Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Shivering City

A large snow-covered forest spans for seemingly forever, the bright green branches carrying a thick white snow. The trees all flutter in the wind despite the heavy snow they carry, the sound of hundreds of branches swaying in the wind spreading through the air in a strangely peaceful cacophony. The swaying of the trees so loud at times they even drown out the loud footsteps of a bright red calcare. The poor lizard struggles through the thick snow; its stubby legs not built for travel in such conditions. Calcy pulls the cart forward just a few inches with every arduous step of her clawed feet through the cold snow.

“Come on girl. Just a little farther, and you can rest.” Jack encourages the beast in a soft tone, Calcy responding with an irritated hiss.

Despite the difficulty, the red calcare does successfully make it to the open gate to the large city of stone bricks. The children's eyes shine with curiosity as they trace the large stone wall around the city with their eyes. The gate is guarded by ten soldiers in large fur coats all huddled by a flickering fire off to the side of the gate. The soldiers begin arguing amongst themselves upon the sight of the cart, one of the men places a bottle on a table and they all surround it. The bottle is then spun by the same man, and they all stand with bated breath watching it spin. A sigh of relief let out by nine men simultaneously and a yell of irritation by one as the bottle stops its spin and points right at him. The chosen man trudges through the snow to the cart, dark mutters and curses whispered under his breath.

“What is your business here?” The shivering soldier asks, wiping his bright red nose with a grimace.

“Just bringing some simple travelers to the Great North.” Jack responds.

“Then what is the purpose of your travelers?”

“A man can't want to see the beauty of snow-covered lands?” Oswin peeks his head out the cart, his glowing blue eyes bearing down on the soldier with an intense but invisible pressure.

“Ah!” The man flinches upon the sight of Oswin's alien blue eyes, “I'm so sorry sir!” He hurriedly kneels in the cold snow with his head hung low, “If I had known of your esteemed presence a lowly soldier like me would've never stopped your cart.” The man’s voice is filled with panic as he tries to placate the smiling highborn.

“It is quite all right sir guardsman. You couldn't have known, so I won't badger you, now please rise out of that cold snow.” Oswin's voice oozes with a sickening amount of formality.

“Y-yes sir!” The man stands straight, “Thank you for your kindness! And I hope this land is to your expectations even if it isn't in the best state!” He moves out of the cart’s way and bows, his head not daring to rise until the cart has completely made its way into the city.

The large city is rather desolate, the only people outside are the occasional fur covered guardsmen shoveling snow out of the roads.

“This place is kind of eerie…” Fang announces his displeasure.

“Definitely… shouldn't such a large city be more... active?” Sune responds, her body covered in a thick fur blanket, the blanket draping over her and the other two girls next to her.

“It's because most of the men went farther North to fight. And plus, it's the early mornings when most are sleeping, so I'm sure it'll be more active later.” Jack answers the girl's inquiry.

“That is true, but this place also doesn't have as many farmers and laborers as what you're used to. Most of the people here have no reason to get up early unless they're a guard because most of their jobs don't require it.” Oswin says with his familiar kind smile.

“I guess that makes sense.” She muses, shoving her red tinged nose under the soft blanket.

The cart travels through the quiet streets, only stopping once within a small barn close to the gate. “Well unfortunately, this is as far as I can take you.” Jack acts remorseful but is a poor actor.

“Well, thank you for bringing us this far in the first place, Jack.” Oswin speaks politely.

“Hmm. I'd recommend checking out The Frozen Hearth inn if you're thinking of staying the night.”

“I'll be sure to check it out.”

Sune walks over to the red calcare and softly coos at the beast, “It's time for me to leave.” The girl presses her small forehead against the large snout of the frilled lizard.

“Come on Sune, it's time to go!” Fang yells from outside the barn.

“Okay, coming!” The snow-haired girl yells back, “Take good care of her, all right?” She says softly to Jack.

“I'll make sure of it.” Jack responds kindly.

“I'll check up on her again! On all the calcares actually, and I better see them in tip top shape!” She tries to speak sternly but the man just laughs.

“As if Sarah doesn't treat them like her own babies, but I'll make sure they are.” He smiles at the girl kindly and waves her off.

.

.

.

