Heart of Ice (The Snow Queen #1)(28)

“The other buildings are just storage houses and guardhouses, if I remember correctly,” Phile said. “Well, what do you think?”

“The courtyard is a possibility. Is the municipal building used as offices or sleeping quarters for Chosen officers?”

“I don’t know. We could check it out.”

“It’s both,” a man said.

Phile leaped like a frightened cat and sprinted halfway across the courtyard, hissing as she went. Because Rakel recognized the voice, she was able to hold her ice magic in instead of blindly striking.

“Good evening, Snorri,” she said.

Snorri said what Rakel suspected was supposed to be “Princess,” and bowed.

“What is the matter with you? Don’t sneak up on your companions like that!” Phile said as she stalked back to them. “Although, that was a nifty trick. Think you could teach me it?”

“No,” Snorri said.

“Stingy.”

“You have inspected the interior of the municipal building?” Rakel asked.

Snorri nodded.

Phile fussed with one of her scarves. “Anything of interest?”

Snorri spoke but was incomprehensible.

Phile squinted. “Is he speaking another language?”

“You’re mumbling, Snorri,” Rakel said, her voice regal, but gentle.

“I found the offices of Colonel Graydim.”

It made sense that Farrin Graydim would be stationed here—it was the largest city closest to Rakel and the rebels. “Oh?” Rakel said.

“He was in it at the time. I was…”

“You were?” Phile said when he trailed off into another mumble.

“I was hoping he would leave so I might inspect it.”

“Yet he never did?” Rakel asked.

“He did, about five minutes ago.”

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Phile said, starting for the building.

Rakel moved so she could stand in the shadows. “Enjoy yourselves. I will remain here.”

Phile caught her by the wrist. “Nonsense! You’re coming with! You can help search through papers.”

“As I know nothing about the work you are about to do, my presence will not aid your mission. I will be a hindrance,” Rakel said, standing firm.

“Yes, but you could spy out the building. Get a feel for it and all of that.”

“To fight indoors with my powers would be a stupid thing. I hope I have the good sense not to do so,” Rakel said.

“Gah, you’re too smart tonight. Fine, do you know why you are going to come? It is because your handsome guard and charming attendant will be quite upset with me if I leave you here alone. I wish to remain in their good graces, so your presence is required.”

After a moment, Rakel realized she was right. Captain Halvor would attach a chain to Rakel if he knew she had wandered around alone, and even Oskar’s civil temper would be tested.

Rakel allowed Phile to start pulling her along. “We cannot stay long. It is too risky,” she warned.

“Don’t you worry none. You’re with a pair of professionals!” Phile said. She almost wiped out on a patch of ice.

“The confidence you inspire is astounding,” Rakel said as they reached the building.

Snorri held a finger to his lips. He pried a shutter barely open, peered inside, then opened it entirely.

Rakel gazed curiously into the room. It was in chaos, with bedrolls piled in the corner and papers stacked on every surface.

Phile—in spite of her abundance of clothes—hopped onto the windowsill and slithered in with ease.

Rakel, unsure if she could copy the physical feat, hesitated. When Snorri cupped his hands together and crouched, it took her a moment to realize he intended to give her a boost. “Are you certain?” she asked. If he did as he offered, he would have to touch her—something that repulsed everyone except for Gerta, Kai, and Phile.

Snorri nodded.

Rakel reluctantly reached out, placed a hand on his shoulder, and stepped onto his hands. She was impressed he didn’t flinch at the contact, and he hefted her up as if she was made of air. She sat on the windowsill and slipped inside. Snorri followed her with a nimble leap.

“This is where they house their colonels? It’s not much to look at,” Phile said as she poked through the papers.

Snorri fastened the shutter. “This isn’t Farrin’s office. His is on the second floor.”

“Oh. Lead on, then,” Phile said, dropping the papers.

Snorri eased the door open and peered into a hallway. He beckoned for them to come with him and slipped from the room.

Rakel and Phile followed him down the plain hallway, their boots adding to the watery puddles left from previous patrols. They entered a stairwell and were about to go up it when a door banged above them.

Phile dragged Rakel to the underside of the stairs, pushing her into the crates and barrels of supplies stored there.

Rakel held her breath.

The staircase creaked under someone’s treading feet. Her heart pounded in her ears as a soldier cleared the last step and strode past them to get to the door.

Snorri held his hand up, motioning for Rakel to stay where she was. He and Phile ventured forward.

“It’s safe. Hurry,” Phile whispered after peering up the staircase.