Vic arranged the stock on his display shelf for the third time in as many hours. His General store had been a hub of activity before the Deep Winter came; now, he could count the daily customers on the one hand. He checked the time and headed toward the front door; Vic made an hourly trip outside to chip away the ice that gathered on his door and sidewalk. "How much longer will we be able to survive like this?"
He was slipping into his thick coat when he saw the glow through his iced-over front window. Without thinking, he shoved open the door and stepped outside just as a wave of hot air washed over him. The feel of heat nearly brought tears to his eyes as he stepped onto the walk to get a better view.
In the distance, he could see the majestic bird as it flew away. Its wings seemed to be a mixture of bright red and orange flames. He heard several other shop doors open up as curious onlookers came outside. "What was that thing?"
