Wilson 1

Audrey Wilson
YA Fiction 4593
Short Story 1

Nats foot slid sideways in the snow, the unstable ground slipping out from under her,

sending her rolling head over heels down the sharp incline of the mountainside.

She scrambled for a hold, stopping her spinning, but the snow sifted uselessly through her

gloved hands, and she continued her involuntary descent.

Snow slipped through the thick layers of her clothes, biting into her skin. Her fingers

grew numb as they dragged through the powder. She wasnt getting anywhere. If she didnt stop

herself soon, her halt would be very abrupt and very final.

She fumbled for the pick on her belt, nearly impaling herself as she pulled it free.

She drove the sharp end into the side of the mountain. Her fall continued for several heart

pounding moments before the pick caught, nearly jerking itself from Nats hand as it stopped her

momentum.

Cold air burned her lungs, tightening them, as she lay still, chest heaving. White puffs of

breath rose in front of her face, obscuring her vision more than the blizzard already did.

Nat shuddered as the snow melted against her skin. With shaking arms, she pulled herself

up to a kneeling position, her body no longer buried in the snow.

She looked up, strands of wet orange hair sticking to her skewed goggles. The trail shed

left had already almost been buried in a new layer of snow. Through the wall of grey and white,

she caught sight of Annes dark figure moving toward her in a perfectly controlled slide.

A fine mist of powder rose as Anne came to a halt beside Nat. Wordlessly, she held out

Nats hat and waited while she crammed it back on her head.
 Wilson 2

Nat adjusted the rest of her clothing, pulling her scarf back over her nose, straightening

her equipment belts, popping her hood up and wrapping her cloak around herself.

As soon as Nat was finished, Anne began walking again as if she knew exactly where

they were going. She probably did, but Nat had no idea how. All the snow looked the same to

her.

A cold drip of melted snow ran down her back, and she shivered, cursing the blizzard for

making it impossible for the guild to drop them on location like they normally would.

Apparently, the snow made the spell unreliable and interfered with targeting. At the moment, Nat

would rather risk being teleported over the side of the mountain than put up with another minute

of numb toes and a leaking nose.

She watched Annes form cut through the whiteness in front of her, the hems of her dark

cape, identical to Nats, snapping behind her. Nat was grateful for the wind and layers of hats and

scarves covering their faces. They had saved her from what she was sure would have been a long

lecture on focus and poise.

As they walked, Nat took inventory of her tools, running a hand over her belts and

pouches. Three throwing knives in the strap across her chest, three packets of spark powder

below them, a blade at her left bicep, one on her right thigh, two vials of Verve at one hip, and

her ice pick returned to its slot on the other.

They trudged through the snow for what felt to Nat like an age before Anne waved for

Nat to come up beside her. Nat bounced forward through the snow, looking ahead eagerly,

hoping their destination was close.

It took a few more moments for Nat to notice the faint glow leaking through the snow in

front of them, tinting it gold.

 Wilson 3

The mountain town was covered in light. Each of the short buildings had a torch on its

front, and a bright basin of flames illuminated the center. They all shown the unnatural yellow-

gold of enchanted fire.

Two large slopes towered over two sides of the village, offering a bit of protection from

the wind and ice. Still, the streets and rooftops were covered in layers of snow.

Nat descended the slope more gracefully than the last, only stumbling over a few of the

rocks that were more prevalent now. When they reached the entrance (really just two stone

pillars decorated with torches), Anne pulled her scarf away from her nose and mouth. Nat did the

same, standing close to the torches and reveling in the warm air that filled her lungs.

Were late, Anne said, her voice rough from the cold.

She strode into town, down the snowy path between the buildings. Nat hurried after her.

Wind whistled and moaned through the alleys and gaps between the stone buildings, but

it no longer bit at Nats skin with the same ferocity it had had out in the open. She pulled her

goggles from her face and hung them around her neck.

She frowned, watching the buildings as they passed. All the windows were covered either

by thin sheets of wood or cloth, firmly secured to the frames.

