"This is hard to explain. Three people were worshipping a statue. I'm certain all three songs had already been lost."
Shade shrugged.
"In the investigation report I submit to the Academy, I'll only record the lyrics. I don't know how to write the melodies as sheet music, so I'm giving them to you as a gift. If those three people from the Fifth Epoch knew their songs could reappear in the next epoch, they would probably be very happy."
A faint smile appeared on the witch's face.
"This is quite a nice gift. Do you often play this sort of game with Galina?"
"What?"
Shade looked up at her. The witch belatedly shook her head.
"Nothing. I just roughly understand why a witch as greedy for power and authority as Galina would take an interest in you. You really are quite something."
Shade had already chosen lunch for them: Orange Delarion Toast and Stuffed Chicken Pie. He was placing them in a pot and setting it over the campfire to heat.
Watching blue smoke drift into the woods, the witch made another suggestion.
"There's still some time before lunch. Would you like to hear me sing?"
"Of course. What will you sing?"
Shade asked with a smile, deciding that when he returned home tonight, he would show off in front of Dorothy or Leisha.
The witch waved the book in her hand.
"How about the three songs you were humming just now? Of the three, only the bard's song suits a man's voice. The other two were sung by women, weren't they?"
"Yes. Then please. Being able to hear them again would be wonderful."
He made a welcoming gesture. After making sure the pot was secure, he sat down beside the witch.
Miss Benanis felt inexplicably embarrassed, but quickly composed