by Tara West
The trader straightened with a groan. The veins on his leathery neck popped out like raging torrents beneath the strain of the heavy weight on his shoulders. “Skilled enough and strong as a boar.”
Behind Zier was his wife and daughters, standing stoically with red-rimmed eyes. Zelda’s hands trembled like leaves in an autumn breeze as she dabbed her nose with a handkerchief.
Dianna shook her head, the weight of Zelda’s sorrow striking her like a hammer. “Your family doesn’t look happy to see you go.”
Zier’s shoulders dropped. “They never are.”
Dianna braced herself when her brothers joined her, the ground shaking as Gorpat followed them.
“No want friends go to danger,” the giant cried.
“Never fear, my friend.” Alec patted the giant’s grimy toe, smiling up at her. “I will have my sister and two mighty dragons as companions.”
Grim huffed and puffed as he chased his daughter. “Come along, my pearl. We must let them go.” He marched up to Alec, holding out a hand. “I bid you safe travels, my son. Please be careful.”
When Alec took Grim’s hand, the smaller man jerked him down for a hug, sniffling as if Alec was his son.
“I will,” Alec said with a wheeze before pulling out of the embrace. “For I have much to live for.” He nodded to Mari, who was feeding fruit to a donkey under the shade of a palma tree. Mari had only recently gained the use of her legs after Eris had banished the girl’s spirit after holding her body captive for fifteen years. Because Mari was not accustomed to walking, she could only stand for short periods of time, so the donkey was a welcome necessity for their journey.
When Grim had brought them the animal as a gift from King Furbald, Dianna wasn’t sure if ’twas an act of generosity or if the king wanted to ensure they’d leave. Either way, she was grateful, for that meant the men wouldn’t have to take turns carrying her. After she caught Simeon with Mari in his arms, she’d no wish to witness such a spectacle again. Not that she was jealous, as she and Simeon were never meant to be, but she did not wish to upset Alec, who’d so obviously surrendered his heart to Mari.
This morning Dianna had come upon Alec helping Mari walk with all the patience and tenderness of a mother assisting her toddler. She suspected the two would be wed by the time she returned from Ice Kingdom.
Dianna gave Zelda a sympathetic look when she approached, taking Dianna’s hand in hers. “This is for you.” The sweet matronly dwarf placed a soft, thick scarf with bright purple bands in her hands. “Something to keep your neck warm.”
“Thank you. It’s beautiful.” Dianna didn’t wish to offend Zelda by telling her she was impervious to the Elements.
“My sister doesn’t feel the cold,” Des blurted.
Zelda raised a thick brow. “Oh, she doesn’t?”
Dianna instinctively reached for his shoulder, hoping he’d take the hint and be quiet.
“Ow!” He jerked out of her grasp and dashed off, Brendle yapping at his feet.
Dianna stroked the scarf, enjoying the feel of its soft fabric caressing her fingertips. “It’s beautiful nonetheless, which is enough reason to wear it.” She wrapped it around her neck.
When Zelda crooked a finger at Dianna, she bent toward the smaller woman.
“Slip it off. I will show you the other usage.”
Zelda flipped the scarf inside out, revealing several hidden pockets sewn inside the material. “You may hide things here.”
She noted seven pockets, seven hiding spots for her stones, should she find them all.
“Oh, Zelda,” Dianna breathed. “How clever of you to think of this.”
“Nay, not clever.” The older woman twisted the frayed hem of her frock and squinted at Dianna. “Mayhap my daughters told you we were empaths.”
She took the woman’s hand in hers. “Yes, they did.”
“A little voice told me you will be needing this.” Zelda frowned, scratching the back of her head. “Don’t know if ’twas the Elements or my own mind telling me. I’d originally made this for my girls, only it had four pockets. I sewed three more last night.”
“I’m so very grateful, but I hope your daughters don’t mind.” Dianna warily eyed the dwarf sisters, wondering if they knew Dianna had taken their scarf.
“No bother.” Zelda shrugged. “I shall make them another.”
“’Tis a wonderful gift. Thank you.” She wrapped it around her neck as the dwarf sisters approached.
