Heart of the Winterland

by Kristen Kooistra

  The end of the story. Why does that feel foreboding? Voice steeled herself against the thoughts that threatened to invade her mind. The end of one thing does not imply the end of another. Does it?

  Chapter 28

  The sun rose and cast its scarlet rays across the sky. Snow blanketed the ground and froze Amee’s feet through her boots. She had been up all night, finalizing her plan. For months, the royal couple had sent men to scour the land for her. Safe within the boundaries of the spell that concealed the house and garden, Amee watched with bitter glee.

  Starvation and sickness cast their sinister spell over Trabor. The sudden winter and lack of supplies taxed the people’s strength. Murmurs grew and rumors spread that the royal family had angered the border witch. The offense changed with every tale, but it was always a sin so grievous that the witch cursed the land with snow that never melted and borders that could not be crossed. People hid their meager food supplies when the guards raided and murmured angrily about the king’s actions.

  The news came to Amee slowly at first, then poured in like the cries of a newborn babe. Horses from around the kingdom arrived at the edge of her concealment spell. Only ever a few at a time, they came from every lot in life, with owners who ranged from farmers to the king himself.

  She whispered to them. Connected the lines of power from her to the noble beasts, binding them to her as kin. Before dawn’s light breached the mountains, the horses returned to their homes. Whatever they saw or heard, Amee could see and hear. In this way, she gathered information without ever having to expose herself.

  Falan had fortified himself in his castle, hoarding his food stores and turning out most of the castle residents. Only the guards and a handful of staff remained to defend against Amee and keep the royal family from having to do their own work. People hid their meager food supplies when the guards raided and murmured angrily about the king’s lack of action.

  Puffs of warm breath hung in the air as Amee cinched Benoni’s saddle. Today marked the end of an era. The end of Falan’s line. She swung into the saddle and urged Benoni past the barrier. Atop the hill that looked down on the castle, she watched the light of the sun dance across the white turrets. She did not look behind her. With the spell again hiding her childhood home, she would see nothing anyway. Never again would she return to that place.

  Snow crunched beneath Benoni’s hooves, the only sound in the morning air. A gust of wind caught her dark hood and she grabbed it to keep it from flying off. She held the reins loosely in her leather-gloved hand. Benoni knew the way and she was in no hurry. Let them see her come. Let them sound the alarm and bar the castle gates against her.

  As Benoni’s steps brought them closer to the fortress, shouts cried out and men lined up on the walls with bows at the ready. Strings taut, they waited as she rode closer, never slowing. She reached behind her and freed her staff. The jewel on the tip glowed, full of power.

  “Release!” The shout rang out from the wall.

  Arrows flew through the air, arcing down at her. She raised her staff.

  “Palu!”

  A pale green shield engulfed her and Benoni. The arrows ricocheted off and fell to the ground. Staff aloft, she pressed onward, drowning out the cries of despair. More arrows rained down. The ground became littered with them, but still nothing passed her shield.

  The iron bars of the gate rose before her. Soldiers stood in the courtyard, swords drawn. No more arrows launched at her.

  The silence was louder than any noise. No wind. No shouts. The men stared through the gate, waiting for her next move. She tilted her head and listened. There. A distant sound, but it was coming closer. Shifting anxiously, the men murmured and strained to hear.

  Amee dismounted. The men tightened their formation. The noise grew louder, unmistakable now. She looked behind her and saw them. Cresting hills, galloping through trees, manes flying, hooves pounding the snow they came; horses from every part of the kingdom.

  “Fight with me today, my friends!” She threw her hand in the direction of the gate. Metal screeched as it tore from the wall and twisted open. Amee strode into the courtyard, dropping the shield. Horses streamed around her.

  From the stables came whinnies, and then crashing. The castle horses broke from their stalls and joined the melee. The overwhelming press of equine bodies trampled the soldiers.

  Amee weaved unhindered through the chaos, the horses blocking her from view. She reached the base of the marble, castle steps. The horses parted before her and moved to protect her from the rear.

