Heart of the Winterland Page 4

  I’m so out of my element. I have no idea what to do or how to react. I was desperately hoping to walk into . . . Well, I’m not sure, but not this! All these people. Staring.

  A trickle of sweat ran down her back as she smoothed her free hand over the skirt of her dress and tugged at the trailing sleeves. Her thoughts tumbled over each other, unable to settle on one thing.

  Everyone here is dressed in such dull, earthy colors. I stick out like a snowdrift on an evergreen. Colors, why am I thinking about colors? That woman has such beautiful hair. Has anyone noticed Voice? Did I shut the door?

  The patrons began muttering to themselves and a few took deep drinks from their flagons.

  Voice’s whisper broke into Cali’s thoughts, "Angel, if you would be so kind as to order us a room. Preferably one removed from the noise. Also, if you can have them send dinner up to us." She paused for a second. "I would say if they could manage to get a bath in our room too you two could use it.”

  “I’ll need something to pay with,” Angel muttered to the lantern.

  “Take some coins from Cali’s pouch. It does not appear that she can manage at this time.”

  Angel’s deft fingers lifted a few coins from the pouch fastened to Cali’s belt. Even in her dazed state, Cali couldn’t help but think that the move was well-practiced.

  Angel lifted her head and her voice carried a note of authority and confidence. "My companion and I are looking for a room and a hot meal."

  The sound of normal business being conducted seemed to bring the room back to itself. The clinking and talking resumed, though at a much lower volume than earlier.

  Grabbing Cali's wrist, Angel made her way towards the woman. "We'd like to have a peaceful evening." She opened her palm to reveal a handful of gold coins and dropped Cali’s wrist. “As you see, we can well afford the best you have to offer.”

  "Yes, of course, miss. I can see your friend here could use a nice bit of quiet. A fragile thing, isn’t she? Follow me now, and I'll bring you to your room." Airyanna led the way, hips swaying as she walked.

  As they walked out of the main room and down a hallway, the clamor fell away until only a faint murmur could be heard. Airyanna chattered to Angel about all the amenities of the inn. There was just enough noise to cover the sound of Voice muttering to Cali.

  "Do not worry, Princess. We are almost there, just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are doing great; it has been a long two days. It is only natural you are a bit worn down and scattered."

  Voice kept up her steady montage of calming words as they continued their slow tread down the hall. Finally, Airyanna came to a halt in front of a door at the end of the corridor.

  “Here you are, young mistresses. Nice and quiet back here. You shouldn’t be disturbed. Can I do anything else for you?”

  “If you please, ma’am, we’d like a hot bath. Also a nice, warm meal would sit well.” Angel dropped more coins into Airyanna’s hand.

  “Of course, it does look like you could use something nice and filling. I’ll have my son bring your tub and water right away. Meanwhile, I’ll see to your dinner.”

  With that, Airyanna opened the door and handed Angel the key. She bustled down the hallway, humming as she went.

  Inside the room, two simple beds with colorful, homemade quilts neatly folded at the foot of each stood against one wall. They were far less grand than Cali was used to, but after sleeping in the sleigh, they looked amazing. Two tiny nightstands squatted by each bed with a candle on both. A washbasin hunkered in one corner with a clean white towel folded next to it. Tucked in the adjacent corner was a small, barren table. On the right side of the room, opposite the beds, was an unlit fireplace with two chairs in front of it.

  “I’d say we got the nicest room in the house,” Angel observed, opening the lantern and freeing Voice.

  “I am inclined to agree with you. This is a very nice place to spend the night,” Voice agreed, floating out of her temporary cage.

  Cali, who had sunken into one of the chairs in front of the cold hearth, stared at Voice and Angel. The bundle was still clutched firmly in her arms, as if it would protect her.

  “Oh, Voice, what a fool I am. I truly am out of my depth here. I don’t understand any of this, not the way Angel does.” She buried her face in the well-compressed bundle. “I don’t know what to say or do around people. I never should have left home. What was I thinking?”

  “You are not a fool, and as this is your first journey. I would say you cannot be expected to know everything. It is all a learning process and part of the adventure. By the time we have reached our journey’s end, you will be more knowledgeable than when we started.”

