Read Frost Arch for Free Online Page A

be noticeable when Jefferson went to retrieve it, long after I would be gone.
    Outside the carriage, Jefferson was talking to a guard at the gate.
    “Just another delivery to the marketplace.” I heard Jefferson’s muffled voice confirm.
    “Your papers please.” The guard asked in a bored voice. I peered through the foggy glass window, and caught sight of a tall, burly man with a deep blue uniform. The uniform depicted a large coat of arms. The main feature of the coat of arms was a sparkling snowflake.
    I watched as Jefferson handed a bundle of parchment to the guard, and I wondered what they were. Did you need special papers to come into Frost Arch? It seemed ridiculous.
    The Guard of the Gate peered over the documents in his hands, and after a moment or two he seemed satisfied.
    “Are you carrying any other passengers with you?” The guard drawled, handing back the documents.
    “Uh … Oh!” Jefferson exclaimed only just remembering that I was indeed in his carriage, “I almost forgot! Yes. Little Avalon. She doesn’t have any papers yet though. I was gonna drop her at the Power Seer on my way to the Marketplace though, honest.”
    The guard ignored Jefferson and walked around the carriage. He peered at me through the window. I looked at him closely now, and noticed that he was quite handsome. Maybe five years older than myself, with thick ringlets of dark hair curling around his ears. I gave an embarrassed smile.
    The guard tapped the glass, “No papers?” His voice was muffled.
    I shook my head abruptly. What did that mean? Was I going to be let in? What were these paper things that I needed anyway? Criminal records? Birth certificate?
    The guard nodded and indicated that I should get out of the carriage. I was a little frightened. Grabbing my Rucksack I clambered from the carriage.
    “What is the nature of your visit to Frost Arch ma’am?”
    I paused, not quite sure how I was supposed to answer. My reasons for being here were rather private, but all in all I was coming to Frost Arch to live, and work. Anything to distract me from myself.
    “Residency?” I chirped, unsure
    The guard nodded flashing a smile at me, which changed his whole face. I looked anywhere else but his glinting white teeth.
    “In that case you’ll need to get yourself some papers from the Power Seer. He’s just beyond these doors. I hope you don’t mind ma’am, but it’s my duty to take you to the Power Seer Headquarters for Power analysis. All residence of Frost Arch must undergo this procedure I’m afraid.”
    He had totally lost me from the word “Power Seer”. I didn’t know what that was, but I didn’t like the sound of it either. Power analysis? It sounded as though there were going to document and record my ‘talent’. But what on earth for?
    I followed the guard and made my way past the front of the carriage, where Jefferson held onto the reigns.
    “Thank you for the lift.” I smiled at him, wondering how he would take the loss of his cargo. Would he try and find me?
    “Ah, no problem, lass.” He grunted, “You just be careful, all right?”
    I nodded fervently, gave Jefferson a small wave and continued after the guard who was now opening the large wooden doors into the city. Once they were open, Jefferson trundled onto the cobbled stone street of the city without a backwards glance. He soon rounded a corner and was out of sight.
    The first thought that flew through my head while I looked at the city was Christmas. Everything was stone, and white. A thick blanket of snow covered everything in sight. But still, the way that dark cloud loomed over the city was very eerie and unnatural.
    “I’m Stone.” The curly haired guard said pointing to his chest with his thumb, “Toby Stone. Official Guard of Frost Arch, Ma’am.”
    “Hello.” I mumbled.
    “So, what brings you here, eh?” The guard said as he waved to one of his co-workers who took over the position of minding the front gate for him. He