I am loving this! Every single part is just fantastic, and it keeps getting better. You're right, if you had used the word "bulbous" I would have guess mandolin right away. I should have anyway, though, because I don't think violas are used much in folk music (mostly in classical). I can see him thinking of a mandolin as a really weird hybrid between a guitar and a violin. Anyway!

I'm not so sure about Francis, I guess there is a reason you might want to include a section with him. I vote indifference as far as he's concerned. He's not one of my favorites--but that all depends on how his character is handled.

How much is it going to effect things that Alfred just gave away the amulet? What is going to think? Will he need it later on? I can't help but think about these things. You write so well, you get my mind really going during the story--kind of like Alfred's. By the way, I love how Alfred's mind works!