“How come we got these stupid fancy coats, and they don't even work!” Fang complains while hugging his shivering body. Each child wears a thick brown winter coat with bright white fur hoods over their heads.

“Oh what? You can’t handle a little cold, Fang~?” Sune teases.

“Oh, shut it you ice witch. I bet you sold your sold to some ice demon when you lived up here and can't feel cold anymore.”

“What is with you and these ridiculous accusations! I. Am. Not. A. Witch! And, demons aren’t even real!”

“And that is exactly what a witch would say.” Fang retorts matter-of-factly.

“Don’t argue with stupid people. Don’t argue with stupid people.” Sune mutters to herself again and again.

“Hey look guys, the demon is even starting to affect her mind too.” He mockingly jives, pointing his finger at her.

“Fine, fine. If I’m a witch, I’ll show you how evil I really am. Come here Fang!” She runs at the grey-haired boy, and he bolts in the other direction with a wide smile and loud laughter echoing from him.

“Hey! Be careful.” Oswin turns his head to watch the two lollygagging children, but as he does, a lanky man bumps into his shoulder.

“Sorry sir.” The slim man smiles from under his hood, his left-hand waving at Oswin. But just before he can bring his hand down, a tight grip grasps his wrist.

“You sorry about stealing too?” Kumiho questions coldly, the man freezing in surprise.

Oswin pats down his coat and pats one of his pockets an extra few times, “He stole my money!”

“Let go of me you stupid bitch!” The slim man yells angrily, his other hand pulling out a small open bag that he whips at Kumiho's face. Brown dust flies from the bag and into her face, Kumiho staggers backwards while coughing, the man turning and running.

“Hey you bastard, get back here!” Oswin runs after him, Hollie sprinting right behind them. The slim man completely clears a tall wooden fence in one jump and lands on the other side with a roll; Oswin grabs the top of the fence and pulls himself up and over. Soon after, Hollie jumps on top of the fence and stops her chase because of Oswin's voice, “Don't follow me! I'll be back soon, just hang tight!” Oswin yells before turning a corner and disappearing into the maze of alleyways.

Hollie stands crouched on the top of the fence for a long moment, her mind going through all the different choices she could make next. Her mind eventually chooses to turn around and hop off the fence.

“Are you okay Kumi?” Sune worriedly asks the red-haired girl who is rubbing her eyes and coughing up brown dust.

“Yeah, it’s—cough! It’s getting better…” Her coughing fit continues as soon as she stops speaking, Sune softly pats her shoulder the entire time. Kumiho finally stops coughing and opens her irritated eyes, small tears forming at the bottom of her puffy green eyes.

“Well it’s good that Kumi is okay but… What do we do now?” Fang asks with genuine curiosity.

“Uhm—Oo! How about getting a room at that Cold Hearth inn—” Sune begins before being cut off by Hollie's quick and whispered voice.

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“Frozen Hearth Inn.”

“Frozen Hearth Inn or whatever.” Sune fixes without missing a beat.

“Hmm. That’s probably our best bet.” Fang answers after a short rumination.

“That is a great idea, but…” Kumiho sighs loudly before continuing, “Does anyone have any money?” She asks rhetorically.

“Oh yes of course I—...” Sune looks down in silent defeat after patting down her empty pockets, “Except I put it all in Jerry…” She says in a sorrowful tone, the girl hopefully looking at the other two children, Hollie instantly shaking her head in response.

“Uh… No, I don’t either…” Fang answers abashedly.

“And that’s just… Great!” Sune yells to the cloudy sky.

The children stand around awkwardly, Kumiho speaking in a tired tone, “I guess all we can do is wait for Oswin, but I'm not going to wait around for forever in the middle of the street soo…” She leaves her next words up in the air and walks in a random direction down the street.

“Wait Kumiho!” Sune stops the red head with a yell, “What if he comes back here?”

“He'll try but he's going to get distracted by something and we'll end up waiting all night.”

“That is a good point… and I don't really want to sit out here in the cold…” Sune gets lost in thought, her head snapping to the sound of a young man’s voice.

“What is going on out here?” A tall, hooded man asks, his form towering over the children in his thick fur coat.

