The chamber servants flung open the large embroidered curtains, allowing sun rays into the dark room. A young girl opened the enormous windows allowing the brisk air to fill the room and push out the scent of rot and decay. Several maids scrambled around the room as they cleaned up various dishes and medical elixirs. The head maid, Glenda, sprayed a lavender aroma throughout the room to cover up the remaining traces of stench. This was a repeated routine over the past several months in the Duchess's chambers.
Duchess Isolde Wynn, painfully moved her arm to shield her face from the sunbeams. She tugged the oversized pellets of fur over her shoulder to keep the frosty breeze out. It was one of the coldest days she’d experienced since she fell ill. The icy weather hindered her recovery, for winters in the North were quite brutal. She spent endless days in bed unable to move from the agony. No one knew what caused her illness. Isolde collapsed one day and struggled to get up again. She hated the pitiful looks she received from her husband and children when they visited.
Duke Rheinalt Wynn visited her daily, leaving small gifts on her bed table. Her falling ill had taken quite a toll on him. Even though their marriage had initially been a political alliance, forged to strengthen their power and influence, they eventually grew to love one another deeply. They were not just husband and wife, they were partners and had been running the northern regions together for years. King Alastor, who currently sat on the throne, seemed not to notice their increase in troops, wealth, and support from the other great northern houses. He was driving the empire to ruin and they hoped to take advantage of that. Isolde knew she did not have much time left but hoped she would be there to see change from his daughter.
As she lay in bed, Isolde gazed out the window, her thoughts drifting to her children—Caius, Rhyse, and Seren. She smiled faintly, imagining them up to some mischievous adventure in the woods, as they so often were. The thought gave her a moment of solace amidst her suffering.
* * *
Caius made his way through the forest slowly, trying to limit the sound of snow crunching under his boots. He followed the path of hoof prints carefully. He would not allow this prey to get away. A white blur ran through the trees quickly. Caius pushed his dark hair out of his face and focused on the shot before him, matching the rhythm of the white-eyed elk’s prance. Oh what a beautiful creature. Father will be proud. Before the elk could dodge behind a tree, the feathers of the arrow passed through his fingers and glided through the air, piercing the elegant beast in the shoulder. However, the elk did not go down but staggered slowly through the forest, hoping to get away from the hunter.
Caius waved over Rhyse, the youngest of the Wynn children, who trailed behind him. Caius, skilled with the bow, intended to teach Rhyse how to hunt and this seemed a perfect day as any. Even at just eight years old, it was customary for children in their family to learn weaponry and hunting techniques early on. The Wynns were renowned for their strength and prowess in battle, even the women excelled in combat. Though many nobles in court called them brutes, they paid them no mind, for they had reason to be feared.
Rhyse ran over to his brother, leaving tiny footprints in the snow behind him. The small boy stood quietly in front of Caius, who watched each movement of the elk carefully. He can’t remember the last time he saw a beast so majestic. He gave Rhyse the signal and watched as the child lifted his bow towards the limping elk. The arrow released from Rhyses fingers and disappeared into the forest without a trace.
“I can’t do this,” he said with a disgruntled face.
“You can, and you will,” Cai said sternly, “Now lower your elbow. Follow your prey, take a deep breath and breathe out while allowing the arrow to release naturally.” He always had a way of calming his younger brother.
This time the perfectly placed arrow flew through the trees puncturing the giant elk through the neck. The white elk staggered backward before stumbling into the now crimson snow.
“Did you see that sister,” Rhyse yelled excitedly to Seren who was watching from behind?
“A perfect shot indeed,” she smiled, “We’ll make a hunter out of you yet.”
“Good job young sire,” Broderick, their aid chimed in as they made their way over to the large animal. He started to load the elk onto their sled.
“It is tradition for the owner of the kill to say a prayer over the animal,” Seren said, grabbing Broderick’s arm.
Broderick hesitated, his jaw tightening. He didn't believe in God or traditions, seeing them as mere superstitions of the old world. With a reluctant sigh, he stepped back, the weight of Seren's expectation pressing him to comply despite his disbelief.
