Pursuing Justice

By Lisa Nixon Richard

Raiders invade Icordia. Shackled in chains, Corrion lives on the stairwell behind Stephne's apartment, cut from contact with her mentors and friends while the army marches to battle. Her dream of healer destroyed as Stephne gains power stealing the status of Green Lady. A daring attempt is made to help Corrion escape the madness of the castle only to be fettered to the demons of war. Corrion faces the decision of compromising her healing flame to kill the raiders or let them overrun Icordia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Nixon Richard
• Release date: Nov 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370842124

Lisa Nixon Richard

Lisa was born and raised under the Big Sky of Montana. . After finishing college with a bachelor of education in history and English, she taught for three years in a small Montana school. In the meantime, she signed up to be a soldier. She left Montana for brief stints when attending various military schools and she retired with 20 years of service in the Montana National Guard. Lisa's father taught her the love of reading at an early age and her uncles taught her the love of storytelling. Many nights, she fell asleep to their stories of hunting and the great outdoors. When her husband introduced her to Robert Jordan, she fell in love with fantasy. Though she loves to write about faith and history, her true passion lies in magic and mythological creatures. She now writes fulltime while enjoying her many hobbies of travel, gardening, hiking, photography, crocheting and painting. She is ferociously proud of her two grown, military sons. She still lives under the Big Sky with her husband, daughter, and cat.

Book preview

In Chains

Underneath her booted feet, the hard surface of the frozen ice kept her from plunging into the lake that separated Princess Icylica's castle from the rest of her country. Shadows of fish darted just below the layers of ice. Cade stood in front of her. He wore his military uniform, a farce considering he never trained with his comrades though he was just a first year. The brown trousers tucked into his leather boots with a matching cloak thrown over his shoulders to block the weather. A sword hung on his hip. She grew up with him, relied on him, and trusted him, her twin. Now, she didn't know him and wondered if she ever had. Anger contorted his face as she watched his lips rambling on about how wonderful Icylica and Stephne would be to her if she only accepted their status over her.

The castle loomed over them between the banks of the lake to the front and the river to the left. The walls were built on the gradual slope that rested against the base of the rocky mountain face. Growing up, she believed the castle to be a safe haven for her, not the prison it became in the last days. The gray rock walls from years of neglect used to be a gleaming white. She realized it looked the part of a jail, dank and rotting. Towers formed the four corners of the curtain wall with the giant rock hugging the mountain cliff. The gate house faced the buildings that housed the students and their classroom off to the right of the castle.

If she turned around, she would see Bjorn in his bear form on the far bank by the little house of the gardener’s, white fur gleaming in the moonlight. She loved him like a father. He always tried to save her from the Princess' wrath. Behind him, the tiered gardens, asleep for the winter, waited patiently for the land to thaw. Hope swelled with the land in the spring. She doubted spring would ever arrive.

Soon the ice would crack. The dream remained the same every time. Cade fell in the frigid water. Stephne pulled him deeper into the lake. Corrion tried to grasp his hands. Instead, of missing his grasp, his warm hand grabbed her wrist like an iron cuff. Her body plunged into the glacial depths of the water. Farther down, Cade drug her. The water poured into her lungs. Punching with all her might, her hand hit his face. With the release of her wrist, she kicked her way to the top of the lake only to realize the ice reformed where she fell through. Pounding on the ice, a crack penetrated the water. Her fists broke out of the ice, blood streaming into the lake.

Gasping for breath, Corrion heard a meow. The scene in front of her faded as her eyes opened to what was more a nightmare then her dream. Complete darkness dug at her soul, worse then a cloudy night with no stars or moon or being under feet of ice. Not one ounce of light penetrated the rock walls that formed around the landing and stairwell outside of Stephne's apartment which had belonged to Corrion's dear mentor Gudrun before Cade murdered her. She knew gray colored the stone just like on the outside of the castle. Lower, in the tunnels below, the stone reeked of sickness from a black substance that Corrion believed to be from Princess Icylica's misuse of her power.

Cold crawled up into her bones, like maggots burrowing into the flesh. Iron shackles dug into her skin as Corrion slept on the rocky stairs. The chains anchored into the wall made a slithering sound when she moved. Her stone bed bruised her hips. Her body ached as she pulled herself out of the cloying visions of a frozen lake. Tora, her tawny and black cat, rammed her head against Corrion's side. The soft purring helped to calm Corrion's nerves as she matched her breathing to the feline's. The panic that gripped her chest dissipated slightly.

She pushed herself into a sitting position with a groan. She vigorously rubbed at her shoulders, her blonde hair swirling down her back. With the soft touch of her fingers, she felt for the leather strap she used to tie back her tresses. Dressed in the same clothes as the past two days, she wished for a nice warm bath. The brown trousers with stains clung to her legs and the shirt stunk. She stunk.

