Page 52 of The Cradle of Ice

“That and perhaps a prophecy.”

Nyx shared a look with Jace, then returned her attention to Floraan. “What prophecy?”

Floraan smiled and waved to encompass their group. “That the Noor would return one day.” She reached and gripped Nyx’s hand. “Though I suspect that prophecy of your return had less to do with hope and more about necessity.”

“What do you mean?” Jace asked.

“Such a rumor served to protect the Noor, both in the past and now. Early on, Pantheans had come to recognize that the Noor had talents and knowledge that far surpassed theirs. If they believed some future clans of Noor might return, especially in force, they dared not eliminate us or risk retribution.”

Nyx’s feet slowed. “So, it was fear that truly brought both sides together.”

Floraan laughed brightly. “Only in part, my dear. It is a hard life here. It takes many hands, working together, to ensure everyone’s survival. That’s necessity, too. But that’s not all.” She nodded to her husband. “Sometimes it’s simply love.”

Nyx continued in silence, digesting everything. Pangs of guilt gnawed at her. Graylin had shared much of their group’s story, but he had never explained about the threat that drove them all into the Frozen Wastes.

Moonfall …

If Nyx and the others should succeed in their efforts to set the Urth to spinning again—an impossible enough task—this side of the world would turn over and over again to face the sun. Eventually, the Ice Shield would melt and drown this world.

Nyx stared at Henna, then over to Daal. Ahead, music rang louder. Drums thumped, strong enough to be felt in the chest. Laughter and merriment flowed. It all sounded joyous, full of life and hope.

For Nyx, it only stoked her despair, making it harder to breathe.

We came here seeking their help—but their only reward will be death.

Daal’s father finally turned to them. “We’ve reached the plaza. I will strive to get the Reef Farer to listen. Berent is a hard but fair man. Still, let’s pray he’s in good spirits.”

Nyx followed, ashamed and suddenly unsure which outcome she’d prefer.

25

GRAYLIN CLIMBED THE rear steps, which led up to a raised dais that loomed over the open plaza. Meryk and Floraan flanked him. Behind, at the foot of the stairs, Nyx stayed with Jace and Fenn, along with Daal and Henna.

Gaiety and raucous laughter echoed everywhere. Large hide drums thundered along the curved walls, except where the plaza met the sea. Horns made of huge, curled shells trumpeted in harmony, accompanied by all manner of ornate string instruments.

As he headed up, he gazed out to the sea, where boats of various sizes rocked alongside a half dozen stone piers. If he squinted, he could make out pens cordoned off in the water, fenced in by what appeared to be floating weeds. Large creatures milled within, piercing the waves with their long horns.

Strange …

At the top of the steps, a pair of guardsmen in sleek leather armor, with helms bearing small wings, came forward. They blocked the way with crossed spears tipped by steel tridents.

“Rel’n dar waa?” one asked.

Meryk moved closer and pointed toward where a small-framed man—the Reef Farer—lounged in a reed throne, adorned with shells and gilded ornaments of silver and gold. Other simpler chairs dotted the stage, occupied by a handful of people who chatted amiably together.

Likely his family.

A woman in a neighboring seat idly held the Reef Farer’s hand. She tilted over to whisper in his ear, but her gaze noted Graylin. Her eyes widened with surprise, then narrowed with curiosity. She leaned closer to the throne, her lips moving, but her eyes never left Graylin.

Ahead, Meryk appeared to be arguing with the guard.

Floraan explained. “It seems Reef Farer Berent is not in the mood to entertain strangers. If he knew how strange, he might change his stance. That’s what Meryk is trying to relate.”

One of the guards stared Graylin up and down, surely confounded by his tall boots, heavy cloth trousers, and fur-edged vest over a long-sleeved tunic. Still, those spears refused to part for them.

The impasse was broken when the Reef Farer waved one of his subordinates over, maybe a nephew or cousin. Words were exchanged and the way was opened.

Meryk led them across the dais, accompanied by the two guards. Once near the throne, Meryk dropped to a knee and bowed his forehead to the back of his hand. Floraan did the same, so Graylin followed their example.