They turned, entering a small open space, bordered by what looked to be a tavern, a

butcher, and several other shops. People in thick fur-lined coats and heavy boots stood or walked

in small groups around the little square.

Anne led Nat around the edge of town, heading for the tavern. The townspeople

murmured to each other as they passed.

 Wilson 4

Anne pushed open the tavern doors, and Nat nearly sank to the grubby wood floor in

relief. The inside was warm, though it reeked of beer and sweat. It was fairly full, so they had to

wind their way through the crowd of drinkers to get to the bar.

As soon as they reached it, Nat claimed one of the stools, sighing as her throbbing,

thawing feet left the floor.

She turned so she was facing the room while Anne flagged down the barkeeper. Despite

their small houses, the people here were big. Theyre broad shoulders left little room between

them at the tables. The bar was loud, as most are, but there was a tension in the peoples voices,

something that prevented the noise from feeling like the typical revelry of a tavern.

Youre looking for Anders, I expect, the barkeep said behind Nat.

She turned, watching his eyes follow the guild insignia on the back of her cloak.

Thats right, Anne said. We got his message a few days ago. He said youve been

having some disturbances around town.

The barkeep snorted and began cleaning a glass.

Disturbances, he said, shaking his head. You know theyre more than that if we called

you out here.

His voices had a lilt to it, bouncing around syllables and dropping low on vowels.

Maybe you can fill me in a little better then, Anne said, leaning her forearms against

the bar. The message was short and vague.

The barkeep waved a rag dismissively.

You really ought to talk to Anders about it, he said. The old mans been around for

years, hell be able to tell you more than me. Hes just a few blocks over from here, toward the

Flame.
 Wilson 5

Thank you for your time, Anne said, gesturing Nat off her stool.

As she reluctantly got to her feet, the barkeep called after them.

Be careful, he said. This is dangerous work.

Thats why you called us, Anne said over her shoulder as they slipped through the

crowd and out the door.

It took them ten minutes to reach Anders house. Ten freezing, miserable minutes.

After the warmth of the bar, the outside seemed doubly cold and doubly windy. As they

stood outside the door, Nat fisted her hands in the edges of her cloak and drew it tight around

herself.

What time is it? she asked. Maybe hes asleep.

The sun went down a couple hours ago, Anne said. Even if he is asleep now, hes

going to be awake in a few minutes.

She raised a fist and pounded on the door again. A moment later, they heard a series of

locks sliding open and unlatching before the door opened a crack.

Can I help you?

His voice was gravelly and low, like hed been smoking for years.

Were the ones who are supposed to be helping you, Nat said, bouncing impatiently on

the balls of her feet.

Were with the guild, Anne said. You contacted us a couple days ago.

The door swung open wide, revealing a grey-haired man, tall but stooped. His blue eyes

sparkled eagerly.

Ah! Come in, come in, he said, stepping aside. Im so glad youve come.
 Wilson 6

Nat knocked snow from her boots and stepped into the warm house.

Anders led them through the small entry into a sitting room. A large fireplace burned hot

on one wall, a long bench set up across from it with a short table in between.

I didnt expect theyd send someone so young, he muttered as he gestured for them to

sit.

Nat smothered a laugh behind her hand. Anne really did look young for her age, and no

one in the guild ever let her forget it. No respect for senior members, she said.

Anne glared at her before replying.

Ive been with the guild going on thirty years now, I assure you, were more than

capable.

Anders looked surprised, but busied himself hanging a tea kettle over the fire.

I imagine youre hungry, he said.

He left the room and returned with a tray of dried meat and crackers. Nats mouth

watered and her stomach growled loudly.

She pounced on the food as soon as Anders set it down.

So, Anne said. Tell us whats been happening.

Anders shuffled his feet a moment, before settling onto a wooden chair to their right.

Well, he said, looking at his hands. As I said in my message, it started about a week

ago. Outside communication is difficult in the winter and very unreliable, so its lucky I was able

to contact you that soon.

