The venue is beautiful. A shallow amphitheater constructed on a little island in the middle of a sparkling lake, with grass and wildflowers growing among the audience seating and one-fifth of the circle of benches interrupted by a dense stand of trees. The outer rows have a good view of the lake beyond the stage and the creatures sitting opposite. The day is clear, the sky a cheerful shade of blue, and the sounds of the water quiet enough that they do not at all impede enjoyment of the music.



And then, partway through Isabella's performance, abruptly and without warning, the water around the little island freezes over.