Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Nimble Fingers and Bloody Ice

Steam rose up like a ghostly hand from the cup of tea. Shafts of morning light stabbed into the well-kept kitchen as Serafina sat at the table with an open book before her. Without looking away from the book, her hand moved with practiced ease toward the teacup. Two fingers curled around the handle and she lifted it up to her lips. The jasmine tea touched her tongue and she sipped. Her eyes remain steadfast on the book, a hint of honey swimming with the tea across her tongue and down her throat. The moment she put her teacup down, there was a knock at the kitchen door.

“It’s open, Robert,” Serafina said loudly as her eyes moved from left to right, absorbing the information.

The door opened and a man with red hair in braids stepped in. He had his usual cordial smile as he closed the kitchen door and made his way to the table. Serafina pointed to an empty chair across from her and the rogue sat down.

“Light reading?” he asked like a dutiful husband, even though he was not.

“All reading is light reading,” Serafina said without look up. “So, what’s the word? Are you here to drag me outside to an executioner?”

Robert barked out a laugh. “Nothing of the sort. I wanted to be the one to give the good news.”

Serafina looked at the smiling man and lifted her head back. She sat up straighter, waiting for the grandmaster rogue to continue.

Robert nodded. “It was voted on, and I’m happy to say, it was three verse two, in your favor. The Storm Guild, the Moth Guild, and the Wolf Guild, sided with you and your eventual return.”

Serafina nodded, but didn’t smile. “I knew the Demon Guild would not do me any favors, considering they were the ones who took our guild stone and sold it. I am surprised about the Dragon Guild. I thought Vrar would be a little more opened minded, considering he has only been head of the his guild for the last few years.”

Robert shrugged. “Vrar feels like he has a lot to prove. Considering the former leader of the guild was his dear friend and met his untimely demise, Vrar has been on the warpath to show the Dragon Guild is not weak. He also spent part of the vote complaining that the Raven Guild was dead and it should stay that way. You might wish to watch your back with him.”

“I always watch my back,” Serafina said with a firm tone.

Robert kept his smile. “As you should. But there are some particulars that were mentioned. It seems word has gotten around that you have a dead contract with Slanka Mistmourn. This is good and bad news. Everyone at the moot doesn’t know the requirements, but they do know the time limit.

“I commend you for having an audience with the goblin, but there is already blood in the water. Your guild is in poor health. The young man, Symon, seems like a step in the right direction, but you will need more members, and your guild stone before you will be accepted back.

“Three of us voted for you, but that vote will change if you linger too long on restoring your guild.”

“I know what is at stake,” Serafina said with a blank expression.

“I know you do,” Robert said and his smile faded a little. “But if you need a little more help, I can see what I can do. I have had some eyes on some new recruits, but I can point them in your direction.”

Serafina’s blank expression shifted into wicked smile. “No, thank you. I don’t wish to have Storm Guild spies within my ranks.”

Robert put his hand over his heart and gave a sarcastic look of surprise. “You wound me. I would bever put spies in your guild. If they uttered one word to me, they would be dead by morning and by your hand. You know me better than that.”

“Robert, no matter how many times you help me and say pretty words, you will never have my hand. The Raven and Storm guilds were true allies, until that night thirty years ago. When your guild didn’t come to our aid in our time of need, I knew where all of you truly stood with,” Serafina said sharply.

The handsome rogue sat back, his smile gone and his eyes holding a sliver of darkness. “I was but a young man, barely ten and six. I had no say in the guild. I’ve already said it numerous times, we wanted to help and rush to your side, but the mages forbade it. We may be guilds, working together to do our shadowy work, but we all answer to the mages. If we don’t remain loyal, then all of us will be burned away to dust.”

 Serafina kept her wicked smile. “I know you believe that in your heart. Do not get me wrong, I do appreciate all you have done to help me and my guild, but no amount of assistance will wash away the blood and sorrow.

“My guild is set to return. I will bring it back to its former glory and raise it higher. I have a lot of work to do in a short amount of time. Thank you for bringing me the good news, but if things turn sour, I will know in my heart, you will not be there with pretty words and smiles, no matter what you promise.”

Robert looked down and made a small nod. A breath later, he stood up and bowed to the woman in black.