Nat tried to chew as quietly as possible.

At first we werent sure what was happening. We thought maybe it was just some

distasteful pranks by some of the kids. Several windows in the buildings on the edge of town
 Wilson 7

were broken in the night. Fortunately, none of them were residential. We patched them up,

chalked it up to bad luck, and went on with our lives. But then it happened again the next night,

this time further into town.

The teapot whistled. Anders jumped and moved to stand up, but Anne held out her hand.

She motioned for Nat to take care of it.

We set up a watch the next night, Anders said as Nat pulled the kettle from the fire.

Figured if it was a bunch of kids, thatd deter them. That was the night the first girl went

missing.

Nat stiffened, locking eyes with Anne. She moved slowly back to the bench, setting

teacups in front of Anders and her mentor.

One of the guards claimed to have seen a shadow moving past the broken windows, but

none of the others can confirm it. The next night, more broken windows and two more missing

girls. Weve boarded up all the houses, as Im sure you saw, but weve still lost another girl.

Its only women going missing? Anne asked, drinking her tea slowly.

Only girls, Anders replied. All under eighteen. Thats why I was so worried about

your age.

Annes eyes cut to Nat. At seventeen, she just met the criteria.

Did they have anything in common? Nat asked. Where they lived, maybe? You said

the attacks started on the edge of town.

Anders nodded.

No one within the three central blocks has been taken, he said. Weve got most of the

remaining young people staying here for the time being.

Anything else? Anne said. Physical characteristics, family ties?

 Wilson 8

None were related, but all around the same age, all blond, I think. The only one I knew

personally was Julia. She disappeared the third night. She was a scrappy thing, thin, a little on

the short side.

Now Nat was looking to Anne. She may not have qualified by age, but she did in

appearance. Her fair hair fell in a braid over her shoulder, messy from the wind.

Any clues as to precisely when these kidnappings take place? Anne asked, unruffled.

Anders shook his head.

Sometime between nightfall and sunrise, he said. Its always silent when they vanish.

Nat refilled her teacup and noticed Anders remained untouched.

Weve established a curfew, he said. It starts soon.

Anne nodded, brow furrowed in thought.

Wed better set up quickly, then, she said.

Set up what? Nat asked, dreading the answer.

Our watch, Anne replied.

Tonight? Nat said. Shed thought sure theyd take a night to recuperate before they

started their work. She was nearly dead on her feet.

Yes, tonight, Anne said firmly. She turned to Anders. Where did the attacks first

happen?

The front gate, he said. Its the only way in to town.

Nat petulantly kicked snow off the flat rooftop. She cleared a small circle only to find a

thick layer of ice beneath it. Grumbling she plunked herself down, sitting cross-legged just far

enough from the edge she couldnt be seen from the ground.
 Wilson 9

The tea had taken the edge off her exhaustion but did nothing for the aches settling in to

her muscles.

She looked across the street, a little ways in front of her, to where Anne lay in wait. She

stood in an alley, leaning against the wall just behind outside a ring of torchlight.

Nat fiddled with one of her throwing knives, tossing it and twirling it between her hands.

Anne hadnt told her what they were looking for, she didnt seem to really know herself.

Tonight is mostly recon, shed said. But if we get the chance to stop whatever this is,

were going to take it.

Nat stared out into the unrelenting snow, trying to catch sight of anything moving outside

the town. She saw nothing, and as the night wore on, exhaustion began to creep up on her. She

had no idea how Anne managed to keep going like this.

Snow continued to fall, collecting on her shoulders. The night wore on. They waited.

Nat snapped her head upright, eyes going wide. She shivered at the cold biting into her

skin. She looked to the sky, trying to gauge the time, but it remained the same uniform grey.

Guiltily, she turned her attention back to Annes position, hoping she hadnt noticed,

knowing she had.

Nats stomach dropped. She blinked hard, rubbing her eyes, trying to clear away any

remnants of sleep.

