Page 84 of Wings of Snow
“We’re in a country on the European continent. It’s called Norway.” The hunter eyed all of us. “I take it this is the first time any of you have ventured to my realm?”
“That would be correct.” Haxil inclined his head.
“Norway.” Nish scoffed. “Strange name.” He spat on the ground, his expression still sour. “There’s no magic in the air here.”
“No,” the hunter replied. “Our realm is magicless compared to yours, and the effects of that may cause some problems for you if we stay here long enough since this is your first time traveling here.”
“Is that why the air feels weaker?” Ilara frowned. “Because there’s no magic?”
“It is, and since you all seem rather powerful, my guess is the effects of my realm are going to take a toll on you eventually. Fae who travel here for the first time, especially adult fae, sometimes feel the effects of fae lands withdrawals.”
Ilara’s expression lightened. “Ah! Cora told us about that, remember?” She turned delighted eyes on me.
I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips despite knowing we could eventually be affected by this strange atmosphere. “I remember.” If not for Drachu nearly killing us in Vemil Brasea, I’d have a potion on hand that would counteract the effects of fae lands withdrawals. “Will we be in need of your realm’s potions to stall the effects?”
The Fire Wolf shook his head. “Not if you don’t stay here long.”
“Fine by me,” Nish grumbled.
“Everyone, test your magic,” I said to my guards and mate. “I want to know if we’re still fully capable here.”
I called upon my air affinity, just to see what would happen, as my guards began their warrior warm-ups. Fire appeared around Ilara immediately, and not even a second later, she joined the guards in their movements.
They all moved with liquid grace.
Grunting in relief, I called upon my air element. The wind picked up around me, tingling against my skin, and surprisingly it moved as forcefully as it did back home although it took more concentration. The lesser magic in this atmosphere no doubt the cause. My other affinities responded as well, including my sixth one that Ilara still didn’t know about. I smirked.
After all of us had tested our abilities thoroughly, I held up a hand. “So our magic remains just as strong here in Europe.”
The Fire Wolf crossed his arms. “It does, just like my magic is also available in your realm, although it always feels slightly different.”
I grunted again, not wanting to admit that, but he was right.
“I don’t like this. I don’t like any of it.” Nish crossed his arms.
Ryder punched him lightly on the shoulder. “We still have our magic, Nishy. Nothing to get your feathers in a ruffle about. It’s just...different and harder to call out, but it’s still there.”
“Imagine what the humans feel.” The Fire Wolf gave a wry smile.
“Humans.” Nish rolled his eyes. “Don’t tell me we have to meet them.”
“Not if we stay in this remote area,” the hunter replied. “Hardly anyone lives around here.”
“Good,” Nish grumbled.
Ryder spun in a slow circle from where he stood. “What a strange realm. A blue sky too, not green.”
“And all of the clouds are white. How do you know if a storm’s coming?” Haxil cocked his head.
The Fire Wolf arched an eyebrow. “Storms make the clouds turn gray or black, not navy or dark purple like they do where you come from. Now, come on, let’s get moving.”
We all set out, and the six of us, despite trying to focus on finding the Fire Wolf’s friend, continually gazed around. It was hard not to. This place feltdifferent. Drab almost and certainly less than our realm.
It didn’t detract from its beauty though, but the magicless atmosphere pounded on my senses, making my affinities continually rumble along my limbs, as though they were searching for an outward source to connect with.
“Look, they have mountains,” Ilara said to Haxil as she pointed at the steep fjords that rose alongside the meadow farther away.
“It almost looks like the fjords on the Glassen Barrier Islands,” he commented.