“One last thing, you haven’t heard anything about someone working outside of the guilds? There have been a few unauthorized break-ins over the last week. Each house that has been broken into has a mark of protection and they have been paying their dues.”

“No. This is the first I’m hearing of this,” Serafina said truthfully.

Robert nodded. “The Shield Guard are on extra alert, and the other guilds are investigating. If you hear, or know anything, it will earn some goodwill with the other guilds.”

“If I hear anything, I will sell the information, at a fair price,” Serafina smiled.

Robert nodded again.

“Enjoy the rest of your day,” the rogue said before turning, and making his way to the door.

Serafina watched him go. When the door closed, she returned back to her book. She lifted her cup of tea and took a sip. She glanced to the door again, her heart beating strong. She looked down and continued reading as the sounds of chirping birds filled the world beyond her kitchen window.

***

The sound of a cheering crowd filled the street. Sunlight painted the tops of stone and wood buildings. Colorful balls were thrown into the air, as a woman juggled. She wore a bright outfit of reds and yellows. The crowd watched the juggler with amused eyes and happy smiles. She threw the balls higher and higher, making her juggling more and more complex.

Symon hung back, behind the crowd. He appeared aloof, leaning against a wall and pretending his didn’t care, but it was all an act. He used his peripheral vision to keep track of the crowd and take in what they were wearing.

It had been five days since the meeting with the necromancy grandmaster. In that time, Symon spent every day in Old Town, getting to better know the lay of the land. His initial trepidation of coming into the city in his human form had long dissipated. It was easier each day, to walk around the many districts and get to know the sights and people, residents and visitors both.

The one thing Symon kept thinking about was how big Gray Gate was, especially Old Town. The inner city had three dozen different distracts, each one with their own flavor and style. To walk around like another citizen was a breath of fresh air, but he remained mindful of the city guards and steered clear of them everywhere he went.

After spending each day in Old Town, he went back to the guild house and talked about his day with Serafina. She was keen to listen and gave him advice, the pair growing more comfortable around each other after every day.

Symon’s eyes slid to the side again, seeing crowd by the juggler were mostly visitors to Gray Gate. He stood up from the wall and stepped closer, pretending to be interested in the juggler’s antics. His hand moved forward to a pocket, and in a blink, his hand pulled back with a small coin purse. He stuffed it into his pocket and walked off like another nameless face in the city of mages.

When the young man was a block away, he reached into his black jacket and pulled out his ledger. When he opened it to the first page, he smiled to himself.

Symon

Raven Guild Rank: Novice

 

Copper Rooks: 176

Silver Knights: 15

Gold Queens: 1

Platinum Kings: 0

 

Natural Abilities

Shapeshift: Minor (Fox)

 

Skills

Flee: Proficient 

Pickpocket: Proficient

Hide: Proficient

 

Symon noticed that his pickpocket skill did increase a rank, from novice to proficient. It took every day, for the last five days to get it there. In that time, he had a better idea of what opportunities to look for and the marks that may not give him trouble. There was one time, a few days ago, where he took a coin purse from a rather large man. The man grabbed his wrist and was ready to pummel him into the ground, when Symon struck his throat and ran as the man choked. It was enough for him to stay out of the Garment district for a time so as to not chance another run in with the large fellow.

Symon closed his ledger and put it in his inside pocket as he walked.

Finally, some progress. I must admit, there hasn’t been much in the way of extra coins, but even taking one copper rook will suffice. It’s all about improving the skill and getting away with it.

A new found confidence filled the young man as he walked. He was eager to get back and give Serafina the good news, but he thought better of it. It was still early afternoon and any extra chances he could take to lighten someone’s pocket would only help him get better.

I still need five-hundred silver knights if I want to raise my rank from novice to proficient. Maybe I need to hit some of the richer districts. Even if I get some gold queens, I can exchange them for silver knights and put them away.

Symon’s bright mood dimmed for a moment. He looked down as he walked.

Already five days and I still haven’t found or taken any platinum kings. I don’t know how I will help repay the debt. Picking pockets is small change, considering I will need a lot more if we are to succeed as a guild.

The pressure returned and Symon’s mind worked, trying to figure out a way to earn some coins for the guild, and his new career. He continued to walk along the populated street, when he passed a couple having a conversation.

“The break-ins are getting worse. I heard the Shield Guard have upped their patrols in the evenings. The robbers have been extra careful. They haven’t left any traces behind, like they’re a ghost,” a man said.

