Northern Riders

There was something about the sky that she couldn't explain. It was vast, full of unlimited possibilities. Back home, it was clouded from years of pollution. But here, far in the north, it was clear, and open. Kallen rubbed her nose, trying to warm her face. She cracked her neck, before gazing out towards the sky, then urging her steed forwards. Behind her, a magnificent battalion of soldiers followed: The Dragon Guard, the Republics finest soldiers. The snow made riding difficult, and it was hard to see too far in the distance. Even so, they trudged onward.

It was a strange mission, to say the least, and she couldn't help but wonder why it had been given to them. A test, perhaps? In any case, Kallen didn't like it. The entire Dragon Guard being sent away did not sit well with her. Not at all. A chill swept up her spine, but not from the cold. It was... Something else. Her instincts were keen, and it was as if she knew something was wrong at a deep, almost supernatural level. Then the message came. A small parcel, containing two things. The first, a letter. It was brief, and to the point. Alheim Cornelius had abdicated. Lucien Novelle was proclaimed his successor. A new Archon. A new Republic. Also in the letter was a small gold medallion, with a purple eye symbol on it. Lieutenant Novelles badge of office, granted to him by Cornelius himself.

She felt her heart sink for a moment. What could be going through Alheims head? Kallen did not feel the sinister intentions that had culminated to this event. She only felt concern for her friend. She had seen the stress of leadership wrack at the man for years now, even before the founding of The Republic. Did it finally become too much for him? It was possible. Perhaps this is why he sent them up north? So that she couldn't persuade him to stay. She had to return to the capital, and quickly. She had to find her friend. She shouted the order to her soldiers.

"Dragon Guard! This mission is over. We're returning to the capital!"

The riders behind her looked back and forth to one another, before turning around, somewhat reluctantly. Kallen knew they wouldn't be happy to have made the journey for nothing. But she knew it had to be done. The closest station was Ieravon. From there, they could find transport to the capital with ease, thanks to Magister Thorne. Still, Ieravon was a few days out, even at the speed they were going. The incessant chill continued to pile onto the ground, flowing like a stream upon the Dragon Guard as they rode. Even as they ventured further and further south, it brought them little relief from the cold. Kallen traced a small symbol onto her shirt; it flickered with orange light for a moment, but fizzled out. She sighed, trying again. She needed more practice. She became distracted, trying several times to unleash the runic magic she bore within her. So distracted, that she barely realized the lone figure waiting for her in the snow.

She halted her steed, ordering her soldiers to do the same. The figure was certainly staring right at them, waiting for her to approach; of that Kallen was certain. She scanned the perimeter, ordering a few men to discreetly circle around, before riding forth to parlay. As she grew nearer, so too did the person in the snow approach her, as well. It was a woman familiar to Kallen... Almost. A beautiful, blonde woman that she knew as Umbra Fartide was waiting for her, but she was different. Her eyes were black, and long, elven ears peaked out from her hair. Not a flake of snow rested upon her head, nor her shoulders, and strangely enough, she didn't seem to be cold at all. Kallen was hesitant, and on her guard. The two women met at the center of a snow-filled valley. Kallen was the first to speak.

"Miss Fartide! What in the name of the gods are you doing out here? Do you need assistance?"

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Oh, don't look so concerned, Knight! No, I'm quite well. In fact, you should be happy to see me."

Kallen did not pretend to be relieved.

"Happy to see you? Hardly. I'm in a hurry, so if you-"

Umbra cut her off before she could finish.

"That's all well and good, miss Leone. I'm here to relieve you of your duties. The Archon no longer has need of your services."

Kallen ceased all movement. The frosty wind blowing through the valley was the only thing to be heard. Kallen simply stared at the woman. She snapped out of her stupor, retaliating.

"What the hell are you talking about, woman?! The Archon can't-"

"The Archon can do whatever he so pleases, actually."

Umbra stepped past Kallen, slowly walking towards the rest of The Dragon Guard. Kallen did not move to stop her. She had to think. Alheim was gone. Lucien Novelle was in charge. Why would Lucien relieve her of her duties? They had been nothing but friends since the day they met. And why would Umbra Fartide, of all people, be the one to tell her, and in the middle of nowhere, no less?

Kallen pulled her steeds reigns to the side, turning it to face her soldiers. She must have been lost in thought longer than she had intended to, for by the time she faced them, she saw a small cloud of snow raise into the air, as countless members of the dragon guard began to move, their mounts kicking up the frost beneath them. By the time the area cleared, all that remained by her side were ten soldiers. They had remained. Kallen approached them. Among them was a young human man, who had removed his helmet. He rode to the front of the group, meeting the Knight of the Lantern.

"Ma'am."

Kallen nodded at him.

"Captain Henryk. What are you still doing here?"

The man, Henryk, began to speak, but stopped himself.

"Speak freely."

He nodded.

"My squad will stand by you, Knight. I don't know what's going on, but we would not follow an Archon that would abandon you so."

"We are loyal soldiers of The Republic, Henryk. It is our duty to follow the Archons orders, even if we don't like them."

Henryk shook his head rapidly.

"Kallen, surely you must realize something is amiss. If the Archon is in-"

Kallen shouted, stopping for a moment to calm herself before continuing.

"I know! I know, Henryk. We need to continue to Ieravon. We can figure out what's going on from there."

Henryk held his fist to his chest, unwavering in loyalty.

"As you command, Knight."

Kallen rode to the front of the squad, taking the time to survey them. Ten men. That is all she had left. She was touched by their loyalty, but at the same time, she was concerned what may happen to them as a result. Each looked her in the eyes with determination, saluting her, one after another. Kallen turned to them all, at last, once she had gotten to the front.

"Dragon Guard! True sons and daughters of The Republic! We ride to Ieravon!"

With that, Kallen prodded her mount with her right boot. It reeled up, standing on its back legs, before flapping its mighty wings, ascending off the groud, back into the sky, where it belonged. Where its rider belonged. As Kallen soared through the air, her remaining followers behind her, she gazed up towards a peaceful sky, knowing full well what horrors may come.