Page 7 of The Study of Storms and Magic
Uncle Karter and Aunt Larrisa greeted them at the door. Introductions were made, and Zohav was happy to learn that she and Zee would be sharing their old room. Annika and Endre would share what used to be Zebulon’s room, and Heli had her own.
“We converted the tannery into a stable,” Uncle Karter said as he took them on a short tour. “Our daughter, Elley, and her husband have been breeding hardy Icefaren horses for Generals Kitvivan and Chenzo, and General Dinno has recently expressed interest.” His chest puffed with pride.
A mixture of emotions rolled through Zohav. While glad the building was being put to good use, she missed the sounds and smells of the tannery. Now the scent of hay, horse manure, and grain filled the air.
“There’s still plenty of room for your horses.” Uncle Karter eyed Kitty. The horse snorted and pawed the ground in challenge. “Elley can take care of them for you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Annika said. “We don’t want to add to her workload.”
“We all help with the horses. I’m a butcher and there’s not much for me to do during the cold season. Plus, Larrisa has been looking forward to your visit. The house is too big for the four of us. We’re waiting on grandchildren to fill the place up, but we don’t want to pressure Elley and Surren.”
“What a lovely sentiment,” Annika said. “Could you suggest that to my parents?”
Karter laughed. “I’ll write them a letter.”
That night, after Aunt Larrisa stuffed them full of their favorite Ixian foods, Zohav stretched out on her childhood bed. She sighed in contentment.Home.
“Don’t get too comfortable, Zo,” Zethan said from his bed across the room. He always knew her thoughts. “We can’t stay. This is no longer our home.”
Oh, how she wished it were. She could help Elley with the horses and work in Icefaren’s little library, hunting books to add to the library’s collection… Zohav sighed again, trying and failing to not cry.
Zethan’s bed creaked and he knelt next to hers. He wiped her tears. “Hey, it’s okay. Home is whereweare, Zo. Together, we’ll always be home.”
She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “Thanks.”
He squeezed back and returned to bed. Zethan had promised they’d be together forever, but she knew it wasn’t fair to him. That she was holding him back from a life filled with adventures. Eventually, they’d go their own way. And she was okay with that. Mostly. Somewhat. Good thing she had time to get used to the idea.
ZETHAN
Aheavy, brooding presence edged into his awareness, waking him. He sat up in bed and concentrated. The undulating air currents hooked around him. They wrapped around his heart and tugged. The irresistible pull brought him to his feet.
Zethan dressed quickly and ran out into the gray dawn. A thick band of dark clouds filled the northwestern sky. The season’s first snowstorm loomed, and it was a moody one. Zethan spread his arms wide, sensing the direction of the storm. The damp breeze blew from the north, indicating a southerly track.
Gathering magic from the blanket of power, he extended his senses toward the storm. When he established a connection to its essence, or perhaps its soul—he never could find the perfect word—he altered its direction, tweaking it far enough east so it would cross the NIP north of Icefaren. Once he was satisfied the storm accepted his suggestion, he withdrew most of his consciousness from the storm, leaving a thread so he could find his way back without using too much power.
Dashing inside the house, he woke Zo and Heli. They’d only been here a few days, and they already had their first customer.
“How strong?” Heli asked when she joined them for breakfast.
“On the small size,” he said.
“Boo.”
“It’s still early in the season, Heli.” Zethan laughed. “Don’t worry, there will be a number of the legendary NIP blizzards.”
She brightened and filled her plate. “Is there anything else about the storm that I need to know?”
“It’s broody. Probably hit us with big wet snowflakes.”
“Then four orbs should be enough.”
“Agreed,” Zethan said. “Zo, are you ready to try influencing snowflakes?”
“That’s why I’m here.” Her tone bordered on surly. Zo wasn’t a morning person.
Unaffected by her attitude, he said, “I can’t control the timing of these storms, only their direction. It might be a good idea not to stay up so late reading.”
“Studying.” She corrected, giving him a pointed look.
