The freezing wind bit Sera's cheeks where the scarf that was wound around her face left skin exposed. Each puff of her breath was a cloud of mist that froze to the thick wool that covered her mouth. What little warm air didn't freeze to the scarf was whipped away by the gale force wind that swept the snow driven mountain. For it being the height of spring, apparently no one had thought to inform the Northern Mountains.
No wonder every invasion attempted has failed. They have a mountain range defending them from everyone.
The tiny road, cut from the solid granite of the mountain face, was perpetually covered in snow and ice. Their guide had recommended that they wait until mid-summer to attempt the range crossing. With the mountain range stretching from one end of the North King's territory on the island to the other, the only other possibility was to go by sea. Roiling black waves that churned ice chunks like a giant's molars crushing together and all of the sea was capped with a freezing white foam. Sera and The Bard had to meet the North King in two days. They had chosen to try the road.
A choice that Sera was thinking about regretting. At least at sea, you had a ship cabin to be warmish in. The wind shrieked from around a twist in the path and knocked her off her feet. Her cloak caught the wind like a sail and started dragging her across the ice toward the cliff drop-off side of the road. Sera tried to scramble to her feet. The ice yielded no grip to her gloved hands or dark leather boots. She couldn't get her voice to scream at The Bard for help as her first foot slid off the road and hung into the void.
Sera took a deep breath, quieting her mind as the cloak dragged her closer to the edge. Her second foot was almost off the edge now. The Bard turned to where Sera had been walking next to him. He twisted on his heel to see Sera just as her second foot slipped off the road edge. They locked eyes just as another huge gust yanked her cloak hard, sliding her legs completely over the cliff edge. The Bard lunged for her, panic clear in his movements. Hands outstretched, they reached for each other. Sera smiled at him with her eyes as her petite form slipped completely off the road and into the white blizzard that ripped though the valley below.
No scream. Just the emptiness where she had just been just outside his grasp. The Bard sank heavily to his knees.
"No." He whispered in disbelief. His face hardened and then he stood and walked to the edge. "Fuck this."
He didn't hear the guide screaming at him to back away from the edge as he gazed down into the torrent of air and driven snow below him.
He raised his arms in a wide embrace. Here I come Sera. I'll be with you soon.
He leaned forward and slowly toppled soundlessly over into the void.
❧
Queen Katriana stood beside her husband's throne as it sat empty except for his sword. She absentmindedly stroked her pregnant belly as the tears fell freely. The funeral had been filled with all the pomp and splendour that would be expected to befit an Emperor. For the weeks that followed, she had mourned in private. Publicly, she fought keep the Empire of Everwind from imploding. The Sea Lord had almost immediately demanded that be a meeting among the Lords to determine the heir to the throne. She hadn't been invited.
When her guards had forced their way through to the meeting being held in the Mountain Men's stronghold, she had been livid but calm. She stood in the doorway of the meeting hall, coldly assessing the men that sat at the table.
"So My Lords! Do you think that you have the ability to choose a new King when the Empress still stands bearing the King's heir?" She had looked each Lord in the eye and one by one they dropped their gaze. "It would appear as though not all the Lords agree with your decision to have this meeting." She gestured to the empty chairs.
The Sea Lord spoke first, his tone haughty. "The Horse Lord of the Green and Lord of The North refused my gracious invitation. As for Modian, Lord of Shadow, no one can find him or his people. They have likely fled."
"Lords, what you are doing here could be construed as treason." Queen Katriana walked to the table and placed her hands on the table. Her guards surrounded the table. The Lord of the Mountain Men smiled.
"My Queen, before you make baseless accusations, remember we are not in the Ash King's hall." He used the new title that had been circulating among the people in the days following the funeral. Queen Katriana raised up to her full height and quaked with silent rage at the use of the hated title as the oblivious Lord continued. "You stand under the mountain. Where all are accountable for their words."
Armed men surrounded Queen Katriana's guards. The Sea Lord grinned.
Outside there was a commotion. The Lord of the Mountain Men waved his hand at the door while addressing his captain that stood behind his chair at the table. "Go and make that annoyance stop."
The captain bowed and headed to the large double stone doors flanked on either side by two heavily armed guards.
"As I was saying Empress, no one may escape the responsibilities of the tongue here."
The stone doors opened and closed behind the captain as he left the hall. The commotion grew louder. Then fell into silence.
"Finally." muttered the Sea Lord.
A banging knock came at the stone doors. "My Lord, its your captain."
The Lord of the Mountain nodded at the guards stationed at the doors. They pulled on the massive iron rings to open the stone slabs on their iron hinges. In marched Lord Beaufort, the Horse Lord of the Green, with drawn sword in hand. He looked every inch the enraged Lord. His deep green and gold uniform caught the light from the candles and torches that lit the meeting hall. Striding forward to the table, he stood beside the Queen.
"My Lords, I decided to join this meeting after all!" His voice rang off the stone walls. "But it appears you have another guest already." He bowed deeply to Queen Katriana. "Always a pleasure to see you Empress."
"I was just discussing with the Lords the fact that the sole legitimacy to rule lies with my unborn son."
"If it is indeed a son," the Sea Lord broke in, "if."
Lord Beaufort looked around the hall as more of his men wearing the green and gold uniform filed in. "I think that is beyond question, Empress." His voice was sharp with meaning. "To say otherwise would be treason. That would force my men and I to act. Surely no one here has said anything to the contrary?"
"No." Queen Katriana looked each Lord in the eye again.
"Then that concludes this meeting!" Lord Beaufort said cheerfully. He bowed to Queen Katriana extending his hand, "May my men and I escort you and your men to the surface Empress?
"Of course." She took his hand and turned to leave with him.
"Oh!" She looked over her shoulder at the Lords still seated at the table. "Don't get up. You may stay seated."
The Lords faces darkened with anger and humiliation.
"You can certainly pick a fight Empress," Lord Beaufort murmured to her as they proudly walked out of the hall.
"Remember, Lord Beaufort, I didn't pick this one."
"Of course My Queen. We shall see how it all ends."