Ice Shards - By Yasmine Galenorn Page 0,9

cheese, an apple pie, and a pitcher of beer soon sat in front of us. The rising aroma made my stomach rumble. My last meal had been lunch.

Howl motioned for the bartender to pull up a chair. “Sit for a moment. We seek information for our journey.”

Since nobody in their right mind refused an Elemental Lord, Jonah was only too willing to do so.

He glanced at the rest of us. “How do? I’m Jonah and I own this inn.” He looked at us each in turn, and when his gaze fell on me he paused. “You look familiar. Have we met?”

STRUGGLING INTO THE inn, my pack was so heavy that I could no longer feel a thing in my legs or arms. Somehow, I’d made it down the mountain despite my pain and humiliation, although at one point I could swear I’d had help crossing a chasm from a beautiful spirit, and at another, I thought I’d fallen asleep in the snow.

But when I opened my eyes, I was sitting on the steps of the inn, so I must have walked in my sleep—or the pain was so bad that it had blanked my memory. I pushed myself up and in through the doors to find the room almost empty.

The barkeep, a dwarf, caught sight of me as I stumbled forward and fell. He rushed out, gathered me in his arms, and when I screamed, he gently carried me to a room and called for his wife. He left us alone while she removed my clothes and bathed and treated my wounds, all in silence.

When she was done fixing the last bandage in place, she held my hands and gazed into my eyes. “Ishonar leaves horrible welts, though it does not break the skin. Someone hurt you. Do you want to tell us who? There are remedies that can be taken . . .”

I knew the Northmen stuck together, dwarf, human, and Fae alike. But how could I ask them to go against a temple that was part of their culture? I shook my head. “No . . . no . . . there is nothing to be done. I’m lucky to have come away with my life.”

“Are you sure?”

I held her hands, staring into her eyes. “I’m sure. I have to be sure. Please, ask me no more questions.”

“Then we will let it rest. I’ll bring you dinner and a drink. I assume you are headed toward the portal?”

“First thing come morning.” As I fumbled for my purse, to pay her fee, she waved away the coin.

“You are a stranger in need. Rest now, and I will bring food.”

And she did. I ate—stew and mince pie and fresh bread—and when I was done, I drained the pint dry. She must have put healing herbs in the beer because by the time I finished, I was falling asleep, and for the first time in several weeks, I slept without pain. Slept without dreams.

I GAZED INTO Jonah’s eyes and gave him a slow smile. Should I say anything? Was I the same sprite who’d come down the mountain, still wanting to die? Would he and his wife even remember me?

“You and your wife paid me a great service six hundred years ago,” I said quietly. “Your wife bathed my wounds, bandaged them, fed me, and helped me to sleep without pain for the first time in a long while. I wish you’d let me give you something—repay you for the kindness you showed me.”

“My wife?” Jonah blinked. “Althea’s been dead for nigh on two hundred years.” He let out a long sigh and shook his head. “You look familiar, but anymore, I’m afraid I don’t remember much that happened long ago. Thank you, though, for reminding me of what a gentle creature my wife was. The animals came to her for help when they were hurt. Came right up to eat out of her hands. She treated them and kept them in the stables until they were ready to head back into the wild again.” He brushed his hand across his eyes. “I do miss her.”

“What happened?” I asked softly.

“Werewolf got her. Tore her to shreds. I found her remains.” He shuddered.

“I’m so sorry.” I felt bad for bringing up the subject.

Camille noticed and jumped in. “This is incredible stew. What meat is it, might I ask?”

Jonah shook his head, inhaling deeply. “Oxen—the animal of choice around here. We add root vegetables: carrots and potatoes and turnips. Rich gravy and onions.”

Howl