Page 9 of The Glass Unicorn: Part 5

She nodded. “I feel it too. Some people radiate goodness. And they do.”

“I did an alignment check,” Ray said, overhearing us. “While we were by the stream. They check out as good. Maybe a little neutral, but nothing evil about them. I suggest we enjoy their invitation while we can.”

We were all in agreement, so returned to the kitchen where Onna had laid out plates, put the sandwiches on a platter, the muffins on a tray, and she had added mugs of hot cider to the food. Both she and Casper sat down with us to eat, and as we ate, we talked.

“We’re originally from Orlando. We worked for Disneyworld awhile,” she said. “I was Cinderella’s fairy godmother, while Casper helped take care of some of rides. When Abarria opened up applications, we decided we wanted to move away from Florida and so, we managed to get hired and came here several years ago. We’ve been working for Abarria for three years now,” Onna said.

“Do you like it?” I asked.

She nodded. “We do. There’s a certain peace to this job, though we’ve had our encounters. But we’ve helped a lot of people who came through. Now…I guess we’re lucky. We’re used to being in the game.”

We finished our meal and sat back. I didn’t want to start out again, not right now. I was tired of sleeping on the ground, and the days were getting colder. Onna must have noticed my mood.

“We’d like to extend an invitation to you—stay here tonight. Stay warm and dry and we’ll refill your provisions before you head out tomorrow. The weather’s likely to go down hill fast come the next few weeks. Novembers here are blustery and cold, with lots of rain and wind.”

“We do have tents, at least,” I said. I told her about the Wildlings’ gifts.

“They’re good creatures,” Onna said.

“They are at that,” Casper added. “They’re not at all like us, but they’re helpful and brave.” He paused and then said, “We’ll see if we have anything else that might be of use over the coming weeks, but for now, why don’t you rest and catch some extra sleep.”

I realized I’d been yawning. “That’s a good idea,” I said. “You know, I only had her for a few days but I miss Star.”

“Who’s Star?” Casper asked.

“I found a Frazzle cat, and I miss her. We bonded,” I said.

“She’ll always be bound to you, so if you can, make regular visits to see her and—once she grows up—she’ll be able to accompany you on your trips.” He paused, then added, “If the game stays broken, that is.”

“What do you think?” Thornhold asked. “I mean, about the game?”

Casper glanced at Onna, who finally nodded. He turned back to us. “I don’t know this for certain, but I’m rather doubting they’ll fix it. To be blunt, I really think we’re locked in here forever. I don’t think any of us will be going home.”

And with that, the room fell silent.