Thread: Winter's Kiss (Ursus Peregrinus & Candy_demon21)

Nikolai Ilyich Kostchei The cool air and the warmth of the bonfires warred with one another in the square. The press of bodies bundled in furs and thick wool added to that warmth, their breath hanging in the air like mist as the ceremony began. One citizen, chosen by lottery, would travel up that winding road to the Kalte-Herzberg to represent the valley carrying the village tithes and records, presenting a year's worth of decisions by the mayors and courts of Einhard, bringing word of problems and pleas for aid from the people of the valley. They would enter the carriage and be carried off up the mountain to a castle where spring never came. A castle that seemed forever wreathed in mist, as though the clouds came down to hide it. The stories of some who had visited and returned were that the walls of the fortress were black stone and rusting iron, that ravens flocked in the towers and that wolves guarded the road up the hill. Livia shivered again as a wind whipped through the square, munching on a pretzel and moving closer to Odette. Don't you think the statue is handsome? She asked, looking up at the stone effigy of the Prince. Livia had said the same a thousand times before, always with her youthful, bubbling smile. But this time, the smile faded as silence spread out across the square like oil poured on water. The Mayor cleared his throat and looked rather shocked as he saw Odette's hand raised, and the crowd parted around her, even Livia drawing back. Are you mad Odette? What would your Mother say?! She hissed the words, her brown eyes wide in surprise at her friend's gesture. I... ahem... Surely you don't mean to volunteer.. The mayor looked down at her. He knew Odette, he knew all the three or four thousand people of Eisengrad and the tiny villages that surrounded it. Two or three times a year he would visit, at least for an hour or so, every family in this part of the valley. Mayor Horst was thought by many a good man, though her mother smirked when his name was mentioned. A good man, though wealthy and fond of his comforts. Climbing down off the Dais, Wilhelm Horst approached her. His face was tense with concern. Odette? He seemed unsure of her name for a moment, but he nodded as he got a closer look at her. You're too young girl. Much too young. Turning back to the curious crowd, he raised his hands. She's only a child! We will hold the lottery! There were rumbles from the crowd, some agreeing with the Mayor, many others wishing to have the lottery over and done with. The mutterings grew in volume until those two timberwolves threw their heads back and howled. The eerie sound echoed in the chill winter air and continued until everyone fell silent. As one, the crowd turned towards the carriage to see a cloaked figure. Wrapped in black velvet, the hood of the cloak trimmed in silver fur. Tall, a head taller than any man in the square. One hand, clad in a black leather gauntlet, extended from beneath the cloak to scratch behind the ears of one of the great grey wolves. The girl has volunteered. You know the law Wilhelm Horst. My law. The voice was cold, and of all the people in the square his was the only one who's breath didn't hang in the air like smoke. Come here, child. The left hand rose and two fingers beckoned Odette. Horst. Give her the ledgers, then get out of my sight. People drew back from the center of the square as the Prince turned slowly, little more than a silhouette and the hint of a face shadowed beneath his deep hood. Flinging his cloak back, he climbed up into the carriage once more, leaving the door open. Inside it was as dark as night. I'm so sorry Odette. The Mayor said as his assistant bustled up with three heavy, leather-bound books and a case. I tried. I did try. He gave her a hug, squeezing her tightly. He smelt of cider and sweat and tobacco. Best not keep him waiting longer. I hope... His voice dried up and he looked down at the ground. Stamped his feet as he gathered his courage. My... My Lord! I volunteer in this child's place! The two wolves responded to a whistle from within the carriage, moving towards Odette and Wilhelm. Their hackles rose and white teeth shone in their red mouths as their lips skinned back and growls rumbled like a distant rockfall. Brave, Horst. Brave but foolish. The voice reached their ears like a whisper carried on the wind. You have already been a volunteer, Wilhelm. Twenty seven years ago you made your way up the mountain a boy and walked back down as a man. You know the law. This duty comes once in a life, and yours has come and gone. Give the books to the girl, set the case on the ground and then run for your life. Odette had never heard words so cold and heartless. The next time you see me, Wilhelm, will be the end of you. Helplessly, tears in his small round eyes, the Mayor handed her the books and turned. The wolf lunged and flung him to the ground, crouching atop him and snapping at his throat. No blood flew, and in spite of the Mayor's shout he was unhurt. Pinned beneath a wolf that must weight as much as a pony, but alive. The other wolf picked up the heavy leather case with its jaws and glanced at Odette. Its tail wagged twice, and then it turned towards the carriage, carrying its burden. The people in the square were in shock, never before in living memory had there been such a furor. Come, girl. It is time to meet your Lord and Master. That soft, low voice brushed her cheek again, cold as the winter breeze and as empty of life as the forest in January. tag