Vengeance in the north
part 1
The leaves trembled in the autumn wind, the warmth that had been summer had now faded completely. The branches bared and the cold winds from the north ever so increasing, soon there would be winter and with it, vengeance. Much had happened in the southern lands of late but nothing that would have her stay there and do battle with petty thieves, brigands and feeble minded warriors. No, she did not care at all for her mind was filled with thoughts and above all, her heart was filled with a deep desire.
The long journey to the north was beginning to take its toll on her body. She was weak, wounded and tired, but still she ordered no rest. The elite guard accompanying her had told her that the roads where being watched and the passes north was guarded by her enemies. She did not care; she had fought her cousin before, when she truly was fragile. The world was torn apart that time and now she would make certain that the man and whoever served him met their fate. The defiance and insulting manner in which he had taken the throne of the north caused her heart to stir in rage. The journey across secret paths and shadows took longer than she wanted, her patience long since gone. As they travelled across the frozen tundra of Forochel they came across the old pass where her army had met that of her cousins all those years ago. She could see the banner of the Iron Prince bowing in the wind as they approached and as they came near she could see the company of warriors guarding the pass. She ordered her bodyguards to halt and prepare for battle, she smiled to herself and said:
“Blood shall once more stain the ices of the northern realm...”
With those words she leapt down from her horse and removed her cloak, as it fell to the ground she raised her arms up towards the bleak sky and a shimmering light begun to dance around her arms and hands. The armored warriors behind her drew their blades and formed a semi-circle in front of her. Her voice increasing in strength and the dark incantation could now be heard in the cold harsh wind. The steep walls of the pass begun to tremble and as her enemies formed ranks and begun to march against her position she laughed. She felt nothing but contempt and the deep desire to carve the hearts from their still breathing bodies. Her bodyguards begun to chant her name and as their foes came within range they could see that they were outnumbered three to one. But that would not stop her, not this time. She ordered her men to stand closer around her, to hide her within their ranks as she prepared the final words. An aura of dread and fear begun to form around her and the snow covered ground had begun to melt beneath her feet.
The howling wind increasing in strength, the frozen ground and mountains of ice around them beginning to tremble and shake. A shimmering light pulsating around her body, where she stood in the circle of warriors. The leader of those marching against her now ordered his men to halt, she recognized him as one of her own generals, clearly he had been given a better offer or else he would not have the courage to draw blade against her. Her warriors still chanting her name and for every time they spoke she could feel the growing energies around her. The ground shook and the ice begun to crack as her words increased in strength and the howling wind lending its aid as well. Those who stood against her, those feeble fools, looked at each other before looking to their leader. Knowing fully well what would await should he not order his men to attack the Queen of Shadows he raised his blade and ordered the charge…