“Here.” Sofla held out a sack.
She pulled a smooth, round stone from it, amazed at how much it looked like her goddess stones, only smaller. She peered into the bag and counted six more.
“They look very much like my stones.” And they would come in handy should she need decoys.
Sogred turned up her chin, triumphantly smiling. “We polished them all night.”
“You never know when you may need them,” Sofla said with a wink.
“Thank you.”
After she exchanged hugs with Zelda and the twins, Grim stepped up, holding out his hand.
“I bid you a safe journey and thank you again, Dianna, for saving my pearl,” the dwarf father ended on a rasp.
“Tell your king we thank him for his hospitality.” Dianna nodded at Alec and Des as they helped Mari onto the donkey.
“Aye, lass,” Grim said with a wink, “but you and I both know he was anything but hospitable.”
She hid a smirk behind her hand while Simeon laughed outright. “The dwarves have been so very kind and generous.” She swept a hand toward her traveling companions, who wore new warm furs and boots, and wielded shiny weapons. “One day I hope to reciprocate.”
Grim’s face hardened into a mask of stone. “Just kill the bitch. That will be reciprocation enough.”
Chapter Six
Though Markus knew little about building boats, he did know how to construct a bow and he’d helped his father build a wagon and repair their family hut. What he didn’t know, he was eager to learn from the small assembly of builders who’d agreed to help him.
They’d come to the Danae River, which ran through a tunnel deep within the bowels of the glacier, bringing tools and material—enough gnull hides and bones to assemble four boats. Each boat would carry twelve people, which was a start. Hopefully, as other ice dwellers learned of Markus’s plan, they’d contribute as well.
The plan was to escape along the river that ran under the glacier when Madhea came, for she would come. Markus was certain of it. Why else would the Elements show her attack in the mists? Markus didn’t want to think about the vision he’d seen. He’d been crumpled at the ice witch’s feet, which meant he’d not survive the encounter. Still, he needed to ensure his bride and her father made it out alive.
Ura had not mentioned the vision again after they’d spoken to the Council, though she’d spent most of yesternight alternating between trembling in his arms like a frightened mouse and sobbing into his chest.
This morning, when he’d told her of his plans to assemble an escape party, she’d not objected, stoically agreeing to help organize a crew. And she’d done just that. Though they were mostly comprised of Odu’s loyal followers, who spent their days taking turns with Odu’s pipe and staring into the mists, Markus couldn’t afford to be picky. Despite the pipe they passed around, they were determined and focused on their jobs, which was what mattered most.
Ura quietly worked with the other women, wrapping bones together with her stiffened back to him, and he suspected silent tears streamed down her face. He feared that when the time came, she would not flee with the others, that she’d stay with his broken body and perish when Madhea reduced their kingdom to rubble. He’d tried to coax a promise out of her that she’d go with her father, but she’d simply cried. He’d pressure her until she relented, enlisting her father if necessary.
He oversaw the men as they prepared the hides, stretching them across the rocks beside the riverbank and coating them in a thick wax that hardened them like a shell. When
the wax was almost dry, they would wrap the hides around the bones, molding them like skin to a skeleton until they formed the hulls.
Markus turned at a commotion coming from the mouth of the cave leading to the Danae River. He cringed when he saw Chieftain Ingred Johan and her Council pushed their way through the crowd.
“What is all this?” Ingred demanded, her voice a thunderous boom above the noisy din of the rushing water, her stony-eyed glare settling on Markus.
“What does it look like, Chieftain?” he grumbled, in no mood to argue. “We are building boats.”
The woman, who was nearly his height, glared at him, her thin lips pressed together. “I didn’t authorize you to build a fleet.”
“I didn’t know we needed your authorization,” a familiar voice boomed behind Markus.
His father-in-law, Jon Nordlund, winked and settled a hand on his shoulder.
“Where do you plan on going in these boats?” Ingred snapped.
“Downriver,” Jon said.
“Are you mad?” Her hand flew to her throat, a comical look of horror on her face. “The gnulls nest downriver.”
Markus braced his feet and crossed his arms, refusing to be intimidated. “I’d rather face a nest of hungry gnulls than one mad goddess.”
