“We’re just passing through,” Alice said. “We won’t stay long in your castle, I promise.”

“Helga’s decrees are absolute, human,” the ice giant said. “In truth, even when she returns, I do not fancy your chances. She is not fond of your kind, though I daresay she might keep the fire-kin for a pet. They have grown rare in these lands.”

“Flicker is not a pet,” Alice said.

“And she is not just a human,” Flicker said, sliding his hand down his spear. “She is a Reader. Do you have any idea what that means?”

The giant shrugged again. “I have heard stories. Readers are said to be most formidable creatures, though I must say she does not look it.” She cocked her head, hand returning to her ax. “Is it to be war, then, Reader? Will you match your strength against mine?”

“I’m trying to help you—” Flicker began.

Alice cut him off. “No, Flicker.”

“Wise, for a human. You ought to be wise enough to give up your journey. The Palace is cursed.”

“Can you tell us when Helga returns?” Alice said.

“You will know,” the ice giant said. “The castle will come alive with feasting and song. If her hunt was a success, perhaps she will be in a generous mood.”

“Perhaps,” Alice said. “Thank you.”

She turned away, following her footprints in the soft ash back toward the hill. After a moment’s astonished silence, Flicker followed, hurrying to catch up.

“I got the impression from Pyros,” the fire-sprite hissed, “that you were in a hurry.”

“I am.” Alice had checked the watch before coming down the hill. A bit more than five and a half days. And I’m going to have to come back this way, even once I find the Palace.

“Then what exactly are you doing?”

“Thinking,” Alice said.

“You killed a bluechill,” Flicker said. “Don’t tell me that ice-thing scares you.”

“Look,” Alice said. “I know what you think of me, but I’m not going to hurt anyone if I don’t have to, all right?”

Flicker stared for a moment, then shook his head. “Then we’re just going to wait for Helga?”

“I’m going to eat something and try to get some sleep,” Alice said. Even with time trickling away, she had to rest sometime. “I’m exhausted after all that climbing.”

“What if Helga won’t agree to let us through?”

“Then we’ll find another way,” Alice said. “Something better than smashing the front door down.”

They made their camp in the shadow of a boulder on the hilltop, with a good view of the fortress and the plain beyond. Flicker made a fire in a small metal bowl, providing a measure of relief from the chill wind. Alice ate a joyless meal of cold dried meat, and watched in fascination as Flicker scooped up bits of flame with his bare fingers and popped them into his mouth like candies.