Folksburywoods Story Blog

“Are you cold, my pretty?” came a whisper that froze Marina’s heart with fear.

“No, Grandfather, the ice is beautiful, and everyone knows how hard you work to cover the land in a white blanket.

The girl dared not look at Father Frost without his permission, for doing so was instant death.

“Are you cold, my pretty?” repeated an ice-cold breath that slipped down her back.

“No, Grandfather, the ice dangling from the trees warms my face and brightens the day,” said Marina. The figure moved to the front of the girl to examine her closely.

“Why are you here, my child? What manner of human sends a girl to freeze in the dead of winter?” asks Frost.

“I am an orphan, and the woman who pledged to care for me took my inheritance and then sent me here to die,”

“You don’t say. I shall be your guardian now, for you have shown that your heart is pure,” spoke the king of winter.

With a snap of his finger, a sleigh pulled by two reindeer appeared before Marina. “Climb in, child, and don’t be afraid; you are under my protection,” said Frost.

Doing as she was told, Marina found herself wrapped in a thick robe, which sent her chills fleeing to the north.

“Oh, kind and generous grandfather, you have saved me from a terrible fate. I shall never forget you and the love you have shown me,” whispered Marina as she fell asleep.

When Marina awoke, she lay in the softest bed, covered by the thickest blanket she could ever have dreamed of.

“Come along, little one. I need to dress and feed you before you meet the king in the great hall,” said an oddest-looking little man.

“Yes sir, I mean yes uncle, right away,” replied Marina. The man grinned back and gave her a polite nod of his head.

After dressing and finishing her breakfast, Marina was shown to the great hall, where the king sat on an enormous throne of blue ice. “Come forward so I may see you better,” said the king.

Marina bowed and moved to the throne. “I hope I please you, grandfather,” said Marina.

“Most certainly. I have a surprise for you. I hope you like it,” said the king, reaching into his robe and producing a silver wand.

“This wand shall make you as powerful as I. It will provide you with my wisdom and experience when held in your hand,” said Frost.

“Why would I need such a gift? I am a simple farmer’s daughter,” the girl asked.

“You see, Marina, I am very old and tired, and I wish to retire, but I needed to find a soul whose heart was pure and loved the land,” said Frost.

Marina suddenly felt fear and slowly backed away. “Fear, good. If you had not felt fear, Marina, I would not have placed this wand in your hand,” remarked the king.

Frost approached the child and placed the ice wand in her hand. Moments later, Marina’s body relaxed, and a smile spread across her face.

“I understand now and am no longer afraid. I thank you, grandfather, for this gift. I shall faithfully carry out my duties to protect the land and its people from injustice,” said Marina.

Marina was placed on the throne, and Frost said, “This is yours now. My servants shall care for all your personal needs.”

“Goodbye, Father Frost. May time smile upon your remaining days and bring you peace at the end,” said Marina. Frost rose into the air, his body turning to snow, which drifted away.

“Well, I’d best be getting on with the business of being the Frost Queen,” said Marina as she walked out of the castle and into a blizzard.