by penny watson
He sighed and tugged on his beard. He had to wait until midnight to cast the reversal spell. In the meantime, he wanted to take a look around the Plaza and see if he could find any clues about the explosion.
Without warning, a low murmur of discontent rumbled through the Bibliothek. The walls bulged ominously, hissing and creaking. Ingo could hear the Bändigers locked within the frames in the foyer squawking at the top of their lungs. A curl of darkness slunk by in the hallway, slithering along the marble floor. What the hell is that? Ingo jumped to his feet and followed the shadow down the hall, lagging back a bit.
The coil stopped in front of a padlocked door. The tip of one end rose up like a cobra head and spit a forked tongue at Ingo. Then the shadow slid under a crack in the door, leaving nothing but smudges on the floor. Gurgling, bubbling noises erupted from the walls of the library, sounding as though the building was suffering from indigestion. The padlocked door jiggled in the frame, rattling and creaking and moaning in despair.
Ingo sensed Dark Magik, powerful and unwelcome, behind the door. The library was working itself up for an expulsion, Ingo knew. It wouldn’t be able to stomach the presence of such evil for long. Suddenly, the door flung open and Wiebe emerged with a book tucked beneath one arm. His face was gray and pasty. A horrific stench poured from his body, and his black hair floated about his head with shots of static on the tips. “What the hell are you looking at, Hertz?” he inquired through cracked lips. His voice sounded gravelly and parched.
“Good God, man, what are you up to? You look like hell and there’s Dark Magik threatening to erupt any second. Have you lost your bloomin’ mind?” Ingo reached out to grab Wiebe’s arm, but a smoky swirl popped from the book and slammed back his hand.
“Ahhhh!” Ingo fell to floor clutching his hand. He stared at it in disbelief. A gnarled claw had replaced his hand, scaly and scorched. He peered up Wiebe who raised an eyebrow and chuckled cruelly.
“Look-ee here. Mr. Magik Bändiger has finally met his match, eh?” Wiebe stepped forward and slammed a foot onto Ingo’s transformed hand. Ingo tried to catch his breath as stars danced before his eyes.
He moaned and shook his head at Wiebe. “You are playing with fire, Wiebe. Dark Magik will turn on you. Believe me. It lures you into thinking you’re the one in charge, but you’re not. It’s just toying with you.”
“I knew you would be jealous. Can’t stand for someone else to get a taste of the power, eh? You are pathetic, Ingo. You’re a Bändiger who works in the damned wood-working shop, instead of harnessing the power around you. What an idiot.” Wiebe spit out the words, not bothering to hide his disdain. The dark snake slithered around Ingo’s body, stinging him all over until his skin turned red and swollen. Wiebe laughed and kicked him in the side.
Ingo closed his eyes. He pulled on the Light Magik inside of him, hidden for so long. He felt it awaken from hibernation, shocked at the immediate threat, gathering momentum.
“I’ll tell you one thing, Mr. Hertz. I’ll be god-damned if I ever stand before the Council or one of the Klauses again and grovel, begging for forgiveness. They can kiss my elfin ass! From now on, I’ll be calling the shots.”
Ingo opened his eyes, and Wiebe jumped back, startled. “What the hell is happening to you? Your eyes are glowing!”
Ingo crawled to his knees, then pushed himself off the floor. The Light Magik raced through his body, building into a bright white inferno. Wiebe’s eyes narrowed with suspicion as Ingo reached out to him again. The claw disappeared, replaced with a newborn hand, curled into a ball, palm up. This time, as the dark snake darted towards him, hissing and stinging, his hand opened and a plume of white smoke streaked from his palm. It dipped and dove like a chickadee in flight, crisscrossing around the black snake, braiding itself around the shadows. An ear-piercing screech erupted from the dark plume.
Wiebe staggered back and flattened himself against the wall.
The black snake whipped its head in fury, lashing out at the white smoke. The coil banged against the stone floor as the darkness tried to free itself. But the white swirl was starting to squeeze tight, crushing the black snake.
Ingo glanced up at Wiebe and realized he was chanting under his breath. What now? Ingo wondered fleetingly, just before long patches of black ink began to drip down from the ceiling behind Ingo. The liquid oozed through the cracks, reaching toward him. One single strand of the white snake split off and splattered on the stone. It coated all of the cracks and absorbed the shadows. Steam rose from the wall and a foul odor filled the corridor.
