Winter Solstice Winter by E. J. Squires

Author:E. J. Squires
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Viking saga, family saga, fantasy romance, historical fantasy romance, norse mythology, paranormal romance, fantasy, Epic
Publisher: E. J. Squires
Published: 2013-10-01T00:00:00+00:00

18

Heim

Silya and Ailia rode into the outer limits of Bergendal, both riding on Miika’s sturdy back. To Ailia’s delight, the rest of the trip had been uneventful, even bordering on drab. The less that happened, the faster she could get home. She had made up her mind to not ask questions about Soren since it seemed to stir up unwanted sentiments. It made no sense why she should want to see him again or why her heart should flutter at the mention of his name, but it did.

Silya wanted to keep talking and Ailia didn’t mind listening, so she gladly sat on Miika’s back and soaked in any stories or information her new friend offered.

“Our Noaida, Geidun, taught us that the Aesira Jewel is a vital instrument in keeping the seasons balanced in Midgard. Its powers are only engaged on winter solstice eve and summer solstice eve—”

Ailia’s mind wandered. Four months—Where was I? Bergendal looked the same as it always had during winter time—bare, ashen and dearth—but with a little more wear and tear on some of the longhouses. The mountains surrounding Bergendal were completely white, fully covered in snow and ice. Ailia remembered the Bergendal summer, so lush, fresh and warm. Would it ever return?

Then, glimpses of a small settlement flashed before her eyes. Snow, fire, blood—everywhere, though not here. Ailia had seen things, experienced these things somewhere else, somewhere threatening and cold. Loneliness—Feelings of pain. Where?

“—and the current Sun Queen, who protects and possesses the Aesira Jewel, has the power to complete this ordinance,” Silya said.

Ailia couldn’t help but get drawn back into the story. “Soren told me he didn’t know where the jewel is,” she said, trying to remain indifferent.

“Exactly. We are unsure whether or not Lucia actually received the Aesira Jewel before Eiess stormed the castle.”

“Isn’t it likely Eiess would have gotten hold of it by now if it was there?” Ailia asked.

“Probably not,” Silya said. “If she would have gotten hold of it, she would have stopped the sun from rising at all and we would see nothing but darkness. But I have been talking too much. Now it is your turn. Tell me about life in Bergendal. I have only been here a couple of times briefly in passing,” Silya said. She slowed Miika’s pace as they passed a few villagers along the road.

Ailia waved to them, even though she didn’t know who they were. They looked at her, smiled and waived back. “Welcome,” they said.

“It’s a wonderful place to grow up. The people here really work together and look after one another.” Suddenly Ailia remembered that her friends had turned their back on her because of her maredreams. “Well, most people look after one another,” she said. “Over there is the Bergendal Stave Christian Church,” she said, pointing to it. “Over there lives the blacksmith and his wife, who is also a midwife and the best baker in Bergendal. Someday you’ll have to taste one of her tarts.” Their home looked terribly run down, she noticed.

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