I've had quite the hiatus, haven't I? ;D
The Great Ones rang the great bell suspended above the tower, a silver chime seldom used. Reid heard it while he was still asleep in his hammock, his family's small tree house just on the edge of Woodwind Forrest. A few Clarinets were already on their way to the castle, having heard it, and the Brass would arrive soon. There was a matter of great distress when the bell rang, and each of the Great Ones were waiting for everyone to be present. The drum line sternly played with no emotion. Sal, Lute, and Ette were standing at the doors, counting heads to make sure everyone was present. The meeting could start.
"Last night," The Head One began, sternly looking out of his glistening hat, "someone sabotaged our own property. The Brass Mountain well was covered and now runs dry." A few whispers spread through the group. "We do not use this well anymore, but because of the recent arrangements our competitors the Shadows do. They have no water for today and will not be able to practice due to lack of it." Uncontrollable cheers lifted up to the castle balcony. The Great Ones scowled in surprise and tried to calm them. "Quiet, quiet! This is not what we wished! Whoever boarded up the well will be punished for unfair war play." A gasp spread over the morning crowd and they immediately quieted. Such a crime was heavily dealt with. "Sal, please." The graven drum major stepped forward with few items in hand. The next Great One cleared her throat and presented them.
"These were found near the well. It was boarded with reeds from the forest. We can tell it was tied with cords from…from a section leader's uniform. The only uniform missing cords is…" She hesitated even more. "The only uniform missing cords is," she began again, "Reid Senior." The band burst into rage. They shouted out contradictions and arguments as Reid, still wrapped in his sleeping coat, and slowly felt his feet beneath him grow numb. His face drained and he began to lean into Clare. She desperately held him up and shouted out for assistance. Bell and Liggy rushed over.
"Band, quiet!" Sal shouted, dropping the frayed, stained cords and broken reeds. "BAND, TEN HUT!" Most responded, but some finished their predictions. "Band, hold! Let the Great Ones finish!" The female gulped uneasily and stepped even more closely to the balcony rail.
"Please, don't get any ideas," she ordered. Angered faces glared up as Reid barely held his attention. His eyes fought back salty tears. "Reid will be judged in court as soon as possible. These are heavy charges, and…" She stopped at a look from the Head Great One. "And the committer of foul play will be found." Suddenly, the Band Managers appeared. Heavy men rarely seen piled out of the steel castle and pushed through the group until they reached the Clarinet faction. Grabbing each of Reid's arms, he was dragged away from the cries of his people. Jazz broke out of attention and ran after them, but was blocked by the heavy metal doors. The Great Ones quickly scattered.
"Band, practice in one hour," Sal shouted coldly. "Dismissed!" The group immediately rushed the castle door and began pounding on it. There was no answer from the prison. From the corner, the guard slowly watched. Sabe almost smiled; they deserved it. Rifley looked in despair.
"Is he going to be all right? Where did they take him?"
"He'll be fine," Sabe reassured, finishing her tape on the pole. "Don't worry."
"How could Reid do something like that," Polle muttered, walking over to the small guard closet near the end of the field. She turned around the small shed and let out a bright scream. The girls rushed over, for the band didn't hear over their own yelling.
"Polle!" Silken cried. They all stood face to face with a young girl their age, dressed in black, holding a black flag. Her hair was pale and tied up. The face was unmistakable. Sabe finally arrived past the door, and when seeing the visitor, smiled. The others stood in fear of the dark flag, but Sabe strode ahead smoothly.
"Don't worry, girls, she's friend." They didn't believe her. "This is nice," Sabe continued, taking the equipment from the girl. "And you have more?"
"Whatever you need," Harp happily replied.