The Wyvern Hunter

1

A bellowing roar more terrifying than thunder shook the little mountainside village, causing the icicles to break and fall from their roofs. At the sound of the roar, the wind began to howl, carrying with it snow and ice so cold that the clothes the villagers wore seemed pointless. As another roar resounded, the wind's rage further intensified, throwing men, women, and children alike off their feet. They ran for cover, ducking into their houses and huddling down low, for they knew that the terrible wind was little more than the announcement of the Frost King's arrival.

Those who dared to peek from their homes saw little more than the white of a blizzard. But amidst that white, were two blue eyes, which seemed to glow with a ghostly light. They drew closer and closer, and each time they did, the heavy thudding of a footstep could be heard. The thuds continued to grow heavier and louder until a massive shape could be seen amidst the blizzard. That shape became larger until it at last reached the village, and all began to offer silent prayers to whatever god might listen that they might be spared.

Another roar resounded, this one deeper than the last. It shook the ground around them, and deafened their ears. Then the onslaught began. Two legs and a tail all as thick and sturdy as tree trunks smashed through houses and tore down their walls. Talons massive and strong enough to match such legs snatched fully-grown men and threw them aside as though they were filthy rats. Jaws like iron and teeth like the strongest of daggers ripped roofs off their houses, and slaughtered any who dared stand between the beast and its destruction. Two wings that seemed to blot out all light when they spread summoned shrieking winds with each wingbeat. With each flap. A new wind was born, throwing structures, even of stone, into the air. Then, with one final roar, a massive spear of ice burst from the ground, piercing through one of the villager's houses and raising it into the air where all in the village could see. Then the dreadful beast spread its wings and took flight, the white fur that hid its scales causing it to blend into the raging white storm as it departed.

The sound of its wings faded, and the winds began to calm. Gradually, people emerged from their homes to assess the damage. On that end of town, all could see the carnage the beast had wrought. And even from the far end, villagers could see the single house lifted high by the colossal spike of ice. Every man, woman, and child saw that house and knew that it was only the beginning. That had simply been a warning. The Frost King would be back.