Wiebe shook his head and darted toward the exit at the end of the hallway. He flung the door open wide, still clutching onto the ancient book in his arms. The plume of darkness followed him, slipping outside.
Ingo raced after them, chanting under his breath. A few stars broke from the light plume and spun toward Wiebe, sticking to him like darts, and then melted away. The twisting, turning snakes continued with their battle, but suddenly the shadowed plume shrunk with a hiss, and Ingo’s lit braid fell with a thump to the ground.
Wiebe continued to run from the Bibliothek, racing toward the woods. He glanced over his shoulder and laughed as the shrunken black snake morphed into a rope and lunged for Ingo’s throat.
The rope tightened around his neck, choking the life from him. He could feel his airway closing, his neck swelling from the pressure. Stars dotted his vision. His fingers clawed at the rope, to no avail.
The plume of Light Magik attacked the dark snake, cutting at the coil with razor sharp knives. Each slice released some of the pressure around Ingo’s neck. Finally, the rope loosened and flew from his body, chasing Wiebe into the woods.
Ingo lay on the ground coughing. The white plume blanketed his body, exhausted, exhilarated, temporarily victorious, and then gently disintegrated. He could feel the Magik return to its hibernating state. He closed his eyes for a moment trying to catch his breath. This is much worse than I thought. Wiebe has a book of Dark Magik spells and doesn’t have the slightest clue what he’s gotten himself into. I’ve got to talk to Boris and Oskar.
He pushed himself up onto one elbow but he was still too weak to stand.
“Ingo!”
His head snapped up as he heard Lys’ sweet voice.
“Oh, Ingo! What has happened? You’re hurt. My God!” Lys knelt next to him on the ground. She brushed the hair from his forehead and shook her head. “What happened? You look like you’ve been attacked by a wild animal or something.”
“Lys, I am so glad you’re here.” Ingo coughed as he tried to speak, his throat still swollen. “I’m not feeling too well, to tell you the truth.”
Lys gently took hold of his arms and helped to pull him to his feet. He draped an arm around her shoulders, thankful for the support.
“My cottage is just around the corner. I’m taking you home. Should I call the healer?”
“No, no. Call Boris. I need to talk to him,” Ingo rasped.
Lys nodded and her beautiful silver eyes filled with worry. “Are you sure, Ingo?”
He reached out with one hand and brushed his fingers down her cheek. “Honestly, I feel better already. You must be good medicine.” She shot him a tremulous smile and wrapped her arm around his waist.
He tightened his hold on her and they slowly began to shuffle towards her cottage.
“That’s it! Just lean back a little bit. Keep your knees bent. You’re doing great!”
Oskar shielded his eyes from the sun as he watched Kiana approach the ramp. After only a couple of hours of snow time, she was already practicing on some small jumps. He’d been right about her natural ability on the board. Her surfing background (which she still wasn’t admitting to) had served her well. She had an excellent sense of balance, a lot of strength in her lower body and core, and a willingness to push herself which was damned impressive.
He tried to erase the memory of his disturbing dream and focus on Kiana’s growing excitement as she learned a new sport. But
it was difficult. Getting a glimpse of her childhood and all it entailed—neglect, hunger, bullying—left him sick to his stomach. She and Gabi were enjoying their lessons, which made him feel almost heroic. Both of them deserved some fun.”Okay, don’t forget to keep your weight centered over the board.”
Kiana nodded as she slid along the ramp. “Got it!” She pushed off the end of the jump, flew a few yards into the air and hollered with glee. Her board hit the ground and she wobbled unsteadily.
“That’s it!” Oskar yelled encouragingly.
Her board tilted to one side, and she overcompensated. Struggling to regain her balance, she pitched forward and landed hard on the snow, spraying ice into the air.
Gabi, who was busy making snow angels next to the ramp, giggled and cheered. “Good job, Kiana. That wipe-out wasn’t as bad as the last time!” She waved enthusiastically.
Kiana lifted one arm from her prone position and waved back. “Thanks a lot, honeybee. I think I have a bucket of snow in my pants,” she replied. She sat up as Oskar jogged over to help lift her up.