“Gray Gate is bad enough already. The criminals are getting bolder and I’ve had a few close calls with them. Maybe we should move?” the other man said with a shrug.

Symon walked along as he listened. When he was well past them, his thoughts remained on the secret burglar.

Serafina said we need members for the guild. Maybe I should start looking for these robbers and see if they want to work for us?

Symon locked the thought away as he reached a four-way intersection. He stood for a moment, drinking it in as people moved about with their day. It continued to bring a sense of magic to his senses, so many people together in such a large city

A small commotion touched the edge of his gaze. He turned his head and looked over to a Shield Guard in his blue armor and a pair of kobolds. Symon watched them, eyeing the two smallish lizard people. From his travels, he remembered coming across kobolds before. They often lived in the Summer Lands, and on several islands on the Dream Sea. They had odd legs, the knees bending backwards. They had scales along the outside of their arms and legs, neck and head. They had cat-like slitted eyes, small snouts and were hairless. They only stood about four feet tall and had short, thick tails. Their history is rich, it often said that they were descended from dragons that once populated Norr a long time ago.

“As I said, Moss Street is not in Old Town,” the city guard said with an annoyed tone.

“Then, can you show us which direction it is?” the small, female kobold asked kindly.

The guard shook his head. “Go bother someone else. I’m not a guide.”

The other kobold, who appeared to be male, spoke up. “My cousin isn’t trying to be a bother. We simply wish to know where Moss Street is.”

“Qin, please, we are visitors,” the female kobold said to her fellow kobold.

“Visitors who will be here for the next six years!” Qin said to cousin, but kept his eyes on the tall guard.

“Six years? New mages?” the guard asked.

The kobolds nodded in unison.

“We seek to join the academies,” Qin said as he stuck out his little chest.

The guard let out an annoyed laugh. “Great, more pompous newcomers who wish to be mages. Well, since you’re going to be here for the next six years, you can find your own damn way around. I have duties to attend to.”

The guard didn’t even bow. He simply turned and walked away.

“How rude,” the female kobold said to her cousin.

Qin crossed his arms and shook his reptilian head from side to side. “We’ve heard it many times, Nyana. Gray Gate is not a friendly city.”

“It doesn’t mean we need to be just as rude as they are,” Nyana said innocently.

A shadow touched the pair of kobolds. They turned their gazes and snouts to the young man with a small, welcoming smile.

“I apologize. I couldn’t help but overhear. The guards here are often rude and don’t seem to like their jobs very much,” Symon said. “Maybe I can help?”

Nyana’s eyes widened in relief. Qin eyed Symon with a suspicious gaze.

“Yes, can you? We are new here, just arrived this morning. We are terribly lost and have asked several city guards where Moss Street is. Each one has been very rude,” Nyana said.

Symon nodded. “Yes, that is terrible. I happen to know where Moss Street is. It’s in the north side of New Town.”

“New Town? That can’t be right,” Qin said.

“Apologies, we were told Moss Street is in Old Town,” Nyana said politely.

Symon shook his head. “I’m sure Moss Street is in New Town. That may be the reason the guards have wanted nothing to do with you. They don’t care about anything beyond the inner walls of Old Town.”

The short female kobold smiled. “This is one tangled mess. Can you help us sort it out? It doesn’t matter if it is in Old Town or New Town, we’re just trying to get to a relative. She is hosting us at her home so we can prepare for the Grand Allotment. You may know this, but it is when the academies choose new students to become mages.”

“Nyana, he is a stranger and doesn’t need to know our business,” Qin scolded his cousin.

“He seems like a genuinely helpful person,” Nyana smiled.

Symon smiled back at the short kobold. “I always like to help those in need. If you will allow it, I can escort you to Moss Street. New Town can be a little rough, especially to newcomers.”

“Thank you, but we can,” Qin was cut off by his cousin.

“That would be wonderful! Thank you, kind stranger!” Nyana said with glowing enthusiasm.

The young man glanced at the annoyed Qin as he glared at Nyana.

“My name is Symon,” he said with a smile and a bow.

“Nyana,” the kobold bowed to him.

“Qin,” the male kobold said with a grumpy tone as he bowed.

“The day is getting on. Let’s go so I can safely see you to your new residence,” Symon said and led the way.              

