Black Ice
Prologue
5,010 AS
Above the cold, icy sea a young Icewing hovered. He scanned the horizon, impatient for the arrival of his elder brother. It was uncommonly warm, and he hoped their hunt would be short. If they hurried, they might be able to properly present Polar Bears for the Queen's feast today in honor of the newly crowned Queen of the Sandwings.
"Hey Winter, catch!" The snowball hit him square in the face. Dread quickly arose in the young dragon's gut, dropping in altitude and moved to wipe the snow off his snout. He was too late, however, and was tackled into the icy water.
Despite the unseasonably warm weather, the water was bitterly cold (even for an Icewing) and Winter had to haul himself onto a nearby iceberg to catch his breath, a dragon landed next to him, laughing. "That wasn't funny!" Winter growled.
Hailstorm just grinned, "Come on, if anything this just proves your reaction time needs work." The older dragon moved away, looking out over the ice, "You seriously need to work on, well, everything."
"Thanks for the encouragement," Winter skulked, "You sound like father."
Hailstorm gave him a sympathetic look, "Hey, they're just trying to teach you how to be the best Icewing. You know, 'Be strong', 'Be vigilant'…"
"Strike first,' Winter finished, nodding, "I know, and I will be the best Icewing when my time comes. Even better than Icicle."
Hailstorm laughed, "Now that would truly humiliate her. She might just exile herself if you beat her ranking."
Winter snorted, "Well then, I suppose I should strive even more, to spare the tribe from her."
Hailstorm let out another hardy laugh and nudged Winter, "Come, we shouldn't be wasting time. The new Sandwing queen will be arriving soon, and no one has been able to track down a polar bear for the feast."
Winter puffed out his chest, "So it falls to us to find something suitable for the Queen!" Hailstorm stifled another laugh and the two took off.
Winter scanned the waters as they flew, looking for any signs of polar bear, "Isn't it there hibernating season?"
"Yeah," Hailstorm confirmed, "But the Queen can't have a royal banquet without polar bear. Well, she can, but it wouldn't be very impressive. And what would the history scrolls say if the Icewings didn't have a polar bear to single the end of the war."
Winter nodded, flapping his wings harder to keep up with Hailstorm, "So, the war is officially over?"
"Well, in theory. Our war with the Sandwings, Mudwings, and Seawings is over, however we have yet to declare peace with the Skywings. They still have a lot to answer for." Hailstorm hesitated, "And, well, I may have also overhead father talking with the queen…"
Winter flew closer, his interest peaked, "I won't tell anyone."
"You'd better not," Hailstorm warned, "Or we'll both be in the seventh circle." Winter nodded and Hailstorm continued, "Queen Glacier thinks she might be able to convince Queen Sandstorm to agree to an alliance against the Skywings. It's no secret that Scarlett has few friends and isn't all too happy about being cut out of her war prize."
Winter nodded, "I suppose that makes sense, with the way have been going lately we'll need all the allies we can get." They flew silently for a few more wingbeats before Winter spoke again, "Is it true that Queen Sandstorm is an animus?"
Hailstorm shrugged, "I don't know. All I know is that with the Rainwings and most of the Sandwings backing her, she doesn't really need to be an animus to be dangerous."
"But if she is-"
"Let us hope she isn't." Hailstorm stated. The two stopped flying, and Hailstorm pointed to a patch of ice bellow them, "I think I see a polar bear."
Winter looked to the spot where Hailstorm had gestured. A white shape moved across the ice, keeping close to the edge, "Well, I don't think the foxes get that big, so…"
Hailstorm rolled his eyes, "You stay out towards the sea, I'll swoop down from the sky. If the bear escapes me via the sea, ponce."
Winter pouted, "Why do I have to be the one out at sea."
"Cause you're already wet."
"And who's fault is that," Winter mumbled, but nodded, agreeing to the plan. He flew low, his talons scraping the water, and around the bear while Hailstorm soared above. As his older brother reached the top of his arch, Winter began to close the distance eyes locked on the bear.
