Northhorn was miles behind them by the time nightfall came. The sun had almost dipped behind the horizon when Seth suggested that they camp for the night. "We need to get off the road though.” He said. “Someone will know that we've gone east by now and we don't know who might be able to catch up to us in the night." Seth peered behind him.

He glanced back at Gloria. Although she tried to be in good spirits, Seth could tell, she was ragged. Truth be told, he had only suggested camp for her sake. If it had just been him, Seth would've cast his night vision spell and kept going until he was about to drop. But I suppose you have to think differently when there are other people to think of. Seth thought.

Gloria panted. "Okay, I like that idea. Where would you suggest we camp?"

Seth looked around. It wasn't his ideal place to camp. It was flat for miles and nothing but tall grass for cover. They'd have to be quiet and on the lookout for hoof steps or any other indication of someone coming their way. There'll be no fire tonight, that's for sure. Seth thought.

He carefully parted the grass. "We'll have to camp in the grass. Careful though, we don't want to bend any stalks and give clues that we're here."

Gloria stepped forward. "I can take care of that." Seth let her in front of him. He watched her close her eyes and meditate for a moment. The grass rustled and parted leaving a clear path for them to follow.

Seth was shocked. She has magic?

Gloria stepped through. "Follow me," she said.

Seth followed her in; the grass closed behind him. He followed along the clear path and watched in amazement as the grass closed without a trace of footsteps behind him, but he was even more amazed when the grass moved to open a clearing for them.

Gloria collapsed to the ground with a sigh. “I don’t think I can walk anymore.”

“This is incredible!” Seth gaped around him. He looked down at Gloria. “Why didn’t you tell me you had magic?”

Gloria put an arm over her face. “It never came up.” She said.

Seth stepped over to the grass. He was too excited to notice the flimsy answer. He reached out to touch it. It felt like normal grass. “This isn’t illusion magic,” he said out loud. He looked back at Gloria. “What school of magic is this?”

Gloria raised her other arm and pointed in his general direction. “Remember my deal.” She said blearily.

Seth grumbled. He came over and sat down near Gloria. He stewed for a minute or two, then he sighed. “Alright.” He said. Gloria perked up. “I’m not much of a hunter,” Seth said. “I never had the knack for it, but I love to fish. Give me a rod and I’ll pull in fish all day.”

Gloria sat up and made a face at Seth. “Really?”

“What? That’s from my past!”

“That hardly counts!”

“It does so!” Seth retorted. “It gives a clue to where I grew up.”

Gloria snorted and rolled her eyes. “You’ve got to give me a little more than that.” Then she lay back down.

Seth sulked again for a moment, then he caved. “Okay, I’ll say this, but then that’s all I’m saying.”

“Mmhm.”

Seth draped his arms on his knees. “My...dad taught me to fish; It was one of my favorite things to do with him.”

Gloria looked over at him. She smiled faintly. “My magic doesn’t fit into a standard school and manipulating plants isn’t the only thing I can do.” She sat up, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. She traced a few sigils in the air; They glowed a golden yellow.

Seth couldn’t recognize what language they were from, but he watched in awe as the sigils drifted toward Gloria’s swollen cheek and melted into her face. The swelling went down, and the black bruise faded to a lighter color. The golden glow faded away and Gloria looked drained.

“Incredible…” Seth murmured. He had never seen this kind of magic before. He wished he could learn more about it but Gloria’s deal held him back.

Gloria pulled out the hunk of cheese from her bag. “I’m starving, how about you?”

“Sure, I’ll take some.” Seth said.

Gloria tried to look for something to slice the cheese, but she wobbled. Seth took the cheese from her hand. “I’ll cut some for you.” He said. “You should lay down; you look like you’re going to fall over.”

Gloria smiled and lay down. Seth pulled out his dagger and sliced off some cheese for Gloria. She took it and took only a bite before she fell fast asleep.

I suppose it’s been a tough day for her. Seth thought. He pulled his blanket from his bag and draped it over Gloria. Then he took the cheese from her hand and put it back in her bag. Seth sat back and nibbled on his slice. He glanced back at Gloria and sighed. What am I going to do with her when we get to Westfjord? Seth thought. She can’t go home, and I can’t take her with me. How canI justify risking her life? Seth stared at his cheese.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice. She is such a sweet girl, isn’t she? The icy woman appeared in his mind’s eye.

Seth frowned. “What did you do to me?” He demanded.

The woman sighed. Humans…always ungrateful and discontented.

“Gloria said I wasn’t myself. She said that you were using me like a puppet.”

There was a tinkling laugh. Well of course I was, you had just died. You didn’t think you could just walk that off now, could you? Besides sweet Gloria needed help, so I intervened and saved her. You should be thanking me.

Seth narrowed his eyes. “I’m not sure if Gloria sees it that way and neither do I.”

So you would’ve rather I let her die?

“What?” Seth sputtered. “No! Of course not! I’m just saying that-”

The icy lady shushed him with the tenderness of a mother. Seth’s mouth shut and he was unable to speak. My dear child, she crooned. You do not understand what I have done and will do for you, but don’t worry, you will understand soon.

Seth felt a cold caress and shuddered. I will keep you safe. She continued. You need not fear danger while I am here. Now enough with your hurtful accusations and rest. I will guard your rest tonight.

Seth mentally wrenched himself away. “No, I will stand guard.”

And when will you rest? The woman asked. She glanced at Gloria. Do you think she will help you carry the burden of the night? Using her magic has exhausted her, she won’t wake up until morning.

Seth set his face. “That’s fine. It’s the least I can do for ruining her life.”

The woman chuckled. You cannot stay awake forever. You are not immortal like me.

“I don’t need forever; I just need tonight.”

