Page 100 of A Shard of Ice

“Oh, yes, most definitely.” Merna puts her knife and fork on the plate, pushing it away. “That was delicious, Elsie. Why don’t you let Sindy and me wash up while you take the children up to bed?”

“It’s too early!” both the older children shout.

“We haven’t had our pudding, Mama.” Tamara looks put out.

“You still haven’t finished your food,” she tells the girl, who pouts.

“I hate sprouts.”

“I’m finished.” Owen holds up his empty plate. “Can I have some apple pie?”

“Yes, lad, you can cut yourself a—”

There is a loud banging at the door.

“Are you expecting someone, Scott?” Elsie turns to her husband.

He grunts, shaking his head, frowning.

Another harder knock sounds, followed by, “Open up!” It’s a gruff male voice.

“That doesn’t sound good.” Elsie stands.

My heart races. I think I know who it is. Kakara, help me. I hope I’m wrong.

A third and louder banging starts; this time, they don’t let up.

“Okay, okay, hold your horses,” Elsie yells as she goes to the door.

I think briefly of running. But where would I go? There are no windows down here.

Merna looks at me with wide eyes. I shrug. It’s not like I can tell her what’s going on.

Elsie opens the door, and three icefae guards walk in. They’re all in uniform. One of the icefae guards steps forward, his eyes scanning the room until they land on me. Recognition flashes in his gaze, and my stomach drops. I try to keep my expression neutral, but inside, panic begins to rise like a tide.

“Is there a problem, gentlemen?” Elsie asks, her voice steady despite the fear that flickers in her eyes.

The guard who seems to be in charge takes a step closer. “We’re looking for the human female,” he says, his tone clipped and businesslike. His eyes settle on me. “We’re looking for you. What is your name, girl?”

“It’s Sindy.” I push my chair back and stand.

“When did you arrive at the Ice Court?” he asks, his voice gruff and his eyes narrowed.

“What is the meaning of this?” Elsie steps forward. “What is going on? This is my cousin, Sindy. She’s staying with us. I think there has been some sort of mistake.”

“There is no record of your cousin entering our territory,” the guard says. “When did you arrive?” he asks me.

“Yesterday.” My voice is surprisingly clear.

“Why is there no record of it?” he asks me.

I shrug. “I’m not sure. I entered with a group. Perhaps there was a mistake made.”

“You will need to come with us while we sort this out,” the guard says.

“No!” Elsie steps between the guards and me. “Why? We already told you who she is. Sindy said she came through the gate yesterday. I don’t understand why—”

“Sit down, Elsie. Let the guard do their job,” Scott says, actually saying the first full sentence since I met him.

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