The Guitar, Chapter 5

Entry for The Friday Challenge, 6/12/09


Jorn couldn't help running on his way to the lodge. It would be his last time to meet with Elcor and play guitars together before leaving for Amber. He knew this past year of music with Elcor had improved his playing immensely, and he would sorely miss it. But of course, Amber would make him even better.

He slowed down as he neared the lodge, being cautious in this time of growing evil. Ambushers were more bold than he could ever remember. He noted the smoke curling up out of the chimney and the dark green scarf draped over the door handle. He was reassured, but still got out his pipe and sounded his personal signal. A few seconds later he heard Elcor's signal coming from inside the lodge, so he stepped up to the door and knocked.

Elcor opened the door and pulled him in, shaking his hand enthusiastically. Jorn suddenly noticed another man sitting at the small table in front of the fire. Elcor introduced him with a proud smile. “This is Justor, my son. He has been at Amber for a year now, and he has volunteered to help you settle in. I'm sure your mother will appreciate a companion for your travels.”

Jorn's grin matched Elcor's, who had only met his mother once, but knew her fears. It had taken him quite a while to persuade her to let Jorn go to Amber. He decided his mother would approve of Justor and be glad he had an elder friend.

“Well, let's get some playing in!” remarked Elcor. He picked up his old guitar while Jorn unslung his from his shoulder. Justor pulled a beautiful, dark red guitar out of the bag at his feet. It had black and white inlaid mosaic trim around the edge. Jorn could hardly keep his eyes off of it while they were running through the first song. Someday he would have a guitar like that! He would be proud to play it for the king. In comparison, his own guitar seemed childish and embarrassing. With a great effort, he brought his mind back to the music. It was really good. Justor played very well, better than Jorn himself, but not better than Elcor.

The time flew by while the three musicians reveled in their artistry. Both of the young men were used to playing with Elcor, and it was easy for them to fit their music together. After a while, Elcor stopped and put his guitar down on the table.

“We should be going to your house, Jorn. It will be supper time soon. But before we do, I have a gift for you.” He opened Justor's bag and pulled out a beautiful, new, dark green guitar with the same black and white mosaic trim, and set it down on the table beside his old, worn one.

“I'm giving you a guitar, and you may choose which of these two you would prefer.” He motioned to the new dark green one and his old one.

“They were made by the same guitar master, both fine instruments, but one has never been played, while the other has been played every day for many years.”

Jorn's mouth had dropped open in surprise when the green guitar had been placed on the table, but now he could only stand still in complete amazement, at a loss to pick one. The green one was so beautiful. He would be proud to have it. But he had admired the old one ever since he had met Elcor and first played with him. He knew its sweet sound well.

All he could say was, “I don't know.”

Elcor chuckled at his confusion. “Perhaps it would help if you tried them both. Play a little bit of your favorite song and see which one suits you best.”

Jorn reached out slowly and picked up the green guitar. He played a few notes. It sounded perfect, and he saw both of the other men were nodding in appreciation. “Yes, that one suits you. You will do well with it. Now try the other one.”

He put the guitar back on the table and picked up the other one. Again he played a few notes, and their heads were nodding. “Yes, that one is good, too. Which one do you want?”

His arm began to move to put the old guitar back on the table, but then he knew he didn't want to let go of it. It was old and worn, not as pretty as the green one, but it could teach him things. And it would be a bit of Elcor to go with him to lights school. He looked up at his friend's face. “You would really give me your guitar? Won't you miss it?”

“Perhaps I will miss it a little, but I'm going to become friends with this new green one.” He picked up the guitar and packed it in his bag.

Jorn hesitated, looking down at the smooth, worn surface of the old guitar. “I don't know if I can do it justice.”

“You will put your heart into it,” replied Elcor, “and that will be a great honor for it. Someday you will play it for the king. I'm sure of it.”

“Yes!” shouted Jorn. He slung the chosen guitar over his shoulder and raised his fist into the air. “I will play for the king!”

Justor looked startled, but Elcor laughed joyously. They chattered and laughed all the way to Jorn's house, and continued the celebration during supper and after, when the three played their new guitars together, and Jorn's parents danced until they were too tired to dance any more.