Her dry mouth screamed for water. Fuzz grew on her teeth even though she tried to scrap them with her fingernails the night before. Her stomach growled at the thought of a nice bowl of porridge and kaffe. At this point, she would love a cup of tea infused with mint. The idea almost took away the stale taste in her mouth.

Tora, I am freezing. Pulling at the chains, she winced in pain. Ice and snow! How could I actually think the Princess would let me learn healing? How could I be so stupid? Why am I so loyal to her, the school, and my stupid destiny? My destiny is frozen solid with no hope for spring.

Continuing to rub her arms to get the blood flowing, she sighed. Questions! She always asked questions. Her questions only got her into trouble. Yet, she realized she learned a lot from her questions. In almost a year, she accomplished many feats. She needed to think of them, not think of the negative, of being chained up in a stairwell. Just yesterday, she did a good deed. She gave her thick winter cloak to Anitra in the dungeons. She didn't regret giving the healer her warm garment, but she wished she had something to wrap around her body. The stairwell in the back of the Green Lady's apartment held no warmth. She jumped as the grating of rocks filled the air.

Light flowed out of the opening of the hidden exit, revealing the gray rock of the small landing and stairs that plummeted down into darkness. Corrion watched as a candle popped into view and a woman followed. She wore a long black dress that swished as she moved. A white apron tied at her back. The maid who took care of her just a few short days ago, before Corrion's being accused of the Gudrun's murder, looked down at her for a moment. Corrion scooted down a step as the other woman crouched down.

Mistress Corrion, here is some food I pilfered from the kitchen. The maid thrust a package wrapped in cloth at her.

Corrion grabbed the bundle from her hand and tore at the knot with a shaky hand. The maid reached over and helped pull at the string. The napkin opened up to reveal a biscuit with bacon between the two halves. Stuffing half the sandwich in her mouth, a muffled moan radiated from Corrion. As she continued to eat, the maid filled the silence.

I don't believe a word that Stephne says about you, maybe what she says about that Sarah girl, but not you. I seen her manipulate the others who fawn all over her. I won't let her do that to me.

Corrion's hand froze as she brought the last bit up to her lips. You see the manipulation? How?

Their eyes go blank. The woman shuddered. It is like she winks out the candle of life. It ain't natural.

How do you stop her from manipulating you? asked Corrion.

I don't know.

Corrion ate the last bite of the fluffy biscuit with bacon. Thank you for the food, but may I see your hand. I want to test a theory.

The maid shrugged her shoulders as she held out her hand. Corrion probed the maid with her blue flame. Surrounding the woman, a powder blue haze pulsed. For some reason, Corrion thought of Cook.

Have you taken an oath of any sort to Cook?

The maid rolled her eyes. Yes, my niece, Agna, insisted months back that I do it. She yammered on about the evil entering the castle. I thought she meant you until you were sent to the apartment. She spoke highly of you then.

I wonder what Agna was thinking. Corrion met Agna, another maid like her aunt, when she worked at the kitchen. Agna, not much older than herself, loved to gossip about the happenings at the healing school. Her goal was to be a maid at the castle, but until then, she cleaned the dorms and helped in the dining hall. Corrion wondered how she would know to have her aunt swear an oath. The maid interrupted her thoughts.

I have to be going. The older woman looked over her shoulder. I don't know how long Stephne has stepped out of the apartment. I will try to bring you food. If you aren't here, I will put it here. She pulled out a rock at the base of the wall revealing a little cubbyhole. She may feed you, but it won't be much. Take care, Mistress Corrion.

The maid crumpled up the cloth napkin and string, shoving them in one of her pockets. She left through the secret door. A click followed the grating sound of the door closing.

Corrion sighed, feeling a bit better having eaten, though a couple more biscuits and bacon would have been nice along with a blanket. The candle remained behind. She didn't know if the maid meant to leave it, but she was thankful. She moved it to the opening of the cubby. The light didn't help her see inside, so she ran her hand around the rough surface. She smiled as she pulled out a flint and steel. Regrettably, she blew out the flame. She didn't want Stephne to find her with the candle and she wanted to save it for her dark moments of despair she knew would come through the following days. She replaced the fire making kit and added the candle and holder.

Instead of closing up the hole, Corrion picked up the rock. She deduced since she ate a morning meal that she slept through the night and this was her first day in irons. Gripping the rock, she used it to scrape a line down one of the stone blocks of the wall. With that done, she put the rock back in place.

Now, what was she to do? She stood up. As a young girl, her mother sent her out into the fields with her da and brothers noon meal. In the early spring, the winds swept through the countryside with a frigid temperature. Shivering from the cold while they ate, her father instructed her to exercise. He ran her through the moves of swordsmanship. When her twin brother finished eating, he let the two of them practice, much to the delight of her older brothers. As she grew in skill, he sometimes had her fight the older ones. They stopped laughing when she bested them once in every three bouts.