Hailstorm plummeted downwards, claws extended towards the prey. Somehow, the bear heard the dragon and looked up. It reared upwards, roaring at the descending Icewing. For a moment Winter thought it was going to try and fight Hailstorm, but the bear turned towards the water, ready to jump. Winter locked eyes with the white bear for a split second as it jumped forwards, trying to reach the safety of the water.
It wasn't a clean kill. His talons sunk deep into the bear's stomach, spilling blood out onto the ice. The bear roared in pain, trying to swipe at him with it's paws. Winter had to readjust, whipping his head around and sinking his teeth into the polar bear's neck. It continued to struggle, but only weakly. After a few minutes, the bear was dead.
Hailstorm landed near Winter, "Well done, we'll feast tonight!"
Winter let the dead bear drop, spitting out a few chunks of meat, "Yeah, and we'll have a spot of honor."
The two brothers couldn't help but grin as they lifted the bear into the air, "Strange to see one not hibernating, wonder what made it wake up."
Winter shrugged, "Maybe it was hungry."
"Hmm…" Hailstorm seemed to ponder this assessment for a while, but then shook his head, "No matter, all glory and honor to us tonight. It's going to be perfect."
Winter had to focus every fiber of his being to not smile like a drunk seventh-circle idiot; it wouldn't have been fitting for the new member of the first circle rankings to look too smug. The fact that, at least for today, he was the second favorite of his mother and father made hiding his smugness a lot harder. Some smugness was aloud, of course, especially near Icicle, but now, as he sat only a few winglegths away from the two most powerful queens in Pyriah, was definitely a time to look dignified.
The table was set, piled high with food as everyone chatted away, deflecting meaningful questions by commenting randomly on the decor or food. The two Queens sat silently at the head of the table to his right, the Sandwing Queen's barbed tail constantly coiling reflexively everytime she made her rare remark. By contrast, Queen Glacier was composed and confident, any sign of trepidation hidden behind her icy visage.
His brother, Hailstorm, sat to his left, having insist Winter be given the honor of sitting closest to the Queen sense he had killed the polar bear that was now being served. Hailstorm was a natural when it came to banquets, laughing at the right jokes, sipping his wine at the right time, giving perfect complements to the guest, he absolutely radiated charisma. Winter, on the other hand, strictly focused on just not being an embarrassment. He sat mostly silent, only talking when spoken to and slowly eating away at his meal, trying not to smile too much.
"Well, I cannot say you don't know how to throw a party." the Sandwing Queen commented as the final course was being brought out.
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," Queen Glacier responded, "Especially since we are celebrating your tribe's unification. I must say, it was quite brilliant how you tricked the two sisters into the trap you laid."
"And even more clever on your part to keep Blaze here, locked in your palace." Both Queen's eyes drifted to the Sandwing princesses, currently laughing and enjoying the meal.
"She is no threat to you." Glacier insisted, somewhat forcefully. Winter wondered privately why his Queen was insistent on keeping Blaze in the kingdom. If he had to warger, probably as some sort of bargaining chip.
"Even so," The Sandwing Queen said as she took a sip of wine, "I do not like have a direct threat to my rule."
"Regardless, she is staying," Glacier insisted, "Besides, shouldn't we discuss other matters? Such as Queen Scarlett-"
"Yes, I suppose we should." The Sandwing Queen beamed, taking control of the conversation. She smiled, nodding to one of the Sandwing guards she had been aloud to bring, "But before that, I've brought a gift."
The guard left the room and returned a moment later, and what followed him in silenced the room. The sound of stone scraping stone echoed through the dining hall as silverware cluttered, vibrating with each heavy thud as the newest dragon entered the room. At first, Winter thought it was a Sandwing in some sort of sandstone armor. However, once he glanced into the gyms the behemoth had for eyes, he knew that this was no dragon.
The stone dragon moved to the Sandwing Queen and presented her with a box, "Thank you, S-02." the Queen said, unfazed by the monstrosity, as she took the box.
"I live to serve." The monster's voice was unnaturally deep and rang throughout the silent hall. The behemoth then bowed and stepped away.
