling overhead.
“Are you not tempted to ask who approaches? What if I were someone else?”
Solomon craned his neck toward the boy, revealing a smile, and turned back toward the birds. “I knew immediately.”
“How?”
“The cadence of your walk. The scent of castile soap.” He nodded toward the clearing. “And the birds.”
The baron glanced toward the unruffled creatures, who seemed to have no awareness of him. “The birds? How would the birds offer any awareness?”
“They know you, young lord.”
“How?”
“Ask them.”
The baron slid his gaze toward the old man, studying him before he let out an incredulous laugh. “You’re mad. I had suspected as much, but now I am convinced.”
“It is not madness. Close your eyes and speak with them in your mind.”
“I will not make a fool of myself by attempting what is impossible.”
“Have you tried to speak to them before?”
“Of course not. I have no cause to speak to birds.”
The older man’s brow quirked up. “Then, how are you so sure that it is impossible? Humor me. I will not speak a word if you are to look a fool. Doing so would have me locked up with the Ravers, yes?”
“Absolutely.”
“Well, then. Your secret is quite safe with me.” He turned back toward the birds, tipped his chin back, and raised his hands into the air. “Now, close your eyes and speak to them in the silence of your mind. And do not question my sanity again. It is disrespectful.”
Frowning, the baron stared back at the birds, who ignorantly went about their pecking, not sparing so much as a glance in his direction.
The man is a fool, he thought to himself.A raving fool.
I’ve always thought so, too, but he does make a good point.
The baron heard the words in his head as if someone had spoken them aloud, and on a gasp, he jerked and tumbled backward, stumbling over the exposed roots of the tree behind him. The hard ground smashed against his backside, pain shooting up into his spine, but he ignored it. Only a few feet away from him, a blackbird stared back at him, head tipped to the side.
Are you all right?the strange voice spoke again, and the baron looked to Solomon, who stared out over the field, seemingly oblivious to what was happening.
“Did you just speak to me?” the baron whispered, not wanting to draw the old man’s attention.
Yes, the voice answered.
“I have gone completely mad.” Running his hand over his head, he broke eye contact with the bird, fearing the creeping sensation that crawled up his spine.
