The bard continued to play, a haunting and lovely melody springing forth from his flute. Impossible sounds, intricate melodies and harmonies followed by sweeping, emotional undertones… The crowd had never before heard such a song from a single instrument, nor from any orchestra. This music was different, it pulled at your soul and refused to let go.

The bard smiled, a glint in his eye, and the winds shifted nigh imperceptibly… His music grew stronger, heavier.

Suddenly, the boy coughed, reached out and took hold of his mother’s sleeve. The mother turned her full attention to her boy, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Oh my gods, you’re alive!” She squeezed the boy tightly in her arms, shaking with heaving sobs of relief and joy. She kissed his forehead and smiled.

The crowd looked back to the bard, eyes filled with wonder and curiosity. “Did you…” one began to speak, but grew silent. The bard’s tune had shifted, taking an urgent, beckoning tone. He closed his eyes, letting the music flow through him.