Jasper and the Black Queen by Linda McNabb

Author:Linda McNabb
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: magical fantasy, magic and fantasy for kids, magical adventure, elves, Dragon fantasy, Dragon stories
Publisher: Southern Star Publishing
Published: 2019-02-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

Up Up and Away

Ice City hadn’t looked that far away but by early afternoon it was dominating the skyline and they still hadn’t arrived. A small settlement, not much more than an inn and a dozen houses, came into view and the coach slowed down.

The inn sat atop a small hill and the view of Ice City was spectacular. A large wooden deck jutted out and afforded a comfortable place to sit and take in the view. A weathered sign hung on a post as they turned in.

Dragon’s Nest

‘Most travellers don’t come past this inn,’ the coach driver said as he led them to the deck where drinks and nibbles were available. ‘We always stop here to help support the locals who live outside the walls.’

The first thing Jasper noticed was the cold. It wasn’t just cold it was bone-chilling. He’d seen plenty of snow since arriving in Elvale but this was something different. The air was so cold it hurt to breathe in deeply and any exposed skin felt the bite within seconds.

The stalls were crammed with trinkets and souvenirs. Most were painted black and had Ice City written in white. There were even fake silver bracelets like the ones on the captives. Jasper wondered who would buy such a thing.

The owners of the stalls did not call out or try to entice them to the stalls. Jasper assumed it was the black clothes or the sombre mood that hung over the group like a black mist.

‘Perhaps you could purchase more suitable clothing here?’ the driver suggested tactfully to Jasper.

‘I’m afraid the last of our coin was spent on what we have on. The thieves left us with very little coin,’ Jasper said with a shake of his head and gulped as if remembering a bad memory.

‘Ah,’ the coach driver nodded as if the answer had satisfied his curiosity. ‘I’m sure the queen will be happy to provide replacements when we arrive later this afternoon. We’ve made good time so please drink and eat and rest before we continue.’

‘Tell me, driver,’ Victa asked loudly. ‘Is it safe to go into the city? I really don’t want to take my wife where there are so many deviant magical people.’

‘Don’t worry. Everyone who passes through the gates is checked for magic or magical objects. They immediately take away anyone who fails the test and a silver bracelet blocks their magic.’ The driver shrugged as if it were unimportant to this group and pointed to a nearby stall where the fake bracelets were on display.

Several of the group hurried over to purchase a fake bracelet and laughed as they put them on each other. They had no expectation of being stopped at the gate.

Jasper exchanged a glance with Greta then looked at Shadow. It was likely that he would no longer fail a magical test but Greta would and perhaps so would Shadow. After all the dog was pure magic. It wasn’t worth the risk. There had to be another way into the city.

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