Qin gave Nyana a quick look of distrust, but his cousin was already following the tall man and not giving him a second look. The kobold sighed as he hefted his backpack and followed them.

Symon walked with Nyana at his side and Qin following behind them. Symon couldn’t help but glance down at the kobold. She gave off an aura of high spirits and adventure as she walked beside him. Her reptilian eyes looked up at the beautiful buildings and iron-wrought lamps that lined the streets. Ornamental lanterns hung from poles. The sun sank lower in the sky, signaling the close of the day and easing the citizens into the coming night.

“You wish to be true and proper mages?” Symon asked.

Nyana nodded. “Gray Gate is the true home of mages and we hope to learn a great deal. To study from the best will greatly increase our chances of helping out small village.”

“Oh? Does your village need mages?” Symon asked.

Nyana smiled and nodded again. “Our village is growing, but many of our people fear magic. My cousin and I are not like the rest of them. We know, magic is important and every town and kingdom should have mages to aid and protect the people.

“I just hope we get picked. The Grand Allotment is only for the gifted and skilled. Qin and I should have a better than average chance of success when it comes to being picked.”

“Nyana, stop telling everyone what we’re trying to do!” Qin hissed.

The kobold ignored her cousin and continued, “What about you, Symon? Why are you here in Gray Gate? Are you trying out to be a mage?”

Symon looked down into the kobold’s innocent eyes and smiled. “Magic isn’t really something I’m good at. I do love this city and hope to make my fortune.”

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Nyana blinked. “If you don’t wish to become a mage, then why else would you be here?”

“Nyana!” Qin nearly shouted.

“It’s alright,” Symon said to ease Qin’s dismay. “Magic is very interesting and if I had the talent, I would try for it as well. But I’m not magically inclined, so I took a job as a courier. I deliver messages around Gray Gate,” Symon lied.

Nyana nodded. “All jobs are important. A city like here would be difficult to run if every single person was a mage.”

“I agree,” Symon grinned. “Do you feel confident you will be picked?”

Nyana nodded vigorously. “Oh yes. It is often said by those who pass through our village, the mages of Gray Gate will always pick those who can already cast a spell or two. Qin and I have learned some magic spells, but we will only use them if the scout vanguards require it.”

Symon looked ahead as they walked. “I thought you needed spellbooks or scrolls to cast spells?”

Nyana looked down as they walked. “To cast spells safely, yes you do. But smaller spells use only a little of your living mana. We don’t have any spell ink in our village, so Qin and I had to use our own mana. We only did it a few times, and afterwards we were sick for a few days. It’s not recommended, but we are willing to show the mage vanguards we are determined to be among them.”

Symon glanced back to Qin. The kobold walked with his small body hunched forward a little. He had a look of defeat in his eyes, unable to stop his cousin from spilling every detail of their lives.

The young man turned his gaze back to Nyana. “Well, if I was a scout vanguard, I would recruit you immediately. You seem well-rounded and eager to learn. The mages would be at a loss if they didn’t take both of you into their academies.”

Nyana’s serpent eyes gleamed with excitement. “Yes, we believe that too!”

Symon glanced back again to Qin. The kobold had lifted his head and looked at Symon with wide eyes.

Qin seems very protective, but even he has that spark of wanting to learn magic. Nyana has such an innocent spirit. They seem like they will be unstoppable after they get their feet in the door.

“How much farther do you think it is?” Nyana asked.

“It’s still a little farther, but I’ll have you to your relative’s home before dark,” Symon said with a reassuring tone as they walked north on a cobblestone street.

***

The sun touched the western horizon and the sky changed from a deep blue, into a dim pink.

On the porch of a small home, an elf sat in a chair. He stared out at the broken cobblestone street, tufts of wild grass growing between cracked sections. The homes around him were shabby and rundown. There was a small odd scent, the elf mentally pushing it away as he reached down to a small table beside him and lifted his cup of warm tea. He raised it to his lips as he watched the sky turn a deeper pink with yellow highlights.

Tarron sipped his tea as he stared at the dimming sky. Having the day off, he enjoyed spending the day cleaning up his home and making some needed repairs. Now that his chores were finished and the day coming to an end, a cup of gold leaf tea was a perfect end to a relaxed day.