Anne wasnt there.

She wouldnt have abandoned her post, no without signaling Nat first. Something had to

have happened.

Nat stood slowly, muscles protesting, wind whipping against her.

 Wilson 10

She dropped from the roof, the snow cushioning her fall. Nothing moved on the street but

the flickering torches and shifting snow.

Nat darted across the street and into the alley.

There were no tracks, no evidence Anne had been there at all. The snow had covered any

sign of her, and the shadows obscured the rest.

Heart racing, Nat snatched the torch from the wall, illuminating the dark alley.

Scorch marks spread across the stone wall, black ashes against the grey. Nat peeled off

her glove with her teeth and ran her fingers over the ashes. They came away dusty and smelling

of burnt sage and cedar. Spark powder, a tool unique to the guild. It was made for warding off

spirits.

The marks were fresh, but not hot. It had been a while since Anne had used it.

Nat shuffled her boots through the snow, looking for any other sign her mentor had been

there. She found nothing.

Nats legs trembled as she backed away from the alley. The torch cast flickering shadows

in the alley, creating ghostly images of the myriad things that could have taken Anne.

If that thing took her, Nat thought, I really dont stand a chance.

Anne was a seasoned member of the guild, thirty years experience under her belt, and

Nat was still a year away from earning her official license.

She returned the torch to its sconce, then pulled a small square of paper from a sealed

pouch at the back of her belt and a pencil along with it. She knew it was a long shot. Anders had

said communication out of the town was near impossible in the winter, but Nat didnt see many

other options.
 Wilson 11

She scrawled out her short message, there was really only room for a few words on the

paper.

Anne taken, aide requested.

She folded it into the shape of a bird, using the wall as a table. Nat held the birds tail up

to the torch, letting the flames catch. She waited until the flames were just licking at the tips of

her fingers before she let go.

The paper bird turned to ash, blowing away on the wind.

Nat wouldnt know if her message had sent until someone showed up to help. The idea of

waiting like that, doing nothing while she had no idea what was happening to Anne or where

shed been taken.

She turned toward the towns entrance, the two pillars nearly obscured in the blizzard.

Still, nothing moved.

Nat squared her shoulders and turned to head back into town. Someone had to have

answers, had to know something about the disappearances.

Anders didnt answer when Nat knocked at his door. She waited a minute before

pounding at it again. She didnt hear any movement on the other side.

She shivered. Somehow the cold kept finding its way through her layers of treated leather

and cloth.

Her hand shook as she knocked once more at the door. She had no idea what time it was.

No idea how long I was asleep, she thought bitterly. The old man must have been a deep

sleeper. She briefly contemplated breaking in, but remembered the series of locks hed gone
 Wilson 12

through before opening the door. Nat was pretty sure her hands were too frozen to pick that

many.

With a heavy sigh, she turned away from the door. She had no idea where she would stay

until morning. The tavern had been closed when she passed earlier. Itd probably be easier to

break into than Anders house, though.

She was right. The simple lock opened easily under her practiced hand.

The fire had burned low, but the coals still gave off some heat. Nat slipped behind the

counter and rummaged around until she came up with a loaf of bread. She pulled a chair up to

the fireplace and sat down with a thunk.

The bread was dry, but it filled her stomach. She felt a bit steadier for it. She pulled a log

from the woodpile and tossed it on the fire. A clock behind the counter showed five oclock. Just

before sunrise.

Nats eyes burned with sleep, but she couldnt afford that right now. She needed to use

whatever time she had trying to find Anne and the other missing people.

Her hand drifted to the vials at her belt.

The Verve she carried was meant for emergencies only. Apprentices really werent

supposed to have it, but given the nature of this assignment, the guild masters had made an

exception.

Nat didnt wholly understand how the elixir worked, but the alchemists had told her it

was distilled life force, siphoned from the world around them. Shed taken it once before. It

heightened the senses, increased reaction time, and staved off fatigue. At the moment, Nat was

mostly interested in this last feature.

