Thief of Twilight

Part Three: Chapter 110

The emperor and Sinopia rode on horseback through the forest. The small village was a two-day journey from the city. Before he left the palace, he spoke with Lord Baek and asked if he would handle his affairs until his return. Lord Baek was informed to tell Zurine that he would be safe and that he would only investigate the area until Captain Cheong and his men arrived to handle the rest.

But still, something weighed heavily on his mind. He wondered what kind of person would attack a small village whose main export was lumber.

"What is on your mind, pup?" Sinopia spoke through the darkness as he rode beside the emperor.

Emperor Kang narrowed his eyes.

"If you have questions or concerns, perhaps I can be of some assistance. I have spent many years studying at the Akadymia as well as teaching. I may also be able to answer any of your questions.

"...What is the difference between enchanted ice and simple ice magic?"

Sinopia chuckled to himself. "When a mage uses elemental magic, they are simply conjuring the element that they are most attuned to. So the product mimics the original. If a mage uses fire magic, it will be the same fire that is created when you use matches to light a torch. But if a mage specializing in elemental magic were to cast a fire spell, their mana infuses with the spell making it stronger." he explained. "That would mean that using water would not work to extinguish the flames. You would need the assistance of another mage that specializes in elemental magic or if not a water mage."

The emperor nodded his head.

"Because I am a moon child, none of those principles pertain to me. So I can easily dispel or destroy any elemental spell or creation that has been made."

As they neared the village, a mountain of ice began to peek out from above the trees. The emperor's eyes widened as they got closer. He wasn't expecting it to be this big. He pursed his lips before lowering his head.

The two men arrived at the village to see the Black Wolves searching the area.

"I wonder if they found anything." Sinopia said. "Is this why you were in such a hurry to get here?"

"I had them leave the palace to search for survivors as well..." the emperor slid off his horse and tied it to a nearby tree. "But...I doubt it..."

Sinopia slid from his horse and secured it to a fallen tree with a thick branch. He walked towards the massive cluster of ice before looking around.

"With something this big...everyone has most likely perished..." he said. "They didn't see it coming. Especially if this is something that happened in the dead of night..."

The emperor stood beside him.

"And with this type of magic..." Sinopia looked up at the sky. "It is something that was specifically made to take out everyone in the vicinity." he placed his hand on the ice. Ripples of flames rolled out from his palms across the ice.

"Will you be able to destroy it?"

"Yes..." Sinopia nodded. "But right now, I am trying to see which will be the best way to do so..."

The emperor looked around.

"If I simply melt the ice, it could create a flood. The flood could potentially reach other villages that are nearby if there isn't a waterway that can help carry the excess water out to sea." Sinopia took a deep breath. "Or..." he pushed his hands into the ice causing it to shatter into millions of tiny shards. "I can simply crush it with my flames allowing it to evaporate into the air around us."

Emperor Kang pursed his lips. He stepped away, looking at the small houses that had been destroyed and the mill which lay in ruin. There was nothing to salvage. No one to aid.