The night was quiet.

  Too quiet.

  There were almost no people left in the common room. The candles were burning low, and light snow was falling outside the windows.

  Kael sat at the table.

  A map lay in front of him.

  The Elf stood against the wall, in the shadows.

  Nika had her arms crossed.

  Rin was silent, listening carefully.

  Mika was slowly starting to fall asleep.

  — The Ice Knight… — Nika said quietly. — He’s not an ordinary monster.

  The Elf nodded.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  — He is a Guardian. He does not attack first. But if the challenge is accepted — there is no retreat.

  Kael ran his finger across the map.

  — Where exactly?

  The Elf stepped closer.

  — The Northern Lake. Beyond the Frozen Ridge. Three days of travel.

  — Three days? — Rin frowned. — Through the forest or over the pass?

  — The forest is faster. But there are anomalies.

  — The pass is safer, — Nika said, — but slower.

  Kael looked up.

  — We’re going through the forest.

  Nika immediately reacted.

  — Are you even listening? This is not a walk!

  — I know.

  — If you lose, you’ll die!

  Silence.

  He answered calmly:

  — That’s why I have to win.

  The Elf watched them carefully.

  — There is one more detail, — she said. — The sword is not given so easily. It accepts only the one who can endure the cold. Not the physical one.

  — Then what kind? — Rin asked.

  The Elf looked at Kael.

  — The cold inside.

  The room grew quieter.

  Nika sat down in front of him.

  — Are you sure?

  Kael smiled slightly.

  — No.

  And that is exactly why he will go.

  Mika was against it.

  Rin was too.

  The Elf and Nika remained silent, wondering if Kael would survive the battle.

  Morning day one

  The snow crunched under their feet.

  The forest was gray and heavy.

  The trees seemed to be watching.

  Rin walked ahead, checking the path.

  Nika walked beside Kael.

  The Elf followed behind — almost silent.

  — If it becomes too dangerous, — Nika said quietly, — we retreat.

  — No.

  She stopped sharply.

  — You’re not alone.

  He looked at her.

  And for the first time, he didn’t argue.

  — Fine. Then we survive together.

  Nika smirked.

  — That’s better.

  At that moment, somewhere deep in the forest, a strange cracking sound echoed.

  As if ice was breaking.

  But there was no lake nearby.

  The Elf whispered:

  — He already feels you.

  Kael clenched his fist.

  — Let him wait