"I do not understand! How is she refusing to speak to us," Aidan said as Kofi was trying to get him out of the temple. Holding his cursed wife under his arm, the king was not so willing to cooperate.
"I understand you are upset, but please listen to me. I have never seen mama priest this upset."
"Well, no wonder. Her entire concept of the deity was a lie," Zora's squeaky voice could be heard from the pearl.
A scream could be heard from inside the building, making them curl up in fright.
"It is better just to leave before something else happens?"
"But?" Aidan held up the harp, with his obviously trapped wife inside.
"There are other temples," Kofi explained slowly.
Aidan growled. Before he could even say anything, Kofi grabbed his forearms and, going so fast he turned into a blurb, transported him to the next location.
The place resembled a small village with simple housing. Aidan seemed confused, looking around his new surrounding, at people that seemed unbothered by their unusual arrival. "Are we?"
"The Mother Earth shrine is here," Kofi said, scowling. "Not my favorite place to be either, but if what your wife says is true, we have no choice... Chief Big Man, how are you?" Kofi's eyes widened into a toothy grin as he approached a strong-looking man. He was covered head to toe with ornaments made of white shells and beads. Still, not even all the necklaces could cover the entirety of his large belly.
"Kofi! You old scoundrel. How are you? Testing your old tricks again?" the man smiled, placing his large hand on his shoulder. Kofi cleared his throat, nervous. "Do not say things like that in front of guests. They may get the wrong idea," he whispered a reply.
The chief looked at the pale man standing beside him. "Oh, I think he has the right idea already," he replied, striking Kofi playfully. "So, what can I help you with?"
"Wise leader, we are looking for your guidance. The Big Worm is angry, and mother priestess could not appease it."
"Well, no wonder. It is not a worm. I have told her, time and time again. Such power can only come from Great Mother Earth."
Zora shook her head. "Well, it is a female. Viniria confirmed as much."
The large man was startled by the tiny voice. "And what is this?" he asked, looking at the magical instrument.
"Forgive me. This is my beloved Zora and I am Aidan, king of a far away land. For some reason, the deity you are referring to has shown interest in us." Aidan said sad.
"Oh," the chief's interest peaked as well. "That could be a curse or a blessing."
"The first seems more probable, at the moment. Anyway, if you could help me get my beloved out of this harp, I would be very grateful."
The chief pondered for a moment, with the others gathering out of curiosity. "It should not be that hard. Let us try."
In mere minutes, the tribe people had created a circle in the middle of the village. All taking their arranged positions. "It is simple, my friend. As any woman, the Great Mother needs to be dazzled. Charm her with your words, delight with your singing. Show your love in its sincerest form, and she will surely have pity."
Aidan reluctantly took his spot in the middle of the circle. "But I do not know what song to sing."
The chief placed his meaty fingers over his chest. "Just listen to your heart."
The man in the circle sighed, placing his hand on the magical instrument. "I hope the strings will not put everyone to sleep."
"Don't worry. I feel it is different now," Zora said.
As the dancers started to move and hum in a slow, sad rhythm, Aidan thought about the lyrics. The Chief told everyone to stomp their feet and move with pain in their face, so that Mother Earth will know the occasion. "Our Great Mother. You who have birthed us. The land we walk on. The air we breathe. Lend us your ears. This poor stranger begs for his love to be returned. Won't you show your mercy and fulfill his wish?" He nodded, signaling Aidan to start.
Aidan looked up and closed his eyes. His voice was high and waily:
"My love, my love, is gone.
Trapped in this prison white,
She looks at me with teary eyes,
for freedom and support."
The crowd listened, a little taken aback. The rhythm was completely off beat.
"What is this singing?" someone whispered.
"Sounds like a dying animal," Kofi added.
"Oh, but I, but I,
What can I do?
But to beg, to beg, You..." Aidan sang sincerely, with his voice growing ever higher. He gently played on the strings from one side to the other.
"Please, great deity. She is truly sorry for any discretion she may have caused. Return her to her original form and we promise to do whatever it is you wish from us," he concluded.
Everyone went quiet, awaiting an answer. However, no answer came. Not a single pebble trembled, not a gasp of wind was heard. Even the cricket were not chirping.
"This isn't good," the Chief said quietly.
Aidan looked around. "Did it work?"
"Well, the good news is that you did not offend her further. Otherwise, you would be engulfed at that very spot," the Chief said pointing.
Aidan, stunned, glanced at the fine dirt below. He then looked at Zora. She had both hands over her mouth, desperately trying not to laugh. Her cheeks were bright red.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I'm sorry. It tickled," she said, unable to control herself any longer.
"We should go. There is no help for you here," Kofi said. Moving towards the foreigner, the chief's hand stopped him.
"Kofi, these seem like kind people. Try not to get them killed," he told him discretely.
Taking offense, the humanoid creature moved his shoulder away. "What do you take me for?" he said, offended. "Come Aidan. I know a better place, with a really nice temple."
Still sad, Aidan protested when he grabbed his forearm. "Not again. Is there any other wa-"
And with that, they were gone.