After finishing his sip, he put the cup down on the small table and sat back in his chair. The familiar feeling of despair crawled along the edges of his psyche. Try as he might, he couldn’t keep it at bay. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see the squalor of the surrounding area, but the smells were still there, dictating that this would be his life for a very long time.

The elf let out a tired sigh and opened his eyes. Lantern lights began to glow in windows. Hearths were being lit, their burning wood scents rising up from many chimneys. Tarron could almost taste the burning wood from the air, all his senses heightened more than most other creatures. It was a cruel gift, turned curse in the slums and shabby homes of his little neighborhood in north New Town.

Knowing he had to start his own hearth to cook dinner and heat him home to the coming, cold night, Tarron was about to stand up when he spotted a man and two kobolds walking along the street. He remained comfortable seated as he watched them from the corner of his eyes as they approached.

Qin was on one side of Symon, while Nyana was on the other side of him. Qin looked around with incredulous eyes as they walked along Moss Street.

“This place is a dump,” Qin said with a harsh whisper.

“Qin, shush!” We don’t know the circumstances for why Renna lives here. Let’s not pass judgement just yet.”

“It’s difficult and expensive to live in Old Town. I live in the western side of New Town myself,” Symon said, trying to be diplomatic.

“How can a great city like Gray Gate, allow so many people to live in such squalor? Many speak to the generosity of the mages, but I wouldn’t know it by seeing such a place,” Qin said in a low tone.

“Qin, our people lived in much worse conditions centuries ago. Try not to be so judgmental.”

“If you’re not wealthy in Gray Gate, you live out here. It’s not so bad, but you have to know your way around. Everyone kind of looks out for each other in New Town, as long as you have a kind spirit,” Symon said as they walked.

“I suppose,” Qin said as he tried to not look around in contempt.

Symon glanced to the side and spotted an elf on a porch and sitting in a chair. The elf eyed him, but kept his face neutral. There was a familiar vibration as they looked at each other. A breath later, the young man vaguely remembered the elf.

He is the city guard that nearly stopped me after my first attempt at robbery. I thought the shield guard lived within Old Town, but I guess not all of them. He is looking at me like he knows me, or he’s just committing my features to memory. I haven’t been through here too often, so he may think I’m up to no good.

It may be a good thing. A shield guard here will add extra protection and safety, even if he’s off duty.

“This is Renna’s home!” Nyana said warmly.

Symon turned his gaze to the one-story home across the street from the staring elf. It was wider than most of the nearby homes, but not by much. It had cracks along the walls and several clay plates missing from the slanted roof, but it did look sturdy.

The front door opened and a small kobold female stepped out. She was wearing an apron over her simple black dress and shared the same red scales as Nyana and Qin.

“Nyana! Qin!” the kobold rushed into the street.

Symon stepped back as the kobold flung her arms around the Nyana and Qin. She hugged them fiercely as the cousin’s snuggled their heads to the sides of her neck. After a small moment, she pulled back, keeping each of her hands on their shoulders and looking at them with bright, reptilian eyes.

“You have both grown so much! The last time I saw you both, you just hatched from your eggs,” Renna grinned.

“It’s good to see you, Nana Renna,” Nyana said with wet eyes.

“We thought you lived in Old Town,” Qin blurted out.

“Qin!” Nyana scolded her cousin.

Renna shook her head. “Nyana, it’s okay. There was a deception in my letters. I thought, if I told you I lived in New Town, you might not come. Despite my folly, my home is warm and dry. I still have an extra room for you both to stay, until you’re picked by the mages.”

“We appreciate everything you’re doing for us,” Nyana said and hugged Renna again.

The older kobold female pulled back and looked past the kobolds to the man standing a few feet away.

“Who is your friend?” the kobold asked with a smile.

“Hi. My name is Symon. Nyana and Qin were a little overwhelmed by the city and asked me for directions. I couldn’t say no to them and decided to guide them here.”

Nyana’s eyes shined with excitement. “Symon helped us navigate the streets of Old and New Town to get here. He showed us the way and we couldn’t be more grateful!”

“Well Symon, you helped guide my niece and nephew here safely. I have two rabbits roasting on a spit and they’re just about done. Come inside so I can reward your kindness,” Renna beamed.

Symon lifted his up to stomach level, palm out. “Thank you, but I should be going. I have to get home before it’s any darker and colder.”

