Heart of the Winterland Read online

  Forcing a calm she did not feel, she floated to where Cali perched near the snow line. Don’t relax. If that shield snaps back while we’re crossing . . . No, nothing was going to happen. She reached deeper within and strengthened her hold on the opening.

  ❄❄❄

  Cali stood frozen on the edge of the snow. A small cough from Voice jolted her from her reverie. “It’s so beautiful, Voice. And yet . . . it’s so different I’m almost afraid to leave the snow.”

  “I do not think grass can harm you.”

  “Thanks,” Cali said sarcastically and turned back to the border. A thrill of fear and excitement shot through her. Not allowing herself any more time to think about it, she planted one foot firmly over the line, and then the other. Warmth hit her in the face, like the heat from her fireplace at home. The scent of flowers and pine together and teased her nostrils. Birdsong echoed above her in a beautiful harmony.

  She sank to the ground, pulling off her gloves and burying her hands in the grass. Itchy, and yet somehow soft, the feel of it against her palms broke the emotional dam inside and tears ran down her cheeks.

  “Princess, what is wrong?” Voice floated anxiously at the edge of the snow.

  Cali swiped at her face with the back of her hands. “Every day I’ve held this tiny hope that one day my life would be different. That I could experience life outside of a book. Summer. Grass. People. And now, after all this time, it’s more than a hope, it’s real.”

  She stretched her legs in front of her and leaned back on her hands. “This does present a problem, though. The sleigh won’t travel over the grass. I know that much.”

  “No.” Voice sounded strained. “But we won’t have to worry about that.”

  Cali brightened. Of course. I should’ve thought of it sooner. “Would you be able to do something about this?” Cali waved at the sleigh.

  “I could, but in this case we do not need a magical solution. The sleigh is unique and besides its exquisite craftsmanship, it has something I think you’ll find interesting. If you look under the back, you should see a button with a wheel on it.”

  Cali rose and walked toward the sleigh, hesitating at the line of snow. An illogical fear that if she stepped back into her snow-covered world she would never be able to leave it again formed in her mind. No. I am free. A prisoner no more.

  With a confidence that she didn’t completely feel, she stepped onto the snow and began her search of the underside of the sleigh. She found two raised silver circles. One had a runner on it and the other a wheel. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the one with the wheel and stepped back. The sleigh sank to the earth, as the runners retracted into the bottom of it. For a second, nothing more happened.

  “Just wait,” Voice said, before Cali could comment.

  Sure enough the sleigh slowly rose as what appeared to be stilts extended out of the four corners. The sleigh reached its prior height, and four compartments on the bottom opened up. Cali watched in amazement as wheels slid from the openings. Once fully out, they rotated upright and pulled against the sides of the sleigh. The stilts retracted, and the sleigh, which was now a carriage, rested upon shiny, silver wheels.

  "Well, that is something," Cali murmured, blinking in astonishment. "I guess we won't be leaving it behind after all."

  "I did tell you."

  "Don't say you're not impressed too." Cali shot Voice a grin.

  "It is not as though I would miss the ride," Voice quipped.

  Cali could've sworn that if Voice had a face, there'd be a sparkle in her eye.

  "Well, I'm happy that I don't have to walk and lug the provisions."

  "If you are done admiring our ride, we should continue," Voice said. "We have a long journey ahead."

  Agreeing, Cali climbed back into the newly converted carriage. She clicked her tongue to urge the horses forward. As if they’d been eyeing that green snack, the horses jumped, pulling the carriage across the snow and onto the grass.

  A deep sigh broke from Voice, and she lowered herself to the seat cushions. Her glow flickered wanly.

  “Voice?” A niggle of fear pressed at Cali.

  “I am fine, it has simply been a taxing day. I just need to rest,” Voice said weakly.

  Cali nodded and directed her attention to the new world around her. The going was slow as the horses kept stopping to nibble at the grass. But Cali didn’t mind. It gave her an excuse to gawk at every detail of this paradise.

