Chapter 6

A paved white-brick outer court led to Theater Novissimo. Its hazy white limestone bricks contrasted with the dark sky. At the entrance, an overhanging portico was held by standing columns. Niccolo followed the city's nobility streaming in through the open bronze doors, his cithara held by his side. Inside, he marveled at cedar and ruby triglyphs stretching to the gold ceiling. He looked down at his feet, where he stood on a black, yellow, and orange mosaic of chestnut leaves in a circular pattern.

A soldier cut through the crowd. "Hold there! You're not entering."

"Who will stop me?" Niccolo scoffed back.

Soldiers surrounded him.

On the stage, a musician leaned into her harp. In a forward box, Ellisa slouched in her seat. Brigette watched next to her.

Ellisa leaned her head sideways. "She's trying to play almost the entire range with her right hand."

"Is something wrong with that?" Brigette queried.

"It's unusual, that's all. Didn't you notice?"

"Only a musician would see it."

As evening set in, a series of performers took the stage, all under Ellisa's careful gaze. In the darkness outside the theater, glowing moonlight reflected in Niccolo's forlorn eyes. The air was becoming colder with each hour. A soldier called out from the doorway to the steps where Niccolo sat.

"Play, they said it is allowed."

Niccolo jumped to his feet. Pacing his way through the hall leading to the back of the stage, he tapped his fingers along the cithara, trying to warm them. The stage was empty. Ellisa looked tired as she stood to leave, winding her way out. Brigette, as always, was watching after her. From the corner of her eye, Brigette saw Niccolo.

Niccolo stood in center stage and immediately began his song. The cithara's vibrato filled the theater. Niccolo played under the gaze of hundreds, completely absorbed in the melody. Brigette's eyes brightened. She couldn't help but sway to the sound. Soldiers leaned in from entryways to hear him.

Faces in the crowd were still as they listened. Niccolo brought the song to a close. He bowed slightly. The crowd stood to their feet and engulfed him in applause. For the first time, Niccolo looked up to Ellisa's box, and noticed that she wasn't there. His hand curled into an enraged fist.

Josef leaned out from behind Brigette. "Who is that?" he asked. Brigette brought a finger to her lips.

"A local gentleman."

Niccolo padded backstage. The crowd was shouting. A soldier leapt into his way. "They ask for more."

"They can ask in Hades for all I care."

The soldier glared at him. Niccolo shoved him to the side and staggered through the door. The air now felt frigid, on a night marked by disappointment.