Ice Blink

41: Temple of Masks

"I've decided to come with you. I know, I must have a death wish," Maliq said as they struggled on into the night. The wind was rising and sharp ice flakes stung their faces. "Although I should warn you, scandal follows me wherever I go. I'm like a magnet."

"A magnet for what?" Toklo asked.

"Everyone. They can't help but be attracted to me."

Iki groaned.

Nuna opened her mouth to protest against a pampered noble tagging along when she spotted Maliq's face. It was a mess of black and blue where his father had struck him, and it was a wonder he managed to keep the pain from his voice. He'd risked everything to get them out, they couldn't just turn him away to die now.

The wind had carved the snow into compact ridges like frozen ripples on a body of water. Clambering over them was exhausting.

They expected to be chased, but Maliq shook his head when he noticed them checking over their shoulders. Kirasaq had already disappeared into the white haze as if it had never been.

"The king won't waste resources on us. We're out of his city, now he can consolidate his power."

"So Kirasaq also wants to rule North Ice." Nuna pulled her hood up. Every bit of exposed skin was in agony, the cold was so intense. "What makes them any different from Annoatok?"

"They aren't killing innocents or destroying their homes."

"Not yet. But if we find a way to shatter Mortu's power, what's to say they won't take the chance to branch out?"

"We must rebuild the Circle before it's too late," Amarok said.

"And why is the Circle the better option? People are just people, after all, prone to weakness, corruption and self-serving ambition."

"The Circle rules fairly."

"They do now, but what's to say they will still be fair and true in another couple of generations?"

"We could keep talking in circles for hours," Iki said.

Glee filled Maliq's eyes. "Did you just... make a joke?"

"Don't get used to it. Come on, we need to find shelter before we collapse. Before we get to the Temple of Masks, we'd better find some fresh meat, too."

"We'll need our strength for the second temple," Niju agreed. "I know only one thing about it: you must wear a mask at all times, otherwise the spirits will steal your souls."

Toklo gaped at him in horror. "You could have mentioned this earlier."

"It wouldn't have made a difference."

"Well, where's the fun in an adventure without a little impending doom?" Maliq asked.

"I imagine the fun is... everywhere," Niju said.

"I was being rhetorical." Maliq dropped back to mutter in Nuna's ear, "He's entirely too serious for me. Pretty, though."

She made a choked sound.

"Careful," Amarok muttered, "or you'll use up all your one-liners in the first hour."

The prince gave a charming grin. "You underestimate me. I have an endless supply."

"Lucky us."

*

Nuna cringed as she slid the mask on and tied the cord around her head. Niju stood opposite, but he'd already turned into a stranger with a blank wooden face. Just like the soldiers that had destroyed her home.