  ❄❄❄

  Exhausted, Voice settled in the corner of the sleigh, lost in thought. Something was wrong with that barrier. My spell disintegrated as soon as we crossed the line.

  Unease filled her when she tried to deepen her vision and nothing happened. She couldn’t see the strands of power. It is just because I am tired. Holding that opening so long was taxing. I will feel more like myself later. Everything was fine, it had to be fine. She felt vulnerable and wanted nothing more than to curl up on herself. Her magic was all she had, without it she was nothing.

  The trees started to thin after a few hours and bright patches of moonlight appeared overhead, signaling the end of the forest, and the day.

  Chapter 3

  The carriage came to rest on top of a hill. A full moon cast an eerie light on the ground and forest behind them. Below lay a lush valley with houses nestled into it. Though still a slight distance off, candle-light shone through the windows.

  Cali shivered in the night air, and despite crediting it to nerves, pulled the lap fur around her neck.

  The snowline was one thing. This—this is another thing entirely.

  "I expect you are a bit nervous," Voice stated, "seeing as it will be the first time in years you have been around people."

  "What do you mean ‘the first time in years’?” Cali stood, letting the fur drop. “When were you going to tell me there were other people in my life at some point?"

  "Princess, please desist," Voice said, taken aback by the onslaught. "Did you think you sprung up from some snowdrift? I assumed you knew that there had to be at least two other people at the beginning of your life."

  Cali’s temper flared. "The castle has no portraits, no records, no ancestral charts, or personal documents. Nothing to lead me to believe there’d ever been other people in Trabor, much less any in my lifetime. There aren’t even any personal effects. I could very well have sprung out of a snowdrift!” She settled back against the seat, imagining icy water pouring over her head to cool her ire. Her voice shook with barely suppressed rage, “I want to know what you know.”

  "After we find some food and lodging for the night, I will tell you."

  Cali struggled for calm. “No. I’ve waited long enough. I want to know now.”

  Something rustled in the woods behind them and Voice dove under the seat.

  "Excuse me, are you heading to Laire?"

  Cali turned, spying a petite, dirty face peeping from behind a tree. She wrinkled her nose at an unidentifiable odor. Color suffused her face at the realization she was staring. She tried to speak, but nothing came out. Clearing her throat, she tried again and squeaked, "If that is the name of the village below, then yes, we are."

  "It is. Would you let me ride along with you? I've come a long way and I fear my feet won't carry me much farther."

  The musical voice pierced Cali’s soul and wove its sweetness around her heart, both thrilling and scaring her.

  Do all human voices sound so powerful?

  Cali was staring again, and she knew it. A lifetime of listening only to herself and Voice’s flat tone had ill-prepared her for this.

  I’m a crown princess. I can do this.

  Forcing a smile, and what she hoped was a nonchalant tone, she said, "Of course, company would be nice."

  The figure moved out into the moonlight. Thin-framed, sallow-cheeked and dirt-crusted hair, its color indistinguishable, Cali couldn’t imagine a more pitiable creature. It looked over its shoulder, before scrambling into the carriage. Then glancing around a bit
nervously, it asked, "Wasn't someone here with you?”

  Cali’s face flushed as she fumbled to find the right words. In all her years of reading, she’d never heard of anything like Voice and had a feeling she was unique. How does one explain a floating, talking orb? "Why, yes. That'd be my guardian, um, Voice. She's not an actual person, you see, just, well, a voice."

  The sorry-looking creature folded its arms and scowled. "If you don’t want to tell me, just say so. It doesn’t really matter. I'll be out of your way as soon as we reach town."

  "We are happy to help someone in need," Voice replied, leaving her hiding place to hover in front of the stranger.

  The fragile body jumped, and a smile appeared. "I guess you weren’t fooling. I'm sorry. I’ve seen a lot of strange things in my travels and shouldn’t be so skeptical, though this may take a bit of getting used to.”

  Voice chuckled. "I imagine it would. I am the white orb hovering on the front of the carriage."

  “Nooo, really.”

