Ice Runner Read Free Page B

halfway back to Teckaro Base. The mental image of Lorvik heated her without any spurring on her part, and she sank a little too deep into the ice. She had to pull back on her emotions while she continued back to Corial City.
    She would try to hide her overheating in the thermal bathes.
     
    The familiar door in the stone wall was so welcome to her exhausted body. She knocked twice, waited and knocked three times. She heard her mother’s feet slapping the floor as she ran to the door.
    “Kescu! How are you? You are early.” Kema continued her questions and concerned murmurs as she pulled Kes inside and removed her equipment, stripping her down to her underwear on the way to her bedroom.
    “You have redecorated.”
    “You have been gone a month, Kescu.” Kema frowned.
    “How are the financials?”
    “The coffers are full enough now to last us for four years. If you keep working on that Yola-Teckaro run, we will have enough for another year in just a few runs. They pay a lot.” In her underwear, her padded suit lying across the apartment, Kes wrinkled her nose. “I am going for a quick shower, but can I get one of you to wake me so I can spend some time at the thermal bathes tonight?”
    Kema frowned. “Is it bad?”
    “A little more than I am comfortable with. It is quite distracting to have to keep pulling it in.”
    “I will wake you in three hours. I was able to bring in enough water and snacks for you to consume before you rest. Have a nap. I am sure that Eera will get you up the moment she gets home from classes.”
    Kes grinned. “I will be disappointed if she doesn’t. Right. Shower first, food then nap. I have my itinerary.”
    She followed her itinerary to the letter and soon found herself snug in bed with the smells of dinner lulling her to sleep.
     
    She felt Eera’s stare before her little sister woke her by voice. “Time to wake up, ancient one.”
    “That is very creepy, Eera.”
    “It works, so I am keeping it.” Chuckling, Kescu sat up, confirmed she had put a clean sleep shirt on and extended her arms for a hug.
    Eera fell into her arms and hugged her with a determination that let Kescu know she was still too hot. “It’s okay, shorty. You can let go now.”
    Eera sat near her knees. “You are very warm today. Are you sick?”
    “No. Just tired. I did two runs to get here to spend an extra day with you before the assembly on Fiveday. I ran a little hot.” Eera tsked just like their mother did. “You aren’t supposed to overdo it.”
    “I know. I am sorry. I just needed some time with my loving family.”
    “I forgive you. Do you need any water?”
    “Please. I am going to get dressed.” Kescu slid her trembling limbs out of bed, and she walked to her dresser, pulling out some soft, flowing trousers, a loose tunic and a bright sash.
    She peeled off the sleep shirt, replaced her old underwear with fresh clothing and got dressed. A pair of low boots that rose to mid-calf where she tucked the trousers in to blouse out, and she was dressed like a normal woman of Corial City. Her skin was the only main difference.
    Eera waddled in with the pitcher full to the brim with water, and she carefully set it on the table next to Kescu’s bed.
    “Mom is making stew and bread for you. She says that they are your favourite on rough days. I think she even bought some fresh meat for you.” Kescu was humbled. “That was so sweet. I was just going to run the snack alley and buy everything deep fried.”
    Eera’s features were suddenly disappointed. “I guess you don’t have to now, huh?” She chuckled. “Have to… no. Want to? Oh yes.” Her sister laughed with delight. “Can I come too?”
    “Of course. I need you to lead me in my sleep-deprived state.” Kes winked at her sister and grabbed her, swinging her around in circles.
    Kescu walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table with Eera doing homework at her side.
    Their mom made the stew, and the scent of bread was wafting from