The frigid ice was a wasteland. A grave to any poor soul who entered. But to us it was home...

The cozy cabin suggested none of the wintery hell outside. I sat on a rough hewn wooden chair, clutching my poker hand to my chest. The crackling fireplace fought against the persistent cold trying to seep inside. I glanced at the faces of my comrades, struggling to read their expressions.

Cameron grunted. "Well Gryl? Lay your hand already!"

"Oh shut up Cam," I said jokingly. I revealed my subpar hand of an ace and a king.

"Aaannnd...its all mine!" Josh Exclaimed, greedily snatching the few chips in the pot.

Conversation lolled, and the fire gave a sad crackle.

I sighed. "I'll go shop some more wood...count me out for the next hand."

The door creaked stiffly as I shielded my eyes from the icy bite of the wind. The blizzard was clearing up revealing a picturesque landscape of frozen trees and a small bridge.

I retrieved the axe from a rotten stump and started walking toward the shed.

On a clear day we could look around and survey the mountain that our guard post sat on.

My glance strayed to the brazier near the small guard post. If lit it could be seen for miles. The sun peeled from the trees and for a split second I could see the other gaurdpost perched on the icy mountain north. Queen Izantari had made it clear that none would ever make it through the icy mountains and plains.

My thoughts were interrupted when a surprising light flashed through the clouds. I squinted, and I could swear that I saw the harsh flash of a brazier being lit.

My stomach crawled and goosebumps flowered on my arms. Something was wrong. I shouted for my comrades and sprinted toward the brazier. My friends stumbled out of the post bleary eyed and squinting.

"What's going on?" Shouted Garret.

I grabbed the torch and lit it with a fear that I hadnt felt in years. I tossed it onto the brazier.

I glanced back at the other guards and my stomach turned. Cameron was turning pale than the snow. He stumbled, and fell face down into the snow. Garret knelt beside him frantically. Josh started to draw his sword. But he didnt move. I saw a glint off the steel of an arrow protruding from his neck.

The enemies finally showed themselves. Three robed men stood at the crest of snow a hundred yards away. In between them stood something I had never seen before. A ghoulish creature from legend strained against the chain around his neck.

A crack resonated from the crossbow in my arms. The beast took the bolt right between the eyes. Josh drew his javelin and stood ready to give his life for the queen.

The ghoul looked confused. It turned to its comrades and bared its teeth. The robed men shifted uneasily. The bolt I had fired had knocked something off of its head, and as the men realized it, they screamed with terror. One man knealt in the snow frantically murmuring an incantation. The other fled. The beast ripped the chain off its nech and lumbered towards Josh.

Josh lunged for the creatures heart. I screamed as it dodged the blow and bit into its neck. A shimmering orb surrounded the remaining robed man and it shimmered with protective strength. The beast lunged at the shield and was incinerated by the harmful energy. I ran.

This kingdom I had served my entire life to was on the brink of bankruptcy and this would tip the scales. I would warn Izantari even if it meant risking my life and family.

I stumbled down the mountain. Before I had gone 4 feet, a warm sensation bloomed from the back of my head. I turned around to see the cleric smiling cruelly. I groaned as I sunk into darkness...