She flicked the vial open, the translucent green liquid almost seemed to be glowing.
 Wilson 13

She took it in one swig.

It felt like sparks on her tongue, electricity crackling down her throat. She coughed,

returning the vial to its holder.

It only took a moment for the effects to kick in. Nat felt a tingling in her fingertips and

the world around her came into sharper focus. Exhaustion no longer dragged at her, making her

thoughts sluggish, her limbs heavy.

She couldnt sit still. She stood from her chair and began pacing, mind racing. The town

would be waking up soon, probably within the half hour. Shed start interviewing immediately.

Anders had given them the basics, but she needed more than that.

The tavern door swung open twenty minutes later. The barkeeper jumped at the sight of

Nat playing absentmindedly with her knife.

Hello, again, she said, stowing the blade back in its place. Sorry, it was cold last night,

so I broke in. I also took a loaf of bread, but I left coins on the counter.

The barkeep looked at her, bewildered.

I was hoping you could answer a question for me, Nat said.

I can try, the barkeep said, finally moving out of the doorway.

Who would I talk to if I wanted to know something Im probably not supposed to

know?

The barkeep blinked at her.

I dont know what you mean, he said.

I mean, who do I go to to ask questions about illegal or unsavory activities, Nat said.

I thought you folks were here to solve a magic problem, he said.

Yes, but first I need to know about the town and the people in it.
 Wilson 14

Well, I guess you could talk to Erik, hes about your age, lives in the house with the blue

door, just down from here.

Nat thanked him and was out the door in a flash.

An older woman answered the door when she knocked.

Can I help you? she asked, squinting at Nat.

Im looking for Erik, Nat said.

Erik? Whats he done now? the woman asked.

I dont know, Nat said. I just want to ask him some questions about the town.

The woman turned and yelled over her shoulder. A minute later, a boy appeared in the

doorway, dusty hair rumpled, blinking groggily.

Its early, he said, voice thick with sleep.

Yes, it is, Nat said. Speed is a little important at the moment, though. I need your help

with something.

Erik looked at her blearily for a minute before his eyes went wide.

Youre with that guild, he said, scanning her clothes.

Yes, I came here with my mentor yesterday to investigate the problems youve been

having in town, and I have a feeling you can help me.

Eriks eyes darted between Nat and his mother.

His mother shook her head, shoved him out the door, and went back inside.

Nat smiled at him brightly. He was taller than her by a full head, and he was standing

close enough he had to stoop to look at her.

So, she said, not moving. Strange things start happening in town, I hear youre then

one to talk to.

 Wilson 15

Im not involved in any of that magic stuff, Erik said, backing up a step.

Maybe, Nat said, stepping forward. But magic stuff doesnt just start happening for

no reason.

Erik leaned away from her.

I dont know what youre talking about, he said.

His eyes flicked away from Nat. She was growing impatient. Every minute she wasted

talking to him was a minute she could be using to find Anne and the missing girls.

You know exactly what Im talking about, Nat said, voice light.

Look, I dont

Nat swiped his feet out from under him, knocking him to the ground. There was a knife at

his throat before he even realized what happened.

You do, Nat said, still in the same friendly tone. And youre going to tell me what

happened.

Erik looked between Nats face and the hand holding the knife, eyes wide and frantic.

Youre crazy! What do you think youre doing? he demanded.

Im not crazy, Nat said. Im mad. Furious, really. Now tell me what you did, or I

remove one of your toes.

Its in my room, he said in a rush.

Nat blinked.

Whats in your room?

The urn. I stole it from the tomb across the valley. The one with the two sisters. I was

going to sell it when spring came. Its solid gold, you know.

Nat sat up, looking down at him with hard eyes.

 Wilson 16

Give it to me.

The urn was sealed shut and quite heavy. Nat made Erik carry it.

Desecrating a tomb, she said. You really thought that wouldnt cause you any

problems?

It didnt cause me any problems, Erik said, petulantly.

