Winter's Heart

by J. E. Taylor

  “Have there been any other attacks since I left?” she asked Cheri.

  “Mr. Canicula told the town that the white tiger is trying to weed out the fated one.” She spit on the ground. “Four families with girls died before he attacked my family. He is driving everyone into a frenzy with the purpose of hunting the tiger, except he is the one doing the killing.” Her face transformed into a mask of fury.

  Lisa gasped and stared up at Elijah. “We have to stop them from killing anyone else.”

  Elijah nodded with a tight jaw. “Will you tell the town what you told us?” he asked Cheri.

  Her eyes widened and she gulped, but she nodded. “If you promise to protect me,” she said in a small fear-laced voice.

  “With my life,” Lisa said. “But we need more than just a scared child’s word. We need irrefutable proof.”

  Her mind raced. Mr. Canicula wouldn’t keep weapons in the house, especially those used in such public murders. They would be too easy to find, and his sheds were no better. He never kept those locked, so unless he had lost a few marbles, he wasn’t compromising his freedom by keeping them local. She glanced out the cavern entrance while still rubbing Cheri’s arms and legs.

  There was one place that was far enough away from the town to be a possibility, and it was on the Opal side of the tundra. It was well within Elijah’s barrier, too. The Canicula hunting cabin. And there was even a locked trunk that neither she nor Herk could ever find the key for. They were sure that was where his father kept his hunting rifles, but now she guessed that locked trunk contained something darker.

  “I think I know where you might find evidence.” She looked up at Elijah. “But I’ll need to provide some sort of diversion so you can check it out.”

  “I don’t want you walking into that town alone.”

  “I need to. And you need to take Cheri with you and keep her safe.” She glanced at the girl’s clothes. This wouldn’t do. She couldn’t let Cheri outside without proper clothing against the harsh elements. “Do you happen to have other clothes anywhere?” She started to undress. She handed Cheri her boots and pants along with her shirt, until all she stood in was the nightshirt she had on under her clothing when she’d jumped from her window.

  Cheri gratefully pulled on the clothing even though it was far too big for her pre-teen body.

  Elijah stared at Lisa, slowly taking her in as the wind fluttered the thermal fabric around her. He blinked and met her gaze before nodding and disappearing down a tunnel she had never ventured into. There were a couple of tunnels that led deeper into the mountain. Maybe when this whole ordeal was over, she would explore his interior domain a little more thoroughly than she had.

  When he came back, he carried a beautiful fur-lined outfit that looked as if it was new, but the moment she touched it, she knew it was as old as he was. “It was my love’s favorite hunting outfit,” he said. “I’m not sure if they will recognize it or not, but...”

  As soon as she slipped on the pants and boots, she turned and peeled off her nightshirt, then put on the matching top and cape. Arm bands and long gloves came next and when she turned, Elijah sighed so heavily that she almost took the outfit off.

  When his eyes met hers, he held out a bow and quiver that with the same patterns as those on her arm bands. “You are ready, my fated one.”

  Chapter 14

  The sun hadn’t yet crested the mountains, but a deep crimson hue stretched over the town like an ominous premonition. It was enough to give Lisa pause as she took stock of her little band of warriors. Cheri, looking just as scared as she had when she’d whispered the name of the man who slaughtered her family. Elijah, who was dazzling in his fur bomber jacket and black pants. And herself, who looked like some ancient Amazon queen stepping out to battle. They made an odd group, but it would have to do. She couldn’t let anyone else die while they played magical games in the cave.

  “Ready?” Lisa asked Cheri.

  The brave girl nodded and looked up at her in awe. Lisa gave her a quick squeeze before leading them down the mountain path. They timed it so Lisa would be walking into the center of town at the time that Mr. Canicula would be rallying the crowds like he had done at the same time each day, according to Cheri.

  Just before the barrier, Elijah stopped and pulled Lisa into his arms, hugging her tightly against him. “Be careful.”

  His embrace bathed her in warmth, and she squeezed him back. “You, too.”

