When he lifts his hand, ice coats the bedding.
Having faced off against a malevolent god, little could unnerve the Iss Drengr. However, witnessing his last shred of control dissolve shatters his soul, leaving him rooted to the spot.
Realizing he is losing control of hisseidrshould be disturbing enough. However, knowing he could have easily frozen Aura is too much to bear.
Calder drops her back on her bed. “You should lock your door, Aura. You never know who might prey upon you.”
He retreats to his room directly across the hall. He poundshis fist against the dresser, shattering the top two drawers and freezing the rest in place.
I am fucked.
9
AURA
August 14th, Year 21, 10th Era
Blackwood Estate, Treland
Aura tucks the nautilus shell beneath her tunic while standing on the landing of the second floor of Blackwood. Below, her mother curls up on the couch, reading a book. Everyone else must be in the Conclave meetings.
She exhales as she descends the staircase. “Good afternoon, Mum. I’m going into the city.”
A snap echoes as her mother closes her book. “Hand over the Sacred Stones.”
“What? I would never steal it!” Aura lies, avoiding her Mum’s discerning gaze. “You should refer to it as a single stone. You united them with Pop’s virility twenty winters ago.” She slips to the door, wrapping her hand around the knob but finding it immovable. Grumbling, she tugs on the unlocked door to no avail.
“What is going…ah!” She tumbles through the entryway, landing on the porch. The nautilus slips from her shirt, clinging to the silver chain.
“Well, hello, little sis.” Thora leers down at her as her body reappears.
Dammit, why do both Mum and Thora’s Keeper abilities have to be invisibility?
“Did you want the stone, Aunt V?” Thora crouches beside Aura and clutches the nautilus shell between her thumb and forefinger.
“I would appreciate it if your sister would ask for permission before removing our country’s sacred spiritual object from the ancient Keeper chest.” Avina joins them.
Aura shoves to her feet. “I thought it would be sufficient protection for getting a pint at Feat’s Tavern.”
“I thought Jarl Calder has been your guard dog of late?”
“Thora!” Avina chastizes. “Jarl Avardsson is a good man who has fought-”
“...in the shield wall with Father.” Both Thora and Aura repeat in unison.
“He made some questionable decisions in his youth, but I would trust him with your lives.” Avina smiles.
Guilt slithers through Aura’s gut as her mother doesn’t seem to be able to stop speaking.
“The Skalor meeting should conclude in the longhouse. Youbothshould be able to catch him.”
“Really? Why must I provide child care?” Thora plucks a throwing knife from her belt and spins it around her finger.
“Thora!” Avina’s rare beratement has them both scurrying. Crossing their father was just downright enjoyable. However, earning their mother’s ire never seemed to end well. Possibly because she never got angry or because her invisibility powers meant she knew everything about everyone.
Aura shivers at the thought.
She doesn’t utter a word to her sister as they shuffle into Toftlund City.
