Outside the Winking Stag, Willen staggered back, his eyes widening as the vortex solidified.
The fiery glow illuminated the frost-covered ground, and with a sudden burst of heat, a black creature emerged.
The smell of sulfur permeated the air as the beast exhaled, a fan of flames flaring from its nostrils.
The gusts of heat added a metallic sheen to its scaly body. Its claws scraped the cobblestones, sending tiny sparks flying. The creature unfurled its wings, steam hissing as cold air clashed with the heat radiating from its form.
It turned to glare at Willen, molten amber eyes filled with disdain.
"Easy, Ignis," Kael said, patting its head. Ignis snorted lightly before turning its condescending gaze away.
Willen snapped back to attention, disbelief etched across his face as he stared at Kael. "What in Orthovix's name is that?"
Kael shrugged and, with a small leap, landed on Ignis's back. "This is Ignis, my mount and companion. A young and nice companion."
"I thought the Iron Veil Order normally rode on flaming horses. Why is yours…" Willen gestured at the beast, his words trailing off.
"I was a little lucky. I found Ignis before I had the chance to obtain a mount from my superiors."
"So now you have two mounts?"
"No, just this one." Kael nudged Ignis, who surged forward, melting the ice in its path. Its movements resembled a snake slithering through the frost. It would've looked like a sneck if not for the the pair of claws on its side.
Willen smirked. "So you chose a snake over a horse? That seems so… 'cool' and 'wise.'"
Ignis paused, almost turning back to smite the puny mortal for his mockery, but Kael calmed it with a firm pat. "It's a wyvern, not a snake," Kael said.
"And goodbye." He waved.
With a powerful grunt, Ignis picked up speed, the heat radiating from its body melting a path through the icy terrain.
Willen waved lazily and returned to the Winking Stag, heading to his usual dark corner.
He muttered as he sat, "Madman…" He smiled lightly, "but I guess we need a few of those in times like these."
---
Unbeknownst to Kael, bizarre creatures lurked in the snow, watching him leave Kragnir. One of them smirked, its voice inhuman as it whispered to another.
"Orthovix's War Dog has left the city," it hissed.
"Which means we attack soon," a deeper, inhumane voice replied.
"Yes, the seal is weakening, and our clan will be the first to break free. Come tomorrow night, we shall feast."
Kael remained oblivious, urging Ignis onward as they approached Veilshade Hollow. The forest loomed ahead, a maw of shadow and frost that seemed to devour the light of the rising sun. Ignis snorted, its molten breath turning the snow beneath it to steam, it's amber eyes unfazed.
---
Meanwhile, Back in Kragnir
In Lord Thorne's manor, Aldwin stood in the snow, watching his father prepare for his journey to Frosthaven.
"The paladin can't help anymore," Lord Thorne said as he mounted his white steed, its fur gleaming like fresh snow. "We need a priest of Arkyn. Dawn will visit Sir Cedric to deliver my message."
"Fortify the eastern walls in my absence."
Aldwin nodded solemnly, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.
With Kragnir's soldiers dwindling after the last tragedy, it fell to him to ensure the town's safety.
"I'll do my best, Father," Aldwin said.
"Good." Lord Thorne urged his horse forward, disappearing into the fog.
Aldwin stood outside, watching his father's silhouette fading.
He marvelled at the hardship he is about to face, especially with two additional weights.
'The little one isn't bad but that foolish Darius... Seems like the type to hide behind skirts' He thought, and wonder if his two battle pets will be enough— or if Kragnir's dwindling soldiers will be enough just in case shit hits the fan.
He walked inside, and exhaled slowly. 'I trust Sir Cedric to do his job—and the heavens know, I'll do mine regardless.'
---
Inside the house, the man 'who will hide behind skirts' was in no mood for pleasantries.
His irritation bubbled as he watched Dawn linger near Angelina, their conversation too close for his liking recently.
Not to mention the fool is such a sweet talker.
He spotted his brother and immediately went to meet him.
"Where's your loose-mouthed teacher today?" Darius asked Leon, his voice laced with irritation.
Leon shrugged. "Meeting Father. Now that the perimeters are secured, it's time he lends his assistance at the Tower."
Darius's scowl softened, replaced by a faint smirk. "That's a relief, at least. Let's hope he stays busy."
Leon raised an eyebrow but said nothing, watching as Darius's gaze lingered on Angelina, she holds a quilt in hand and her movements were elegant.