Frozen Designs

"North." Balar said putting the dwarf out of his mind. "By all accounts we head north into the frozen wastes and look for the Necromancers Citadel."

"I hate the snow." grumbled Jorrik as they trudged on. Soon they were knee deep in the white powder and the land before them swept up into a series of low hills. There was no sign of life and no end to the cold. The day wore on and an icy wind began to bring the snow towards them in great clouds biting into their flesh like icy needles.

***

In the cavern of Jormungandr a figure stepped out of the darkness, the colours of his clothes and cloak shifting from gold and red to green and black. He smiled as he took in the sight of the dead drakes. The ground still damp with their blood.

BROTHER... hissed the voice of the serpent and Harlequin opened his arms as if to accept an embrace

"Brother!" he called out to the spirit, "Our plan moves along nicely dont you think? A nice collection of heroes to slay our bitch of a sister."

THEY WILL SUFFICE

"They near the Citadel as we speak, and then the fun will begin,"

THEY ARE FOLLOWED, THEY ARE HUNTED

"A small matter. I have increased their odds and if needs be I can intervene."

NOOOO! roared the dragon THEY MUST BE TESTED, THEY MUST BE FORGED IN FLAME AND BLOOD...

Harlequin steadied himself as the cavern shook and raised his hands in submission,

"As you wish brother, I will let the matter play out as it must, and once Hela is dead I will see you restored..."

ALREADY THE CHAINS GROW TIGHT, SHE CALLS ME TO MY REST

"Fight her brother, it will not be long now!"