Chapter 416: Beneath the Heart of Winter
There were five other soldiers, one sixth-level, the other four all third-level, standing in the intersection where the path turned to ascend the chasm. They jumped at the first’s words, shock flashing across their faces, before standing at attention and snapping a salute.
"You’ve returned!" the sixth-level woman said. Her short brown hair was streaked with gray, and she seemed familiar, though I couldn’t place where I’d met her. She caught me staring and smiled faintly, giving a little bow. "The name’s Annette; we fought together in Bluegate Keep. I was assigned to guard this portion of the chasm in case the demons tried anything funny. The rest of these young-uns were displaced when their squad leader was slain clearing the cavern of the remaining demon forces, so I took them under my wing and let them stand guard. I hope you don’t mind."
I blinked at the tirade of information, finally holding up a hand and stopping her. "It’s fine. Really. Thank you for protecting me. And it’s Xiviyah, please."
She nodded. "Simply doing my duty, my Lady–I mean, um, X-Xiviyah."
"Where is Commander Bethiv?"
She pointed up the chasm. "Up there. Would you allow us to join your guard and escort you to the surface?"
I nodded, and the soldiers enthusiastically sprang into action, forming a sort of honor guard around me. They knew as well as I that it was purely for show, for anyone who dared attack me would have to get past Fable and the ice spirit first. What could a handful of low-level soldiers do against that?
But I didn’t mind in the slightest. If anything, the creak of their armor and heavy breathing were comforting, taking us out of the unnerving silence that marked the way thus far. As we rose up the chasm, our party grew larger and larger as more soldiers joined us. With every additional group, I looked eagerly for the Star Guard, wanting to ensure their safety, but I was left disappointed.
Snow fell lightly from the cloud-stained sky as we crested the final switchback leading out of the chasm. A shattered world met my eyes, riddled with craters, broken with cracks, and flowing red with blood. Tens of thousands of corpses were strewn about the war torn tundra, most blown to pieces in a battle that far outstripped their abilities. Many of the bodies bore more than one mortal wound and held a fading black mist, signs they’d been appropriated by Connor after their first death.