  On the top of the steps, sword raised in a defensive position, stood Falan. His face set with grim determination, he slowly descended towards her.

  Effortlessly, Amee raised a transparent, green barrier behind her. The noise of the battle fell away. None could breach the wall that now sealed her in with the king.

  “It doesn’t have to be this way, witch. Surrender now and I’ll spare your life.” Falan continued his downward path.

  Amee gave a cold laugh. “‘Witch’ is it? Have you so quickly forgotten my name?”

  Falan now stood level with her, though several feet separated them. Their eyes locked and, for a brief moment, it felt like old times. The strands of power showed faintly between them, marking a connection forged long ago.

  Amee drew back from the magical plane and let the lines fade. The only connection now was one of betrayal.

  “I do not speak the names of such foul creatures as witches.” Falan’s lips drew back over his teeth in a sneer.

  Amee cocked an eyebrow at the king. “Your ignorance and spite makes you almost pitiable.”

  Falan lunged, sword aimed at her heart. She spun and lifted her staff to knock the blade away. He snarled and swung. Again she thwarted him. Opening herself up to the lines of power, she twisted a strand and tugged.

  Falan cried out as he lost his footing and fell backwards. He struggled to stand, his armor hindering his efforts. Crossing her arms, Amee waited for him to rise. He finally regained his feet, panting heavily. His armor clanked as he brought his sword to bear.

  “Now, Your Majesty,” Amee mocked, “we will play this my way.”

  She raised her staff with both hands and slammed it onto the cobblestones. The earth trembled, threatening to knock Falan off his feet again. He stumbled back, but kept his balance. Without waiting for him to recover, Amee sprang forward and swiped at him.

  His sword came up in time to block the blow. The staff held, firmly encased in green light that rendered it unbreakable. She kept up the attack, pushing him back. He was on the defensive now, her attacks coming too fast to allow for any thought of offense.

  Seconds turned into minutes, but still she didn’t relent. What happened on the other side of the wall did not matter. The only thing that mattered was this moment, this fight. Her against Falan.

  Falan tired and his efforts to deflect Amee’s staff wavered. She began to land blows. Finally, she drew back, spun her staff, aimed it at him, and called forth a bolt of green lightning from its tip. It hit Falan square in the chest. He flew back, crashing into a marble column.

  His head cracked against the cold, unforgiving stone. Amee moved to stand over him. His eyes glazed and struggled to focus on her. The sword lay at his side, useless. He no longer possessed the strength to wield it.

  “You could’ve done that all along,” Falan said bitterly. “Why did you wait?”

  Amee studied the pathetic figure crumpled before her. So much for being a powerful king. Blood oozed from the back of his head and the lines of magic flickered around him as his life faded. “Because I wanted you to see that for all of your planning, you never stood a chance. I wanted to see that knowledge hit you,” she answered flatly.

  Falan’s breath rattled in his chest. “You have your revenge. I beg you, leave my daughter alone.”

  Amee drew back. “Fool, I will not grant you that peace. Your failure will be complete.” She turned away from him and walked up the stairs.
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  “Amee! Do not touch her!” Falan reached forward as if he could somehow stop her. He fell onto the first step. “Amee!”

  She spun on her heel. “Do you truly care for someone besides yourself?”

  Falan pressed his lips together and a stubborn look etched itself on his bloodless face.

  Irritated and impatient, Amee tugged on a strand that led to his heart.

  “She is my legacy. My bloodline must survive to rule.” The words spilled from Falan’s lips, forced by a power he was no match for.

  Amee curled her lip. “You’re disgusting. I believe I’ll be doing the child a favor removing her from this life.” She turned from him.

  Stopping at the top of the stairs, she looked back and watched the dying man. She felt nothing. No peace. No joy. No relief. She entered the castle, shutting the door and cutting off his cries.

  It was not supposed to be like this. She was supposed to feel victorious. Revel in Falan’s misery and death. Instead, she felt empty. But the queen still lived. The woman who had stolen everything from her. It was her death that would finally bring Amee peace. And the babe, she too must die.

