Crown of Ice (8 page)

“So we open it.” Kai fingers the clasps. “I don’t suppose we’ve a key.”

“We need no key.” I slide my fingers beneath the locks and rub the smooth gold between forefinger and thumb until the clasps spring open. “Simple magic,” I say, meeting Kai’s approving gaze.

I flip back the cover, revealing creamy pages illustrated with brilliant designs; interlocking squares and circles, linked by a delicate embroidery of curling spirals. Within each shape are finely drawn scenes of strange figures and impossible animals.

Kai whistles again. “It’s stunning. It’s like mathematics brought to life. Such precision.” He touches one of the drawings with the tip of his finger. “Who could create such a thing?”

“I don’t know, but I doubt it was Voss. His powers are strong, but far cruder than this.” I carefully turn the pages, marveling at each new design. “It’s letters, Kai. Illustrated words.”

“So it is.” Kai moves to stand behind me. I can feel his breath upon my cheek as he leans over my shoulder to study the book. “Unfortunately, lovely as it is, we won’t find Voss’s notes in this book.”

I continue to turn pages. The vibrant designs leap out at me, reminding me that there’s more color to the world than the somber hues of winter. As I press back the center page a scrap of paper slides out and sails toward the floor.

Kai grabs it before it hits the ground. He unfolds the page and holds it to the light.

“What is it?” I snap shut the book and place it on the window ledge.

“Notes.” Kai looks over at me, his dark eyes brighter than I’ve seen them in some time. “Take a look.” He hands me the limp piece of paper.

I scan the page, deciphering the scrawled handwriting. “It’s Voss’s hand. I’ve seen it before.” I continue reading. “He mentions a shard … Yes!”

I don’t realize I’ve yelled until Kai grips my forearm. “The missing fragments?”

“I believe so. He writes that they’re in a cave, somewhere in the mountains that ring our lands. Of course—there must have been so many pieces when the mirror shattered, Voss may have missed a few.”

Kai releases my arm and leans back against the stone windowsill. “This means something?”

“If Voss found the mirror in a cave, that’s the first place he’d suspect if a few shards were missing when he carried the rest to the palace.

“It was broken when he found it?” Kai shoots a sharp glance my way.

“I suppose. He won’t tell me anything more.” I wave the paper in Kai’s face. “There’s a description of the cave, and the surrounding landscape. We should be able to find it easily.”

Kai raises his eyebrows. “After decades?”

“Little changes in these lands.” I fold the paper and tuck it inside the bodice of my simple woolen gown. “We should leave. I’d rather not take any more chances, not with what we unleashed earlier.”

“Well, cast that magic that lights up your hands, then,” says Kai, “while I pull these drapes. I suppose we should leave things as we found them, as much as possible.”

“Yes.” I glance about. “I don’t think we disturbed too much.”

“Voss might be lacking one enchanted bear, but perhaps he won’t notice that for some time.”

“And this.” I grab the illuminated book and clutch it to my breast. “I’m keeping this.”

“That, Voss might miss,” observes Kai, as he takes hold of one end of the tapestry drapes.

I call forth a globe of light in one hand and grip the book in the other. “Let him. He owes me.”

Kai drags the drapes across the windows, plunging the room into darkness. I hold my conjured light before me and guide us to the door. As we step over the threshold, the door slams shut behind us.

“So—we travel tomorrow?” Kai walks forward to greet Luki, who’s bounding down the hall. The wolf leaps up, his snow-caked paws leaving damp imprints on Kai’s tan breeches. Kai gently eases the animal to the ground, giving him a few gentle pats.

“Perhaps,” I say, as Luki presses up against me.

Kai frowns. “We need those fragments.”

“I can’t decide that now. I’m waiting for a message.” It’s time to reassert my authority. “I’ll tell you in the morning.”

Kai looks me up and down. “Very well, my queen.” He imbues the last word with almost as much irony as Voss. “I’ll await your command.” He turns on his heel and stalks away.

It doesn’t matter. Whatever he thinks of me, Kai Thorsen won’t abandon our work on the mirror. My lie ensures his dedication. So let him think himself as clever as me. I know the truth.

“Come, Luki.” I watch Kai disappear down the corridor that leads to his rooms. “We must see what news Bae has brought us.”