The room was silent for a few more heartbeats before Queen Glacier, every quick to regain her composer, cleared her throat, "What is that thing?"
"Hmm?" The Sandwing Queen shrugged, more interested in her box then the question, "Oh, the stone dragons. They're a little thing Sandstone and I cooked up. What did you call them honey?"
"Standscripts," The Sandwing sitting to the left of the Queens said, poking at his food, answered, "Dear, is this show of force necessary?"
"I think it may well not be enough." The Sandwing Queen sighed. She then put the box on the table and opened it, lifting up the head of Queen Scarlett.
Winter felt his mouth hang open. The Skywing Queen was legendary for her brutality and strength, yet her head was now clearly on display, fresh enough to drip blood onto the table. With a wet splat, the head was dropped in plain view of the Queen, Scarlett's dead eyes staring blankly at her.
"How is this possible." Winter recognized the voice of his father, voicing the question they all had.
"Simple, really," The Sandwing Queen happily explained, "I gave the order, and S-02 went and fetched Scarlett's head for me. I do hope you you like the gift, Glacier, a lot of thought went into it."
To Queen Glacier's credit, she looked the rival Queen in the eye and made her observation, "You, or someone in your court, has animus magic."
The rival Queen grinned, "A simple 'Thank you' would have sufficed." The Icewing guards closed in, ready to protect their Queen. The Sandwing Queen barely paid them any regard, instead turning to the rest of the table, "Now, come on, your worst enemy is dead and not a single smiling face. Don't tell me anyone here had a soft spot for Scarlett."
"She was quite mean." Blaze whispered, unable to look away from the severed head.
The Sandwing Queen laughed, "Mean. My dear, dear Blaze, she was quite possibly the most hated and reviled dragon to fly the Sky Kindom's skies."
Winter felt a claw rest on his shoulder. He turned to see his brother lean in and whisper into his ear, "I think we should excuse ourselves."
Before Winter could respond, however, the Sandwing Queen spoke, "So, it comes to this, will the Icewings be reasonable and submit to their new Empress, or shall I have to see to it another head forever departs from it's shoulders?" She drew up to her full height, spreading her wings.
Queen Glacier looked on in disgust, "The Icewings will never submit to you nor any other tribe." She too drew up to her full height, matching the Sandwing Queen, but kept her wings tucked. Her guards now alert and ready surrounded her, ready to fight.
The Sandwing Queen sighed, "I told you Sandstone, didn't I. Too proud to peacefully submit. Shame too, I did like the food."
Winter glanced over at the Sandwing who had spoken before, but he just silently poked his food, not looking away from his plate. Winter suddenly felt someone pull him off his seat as the very knives they had been eating with flew across the room and toward Queen Glacier.
Everything happened at once. Rainwings, out of nowhere, appeared and took down Glacier's guards, Blaze's throat was sliced by a nearby Sandwing, the knives embedded themselves into Queen Glacier, and Winter was dragged from his chair by his brother.
"Run!" Hailstorm's command shook Winter out of his shock and the two bolted, ducking under a few stray venom shots as the fighting began. They moved from the dining hall into the one of the many passages leading to the kitchens. The two pushed through the confused cooks and past servants, making a mad dash for the exit. The sounds of battle and bloodshed grew fainter as they ran and flew through the palace.
Winter caught the gleem of the projectile before Hailstorm and pushed them into a side passage. Without speaking, the two held their breaths as the sounds of armor clad dragons drew near. Seconds drew on as the noise came and passed, but the armored dragons did not turn into the passage. Winter released his held breath.
"You two, are you members of the royal family?" Winter felt Hailstorm push ahead of him, obscuring his view.
"No, now get lost Nightwing!"
"Nightwing?" Winter asked, trying to get around his brother. Sure enough, a pitch black dragon with silver scales positioned under his eyes standing no taller than his brother stood at the end of the passage.
The Nightwing looked unconvinced by Hailstorm's answer, "I'm a Nightwing, we read minds. I know you're royal."
"Then why ask?" Hailstorm growled.