  “Who are you?” Angel blurted out.

  Chapter 4

  A knock on the door saved Cali from answering Angel’s question. Angel shot her a look that clearly said Cali wasn’t getting off the hook for long, before moving to open the door. It swung open to reveal a large, muscular man looming in the doorframe. Angel squeaked and slammed the door shut. A low chuckle sounded from the other side, then a deep voice said, “Please ‘scuse me, miss, I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Daven. My mother sent me with your tub.”

  Voice darted under the bed and Cali quickly arranged the blankets to hang over the side, blocking her from view. She stood up, leaving her bundle behind, and went to stand near Angel.

  Angel flushed a deep crimson and opened the door slowly. Standing outside, towering over her, was a man whose eyes twinkled with mirth. His rough attire clung to his frame, accenting his build. A black, brimmed hat perched on his head. Cali thought the picture he presented, combined with his exuberant smile, was quite attractive.

  Angel glared daggers at the poor man. “You should be ashamed of yourself, scaring people witless like that! I about died of fright.”

  Daven took one look at the furious face of the petite woman in front of him and burst out laughing. Even at her full height, Angel’s head didn’t reach his shoulders. Cali clapped her hands over her mouth to stop herself from joining Daven’s infectious laughter.

  “I beg your pardon, miss.” Daven composed himself, the corners of his mouth twitching. “I’ll speak up and warn you next time, before you open the door.”

  “You’re forgiven, I suppose, as long as it doesn’t happen again,” Angel said with a sniff.

  She opened the door wider for the brawny figure to bring in the giant metal tub that had been leaning against the corridor wall. Daven placed it in the back of the room, pulled a curtain from inside and hung it around the tub, using some wires that dangled from the ceiling.

  Over the next half hour, Daven brought in bucket after bucket of steaming hot water. Finally the tub was full and with a tip of his hat and a wink at Angel, he headed down the hallway whistling.

  A minute after Daven left, a young woman burst into the room, the scent of candy following her. Dressed in a bright blue dress, she was like a breath of fresh air.

  “Hi there! I brought the soap, a pitcher, and towels for your bath. They’re my favorite towels. See, yellow,” bubbled the girl. “Oh how silly, my name is Brie. It’s so nice to meet you, and gosh, you do need a bath!” she said with a glance at Angel.

  Wrapping her arms around the table, Brie dragged it from its corner until it stood next to the tub. Then with a flurry, she set the towels, soap, and pitcher upon it. Her eyebrows furrowed as she stared at her layout.

  “Oh, I did forget something!” Reaching into her dress pocket, she pulled out a comb and plunked it beside the soap.

  “You’re all set now.” Brie nodded proudly. “If there’s anything else you need, just yell down the hall. My hearing is pretty good, and I’ll come a-running. We’ll give you some time and then mother will bring your dinner.”

  With a twirl and a flounce, the whirlwind that was Brie was out the door. Angel and Cali glanced at each other in shock.

  “Well, there’s a lively one, no doubt,” Angel said. “Go ahead, Cali, and
take your bath before the water gets cold.”

  “Or before we have any more interesting visitors,” Cali said with a grin.

  “Let me know if you need help with your hair or anything,” Angel offered.

  “Thank you, but I should be all right. I am used to tending it myself.”

  With that, Cali stepped behind the curtain and quickly undressed. Stepping into the bath, she leaned back into the warm embrace of the water, closed her eyes, and sighed.

  This place may not look like much, but I’m pretty sure this bath is the best one I’ve ever had.

  Her muscles unknotted and she tried to sort through everything that’d happened since her birthday. On top of the physical exhaustion, and stress the new experiences and knowledge was causing, something more was weighing on her.

  Over the years, Cali had never had many emotions. She didn’t get sad, lonely, angry, excited, but now it was like the past two hundred years worth of emotions was trying to explode out of her all at once.

  She’d been quick to snap at Voice, quick to fall apart. Frustrated, she ground her palms into her temples. Hitting every extreme like this was driving her crazy.

