“The city is gone,” Amari’s voice held a note of sheer terror. “Orval, the city is gone! It’s just fields of snow.” She whipped her head around to look at him, clutching a crying Lara to her breast. “Cities don’t just disappear.”
“Amari, we need to think on the babes,” Orval said, growing steadier as he focused on the tasks at hand. Your cloak’s not enough in this cold, so let’s get you wrapped up and Lara seen to.”
It took some doing, but at last the furred cloak was wrapped around her from head to toe, even covering her legs and making a warm nest. “Looks like these damn things will be good for something,” Orval said as he arranged his own nest and brought Dalan into its shelter. “Sorry, my little man, but we menfolk have to look after our ladies first, you know.” Orval curled his finger and offered the baby his knuckle. Dalan grabbed for it and mouthed the skin, making sucking sounds as he slobbered.
Better than wailing, Orval figured.
“What do you think happened?” Amari had calmed and Lara was sucking strongly.
“A portal,” Orval said grimly. “A very expensive way to get somewhere quickly.”
“All the faster to see us dead,” she said.
“Perhaps,” Orval said. “Most like, in fact.”
“I’m frightened,” Amari whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
“Really?” Orval asked. “Just frightened? Because I am terrified.”
Her snort was more sob than laugh, but she smiled at him. Orval smiled back. “In truth, lady, I have no idea what to expect from the next hour. But this basket likely has some decent food, maybe a flask of kavage, if I know Winter. We have two babes to care for and ourselves to see to. We will deal with what comes far better if there’s food in all our bellies.” He reached his hand to her. “We are in this together,” he said.
Amari nodded, clasping his hand. Her fingers were cold, but warmed swiftly. “Together,” she said before releasing him.
Orval balanced Dalan and started to look through the basket.
“Do you suppose there is pease porridge?” Amari said, a light tease in her voice despite her tears.
“Why ever not?” Orval lifted his chin. “It’s warm and filling and cheap, you know.”
That time, her laughter wasn’t feigned.
A few hourslater, Orval had had enough.
The babes were sleeping well enough, but Amari was clearly uncomfortable and well she should be. Orval banged on the side of the carriage and yelled out the window for Ussin.
Ussin rode up, keeping pace with the carriage, with not much more than his eyes showing under his hat and scarves. He nodded when Orval made his request, then urged his horse forward, yelling orders. Wasn’t long before the carriage was off the road and stopped.
“Thank the Lord and Lady,” Amari said wearily.
Ussin ordered his men to keep their eyes peeled, swords and crossbows at the ready. Some were stomping out a flat area in the snow, for use as a privy. One guard had set up a small metal stove and started a fire in the base.
“You first,” Orval said. “I’ll stay with the babes.” He grabbed her arm. “Don’t wander far,” he warned her.
Grim-faced, she nodded. When the door opened, she took Ussin’s hand to climb down.
“Stay in sight,” Ussin said gruffly. “I’ll give ya as much privacy as I can, but be quick.
Amari nodded and went off alone in the direction he indicated.
“You want help?” Ussin asked, peering in without meeting Orval’s eyes. “We’re stopping long enough for a hot drink and to see to the horses. Might want to stretch yer legs while ya can.”
Orval hesitated.
“They be well?” Ussin asked, nodding at the baskets with what looked like honest concern.
“They’re sleeping,” Orval said. “I’ll step out, but not far. I want to hear them if they rouse.” He winced as he went to stand; the leg had stiffened up on him. Ussin made no move to aid but made no comment. He closed the door gently once Orval was on the ground. “Keep the heat in,” he muttered.
Orval gave him a nod and took a moment to look around. Empty fields as far as he could see, with woods in the distance. The snow was deep and pristine, but the road seemed traveled. Behind him were wagons with what had to be their belongings. Their bed frame was strapped to the top of one, looking forlorn.
