by B K Suitter
“Is,” stated Aliha, sounding insulted. “My mother is still alive.”
“Is she now?” replied Princess Sunfire with a raised eyebrow and she looked at Gretta to find her nodding her head and saying it was true.
“Yes,” said Aliha, “she is at the Temple of Carami, waiting for me and as soon as this silly race is over, we can be on our way.” Aliha spoke with irritation in her voice and knew she walked on thin ice after several Northmen standing close questioned her phrase, silly race. Aliha knew she just offended the entire North, and Princess Sunfire smirked at her political clumsiness.
“Your mother is at the temple, you say?” Sunfire questioned Aliha with disbelief.
“Yes, why is that so hard to believe?” Aliha asked the Dishoni woman.
“How long has Queen Aliha been at the Temple of Carami?” Sunfire asked with suspicion.
“The whole time, I guess,” Aliha replied, looking at Gretta for confirmation and finding King Ironheart’s cold eyes staring at her.
“Impossible,” said the disputing Sunfire. “Uncle Yamen–” and she was interrupted by the imposing voice of Ironheart.
“Princess Sunfire,” said the great king, and the three princesses of Asaria all stopped and looked at the Northman as he pointed up the street to the outskirts of Snowflake.
“Your brother is coming,” said Gretta with excitement, and she clapped her hands as the gathering crowd began to cheer.
***************************
Spirit Wind and two other dog teams raced across the frozen plain towards Snowflake and the finish line. After his brutal encounter with the four Asarians, Spirit Wind wasted no time in preparing his sled for the final stretch of the race. He discarded all his supplies and rolled up Teres’ dead body in a blanket, as well as his faithful snowdog, Thars, and secured them both to his sled. Then he harnessed his dog team and was back on the trail.
The three dog teams raced across the ice-covered flats side by side and their mushers balanced themselves with knees slightly bent and gloved hands holding tight while trying to gain any speed advantage possible.
Spirit Wind rode with the confidence of a man that had won The Ice Pack before, and even though the three dog teams were evenly paced, he knew that Whitestar could not lose and that she was just waiting for the final stretch to take the race. But when the three teams entered the Port of Snowflake to the rousing cheers from the masses that lined both sides of the street, the famous glacier wolf began to tire, and the other teams came up to slowly pass her.
Whitestar growled deep as she exerted the last of her energy and pulled with all her might, causing Pepper, Smoke and Thorn to expel their reserves as well. Spirit Wind’s team edged the other dogs by the length of Whitestar’s long snout, coming across the finish line that was marked by a length of red silk which she took in her mouth as she declared herself the winner.
The crowd roared with excitement as the race came to an end, and even though other men and their dog teams would ride in throughout the day, the first three winning positions had already been taken so there were no more prizes to claim, only bragging rights for finishing the race and claiming honor.
As Spirit Wind and the other riders came to a stop in the town’s center square, they were swarmed by the host of event followers. Toasts and cheers were offered as congratulations spilled from one and all and the winners were swept from off the cold street and into a large gambling tavern called The Bloody Ruse for the beginning of a very long celebration.
Spirit Wind took first place while a veteran musher named Flay Renard came in a close second. A large Asarian called The Boar received the honors for third and they all gathered in the huge hall and drank while offering stories on the exciting race.
After the populace of Snowflake had a chance to congratulate the mushers in The Ice Pack, the winners were escorted to stand before the king. Ironheart sat at the back of the long tavern hall where he was surrounded by his Shadows, as well as Gretta, Aliha, and Sunfire. Smoke filled the massive room as several large fires blazed in open rock hearths and the crowd quieted down to hear the Beoraki king speak.
“Spirit Wind, once again I congratulate you on your most impressive victory,” said King Ironheart in a booming voice.
“And I am once again honored to be praised by the great King of the North. I will enjoy spending your gold,” finished Spirit Wind with a smile.
“Spirit Wind!” scolded Princess Sunfire, but it did not matter as King Ironheart chuckled in deep laughter.