  Cali wasn’t sure how someone with such a melodious voice could sound so sarcastic, but was relieved that Voice had taken over the conversation. It left her free to stare at what she decided was a girl underneath all of that dirt and grime. It has to be a girl. Her features are fine and her voice lyrical. No evidence of facial hair. I suppose she could be a he, but she resembles the illustrations of women in the books at home, though considerably less clean.

  The clothes on the girl were no more than tattered rags draped over her gaunt body. The color reminded Cali of the ashes in her fireplace at home. The dress hung down to the girl’s knees, and the leggings underneath were full of holes. Cali felt her mouth dropping. The girl wore no shoes! What madness to walk around in one’s bare feet, especially while outside. Are shoes not normal attire for most humans? Even inside I always wore slippers, unless sleeping.

  "Let us be on our way," Voice declared. "My gaping companion is Cali, who hopefully will remember herself presently and cease her shameless staring. What is your name?"

  "Umm . . . Angel."

  "Well, Angel, do you have a place to stay for the night? I assume that you do not live here."

  "I'm trying to reach my home," Angel said evasively.

  “You are young to be traveling on your own, are you not?” Voice asked.

  Angel snorted. “Not in the least, though I’ve discovered that people often mistake me for a young girl.” With a sideways glance at Cali, Angel added, “I would imagine I’m close to the same age as you are.”

  Cali blinked. “How old is that?”

  Angel looked oddly at her. “You appear about one-and-twenty, but I am a few years older than that.”

  “Ah,” Cali said, before lapsing into silence.

  They had almost reached the village, when Angel said, “You’re not planning on floating through Laire, are you?”

  Cali jolted. “Me?”

  “No, the orb thing, Voice.” Angel rolled her eyes. “Magical orbs don’t exist in Shayal. You go walking into town with her and you’re bound to draw attention to yourselves.”

  “Oh.” Cali hesitated. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

  “Obviously,” Angel muttered.

  Before Cali could think of a proper response, Voice interjected, “What about that lantern you brought, Cali? I could hover in there. No one will look close enough to see that it is not a flame producing the light.”

  “Would you, Voice? That’d be great.” Cali reached behind her to snatch the lantern from a pile of items. Voice floated into it and Cali secured the latch. Gently, she placed it on the seat between her and Angel. “I think this is going to work.”

  They entered the village, and anxiety crept into her soul again. Unlike the abandoned village she had seen yesterday, this one was alive. The doors were closed tight against the night air, but lights beamed from cracks in the shutters. Animals climbed on top of fences and window sills. Cali gasped in delight, as she realized they looked just like the cats in one of the picture books at home.

  A shaggy-haired child huddled in front of one of the houses, staring at them as they passed. Angry voices came from the inside the house.

  Voice whispered from her lantern, “Perhaps the boy would know where we might find a place to stay the night.”

  Cali nodded in acknowledgment, but it was Angel who spoke, "You there. Can you tell us where we might find lodging?"

  Relief crossed his face and he leapt to his feet. "Sure thing, miss. The Green Dragon is what you be lookin’ for. Let me tell my mum, and I'll show you the way."

  He darted into the house. The yelling stopped, and somewhere a door opened and closed. The boy reappeared, pulling a raggedy cap onto his head. Waving them along, he scampered down the cobblestone path. In a few minutes they found themselves in front of a towering stone building. An old sign with faded green letters and a dragon engraved into the wood hung over the door and swayed in the wind.

  "This is the place, miss. They have some nice rooms. Hot water for a bath iffin you can afford it. Warm food and drink too."

  Cali managed to tear her eyes off the imposing building. "Thank you so much for your help." Her voice squeaked again. This is getting embarrassing. She glanced back to the door.

  Angel nudged Cali and jerked her head towards the boy who shifted uneasily on his feet. "He's expecting a little something for his help."

  Cali flushed in mortification. She quickly fished a handful of coins out of her money pouch. "Here you are, my young sir. Now run along home before your mother worries."