She began running through the steps. The clanging of the chains as she moved became like music. As her body automatically worked, she thought of her situation. Simple enough, she was shackled to a wall as a prisoner. However, they still needed her. She would help keep the Princess healthy until she gave birth to the next princess. When Corrion tackled Stephne in the tunnel and saw the vision she knew that Stephne planned to switch her baby with the new princess and rule Icordia. Corrion shivered at the thought of what Stephne might do to the real princess. Somehow, Corrion had to protect the baby. She needed to get a message to Bjorn, the leader of the Brotherhood of the Bear.

The maid. Stephne brought Corrion here to the stairwell so no one would interact with her. Corrion laughed. Stephne underestimated the workers. Leave it to her ego to not see her maid as a force to be reckoned with in her power move to the throne.

Corrion’s thoughts roamed to the tenets. All of her life, she applied the third tenet without even knowing it existed. Rewards come from hard work and honesty. Corrion's parents instilled this moral in her. Her brothers worked from sunup to sundown in the fields during the warm months of the year. In the winter, they chopped wood and took care of all the animals and the items needing fixing around the farm. Corrion worked in the house. When she arrived at the castle, she worked hard in the kitchen and later with the dogsled teams. As a student, she studied hard.

Stephne never worked hard. Her father ran the general store in their small village of Gardsdrift. They hired a maid and Stephne played. Now, at the castle, she manipulated everyone around her to get the things she wanted and she now manipulated to gain power.

Finishing all her moves, Corrion felt a bead of sweat roll down her brow. She sat at the edge of the stairs. Before she felt the silky fur, she heard the purring of her cat, Tora. When Corrion ran away from home to follow her destiny, the cat followed her. She still felt amazed that a cat could help her fulfill her destiny. But having Tora by her side, gave her strength.

The first tenet of Icordia, the ice country she lived in, stated, The destiny of others should be nurtured. Since the Princess refused to support Corrion's destiny of being a healer, Corrion decided to strike out on her own to fulfill her destiny by herself. Of course people along the way helped Corrion, but the Princess stopped living the tenets. The Princess closed all the village schools killing the fifth tenet, Knowledge for the masses. Princess Icylica placed her needs above her entire people, the forth tenet massacred.

Corrion shook her head in sadness and frustration. She loved the tenets and meditated on them every night. Now she worked hard for the future. In the last few months, she gained knowledge of the old ways. Just yesterday, she discovered the Princess was pregnant with the future princess. Corrion must give the new princess a future, a destiny. She might have been able to climb the mountain to avoid being imprisoned in the dungeon, but instead, she came back to the castle. Her destiny still lay in these cold walls.

Tora interrupted her thoughts as she jumped onto her lap. Corrion stroked her fur and meditated on the tenets. Over and over she said the words. Time crept by as she alternated between exercise, meditation, and sleep. Periodically, Stephne brought her dried meat and the maid snuck in breakfast. Corrion added her fifth mark to the wall.

The scrapping of rock indicated morning finally arrived. Sleep evaded her as the days continued. She worked hard to stay warm by running through the drill her father taught her, hoping to also exhaust her body enough to sleep after Stephne brought her stale bread and cold water. Nightmares of the lake and destruction interrupted when she did drift to sleep. The dreams started when she came to the castle and were of her twin brother Cade being pulled under the lake water, first by Stephne and then by Princess Icylica. Later the dream turned to her party of healers and soldiers drowning when they went to Trones to heal the villagers of the red plague. Now her dreams were of a baby being held under the water by Stephne until her little arms stopped fighting. Corrion wondered how her destiny could save the baby.

A guard stepped from Stephne's bedroom. In the dark landing, he grabbed Corrion's arms. Placing a small key in the hole of the shackles, Corrion sighed as the heavy weight fell to the floor. She rubbed her wrists as he pushed her through the tiny door and through the apartment she used to live in with Gudrun, the former Green Lady. Stephne moved into the apartment just a day after Gudrun's murder.

The guard who released her stayed at the doorway that connected the bedroom and living room. Another guard stood at the door that led to the main corridor of the castle. Both wore brown trousers, mid-calf boots, cream shirt, and brown jacket with a sword strapped to their waist. Stephne sat at the table with an arrangement of breakfast foods displayed. She wore a white dress with pale green leaves trimming the skirt. A matching green belt gathered the dress at her waist. Of course, ribbon adorned her ginger hair.

Sit my friend, invited Stephne. You are to heal the Princess today. I can't be having you looking ill yourself.