“Oh, we're waiting for someone who had to do something real quick.” Sune answers politely with a smile.

“Ahh, I see. Was it a thief?”

“Uh—uhm.” Sune stammers, “It was…”

“I thought so. These thieves have been a big problem lately. So, I assume your guardian went after one because he was robbed?” The man speaks in a calm manner, a reassuring smile on his face.

“Does this happen often?” Sune asks worriedly.

“All the time.” He answers assuredly.

“I—I see…”

The street is engulfed in silence for a short moment, “If you don't mind me asking, would you like to come with me? I was just going somewhere for breakfast, and we could ask around for your guardian after.” His smile turns into a small grin that emanates a cold warmth.

Sune turns to her companions just behind her, “What do you guys think?”

“We might as well. I mean unless someone has a better idea that isn't just standing out in the freezing cold for who knows how long.” Fang responds.

Hollie shakes her head and Kumiho stays silent, but no one denies the offer.

The man takes off his hood, a large scar running through his mouth and up to his right eye, “Ahrighty then, follow me please.” The man continues down the road and waves the cubs to follow behind, the ease at which he weaves them through the streets and alleys impresses the children.

“Hey, I was wondering…” Sune starts in a soft tone.

“Hmm?” The towering man glances at the white-haired girl.

“Where are we going exactly, like I know for breakfast, but where exactly are you taking us?” Sune asks an innocently.

“Oh, we're going to the Ises Gicel.” He says with an unassuming smile.

Sune gags but covers her mouth, Kumiho bumps into Hollie's shoulder and nods her head in Sune's direction. Hollie’s eyes shine in understanding and her fingers begin dripping black ink, thin strings falling from her inky fingers.

“You okay? I heard you make a weird noise.” The man asks without turning around.

“Ah. N-No, I just have a little cold.” She answers awkwardly and begins to feign coughing.

“Make sure you rest well at the restaurant.” Sune gags again, Kumiho creeps behind him.

A thin thread dangles a crescent blade in Kumiho’s face, she gives Hollie a thankful glance before grabbing it and continuing to close in. Once both girls are right behind the man, Kumiho puts three fingers up, then two, then one, and then an empty fist. Hollie throws her strings up and over the man’s head before pulling them taut around his upper body. Just as the strings bind him, Kumiho kicks the inside of his knee, and as the man falls forward Kumiho grabs his head and slams his face into the snow. She grabs him by the hair and lifts his face out of the snow, the thin crescent blade curving around his neck.

“What the hell—!” The man tries to yell angrily but the cold touch of the crescent blade against his neck silences him.

“I want you to tell us what you're actually planning, and don't bother lying.” She says coldly, leaning close to his ear she whispers, “Unless you think I'm bluffing.” She presses the blade just hard enough to where his neck drips a single drop of blood, sweat beginning to fall from the man's brow.

“I—” He stops and begins smiling, “You're a little too late.” Kumiho looks up to see two more men walking down the alley, a thin man with long dirty blonde hair in his mid-thirties and a broadly built middle aged man with dark brown hair.

The thin man wears a cloak of glimmering blue feathers, and his neck is adorned with a bone necklace. The burly man wears a thick grey fur coat and large black boots with sharp blades at the bottom of them.

“Went and got yurself a lassie while we were gone, ey Borne?” The burly man mocks with crossed arms.

“Boss! She—!”

“Quiet.” Kumiho presses the cold metal blade against his neck, another small drop of blood falling onto the pale snow.

The thin man whistles, “And she's feisty, what a pick.”

“Who are you people?” Sune asks.

The burly man gives a vicious smile, “Ey lil Melrakki, you suppose ta introduce yurself first.”

“What? We're not introducing ourselves to you!” Fang says in sudden irritation.

“Learn yur manners Reynard. This a talk between Northerners, you got no business interruptin.”

Sune's ears perk up, “How’d you know I'm Northerner?” She asks with billowing curiosity.

“You’re seriously going to talk to this brute like it’s some everyday conversation?” Fang cuts in with a baffled tone.

“It seems you grey Reynards lack the same guile as yur red cousins. So allow me ta teach ya, Boy.” The large man puts his hand out, light blue mist emanating from it. The mist slowly shifts and twists into a large shape, solidifying into a two-handed club made entirely of solid ice.

