Tempered in Ice by Zora Marie

Author:Zora Marie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Elves, Dwarves, Wizards, Dragons, Dragon Riders, LGBT, Lesbian
Publisher: Starcatcher Press
Published: 2020-04-23T00:00:00+00:00

20

Erolith jumped down from his horse, letting him pick his own way back as he helped Zelia to her feet. Alrindel and Orvi had stepped to the side of the path to let the riders pass.

“Before you were born, there were eleven Wizards of the Guild so there would always be someone to break a tie. Your mother, Starfer, volunteered to bear you. We tried to convince her to let us find someone else, but she insisted it be her saying her relation to Yargo would protect her. She was Skylar’s great aunt, a granddaughter of Yargo.

“Starfer was a fierce warrior till her last breath. She refused to stand by during the Old War, even though she was pregnant with you.” There was a catch in his voice, and he swallowed hard. “We didn’t know you were weakening her, absorbing her power. A Wizard of the Guild had never been pregnant before. She was attacked, and her magic couldn’t protect her. Eleanor and I were too slow to get to her. She stayed with us long enough for us to bring you into the world, but she never even got to hold you.”

They continued in silence for a while before he added, “You look so much like her.”

“Alrindel.”

“Hm?”

“Did you know?”

“No, not until...”

He stopped and stared at her, his expression solemn.

“Until?”

“That day on the mountain... I snuck out and followed you all. I... I saw.”

“It was your scream I heard mix with mine?”

“I had to stop him from running into the explosion to save you,” Erolith said.

“I figured out why Eadon adopted you not long after.”

“Why did Eadon take me in?”

“Vainoff, Eleanor, and I wanted you to grow up in a loving home in hopes you would flourish. We knew Eadon and Eleanor would love you unconditionally. After what happened to Starfer, we knew Eleanor could never risk bearing a child. So even if she and Eadon were to get together they could never safely have children. Besides, it was obvious Eadon would not be able to resist teaching you as much as he could, he had already begun proving that with Alrindel.” Erolith smiled at the thought.

Zelia caught something moving in the trees above them and stopped. Erolith followed her gaze, then pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Linithion, I thought I told you to stay within the walls,” Erolith said.

Linithion jumped down, the snow crunching under her feet.

“I believe I also asked you to stay inside the walls,” Zelia added.

“Actually, you asked me to help my father and find Multly, which I did,” she gave Zelia a mischievous grin and turned to Erolith. “I know you asked me to stay within the walls, but Vainoff snuck out sometime this morning and did not tell anyone where he was going.”

Erolith sighed. “I’m sure he has a good reason. Come on, we will be back home soon enough.”

They walked for a few minutes before Zelia and Linithion ended up a little way ahead of Erolith and Alrindel.

“So, who’s this?” Linithion asked, walking beside Orvi.

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