  Her footsteps echoed in the empty corridors. Deep in the fabric of power, a glowing pink line led the way to her victims. The twists and turns made her laugh. The queen thought herself clever hiding from her hunter, but it was futile. The magic that connected all life could not be lost or confused.

  She halted before a plain, wooden door. The stench of smoke filtered through the windows. Those fool soldiers must’ve ignited something. Not that it mattered. They were just saving her the trouble of razing the castle.

  The pink strand went through the door. Amee set her staff aside. For this—this moment she would not use magic. This was personal. At last, her revenge would be complete.

  She thrust her hand forward. “Luku!”

  Chapter 29

  The door opened and Captain Rebol poked his head in. “Land is in sight, lassies. We’ll be there in a couple of hours.”

  Cali nodded. “Thank you, Captain. Would you please inform Kota and ask her what she plans to do?”

  “Will dae, lassie.” He tipped his hat and closed the door.

  Cali noticed Angel smirking at her. “What?”

  “I’m just not used to this new Cali. The confident, take charge, and give orders Cali.”

  Cheeks burning, Cali faced Voice. “What happened after Amee cast the spell?”

  Voice moved to the porthole and flickered between a soft blue and a light purple. She continued the tale in a reverent tone. “The door dissolved and Amee entered to face a defiant queen. They argued and then Amee pulled a knife and stabbed Raina, but Raina was no fool. She had a plan—a spell prepared. She activated it when she pulled the dagger from her chest.”

  The somber story and Voice’s flat, quiet delivery weighed on Cali. The grief, the loss, all of it because of cruelty and revenge. Neither Amee, nor Raina, nor Falan had been innocent. If one of them had done something different, chosen a different path . . . But it didn’t matter. They hadn’t chosen differently.

  Angel whispered, “What kind of spell?”

  “One that destroyed an entire kingdom. One that eliminated every person, living or dead,” Voice spoke harshly, now. “A spell that created me and forced me into a mold of Raina’s choosing. It defeated Amee, yes, but it also stripped the land of its people. That, Princess, is why you grew up alone.”

  Cali squeezed her eyes shut as a tear slid down her cheek. “With Amee’s never-ending winter and border spells, new people could not come to Trabor. Even if they had, they couldn’t survive.”

  Scrubbing away her tears, Cali sat upright. “Raina didn’t have the right to make such a choice. No one should decide the fate of an entire population like that,” she rasped.

  Voice left her post at the window and came to hover before Cali.

  “Princess, what your mother did was selfish. But, she was your mother and she loved you in her own way. Most mothers will do anything for their children.” She sighed. “I do not think Raina’s mother loved her and I think Raina wanted to be a better parent.”

  Cali sniffed and fought against the press of tears. “So killing innocent people is forgivable because she loved me?” Bitterness crept into her voice.

  “There is a difference between understandable and forgivable. At least, her reasons should be the former.”

  Cali didn’t answer. How could she? My parents did so many terrible things.

  “Why didn’t the spells die with Amee?” Angel asked.

  “Spells are not usually linked to their creators,” Voice answered. “Most stand on their own and must be undone. They are like tapestries that last long after their weavers have passed. They must be unwoven or destroyed.”

  Angel rubbed her neck. “How about we go on deck and get some fresh air.” Not waiting for an answer, she stood and left the cabin. Voice and Cali trailed behind her.

  When they reached the deck, Cali stared out over the sea towards the approaching land mass. She lifted her face to the wind. I’m going to miss this. The water. The sea breeze.

  Angel tapped her fingers on the rail and shifted anxiously. Finally, she looked at Voice. “How exactly are you planning on returning to Trabor? The border spell is still up, if I understand things correctly. Not to mention, even if you could get in, there’s a never-ending winter.”

  Before Voice could reply, Cali answered, “To be honest, we don’t know. We were able to get out and that shouldn’t have been possible.”

