Ice Blink

37: Red Prince

Nuna went rigid when Iki brought a blade to the stranger's throat, standing an inch from him. "You're outnumbered. We can do whatever we like."

His dark eyes gleamed. "Oh? Flirting? I wasn't expecting that."

"Uh, he's pulled a knife on you," Toklo said flatly.

"Your powers of observation are admirable."

"I think you've missed a few crucial life lessons."

"You're not very good at threatening us, are you?" Iki went on, obviously struggling to hide his confusion. Who responded to hostility with jokes? Wasn't he terrified? "I take it you didn't notice we outnumber you."

"In case you haven't realised, dear, we're in a whiteout."

"So calm, yet I could slit your throat with half a thought."

"Has anyone ever told you how captivating you are? Those eyes. The way you snarl. Truly impressive."

"Iki," Amarok said warningly.

"Kill me and you'll doom yourselves," the stranger went on. "I know the way to Kirasaq, and I can take you there before the skin on your feet degrades beyond repair. Or you could just end me and continue wandering in circles for the rest of your very short lives."

"We weren't wandering in circles," Niju said.

The stranger's eyes crinkled, and Nuna could almost see his mocking smile.

"I don't trust him," Iki said.

"Really?" the stranger said. "I'm shocked."

"How did you find us?" he demanded.

"I spotted you from a watchtower before the fog rolled in. We have telescopes in Kirasaq, you know, imported from the south. I decided to see who you were and what you were doing. Plus, saving a few lives and having a few people in your debt can never hurt."

"Why come out here alone, knowing we could overpower you?" Amarok asked.

"Oh, I don't know. The thrill of the escapade? Danger really warms the blood."

"Well, he's definitely not part of Annoatok."

"I've never been so insulted."

"How can you tell?" Toklo rubbed his temple.

"He's talking like a noble of Kirasaq," Niju replied. "Like someone who's had time to get used to talking with... flair. Extravagance."

"A noble? Who are you, then?" Iki lifted the knife higher.

"Just a simple citizen. If you're going to carve me up, please avoid the face, it's my best feature. If you aren't, then just drop the knife, it'll save time."

Iki slowly lowered it.

"Excellent. Let's get away from this awful mangokpok."

They hurried to strap their weapons back on while the stranger folded his arms as if he was unimpressed.

"This could be a trap," Toklo said.

"What choice do we have?" Amarok replied.

None at all.

Their guide retrieved his lamp, which was guttering, the oil nearly burned out. He strode confidently on, and Nuna realised he wore a half-transparent hide layer over his mukluks, tied with cords at the top – waterproof gut-skin, to protect his feet. Clever.

"What's a noble?" Toklo asked.

"In cities," Niju said, "some people are born to families with a higher status than others, so they become nobles. They're naturally above the rest."