Corrion tried to turn from the food, but her stomach growled. With all her strength, she walked slowly to the table. She sat across from Stephne, hesitating just a moment. Without using a fork, she grabbed a piece of sausage and bit into the salty meat with fennel spice. Grease oozed out of the casing and splattered on her grungy shirt. She didn't care. The sausage was divine. After finishing the sausage, she turned her attention to the apple tart. The pastry exploded in her mouth with cinnamon. She almost groaned. As her stomach felt better, she poured herself a cup of tea. She held the cup up close to her face to let the steam warm her face and her icy hands. She longed for the days of living here in this very room with Gudrun. The memories cut deep as she realized the person that prevented it sat in front of her. Corrion almost regretted enjoying the meal, but Gudrun would want her to keep strong. Sitting up straight she looked over the rim of the cup.

Has the Princess been throwing around ice spikes and in need of healing?

Of course not, you haven't been around to bother her, said Stephne. The life of the baby is draining her of strength.

Looking around the room, Corrion almost lost herself in the view out the window. Blue sunny sky. Memories. She used to gaze out the window in the past, wishing to be outside. Now she wished to just have a small window. Snow stood piled on the outside of the sill. The memory of the snowball fight she started between her, Sarah, and Gudrun caused her nose to sting from fighting her tears. She turned back to Stephne.

I see you are blooming in pregnancy. Corrion meant to be antagonizing, but she realized Stephne did look radiant.

Some people take to it better than others I suppose.

The syrupy sweetness to Stephne's voice made Corrion want to scratch the smile off of her face. And is my brother faring as well with the news that he is expecting two children?

That is no concern of yours. Stephne stood up. Shall we go? She tossed Corrion a grey dress that Corrion hadn't noticed on the chair next to Stephne. Put this on.

Here? With the guards present? Corrion pointed at the second bedroom door. I can go just in there to change. There is no way out.

Don't be so modest Corrion. We know you do worse for Bjorn.

The guard at the front door snickered.

She stood and turned her back to the snickering guard. The other, to her relief, turned away from her. Pulling the dress over her head, she pulled it down over her shoulders. She felt ridiculous, but managed to get the shirt off and the dress the rest of the way on without revealing too much. She slipped the trousers off after lowering the skirt of the dress.

Stephne pointed to the bedroom door, indicating the back route to Princess Icylica's room. Corrion dropped her clothes off in the stairwell hoping to put them on later. She was relieved Stephne didn't seem to notice. They wound their way through the underground maze of the castle after they went down the stone stairway. Corrion watched for Tora, but her cat had a knack for staying hidden when it suited her. Climbing the back stairs to the Princess’ room, Corrion caught a whiff of lavender. As they stepped up the last step, they entered the dark apartment of the Princess.

Corrion had entered Icylica's main room only twice before, but she stopped in the entrance in alarm. A black grayish tar feeling overwhelmed her. Trying to remember when she felt this way before, the guard shoved her into the room. He closed the door with himself on the other side. Corrion suspected he didn't like the atmosphere any better than she.

As you see, the guard will be just outside that door. Stephne sneered. When you are finished, he will take you back to the stairwell. Don't think you can stay in the comfort of the apartment. He has been instructed to come get you by the lunch meal if you haven't left of your own accord. Also, there is a guard at the front entrance as well. You can't escape.

You aren't staying to make sure I don't cause some evil? asked Corrion.

Please, you're too stupid, the good little Corri. Stephne voice sang, syrupy and sweet.

Corrion cringed at the use of her nickname, only those closest to her used it when addressing her. Not giving Stephne the benefit of thinking she irritated her, Corrion smiled. Well, I hope you have a wonderful day.

I plan too. Cade and I are riding out to a cute little cabin the Princess found north of the orchard. Stephne handed Corrion a cloth pouch. Here is the healing stone.

Corrion nodded though she thought of Guri as she turned towards the Princess' bed. Guri, Corrion's half-troll friend, showed her the cabin when they came to the castle late the previous summer. Not letting her thoughts go further into the old memories, she walked towards the bed as Stephne left through the front door of the suite.

The cloying feeling still penetrated the atmosphere. Working quickly, Corrion ran to the blue tapestries embroidered with snowflakes and pulled them open revealing the glorious sun and letting it shine through the darkness. She added logs to the fire, wishing she had herbs to liven up the energy in the room. With a small stick from the fire, she lit all the candles around the space. Not thinking about consequences, she pulled the heavy rope that hung above Princess Icylica. Though the cloying smell of lavender floated in the back stairs, the scent failed to cover the stench of the sickbed.

As Corrion's fingers brushed against the rock, the blue healing flame glowed through the fabric of the pouch Stephne handed her. She pulled it out wondering if one of the healers she knew in the dungeon had cleared the stone of the taint she left behind the last time she used the rock or if the stone healed on its own over time. The white hard substance of the rock helped magnify her power to not deplete her so fast. A haze emanating from Corrion grew until it encircled the entire bed. Corrion remembered where she felt the taint before today. Her brother reeked of the tarlike substance when he tried to kill her weeks ago. The manipulation of the Princess by Stephne grew more violent.

