Nestled between the shimmering expanse of a natural fjord and the blue-white mass of a glacier, we finally reached Glacier Valley.There was no gate or fence needed because of the natural barriers, and we just strode right into town.
The main street was astonishingly busy, feeling almost on par with what I remember from civilization, except there were no motor vehicles.A wooden sidewalk ran in front of the shops, protecting pedestrians from the dirt and animal dung that muddied up the roadway.
Jordy and I stuck to the streets, since we had the two mules trailing behind us, and I had Ripley on her lead.Obviously, she was powerful enough that she could do about whatever she wanted, collar and leash or not, but I think in unusual circumstances like this, she preferred to stick close to me anyway.
“I usually rent a room at this nice inn down the way.”Jordy pointed to a rectangular two-story building on the main road, where a big wooden sign had been painted with the nameThe Frozen Grave.“They have stables out back for the mules, and there’s even an area where you can tie Ripley out with the sled dogs.”
I had already caught a glimpse of some of the dogs, and with their summer coats, they all looked remarkably small next to Ripley.Maybe I’d gotten accustomed to a bulky mule and a big lion, because I didn’t think huskies bred for sled mushing were tiny animals.Either way, though, I didn’t fully trust Ripley not to treat them like a disposable new toy if I left her alone with a bunch of excitable dogs.
“It’s probably better if Ripley stays with us,” I said.
“Okay.If that’s what you say, we’ll have to talk to Anoona.”
“Who is Anoona?”I asked.
“Anoona Dube,” he said.“She’s the innkeeper atThe Frozen Grave.You’ll like her.”
“You say that, but you know I don’t like anybody,” I reminded him.
Jordy laughed.“You like me, and you’ll like Anoona.”
InsideThe Frozen Grave, timber beams stretched across the ceiling, and the floor was patched with mismatched planks.To the left was a common room and waiting area, with sofas covered in soft amber leather and taxidermized animals were displayed, including a porcupine near the unlit fireplace.To the right was the check-in area, and between the two areas was a corridor and staircase, presumably leading to the rooms.
The check-in area’s prominent feature was a counter made of a solid slab of driftwood.The wall behind it sported keys on a rack as well as shelves stocked with jars of preserves, homebrewed liquors, and other supplies likely bartered from traders passing through the Valley.
Working the counter was a tall, slender woman with dark brown skin.Her eyes were narrow and almost feline, and her lips were full and round.Thick coils of black hair framed her oblong face like a halo.
“Back so soon, Jordano?”Her voice was resonant with a faded accent that I couldn’t quite place.She smiled at both of us as we approached, but her eyes widened when she spotted Ripley walking at my side.“And you’ve got yourself some exciting new friends.”
“This is Remy, and her lion, Ripley.”Jordy made quick introductions.“Remy, this is Anoona.”
“She’s an African lioness?”Anoona asked, her attention still on Ripley, who glanced around and flicked her tail.“I haven’t seen one of those since I was a little girl in Zimbabwe.”
“She’s a bit friendlier than a wild lion,” I said, and I gave Ripley a scratch on the top of her head to prove it.
“I will have to take your word for it,” Anoona replied.
Jordy leaned against the counter and gave his most charming smile.“I know you usually have guests keep the animals outside, but I was hoping you’d make an exception for me.”
She gave him a hard look for a moment, then relented with, “It’ll cost you.”
“I’d never expect anything less from you.”
She and Jordy exchanged a knowing smile, and then she reached behind her and grabbed a key off the corkboard.“Room 113 at the end of the hall,” she said as she slid the key across the counter, and she turned her dark eyes to me.“You may be the one with the wild animal, but you’d better be careful with him.”
“I always am,” I assured her.
“We’ve got a pair of mules out front that need a good rubdown and a bucket of oats,” Jordy said as he took the key.
“I’ll have my stable hands tend to them right away,” Anoona said, and she watched us as we walked down the hall.“See you later, kitty cat.”
“So how much does it cost to stay here?”I asked Jordy quietly as we walked.
He shrugged.“It depends.I always settle up at the end.”
“Settle up?What does that mean?”I asked.
“I’m here trading my medicine and concoctions, and they pay me in goods and services,” he elaborated.“Mostly goods like food, herbs, equipment, jewelry, clothing.Whatever they have, whatever I need.And then at the end, I talk to Anoona, and we square up with what I’ve received during my time here.”
