The Frostians

Chapter 14

### Chapter 14: The Witch of the Woods

The morning air was crisp as Kristian and Alysandra made their way through the dense forest that bordered the village. The trees grew tall and wild, their gnarled branches twisting together to form a canopy overhead that filtered the sunlight into soft, dancing beams on the forest floor. As they followed the path that would lead them toward the mountain, their pace was steady, their thoughts focused on the task ahead.

But before they could get far, the sound of soft rustling in the undergrowth stopped them in their tracks. Kristian instinctively reached for his frost axe, while Alysandra rested a hand on the hilt of her Valkyrie sword, both ready for whatever might emerge from the shadows.

A figure stepped out from behind a large tree—a woman, cloaked in layers of earthy fabric, her hair a wild tangle of curls that cascaded down her shoulders. Her eyes, a deep and unsettling green, seemed to pierce through the very air between them. She moved with an ethereal grace, her bare feet gliding over the forest floor as though she were part of the land itself.

"You seek the mountain," the woman said, her voice smooth yet filled with an ancient wisdom. "But the path is not clear, nor is the way safe."

Kristian narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"

The woman gave a faint smile. "I am known as the Witch of the Woods. This forest is my home, and I watch over those who enter it. You and your companion are no strangers to danger, but the forces that guard the mountain are not to be taken lightly."

Alysandra stepped forward, her eyes meeting the witch's. "We have no choice. We need to reach the summit. There's someone imprisoned there, someone with the knowledge we need."

The witch studied Alysandra for a moment before turning her gaze to Kristian. "You carry great power within you, Frost of Overland, but even your strength may not be enough. The mountain is guarded by forces that do not wish you to reach its peak."

Kristian tightened his grip on his axe. "What are we up against?"

The witch looked up toward the distant mountain, her expression darkening. "There is a thick black smoke that has settled at its base, a barrier of magic that even the gods would struggle to pass. You will not be able to proceed unless the smoke is lifted."

Alysandra frowned. "How do we do that?"

The witch turned back to them, her eyes glimmering with a knowing light. "There is a place, not far from here—Tyr's Temple, in the middle of the lake. There, you will find the key to breaking the barrier. But be warned—the key can only be used once. It requires the light of Alfheim to recharge, and that is a light not easily obtained."

Kristian exchanged a glance with Alysandra. "Alfheim? The realm of the Light Elves?"

The witch nodded. "Indeed. The key you seek is a relic from a time long forgotten, imbued with the light of Alfheim. It will allow you to pass through the smoke and ascend the mountain, but once its power is depleted, you will need to find a way to recharge it. The light of Alfheim is the only thing that can restore its strength."

Alysandra looked at the witch, her curiosity piqued. "And how do we reach Tyr's Temple?"

The witch smiled again, but this time it was a sad, distant smile. "I will take you there. The temple lies at the center of the lake, shrouded in mist. Few know of its existence, and fewer still dare to enter its sacred halls. But for you, the path will be revealed."

Without another word, the witch turned and began to walk deeper into the forest, her movements silent and swift. Kristian and Alysandra followed closely behind, their minds racing with the implications of what the witch had told them. If the key could only be used once, their journey would become even more perilous.