Rhyse nodded nervously at his brother and sister before kneeling next to the fallen animal, placing a gentle hand on its still-warm body. With eyes closed and a soft, childlike voice, he began to pray, the prayer he had heard his father, brother and sister say many times before, loud enough for only those in close proximity to hear.
"Edos, divine guardian of all life, we thank you for this creature's sacrifice. May its spirit find peace in your eternal embrace. Grant us the wisdom to honor its life and use its gift with respect and gratitude. In your name, we humbly offer our thanks. Amen." When he completed his prayer he stood up and moved to where Caius and Seren waited, allowing Broderick to mount the elk onto the sled.
“You did well,” Seren said, kissing Rhyse’s forehead.
In the northern regions, when hunting, whoever landed the final blow on the animal would say a small prayer over it. This prayer thanked Edos for the blessing and asked for safe travel of the animal to the afterlife. It is said those who did not thank the divine being would surely be cursed. The Wynns had been upholding this sacred tradition for generations. They did not dare break this.
The sun began to fall behind the trees, Caius knew they needed to leave before the dangers of the forest crawled out from the abyss.
“Now let’s make our –,” Caius froze, his senses tingling as the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He scanned the woods before him, feeling an uneasy presence. He glanced over to Seren, who had also stopped in her tracks, eyes wide with the same alertness.
“Cai…” Seren started, making sure he saw the predators surrounding them quickly. “Get down,” Seren whispered to Rhyse, as she drew her bow.
Caius’s sword was already unsheathed. Danger lurked in the darkening forest and neared them. A set of golden eyes peered through the bushes. Broderick's old wounds ached, especially the deep scar along his side that had never fully healed, a constant reminder of a fierce encounter many years past.
“How many do you see,” Cai called out.
“Three, Four, No Six,” Seren answered.
Rhyse dared not say a word, for he knew what lurked. The hunters had become the prey.
A sizable beast behind the golden eyes leaped from the bushes, lunging toward Caius. He slashed the wolf’s side. The wolf seemed to ignore the pain and lunged again, knocking him to the ground. Caius's sword slipped from his grasp and clattered to the ground as the beast pinned him down. The beast seethed from the mouth as Caius held its shoulders. It was the only thing stopping it from biting his face.
"You think you can take me down that easily?" Caius growled through gritted teeth, staring defiantly into the wolf's eyes.
Another smaller wolf emerged from the depths of the forest and made a beeline for Broderick, who was shaking with fear but still managed to swing his sword, slicing the wolf’s hind leg. He may have been terrified but he was no coward. From the corner of his eye, he saw Seren using up the last of her arrows on the two beasts targeting her. Chaos ensued as they each battled the pack of wolves around them.
Caius did not know how much longer he would be able to hold off the large wolf. The creature's matted fur was a ghostly white, streaked with mud and blood. Its breath was hot and foul, reeking of decay and death, almost suffocating Caius as it snarled inches from his face. He tried to grab his sword with one hand but it was just out of reach.
With a desperate groan, Caius pulled out a dagger from the sheath on his hip and twisted it with great force into the side of the giant wolf’s neck. The beast let out a gurgling snarl before collapsing on top of him, its weight pressing him into the cold, unforgiving ground. The stench of the wolf's blood and unwashed fur was overwhelming, nearly making him gag. That was too close for comfort.
Caius struggled to roll the heavy carcass off him and stood up, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Snow clung to his clothes, melting into icy patches. It would have chilled him to the bone, if his adrenaline hadn't been coursing through his veins, fueling his every movement. The icy patches from the snow soaked through his clothes, but he barely felt the cold as he brushed off the wet clumps with shaking hands. His breath came in harsh gasps as he surveyed the scene, the wolf's lifeless body lying still at his feet, a testament to his desperate struggle.
A low growl echoed in front of him. His eyes met another wolf. Edos, I can’t catch a break. Caius scrambled for his sword but the beast was already rushing towards him. As he grabbed the sword he heard a loud thump. The wolf lay dead, with an arrow in the eye. He turned to see Rhyse standing behind him, proud of his kill. Without hesitation, Caius grabbed the second dagger from his boot and with a swift, practiced motion, sent it whistling through the air. The blade embedded itself in the neck of another wolf silently creeping up behind Rhyse. As Rhyse spun around, his eyes widened in surprise and relief.