A thin smile spread across the woman’s face. Alright then, she said. Fine, I won’t watch over you tonight, but you will suffer the consequences.

“I’ve done this before, and I can do it again.” Seth retorted.

The tinkling laughter echoed in his mind. Oh yes, she said. but last time, you were alone. This time is much different, wouldn’t you agree, Seth?

Something about her using his name made Seth feel uneasy. He said nothing and stared her down.

The icy woman laughed once more and kissed Seth’s forehead. Good night my child. Then she vanished.

Seth felt rattled. He was no closer to learning who this woman was. The sooner they got to Westfjord the better. Seth drew his dagger and laid it beside him. Then he settled himself down; It was going to be a long night.

----------------------------------------

The ground felt cold beneath Gloria. She opened her eyes and saw the grass wilting. Gloria shivered. There was a crisp chill in the air now. It reminded her of fall. Gloria gripped the blanket on her and sat up. “Seth,” she hissed and glanced around.

She saw Seth sitting not too far from her, he sat up with his back perfectly straight, his eyes were black, and that eerie smile was pasted on his face. His head tilted a little. “Oh Crim!” Gloria yelped and tried to cover her mouth.

“Oh, don’t mind me, darling,” The woman said through Seth’s mouth. “I’m just helping keep watch.” Seth’s hand rose and caressed his cheek. The woman sighed. “He lost his strength not too long ago and nodded off. Poor thing, he tried to stay awake all night to keep watch.” She shook Seth’s head and looked back up at Gloria’s eyes. “Darling, how could you be so selfish? Making Seth carry the burden of keeping watch all night long? And on top of everything else he’s carrying? And for what? So you could work your magic to look prettier?” The woman tsked.

Gloria swallowed and put a hand to her cheek. Her face felt red. “That wasn’t-I didn’t mean-” Gloria stammered.

“Oh, you should’ve heard him last night.” The woman rolled Seth’s eyes. “Grumbling that he had to do it all on his own – Rather unattractive if you ask me – but he did do it.” The woman tilted Seth’s head again and smiled. Gloria trembled and pulled the blanket tighter. The woman lifted Seth’s head towards the sun. “Oh my, daybreak is coming, you’ll want to get moving soon, especially since I have a feeling it’ll snow soon.”

Gloria’s face snapped to Seth’s black eyes. “Snow?” She cried, “but it’s spring! How can it snow?” The woman laughed and left Seth's eyes without a word.

After a moment, Seth groaned and rubbed his head. “Oh no, I must’ve fallen asleep.” He muttered to himself.

Gloria panicked and looked around for something to do. She needed to look helpful.

“Oh Gloria, you’re awake,” Seth said with a touch of grogginess.

Gloria turned back and laughed nervously. “Oh yes, of course. I’ve been up for a while. Thought I’d take a turn keeping watch.”

Seth frowned. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“No, no, it’s fine.” Gloria tried to smile. “You have a lot on your mind…I-I was being selfish. I didn’t think about how you’d need your rest.” Gloria rambled on.

Seth put up a hand. “Gloria, it’s okay. I didn’t mind. I’ve done this before. It’s no big deal. Okay?” Seth looked past her and up at the grass. “What happened to the grass?”

Gloria was thankful for the change in subject. “The ground is cold too.”

“The ground is cold?” Seth patted the ground.

Gloria looked back at Seth and furrowed her brow, “can’t you feel it?” She stopped and looked down at herself. She was wrapped up in Seth’s blanket and shivering. She looked at Seth who looked like he was enjoying a balmy day. Suddenly it clicked. “You can’t feel the cold!” Gloria cried.

Seth noticed Gloria shivering. “Oh no…” He said rising. “I remember feeling hot when I was next to the campfire the night before and I couldn’t stand being under the blanket.”

“That must explain why your scars are made of ice!” Gloria cried. “She must be some kind of Ice demon.” Gloria reasoned.

“I guess so,” Seth ran his hand through his hair and paced a little. “But who is she?” He wondered aloud.

Gloria looked at the sky. “She mentioned it was going to snow today.”

Seth’s head whipped back to Gloria’s. “Snow? But it’s spring! How can it-” Seth frowned. “Wait…you said she told you it was going to snow.” Gloria looked back and nodded. “When did you talk to her?”

Gloria paled. “Not too long ago, you had fallen asleep. I woke – I mean, I was keeping watch, when she took over and spoke.”

“Did she say anything else?”

Gloria hesitated. She looked away. “Nothing…nothing important.”

"What's that sound?" Seth's voice dropped to a whisper.

Gloria started to look up to listen, when suddenly Seth grabbed Gloria. He clamped a hand over her mouth and pulled her down. “Get down!” He hissed in her ear.

Now she could hear it: Hoof steps thundering in the distance. It came from the west. Was someone passing by or following them? The hoof steps slowed as they got closer. Gloria’s heart pounded in her ears. She wasn’t sure if it was fear of discovery or being in Seth’s arms.

The hoof steps stopped, and someone climbed off the horse. The grass rustled nearby. Someone was looking for them! Another set of hoof steps slowed to a stop.

“Find anything?” A woman’s voice asked.

“Not yet, but he couldn’t’ve gotten far.” A masculine voice answered.

“Why are you looking at the grass? It doesn’t look disturbed.”

“I don’t know!” The male assassin was exasperated. “He was a wizard’s apprentice. How should I know what kind of magic he knows or doesn’t? Maybe he flew over the grass!”

Gloria was stunned. A wizard’s apprentice? She tried to peek back at Seth. His interest in her magic suddenly made sense to her.

“He’s not that powerful!” The female assassin retorted. “Come on, he probably kept going.”

The male assassin grumbled but retreated from the grass and onto his horse, and then the assassin duo galloped away.