Land of Ice

Chapter 6

I look around me and see nothing but bright white light for a few seconds until the scene around me comes into focus. I spin in a circle taking it all in.

I found myself standing on top of a cloud. There was a village nestled below a mountain with a huge castle standing clear above it. I could see steps cut into the side of the mountain leading up to the giant building above.

I walk into the village, glancing around at the various homes and eventually make it to their shopping area filled with many shops. Everything seems to be titled with older names. Ye Ole General Store, Authentic Treasures, and some others.

My eyes settle on the last shop on the right, titled Madam Leoni’s Psychic & Tarot Reading Shop. I open the door and see the strangest thing. Sitting there at a round table is a cat, just slightly shorter than myself. She has orange and black stripes and a few piercings that make her green eyes stand out.

I take a small breath in and find myself starting the conversation. “Hi, you must be Madam Leoni. My name is-“

Before I can finish my sentence, she cuts me off with, “I know who you are, child. Our realm has waited a long time for you to return home, Avaline Frost.”

I look back at her in shock, confusion clear on my face. “How do you know who I am? Why is everyone waiting on me?”

She carries a strange wisdom in her eyes, almost as though she truly does know all.

She goes on, “I will formally introduce myself. My name is Madam Adele Leoni. I am truly psychic, meaning I see things as they occur and sometimes how they may occur in the future. Years ago, I had a vision of your parents gently laying you in the snow and ensuring you would be spotted by the human couple they had chosen with your care. This world has its own villains causing chaos throughout. Your parents took you to the realm of Earth to ensure you would survive and reach your strongest potential. In the past 18 years, the chaos has continued. You are destined to bring peace to us all; that is why we have all been waiting for you, Avaline. You will save us all.”

I allow her words to digest and try to think this through. What could I possibly do that would save this world? It doesn’t make any sense to me.

After a few moments of thinking, I decide to ask my questions.

“How am I supposed to save this world? I don’t know how to fight, I don’t have any special skills, and I don’t know much about anything that has happened. Who are my parents and who were they trying to save me from?”

Madam Leoni smiles, that same wisdom contained in her feline eyes.

“My dear child, you are far more than you could ever imagine. You carry the powers of your ancestors within you. That pretty necklace you wear was designed to hold your powers back, but you don’t need that here in Terra de Glace. You will meet someone soon who will teach you to wield those powers to protect us all and they will teach you how to fight and defend.”

She pauses and gives me a moment to let that sink in and then continues.

“Your parents are Everett and Evangeline Frost, King and Queen of Terra de Glace. They were protecting you from many dangers, but the most pressing was Crimsyn Verena and her army of death angels as she calls them. She was once known as Sunneva before the darkness took over. She has held a grudge against your bloodline for many years due to her lover being killed in a gruesome war against your great grandfather. Her lover, Felix, was leading his army against your great grandfather’s over a land dispute that went too far. His body was never recovered, but many told the tale of your great grandfather striking him down. This only enraged Sunneva further as she was never given the chance to lay her beloved Felix to rest. The rest is history. She’s been targeting your family ever since.”

Madam Leoni finished her thoughts, a grim look upon her face.

“I can’t imagine the pain she must have experienced, but I have to ask how long ago was this?” I wonder aloud.

“You are far too kind, dear. Most would hold anger over being torn from their family, but here you are showing empathy. That tells me much about your heart, Avaline. This was just over 200 years ago now. Crimsyn was quiet for awhile, only striking when the opportunity arose. Your kingdom put a hold on all celebrations, fearing any large gatherings would draw her attention back. Shortly before you were born, they received a letter from Crimsyn. She demanded you be delivered immediately upon your birth or she would not hesitate to take action against Terra de Glace. Your parents and brother, along with their army, have managed to hold off any devastation the past 18 years, but they need you to fully return to assist them. You are the key to all of us surviving this long war.”

I look around her shop and realize that everything seems somewhat hazy. I can clearly see the items surrounding us, but they have a faint white glow blurring them a bit. In this moment, I remember that I am currently asleep in a cabin surrounded by my friends on Earth.

“ I guess I forgot through this conversation that I’m not actually here right now. How am I supposed to really return home? I knew these dreams I’ve been having have felt far too real, but I never would imagine that more was waiting for me beyond graduating my high school.”

Madam Leoni smiles softly at me and says, “You will return home when the time is right, no sooner or later. The time is drawing close, Avaline. Prepare yourself as this journey will not be easy. We will be waiting for you here.”

Just as I am about to respond, I feel myself being drawn from my sleep. The dream fades and I open my eyes with the stark realization that things would be changing soon.