***

I make my way to the stables, Luki at my heels. The scent of steaming animal hide assaults my nostrils. It seems that Bae has returned from his mission. Early this morning I sent the reindeer to the village to discover how people are dealing with Kai’s disappearance.

Two horses are tied to the hitching rings. One of the mutated bears rubs down their heaving flanks. So—Voss has returned to the palace.

“Snow Queen.” Bae dips his head as I reach his stall. Another transformed bear scuttles off at my approach, clutching a curry comb and brush in his peculiar, hand-like paws.

“You’ve news for me?” I glance into Bae’s trough, ensuring that the bear has provided grain as well as hay and water.

“Yes.” Bae focuses his melancholy gaze on me. “Sad news, as I am sure you expected. Many in the village fear that Master Kai has done himself an injury.”

“They suspect he’s killed himself?” I shake my head. “They must not know Kai well.”

“Others”—the reindeer noses at the hay and carefully extracts a mouthful—“think Kai has moved to the city, gone to sea, trekked off to another country, or some such thing.” Bae chews on the hay for a minute before speaking again. “Miss Gerda has disappeared as well. Left a note though, she did. Said she was off to look for Kai. Will not return until she finds him.”

I lean over the trough to grab Bae by the bridle. “What do you mean? Gerda’s searching for Kai?”

“As I said, Snow Queen, the little miss has taken to the road to look for her friend. Poor soul.” Bae swings his head from side to side until I’m forced to release my grip.

I swallow a string of swear words as Bae calmly munches his hay.

Gerda, the shadow. Gerda, always intervening, always in my way. My logical mind tells me that this simple country girl can’t possibly find Kai before the mirror is complete. My fearful heart isn’t convinced. Too much is at stake to take any chances.

“When did she leave?” I ask Bae. “When did Gerda depart the village?”

“Why, just yesterday, I believe.” The reindeer sniffs at the trough and delicately mouths a bit of grain.

I breathe deeply. This does not touch me, I tell myself. I can’t be defeated by an ordinary girl.
Let these fears fade. Let it go.

Leaving the stables, I resolve to travel tomorrow, but not to the cave. That must wait. First I’ll toss some stones in Gerda’s path. I’ve an idea of how to slow her down, if I can convince Voss to grant me one favor.

He must do it. Whatever it takes, I’ll force his hand. He owes me, more than he can ever repay.

FIRST THAW

In the morning I track Voss to the Great Hall. He’s lost in contemplation of the mirror, but glances up as I enter.

“You have made great progress, my queen.” Voss taps the glass with his boney forefinger.

“No thanks to you.” I pull my ivory wool cloak tight about my shoulders. “You forgot to mention that three pieces are missing.”

Voss’s thin lips twist into a semblance of a smile. “So that’s why my chambers were disturbed? Yes, I suspected that you and your human friend had been in my rooms. I have, it seems, lost one smoke bear.”

“Kai isn’t my friend.” I stride to the table to stand face-to-face with the mage. “Merely a tool. And a useful one, you must admit.”

“If he’s aided you with your latest efforts in reassembling the mirror, indeed he is.” Voss looks me up and down. “You want something of me, Thyra Winther?”

“I do. I desire magic that will disguise my appearance so that I can pass unnoticed among mortals. And I wish for the freedom”—I lift my chin and stare into Voss’s icy eyes—“to travel to warmer realms.”

“For what purpose?” The wizard’s gaze pierces me. It’s as if he’s looking through a pane of glass.

“To find the shards whose existence has sadly slipped your mind, Master Voss.”

He does not blink. “That is not all, I think.”

“No.” I take a deep breath. “There’s a young girl searching for Kai. She must not find him.”

Voss turns and glides to the tall windows, his crimson robes rippling across the floor. “You place me in a dilemma, my queen. Your request is reasonable, if you are to complete the mirror, which I dearly desire. But I fear”—he glances over his shoulder—“that granting you additional powers may not be in my best interest.”

“You fear me, Master?” I fight the elation that threatens to rim my words. “Surely not. You know my destiny’s tied to yours. And we’re both linked to the mirror. I’ve no intention of failing you. Such an action will only condemn me to becoming a wraith. And trust me—I’ve no wish to join that pack of mindless, mewling spirits.”

“Yes, that would be a pity.” As Voss turns his robes flicker like flames in the sunlight. “Very well, step forward. I will grant what you ask.”

