Encased in Snow

Dearfin stood motionless in the silent storm, staring at the stretch ahead of him. The snow-covered path was no help. He’d come so far, chased her essence across seven kingdoms, only to be stopped here. Dearfin scowled.

“That won’t help,” Trennan said, flicking the back of his head.

Rubbing his head, he glowered at the aged witch. “And hitting me helps?”

“It helps my mood.” Trennan shrugged, grinning wryly.

Dearfin twitched his nose, unimpressed.

Trennan heaved a sigh. “Oh, don’t look like a sullen two-year-with their favorite toy taken away.”

Sputtering, he followed the witch as she moved up the path. She’d compared him to a child with a toy taken? Their stolen priestess was no mere toy!

If they didn’t retrieve her before the new year, they were doomed. Only the priestess could unravel time’s web, leading them to the correct paths.

“But I suppose you’re okay with death,” he muttered.

“What was that?” Trennan raised one crooked, disdainful brow. Dearfin shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. “I thought as much.”

“We’re not getting anywhere. The trail’s dead, buried beneath murderous snow.” Snow drained life from the world, hiding any remnants of her essence.

Trennan shook her head and tutted. “Snow doesn’t murder.” She tapped her gnarled stick against the ground. The snow vanished, leaving a thread of green behind.

Trennan grinned at him. “The snow lays the path for life anew.” Dearfin’s eyes followed the trail winding into the distance. Leading them towards the priestess.