ABANDONED. YA, Science Fiction from the late 80's to 90's, on a winter world where people used magic to warm water, homes, etc. Follow a young woman who travels with a flute that she uses to allow her magic to work.

[Holly]

Written in the latter '80's to early 90's, this book was actually part of a series (of three? I think). This book is set on a winter-bound world. There are special people that are trained and sent all over the world to heat the homes/settlements where people lived using their mental powers (lived in caves and mountain sides). These people were expected to stay celibate and bear no children while they worked.

The book follows a young woman who travels from settlement to settlement as a trader. She is one of the people that can use her mind to warm things. She trained with others who can perform the same magic, but never completed her training. She travels with a pipe/flute and tries to keep out of sight/notice of her magic wheedling peers.

(Spoiler Alert): in the book she takes over the duties of another girl, in keeping the halls warm. This is because the other girl fell in love and had become pregnant. Because of her pregnancy, her magic dwindled. The only other magic wheedler, an old man was unable to keep up with the demands of the hall. In secret the young woman continues to help out her friend so that no one knows about her forbidden pregnancy. I believe her friend dies and she takes over until a replacement can be found.

During this time, the young woman helps to heal a little child. The child had a respiratory disease and using the hot steam from the bathing pools (that she warmed for the people) it cleared the child's lungs.

[Kate]

Holly ~~
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[Holly]

bump

[Kris]

Holly, what does the heroine trade?

What are the science fiction (vs. fantasy) elements? What type of technology do the people use?

Are there fantastical creatures in this story?

[Ayshe]

Rhapsody: Child of Blood maybe?

[Cupcakedoll]

if this is the one I'm remembering...

[Kris]

No response, moving to Abandoned folder.

Holly (OP) was last active on the site in October 2019.