Seren, who was now out of arrows, drew her blade. The wolf and Seren danced in the snow, observing each other's movements. The wild dog ran towards her but she was quicker and dodged it. Mid-dodge she spun on her toes and fiercely swung her sword down. The head of the wolf rolled towards her foot in the bloodied snow. She turned to see Broderick standing over the wolf he had been fighting earlier.
“Is everyone okay,” Caius questioned while thoroughly inspecting Rhyse for injuries?
“Mother’s going to be furious,” Seren laughed.
“Mother? Father’s going to have our heads for this,” Caius chuckled. “Quickly say your prayers and let us get out of here,” he continued. He sensed there would be more if they did not hurry.
Cai and Seren exchanged a weary glance, silently agreeing it was time to pack up and leave. As they began to gather their belongings, Rhyse started to whisper a prayer over the fallen wolves, his voice a low murmur in the stillness of the forest.
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But the silence was shattered by a deep, resonant growl. The menacing growl vibrated through the four of them, causing terror to stop them in their tracks. Caius looked up and saw a massive beast come into view from the shadows, its white fur almost blending with the snow, save for the dark, menacing eyes fixed on them. The bear was enormous, larger than any Caius had ever seen, with muscles rippling beneath its thick coat.
"Edos, give us strength," Caius whispered under his breath, his heart pounding loudly in his chest. The bear’s breath came out in frosty puffs, its eyes locked onto him with a predatory gleam.
"Get him out of here!" Caius shouted to Seren, his voice tinged with urgency and fear. He refused to take his eyes off of the beast. "I'll distract it. Get my Father,” he commanded Broderick.
Seren hesitated, her eyes wide with terror, but a look from Caius made her nod and grab Rhyse, disappearing into the trees.
Caius turned to face the bear, his body tense with fear. His heart raced, adrenaline forcing its way through his body, but he begged himself to stay calm. He took a deep breath and took off in a sprint, running further into the woods, his feet pounding against the snow-covered ground. He could hear the bear crashing through the underbrush behind him, its growls growing louder.
Every instinct screamed at him to keep running, but he knew he couldn’t outrun this beast. Caius skidded to a halt, his breath coming in desperate gasps. He turned to face the bear, locking eyes with the monstrosity. Its intense dark eyes, shimmered with an intelligence and ferocity that sent a chill down his spine. This is it. He knew he wouldn't make it out alive. But he would fight with all he had left, for the slim chance of seeing his family again. He had not fought in countless battles for the kingdom to just sit down and die. Caius raised his sword, determined to strike. As he swung, the bear's massive paw swiped out, knocking the sword from his hands with a force that sent it clattering away.
The bear stepped closer, its eyes boring into his. Caius felt a strange sense of calm wash over him, despite the terror still gnawing at his insides. As if compelled he reached out his hand to touch the bear. The fur was softer than he had expected. In that moment, a voice echoed in his mind, deep and resonant. It touched his very soul. "You have been chosen for your bravery and self-sacrifice. By the will of Edos, you are bestowed powers of the Divine One."
Caius's vision blurred, the world spinning around him. He felt a surge of warmth and power flood through his body, then everything went black as he collapsed into the snow.
* * *
Lights from the Northern castle grew brighter as they neared their home. Broderick and Rheinalt pulled the sled behind them, their breaths visible in the cold night air. The snow crunched beneath their boots, the sound mingling with the distant howl of the wind. It had been a grueling journey back, one filled with anxiety and dread. It had taken hours for the search party to find Caius, tucked away deep in the depths of the forest. Awaiting his fate, decided by Edos.
As they approached the castle, their thoughts kept returning to the scene they had stumbled upon in the woods. There, amidst the thick pines, and the silent nothingness, they found Caius lying motionless in the snow. Bear tracks circled the area, their depth and size a testament to the beast's proximity to the unconscious man. But the creature itself was nowhere to be seen, leaving only its menacing prints behind.
Rheinalt’s heart had nearly stopped at the sight of his son laying there. Caius, the second oldest child, lay there pale and still, his breaths shallow and barely present. Rheinalt’s mind raced with a thousand thoughts—gratitude that his son was alive and terror at the thought of what might have been. The ominous darkness gave him a fierce determination to get Caius to the safety of their home as swiftly. He had knelt beside Caius, his hands trembling as he checked for injuries, relief flooding him when he realized his son had no visible wounds. He was not one to show emotion for he was Rheinalt, a great warrior, known for his prowess and strength on the battlefield. He could not let others see him unsettled.