“I know you will,” replied Ironheart. “In fact, you will gamble away half of it before you leave Snowflake.” Spirit Wind laughed with the rest of the gathered crowd and he tipped his head to the great king and was ushered away so Ironheart could continue commending the other winners.
Later, Spirit Wind sat at a table and finished off another tall mug of ale – compliments of the two young Arani ladies that sat at his table and paid for all his food and drink while he filled them with stories of grandeur.
“Filling these young girls with bison dung stories, Brother?” asked the regal frame of Princess Sunfire as she walked up to Spirit Wind’s table with Gretta and Aliha. The two Arani ladies sneered at Sunfire but dared not to look at Gretta. “Surely, he has wasted enough of your time,” stated Sunfire, and when Princess Gretta gave the women the hand signal to step away, the two Arani ladies got up quickly and disappeared into the throng of people that packed The Bloody Ruse.
“Why do you haunt me so, Sister?” asked an inebriated Spirit Wind as he pulled back his mug for another drink. Sunfire quickly snatched the ale away and held it in her hands as she spoke.
“Because you are so much better than you give yourself credit,” replied the Dishoni Princess.
“But they were rich Arani noblewomen,” slurred Spirit Wind, “and there were two of them.” He laughed casually and then reached out quickly to take back his mug from Sunfire, but she pulled it away while shaking her head to belittle him. Then, Spirit Wind noticed Aliha and the two stared at each other and Aliha’s heart jumped.
“Yamen?” Aliha asked quietly with confusion.
“Yamen?” Sunfire burst out with laughter. “He only wishes. This is my pathetic brother, Prince Spirit Wind.”
“I hate when you call me that,” Spirit Wind said to his sister in a threatening voice. “But you can call me whatever you like,” he then said to Aliha in a flirty voice.
“Ok, smooth talker,” said Princess Sunfire as she handed back the mug to her brother. Aliha’s eyes went wide as she looked at the brown ale and found it boiling inside the mug. Spirit Wind took the cup back from his sister and put the blistering hot mug to his lips and took a long pull. His eyes immediately went wide and his face flushed as boiling hot ale came spitting out of his mouth and the scorched mug dropped to the stone floor. Princess Sunfire just laughed as she strolled away with a smiling Gretta and a bewildered Aliha in tow.
The next morning, the celebration continued as it did the night before. An endless amount of drinking and gambling ensued as the Port of Snowflake bustled with those that wished the celebration to never end. Those that did wish for it to end stood before King Ironheart in his personal suite at The Ice Palace.
“I have secured a ship for safe passage to the temple. You may leave as soon as you are ready,” said King Ironheart as he sat comfortably on a large chair that was covered in heavy white bear furs. His Shadows stood quietly all around him as he addressed Gideon, Shanks, and Aliha.
“Thank you, King Ironheart,” replied a grateful Gideon. “I was worried I would not find a ship for another ten-day.” Gideon chuckled and smiled at Shanks and Aliha.
“Be careful what you wish for, healer,” boomed a loud voice as the imposing Beorcus came from around a corner to stand before them. Gideon’s smile quickly faded along with his companions’ and all three just stood there looking up at the scarred face of Bearok’s larger brother.
“Beorcus will sail you to the temple,” said King I
ronheart. “Princess Gretta and Bearok will accompany you.”
“I will not allow my brother aboard my ship!” roared Beorcus to the great king. His voice echoed throughout the large chamber, causing Aliha to cover her ears.
“You will allow what I say you will!” King Ironheart exploded and he jumped from out of his chair to stand before Beorcus. Dust floated down from the rafters as the great king’s voice shook the very foundation they were all standing on. Ironheart’s massive form heaved with power and Beorcus lowered his head and growled deep as he walked away in defeat.
The sun showed itself through dark clouds as it hung high over the port city. Aliha moved through the streets with Timber in a long train of people as they looked to gain the docks and board Beorcus’ ship. Gideon and Shanks walked beside her and discussed quietly the strange disappearance of Daphaxian.