She laughed, a loud cackling sound that echoed off the walls of the tunnel, causing a few of the ice dwellers to throw down their tools and cover their ears. “So, all of this is based on one land-dweller’s claim to have seen Madhea in the mists?”
“This land dweller is my son-in-law,” Jon said in a surprisingly calm and collected tone, “and my daughter saw Madhea in the mists as well.”
“You are all fools.” She sneered. “And soon you will be gnull-bait.”
Markus had had enough of her rebukes. They had work to do before Madhea arrived, and he refused to let one thick-headed chieftain delay their progress. “If you don’t mind stepping out of the way.” He shooed her away, as if she was Ryne’s mutt, Tar. “You are impeding our work.”
She turned up her nose, releasing an indignant huff. “The Council will have a say about this.”
Great Goddess! If Madhea didn’t drive Markus mad, surely this ignorant chieftain would.
“Oh, I’ve no doubt they will,” he said on a low growl, barely able to contain his growing rage, “and just as they have refused to listen to us, we, too, shall refuse to listen to them.” He pushed past her, stomping toward a boat that was almost finished. “Good day, Chieftain.”
THEY’D TRAVELED ALONG a path through the forest, close enough to the beach that Dianna could hear the waves hitting the shore, but far enough away that they wouldn’t be spotted by any sun-bathing sirens. They walked at a slog’s pace, constantly having to coax the temperamental donkey to move. It seemed he wasn’t fond of carrying Mari, no matter how light she may have been.
She had to bite her tongue several times while sitting by the campfire, forced to endure her companions’ complaints. Des’s feet hurt, Mari was tired, Simeon was cold, and Ryne had too many grievances to list. At the rate they were forced to travel, they wouldn’t make it to Aloa-Shay for two more days. How she wished she, Ryne, and Zier could send the others to Aloa-Shay while they cut through the forest to Ice Mountain, but she’d already given Mari her promise she’d heal her cousin, Tung, and she needed to ensure her little brother arrived safely and was provided with a warm bed.
To make matters worse, she was trapped between Simeon and Ryne again, and the others in her party weren’t providing much company. Alec and Mari sat opposite them, heads bent together, acting as if they were the only two souls in the forest. Zier was off to the side with Des, teaching him how to whittle animal figures out of discarded wood chunks. The dogs sat at the dwarf’s feet. They’d been his constant companions after realizing he carried an abundance of jerky strips and bones.
Despite the raging fire that put off plenty of heat and light, Simeon shivered in his furs while palming a cup of tea, sloshing it all over the ground every time he tried to take a shaky sip.
Finally he gave up and set the mug down with a sigh. “Zier, do you happen to have any warm furs?”
Zier set aside his dragon carving. “Why of course.” He hobbled over to his pack, which was leaning against a tree.
Ryne leaned forward, scowling at Simeon. “You are bundled up already.”
“It is not enough.” Simeon pouted. “This place is cold.”
Ryne rolled his eyes. “If you think it’s cold here, you will not survive Ice Mountain.”
Firelight danced in Simeon’s golden eyes. “My comfort is not your concern.” He took a fur from Zier, thanking him as he draped it across his legs.
“It is my concern if you slow us down,” Ryne grumbled.
“That’s it!” Simeon kicked the fur to the ground, jumped to his feet, and drew back his fists.
Ryne got to his feet, too, and his big furry canine rushed to his master’s side, baring sharp fangs.
Dianna stifled a curse as she stood, holding out her hands. She’d no wish to flatten them all like hotcakes, but she’d have no choice if they continued to act like toddlers.
“Enough! Ryne is right, Simeon.” She turned to him, hating the look of hurt in his big golden eyes. “The mountain climate is too harsh for you. You will stay in Aloa-Shay with Alec and Des.”
Alec gaped at her from across the campfire. “I’m coming with you, sister.”
“No,” she said firmly, in no mood to argue. “I need you to look after Des.”
Alec threw his hands in the air. “And send you off into danger alone?”
