The Dragons of Ice and Snow

by J. J. Thompson

  Clara's expression matched his.

  “It will be, if I have anything to say about it. If nothing else, we need the raw materials that we used to build it, not to mention the room it takes up. Believe it or not, though, there are a few people who think we should leave it up, just in case.”

  Simon stumbled to a halt.

  “Just in case? Just in case what? You have an outbreak of Lycanthropy?”

  “No,” she replied, still walking slowly toward the building. Simon hurried to catch up.

  “Some of them said that we might need a jail eventually, when the population grows larger.”

  “I see. So they're already thinking about the patterns of law and order from the old world? God, why would they want to head down that road again? I think we should go our own way.”

  “I quite agree. Why would anyone want to steal, for instance? If you want jewelry, go to a destroyed town and you can find some. Money? What for? We all have our assorted chores and we all share in the bounty of the harvest. At any rate, don't worry. At the town meeting, the suggestion was overwhelmingly shouted down. I didn't have to say a word.”

  Clara looked rather pleased and Simon breathed a bit easier.

  He hoped that this new world would be a better one than the last. They'd been given a second chance, if they survived. Let's see what they could do with it.

  “Any problems?” Clara asked the pair of guards as they reached the locked doors of the enclosure. They were the same two who had helped wrap the chains around Malcolm and Aiden the night before.

  “None. They haven't even moved in hours. We've checked every hour or so,” one of them said, nodding at a slot cut in the door, “but they are just lying there, panting and growling. Well, they were. They've changed back to themselves again, about twenty minutes ago. I happened to be watching when it happened.”

  He shuddered and made a face.

  “One of the most painful-looking things I've ever seen. The sound of bones snapping and things tearing. Ugh, Anyway, they're back to normal again.”

  His partner was unsealing the door as he spoke.

  “I asked if they wanted to be released from the chains, but Malcolm said he wanted to wait for you,” he added with a shrug.

  “Thank you both. I appreciate the way you treated them last night, with dignity.”

  This time the other man shrugged and they both looked at each other with little smiles.

  “They're our friends, lady. They taught us everything we know about fighting and tactics. Could we do any less for them than they've done for us?”

  “Well said,” Simon told them warmly.

  The second guard pulled open the stiff door and bowed them through.

  “With friends like that, I have fewer worries about Malcolm and Aiden than I did earlier,” the wizard told Clara under his breath as they entered.

  She nodded once.

  “Yes, and there are more people like that in town than the other kind, believe me.”

  Simon stopped and looked back through the doorway at Kronk.

  “Did you want to join us?”

  “No master. You and the lady should have the joy of giving your friends their amulets. I will wait out here.”

  “Well, if you're sure,” he said. “We won't be long.”

  The cleric and the wizard walked forward toward the two figures still lying in almost the exact same position they had been the previous evening. The rising sun hadn't lit the inside of the enclosure very well yet and Simon could only see the vague outlines of the two men. They were lying so still that he began to get nervous.

  “Malcolm? Aiden? Are you all right?” he called out hesitantly.

  There was a moment of absolute stillness and the wizard felt cold fingers run up his spine. What has happened, he thought frantically.

  “Could you scratch my nose? It's driving me frigging crazy.”

  It was Malcolm's voice, followed the faint sound of Aiden giggling.

  Simon and Clara looked at each other for a second and then burst into laughter.

  They hurried forward and saw both men on their backs, staring up at them.

  “You two!” Clara exclaimed with a wide smile. “Why on Earth are you still wrapped up?”

  The two big men had been grinning but now became quite serious.

  “We just thought that, if you didn't succeed last night, it would be easier to dispose of us if we were immobilized.”

  She rubbed her temples.

  “Your nobility is giving me a headache.”

  She looked over her shoulder.

  “Gentlemen, could you release our friends, please?” she asked loudly and the guards stepped forward to begin to unwind the heavy chains.

  “So how did things go?” Aiden asked as he was helped to his feet. It was easier for the guards to remove the chains when the men were standing.