  Lisa begrudgingly stepped away. Elijah and Cheri veered towards the Caniculas’ hunting cabin, and she waited until they were out of sight before focusing all her concentration on what she was walking into. It was likely to be a witch hunt if Elijah was correct, and she prayed she wouldn’t need to use the bow he had given her against the people she was prophesied to protect.

  She crossed through the barrier, feeling the tingle of it now that she knew where it was. As she stepped onto the tundra, her exposed skin prickled from the cold, and her cape billowed around her. The quiet whisper of the wind was the only noise filling the valley, like nature knew a magical showdown was about to happen and was holding its breath.

  She passed by Cheri’s house and the bloody mess left on the snow-dusted porch. Not even Constable Jones remained. It was all as Cheri had described the last few mornings, and she knew where the town had gathered. It wasn’t the town hall like she had expected. He gathered them at the great circle, using the sacred grounds to rally the crowd.

  The legendary place where good would triumph against evil. Even in the Caniculas’ version of the lore, this was where the white tiger would be defeated. The gathering spot where the fated one would finally light the pyre.

  Mr. Canicula’s voice carried over the crowd telling them the same bullshit Cheri had said he had been feeding them. As Lisa approached, the people closest to the back of the crowd glanced over their shoulders at her. Their chants silenced, and they parted, as did the rest of the group until a path cut straight to where Mr. and Mrs. Canicula were standing.

  In the center of the great circle stood a single post surrounded by mounds of cut logs. Iron shackles swayed from the post like a ghost was dancing in the breeze. There was enough firewood to create a bonfire, or roast a tiger, which from Mr. Canicula’s tirade was exactly what this display was for.

  A hush fell over the crowd. When Mr. Canicula turned to see why silence had fallen over his minions, his voice faltered. His eyes widened at the sight of her, and she recognized fear before he had a chance to mask it.

  She stopped at the opening and stared him down.

  “Well, if it isn’t the traitorous whore,” he said and crossed his arms.

  “I’m not the one slaughtering his own people,” she replied.

  Confusion appeared on the few faces she could see. Looks were traded, and gazes bounced from her to Mr. and Mrs. Canicula.

  “She is the one responsible for the deaths in this town!” he bellowed and pointed at her. “She has never fit in and has used the prophecy for her own nefarious activities!”

  The crowd turned towards her, their faces going feral. How soon they forgot she was revered as the fated one who would stop evil from overshadowing Opal.

  Oh, the bastard knows how to twist a tale all right.

  “Murderer!” His voice thundered over the crowd. “Grab her!”

  No one moved.

  A noise behind her startled her. She spun towards it, trying to get her bow off her shoulder, but she didn’t have time. Herk barreled into her, knocking her to the ground. Fortunately, Elijah had practiced escape moves in various situations, and this was one of them. Herk had also made her practice this type of move once upon a time as well. She used their falling inertia to throw him over her head.

  She scrambled to her feet and glanced at her bow on the ground out of reach and the arrows sprinkled around from the impact.

  The crowd moved back, clearing the way for this battle of brawn versus brains. Lisa knew she didn’t have a prayer without a weapon, but
at least she had a few new moves up her sleeve thanks to Elijah. She set her feet in place, ready for his next attack, and kept her ears open for any attempt to blindside her in the event someone else decided to jump into the fray.

  He stepped in and swung his fist. She parried, blocking the first punch, but she missed the gut shot. It was so hard that it picked her off her feet and yanked the air from her lungs.

  The crowd’s cheers turned to hisses when she spun away and landed a kick on the side of Herk’s face. He stumbled back and cupped his cheek where she’d hit him. A playful smile formed along with a spark in his eyes. She hadn’t ever landed a strike like that in the past, and it seemed to fuel whatever twistedness made Herk tick.

  This time he approached more cautiously, his fists loose, matching the easy smile on his face. “You’ve been practicing?”

  Lisa shrugged and gasped for air as her stomach throbbed. “I’m just paying attention,” she said breathlessly.

  His next swing grazed her cheek, but she moved quickly enough to knock him off balance. She swept his feet from under him and squared herself again, mindful of keeping her distance from anyone else.

