Page 10 of Ice Magic

I saw them together, standing in the snow when he first introduced her to me. I examined their faces, the nobility in their eyes, and I felt the warmth of their hearts as they took me in. I envisioned Bran’s easy smile, and Fenling’s courage. When they were clear in my mind’s eye, I held them there, focusing on the friendship that we had built, and my desire for Bran. I raised my hand, but kept my eyes closed.

While I couldn’t see what Ashera was doing, I could hear her moving, and I could smell something in the air. It smelled like candle wax and honey. Time seemed to pass slowly, and now and then I felt myself wavering, their images starting to fade. Each time, I dragged my attention back to them, taking in every detail. I summoned up memories of talking to both, and of how supportive and caring they had been.

Ashera began muttering something under her breath. By the cadence, it sounded like an incantation. The energy rose, surrounding me with a magical net, and it felt like it attached itself to my aura—to my own energy. The spell latched onto me, and then it reached out to take hold of both Bran and Fenling. Without being asked, or told, I began to reel them in, like I might a trout on a fishing line.

Ashera kept chanting, and I found myself whispering,Come to me. Come to me.

I wasn’t sure how much time passed, but after a while I felt Ashera’s hand on my shoulders.

“It’s done,” she said. “You can let go now.”

I felt myself reluctant to let them go. I loved them both, in vastly different ways. They had become a vital part of my world and I missed them. The thought of Karehl hurting either of them made my heart sore.

As their images slowly receded, I opened my eyes and looked up into the witch’s face.

“Do you think it worked?”

“I can’t guarantee it, but I think that the magic took. Come now, let me get you some proper tea.” She poured two mugs of tea,realtea, and then filled a plate with more cookies and set it on the table. She handed me my mug and then sat down, leaning back. She looked tired.

“Is magic tiring? You look exhausted.”

She nodded. “Yes, some magic takes it out of you more than others.” After a moment, she added, “One of us should keep watch at all times. I don’t think that it misfired, but we can’t be too careful. Especially when we are dealing with Karehl.”

“Just what do you have against him?” I asked. “I know whyIdon’t like him, but what did he do to you?”

Ashera passed her hand over her crystal ball, sighing.

“My mother had a thriving business helping other forest folk with her magic. When she died, I took over. And my business grew, even though I wasn’t as powerful as my mother. But one day, Karehl showed up, trying to claim this part of the Bramble Fel. None of us accepted his demands.”

“What did he demand?”

“He wanted 30 percent of what I earned. He claimed that his guards would protect my house, but I knew that wouldn’t be the case. He was trying to claim the Bramble Fel for his own. No one in the forest appreciated his stance, and everyone who worked magic began to weave spells that made it difficult for him to pass through. We appealed to the Snow Witch as well,and she hounds him every time he rides through the woodland. I cloaked my house even stronger, far stronger than what my mother had, and retreated from casting spells for anyone except a very few. I have a handful of people who come to me for help now, and for the most part, I think I’ve been forgotten, which serves me well.”

“That reminds me of the sheriff back in my home village. He’s tried to extend the borders more than once, but other villages fight back. You’re right, Karehl is power-hungry, and I think he would do anything to extend his grasp.”

“I wish his brother could take the throne. He’s a fair one, and just.” Ashera shrugged, yawning. “We best get to bed. It’s been a long day, and these old bones need their rest.”

As Ashera retired to her bedroom and I settled down in front of the fire, I wondered if the spell would work. Even more important, I wondered if it would workproperly, and not bring down chaos on our heads.

The next day,nothing happened out of the ordinary. Ashera helped me make a new outfit out of some soft leather she had around. By the end of the day, we had a neatly stitched pair of leather pants and a double-lined tunic. We started working on a new cape for me, as well. She had plenty of rabbit fur, and we trimmed the leather with it and added a silver brooch as a closure. Ashera had a knack for stitchery, and I watched in awe as her fingers flew over the material.

“I could never have stitched this by myself in a week, let alone a day,” I said. While I helped, the work had primarily come from her. “I can’t thank you enough.”

“It’s nice to have someone to look after,” she said. “I’ve been alone so long I think I forget how it feels to be around people—at least people who are genuine. I’ve truly enjoyed having you here, Asajia. If you ever need a place to stay again, you’re welcome to stay with me.” She gave me a soft smile, and I returned it.

“I never really knew my grandparents, but I like to think this is the way it would be. My mother and I had a comfortable relationship, as well. Although I wish she could have had your confidence.”

“That’s one thing you can’t just hand to another. Confidence has to be built from the inside out, or you’ll never be sure of yourself. No matter how much people tell you how great you are, you have totrulybelieve it in order to put it to work for you. There now,” she said, patting the front of the cloak. “We’re finished. Let’s eat some dinner and get some sleep.”

“How long until we know whether your spell works?” I asked. “Or is there a way to tell beyond someone to showing up?”

“There’s no way to know for sure that itdidn’twork. Except if no one appears at the doorstep. So we wait.”

After she went to bed, I sat by the fire, thinking over my situation. If Bran and Fenling didn’t show up, I would have to make a decision about what to do. As much as I enjoyed Ashera’s company, and I liked helping her out, I didn’t think I could stay here forever. I didn’t feel settled yet. As I climbed under the covers, I still wasn’t sure what my decision would be. But I had time, at least. Karehl hadn’t caught me here yet, and hopefully, I’d be long gone before he ever showed his face at the door.

CHAPTER SIX

Early morning,I woke to someone knocking on the door. Ashera was still asleep, so I picked up my dagger and edged my way toward the door. I tried to peek out the window next to the door but it was snowing so hard that it was difficult to see. Finally, I called out, “Who is it?”

---