  The cleric gestured for Simon to answer.

  “As well as could be expected. We followed our instructions to the letter.” He hesitated. “Of course, that means that you'll have to spend one more night in this,” he looked around with distaste, “hellhole. We have to be sure the amulets actually work.”

  Simon watched the two men to see their reactions to that bit of news, but they just nodded.

  “Yeah, we figured,” Malcolm said calmly. “We simply can't assume that the magic works until we test it.”

  “Yup,” Aiden added equably. “One more night is tolerable. We can't take chances, after all.”

  The chains dropped away and the men spent a few minutes stretching and working out the kinks.

  “You two have done very well,” Clara said to the guards. “I'd like you to go and get some rest. Oh and could you see if someone could bring our friends some food? They must be starving.”

  “Yes, lady,” they replied.

  “Thanks for that,” Malcolm said as he twisted at the waist, his spine cracking. “Spending a night wrapped in chains and lying on the cold ground really gives you an appetite.”

  His grin took the sting out of his words but Clara still looked dismayed.

  “I am so sorry for all of this, my friends,” she told them.

  The men immediately protested.

  “Oh, for heaven's sake, my lady cleric, this isn't your fault!” Aiden said loudly, speaking over Malcolm, who nodded vigorously. “We were attacked randomly in the forest! Who would have guessed that it would be by a bloody werewolf?”

  He sighed and the ghost of a smile appeared on his lips.

  “It's kind of like being stuck in the middle of a schlocky horror movie, isn't it? I keep waiting for the creepy music to kick in.”

  The four of them laughed at that and Clara took that moment to present the men with their amulets.

  “This is yours, Malcolm,” she said as she offered him the sphere hanging from its heavy chain. “And Aiden, here's yours.”

  They held the amulets up and examined them as the metal glowed dully in the brightening light.

  “Hmm, I don't know,” Malcolm said dubiously.

  “Yeah, there's something not quite right about them,” Aiden agreed.

  “What is it? What's wrong?” the cleric asked anxiously.

  “I was hoping they'd be a bit more...stylish,” Malcolm told her and then grinned broadly.

  “At least use gold, not silver,” Aiden said as Clara began laughing again. “Gold is more me.”

  “Will the pair of you stop it? I've been on edge all night worrying about this entire procedure.”

  “That's why we needed to lighten the mood, dear lady,” Malcolm told her.

  He became quiet and stared at the amulet. Whatever he was thinking was hidden behind a blank expression.

  And then with a convulsive motion, Malcolm slipped the chain over his head and allowed the amulet to fall to his chest.

  Aiden paused a second and then followed suit.

  Both men stared sightlessly off across the room, looking so alike that Simon was chilled. What was goin
g on?

  “Guys?” he said cautiously. “You okay?”

  “This is really weird,” Malcolm said. He frowned down at the floor and cocked his head to the side. “I feel...lighter? Cleaner? I don't know how to describe it. Aiden?”

  The other man was stroking the amulet softly, his eye's narrowed.

  “Yeah. Ever since I was infected, there's been this shadow on everything. It's like I haven't been seeing the world clearly.” He seemed to be feeling his way through his words. “Like my eyes were dirty windows that I was trying to see out of. And now, suddenly, the windows are clean again.” He gestured helplessly. “If you know what I mean. Anyway, it is so weird.”

  “I'd say that was a good sign, gentlemen,” Clara said brightly. “That may be an indication that the controlling magic is working. Of course, we'll have to wait until tonight to know for sure.”

  With an accepting nod, Malcolm adjusted the chain around his neck.

  “Better get used to these things, buddy. We'll be wearing them a long, long time.”

  “Eh. I always like a little bling,” Aiden said and grinned at him. “Brings out my sexy Asian eyes.”

  “You see what I have to deal with?” Malcolm said to Simon and the cleric. “It's not enough to be locked up in this luxurious suite. Oh no. I have to have a comedian to keep me company.”