  Angel nodded thoughtfully. “So you’re hoping there’s a way to get back in.”

  Hand to chin, Cali began to pace. “My mother’s protection spell thought a land without people would be safest. I think the border is, or was, double fortified. Magic from the border spell and magic from the protection spell, keeping people out and me in.”

  “But on Cali’s two-hundredth birthday something changed,” Voice said. “It was like waking from a long sleep. The years prior were all a haze with nothing changing. I knew things were happening, but . . . I didn’t care. As if—”

  “We had a damper over our emotions.” Cali jumped in, snapping her fingers at Voice. “Something that prevented us from questioning things, or changing our lives.”

  They fell silent, listening to the harsh call of the birds in the rigging.

  Voice whispered, “I don’t think Raina’s spell was meant to last forever. That birthday was the key. The ending point, or maybe it was the beginning. Things are different now. Cali is different.” Her glow flicked between colors so fast it dazzled Cali’s eyes. “I am different.” Voice rose and floated up to hover by the top of the mainmast.

  Cali sighed and rubbed her hands over her face. “This is all so frustrating.”

  “So you’re hoping that you and Voice are not the only things that changed.” Angel put her forearms on the rail and stared out across the water.

  Cali moved to join her. “Yes. Maybe, just maybe, Trabor is different as well. If we got out, then perhaps there is no longer a border spell and we’re worrying for naught. I have to try. It is my country after all.”

  A sad smile touched Angel’s lips. “I understand.”

  Something in her tone drew Cali from her own thoughts. Something’s not right. What isn’t she telling me?

  At that moment, Angel spun to face her. “Cali, I can’t go with you.” The words spilled out like ice water and sent shivers down Cali’s spine. “I wasn’t sure when to tell you but—”She gestured to the nearing shore“—we’re almost to the end and there’s no more time.”

  “You can’t leave. We just found you.”

  “I’m sorry.” Angel’s eyes glistened. “I need to find my soul mate. I set out to find him and spent most of my time captured or running. Then I lost you.” She grabbed Cali’s hands. “I needed to know if you were still alive, but now I do and you’re this confident princess.”

  “But I need you. You’re the only friend I have besi
des Voice.”

  Angel shook her head. “No, you don’t need me. Not anymore, guppy. You have a goal and you need to pursue it. But I also have a mission: to find the man I love. Kota’s no longer hunting me, Bludgaard, for all I know, thinks I’m dead, and my best friend is able to take care of herself.” She squeezed Cali’s hands. “Please say you understand.”

  A short laugh burst from Cali as she wiped at a trailing tear. “I do understand. I wish I didn’t so I could protest, but I do.” She couldn’t force any more words out for fear of losing what little control she retained.

  The rest of the voyage passed in companionable silence. I wish things didn’t have to change. At least, not all of them.

  ❄❄❄

  They spent the night anchored in a bay set against a rocky cliff. It’d been an emotional evening with dancing, feasting, and a rather drunk Captain Rebol. Afterwards, Voice, Angel, and Cali slipped below deck. They recalled their journey and alternated between crying and laughing. Giggling like young girls, they eventually gave in to sleep.

  When morning came, Captain Rebol rowed them to shore, along with Kota. He leapt gallantly from the boat and helped Cali and Angel out. Kota didn’t wait for assistance and splashed through the shallow water to shore.

  Captain Rebol hugged both Cali and Angel. “I’ll miss ye, lassies. We had a good run of it,” his voice quavered. “Now gie along wi’ ye an’ don’t ye cry over auld Rebol, ye hear?” He sniffed and seemed to be fighting tears.

  Cali sent him what she hoped was her brightest smile. “Take care of Boo for me.”

  “I-I will.” He nodded vigorously. “Goodbye, wee lassie.” He bit his lip and turned away, climbing into the rowboat and rowing back to his ship.

  Angel shook her head. “He’s a softie. You don’t meet many like him.”

  “No, I bet you don’t,” Cali said fondly. She turned to face Kota. “Are you sure you want to come with us?”