Leaning over the side of the bed, the Princess slept. Her long white hair spread across the light blue pillow. The color of her skin looked grey in sickness. The color of her blue nightdress showed above the white colored quilt with blue snowflakes embroidered all along the border. The Princess looked tiny in the huge bed. She also looked close to death.

Corrion touched Icylica's brain. A cacophony of voices assaulted her. The voices inside Princess Icylica's mind fed loathing into the innermost thoughts of the monarch. Cold fear crawled down Corrion's spine. Instinctively, she pulled her hand back disrupting the haze. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she connected to the flame once again.

She comes to kill you, stated a raspy deep voice.

Corrion looked around the room to make sure no one disturbed them. The voice echoed through the Princess' thoughts. A chill traveled down Corrion's spine, but she forced herself to fight her own fear.

The witch will tear the babe out of your womb to eat it in one of her rituals, said the voice. Kill her first.

Icylica struggled under Corrion's touch. Please, don't hurt us.

Princess, fight the voices. I am here to help, Corrion pleaded.

She lies, a different voice screeched. She wants to destroy you and all of Icordia.

Corrion realized her healing touch failed to penetrate the barricade that Princess Icylica's mind constructed to block Corrion's help. When she healed Cade, she let the ring do the work. She and Cade had the bonds of siblings, her gift worked naturally. She had no idea how to fix the Princess' emotional state.

Princess, I am trying to heal you. Let me in. Corrion struggled to think of what to try. Memories. They shared no positive memories. An idea formed. When I was but just a little girl, my da, whose name is Edvin, talked about the castle. I think you remember him. You loved the stories he told. Well, he shared those stories with my brothers and me. He talked about your beauty. I remember after the stories I would run around the barnyard pretending all the chickens were my healers. I wanted to be you, beautiful and strong.

For a fleeting moment, Corrion realized her mother yelled at her when she played castle. Her antics must have brought back horrible memories of fear for her mother. It would have also reminded her mother of a lost destiny.

See, she wants to be the next Princess. She means to kill you and take your place as Ice Princess. The raspy voice laughed.

Behind all the voices in the Princess' head, Corrion heard a new voice. Help. The Princess' voice echoed.

Before Corrion could continue, the door opened. She looked as a young maid with blue eyes walked in wearing a black dress and white apron. In relief, Corrion broke the bond with the flame. She slumped down in a chair a few feet from the bed. The maid approached cautiously.

I am trying to help the Princess, said Corrion. "We need apple wood for the fire. I think a nice chicken broth for the Princess and plain bread. Also, I want a cleaning crew in here after lunch. I see dust all over. Oh, and fresh bedding. I am appalled at how you have left her in such uncared for circumstances.

And who do you think you are? the maid asked.

Corrion glared at her. Obviously, you know who I am. I am the one that everyone claims to be evil. I am a prisoner for made up crimes. However, be logical. Stephne left me here alone to heal the Princess. Look at the filth. It needs cleaned. Look at the Princess. She is sick and needs food. Do your job.

The Green Lady told all of us we are not allowed in here unless she or the Princess calls on us. She tried to stand tall. I do not have to listen to you. I won't listen to you.

Staring the maid down, Corrion realized she saw red flakes in the maid's eyes. Corrion didn't have energy to spare for the likes of the maid. She growled in frustration. The Princess needed an advocate. She thought of Cook.

Will you go to get Cook?

No. The maid looked down at Princess Icylica. In fact, since it wasn't the Princess who called me, I will be going.

Corrion didn't bother to stop her. Instead she pushed herself out of the comfortable chair. The Princess still slept, but some color returned to her grey pallor. Going back to work, Corrion continued with her thought after connecting to the blue flame.

Princess Icylica, as I grew older, I knew I couldn't be you. Instead, I wanted to serve you. That is why I ran from home. I wanted to help you. Let me help.

The barricade remained strong.

Princess, Cook would love to help you, said Corrion. She played to a hunch. Cook loves you dearly. Corrion felt a small crack. Call for Cook. She will help heal you.

Corrion saw Princess Icylica open her sapphire colored eyes, now faded.

Cook?

Yes. I know you don't trust me. But if you sent for Cook, she would help you. Corrion hesitated for a moment to let that sink into Princess Icylica's thoughts. Until then, let my healing help you and the baby.

The Princess nodded.

The blue flame began to pulse. Corrion felt the power coursing through the veins of the Princess. She sighed in relief as the flame stroked the tiny living baby inside the uterus of the Princess. The baby remained strong despite the war consuming Princess Icylica. Struggling to stand, Corrion pushed once more at the voices, but the small crack didn't grow. She staggered to the chair as the rock, now an inky black, tumbled to the floor. The Princess sat up in bed.

What day is it? asked Princess Icylica.

