Sephia tightens her fingers on my arm. “Ah, I understand. You wait for a sign.”
“Yes. One day, when he writes to tell me that he’s done with his studies and is teaching students of his own—be they children or university scholars—I will return. I’ll enter his classroom and ask him one question. His answer will determine my future from that point forward.”
Sephia’s grip loosens as her gentle smile envelopes me. “He will answer the same then as he would today. You have much to learn, Thyra.”
I straighten and lift my chin. “I know.”
“I trust you will. Perhaps more than I can imagine. So you travel far?”
“As far as Freya can take me,” I reply, gesturing toward the mare.
Sephia’s green eyes grow clouded. “It may be dangerous, traveling alone.”
“I’m not alone.” I whistle and Luki bounds toward us. “Few people will tangle with a girl protected by a wolf.”
“You have a point,” says Sephia, giving Luki an approving glance. “Now I have something for you, Thyra Winther. My final gift.” She whips off her cloak and holds it out to me.
“What is this?”
“Give me your furs. They will not serve you well in warmer climes. Trade them for my cloak.” Sephia strokes the soft wool with one graceful hand. “It will keep you warm, despite its lightness. Or cool, if that is your desire. And it can keep you dry when storms assail you.”
I shrug my heavy cloak from my shoulders and pass it to Sephia, taking her woolen garment in return. She’s right—it’s light as milkweed floss. As I pull the cloak about me I feel warmed as if by a summer sun.
Sephia surveys me with a smile. “Green suits you.” She tosses my furs over one arm. “I may need this. I would like to visit an old friend.”
“Holger?” I know this is the answer as soon as the question leaves my mouth. “But I thought that you couldn’t venture into the lands of ice and snow?
“Only because Mael Voss held them under his control. I am free now to journey where I wish.”
I extend my hand. “It occurs to me I haven’t yet thanked you properly, Sephia.”
The enchantress clasps my fingers for a moment. “There is no need. Follow your path into the world and learn all you can. Then return and visit me one day. Tell me tales of every place your feet have trod. That will be my thanks.”
“I’ll do that.” I smile and squeeze Sephia’s hand.
She lifts our clasped fingers to her breast before releasing her grip. “I wish you safe journeys.”
I honor her with a sincere, if awkward, curtsey before I turn and walk back to Freya. “I hope to have some wonderful stories to share,” I say as I swing up onto the mare’s back and take up the reins.
“I am certain that you will.” Sephia calls to me as Freya trots past her.
I turn to wave farewell. Sephia has disappeared—there’s no one standing by the oak. Although the tree’s leaves are still tightly cocooned buds, about its base springs a ring of violet crocuses.
I face forward, gazing down the tree-lined path. “Come, Luki, let’s explore the world.”
Luki yips excitedly and leaps in front of Freya.
“Lead the way, my friend,” I tell the wolf. “We’ve much to do, and I don’t have forever.” I urge Freya into a trot.
I don’t know what lies ahead, but I know Sephia’s right. I’ve much to learn.
And I can’t wait to begin my education.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to thank the following people for their contributions to this book and their support of my writing career:
Georgia McBride and the entire team at Month9Books—thank you for taking a chance on a book by an unknown author and giving it, and me, your unqualified support. Thanks also to my editor, Lindsay Leggett— your expertise is deeply appreciated.
Jennifer Mishler, my insightful and supportive agent—thanks for believing in my books and always being available to answer my questions, as well as for your hard work on my behalf. Thanks also to the entire team at Literary Counsel.
Many heartfelt thanks to my critique partners—Revo Boulanger, Lindsey Duga, Steve Katzen, and Richard Pearson. You are wonderful authors and I look forward to adding your books to my shelves. Thanks for the sage advice and unwavering support.
Thank you, everyone at AQC (http://agentqueryconnect.com/) — the best writing community online.
Authors Judith Hillman Paterson and Adina Gewirtz—thank you for your expert advice on improving my craft and your ongoing support of my writing career.
The Third Friday Book Club—I raise a glass to you my friends. Your enthusiasm for my writing always lifts me up.
Thanks to Joey Francisco, who suggested the title for this book. You are missed, Joey.
Rebecca Brown—special thanks for being a supportive reader and friend, not to mention listening while I talked (and talked) about writing and publishing.
My family, especially my parents—thanks for your support throughout my life. Mom and Dad—special thanks for making sure your “read-a-holic” daughter always had enough books.
Kevin, my husband—thanks for being my best beta reader and fan. Your love and your belief in me and my writing mean the world to me.
Finally, I must acknowledge the genius storyteller without whom CROWN OF ICE could not exist—thank you, Mr. Hans Christian Andersen.
VICKI L. WEAVIL
Vicki L. Weavil was raised in a farming community in Virginia, where her life was shaped by a wonderful family, the culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and an obsession with reading. Since obtaining her undergraduate degree in Theatre from the University of Virginia, she’s gone on to acquire two masters degrees, living in places as diverse as New York City and rural North Carolina. She’s currently the library director for a performing and visual arts university. Vicki loves good writing in any genre, and has been known to read seven books in as many days. She enjoys travel, gardening, and the arts. Vicki lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VickiLempWeavil?ref=hl
Website: http://www.vickilempweavil.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiLWeavil
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Table of Contents
Chapter One: Shattered Reflections
Chapter Two: Stalking Prey
Chapter Three: The Mage and the Mirror
Chapter Four: Mastering the Storm
Chapter Five: A New Equation
Chapter Six: Missing Pieces
Chapter Seven: First Thaw
Chapter Eight: The Scent of Roses
Chapter Nine: On Thin Ice
Chapter Ten: Into the Darkness
Chapter Eleven: Deceits and Diversions
Chapter Twelve: In the Kingdom of the Crows
Chapter Thirteen: A Scientific Curiosity
Chapter Fourteen: Truth in the Shadows
Chapter Fifteen: The Lure of Faraway Lands
Chapter Sixteen: The Frozen Prince
Chapter Seventeen: Cold Calculations
Chapter Eighteen: A Blighting Frost
Chapter Nineteen: Cracks in the Ice
Chapter Twenty: New Visions
Chapter Twenty-One: Hearts Break Like Glass
Chapter Twenty-Two: Winter’s End
Chapter Twenty-Three: Final Calculations
Chapter Twenty-Four: Tears and Roses
Chapter Twenty-Five: A Single Crocus
Acknowledgements
About the Author
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Crown Of Ice Page 24
