#cryomancers

Gemma and Stella gawked at the sight, their mouths hung open slightly. The air got cold as the Magicians walked past them, breath of the newly graduated Guardians was visible along with the warm breath of the guards escorting the visitors. No one had ever seen a Cryomancer in person—they were practically myths come true. Gemma noticed the ice that sat on the dark, leather shoulder pads and the small icicles that hung off the fur cloak.

The woman who stood at the front of the group was old, wrinkles along her face but still gorgeous and beautiful. Her eyes were an icy gray and her lips a soft blue against her pale skin. Her gray hair was white at the roots, delicate curls falling alongside her face. She held a wooden staff in her left hand, it was decorated with diamonds and sapphires, carved neatly to give it the appearance of ice. It thunked on the ground as she walked.

Behind her were two men, one very tall, appearing to be half Ogre by the greenish tint to his skin and the hooked nose. His black hair was long and braided, and his crimson eyes made contact with Stella and Gemma for a moment before looking ahead. He had a unique jacket, a combination of fur and dragon’s skin. Stella couldn’t take her eyes off his sidearms, the long silver blade with its brown leather hilt that his hand rested on.

The other man had dark brown skin and intense brown eyes, hair shaved on the sides as it faded to longer, curly hair. Gemma could only describe the man as breathtaking. But what drew their attention was his right arm, that was from the middle of his bicep down, and instead was a prosthetic made of ice. He flexed his frozen fingers lightly, the cracking of ice filling the near silent corridor.

The bronze armored guards escorted the Cryomancers into the chamber where the Council of Magicians resided. As the doors swung closed behind them, the cold air disappeared and the two were left with a subtle chill and goosebumps on their arms. Gemma and Stella looked at each other for a moment before they ran down the corridor towards the main foyer. As they ran in, Nick, Moon, and Mitchell were waiting for them.

“So how much trouble are we in?” Moon asked as he leaned against a marble column.

“And why are you two out of breath?” Nick asked.

Gemma leaned forward, hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. “We’ll—we’ll tell you later.”

“Cryo–Cryomancers! They’re here! In Terraheim!” Stella exclaimed, bouncing on her heels.

The three blinked that statement.

“Are you sure?” Moon asked, pushing off the column.

“Absolutely, they were all cool—pun intended—and were wearing fur and leather and the air got cold as they walked by and one of them had an arm made of ice!” Gemma rambled, tugging on Mitchell’s shirt sleeve. “We gotta go see what they’re talking about!”

“I’d never pass up a chance to see this,” Mitchell said, allowing Gemma to pull on his sleeve drag him in the direction of the chambers. The rest follow behind quickly, hurrying down the quiet corridor.

They finally reached the door to the chambers and Nick pushed open the heavy doors with a grunt. The sound filled the air, and all attention went to them as they stepped into the chambers, interrupting the chieftess as she spoke. The doors slammed shut, and the five stood quiet near a pair of guards. The attention drew away from them and back to councilors, all of whom looked in different stages of agitated.

“Our treatment has been unacceptable and we demand you do something about it,” the chieftess said in a thick German accent. “The Ogres are out of line. We had an agreement about the territory and they have been interfering with our lives.”

“They’ve started hunting our dragons. Our trained Frostmaws that guard the temple,” the dark skinned man said angrily, his voice raised a little. The chieftess put a hand on his shoulder and he relaxed.

“Arthur lost his arm defending one of our Frostmaws. She was nesting and trying to protect her eggs, but the Ogres attacked her. We were lucky Arthur was there, but this must end.” The chieftess glared up at the councilors.

Councilman Yank cleared his throat. “Chieftess Scheid, we can’t just send guards to Joderheim to deal with this situation. And a meeting with the Council of Joderheim would take months to schedule—”

“We are Magicians and we have rights,” Arthur demanded.

“No one is denying that, we are simply saying—” Councilman Becker began.

Chieftess Scheid interrupted. “If you don’t do something we will.”

“We could go,” Nick spoke up. All eyes were on her, and suddenly she felt very small under the gaze of the council and their new guests. She noticed Becker give her a small nod and she stepped closer. “I personally have met with the Joderheim council, a friend of mine is chieftess of the Eastern tribe. And the Ogres might be more persuaded to listen if the Chosen One is making the request.”

“Ms. Satel, you can’t just insert yourself into every political situation in the realms. You don’t have the experience, or the wisdom.” Councilwoman Yung told the young Sorceress.

“With all due respect, Councilwoman, I can. As the Chosen One and wielder of the amulet, it’s my duty to ensure the peace of all realms,” Nick protested. A small grin peaked at the corner of Becker’s lips.

He cleared his throat. “I say we put it to a vote. All those in favor of allowing Ms. Satel and friends to settle the dispute on Joderheim?”

Councilmen Yank, Tower, Tav, and Becker, along with Councilwomen Alba, Nguyen, and Green all raised their hands. Moon started to raise their hand but it was quickly pulled down by Stella who sent the Necromancer a glare.

Becker continued. “And all opposed?”

Councilman Jin and Councilwoman Yung were the only ones to raise their hands.

“Then it’s been decided,” announced Councilman Tav. “Chieftess, you will be accompanied by the Chosen One back to Joderheim. She will help you deal with your situation.”

“Dankeschön,” Chieftess Scheid said in her mother tongue before starting towards Nick and friends. The room began to grow colder the closer the three Cryomancers got, and Nick felt herself shiver when the elder woman stood before her. “You are the chosen one, Edgar Satel’s granddaughter, ja?”

“Ja—I mean, yes, I am ma’am.” Nick replied.

“Hmph.” The chieftess eyed the Sorceress before Arthur pushed the doors open. The group left, and the friends stared at each other for a moment.

“Ms. Satel,” Councilman Tower called. “You have a trip to go on. I suggest you begin packing. Joderheim is cold this time of year.”

“Yes sir,” she nodded, pushing the door open and was blasted by a breeze of cold air. The Guardians hugged themselves as they approached the Cryomancers.

“Field trip! Hell yeah!” Moon cheered.

“Moon, you might need to stay here. Someone has to tell Eric and the others we’re leaving,” Stella said, rubbing her arms.

Moon scoffed. “But these are my people!”

“We are not your people,” Arthur replied coldly. “Your people discriminated against us until we exiled ourselves.”

“Err,” Moon rubbed the back of his neck, “on second thought... I’ll go to the Sanctuary and let everyone know.”

Nick nodded, pulling Moon into a hug. “We’ll be back before you know it.”

“Don’t die, bring me back a souvenir! I’ve never been to Joderheim,” Moon said, holding up a peace sign. A red portal opened behind them, red magic crackling and hissing. Moon waved at their friends and walked backwards into the portal. It closed once he was gone, and the Chieftess looked at the group.

“I hope you have warm clothes prepared. May we be on our way?” She asked.

“Let’s.” Nick nodded, flicking her wrist and a jacket appeared in her hand.