Devil's Dance by Shandria Katz

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Across from me, the feast was but a ghostly vision now and the creature more human in appearance. His glittery eyes shed one single tear that fell to the stone ground. He too knew the longing desires of escape and freedom.

"Yes...yes I know that only too well. You entertain well, boy. But do not think you will warm my cold heart. Come...parch your hunger."

I could feel the pull for the ghostly food but my eyes saw the truth of the illusion before me. "I have not honoured you enough yet for this vision before me. Please let me entertain you once more. Something more powerful and upbeat perhaps."

Sliding the flute into the belt line, I leaned over to unwrap the bodhran drum. Displayed upon the dragon hide was painted a rampant blue dragon. The sheen of the skin brought the dragon to startling life.

‘I see you served the king during the demon wars. Would he look so proudly upon you now warrior?' I could feel the witch's eyes upon me once more.

‘His war cost me everything I had ever cared for. I have no home, no family, and...' the pain choked in my throat then did so again now.

‘But your adventures, the battles you have fought so bravely. You must have found some worth to still bear his shield.'

‘I saved his kingdom, saved those of my kind who could not fight back. I admit that I was rewarded with riches that I return to my family and spread the wealth. But that chance was stolen from me.'

I remembered her lifting the shield with the king's blue dragon displayed before her. ‘So you hammered the path with your will alone bringing freedom riches and should I say power? Then this drum will shield you from his persuasive charms reminding you of your will.'

I played my drum of dragonhide and I played with all my might. I told him a story of riches promised, of glory in battles, and of power to rule over all. My voice cracked out to the night with the tale of such strength, of such possibilities, and the last beat of the drum thrummed over the craggy hill.

Before me the demon was very humanlike now. The spirits of the spell he cast showed me only rock and scrub and a red mist hovering over the ground. His dark eyes glittered with a memory of the story I told leaking one single tear down his human like face.

I recognised his visage. He was at the final battle of the Demon Wars whispering to the demon king. How did I know this, for I slew the demon king while my shield pack fought the guards. The demon would have cursed the prince were it not for me intervening.

He eyes glared at mine, angered that I could call up such stirring emotions within him. Lips curled back displaying his perfect features at what was once an abhorrent facade. "You are too good boy. I smell magic but you have no talents for it. Eat now, I insist!"

The red mist oozed about me, snaking its way up my personage to claim me to his design and command.

‘When all else is said and done, sing. Your heart has been steeled by the wars, only love can break all spells. I pray to the gods and goddesses that watch over all of us, that you have not been claimed.'

I raised my voice to the cold air and sang of my heart's fire.