“You almost got it. You just need to keep your weight back and centered over the board.”
Kiana laughed. “Well, I seem to have perfected my face plants.” She pushed her goggles onto her forehead and sighed. “I am not giving up until I stick that landing! You make it look so easy, Oskar.”
“I’ve been boarding for years. You’re being too hard on yourself. For a first timer, you’re doing amazing.”
“Thanks. I love this! It’s so much fun. It reminds me…” Her voice trailed off and she suddenly became busy brushing snow from her pants.
He stepped closer to her and tipped her chin up with his hand. “Sort of like surfing?”
Her expression grew serious. “Yes. I guess so. It’s been a long time.”
“Do you miss it?” Oskar asked, unsure if he should push the conversation.
She nodded. “I do. Sometimes… I actually dream about it.” She looked at him sheepishly. “There’s something incredible about surfing when all of the conditions are perfect. The water, the sky. It can be so sublimely beautiful in Oahu. And to harness the power of the sea… it’s amazing.” She turned away from him and blinked. “Anyway, that’s how surfing felt to me.”
Oskar reached out and squeezed her hand. “I know the feeling. When you really master the jumps, it’s like… well, you’re flying. You’ll get there.” He continued warily. “I was wondering if you had any good memories of Hawaii. Every time the subject comes up, you seem upset. Especially about your family.”
Her smile was sad. “All of my memories are sort of jumbled together—the good and the bad. My family…” She shook her head. “I’d rather not talk about them, if you don’t mind. It’s not such a pretty story.” She paused and gazed up into his face. “When I was surfing, it was so liberating. Nothing mattered except the connection between me and the water. It was really beautiful. And powerful. I can tell that snowboarding is the same way for you. Once you master the snow, it gives back. Right?”
He nodded. “Exactly. The exhilaration is so freeing. I’ve never found anything else like it.” He brushed some icicles from her hair. “I’m glad you’re having fun.”
She reached up and tugged on his tasseled hat. “I’m having a wonderful time. Thank you. It’s still hard to believe I’m near Santa’s workshop, but the idea doesn’t seem so crazy anymore.” She glanced at Gabi who was rolling a huge snowball down the hill.
Oskar leaned forward and kissed Kiana gently on the lips.
“What was that for?” she asked in surprise.
He slid her goggles back down over her eyes. “For good luck. The next time, you’re going to stick the landing, Moon Goddess. Let’s go.”
Kiana nodded eagerly. She grabbed the board and ran back up the hill.
Oskar watched with pride as she rocked back and forth, working to find her center. No matter how badly she wiped out, she was back on her feet and ready for more. He applauded her competitive spirit and perseverance.
“Okay, baby, let’s do it!” he yelled, just as she started down the slope. Her body crouched low as she approached the ramp, and he nodded as she loosened up and let the board guide her. Just before she reached the end of the ramp, she pushed off, flying into the air. Oskar held his breath as he watched her body tilt forward, then center itself as the board hit the ground. She didn’t even wobble. Her knees bent, absorbing the impact, and she glided to a perfect stop.
“Woo hoo! Perfect!” Oskar pumped his fist in the air as Kiana laughed with abandon.
“I did it! I did it!” She whipped off her goggles, unclipped the board, and jumped up and down.
He ran to her and she flung herself into his arms. “Did you see that? No face plants this time!”
Kiana was sparkling. Her eyes glittered with happiness, her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and silky strands of her hair danced free in the breeze.
A gorgeous, heart-stopping smile erupted on her face.
Oskar stilled. That was it. The look from his dream. The care-free, easy-going smile he’d been hoping to see. Gone was the buttoned-up librarian. In her place was a Snow Goddess, pink with cold, dusted with snowflakes, truly joyful.
He felt like he just won the Super Bowl, an Olympic gold medal and the Pulitzer prize all in one day.
Kiana blinked at him, and her gaze slid to his mouth. He almost groaned out loud. She was oblivious to how strongly she was broadcasting her attraction to him. He was this close to pushing her down onto a snow bank and having his wicked way with her.
“If you keep looking at me like that, we’re going to melt the polar ice cap, sweetheart.”