I cross to him with measured steps, steeling myself against what’s to come. I know that he must lay hands on me to give me what I desire, but I dread his touch. I recall far too well the pain—like hot coals pressed against my flesh. But I must do whatever is necessary to thwart Gerda and keep Kai focused on the mirror.

When I reach Voss he flexes his fingers before reaching out to grip my shoulders. I stand still, pressing my toes into the soles of my boots. Voss’s fingers thrust daggers of fire through my body. I grit my teeth and clench my hands into fists. I won’t move, or even wobble. I won’t allow him that satisfaction.

After several minutes Voss drops his hands and steps back. “You may now choose to change your appearance to suit your need. You may also travel beyond our realm, but beware, my queen. There are dangers in the wider world that cannot touch you here.”

“What dangers?” I rub at my shoulders with the edge of my cloak, scrubbing away the remnants of his touch.

Voss turns to gaze out the window. “There are those who will not wish you success in your quest. One in particular—a mighty enchantress who will do anything in her power to thwart my plans.”

This is new. I stare at Voss’s rigid back. “And why is that?”

“It is of no importance. Just watch your step, Thyra Winther. There are few who may match wits with you, but she is one who can challenge your every move.”

“I’ll bear that in mind, if I encounter any enchantresses.” I examine Voss’s face with interest. There’s a shadow of actual fear in his eyes. I file this information away for future use. “Now I’ll go and ready myself for my journey. I’m leaving Kai here to continue his work on the mirror. Don’t interfere with him.”

“I will leave him alone, as I have thus far. He is of no interest to me, at any rate.” Voss’s gaze rakes over my face. “I am curious, I must admit, how much he interests you, my queen.”

I turn on my heel and stalk toward the exit. “As I said, he’s a useful tool. A bright mind and an extra pair of hands. I value him because he may keep me from the wraiths. For that reason, I’ll protect him, as long as necessary.” At the door I wheel about to face the mage. “But don’t think you can use him as a bargaining chip, Master Voss. I’ve no feelings for him. He’s useful to me but I’ll sacrifice him in a heartbeat if it suits my purpose.”

“No doubt.” Voss’s cool smile conveys admiration mixed with disdain. “Good fortune on your journeys, my queen. I too will be traveling later this day. You may leave your human pet without fear.”

I smile in return—a smile as slow as a glacier, and as cold. “I’ve no fear. Your spells and training ripped that from my heart.”

He nods his head in a brief acknowledgement. “I know. And for that I am truly sorry. Not for you, Thyra Winther, but for all who oppose you.”

“Something to remember, Master,” I say as I turn and stride out of the room.

***

Kai’s displeased that we’re not traveling to locate the lost fragments of the mirror. I watch him pace the floor of his chamber.

“I told you, Voss’s set me to another task, and I dare not refuse.” I lean back and rest my elbows on the pile of furs heaped on Kai’s bed.

“We need those pieces,” says Kai. “We can’t complete our task without them.”

“Obviously not. And we’ll retrieve them as soon as I return. But while I’m gone, you can run a few more calculations and piece together more of the mirror. That’ll be of equal value.”

Kai pauses and spins to face me. His face, pale as a winter dawn, bears a fierce frown. “My father’s life depends upon our success. Nothing’s more valuable than that.”

“My life hinges on our success,” I say lightly. “I think that’s of equal worth.” I sit forward, gripping my knees. “Trust me, Kai, if there were any other way, I’d take it. But I must fulfill Voss’s commands. He has the power to destroy me, whenever he wishes.”

It’s become easy to lie to Kai. He stares at me, his dark eyes examining every inch of my face, before he sighs and turns away.

“Go then, and I’ll see what I can do to repair the mirror while you’re away. But promise me that as soon as you return we’ll set out to find the missing fragments.”

“I promise.” I don’t know if I can keep such a vow, but I’m certain I can placate this boy, whatever the situation.

Kai grabs his leather-bound notebook from a side table and crosses to the bed. “I’ve a question about this equation.” He opens the book and thrusts it under my nose. “What do you think? Should I change this number or leave it?”

I push the notebook from my face, forcing it to my lap. “Let me think for a moment.” I trace the equation with one finger as Kai leans over me. His dark hair brushes my cheek. “Sit back.” I wave him off. “I can’t concentrate with you breathing down my neck.”