Chapter 18: Wings in the Blizzard
912 Words
The wind changed.
What had been a gentle snowfall became a violent blizzard within seconds.
The trees around the Frozen Lake bent beneath the force of the icy gale.
Elyra looked toward the dark clouds.
Her calm expression finally gave way to concern.
“It found you faster than I expected.”
Azul tightened his grip on the crystal pendant.
“What found me?”
Instead of answering, Elyra raised her hand.
“Listen.”
At first…
There was only the howling wind.
Then came the sound.
A powerful beat.
Another.
And another.
Thump…
Thump…
Thump…
Something enormous was flying above the storm.
⸻
High above the clouds, two brilliant golden eyes opened.
The creature circled the valley with effortless grace.
Its wings stretched wider than the tallest watchtower in Azul.
Its scales shimmered like polished sapphire beneath the snow.
As it descended through the blizzard, the storm itself seemed to obey its movements.
Azul stared upward.
“…A dragon?”
Elyra slowly shook her head.
“No.”
“It existed long before dragons ruled the skies.”
The creature landed upon a towering cliff overlooking the lake.
Its body resembled a dragon’s, yet its feathers glowed with blue light instead of scales covering its wings.
A crown of crystal horns rested upon its head.
Its gaze settled on Azul.
Not with hostility.
With curiosity.
⸻
Elsewhere…
Bashan had finished dealing with the Crimson scouts.
Two had fled into the forest.
The third sat tied to a pine tree.
“You’ve got one chance.”
Bashan folded his arms.
“What is Aster looking for?”
The scout laughed.
“You think I’d betray the Crimson Order?”
Bashan smiled.
“No.”
“I think you’re afraid.”
The man’s smile disappeared.
“You’ve never met Lord Aster.”
“No.”
“But I’m starting to think he wants me to.”
The scout looked away.
“I’ve already said too much.”
⸻
Deep within the forest…
Nyx continued following the excavation team from the shadows.
The soldiers eventually reached a frozen cliff.
One of them produced a crimson crystal.
The moment it touched the stone…
Ancient runes illuminated across the cliff face.
A hidden doorway slowly opened.
Nyx’s eyes narrowed.
“So that’s your destination.”
Before the soldiers could enter…
A sudden roar echoed overhead.
Everyone looked up.
The enormous winged creature soared across the sky.
Even the Crimson soldiers froze.
One whispered in terror.
“The Sky Warden…”
Their leader immediately shouted,
“Forget the ruins!”
“Report to the commander!”
The soldiers abandoned their mission and fled.
Nyx remained hidden.
“The Sky Warden…”
She repeated quietly.
“What are you?”
⸻
At the hidden cabin…
Taren finished his meal.
“I have one question.”
The old hunter chuckled.
“Only one?”
“You said you’ve been waiting for me.”
“I did.”
“Why?”
The old hunter smiled.
“Because among your friends…”
“You’re the one who sees what others overlook.”
Taren blinked.
“People usually say I’m the one who talks too much.”
The hunter laughed heartily.
“That too.”
Then his smile faded.
“The mountain has chosen each of you for a reason.”
“Yours…”
He pointed toward Taren’s heart.
“…has nothing to do with speed.”
⸻
Brakus and the rescued royal guard finally emerged from the ice caves.
Ahead of them lay a breathtaking sight.
An enormous stone bridge stretched across a bottomless chasm.
Its pillars were carved with symbols identical to those beneath the palace.
At the center stood a weathered monument.
Brakus approached cautiously.
The inscription read:
“Strength without compassion becomes tyranny.”
He stared at the words for a long time.
Then quietly said,
“I’ll remember that.”
⸻
Back at the Frozen Lake…
The winged creature spread its magnificent wings.
The blizzard stopped instantly.
Silence returned to the valley.
It slowly descended from the cliff.
Every step caused blue flowers to bloom through the snow.
Azul resisted the urge to draw his sword.
Something deep inside told him this creature was not his enemy.
The creature lowered its massive head until its glowing eyes met Azul’s.
Then…
To everyone’s astonishment…
It spoke.
Its voice was ancient, powerful, and gentle.
“Bearer of the First Light…”
“Why has the Seventh been awakened?”
Azul hesitated.
“I don’t know.”
“I only know that Aster has returned.”
The creature closed its eyes.
A deep sigh escaped its lips.
“So…”
“The wheel of history turns once more.”
Elyra bowed her head respectfully.
“My lord…”
“The kingdoms stand on the edge of another war.”
The creature looked beyond the valley, toward the distant horizon.
“No.”
It replied softly.
“They stand on the edge of a choice.”
Before Azul could ask what it meant, the creature’s eyes suddenly flashed.
It looked toward the western mountains.
Its calm demeanor vanished.
“They’re here.”
At that exact moment…
A deafening explosion echoed across the Frostfang range.
A pillar of crimson light erupted into the sky.
Miles away, hidden within the ancient ruins, the masked commander smiled as a colossal stone door slowly opened.
Behind it…
Hundreds of dormant stone warriors began opening their glowing crimson eyes.
The Crimson Order had awakened an army.
- Writer