“What?” Fang mutters in confusion, “Why does a random street thug have such powerful energy?” He unconsciously takes a step back behind Kumiho and Hollie.

“I would assume it's because…” She pulls the blade away from the bound man’s neck and smashes his head into the snow one more time to knock him unconscious, “he's not actually from here. They're probably just traveling through and trying to make some extra coin from stealing before moving on to the next destination.”

“Impressive. If you didn't have green eyes, I'd think you a seer.” The broad man compliments.

Kumiho slowly stands from the unconscious man's body and throws the crescent blade in front of Hollie, a black thread grabbing it mid-air. Kumiho pulls up her fur coat for a second and unsheathes a dagger hidden under it, pointing the blade towards the two older men.

“Oh wow, look at you, hiding behind your little girlies after starting a fight.” The large man mocks in contempt, his mouth twisted into a vicious sneer.

“Oh would you—” Kumiho begins to speak in irritation but is interrupted by Fang.

“You're right actually.” The boy walks past the two girls in front of him and grins, “I really should stop hiding from my problems.”

“Oh would you look at that, the fox grew a spine.” He jives.

Kumiho gets close to Fang's ear and whispers, “You do realize he's stronger than me and Hollie, right?”

He glances back at her, “Yeah, but I have plan, just trust me?” He tilts his head and clasps his hands together, “Please?” He pleads in a cloying voice.

Kumiho sighs and backs away, “Oh, and Sune, get out of here, it's not safe.”

“What no! I'm—!” Before she can finish, a flick of Hollie's hand sends thin threads that form into a black cloud of fluffy shadows that lifts Sune up into the air, and with another flick of her hand, the cloud is sent out the alley. As soon as Sune leaves the alleyway, Fang throws one hand up and a stone wall forms from the ground that separates them from Sune.

“You can't do this!” She yells from the other side.

“Just go find somewhere safe to stay, and don't be afraid to resort to the thing.” Kumiho yells back.

“You foxes done talkin with lil miss Melrakki?”

“Hollie?” Kumiho glances at the black-haired girl.

“I'll take the bird.” The two girls nod at each other.

“Fang, I know you have a plan, but I won't let you fight him alone.”

“That's fine with me, I'll just edit it a bit to account for you.” He smiles cheekily.

“Hmph, these Reynards always ignore me.” He mutters under his breath and throws a short glance at his thin companion; the other man meets the glance with a cordial smile.

The burly man shudders at the smile and turns back to the kids, “Looks to me yur done. Get ready, and just so y'know, I won't hold back just cause yur kids.” The man gives a savage grin and begins walking towards them.

Hollie jumps into the air and sprints in the air by summoning small clouds of shadows under her feet with every step, gracefully landing behind the large man and in front of the thin one.

He whistles as she hits the ground, “Woowee, all three of yous mages?”

“...” She simply stares at him with her glimmering amethyst eyes.

“Well whatever. I hope you‘re at least half as strong as the boss—no, even a quarter ill do.” He pulls out a thin blade from the inside of his cloak, bright blue feathers hang from the weapon’s pommel.

The wide man lumbers over to the two children, his massive club dragging across the snow behind him as he makes no effort to lift it. His eyes are narrowed but he stops a fair distance from the children. He lifts his weapon and props it up on its head, his powerful frame leaning on its equally massive body; his right hand raised high, still holding the handle. His face remains relaxed as he watches the tensed children in front of him, his booming voice yelling out, “Ey lil Melrakki! You still there?” He yells out over the wall.

“Y-yes?” Her quiet voice barely permeates across the wall and into the alley.

“Ye asked how I know ya a northerner like me, I know cuz you don’t shiver; I know cuz you aren’t uncomfortable in the cold. While your friends hug themselves tight and go red faced, you remain poised. Only someone used to the cold like us can do that when the biting cold nips at your face.”

“Uh, thank you?”

“Now git outta here lassie, I gotta teach yur friends some manners and it won’t be very friendly.” His lax smile morphs into a savage one; he lifts his resting club and spins its enormous frame through the air a few times, finally stopping it to point it at the cubs in front of him. “I’ll give ya first move.”