  “Is there anything you boys want sent in, besides food, to help pass the time today?” Clara asked through her laughter.

  “Hot water,” Aiden said promptly. “It's been a few days and we're getting a bit ripe in here. Oh and a change of clothes please.”

  “I second that,” Malcolm added fervently.

  “Done. I'll make the arrangements.”

  The cleric moved forward and quickly hugged each of the men. They stared at her with surprised delight.

  “What was that for?” the big man asked.

  “Just because,” she replied. “Don't ever change, either of you.” She paused and added, “Except your clothes. You, gentlemen, are stinky.”

  They all laughed at that and Clara and Simon wished the men a good day and left the building. A new guard was waiting to lock the door behind them.

  Once outside, the cleric said that she was going to talk to a few people to get Malcolm and Aiden their bathing things and clean clothing.

  “What about you?” she asked Simon.

  He looked down at the ever-patient Kronk.

  “We'll head home for the day. I need some sleep and my friend here is anxious to check on the horses, I'm sure.”

  “Oh yes, master. Sunshine may need me, and they all have to fed and watered. And let out for exercise. And I have to clean the stable. Oh and the tower has to be swept and...”

  “All right, all right, Kronk. We're going. Gees.”

  Clara chuckled and looked at the little guy with obvious affection.

  “Then I won't keep you. Thanks again, Simon, for all your help. And you too, Kronk.”

  “Any time. I'll be back before dusk tonight. Let's hope that this has all been worth it.”

  “I have a good feeling about this, my friend. Their reactions to the amulets was encouraging.”

  “I agree. Okay, Kronk, grab hold. Let's go home.”

  He waved at the cleric, who smiled and turned away and then Simon chanted the Gate spell and watched the world fade to black.

  Chapter 20

  After a light meal and a very quick dip and wash in the ice-cold lake, Simon collapsed and slept for most of the day.

  Kronk woke him up late in the afternoon and the wizard rolled out of bed and stood up, feeling groggy and disconnected.

  “What time is it?” he asked the little guy thickly as he looked at the sunlight streaming into his bedroom.

  “Perhaps three hours to dusk, master,” Kronk told him. “I have filled the kettle for you.”

  Simon got dressed slowly as the elemental chattered away.

  “The horses are fine. I've cleaned the stable and the tower as well. There is no sign of Ana, as usual, master. And my brethren on the walls report no problems.”

  “Good. That's good.”

  The wizard rubbed his hands over his face to help wake him up and then pushed back his mane of hair.

  “Okay. I'll grab a bite and then we'll head back to Nottinghill.”

  “You will, master,” Kronk said firmly. “I will stay here and take care of the tower. I still have much to do.”

  They walked out into the hallway and down the stairs.

  “You sure? It won't take too long to see if the amulets are working. As soon as the moon rises, we'll have our answer.”

  “I am sure, master. I need to gather some wood. Our woodpile is getting low. And there are many weeds trying to sneak into our garden. I must deal with them.”

  They reached the main floor and Simon walked across to the kitchen area, put the kettle over the fire and pulled out some dried meat and fruit.

  “Okay then. Excuse me a second, I have to use the facilities.”

  “Of course, master.”

  After visiting the outhouse, Simon came back in, made his tea and ate quickly. Kronk stood on the table and watched him.

  “Okay,” the wizard said after his meal, “it's time to get in touch with Aeris.”

  He picked up the hand mirror, chanted the Magic Mirror spell and then paused to look at the earthen.

  “Are you missing him yet?” he teased.

  As usual, Kronk took the question seriously and pondered his answer.

  “Yes, I am, master. But I hope you will keep that between us.”

  “My lips are sealed,” Simon told him with a grin and then invoked the spell.

  He waited while the mirror fogged over and then, surprisingly, turned black.

  “What the hell?” the wizard muttered. “Aeris? Are you there?” he said loudly.

  “Barely,” came the answer from out of the darkness.