Isolde, Caius's mother, had been waiting anxiously at the castle, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of her family. When she saw the approaching figures, a wave of hope surged through her weak frame, only to be replaced by a cold dread when she noticed the sled and the limp form of her son. Her heart pounded in her chest as she rushed to meet them, fear gripping her as she took in the sight of Caius.
"Rheinalt, Broderick, what happened?" Isolde's voice was strained, her eyes wide with fear and concern. She shouldn’t be out of bed in her condition.
Tears threatened to choke Rheinalt's voice as he spoke, "We discovered him deep in the woods. There were monstrous bear tracks all around him, but the beast was gone by the time we arrived. I don’t know how our boy survived but he seems unharmed and we need to get him inside quickly."
Isolde nodded, her hands trembling as she caressed his face while they lifted Caius from the sled. "We need to get him warm," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And call for the healer,” she directed Seren.
Together, they carried Caius into the warmth of the castle. Rheinalt and Isolde were battling with emotions as they gently placed Caius on his bed. He couldn't shake off the overwhelming feeling of guilt. He was supposed to protect his family, and yet here was his son, barely clinging to life after an encounter with one of the most fearsome predators in their Northern region. These white bears hadn’t dared to venture this close to their home, so what had changed.
The healer, Cyrus arrived swiftly, his hands showing years of experience as he assessed Caius's condition. "He's cold, but he doesn't appear to have any serious injuries," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "He needs rest and warmth. Keep him wrapped in blankets, and I'll prepare some herbs to help him recover."
Isolde and Rheinalt stayed by their son's side, their fear slowly giving way to a fragile hope. As they watched over Caius, the lights from the Northern castle continued to cast their warm glow, a beacon of safety and home. The ordeal had shaken them to their core, but in that moment, they were united by their love for their son and their determination to see him well again.
Broderick, though not related by blood, felt a profound bond with the family. He had watched over Caius as he grew up, training and adventuring together through countless winters. Seeing his friend in such a state filled him with a deep-seated anger and a burning desire for retribution against the beast that had done this. Yet, he knew that now was a time for care and caution, not vengeance.
As the night wore on, Caius began to stir, his eyelids fluttering as he slowly regained consciousness. Rheinalt and Isolde leaned in close, their hearts in their throats.
"Caius," Isolde whispered, her voice breaking. "You're safe now. You're home."
Caius's eyes opened slowly, taking in the worried faces of his parents. He managed a weak smile, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm... alright," he said, before fading back into a deep slumber.
Rheinalt squeezed his son's hand, not noticing how cold his son’s hands truly were, relief flooding through him. "Rest, son. We're here with you. We'll always be here."
* * *
Days passed before Caius woke and with that he quickly regained his strength. It was like the whole ordeal hadn’t happened at all. The incident in the woods remained a mystery, haunting the family like a specter, always lurking in the back of their minds. Despite numerous inquiries and investigations, no concrete answers emerged about the polar bear attack that had left Caius so vulnerable.
Caius stood by the tall, arched window, his gaze lost in the sprawling view of the Northern kingdom below. The castle's vantage point offered an unobstructed panorama of the bustling town square where people moved like ants in a diligent rush. His eyes traced the winding paths that snaked through the vibrant marketplace, up the rolling green hills, and along the sturdy stone walls that had protected them for centuries.
As he watched, his fingers tapped an absent rhythm on the cool glass, a habit borne of deep thought. Without warning, the contact sparked an unusual reaction. From each point his fingers touched, delicate streaks of ice began to spider web across the glass pane, crystalline lines branching out with intricate beauty. Each unique with its own design like delicate snowflakes. The ice glistened under the afternoon sun, casting fleeting rainbows as it crept silently across the window.
Simultaneously, Caius’ eyes began to glow an otherworldly blue light, and his hair turned a stark, luminescent white, matching the ice crystals spreading across the glass. He was startled by his reflection in the window.
