The Frostians

Chapter 13

The sun was just beginning to rise over Midgard, casting a golden hue across the village. Kristian and Alysandra were enjoying a peaceful breakfast on the porch of their cottage, savoring the calm before the day’s activities. The quiet of the morning was suddenly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Kristian’s keen senses detected something unusual. He tensed, his instincts telling him that something was amiss. He glanced at Alysandra, who was focused on her meal, and decided it was time to be cautious.

“Alysandra,” he said quietly, “I think we might have company. Stay here and keep out of sight. I’ll check it out.”

Alysandra looked up, concern evident in her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure yet, but I don’t want to take any chances,” Kristian replied, his voice steady. “Just stay hidden and be ready to move if necessary.”

With that, Kristian stood and moved toward the edge of the porch, his senses on high alert. The footsteps grew louder, and soon a figure emerged from the misty morning fog. The stranger was cloaked in a dark, hooded robe, their face concealed in shadow. There was something unnerving about the way the figure moved, a deliberate and almost unnatural calmness in their stride.

Kristian’s eyes narrowed as he watched the stranger approach. He subtly positioned himself between the stranger and Alysandra, his hand resting on the hilt of his frost axe. He felt a chill run down his spine as the stranger drew closer, the air around them seeming to grow colder.

The stranger finally stopped a few feet away from Kristian, their voice emerging from beneath the hood with a smooth, almost otherworldly tone. “You must be Kristian Frost. I’ve heard much about you.”

Kristian’s grip tightened on his axe. “And who are you?”

The stranger’s hooded head tilted slightly as if considering the question. “Names are not important. What matters is the reason for my visit. I’ve come to test you.”

“Test me?” Kristian asked, his voice wary. “Test me for what?”

The stranger’s eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity. “For your strength, your resolve. I’m curious to see if you’re as formidable as they say. I’ve heard you’re a warrior of great skill, but skills are often tested in ways one might not expect.”

Before Kristian could respond, the stranger lunged with surprising speed, their movements fluid and precise. Kristian barely had time to react, raising his frost axe to block the incoming attack. The clash of their weapons resonated through the morning air, the force of the impact causing a jolt in Kristian’s arms.

Despite the stranger’s formidable skill, Kristian quickly realized that there was something distinctly unusual about them. The stranger seemed to move with a grace and confidence that bordered on unnatural, their attacks relentless and devoid of any sign of fatigue. It was as if they felt no pain, no strain from the combat.

Kristian fought back with all his strength, trying to gauge the stranger’s abilities while protecting Alysandra, who remained hidden just out of sight. The stranger’s attacks were precise and calculated, targeting weaknesses in Kristian’s defense.

The battle was fierce, with Kristian struggling to gain the upper hand. He tried to use his frost abilities to create barriers and counterattacks, but the stranger seemed impervious to the cold and the elements. It was clear that this opponent was unlike any he had faced before.

As the fight continued, Kristian’s thoughts remained focused on Alysandra’s safety. He kept glancing toward the cottage, making sure she was still concealed and safe. His concern for her only added to his determination to protect her at all costs.