Song of Souls - Skye MacKinnon Page 0,2

and that there's nothing they can do about it. Being powerless is one of the worst feelings in the world. I know it all too well.

When we're far enough from the village, I stop and turn around, but don't end my tune. It's turned mournful, tearing at my heartstrings. I may not be human, but I do have a heart. The remains of one, broken and frozen in mid-beat.

I look down at the woman with regret. I can't help what's about to happen. The Song is in control. I'm just the instrument, just like the pipe I'm playing.

As soon as I decide that it's time, the tune changes into something that I can only describe as pure power. It's no more just one instrument playing a melody; it's an entire orchestra and choir that's thundering from all around us, so loud it almost hurts. The air in front of us begins to shimmer until a glass gate appears between the old woman and me. It looks like just an arch, which it is for me, but for her, it's a gate that will take her away from this world and into another.

She still looks like she's sleepwalking. I sigh without stopping my tune. It's time to do what has to be done. The Song is ready.

I stop playing and lower the pipe. The woman's eyes clear and she realises for the first time that she's no longer in her living room. Shock and fear spread across her wrinkled face. I hate this moment. She opens her mouth to scream, but the Song is faster. It grabs her and pulls her through the portal before her scream ever reaches my ears.

As soon as she's through the gate, it disappears. For a blissful moment, there's only silence. I breathe in deep. If only it could last. This is the only time that I get relief from the Song that constantly plays in my head. I wish I could make time slow down, make this last forever.

But no. The Song jerks back into existence, erasing the silence. It's already picked out its next victim and urges me to travel to them as fast as possible. I don't listen to the command. I'll ride there, slowly, at my own pace. The Song will have to wait.

Chapter 2

The metal roof above me turns the rain into music. A whole orchestra of drums and cymbals plays in the night, making the gloomy shed a little less hostile. I’ve been waiting for hours for the storm to pass, but it’s not getting any better. The night will be over soon and with it, the cover of darkness I need.

When I set off on my journey, I thought it would be safest to travel during the day. I quickly learned otherwise. Now I take advantage of the empty roads at night, riding my rusty bicycle without having to swerve carts and peasants.

Pegasus is resting by my side. The leather on his saddle is torn in so many places that I doubt it'll stay on for much longer. He was old before I stole him, but it's better than walking. I've become adept at tightening bolts, reattaching the chain and patching up punctures. Still, I know that he won't last forever. He's already carried me for hundreds of miles and I'm nowhere near reaching my destination. I may have to replace him soon, but I don't want to think about that. Pegasus is my only friend, and yes, sometimes I imagine him responding to all the stuff I tell him. I'm probably going crazy, talking to a bike, but there are worse things. Starving, for one. My second biggest problem just now.

The shed I took shelter in is empty, not a single tin of food inside. I was luckier yesterday when I found a box of ancient biscuits and a bottle of slightly fermented apple juice in a cupboard in the abandoned house I slept in. I’ve got some dried fruit in my bag, but I’m keeping those for emergencies. One night of hunger doesn’t class as an emergency.

I hum to myself in rhythm to the rain. How I miss my guitar. I would have been tempted to take it with me had it not perished in the fire. Maybe, one day, once I’ve found a new home, I’ll get one again. I think that day is still far away, but who knows. My luck might change. I feel like I deserve a bit of luck for once, but