“I have not seen or heard from him,” said Shanks with concern.
“That is strange,” replied Gideon. “Prince Allenmar said he was being sought after by many. Maybe he had to make a quick exit from Snowflake.”
“Maybe,” said Shanks as he wrestled with his thoughts. He knew Daphaxian wouldn’t leave without giving him some sort of notice, and now they were leaving for the temple and his best friend was missing. And since very few people liked Daphaxian, there would be no search party.
They continued to walk through Snowflake towards the docks, meandering in and out of alleys and crowded streets. Gretta and Bearok strolled together just ahead of the large group and as they turned the corner onto a snow-covered lane, Aliha stopped and watched in horror as two large Northmen pummeled a skinny man in the road.
“Bearok!” yelled Aliha. “Help this man!”
Bearok turned and watched the one-sided brawl for only a moment and then he shrugged his shoulders and turned away and continued on up the road. Gretta looked over to Aliha and smiled.
“Northmen!” called out Princess Gretta. “Do you not have anything better to do than bruise up a scrawny Asarian?”
The two large Northmen stopped beating the man and looked over to Gretta.
“Yes, Princess,” one Northman answered and they each kicked the skinny man hard in the ribs before laughing and walking away.
The man grunted in pain while laying in the snow and Aliha ran over to give him comfort.
“Aliha!” Gideon called out in a worried voice and Shanks followed close behind her with a hand on the hilt of his blade.
“You are Aliha?” asked the bruised man as he struggled to breath. He appeared blind and tried to sit up, but Aliha laid him gently back down. “You are the Asarian Princess?” The man spoke quietly, and his blank stare wavered back and forth. “You will save all Asaria.”
Aliha just nodded her head in confusion as the man slipped from consciousness.
“We must help him,” Aliha said to Shanks.
“Aliha, please, there is nothing we can do for him.” Shanks shook his head as he spoke. “He will be fine when he wakes, and he will go back to begging for coin and drink. Let us be on our way.” He turned to go but stopped when Aliha spoke with judgment in her voice.
“I always thought you better than that, captain.”
“Better than what, Aliha?” Shanks replied as he turned back around. “The beating the man just received was more than likely deserved. He will be fine.”
“He has no one,” she said as she pointed down at his small tent and few belongings. “He is blind and homeless, and he just wanders the sad streets of Snowflake hoping someone will help him.” Aliha was near to tears and she stiffened and found her strength. “If I am to help save the Southern Kingdom,” Aliha said quietly to Shanks, “then let this man be the first.” She looked into his eyes and pleaded with him to help her. Shanks drew in a deep breath and exhaled in defeat.
“Alright,” Shanks replied, and he got help from a towering Northman, who picked the beggar up roughly and threw him over his shoulder and continued towards the waterfront.
Soon, the loud ocean spray was washing across the docks and huge Northern ships were tipping back and forth on the waves. The large group walked the long harbor until they found Beorcus and his questionable crew getting their huge ship ready for sail. Gideon and Shanks stood on the frozen dock and stared up at the pirate vessel known as Ice Cutter.
“This just had to be his ship,” said Shanks as he gave Gideon a nervous look.
“Let us hope Beorcus holds true to his word,” replied Gideon just as four elegant white horses came riding up with a fancy carriage in tow. The door opened and shouts could be heard as Spirit Wind emerged.
“You are supposed to wait until he opens the door for us!” scolded an angry Princess Sunfire.
“Okay,” replied Spirit Wind as he left the carriage and slammed the door in his sister’s face as she was about to exit as well.
Screams could be heard inside the cart as Spirit Wind walked away to join Aliha and the group. The driver of the carriage raced to open the door for the princess, and he slipped in the snow in his attempt. Quickly he jumped back to his feet and thrust open the door just as Sunfire opened it herself and pushed her way through in anger. Back flew the man to land solidly on the ice and he grunted in pain and reached for his back. The princess walked out of the carriage with dignity and called for someone to help her driver.