Kiana blushed and looked down. “Sorry,” she mumbled. “It’s just…”
“What?” he asked. His voice sounded strained.
“You look so gorgeous out here, surrounded by pine trees and snowy hills. You’re really in your element.” She glanced up. “You look so sexy.”
I’m not a damned saint. He tugged her into his arms and crushed her against him. His mouth found hers instantly, hot and ready. “God you tempt me,” he whispered hoarsely. He was so lost in their kiss, consumed by the need to devour her, he barely heard Gabi’s voice over the wind.
“Os-kar! Can I try this jump?”
Panting, Oskar pulled away from Kiana’s soft, plump lips, practically growling in frustration. He struggled to catch his breath. “Just a minute, Gab. I’ll be right there.”
He heard the sweet sound of her giggles. “No big hurry. I can see you and Kiana are playing pretend mistletoe again.”
Kiana rubbed her cold cheek against his face and sighed. “Thank you for this wonderful day. For both me and Gabi.” She kissed his chin. “I like your dimple, Bad Boy.”
He laughed and reluctantly pulled away from Kiana’s embrace. He turned and started up the hill. “Okay, Gab, let’s try another run.”
His heart stopped as he realized that Gabi was perched at the top of Jacked-Up Jump, the biggest ramp he’d built. He swallowed and held up a hand. “Gabi, don’t you dare go down that jump! Stop right where you are, Honigbienchen. Slowly back up, and we’ll try the beginner run again.”
Gabi shook her head. “I can do it, Oskar. I know I can. Watch!”
Oskar starting running even though he realized there wasn’t a damned thing he could do to stop Gabi’s descent. He watched in horror as the little girl raced down the steep slope, gaining momentum.
“Gabi! No!” He could hear Kiana shouting behind him. He fell to his knees as the child flew from the end of the ramp like a bullet shot from a gun. She soared into the air, laughing, spinning, and then… Oskar watched in complete shock as the elf flew higher and higher into the sky.
Kiana collapsed next to him on the ground. “What is she doing? Is that normal?”
He shook his head in bewilderment. “I have no freakin’ clue.” Gabi looked like a circus performer suspended from an invisible line. Her tiny body spun and dipped against
the bright blue sky, the board still attached to her feet. Gracefully, she dropped in slow motion to the ground, then tipped over onto a mound of snow. The lop-sided snowman she’d been building lifted its twiggy arms and clapped enthusiastically. Gabi removed her board, took a bow and high-fived the snowman.
“Holy shite. I think I just had a heart attack,” Oskar said, staggering to his feet.
“Me, too.” Kiana stood with her hands on her hips as Gabi approached them, holding hands with the snowman.
“Uh, Gabi, do you have something you want to tell me, little one?” He gestured to the snowman and lifted a brow. “Your snowman’s alive.”
Gabi giggled. “His name is Mr. Frosty.”
“And you just flew through the freaking air.”
Gabi nodded. “Uh huh.”
Kiana spoke sternly to the child. “Gabi, you just gave both of us a heart attack. That was dangerous. I don’t know how you did it, but you need to be more careful, and listen to Oskar when he tells you something.”
Gabi blinked. “You sound… you sound… like my mother.” She pursed her lips as the snowman put a comforting arm around her shoulders. “My mom used to worry about me.” She ran to Kiana and wrapped her arms around the bottom of her snow pants. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen. I promise I’ll be better next time.” She glanced at Oskar. “You’re not mad at me, are you? Please don’t send me back to Wiebe.” Her bottom lip trembled.
Oskar knelt down next to Gabi. “First of all, I’m not mad. I was just worried. Second of all, you are never going back to Wiebe, Gab. Never. We’re going to find you a wonderful, caring family here in Glasdorf who will take great care of you…”
Gabi grabbed his arm. “But I don’t want another family. I like being with you and Kiana. Why can’t we be a family?” Mr. Frosty nudged Gabi. “And Mr. Frosty, too. He could be… like our dog or something.”
Oskar shot a look at Kiana who was staring at him with tears in her eyes. For one brief, crazy second, he almost blurted out… okay. Okay, what? He and Kiana and Gabi… (don’t forget Mr. Frosty)… would be a family? Why did that not sound like a ridiculous idea?