Calla by Christina Bauer

Author:Christina Bauer [Bauer, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-946677-42-6
Publisher: Monster House Books

One. They attacked the Ley Queen’s castle. Mother knocked them on their collective butts, but still. Not cool.

Two. Let’s not forget how they raided the Pixieland Citadel and stomped all the potions to mush. Bilge and Oinky survived by hiding in a cauldron.

Three. Last but not least, Summer Orcs regularly attack the Golden Vale, where they kill fairies and steal stuff.

I shake off my nasty orc thoughts. Be here now, Calla.

A tall and gangly orc steps forward. As he steps through the horde, others kneel and bow their heads.

This one must be their leader. Good to know.

Dare throws his arms open. “Ilk!”

The orc grins. “Dare!”

Up close, it’s clear how Ilk has a weather beaten face and extra-tall tusks that jut out from his lower lip. His all-white eyes sparkle with intelligence. I try to play it cool, but I might lean a little closer against Dare’s chest.

Ilk sighs. “I guess I’m saving your bony ass again.”

Dare tilts his head. “I saved yours.”

“When we were ten.”

Cold air blasts into our small group. It’s a reflex for me to cast a heating spell. I summon a sphere of pink magic to hover above my palm. Then I tell that stuff to get me warm already.

The spell doesn’t kick in, though. Yipes, it’s cold.

“Your magic won’t work here, oh Queen,” says Ilk. He points toward the ice cliff. “That wall marks the mountain’s null zone for magic.”

I frown. Bummer.

“We’ll get you warm soon enough,” says Dare. “Over the years, the Articae Horde have figured out how to bring in some stored magic. It’s only enough to cast a few key spells, like food and warmth, but those are the most important.”

I pop my hand out from under my ermine cloak and shoot Dare a quick thumbs-up. My skin instantly feels bitten with cold, so I shove my hand back under covering.

“Indeed,” says Ilk. “Our huts are warm. Come to think of it, I have one that might suit you both… If that’s acceptable.”

My teeth are chattering by this point. “Dare and I sleep together all the time.” I roll my eyes. “Wait, that came out wrong. We’re in the same room but dressed. Mostly.”

Stop talking, Calla.

“Thank you, Ilk,” says Dare. “That sounds perfect.”

Now, I could ask Dare to set me down, but the guy has serious body warmth working here. And did I mention that it’s really cold? It is.

After marching across the icy village, Ilk pauses before a larger hut. It’s a dome, like all the others. Up close, I notice how layers of icicles line the hut’s exterior, reminding me of the way wax drips down a candle.

The hut’s entrance is a heavy flap of leather. Still keeping me in his arms, Dare pushes through this unique doorway. Inside, the place is simple with rough-cut wooden furniture built on giant proportions. A gray wool rug covers the floor. As seconds pass, fresh waves of warmth surrounds me. I’m still shivering, but at least my teeth aren’t chattering. Progress!

Dare curls me closer to his chest.

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