Behind him, his younger brother, Rhyse, watched with an open mouth. His face washed with astonishment on full display. "Wow," he whispered in awe of what he witnessed. "That's so cool, Caius. It looks like you've got magic or something."
Caius spun around, his glowing blue eyes now and white hair now reverted back to his natural color. Magic? MAGIC? Oh this is NOT good. Caius was afraid of nothing… except the fact that he could potentially possess magic of the legends. This is stuff of legends.
"Shh, not so loud," he panicked, moving swiftly to his brother's side. His eyes darted around to ensure no one else had witnessed the spectacle. "You can’t tell anyone about this, Rhyse," Caius continued, his tone serious, the playful light in his eyes darkening to a warning. "It’s important. Promise me."
Rhyse’s face stiffened as he sensed the gravity in Caius’s voice. "I promise, Caius. But... What is it? How did you do that?"
Caius shook his head, his usual composed expression giving way to a mix of confusion and fear. "I don’t know, Rhyse. It just started happening on the window."
Rhyse nodded, the weight of the secret settling on his young shoulders. "I won’t tell a soul. Not even Seren. It’ll be our secret."
Caius gave the small child a slight grateful smile and ruffled his hair. Before turning to head down to breakfast, he looked over his shoulder to see the now melting ice trickled down the glass. He sighed, a sound that carried both wonder and worry. Whatever this was, whatever he was becoming, Caius knew that the path ahead would be fraught with more than just royal duties.
The boys ran down stairs to see the rest of the family already gathered for breakfast. A messenger arrived at their door, speaking to his parents. His presence was imposing, clad in the royal colors of King Alastor's court. Isolde and Rheinalt exchanged curious glances as they ushered him inside.
"I come bearing a message from King Alastor," the messenger announced, handing Rheinalt a sealed scroll. The scroll was heavy and intricately designed, the seal cold to the touch. Rheinalt's fingers slid over the smooth surface as he broke the seal and read the message aloud.
"Duke and Duchess of House Wynn, King Alastor requests the start of negotiations for the betrothal of his daughter, Princess Amaira, to your son, Caius. It is the king's wish to solidify an alliance through this union, and if the negotiations go well, the engagement shall be announced at Princess Amaira's coming of age ceremony. You are requested to come to the capital before the celebration ball to discuss the terms of this union," his voice filled with intrigue.
Isolde's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and caution. "This is a significant opportunity, Rheinalt," she said, her voice hushed with anticipation. "An alliance with the royal family would greatly strengthen our position."
Rheinalt nodded, deep in thought. "Indeed. It could solidify our standing and provide the power we seek. But we must tread carefully. The king is known for his unpredictable nature."
Caius, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up. "What? You want me to marry a posh princess who’s never stepped foot outside of her palace walls,” his annoyance became clear.
“What if she's hideous? That’s probably why the King never lets her out," Serene’s voice carried a mix of humor and genuine concern.
Caius rolled his eyes unamused by his sister's gab. He didn’t want to marry a Princess, especially one who probably had no experience wielding weapons. She probably doesn’t even know what the North is like.
Isolde laughed softly, shaking her head. "Well, Caius, I suppose you'll find out in a few days' time. We are to go to the capital before her coming of age ceremony to discuss this. If it goes well, they wish to announce the engagement at her celebration ball."
Caius sighed, a mix of resignation and curiosity on his face. "I suppose it could be worse. At least I’ll get to see the capital. Maybe I’ll woo her."
“With what? Your dry personality and hideous looks,” Seren teased. “If anyone should be scared, it should be the princess!”
“Enough,” Rheinalt said, trying to maintain a serious face. He clapped his son on the back. "Remember, Caius, this is more than just a marriage. It's an alliance that could shape the future of our house and the kingdom."
Isolde nodded in agreement. "We must approach this with open minds and hearts. This could be the opportunity we've been waiting for."
As they prepared for the journey to the capital, the family couldn't help but feel a sense of destiny unfolding before them. The mysterious events of the past weeks seemed to pale in comparison to the significance of the negotiations ahead. The future of House Wynn and the kingdom itself hung in the balance, and they were determined to seize this moment of opportunity. Caius was haunted by what the king would do to his family if he found out about his newly discovered powers.