  With his face alight, the boy dashed off into the growing dark, leaving Cali to her thoughts.

  I wish I had a mother who worried after me.

  "I hope that coin was worth something," Cali whispered. "I grabbed what I found in the treasury at home, plus some jewels."

  Angel turned and gave Cali another strange look. "Thank you for carrying me this far. I better be on my way."

  "Oh, do stay the night with us," Cali begged. "This is strange to me, and I'd be greatly indebted if you'd keep us company." She wasn’t sure how she’d managed to find her tongue. All she knew was that she didn’t want Angel to leave. Something about having another human with her provided a measure of comfort.

  Angel’s shoulders stiffened and her tone was short as she replied, "Some of us are not so privileged as you. I have no coin for a stay at any inn.”

  "Do say yes. We have more than enough to pay for your room and dinner," Voice broke in. "As long as you do not mind spending the night with two strangers. After all, I do not need a bed or food. In exchange, you can tell us what you know about this country."

  For a second, Angel looked like she was going to refuse. Then slowly she nodded. "If you insist. I apologize for my rudeness. I have difficulty controlling my tongue sometimes."

  That settled, Cali reluctantly climbed from the carriage, trying not to trip over her flowing white gown. I really should’ve worn something else. I’m bound to trip over my hem again and make a fool of myself.

  She bunched the dress up in her arms and glanced up to see a man heading their way.

  "Excuse me, milady. Are you planning to stay the night?"

  "Yes, my companion and I will be."

  See, I can do this talking to people thing. It’s really not so hard.

  "Would you like me to stable your horses?"

  "Yes, please, I'd be much obliged." Cali gave her best attempt at what she hoped was a princess-like smile.

  Angel clambered out of the carriage, carrying Voice’s lantern, and waited while Cali grabbed a few things, before joining them, a small bundle in her arms.

  Voice whispered, “You should find a tiny, silver key in the wheel well over the back right wheel. Use it in a keyhole you’ll find near the door of the carriage.”

  Curious, Cali searched the place Voice had described and discovered a key, as promised, tucked into a small groove. She felt along the side of the carriage for the keyhole. Upon finding it, she inserted the key a
nd turned until she heard a faint click. A roof slid out from behind the seat and glided over the open part of the carriage until it was sealed tight. The man, who’d been standing there waiting, gaped in awe, and then snapped his jaw shut. Shaking his head, he grabbed hold of the reins and led the horses off to the stable.

  There was nothing left now, but to enter the building before her and see what was inside. Cali swallowed her fear, strode to the inn door, and grasped the brass handle with one hand. She let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding, and pulled the door open.

  The sight of dozens of people bombarded her as she stepped inside. Smoke hung in the corners like a shroud, while men huddled around solid oak tables were drinking heartily. Whatever substance they were drinking sloshed from their mugs, wetting the tables. It dribbled down beards and onto clothes, before dripping to the floor.

  Cali wrinkled her nose in disgust. “What is that repulsive smell?”

  Angel, who had come to stand beside Cali, answered, “The usual: unwashed bodies, cheap ale, and smoke. Ordinary smells of a tavern.”

  “I thought this was an inn,” Cali whispered, clutching her bundle tightly against her chest.

  Angel shrugged. “A lot of inns bring in extra income by also operating as a tavern.”

  The noise in the room dwindled as the occupants turned to the newcomers. All eyes were now on Cali and Angel. After a few agonizing seconds, a warm voice broke the silence.

  "Well now, I do believe we have some guests. Not from around here either, I'd say.” A matronly woman, with a mass of auburn curls tumbling down her back, stepped from around the bar on the far side of the room. “Howdy. Come closer, poppets, don't stand there shivering. Tell Airyanna what you are needing and I'll make sure to settle you in all nice and cozy."

  Cali stood rigid, unable to move or speak. Everything suddenly felt so real and she fought the urge to flee. She had left her home, her country, and was traveling in a strange new place. Fear snaked through her as the eyes continued to stare. It was taking all of her control not to fall apart.