Between Waves and Clouds

41 - Between sea and land

While reluctantly, Nuffink ended up following his mother. Even if he wanted to stay with Frost, he knew why his moment wanted him to come with her. Birdlegs was the healer's apprentice, of them all she was the most fitted for medical attention, she had to stay with the patients. Zephyr and Igvid were great warriors, better than Nuffink, they had to stay to defend the ship if necessary, even if the dragons were there too. And Sneezelout... This guy couldn't stay focus, they needed someone reliable to visit the witch. Either way, Zephyr adn Sneezelout had both lost their totem, so diving was not an option for them.

So Nuffink complied to follow her. Both plunged into the water, turning back to merfolk form, and dove a bit before meeting the beluga. She was in a way better mood since they had rescued Frost, and she didn't hesitated to tackle Nuffink, squeaking happily. He chuckled and hugged her. He stroked her head and spoke to her, though he couldn't understand her own langage.

''He is fine. Frost is safe, now.''

She beamed at it and swirled in delight, which made Astrid laugh. She was the one to stop the beluga's antics to explain her their problem. Baby Tooth swam around them then zipped away. They quickly followed as they understood where she was going.

They had the same reaction as Selina as they saw the cave. But, like Selina before them, they also trusted Baby Tooth and swam inside. Though the welcome party was completely different. The witch threatened them with a knife and yelled for them to not come any closer. Astrid took her son behind her back and scolded herself for not taking her axe with her. That's when the beluga swam in-between them and squeaked to the witch.

The mermaid calmed down and looked at the vikings with wide eyes.

''We mean no harm.'' Nuffink said, hidden behind his protective mother. ''We are friends of Frost's, he-''

''Fröstkel ? Did you save him ?''

Worry was written all over her face and in her voice.

''Tell me you saved him, please.''

Astrid managed to drop her defensiveness and let her son get closer. He smiled as he answered the witch.

''Yes, we did. Thanks to you. Thanks to the totems you gave us. We wanted to thank you.''

She sighed heavily, as if breathing out her anguish, and slumbed on the bed she had been sitting on. Thought she quickly sat back up and looked at them with pleading eyes.

''Can... Can I see him ? Can he come here ?''

''I'm afraid not.'' Astrid said. ''Not now, at least. But you can go to him.''

''Huh I... I can't... I have been disgraced.''

'' 'Disgraced' ?'' The chieftess hesitated.

Edelweiss lowered her head in shame, but still she lifted her cape to show them her amputed tail. Both vikings were shocked, then Nuffink got mad.

''The enchantresses did this ? That's what they tried to do to Frost and Selina !''

''They disgraced Fröstkel ?!'' Edelweisse panicked.

''No, no, no !'' Nuffink assured, waving his hands. ''No, he's fine, they didn't have the time to. But Selina has not been that lucky.''

''Oh no, poor girl...''

Silence fell like a hammer, but it didn't last as Nuffink was curious about the mermaid's statment.

''I don't see how you can't go see Frost.''

''I... I can't swim anymore.'' She hesitated, trying not to make it sound like obvious.

''If it's just this, I can carry you. It's the least I can do to thank you for your help.''