Captive
Author: Zorra Reed
Moonrise Inn Publications

Awaken Heroes – Part 4

I had precious little time to waste as I sored across the northern hemisphere. Jack's life trickled away with every passing moment and I'd never forgive myself if I lost him a second time. His only hope resided in my ability to alert the Guardians.

Move, I silent urged any and all who crossed my path. Try as I might, there just wasn't enough time to concern myself with weaving around the unfortunates subjected to the frigid temperature of my passing; their lives meaningless in comparison to Jacks. The pole wasn't far now. In the distance I could already make out the magnificent castle North fondly referenced as his 'workshop'. With my inability to communicate with the Guardians, I was already working on a plan to gain their attention.

Taking a page from Pitch's own playbook I…pardon the expression, stormed the castle; beating against the Southern-facing windows mightily, till they splintered in my grasp. I heard the hiss of the bowing glass just before the panes shattered, allowing me entrance into the fortress. I invaded the space, my temper chilling the heated air in seconds as I passed through the corridors, having no mind for the annoying elvish creatures Jack was so easily entertained by. Their frozen bodies now my calling card as I scattered them about.

Guardians! I cried. My howl echoing throughout the workshop as I entered from a narrow hall into a wide room filled with toys and holiday décor. This, I assumed to be the primary workshop. Come out Guardians! Come face me for I have done that which you could not. I have found Jack Frost!

The Yetties shifted uneasily, their gaze following my movement as I turned about the room once, twice, taking it all in. Whether these creatures had the presence of mind to glimpse me for the spirit I am or were merely disconcerted by my unexpected entrance, was of no concern; however, I felt a surge of gratitude for their competence as they raised their voices in a united behemoth cry that was sure to summon those I seek.

Sure enough, not moments had passed before North came skidding into the workshop, swords drawn and stance eager for a fight. Muttering something in his native tongue, his gaze swept the room before understanding dawned and his eyes settled on the swirling cyclone of debris I had gathered around me. On his heals Bunnymund and Sandman quickly followed. Sandy, the more spiritually attuned of the three, knew me for myself. Our eyes connected, and while he could not hear me, he understood my purpose. His eyes lit. Jack was found.

Spreading his arms, a cloud of dream sand gathered around his stout form. I took advantage. Sweeping downward, I released all I carried to instead gather up the dream sand. They followed me with mixed expressions of confusion, uncertainty, and awe. I swept into the adjacent room where North kept the Globe. Circling it once, I spun the sand into a golden twister above the island where Jack lay helpless and hurt.

"Wind?" North muttered thinking out loud to himself. There was hope in his eyes. He understood. "She's found Jack!"

Sandy mutedly nodded his agreement, an image of the island I pointed too appeared above his head in the sand, then instantly arranged itself into an image of Santa's sleigh.

"Right, let's go!" North declared. There wasn't time to summon Tooth from the palace half way across the world. Time was short. He turned, Sandman in tow.

"My tunnels are faster, mate," Bunnymund stated, his nose twitching as he studied the map's location. I could tell something didn't settle well with him but now was not the time to pounder it. He seemed to have drawn the same conclusion. "I'll meet you there."

With a tap of his left foot, the ground opened and swallowed him. Once consumed, the only sign of his passing was a yellow daisy springing from the now solid floor where he'd stood. Satisfied that all would soon be well, I dropped the dream sand and whipped down the corridor in North's wake. They would need a guide if they were to find Jack.