Snowlord
It wasn't just a deer. It was a snow white deer, with the most delicate antlers I had ever seen. Avor didn't have to hush me, and we were both frightened that we might make too much noise. I didn't realize how long I could hold my breath until now. The snow fell gently around the deer whose eyes looked so old and lovely and fair. I looked at Avor and his eyes were shut and his lips moved in a prayer of some kind. The deer ducked his head slightly and looked our way. He tilted his head as if curious, then skidded off. "Ah, damn," I said. That woke Avor from his prayer and I could see his breath. He looked awestruck, and I'm sure I did too. "We don't see many snowlords these days," he said. "No," I agreed. We both walked over to where the deer had stood and I saw a single sliver of silver hair in one of the deer tracks. "Do you think I should?" I asked. "Yes, yes, be careful, love." I slid it into my knapsack w...