The Sanctum

This is a challenge-specific encounter for The Empress, as well as the final encounter.

## Event

*It is as the Talos Elder described. The shaman's sanctum is protected by a magical barrier preventing you from advancing.*

1. Use Hretha's Ire.
*You raise Hretha's Ire above your head and bring it down against the magical wall with all your might.*

*The hammer finds its mark and you are immediately in a blizzard of snow and ice. The howling winds spin you this way and that, then vanish as quickly as they had appeared.*

*Disoriented, you look around for Malaclypse, but he is nowhere to be found.*

*You find your bearings and realise you are standing in a forest clearing, covered in newly fallen snow. You step back and bump into something. Turning, you see a towering Northern Clansman, bald and brutal.*

**The Dealer Draws "The Wanderer" card**

*He does not flinch, nor seems even the slightest bit interested in you. He stands with weapons drawn and brow lowered.*

*You turn to follow his gaze...*

**The Dealer draws a 3 of Frost, a Trapper of Frost, and a Shaman of Frost**

*Then you see Her. Sitting on a throne of wicker and thorns, small straw-plaited charms and oddities hanging from the trees behind her. Before her kneel countless raiders, worshiping their leader in an eerie stillness.*

*"The Defender of Villages and he exiled one," the shaman says with a hiss. She steps down from her throne. "I know why you have come. Let this end."*

*"I hope you know how to fight, hero," says the bald Northerner, calmly. "There are more warriors here than we can kill. To defeat a snake, you must cut off its head."*

*You ready your weapon as the shaman and her clansmen surround you.*

**The player enters combat with Colbjorn as their ally**

(If haven't unlock Colbjorn's Sword's token) *You find your bearings and realise you are standing in a forest clearing, covered in newly fallen snow.*

*You look behind you, but...you are completely alone.*

*Then you see Her. Sitting on a throne of wicker and thorns, small straw-plaited charms and oddities hanging from the trees behind her.*

*Before her kneel countless raiders, worshiping their leader in an eerie stillness.*

*"You face me alone?" The shaman hisses.*

*She steps down from her throne. "Where are your allies? Your companions? You will die here, and nobody will know."*

*You ready your weapon as the shaman and her clansmen surround you.*

**The player enters combat**

*The shaman's body writhes as a dark spirit leaves her chest and vanishes into the air. The remaining raiders flee into the forest.*

*As the skies clear, the sun beams down on the colossal warrior that had fought alongside you.*

*"I am Colbjorn," he explains. "I was born into the Northern Clans, but I am Clanless now. You do not know us, but we were not always like this. Perhaps one day the Clans will return to the tradition they have lost.*

**You have befriended Colbjorn the Wanderer**

*"You and I have cleared a small part of the stain from my honour this day. If you call, I will answer." He reaches out a massive hand and clasps your forearm.*

*"Let us head back and find your friend."*

*And with that, you and Colbjorn make your way back through the forest in search of Malaclypse.*

2. Turn back.
(insert text here)