Shadows on Snow: A Flipped Fairy Tale (Flipped Fairy Tales) by Starla Huchton Page A

it lurked to the left of the doorway, marked by a distinct aura that raised the hairs on my scalp. Pressing myself to the wall, I eased my way down, only glancing around the edge to catch a glimpse of what awaited me. With a silent gasp, I pulled back. The largest scrying mirror I’d ever heard of hung there, inert until a living soul stepped within its sight. He was smart to hang it there, as the mirror would instantly see any who entered without giving away its presence until it was too late. Above it hung a velvet curtain, open, as it served as a passive guard. Reaching around the wall, I stretched until I could grasp the cord securing it and gave a tug. The curtain fell, leaving me free to explore.
    The circular room was lined with shelves and workbenches, filled with books and bottles and tools and unidentifiable parts of things. Jarred animals floated in greenish and bluish liquids, and drying plants hung from the ceiling, lending the space the faint, musty scent of herbs and dust. The center table formed a horseshoe shape, and was as cluttered as the rest of the room. However, one item stood out from the rest.
    Resting on a small podium was a large, leather-bound tome, cracked with age and well-worn by the look of the spine. Scanning for any further traps, but finding none, I emerged into the room to examine the book more closely. As I approached, I noted many Daymaiden lilies in various states of drying, decay, or dissection. Seeds sat beside a small pot that contained little shoots of green peeking up from the black soil. I cringed. He’d already made great strides towards replacing what I’d taken.  
    Stopping at the podium, I considered the book. My hand hovered over it, searching for any triggers or magical seals, but finding none. Hesitantly, I opened the cover. The magic coming from these pages was darker than any I’d ever encountered before, and my stomach churned at having to touch the thing.
    My heart sank. The first page of the book was written in Dinnish, of which I knew but a few words. I thought it would be the case when he spoke the word “ aomara ” at the door, but to confirm that was a blow to my hope. The Dinnarian’s word denoting ownership marked him as a rare breed of men descended from the ancient people. Few knew the language, and fewer still were acquainted with their methods of magic. Clarice and Delphine would relish the chance to examine a book such as this, but, for me, it was nothing more than an obstacle that might be impossible to overcome. Looking through a few more pages, I confirmed that the entire book was transcribed in Dinnish, and repressed my frustration. All might not be lost. I’d have to confer with my sisters.
    The late hour and constant activity crashed over me then, and I realized there was little else I would be able to accomplish there tonight. I closed the book and crossed to the stairs, making sure to uncover the scrying mirror before taking my leave. If I was to return, all things must be as I found them, lest he learn I discovered this place. After closing the door and whispering the sealing word, I retreated back towards the castle. Another long day awaited me, and I would be lucky to sleep three hours.

Chapter 5

    “Dinnish?” she said. “You’re certain?”
    Rubbing my eyes, I fought to stay awake. “Positive. I only know a few words, but enough to recognize it when I see or hear it.”
    “That presents a difficulty.” Her foggy face couldn’t mask her displeasure. Delphine had no love for Dinnarians or their language, despite her curiosity. “I might be able to translate from written text, but I’ll have to scour my memory to find words for you to look for. I’d know the pages when I saw them, but to have to guess at something like this…” She sighed. “I have to speak with the others. They may be able to help.”
    “It’s just as well,” I said with a yawn. “I’ve not the energy or alertness to venture in there again