They were trekking through the snow to the tomb. Nat had coerced Erik into being both

her guide and pack mule. All she had to carry was the torch.

Wow, she said. We shouldnt talk anymore. Im really starting to dislike you.

The tomb was set directly into the side of the mountain. Nat wouldnt have noticed it if

Erik hadnt been there. Any ornamentation it may have once boasted had long ago eroded in the

wind and ice.

Okay, were here, can I leave? Erik said.

No, Nat said and pushed him ahead of her. Were going to put this back exactly where

it was, and youre going to apologize.

Apologize to what? he asked.

This poor girls sister. And her, Nat said, tapping the urn lightly.

The tomb was labyrinthine. She was amazed Erik could find his way around.

After a good amount of spelunking, Erik stopped.

There, he said. Even though he kept his voice low, it echoed through the chamber.

In front of them was a round room, about fifteen feet across. On the far end sat an altar,

asymmetrical now, with one golden urn on its right side.

 Wilson 17

The torch guttered, casting the room in shadow. When it steadied again, there was a

figure standing in the center of the room.

Nat jumped, for a moment thinking it was Anne, but she was wrong. This girl cast no

shadow.

The girl was thin, almost unhealthily so, with blond hair hanging loose about her face.

Her long dress was old, Nat wasnt sure what era.

Erik jumped beside her, then she felt the urn shoved into her hands. She turned to see

Erik sprinting down the tunnel.

A sound behind her like wind moaning snapped her attention back to the room.

The girl was closer now, reaching toward Nat, hollow eyes locked on the urn.

Im sorry, Nat said, voice even and calm. Ive come to return your sister to you.

The girl opened her mouth and a rattling sound echoed around the room.

Nat crept forward slowly, moving around the ghost toward the pedestal.

Im just going to put her right back, Nat said. Then you can give me the people you

took and itll all be even.

The ghosts head twitched, rotating as it watched Nats progress.

A ring, free of dust, indicated where the urn had once sat. Nat lined it up as best she could

and turned back to the ghost.

See? she said. Just like before.

Shes dead. The voice was high, shaky.

Chills shot down Nats back.

You killed her.

 Wilson 18

Nat had a moment to react before the ghost surged forward. She rolled out of the way,

pulling her knife from its sheath at her thigh. The silver was treated with holy water, meant to

combat things its wielder couldnt touch.

I didnt, Nat said, fighting to keep her voice calm. Shes just like she was, just like

you.

The ghost charged her again. Nat spun out of the way, feeling an icy wind push past her.

The ghost shrieked in frustration.

Nat didnt want to hurt her, she really didnt, but how was she supposed to convince it

that the dead girl wasnt really dead?

She rolled out of the way again, the vials at her hip digging into her as she landed.

Nats hand flew to her belt. The Verve.

The ghost stood between her and the pedestal, if she could just get past.

Nat!

Both Nat and the ghost snapped their attention to the tunnel entrance.

Anne, none the worse for wear, stood, her own knife out, watching the ghost through

narrowed eyes.

Anne! I need you to distract her, Nat called.

Anne nodded.

Cover your eyes, she said and threw a packet of spark powder at the ghosts feet.

It shrieked and Nat bolted past it to the altar.

She ripped the cork from the vial with her teeth. The ghost was howling behind her. Nat

emptied the vial over the second sisters urn.

 Wilson 19

The green liquid glowed bright where it hit the gold, illuminating the urn with an

effervescent glow. The ghost girl froze, eyes locked on the urn again.

Sister? Its voice was quieter now.

It drifted closer, movements slow. A smile crept over its face as it neared.

Sister.

It reached a hand out to the urn, and as its fingers traced over it, the ghost faded, leaving

the room dark.

Where have you been? Nat asked. What happened?

We dont have time for that, Anne said. I found the other girls the ghost took. Some of

them arent doing so great. This place is a maze, Ive been trying to find my way out since I got

here.

Nat nodded. She was pretty sure she could find her way back outside.