  “Why can't I see you?” Simon asked.

  “Um, because it's night time?” came the sarcastic response.

  “Oh, here we go,” the wizard said under his breath with an eye-roll at Kronk.

  “Sorry, I forgot about the time difference. So what's new?”

  “What's new? Well, let me see now. It's snowing. Again. And about a million degrees below zero, not that it bothers me. Oh and everything is white. Yes, that's all that's new with me. So how are you doing?”

  I don't have time for this, Simon thought wearily.

  “Okay, Aeris, let's cut the whining short today, shall we? I'm going to bring you home, right now. You obviously hate what you're doing and, even though you volunteered for this mission, I won't make you continue when you are clearly miserable.”

  The wizard waited, the mournful sound of the north wind's wailing echoing around the room.

  “What? No! You can't recall me now. I'm only about halfway through my scout. It would a colossal waste if I gave up now.”

  “That's not what I'm hearing every single time I talk to you,” Simon told him impatiently. “What I'm hearing is that you are unhappy and, frankly, bitchy. And I really have had enough of it. Look, you're incredibly valuable to me and we need to know where that damned primal white dragon is, but angry people are hasty people and if you make a mistake, it could prove fatal. And I value you more than that.”

  “You do?” Aeris actually sounded surprised and Simon frowned at Kronk.

  “He should know that,” he whispered to the little guy.

  “He does, master. But he's been alone in that horrible environment for weeks now. It could be affecting him more than he realizes.”

  “Hmm, good point.”

  “Look, my dear wizard, don't summon me home,” Aeris spoke up. “I would be ashamed to have failed in my mission. I...I apologize if I've been testy when we've spoken. Honestly, I look forward to hearing from you. I do. But, don't we all need someone to complain to, even if we are doing something useful?”

  The plaintive question made Simon smile
in sympathy.

  “Yes, of course we do. Sorry, Aeris. I know this has been hard on you. It's just that we're waiting for moon-rise right now to find out if the amulets we made for Malcolm and Aiden will actually control their Lycanthropy, so I'm a little anxious.”

  “You did it? But that's wonderful! I certainly hope the magic is effective. So, um, are you recalling me?”

  Kronk tapped the wizard on the arm and shook his head vigorously. Simon was amused at the earthen's support of Aeris and had to agree.

  “No, I'm not. If you are absolutely sure that you want to see it through, you can continue your mission.”

  “I am, my dear wizard. I am indeed. Thank you for this. I'll try to be more patient in the future.”

  “I won't hold my breath, my friend, but don't worry about it. We'll both attempt to learn patience and I'm sure we'll get through this. Anyway, I have to get going. Stay safe and I'll talk to you tomorrow.”

  “That sounds good. Good luck with your friends.”

  “Thanks Aeris.”

  Simon canceled the spell and put down the mirror. He rested his chin in his hands and stared at Kronk.

  “Do you think that he's cracking up?”

  “Cracking up? I do not understand that term, master.”

  “You know, losing it, getting soft in the brain, um,” the wizard tapped his forehead, “going crazy.”

  “Ah I see,” Kronk said, his eye's widening in understanding.

  He pondered the question in his usual slow, steady way.

  “I do not think it is as serious as that, master. I believe that he is lonely and afraid, but Aeris will never admit it. You know that.”

  “I have to agree. We'll never tell him we know, but I hope that if he does want to come back, that he admits it and doesn't let his pride overrule his head.”

  Simon got up and walked over to get his staff.

  “Okay, I'll worry about Aeris later. Right now, I'm heading back to Nottinghill.”

  “Good luck to you, master. I hope it goes well.”

  “Me too. See you soon.”

  The wizard invoked the Gate spell and felt the void close in around him.

  Seconds later he was standing in the town hall. There was no one around and he took a moment to wonder where exactly his body went when he watched the world go black during a Gate. After all, he had to go somewhere. It took time to teleport from one place to another and the farther away the target was, the longer it took to reach.