The Nightwing opened his maw to respond but then shook his head, "Listen, there isn't time to explain," he took off one of his arm bands and tossed it to Hailstorm, "That is animus touched, it will protect you from all animus magic regardless of intent." The Nightwing turned to leave, "I'm sorry for all of this; I wish things had been different. Seek out Vulture of the Talons of Peace in The Scorpion Den. They can take care of you." The black dragon then ran down the hall and around the corner.
Hailstorm tentatively put the band on. After a few seconds, he turned and put it on Winter. "Don't take this off."
Winter shook his head, "No, you should have it I-"
"We don't have time for this." Hailstorm snapped, "Now come on, we have to get out of here."
Winter nodded and followed his brother out of the passage and down the hall. As they ran, Winter looked over the armband given to him by the mysterious Nightwing. It was a black material, obsidian if he had to guess, with four pearls forming a prism in the center of the band.
They ran and flew through the palace until they finally reached a large stone wall. Seeing the dead end, Winter began to panic, "Where to now?"
Hailstorm didn't respond. Instead his brother looked the wall over, searching. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to Winter, Hailstorm pressed in a stone. The wall swung open, revealing a hidden passage. "This is the old servant's pass, been out of use for a few hundred years." Hailstorm explained, pushing the still dazed Winter into the passage, "It'll take us out into the Outer Circles, and then it's a few days flight to the Scoropian Den."
"Wait, we're actually following the Nightwing's advice?" Winter asked, "And the Scoropian Den is in the Sandwing Kingdom. You know, the guys who just attacked us and...murdered…"
Hailstorm and Winter stopped moving through to the passage as the adrenaline of the moment wore off and reality set in. Winter couldn't hold back his tears as he thought of his family, likely already dead. "They can't be gone," his voice was shaky, "We have to go back! They could still be alive. We-"
Hailstorm blocked his path, grabbing his shoulder and holding him steady, "Winter, they're-" Hailstorm cleared his throat, holding back his own tears, "Mom and Dad would want us to escape. Find allies. To go back would be suicide."
"But, what about Icicle?"
Hailstorm looked away, "There isn't time. We have to go now!" Winter wanted to object, but couldn't find the courage to. He nodded, wiped his tears, and followed his brother.
The tunnel ran for nearly a mile out under the city, ending in the old barracks north of the palace. The two brothers pushed their way through into a small cellar. Hailstorm immediately went to some of the shelves and looked over the stocks, "Anything pickled should still be good, see if you can find a sack."
Winter nodded. After a few moments of searching, he returned with a large empty sack. Hailstorm immediately took it and began to stuff it with different jars. "Are we really heading to the Sand Kingdom?"
Hailstorm hesitated, his right claw resting on a jar of pickled herring, "The Scorpion Den is our best bet unfortunately. The cities in the Ice Kingdom are to small and dispersed to hide in, and the Sky Kingdom might still view us as hostiles. In the Scorpion Den we can get supplies and travel south. Maybe hook up on a trade caravan to the Mud Kingdom."
"I think anywhere we go we'll stick out like a sore thumb."
"True," Hailstorm sighed, "But nevertheless, while the Sandwing Queen is here, she isn't in the Sand Kingdom. I'll bet she'll stick around here for a bit to maintain order, so that'll give us some time time either way."
Winter nodded, and as Hailstorm stuffed the last bit of food in the sack, the two took off towards the south. As they flew, Winter looked back towards the palace. Smoke rose from the palace and distant sounds of battle could be heard. Looking up, on the highest spirals where the Ice Kingdom flags usually waved, the Sand Kingdom's flags now flapped in the wind. Winter looked away. The Ice Kingdom had fallen.
Without warning, a spear flew past Winter, nicking his ear, and embedded itself in Hailstorm. His brother let out a silent scream and fell. "Hailstorm!" Winter called as he caught his falling brother. They half landed, half crashed onto a small snow embankment, ice blue blood gushing from Hailstorm's wounds. The spear pulled itself free and flew away.
"Winter…" Hailstorm gasped, weakly clutching his younger brother, "I'm, I-... sorry."
The prince closed his eyes, leaving Winter alone.