I believe it is six days since I last saw you. Corrion wiped sweat off her forehead. I have tried to keep track of the days, but with no sunlight, I am only guessing. Princess, I heard the voices. I couldn't get through them to heal your thoughts.

Voices? The Princess' jaw clenched. An ugly distortion took over her composure. Get out of my apartments.

Corrion shivered though the room was very warm. At the same moment, the door leading to the back stairwell opened. The soldier waited as Corrion stood on her wobbly legs. Lifting the sides of her grey skirt, she curtsied.

I am here to serve. Corrion backed from the room until the soldier grabbed her arms and shoved her the rest of the way out. Once again, her days blended together with boredom, cold, and exercise.

The Dungeon

Humming a little tune as she changed from her jade colored gown into a lime nightdress, Stephne smiled at the thought of her rendezvous with Cade. Her mother would be appalled at her glowing cheeks, but she held the feeling until she wrapped up in a blanket and sat next to the Green Lady's hearth, her hearth. The hearth that Corrion would never enjoy again. She laughed. Her plan unfolded with beauty, like a swan flying across a lake to land softly onto the folds of the rippling water. Her mother spun the big details of the plan, but she tweaked the minute points.

After leaving Cade, she stopped by the apartment of the Princess. Icylica blubbered on and on about someone called Leka for some reason. Corrion cracked the barrier Stephne placed on Icylica's mind, but she didn't worry. In moments, the repair was made. Princess Icylica fell back into a deep sleep with her coloring as white as snow that lay on the ground outside. The healings would continue periodically, just enough to keep mother and child alive. Stephne knew that Corrion held no knowledge of the intricate functioning's of the brain. None of the land countries knew the secrets. The information only belonged to the islanders who delighted in dissecting the brain in reality and with the manipulating power of the red flame. The secrets could never be learned in the eight months it took until the babies were born. If Corrion learned how to fix Icylica's brain, it would be too late.

A green dainty cup sat in front of her on the edge of the hearth. Inside the cup rested five pieces of cut poppy stems. Stephne poured hot water from the black kettle over the dried stalks. After a few minutes, she used a spoon to fish out the potent items. In a sizzling hiss, she tossed the items in the fire. Not quite ready to face her mother, she held the cup, warming her hands. She took her time sipping. When she reached the bottom of the cup, she returned it to the hearth. Her eyes closed.

Stephne placed in her mind the reflection of her jade dress she saw in her memory before leaving the apartment earlier in the day. She delighted in her mother seeing the outfit she used to seduce Cade with when they met the same day she had to check in with the old woman, her mother, the low cut neckline and clinging waist. She let a whiff of Cade's musky smell envelope her to make sure her mother caught the reference. The apartment her body sat in disappeared as she concentrated on the parlor of her parent's home above the general store. Her mother hadn't arrived. She took the time to inspect the details of cleanliness. A throw blanket littered the floor. Stephne zapped it out of the dream.

An uneasy tug pulled at her mind, her mother's tug. Stephne released the image of the room and followed the bright red rope. Flying over the darkened countryside of Icordia with the full moon splashing over the snow, she frowned, instead of turning left on the rutted dirt highway to the seaport city, she turned right towards the castle. Dread filled her. Mother traveled to the castle. She was close.

The rope ended in a village green in front of a small house. Walking to the door, Stephne knocked. Irritation filled her as she had to wait for permission to enter. Her mother was getting stronger with her power the closer she came to the castle. The rock, which ran underneath this village from the castle, though turned black, gave power to their manipulative red flame. Not as much as if the stone were healthy and white, but more power than in the middle of nowhere, like the village they hailed from in Gardsdrift. Stephne sighed. Her days of freedom were going to end.

The door opened to reveal her mother standing in front of her in a deep midnight blue dress trimmed in a silvery grey material. Stephne wondered if her mother really thought she would take over the position of Princess. Stephne shook her head in frustration. She still needed to devise a plan to muzzle her mother.

You're late. The older woman wrinkled her nose.

Stephne grinned. Her mother caught on quick. Well, I have been a busy girl. Besides, you didn’t tell me to look for you. If I had known you left Gardsdrift, I would have been here sooner. Not my fault.

Pushing past her mother, she almost laughed at the tiny dwelling her mother stayed in for the night. Before she could be ridiculed, she snapped her eyes shut. When she opened them again, the little room sparkled. The dust and grime disappeared as did all the clutter of the family that resided in the home. She added fluffy pillows in cream colors and a cheery fire in the hearth. Her mother looked around and found nothing out of place.

They sat down in chairs Stephne mindfully transferred from the castle to replace the wooden plain ones from the cottage. For a short time, the illusion would feel comfortable. Over time, the real chairs would hurt their backsides. Illusion couldn't replace all of reality for any great length of time. Stephne didn't intend to stay long.