  Herk climbed to his feet and dusted himself off within striking distance, but she didn’t take advantage of the open shot he gave her. When he glanced up, he cocked an eyebrow and faked to one side. But then he surprised her by tackling her full-on. He landed on top of her, and before she could twist under him and roll like she had been taught, he pinned her arms next to her head.

  The crowd went wild with cheers.

  “Why did you do it? Why would you kill those people?” he asked, staring down at her with confusion in his eyes.

  “I didn’t kill anyone.” She didn’t trust Herk to believe her, but she wasn’t about to reveal the real culprit until she had proof. The crowd would scoff at her declaration of innocence, especially if she pointed a finger at Mr. Canicula without evidence.

  Iron cuffs clasped around her wrists, and she glanced up to see Mr. Canicula’s mean smile. Herk climbed to his feet as Mr. Canicula dragged Lisa to the wooden post.

  “It’s time to pay for your crimes,” he snarled loud enough for the crowd to hear.

  They cheered like this was a game. He hauled her arms up over her head and secured them to the post.

  She kicked out and hit his shin, but all he did was grimace.

  He stared down at her with a sneer. “I told you what I would do if you crossed me,” he said in a low rumble.

  The crowd chanted “Burn her” as if they had been put under some dark spell.

  Herk approached. “What are you doing?” he asked his father. “You said you would put her in jail until her trial.”

  Lisa laughed as she kept her eye on the crowd. They were far enough back to not be able to hear their exchange, especially over the continued call for her death. “Your father’s a monster.”

  “This is her trial,” Mr. Canicula said and spun towards the crowd. “What say you?” he bellowed, holding his arms wide.

  “Burn the witch!” they yelled, caught up in the frenzy. The noise was deafening.

  “No!” Herk shouted above the crowd.

  His father glared over his shoulder at him. “Shut your mouth boy and step away.”

  Herk stepped closer to her. “Do you have proof that she did it?” Doubt painted his features, and he glanced at her before looking at the bloodthirsty crowd surrounding them.

  “Son, step away,” Mrs. Canicula said softly from the side of the pyre. “She is not worth this fight.”

  “Says the woman who poisoned me for years with tea made of tar,” Lisa said and stared down her false accusers.

  Mrs. Canicula’s eyes narrowed.

  Lisa glanced at Herk. “Did you know?”

  The shock on his face screamed innocence just as his current stance against his parents’ need to destroy her. It was as if he really, truly did care for her.

  “Know what?” He eyed the restless crowd from his place next to her on their makeshift bonfire kindling.

  “That her black tea was actually poison meant to kill my magic and eventually kill me,” she said.

  “She said it was special to help you tap magic if you had it.” His wide grey gaze met hers before it shot to his mother. “And that’s why I could never have any.”

  “Herk, step away,” she said, her features hardened. “Now.”

  He looked back at her, his eyes pleading, but for what she had no idea.

  “I’ve never lied to you,” Lisa whispered. “Even when I knew what I had to say would hurt.”

  “We can’t just publicly execute her!” he shouted over the crowd’s chant.

  “Sure, we can,” Mr. Canicula snarled, “and if you don’t get off this pyre, I’ll just burn you right along with her.”

  Mrs. Canicula’s face registered the same shock Lisa felt.

  “Randolph, please,” Mrs. Canicula begged.

  He glared and pointed at her. “This is your doing.”

  “Don’t hurt him,” she whispered, pleading.

  “Then get him off this wood stack before I set it on fire.”

  “Herk, come down here now,” Mrs. Canicula said and held out her hand.

  Herk looked at his mother and then back at Lisa. He shook his head. “This isn’t right. This isn’t following the law like you’ve always preached,” he argued.

  His father grabbed his wrist and shackled him as well. “You fool.”

  While some still chanted, others stopped at the new development. All eyes were glued to the scene before them. It was not only their perceived murderer, but now it was the Canicula’s son on the pyre.

  Mr. Canicula stepped off the wood pile and lit a match, but before he could toss it on the wood, Mrs. Canicula blocked him.