  I’ve never learned to properly process emotions. I can’t expect to acclimate perfectly in a few short days.

  A knock at the door startled her. She heard Angel answer and greet whoever it was. Cali couldn’t make out the conversation, but she could hear the clatter of dishes, followed by a “thank you” from Angel.

  A delicious smell reached Cali’s nose, causing her stomach to growl impatiently. She quickly abandoned her lackadaisical soak and rushed to finish her bath.

  Five minutes later, scrubbed and clean, Cali found a change of clothes tossed over the curtain. She toweled off and proceeded to don the white tunic and pants.

  Dressed and receiving not so subtle hints from her stomach, she grabbed a comb and moved from behind the curtain. Voice had left her hiding spot under the bed and was now hovering by the fire next to Angel, who was mopping up the last of an aromatic stew. Cali’s stomach growled at the scent of roasted potatoes and vegetables.

  “I hope you left some for me, because that smells amazing.”

  Voice laughed. “I did wonder at the rate Angel ate if there would be any left over. Airyanna brought up plenty though, and it looks as though you both will have your fill.”

  “Aww, I wouldn’t have eaten it all anyway,” Angel retorted. “It was just so good I couldn’t seem to take a break, even for air. Oh, Cali, try that fresh bread. It’s heavenly and the butter is sweet and creamy.”

  Cali groaned. “Tempt me no more. I am convinced.”

  Grabbing a bowl, Cali shoveled it full of stew and threw two big slices of bread on top. She then flopped on the rug in front of the fire. Without any hesitation, she started consuming the food.

  ❄❄❄

  “Well, I think I’m going to go jump in the tub, if you’ll both excuse me,” Angel said.

  Cali nodded, not taking her eyes from the meal.

  “Go ahead, soak as long as you like. I am thinking Cali will probably be sleeping once she finishes dinner. As for me, I feel quite weary myself. And yes, even I get tired,” Voice said laughingly.

  Angel quickly jumped from her chair, despite her recent feast. She rushed behind the curtain and climbed in the tub faster than a cat after a mouse. Carefully she lowered herself into the water, propping her left leg on the edge of the rather small tub. After she was thoroughly wet, she grabbed the bar of soap and scrubbed every inch of her skin until it glowed pink.

  She placed her right leg over the side of the tub and pulled her left one in, making sure it to got a proper scrubbing. Then she grasped the side of the tub and lowered her head under the water. Once her hair was soaked she sat upright and lathered it. She leaned back again and ran her fingers through her hair until it was mostly free of soap. Next she grabbed a pitcher and filled it with water, then poured it down her head until the rest of the soap was gone.

  Settling back against the tub, she sighed and let her muscles relax. A faint glow lit the area around her. Angel smiled sadly when she noticed it. She lifted a strand of her hair; it was a good deal brighter and redder now that it’d been freed from the grime and dirt. As she sat there, the strand seemed to dull and fade. The glow slowly went out until naught but candlelight and the light from the fire could be seen. Her eyes became heavy, and exhaustion overcame her as she drifted off to sleep.

  ❄❄❄

  On the other side of the room, Voice hovered in front of the fireplace her thoughts awhirl. Cali had fallen asleep as predicted, but sleep eluded Voice.

  There were two things Voice was starting to suspect. After a few whispered spells, she was chilled to discover that her magic was . . . gone. She had sensed the shift in magic when they had crossed the border. In vain, she’d hoped that it might simply be exhaustion from her efforts opening a gap in the barrier. Her recent attempts had left her with little doubt that she was, for the first time in centuries, powerless.

  The second thing was the release she felt the dawn of Cali’s birthday. It was as if she had been restrained emotionally and mentally the entire time she had cared for Cali. Now, though, it was like she’d been awakened and emotions flooded her. Voice suspected Cali’s emotions were doing the same, if her recent outbursts were anything to go by.

  She began to drift off to sleep. A whisper of a protection spell slipped from her out of habit, something to safeguard while she slept. But nothing happened. No tug of power, no vibrations of a spell hanging in the air. The one thing she could always rely on had abandoned her.

  What is going to happen to me?

