Spellbound Chapter 6.

Chapter Six.

 

Further North.

 

The further they travelled toward the Ice Queen’s realm, the colder the air became. Inns grew scarce, and twice they had to camp in the open. Grace and Calizone slept in the wagon; the princes wrapped themselves in blankets and bedded down under it on bracken.

Beldan grew steadily more sour as it became clear that Calizone was far better known — and far more welcome — than he was. Mardan spent most of the journey talking with Grace, fascinated by her gift, though he refused to let her read him.

“I’m not sure I want to know everything about myself just yet,” he said.

After their last night outdoors, both he and Grace noticed how unwell Calizone looked. When they asked, she snapped at them to mind their own business. Grace obeyed — when a powerful witch tells you that, it is wise to listen — but she still wrapped a warm shawl around Calizone’s shoulders.

By late afternoon they reached a lonely farm. With darkness coming on, they decided to ask for shelter.

Beldan knocked. Two dogs erupted into frantic barking. He stepped back, hand on his sword. A stout, red‑faced man opened the door.

“What?” he demanded.

“I am Prince Beldan, and this is Prince Mardan,” said Beldan, trying politeness for once. “We hoped you might give us shelter for the night.”

“Prove it,” said the man.

“Prove it?” Beldan repeated, frowning.

“You could be those bandits who’ve been plaguing us,” the man said. “Fancy clothes don’t mean anything.”

Beldan drew a deep breath, ready to explode, but Mardan stepped forward quickly.

“We can pay,” he said, offering a gold coin. “Bandits don’t usually pay in gold.”

Calizone climbed down from the wagon, slow and stiff. “Do you know who I am?” she asked.

The man shook his head.

Calizone drew breath to cast a spell, but a woman pushed past her husband.

“Oh, don’t be so unpleasant,” she said. “Bandits don’t knock politely, and they certainly don’t travel with two ladies. Please forgive him — he can be an idiot. Come in. We’ve room in the barn for the menfolk, and a warm fire for the rest of you.”

The meal was simple but excellent. Afterwards, the princes went out to the barn and settled into the straw.

“A little less luxurious than the Palace,” Mardan murmured.

Beldan only grunted.

Sometime in the night, Mardan woke to the sound of voices. He shook Beldan awake. “Visitors,” he whispered, drawing his sword. Beldan did the same. They crept outside.

Four robbers were trying to slip into the barn. The fight was short and sharp; the princes subdued them easily. Mardan found twine and bound their hands.

The noise brought the farmer running.

“Nothing to worry about,” said Mardan. “We’ll explain in the morning.”

The farmer had to be content with that.

“I needed that,” Beldan said, pleased. “I feel better now.”

“We should keep watch,” said Mardan. “I’ll go first.”

Beldan went back to bed. The bandits huddled in a corner, snivelling.

“If you keep making noise,” Mardan warned, “we’ll gag you.”

They fell silent at once.

At dawn, the farmer returned. When he saw the bound thieves, he rubbed his hands together.

“That will please the neighbours. These four have plagued us long enough. There’s a lock‑up in town — I’ll take them there. Thank you.”

“I presume there’s a reward,” said Beldan.

The farmer nodded eagerly.

“Well,” said Beldan, “since my father pays those rewards, I don’t see any point in me taking it. You’re welcome to it.”

The farmer seized his hand and shook it. “You truly are a prince.”

After breakfast, Grace and Calizone climbed onto the wagon. Beldan helped Calizone up; she glared at him but didn’t refuse.

By late afternoon they reached an inn called The Last Inn. The landlord hurried out.

“I like the name,” said Beldan.

“It’s accurate,” said the landlord. “The Ice Queen’s realm begins a few miles north.”

“We intend to go there tomorrow,” said Grace.

“You’ll need a sleigh,” said the landlord. “Your wagon won’t get far.”

“And I suppose you have one for hire,” said Mardan.

“Most certainly,” said the landlord. “Beds are clean, ale is good, and dinner’s ready. Come in out of the cold.”

He bowed low to Calizone. “It’s an honour to welcome the Witch of the Dark Forest.”

Beldan sighed. “Is there anywhere you’re not known?”

“I hope not,” said Calizone.

Next morning, the landlord waited outside with a sleigh.

“Can you drive one of these?” he asked.

“Yes,” said Grace.

“I suppose it costs extra if you drive for us,” said Mardan.

The landlord grinned. “I should warn you — the ice fields are dangerous. People have been known to get lost and freeze.”

“If that happens, you’ll be richer by three horses and a Traveller wagon,” said Grace.

“And if you set my dogs free, they’ll bring the sleigh home,” said the landlord. “Still, I’d rather you all came back safely. Then you can tell everyone how good my inn is.”

By mid‑morning they reached the snow. Grace stopped the sleigh.

“What now?” she asked. “We’re not dressed for going far.”

Calizone climbed down and knelt in the snow, stirring the surface with her finger. The others watched, puzzled.

She stood. “I’ve sent a message. She’ll come soon. Grace — don’t touch her. Your hand would freeze instantly.”

Grace nodded.

“The same goes for you two boys,” Calizone added. “Remember who she is.”

“Who is she?” asked Beldan.

“She is a demon,” said Calizone. “Born when the world was formed, from the cold that existed before anything else. One touch from her, and your body would freeze and explode. Be warned.” Beldan swallowed hard. For once, he had nothing to say.

They waited, shivering, until a sleigh pulled by six pure‑white reindeer swept toward them, their breath steaming, their antlers frosted, their hooves silent on snow.

 Beldan stared, wide‑eyed. “She’s… beautiful,” he whispered, forgetting to sound princely.

“What a lovely surprise,” said the beautiful woman driving it. “Calizone, it has been too long.”

“Your Highness,” said Calizone. “You look magnificent.”

“I don’t change,” said the Ice Queen. “But time has not treated you well. You look old.”

“I am old,” snapped Calizone. “And I wish people would stop telling me.”

The Ice Queen laughed — a sound like ice crystals falling on frozen water. “It must be important for you to brave the journey.”

Calizone explained her search for a successor.

The Ice Queen shook her head. “No witchcraft in my lands, nor near them. I would know.”

She stepped down and circled the travellers. “I like this one,” she said, eyeing Mardan. “I could make room for him in my palace.” Beldan scowled. “Why does everyone like him?” he muttered.

Mardan bowed. “I’m honoured, Your Majesty, but I promised to escort these ladies. I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to break my word.”

“A pretty speech,” said the Ice Queen. “Then you may kiss my hand.”

Calizone shook her head. “I promised to return him to the king more or less unharmed.”

The Ice Queen laughed again. “You can’t blame me for trying. But it’s time for you to leave.”

She glanced at Grace. “We magic creatures put up with a lot from mortals.”

Grace lowered her eyes politely, though a faint tightening around her mouth showed she had heard the remark.

Then she climbed into her sleigh and swept away in a flurry of snow and ice.