The End of the ICE Age

(Sometime long ago…in Kelfour’s Landing)

She went to the window in the quiet morning. There was snow and ice everywhere, the window pane had even frosted on the inside. Brushing the icy coating away, she peered out at an almost empty town.

There were things littering the streets, discarded things. Sometimes she caught the glimpse of movement, but when she stared hard at the spot, there was nobody there.

It was quieter than she had ever heard the town.

With a shiver, she pulled her quilted robe closer around her, and continued to peer out the window. A wind howled down empty streets, sending crystals of ice and snow before it. A lone figure strode towards the Inn, bundled against the cold, but walking tall. He looked up at her window and saw her. She nodded to Harcourt, he raised his hand in a silent greeting and moved on.

She glanced over at the bed, the mage slept still. Keeping quiet, she unhooked the door and stole into the chilly hallway. Down the stairs, it was empty again. After so much bustle at the Inn, there was only silence at the desk. She made her way into the kitchen and poured some hot water for tea. Biscuits, jellies and the last of the fresh fruit she heaped on a tray to take back to their room.

Stacks of firewood stood near each door in the upper hallway, she noticed. The Innkeep had been busy. At a curtained doorway, Lord Gandin stood with a perplexed look on his face. He had a checklist in his hand, but she could see the wall right through him. He raised his arms at the doorway and a bright flash of magic was there, sealing the room off. Turning around, he said to her, “Best leave this be, I will talk to the Innkeep. Arshabod…” and he shook his head. With a bow, he was gone.

Back in their room, she set the tray down and sipped gratefully at the hot liquid. She heard the mage stirring. Turning, she moved over to the bed and sat down on it. His eyes searched for hers. She offerred him the cup of tea as she said, “They’re gone, my love. Almost all of them, gone.”

Author: GSBardess Past

She contributes from her retirement to share memories of GS3 and GS2 with us.

Share This Post On