  ❄❄❄

  Morning came too soon for Cali. She woke to find herself lying on the bed only half-covered. Groaning, she shifted to block the sunlight streaming through the window. Finally unable to fall back asleep, she sat up groggily and glanced around. In an instant, it came back to her, and she was wide awake. She stretched and wrinkled her brow in confusion.

  “Angel? Voice, where’s Angel?”

  A splash sounded from behind the curtain, followed by Angel’s sleepy voice. “It’s okay, Cali. I’m right here. I must’ve fallen asleep in the tub.”

  Cali giggled. “You fell asleep?”

  “Well, I was tired, and the water felt good,” Angel said defensively.

  Shaking her head, Cali swung her feet over the edge of the bed and slid on her fur-lined boots. A good night’s rest had done wonders for her spirit.

  “I do not suppose you two could be any louder,” grumbled Voice, as she rose from the chair in front of the fire.

  “Sorry, Voice,” Cali said sheepishly. She stood and brushed half-heartedly at her wrinkled tunic.

  I am determined to get through this “meeting people” business without making a fool of myself. I must be confident and take the initiative.

  She called to Angel, “I’m going to go see what’s for breakfast. You want me to wait for you?”

  “Um no, I’m fine. You two go on ahead and I’ll catch up in a little bit.”

  “I can wait here for you, Angel,” Voice offered. “Cali can check on breakfast by herself.”

  “No, really, it’s a strange place and Cali probably shouldn’t go alone. Just lock the door on your way out and I’ll be down for breakfast fast as a fish.”

  “If you are sure,” Voice said.

  “Yes. Now go eat, or rather, watch Cali eat.”

  Voice sighed, “I suppose this means I should return to the lantern.” She floated back into the lantern, managing to exude a resigned impression.

  Cali noticed Angel’s dress and leggings lying on the floor where they’d fallen from the curtain. She pinched her nose with one hand and gingerly picked up the offending items.

  Perhaps Airyanna knew someone who could clean them. There was no way Angel could put those filthy garments back on.

  With lantern and clothes in hand, Cali left the room and shut the door behind her. She followe
d the corridor until she reached the dining area they’d seen last night.

  The room was quiet and empty, although the smell and mess was evidence enough of the crowd they’d seen the night before. Chattering could be heard from the kitchen behind the long bar. Brie and Airyanna walked out carrying armfuls of cleaning supplies and dumped them on the counter.

  “I already told you, Brie, the answer is no, and that’s final. It’s not as if I like cleaning this either.” Airyanna waved her hand at the room in general.

  “Excuse me, pardon the interruption,” Cali said nervously. “I was wondering if you know anyone who might be able to take care of . . . these for me.”

  Cali held out the dingy clothes in one hand as if they might bite her. The two women stared in disgust. Grabbing a broom, Airyanna used the handle to take the garments from Cali’s hands.

  “I have a burn barrel in back. I’ll just throw these into it.”

  Cali flushed and managed in a voice barely above a whisper, “Actually, they’re Angel’s. I think they’re the only things she owns. I was wondering if you knew someone I could pay to wash them.”

  This time Cali found herself being stared at. Airyanna glanced at Brie. “Well, Brie, looks like you get out of cleaning after all. How about you try and make these serviceable.” Airyanna smirked and jabbed the broom with its offending articles in the direction of her daughter.

  “But, Mother, how . . . Oh, never mind.” Brie snatched the rags with the tips of her fingers, turned, and flounced back through the kitchen door.

  ❄❄❄

  Angel waited until she heard the key turn in the lock before she allowed herself to breathe evenly. All the tension she’d felt before her bath began to seep back into her muscles. How could I be so stupid! Strange place with strange people and I let myself fall asleep in the bath!

  Grabbing the edge of the tub, she stood and climbed out, splashing water on the floor. She grabbed the last towel from the table and proceeded to dry herself off thoroughly. Then she threw it on the floor to soak up the water. Her brows drew together as she searched the area. I thought I put my clothes on the curtain. Maybe they fell. It didn’t take long to see that they were not there. Great, trapped in this room without clothes.