“We have decided to join you on your little adventure,” said Princess Sunfire as she walked up to the group and smacked Spirit Wind up-side the head.
“How wonderful,” said Gretta and she clapped with joy.
“My sister can’t swim, so I suggested we take a long ocean voyage,” teased Spirit Wind with a charming smile and he grabbed hold of Aliha’s hand. “Let me help you up the ramp, Princess. These waves can be quite tricky to ride,” and he led the blushing Aliha up the rocking gangplank with Timber following close behind.
Gideon, Shanks, Allenmar and the rest walked carefully up the lurching walkway and boarded the large vessel to see the numerous Beoraki sailors moving swiftly about the decks while preparing the ship for deep water. Many were climbing up and down long ropes that were tied to towering masts as they readied the sails. A tall thin Northman with a shaved frost colored head and one eye that was sightless and white came down from the upper deck and approached them with a look of distaste.
“My name is Byoadrin; I am second on this ship. What I say goes unless Beorcus says otherwise, and he won’t.” The Northman’s voice was deep and penetrating, vibrating Aliha’s insides and making her nauseous as she struggled to keep her balance on the swaying vessel.
“Spirit Wind, it is good to see you, although I question your company,” Byoadrin said.
“It is good to see you, my friend, and these are Sunfire’s friends – not mine,” Spirit Wind replied with a grin.
“Very good,” said Byoadrin. “If there are no questions,” the Northman said as he turned away, not caring if there were, “then follow the cabin boy to your quarters.” Byoadrin went back to the business of getting the ship ready while a young boy came seemingly out from nowhere to escort them away.
“Hi, Spirit Wind,” replied the cabin boy in a happy voice. “Whitestar is down below with Whisper. They were excited to see each other.”
“I’ll bet,” replied Spirit Wind, “they have not seen each other for three months, so we best leave the two love birds alone,” Spirit Wind finished his comment in a lewd tone, and he winked at Aliha.
“Please, Brother, the ship is making me sick enough,” said Sunfire as she moved on past with Gretta. “Cabin boy,” she called out, and she clapped her hands to get his attention. “Show me to my room so I can get out of this cold!”
“Yes, Princess,” said the well-trained Northern boy.
As they followed him across the icy deck, Shanks looked over and saw a familiar large Northman with a tall white mohawk and a beardless face sitting on a chest while sharpening a long double-bladed sword across an oiled stone. His look was indifferent as he watched the gro
up pass, but when his eyes fell onto him, Shanks could see the gleam of death in his cold stare and a hint of a smile creased his thin lips.
22
Year of the Frost Horn 2318 A.A.
Tanner sat on the floor of the cage with his legs crossed and he held an open palm out towards the young girl. The sun was just setting on the Timberlands and an orange glow spread across the bottom of the clouds. His face was a mask of concentration and small beads of sweat broke out across his forehead. He pulled his hand back and exhaled in frustration and shook his head in defeat.
“That was impressive,” mocked the small girl, as she too sat on the floor. They were locked inside a wagon cage that was parked for the night away from the main camp that spread out in close well-guarded groups throughout the area. Two guards stood near but paid them no mind as they spoke amongst themselves, and in the distance angry shouts could be heard.
“I can do it,” said the young boy defensively and he thrust out his open palm and stared hard at it. The girl watched with interest, but after a short moment she once again mocked the small boy named Tanner.
“That is amazing,” she said with a grin. “How do you do that?” and she giggled and put a hand up to cover her mouth.
Tanner looked up and gave her an angry scowl, but then quickly turned his head towards a thick stand of trees and bushes and just stared, lowering his hand and concentrating on what he felt as he reached out into the night.
“What are you doing?” asked the young girl.
“Someone is watching us from the trees,” replied the boy.
******************************
General Kneeamara stood with her hands on her hips and fumed with anger as Prince Hadias scolded the brass Sergeant Semik. They stood in a small clearing surrounded by the prince’s guards and burning torches.
