[ WP ] By the time I had finished , there was no blood left . Only ice .

In the deepest depths of winter, the fastest way to get from village to village was on the river, on skates. I was going to be late for supper, I knew that, but I skated as fast as I could anyway in hopes I might not be so very late. If Da was in a temper, I might get the belt, even for so small a transgression. 
 
 Well, not *so* small. I had been with Eirik all day, when I knew perfectly well I should have been at home helping with the baking for the solstice festival, two days hence. The flimsy excuse I'd given Ma that morning would n't help me at all now, getting home so late. 
 
 Remembering Eirik and his kisses took up most of my thoughts, so I was taken completely by surprise when the river cracked beneath my feet. 
 
 *But there's been no thaw... * 
 
 That was all I had time to think before the river cracked again, and the ice gave way, plunging me into the frigid waters. 
 
 I grabbed for the edges of the hole. Below the ice, the river still flowed swiftly, and the current tugged at my legs, making it harder to gain hold. The ice was too slick, and the weight of my sodden clothing too great. I slipped under once, twice, fighting desperately for breath when my head broke the surface, but I was no match for the strength of the river. 
 
 As the water closed over my head for the final time, I began to pray. 
 
 By the time I was finished, there was no blood left, only ice.
