Page 23 of Heart of a Dire Wolf
Pendragor touched the bubble with his wand. The bubble and its contents vanished with a prickle of magic and an audible pop.
Guivre, who Nic took to be the leader, stood and looked at him. “Based on Tinsel’s theory and your memories, we believe Skyla Chekal’s diversion was not an act of war, but one of desperation, set in motion decades ago. Your memories are the first view of Fort LeBlanc anyone has seen since then. The town is no longer invisible to magic or technology. You are still determined to go?”
“Yes.” He held her gaze. “She is my mate.”
“Then,” said Guivre, gesturing to encompass the council, “we will grant you sanctuary here, and transport you there.”
And that, apparently, was that.
The next hour consisted of receiving donations of survival gear and winter clothes, including some for Skyla, food and water, and a whirlwind briefing on what Fort LeBlanc was like a hundred years ago. Current satellite photos of the area and a weather report said an early fall storm had dumped two feet of snow in the area. Tinsel and the dark elf promised to take care of Skyla’s car and keep Mauk busy “so he won’t worry about you.”
The two best gifts were a miniature floating sleigh from Tinsel that answered to the name of Oskar and now followed Nic around like an overeager puppy, and a magically enhanced satellite phone that never needed recharging and always had signal. They even programmed it with numbers he could call, including the Kotoyeesinay sheriff’s dispatch desk.
Once again, he stood in the middle of the glade, sweating in the winter coat, hanging on to the miniature sleigh. Pendragor stood ready with his wand in case something tried to come in while Nic was going out. Tinsel and two fairies worked their portal magic. A small ring formed in the air and rapidly expanded. It felt like standing at the open door of a walk-in freezer.
“Wait!” Tinsel trundled toward him, holding out a small green velvet drawstring bag. “Give this to Skyla. After she licks you all over.”
Pendragor laughed and rolled his eyes.
Nic slipped the bag into his upper chest pocket, then bent down to hug Tinsel and kiss her on the cheek. “Thank you.”
Tinsel grinned. “Better save that for your mate.”