  “Please,” she pleaded, but his stare was colder than the midnight wind.

  “Father?” Herk pulled at his bound wrists.

  “I am not your father,” he snapped and pushed Mrs. Canicula aside. “Your mother fucked a human.” His gaze moved to Lisa. “Your father slept with my wife long before he met your mother. The bastard ran before I had a chance to skin him alive. Too bad the fool came back to Opal.”

  Lisa’s blood chilled. In so many words, Mr. Canicula had admitted to killing her father. She sucked air in between her teeth, containing the sudden swell of fury that clawed at the surface. She glanced at Herk, and for the first time, noticed that his eyes were the same shade of grey as hers. The same shade as her father’s.

  This wasn’t another lie. She could see the devastating truth in Mrs. Canicula’s eyes as Mr. Canicula threw the match.

  She had a brother. The thought struck her hard as the match traveled through the air and landed on the wood.

  “What are you doing?” Herk cried and pulled at the chains holding him to the post.

  The crowd gasped and cheered as the wood burst into flame in more of an explosion than a slow burn as if Mr. Canicula had treated it with an accelerant.

  Mrs. Canicula threw herself forward, but Mr. Canicula caught her around the waist and pulled her to safety. Still, she wailed at the sight of her son in mortal peril.

  Heat filled the space around them, and Lisa closed her eyes, leaning her head against the wood post. Herk yanked at the chain holding him in place, pleading for help, but there was no help coming from Opal.

  She was the only one who could get them out of this predicament, and they had chosen fire to try to destroy her. Fire. Her chosen element. She smiled.

  The first thing she needed to address were the chains. She couldn’t hold the fire at bay forever, and being bound in the middle of the danger zone wouldn’t fare well for either of them if she lost control of it. Iron could melt and that is what she concentrated on. Heating the cuffs to the point their structural integrity wasn’t enough to keep them bound.

  The burn of hot metal made her wince, but in a matter of moments, the cuffs holding her in place were weak enough for her to tear her hands from. She gra
bbed Herk’s arm and yanked, despite his howling.

  He just stared at her and grasped his wrist.

  In the distance, a tiger charged towards them surrounded by children. And even through the wall of flames obstructing most of her view, she saw the panic in Elijah’s eyes.

  Herk went to move, and she grabbed his arm. “Don’t run.”

  She concentrated on pushing the flames to the edge of the wood pile. It still blazed high enough for people to step back. Mr. Canicula held Mrs. Canicula against his chest and smiled in triumph at the wall of flames. Lisa could see him, but he couldn’t see through the block she’d created.

  “Are you—”

  “Shush,” she interrupted Herk.

  When she thought she had total control of the blaze, she looked beyond them at the Caniculas and willed the fire to encircle them. The fire obeyed, trapping them in a circle of flame before they understood what was happening. Gasps came from the crowd, almost making Lisa’s control falter.

  “We need to get off this wood,” she said as sweat dripped from her forehead. She kept her hands splayed and her focus on the fire ring.

  Herk gently took her arm and kept her steady as he helped navigate them from the pile. When they reached the ground, he let go of her.

  “Do not harm the tiger,” she yelled without breaking her concentration. “The only thing about the lore we’ve all been fed over the years that is true is that the fated one would rid Opal of evil. The tiger is not evil!”

  “But...”

  “She’s right,” Cheri said, stepping into the crowd. She threw a bloodied fake claw on the ground in front of Constable Jones.

  He gasped. “We thought you were dead.”

  “That’s exactly what Mr. Canicula wanted everyone to think about all of us.” Cheri waved at the other children surrounding the tiger. “That was in Mr. Canicula’s hunting cabin along with the other kids.”

  “The tiger has put them under a spell,” Mr. Canicula yelled, but his words had an empty effect on the crowd.

  “Shut up!” Herk snapped venomously and pointed a finger at him. “You were willing to burn me to a crisp because I wanted due process for Lisa. You chose to be judge and jury and sentence innocent people to death. So just shut your mouth.”