Jadis was waiting for them in the courtyard, pacing back and forth on the light coating of crackling frost that crunched and squeaked under her bare feet. She was scowling, and tossing her wand from hand to hand. Her attendants stood nearby, shuffling anxiously - but, they hoped, silently. It did not do to draw the Queen's attention when she was in such a mood.

At the sound of wlf-pads and faun hooves on the thicker snow outside, Jadis stopped her pacing, and turned to face the doorway, face blank. The only indication of her mood was the tightness of her knuckles.