“We’re on my uncle’s ranch.” A shiver rippled through her as the snow began to melt and soak through her sweater.
“You must be cold. Would you like a hand up?” He reached down, offering his hand.
Moving slowly to ensure he didn’t somehow vanish, she stretched to take the proffered hand. When their fingers touched, a spark flew out between them, sending a shock down her arm. She pulled back reflexively. And he was gone.
*****
“Everyone step back,” shouted Graely, stepping into the fray. “He can’t answer all your questions at once. Give him an opportunity to tell the story.”
Kaevin was still a bit dazed from the shock of touching her. Someone handed him some water, and he drank it gratefully. Squeezing his eyes shut, he attempted to clarify the details in his mind.
“We were outside on the edge of a huge field. There were tall trees behind us.”
“What kind of trees?” asked Nordamen.
“I saw some kind of cone trees. And before you ask what was growing in the field... it was covered in snow, so I don’t know.”
“Snow? How cold was the air?” This question came from the weapons master.
“I don’t know. Well below freezing. The snow was dry and came halfway to my knees. And there was no sign of melting even though the sun was out.” He tried to suppress a smile. “She was lying in the snow—simply playing, I think.”
“With that much snow so early in the season,” remarked Morvaen, “she must be quite far to the north. Were there mountains nearby?”
“Possibly, but I didn’t notice. I was watching the girl.”
“Did she speak to you?” asked Raelene.
“She seemed really surprised to see me. I told her my name, and she told me hers.” He glanced about; everyone in the room appeared to be holding their breaths. “Alora.”
A rowdy discussion arose between the council members, but no one recognized the name.
“Go on. What else did she say?” asked Graely.
“I asked her where we were, and she said, ‘We’re on my uncle’s ranch.’ I don’t know what that word means. And then I offered her my hand to help her up. And when she touched my hand, it sparked. And it hurt a little, but then I was back here again.”
“Quick,” said Darielle, her eyes wide and bright with excitement. “Let me see if I can follow your link this time.” She placed her trembling hands on his forehead while everyone watched with wide eyes. The room was so quiet Kaevin could hear his heart beating in his ears. But her hands fell away as she sagged in defeat. “Nothing—still a wall. She must have a very powerful ward. Perhaps this uncle of hers has some strong powers.”
“Could it be because she’s so far away?” asked Graely. “She could be beyond the mountains with that much snow.”
“No,” Darielle replied. “Distance alone couldn’t cause a complete block like that. It must be some kind of ward, so I can’t see her. But we’d almost completed the drawing when Kaevin transported.” She handed it to Kaevin. “Do we have it now? Does this look like her?”
He stared at the picture, his heart warming at the sight. “Yes. This is her. This is Alora.” He liked the way her name sounded on his lips. When his father reached for the drawing, Kaevin found himself reluctant to let it go.
Taking it from Kaevin’s hands, Graely studied the graphite sketch. “Glare!” he exclaimed with wide eyes, handing the parchment to Raelene.
She gaped at the paper, which trembled in her hands.
“It’s... it’s Wendelle.”
Graely retrieved the parchment, holding it high so the rest of the council could view it. All who were old enough to remember Wendelle agreed the girl looked much the same as Raelene’s daughter.
“Is it possible that she’s come back to life somehow?” asked Graely.
“But what about her eyes?” asked Kaevin. “Her eyes aren’t green. And she’s young—perhaps sixteen or seventeen.”
“Or fifteen,” croaked Raelene, dropping to a chair. “She must be fifteen. That’s the only explanation. Wendelle had a baby.”
Uproar arose between the council members. Graely’s hands were on his hips as his voice rose above the clamor.