“I will have Ryne and Zier.” She turned from Simeon when he swore and kicked the sand like a temperamental child. “The smaller the party, the less chance we have of being seen by Madhea.”
“And the more chance you have getting eaten by snow bears,” Alec argued. “I’m skilled with a bow.”
“But you are not a skilled climber.” Ryne glared coolly at Alec, as if waiting for Alec to challenge him.
“And who will help Zier carry his goods up the mountain?”
“I can carry my own pack,” Zier said. “It will be much lighter after we leave Aloa-Shay.”
“Brother,” Dianna pleaded, “it would ease my mind and my heart if you were to stay with Des.”
“But—” Alec’s protest died when Mari tugged on his tunic.
“Alec, I think Dianna is right,” Mari said. “You should stay with me.”
Dianna recognized Mari’s smile, for she’d seen it enough times whenever one of Simeon’s admirers was trying to coax him into her arms. Though she should’ve been grateful for Mari’s help, she wasn’t sure how she felt about seeing her brother manipulated. At least Mari wasn’t trying to seduce Simeon. Not that she cared. At least she tried not to care.
“You need to stay, Alec.” A mischievous grin split Ryne’s face in two, reminding Dianna of Lydra before she bit an evil mage in half. “Unless you think it’s a good idea leaving Simeon alone with Mari.”
Simeon stepped around Dianna, facing down Ryne like a snowbear staking his territory. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Alec grumbled.
Simeon spun toward Alec. “Do you all think me a baseless worm?”
Dianna swore beneath her breath when Ryne answered with a deep chuckle. Simeon whipped back around, his fist connecting with Ryne’s jaw so fast, Dianna didn’t have time to stop him.
Ryne stumbled over the log behind him, falling flat on his arse, blinking up at Simeon in shock. “You son of a siren!” He rubbed his jaw.
Simeon jumped back when Tar snapped at him.
Growling, the dog advanced.
“Enough!” Dianna yelled. “We cannot possibly hope to defeat Madhea if we are fighting among ourselves.”
“Quiet,” Zier spat. “I hear something.”
Everyone froze. There were thunderous sounds in the distance. Was a storm approaching? She thought not, for she did
n’t feel a shift in the weather. No, those booms meant a monster was approaching. She only hoped it was friendly.
“The fire!” she whispered, nodding at the bright flames.
The men threw dirt into it.
The tree branches swayed, pine needles raining down on the ground as the booms drew nearer. The braying donkey jerked free from his rope and ran off into the forest. Alec dove for it, but he wasn’t fast enough. She’d had no idea the donkey could move so fast. If only he’d put that much effort into carrying Mari, they might not be in danger now.
The ground under Dianna’s feet shook with earthquake force. She stepped back, the stones in her pocket warming with magical energy as she braced for an attack. Tar jumped in front of her, the hair on his neck standing on end as he faced the thunder. Alec stood beside her with his bow and arrow, Zier with his hatchet. Simeon wielded a spear, and Ryne drew a sword while Des led Mari and Brendle behind them.
The booms were so close now, Dianna could feel her brain jarring against her skull. Imagine her relief when a familiar giant head poked from between two pines, his meaty fists bending the trees like twigs.
Borg flashed a lopsided grin. “Hi, fwiends.”
“Borg!” Zier’s shoulders slumped as he threw down his hatchet. “Thank the Elements.”
“Da says I go wif you.” Spittle flew out of the giant’s mouth, raining down on their heads.
Ryne and Simeon sheathed their swords, grumbling while swiping slime off their arms.
“Go with us, Borg?” Dianna asked as she threw kindling on the fire pit’s embers. “To Ice Kingdom?”
“That big gnull can’t go with us to Ice Kingdom.” Ryne sneered at Borg as the giant sat down, flattening a patch of weeds and brush under his wide arse.
“Borg, are you just to accompany us to Aloa-Shay?” Dianna thought mayhap this would work to their advantage. If Borg carried Mari and Des, they could reach Aloa-Shay in under a day.
The giant scratched the back of his head, his eyes nearly crossing. “Borg no remember.”
“You can accompany us to Aloa-Shay,” she said, “but then you must turn back. Okay?”