“Symon, please stay for dinner,” Nyana blinked her scaled eyelids and clasped her hands before her small snout.

The young man’s heart melted, but remembered he had to check in with Serafina and she was planning on cooking a beer stew. He couldn’t say it out loud, but her had firmly become addicted to her cooking and didn’t want to miss it.   

“Truly, thank you, but I do have other plans. Enjoy your dinner and reunion. I may see all of you, especially these two after they become full-fledged mages,” Symon said with a bow.

“Well, don’t be a stranger. You’re welcomed to visit any time,” Renna smiled.

Qin stepped closer to Symon as the young man stood up to his full height again. The kobold held out his scaled, three fingered hand and opened it. Symon looked down to see five copper rooks stacked in the palm of his hand.

“I wish it could be more,” Qin said, trying to show his gratitude.

Symon reached down and closed the kobolds fingers, keeping the small stack of rooks in Qin’s palm.

“Thank you, but I’m sure you can put those rooks to better use,” he said and pulled his hand away.

Qin smiled and nodded.

“Keep them safe,” Symon said to Qin.

“It has always been my pledge to do so,” the kobold said and bowed his head.

Nyana watched as Symon waved and turned away. He walked away from them as the sun was almost set for the day.

“It gets cold out here at night, not fit for kobold or beast. Let’s get inside and you can tell me all about your journey,” Renna said as she tried to shoo them into her home.

Nyana and Qin walked toward the entrance to the home. They glanced down the street to see Symon turn a corner and disappear from sight. Their hearts sagged in their chests as they walked into the home, Renna following and closing the door behind them.

Tarron picked up his cup of tea and smirked to himself.

“It seems there are thieves with some honor and kindness,” the elf whispered to himself as he sipped the last of his tea, the sun vanishing behind the horizon and evening cloak covering the lands.

***

A howling wind sang into the night air. Stars shined brightly along the black heavens. Ghostly moans poured across the area by the sea. A light on a beach began to grow brighter and brighter as the edge of an immense glacier stood only a few hundred feet away.

Kal stood on the cold, sandy beach. His intense eyes stared as a bonfire roared behind him. He observed the tall edge of the glacier, spying each dark shape within the thick ice. His heart beat with purpose, taking in the sizes and outlines of monsters that lay trapped within. The gentle sounds of waves eased his soul, but the frigid wind off the water and the immense walls of ice caused even his hardened body shiver for warmth.

A Norden woman approached the wiry hunter in his thick coat. She stepped to his side and looked up at the glacier edge. The light of the bonfire behind them illuminated a wall of jagged ice before them. Their shadows shifted and danced as something dark was in the ice.

The woman glanced to the side, seeing the glacier over the very ocean. The wall of ice spread out as far as the eye could see. She looked at the waterline, noticing that even salt water couldn’t melt the mystical ice filled with armies of monsters.

“Camp is set and food is cooking,” the woman said in a low voice.

Kal simply nodded as he stared at the ice wall.

“After our meal, what are your orders?” the woman asked as she closed the top of her fur-lined coat around her neck and tried to control her shivering.

“Everyone will get some rest. We will awaken before dawn and make the climb up, if there is no fog. The fog eats away at the ice and we don’t want to let out more than one of these bastards at a time,” Kal said with a dark tone.

The woman crossed her arms and shivered. “How many times have you done this?”

“This is the seventh,” Kal said plainly.

“All successful?” the woman said with a concerned edge to her voice.

“Too late to get cold feet,” Kal said with a lopsided grin. “If you come back alive, then all of them have been successful.”

“Have all your previous crews come back from a successful mission?” the woman asked as she looked at the giant dark spot in the ice wall.

Kal eyed the same dark shape his fellow hunter was staring at. His heart beat faster, pain fueling his inner rage and purpose. The cold started to become less cold, his blood on fire for what must be done.

“The only things you have to worry about is not slipping on the ice and falling to your death. The umbra beasts encased in the ice have been there for hundreds of years. The cold doesn’t kill them. It only puts them in hibernation until the fog, or especially sunny days, melt or crack the ice. Thankfully, both don’t happen too much this far north.

“Before dawn, we will climb the ice and beginning tunneling. It will take a few days to get deep enough to the beasty within. The tunnels have to be small so the beast cannot break out if it awakens. The mages will pay many gold queens for chunks of umbra beasts, but they will pay platinum kings if we can get our hands on a living worm.”

