Page 13 of A Bond of Ice and Glass
I remember my grandfather telling me that witches’ vows to the goddess are more than words. They’re spells in themselves.
“I simply want to visit them, and I will tell you why. I was born a twin, and back when there were two of us, the dragons came to me in a dream.”
She walks over to the window near me, but not too close. I don’t tell her to move away for now.
“My sister never liked dragons, though. She thought they were terrible beasts, that they shouldn’t be in this world anymore because magic like theirs is uncontrollable. But beingcontrolled is something I hated, and I understood what it felt like to be different, to long for more in life. I love the dragons.”
The way she talks, she’s almost got me believing her.
“Witches are taught to be strict with their minds, and daydreaming is frowned upon. Our magic feeds from our emotions, and having a vivid imagination was seen as a threat. They breed us to be calm, in control, and honestly, quite boring. In secret, I kept dreaming of them, drawing pictures of the dragons anywhere I could hide. My tutors, my parents, many of them thought I was growing an obsession that was unhealthy and that it should be stopped. My twin, she said it was okay to love something impossible and to not be like everyone else. She was the only one who fully believed me when I told her that one day I would see the dragons. I have seen a vision in my dreams, and I know I will face the dragon, because I am being called by them. I feel it in here.”
She places her hand over her chest. A calling, just like I had. But witches have never been riders, and it’s impossible.
“When my twin died, she was, well… she’s gone.” Her voice breaks slightly. “It’s a long story, but all I have left is this feeling that I need to see the dragons because I promised her I would. And I will, with your help or not, King Erax.”
I suspect this is true. She will end up as a dragon witch snack.
“No other witch would come here to negotiate with you. No other witch would offer you safe passage into our lands, or offer to help find your wife. But I am here offering both of those in exchange for something that I’ve wanted my entire life.”
“The dragons will burn you. They have bad history with witches, and many are angry that their kin are trapped with your queen in egg form,” I remind her.
I wish I’d saved all the eggs that day.
“If I die in the dragon pits,” she says, “then another witch, a friend of mine, will come to aid you. I have already sent word toher. She is not as powerful as I am, but enough to be able to track spells through lightether. She might be able to help you.”
I arch an eyebrow at her. “Seems you’ve thought of everything.”
“It is my job. I don’t trust easily. I wouldn’t expect you to, so I know making a solid offer is my best chance,” she bluntly explains.
“You will find her,” I repeat. “Failing me in this will end badly.”
“If a blood witch is involved, Icanfind her, and I will help you get her back.” She touches the glass. “I sense war in the air, King Erax. A great war like in the times of our gods and goddesses… but we have no gods to save us now.” A shiver goes down my spine. I do not want my wife to be in a war. “I dream of it now, of a war like no other, of fire and ice and darkness and light. This world will shatter like glass. My queen senses it, and so do so many witches. We can see it and smell it in the air. But all we can do is hide our children and pray that they survive what is coming.” Her eyes harden. “I’d rather be on a king’s side, fighting, instead of running and being unsure of my place. I know I am drawn here for a reason.”
“Almost sounds like you’re swearing loyalty to me now, Kymera.” I test her loyalty.
“My loyalty is to my queen, always.” She bows once. “But, like I said, I’m here to make a deal, and fighting at your side to get your wife back is part of it.”
“You’re surprisingly brave for a witch.”
Brave but stupid. I’m going to see her burn after all.
“My twin was the bravest person I ever met. I strive to be like her every day,” she answers with her chin held high.
“I believe my wife would like you.” I watch her for a long second. She doesn’t back down from my scrutiny. She really is a bold one. I hate that impresses me. “You have a deal, witch. Butif you don’t hold your end of the bargain, burning will be the least of your problems.”
“Yes, but don’t forget to send my bones back,” she quips lightly.
I glower at her joke. I refuse to laugh again until I know Maelana is safe and with me again.
“Come. We’re going to the pit.” I glance at her boots. “You will need to spell your boots not to burn on the ground. It’s hot down there.”
“Now?” she splutters, almost nervously.
When else? I don’t want her in my castle for a moment longer than necessary.
“Yes. I like my deals to be done swiftly, and I want my wife back.”
I don’t bother waiting for her answer before walking off through the throne room and pushing the doors open. The messenger boy squeals and nearly falls on his ass.