Everything is going as planned, Mother. Stephne smiled with confidence. The Princess has been introduced to the voices. She is only partially healed when she is at her weakest, after I have secured the barricade to her troubled mind. Of course, the healer has only helped her body.

And what of Corrion?

I have told you numbers of times that Corrion is still needed. The baby needs her while we work against Icylica. As the time draws near, I will have her replaced. It is under control.

That is yet to be seen. The old woman picked a piece of lint off of her skirt. And my rooms? Are they ready?

Stephne wiggled uncomfortably in her seat. I will get the servants on that right away. They will be ready when you arrive.

Make sure they are. Her mother pointed a wrinkled finger at her. And enough dilly dallying with that boy. You are supposed to send him away. I expect him gone in the next day. If he is there when I arrive, I will deal with him.

In Stephne's irritation, her mother's chair changed into the real hard wood. She wondered if she could kill the woman in a dream traveling state. Kill her. The idea had merit. Stephne needed to arrange an accident for her mother. But her father, he would get hurt as well. Her mother kept a link with him to use to manipulate Stephne. This reminded her. She looked around, realizing she saw no signs of her father.

Where is Da? she asked.

Oh, that old fool. He stayed behind. I wasn't going to lose the income from the store.

Stephne blazed with anger. What income will you need? You will be living in a castle with access to anything you desire. I want him at the castle as well.

Don’t be ridiculous. Her mother smoothed out her skirt. He will not be welcome as soon as my family comes from the islands. All Icordians will become our slaves, him included.

Da is not to be a slave. Stephne lurched from the chair. You never mentioned that before.

I let you believe what you wanted. Reality is he will be like the rest.

Death. The woman deserved to die. All this time she lied to Stephne. She stepped to the sideboard, grabbing a clay cup off the table and flung it across the room. Pieces shattered, flying in all directions as it hit the wall in a crash. Feeling her face grow red, infuriating her even more, she stomped her foot like a petulant child.

Stephne! Her mother's finger rubbed a trickle of blood off her cheek from a flying shard of clay. You are acting like a spoiled brat. Get your emotions in check. I have had quite enough. The farm boy and farm girl will be gone when I arrive at the castle. With a wave of her hand, she left the vision.

Stephne snapped back to the castle. She jumped from the chair; the blanket fell to the floor. With the sweep of her foot, the green cup flew in the air and shattered. Stomping across the room and through the bedroom, she punched at the key rocks to open the secret passage, scraping her knuckles. In a blur of rage, she kicked the body that sat on the floor. She grinned at seeing Corrion wither in pain. As she pulled her leg back for a second kick at Corrion, the other girl caught Stephne's leg. Using the momentum, Corrion pulled Stephne off her feet. Stephne screamed as she fell to the floor. A crack echoed off the walls as pain shot through her arm. She looked down in horror to see it bent in an unnatural direction. Darkness folded in around Stephne.

**********

Eyes wide, Corrion looked down at the crumpled body. Her side where Stephne kicked her throbbed, but she ignored the pain. She looked around in fear. What were they going to do to her? She hurt Stephne. The candle the maid left was in plain sight. Quickly she leaned over and blew it out. Returning it into the little hole, she hoped Stephne wouldn't remember it. Looking at the bent arm, Corrion thought she should probably heal the break. Maybe Stephne would not realize the extent of what happened.

Corrion began to pace the four feet down the stairs the chain allowed and back up. Since she had been shackled to the stairwell landing, she only once left to heal Princess Icylica. The decline of the Princess haunted her every waking moment. The baby needed the Princess healthy. Was the wee babe strong enough to survive the mistreatment of Stephne? Corrion longed to be able to use her energy every day for the little one's sake. A thought occurred to her. She gritted her teeth and stepped up to the broken arm.

Red seeped through the lime green woolen sleeve of Stephne's nightdress. Corrion saw the jutting piece of bone from her forearm protruding unnaturally. With her booted foot, Corrion stepped down on the fingers of Stephne's broken arm. Her scream penetrated the walls. Stephne's eyes popped open. Corrion hoped no one was around to hear.

Stop, Stephne panted.

Why should I? asked Corrion. She let her fear for the Princess' baby drive her resolve. You just kicked me.

I will kill you. Stephne’s face contorted in pain, her voice wavering.

Corrion laughed, surprising herself at the hardness of her emotions. You really are not in the position to do me any harm. My da trained me to fight, which I did with my brother. You have no clue how to hurt anyone without cheating. And you can’t cheat with me. Your power isn’t stronger than mine.

Fine, kill me. I don't think you have the stomach for it.

Corrion thought about that. Yes, she knew how to use a sword, but the reality fell far from killing. She would not kill Stephne.

That may be true, said Corrion. But, you are in a lot of pain. You still need your arm set. Sure, you could go to the dungeons, but do you really want to trust them not to leave you crippled?

I will force them to heal me properly.