“A worm?” the woman said with a raised eyebrow.

Kal nodded. “Aye, a worm. No one likes to talk about the umbra beasts, not after some have broken from the ice and killed hundreds, if not thousands of people. That is why you may not know about the umbra worms.

“You see, the umbra monsters were just normal creatures here on Norr. When the Mad Mage tried to bring about the cataclysm, he opened a portal to the umbra world. The worms are a pestilence. They crawl into creatures, beasts, and people. They corrupt them with some kind of foul and twisted magic. It makes the bodies bigger, stronger, monstrous. Then they hunger for mana, the very stuff that is in the bodies of all living creatures and the world. The very stuff in mine and your blood.

“A dead worm fetches a large reward. A living one will bring many riches to all of us.”

The woman’s body shivered, one half from the cold, the other half from staring at the tall dark shadow in the ice.

Kal continued, “If you’re worried, always remember, fire is your friend. Umbras don’t like the fire. They also don’t like mustard seed.”

“Mustard seed? Is that why we brought several barrels of it?”

Kal nodded. “It’s poison to them. Takes a while to slow them down. Fire works much faster, but for our work, we need to poison it slowly so the worm will wriggle out of the beast. We capture it, alive, and we will never have to do this work again.

“Once our tunnels are complete, and we located the spot with the black worm, he will begin poisoning the monster’s body. Then, when the worm crawls out, we capture it. After we have it, we will cut up chunks of the monster’s body and drag them home to a hero’s welcome.”

“How long, to finish the job?” the woman asked with concerned eyes.

“A week or two, if we work hard. No need to fret, the monsters rarely break free these days. They’re in too deep. Not like before, when dozens would break free and rampage the countryside. Those were dark times. Even the Summer Lands were touched by those monsters hundreds of years ago. But with each decade, Norr gets colder and the glacier remains. It may take thousands of years before things change, but for now, the cold climate is our frosty protector,” Kal said as he looked over and winked.

The woman glanced at him and smiled.

“We should get some rest,” Kal mentioned. “Tomorrow will be busy…” the hunter was cut off by a loud, air shattering crack!

Kal and his fellow hunter looked up at the ice wall. Cracks zigzagged along the icy surface. Time slowed down as ice shattered and a huge, black claw burst out of the ice wall. Shards of ice and snow fell as the giant crab-like claw turned and opened.

“Star Goddess! Preserve us!” the hunter said as she turned and bolted toward the bonfire.

“No! Not toward the fire!” Kal shouted but it was drowned out by falling ice and the woman’s shouts.

The woman hunter shouted and screamed to her fellow hunters, clustered around the bonfire. They looked up in horror as large chunks of ice gave way and fell, revealing an black, armored body underneath. Wicked spikes and hooks ran along the grotesque monster as another claw shattered ice. It was barely humanoid, slowly breaking free from its icy tomb. An armored head crashed through the ice and black, shiny eyes looked down at the bonfire and morsels of meat scattering.

Some hunters screamed. Others grabbed at spears. A few ran for their lives.

Kal watched helplessly as the fire and the shouts and screams of the other hunters caught the attention of the giant monster. He backed up to the water’s edge on the beach.

The monster was silent as it freed a clawed foot. A claw stabbed into the nearby ice of its former prison and pulled a chunk of ice from the wall. The umbra beast lifted its claw, a large boulder sized hunk of ice between its pincers, and heaved back.

Kal turned and dove into the icy water.

The umbra beast whipped it’s claw forward.

Screams filled the night before the immense chunks of ice slammed down on the bonfire and rolled. Bloody streaks and ash were left behind as the ice boulder rolled over fleeing bodies. The bonfire out, night settled across the beach.

The woman beast hunter ran as the boulder rolled past her, missing her by inches. She huffed and cried out in fear. The very ground thundered as she kept up the frantic pace. She didn’t dare look back, not wanting to see the monster she felt was getting closer with immense footfalls.

A shadow blotted out starlight. The woman let out a hysterical scream before a clawed foot slammed down and crushed her into paste.

Kal surfaced from the ice-cold water. He shivered and watched as the giant umbra beast marched along. The beast didn’t look back as it crashed through trees, made its way south, and into the deep night.

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