A World of Ice

When Cassandra Eldrige awoke, she was surprised by her strange surroundings. The cold crisp air was a shock to her face, and she wrapped her scarf tighter. She didn’t remember the scarf. Or the coat. And certainly not the ice. She looked around only to see more of what appeared to be a frozen wasteland. She shook her head, trying to wake up from this strange dream, or trying to remember how she got here if it was real. But neither did she wake to her familiar surroundings nor did she recall anything that helped her piece together how she ended up in this particular predicament. She decided to follow the sun with the slim hope of finding shelter, food, and liquid water. Jogging her memory could wait. Survival came first. After what felt like an eternity of walking towards nothing in particular, Cassandra saw what looked like plumes of smoke to the right. Hoping it was a sign of civilization, she adjusted her course accordingly. Several paces later, she heard a sound that was somewhere between a cackle and a howl. The sound was soon followed by a sight more surprising than the rest of her day so far — what appeared to be a deformed giant dog pulling a small cart and bearing a rider much less bundled than Cassandra herself. She wondered how the man didn’t freeze. Cassandra heaved a sigh of relief. Whatever else happened, she was not alone in this strange world. The stranger called out as soon as he saw her— “Welcome, friend! We’ve been looking for you.” Did this man know her? As if reading her mind, when he was close enough to not have to yell, he said, “I know you have questions. Get in the cart and I’ll take you to the city. Koda will answer what he can when we get there.” Trembling from a combination of cold, hunger, and exhaustion, Cassandra did as she was told, noticing that she shared the cart with a skin that she guessed came from a polar bear. “Make yourself comfortable. There will be food and water once we get to the city.” Cassandra wrapped herself in the skin and curled up in the cart. The man commanded his beast and it turned back in the direction he had come from. The man turned around to introduce himself. “By the way, my name— ” then chuckled to himself, noticing his passenger was already asleep. Cassandra was startled awake for the second time that day — at least, she assumed it was still the same day — in unfamiliar surroundings. This time at least, it wasn’t quite as cold, and there was a familiar face and voice to greet her. His hand was on her shoulder, gently nudging her awake. “I know you have many questions. We will do our best to answer what we can tomorrow. For now, let’s get you some dinner.” “Thank you for everything, Mr. —, she realized she did not know his name. “Kasim.” He said with a flourishing bow. “Kasim An-Nasser at your service. I am a trader and a Light Scout. When the lights told us someone had arrived, I and others like me set out to find you. This way.” He said, indicating one of the larger structures. It was surprisingly warm inside. Noticing her surprise, Kasim chuckled again, noticing his guest begin to fidget with her outer layers. “There is much we do not know. But we have certainly learned how to stay warm. Make yourself comfortable.” He said, indicating one of many cushions on the floor made of animal skins that seemed to be from whatever kind of creature had brought her and Kasim to the city. As if on cue, people began streaming in. Cassandra estimated that there were roughly 50 of them, mostly men and a few women, but no children. They appeared to be from multiple ethnic backgrounds. They gathered around the clusters of pillows and took their seats, chattering loudly in different languages. She recognized English, Spanish, and German, and heard at least one other language which she did not recognize. Kasim soon returned to her side with two plates of steaming vegetables and what Cassandra assumed was fish. “Eat up! Our hunters are expected back tomorrow, so we will have fresh meat at the feast tomorrow night, but for today, it’s dried cod.” Cod. Cassandra tried to remember which oceans had cod, thinking it might help her understand where in the world she was. Was it the Atlantic? She wasn’t quite sure. If so, that would mean they were somewhere in the Arctic Circle. Too hungry to think about it any further, Cassandra began eating hungrily, not remembering even when she had last eaten. Kasim laughed at her eagerness. “Don’t worry. There is more if you need it. Many come through the Light as if they have not eaten in days. We are prepared. Say, I didn’t catch your name.” Remembering her manners, Cassandra put down her food and stuck out her hand, after quickly wiping it on her scarf. “Cassandra Eldridge. It’s nice to meet you.” “The pleasure is mine, Ms. Eldridge.” “Cassandra, please.” “Cassandra.” Kasim nodded. “Thank you again, Kasim. For everything. I’m pretty sure you saved my life.” “That’s what we do here. The City of Light is the gateway to our clan for those who come through the Light. It is our job to watch the skies and send out search parties when there is a flash.” Before Kasim could explain further, a man who looked Russian sat down next to him with his own plate of food. “This must be our new arrival!” He exclaimed with a heavy accent. “I am Vlad Kershnikov. I would shake your hand, but I remember being new here myself and just wishing people would leave my hands free to eat!” He laughed heartily at the memory. “Vlad, this is Cassandra. I was just telling her what we do here. Vlad is one of the other Scouts who had gone looking for you.” “Thank you, Vlad. From the bottom if my heart. It’s very nice to meet you.” “Ah, the honor of finding you did not fall to me, but it is certainly a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Satisfied that introductions were complete, Kasim began his explanation again, only to be inturrupted as the five remaining Scouts came in, eager to meet Cassandra. Kasim made introductions as Vlad brought her another round of fish — a much larger helping than before. Cassandra tried to pay attention, but she was simply too tired. Once she was done eating, Kasim showed her to a corner of the lodge with several skins in a pile. He took three skins and layed them on the ground, one on top of the other. “We will figure out a more permanent place tomorrow — and give you a chance to ask questions — but for tonight, this is where you’ll sleep. Most of us sleep here in the lodge, so you will not be alone, and the City is walled and gated to keep out beasts and bandits. You’re safe here.” Cassandra yawned and nodded. “Thanks again, Kasim. Good night.” “Good night.”