The conversation was annoying Corrion, mainly because she feared the truth in what Stephne said and she wasn't desperate enough. Corrion applied more pressure on Stephne's fingers. Cringing at the sound of crunching finger bones, bile rose up in Corrion’s throat.

Stop! What do you want? Tears trickled down Stephne’s cheeks. Her red hair splayed across the floor, mingling in the blood from the arm wound.

Stephne leaving the castle was what Corrion wanted the most, but she knew that would never happen. Corrion considered her options carefully.

I want to be able to heal Princess Icylica daily. I want to be returned to the dungeons. Corrion doubted her gamble. The soldiers working the castle all looked like walking corpses with no life in their eyes, just red flakes. Besides Agna's aunt, the maids looked the same. They were all loyal to Stephne. With the Princess' hatred for Corrion, she had no allies with power. Well, Bjorn was an ally, but he wouldn't directly oppose the Princess. She held her breath, waiting.

Fine, spittle flew from Stephne’s lips, heal me now.

No, said Corrion. First, you need to take me to the dungeons.

I will just go to the dungeons on my own. With gritted teeth, Stephne sat up and leaned against the wall. Anitra is a strong healer. I don't need you.

Anitra won't heal you. All the healers in the dungeon swore an oath to only help the Princess and nobody else. She held her breath waiting. Corrion lied, but she hoped Stephne would believe her. You have to take me to the dungeons before I set your arm. Besides, I will need Anitra's help. When I set Wharf's leg after the dog sledding accident, I needed Finngard's help.

Corrion stepped away. She watched as Stephne struggled to stand.

Won't you help me?

Not until I am unlocked from these chains. Corrion jingled them in Stephne’s face.

Stephne stood up on wobbly legs. How will I know you won't run?

You don't know, said Corrion. But consider the chances for me. I would be caught by your little underlings.

Stephne used the wall for support as she stumbled to the room. Moments after she entered, she returned with the key. Instead of trying the lock herself, she handed Corrion the key to open the shackles. The metal clattered to the floor when she dropped the chains. The angle caused her to twist her wrist. Using her mouth to keep the key stable, she finally heard the click. With a sigh, the heavy cuffs clunked to the floor. Red marks circled Corrion's wrists. She used the blue flame to lessen the pain.

What are you doing? You will use it all up. Stephne stomped her foot, cringing at jolting her arm.

I am just taking the edge off my pain. Corrion shook her head. I am going to get a light.

She took her time going into the bedroom to retrieve a candle. Nothing remained of the books Gudrun studied until late in the night. Corrion missed her, but she needed to get to the Princess. After lighting the torch on the wall, they started down the stairs. With every step, Corrion heard Stephne muffle a groan. Serves her right, Corrion thought.

A movement to the side caught their attention. Stephne screamed out in fear as a rat scurried past them. The four legged creatures didn’t affect Corrion as much since she grew used to their running around the caverns. They hid from her most of the time because Tora attacked them otherwise. She heard a curse from Stephne as she stepped in a puddle. The walls leaked from the underground water seepage, causing dampness and puddles. She grinned. She loved seeing Stephne miserable.

They reached the area where Anitra and Sarah where held prisoners. Corrion wasn't surprised to see a guard, though she slightly hoped that she and Anitra might be able to escape. The optimism was unrealistic in the dead of winter. At least with the guard as added support for Stephne, Corrion wouldn't have to make the decision of taking the chance of locking Stephne up in the dungeons. She wished she thought of that earlier. The thought, though not a logical move, delighted her just the same. Stephne might not be discovered for days. Corrion sighed. She might have missed an opportunity, but she felt the baby princess pull at her destiny.

Mistress Stephne, what happened? The guard rushed over to help her down onto the bench.

The witch broke my arm. Even in pain, Stephne worried about her appearance. With her healthy hand, she smoothed out the bodice of her nightdress.

Corrion rolled her eyes. After you kicked me. I was just defending myself.

The guard jumped at Corrion and slammed her against the wall.

That isn't necessary, said Corrion in a muffled voice. I need to set her arm.

He pulled back from her. Stephne instructed him to unlock Anitra's cell. By this time, the healers and Sarah all stood at their cell gates, watching the drama unfold. The soldier held a dagger in his hand when he unlocked the cell. Corrion wanted to laugh. Stephne picked pathetic soldiers. He left his sword against the wall. Corrion was sure she could disarm him in moments. Then it dawned on her. Bjorn sent his worst soldiers. Stephne had no idea. But if Bjorn sent the worst soldiers, did he have a plan? Hope sprouted.

You want to heal her? Anitra asked.

Corrion noticed Anitra still wore her cloak. She smiled. Healing is what we are to do. I don’t believe it is our decision about who to heal and who not to heal.

Yes, but because of her, you are in prison, Anitra argued.

As much as I don’t want to stand up for Stephne, I still want to be a healer. Corrion shrugged.