Avatar of the Frozen Behemoth: Volume 1

Chapter 26: Arctic Serpentine

The once-majestic royal palace of Spadia now lay in tatters, its opulent pillars cracked and its stained glass windows shattered. The ground trembled beneath the onslaught of battle, the air thick with the acrid stench of smoke and the sharp tang of fear.

King Sinclair, his regal attire marred by grime and blood, grimly surveyed the catastrophic scene. His slight injuries were mere scratches compared to the devastation unfolding around him.

Through the shattered palace walls, Sinclair could see the Janoan soldiers wreaking havoc upon his beloved city. Buildings crumbled under relentless assault, and the screams of his people pierced the air. He clenched his fists, trying to push down the rising panic. The city was falling apart, and every second wasted could mean the loss of countless lives.

"Form the defensive lines! Hold the perimeter!" Sinclair roared over the din of battle, his voice carrying the weight of command. His troops, though battered, rallied at his call, ice constructs forming a desperate shield against the Janoan invaders.

Sinclair knew that time was running out. The people needed to be evacuated, and he needed to act fast. He moved to a relatively calmer area of the palace, where he could make himself heard over the din of battle.

With a deep breath, Sinclair raised a loud horn to his lips and blew. The sound cut through the chaos like a beacon. People, their faces etched with fear and confusion, began to gather around him.

"People of Spadia!" Sinclair's voice boomed through the cold air, tinged with urgency. "To me! The Arctic Serpentine is our salvation!"

Tears streamed down the faces of the fleeing civilians as they rushed towards the king, their fear palpable. Sinclair could see their desperation mirrored in the frantic eyes of his high-ranking officials, each one struggling to organize the chaos.

Among the officials were Lord Thranis and Lord Arcturus, their faces grim but resolute. They quickly fell into step with Sinclair, each taking a group of civilians to prepare for the Arctic Serpentine.

"Your Majesty," Lord Thranis called out, his voice strained but steady. "We've gathered as many as we could. There's still chaos out there."

Sinclair's eyes met those of Lord Thranis and Lord Arcturus as they approached. "That's good, now assist me in organizing the Arctic Serpentine. We need to evacuate as many people as possible."

Lord Thranis, his face etched with worry and fatigue, nodded. "We're on it, Your Majesty. We'll get the civilians organized."

Amidst the chaotic scene, civilians cried out in fear and uncertainty. One woman clutched her child tightly, tears streaming down her face. "What if the ice breaks? I've heard the Janoans are using insane weapons!"

A man beside her, his voice trembling, added, "I just hope the Frozen Behemoth guides us through this. It's our only hope now!"

Lord Arcturus moved through the crowd, offering reassurance. "Hold on to hope. We've faced worse and survived. The king's ritual will protect us."

Despite their reassurances, the fear was palpable. A young boy looked up at Sinclair with wide, frightened eyes. "What happens if we don't make it? What will happen to us after we land?"

Nearby, an older man clutched his child close, his voice shaking with both fear and hope. "I pray to the Frozen Behemoth that we make it out of this. We've heard stories about how it protects us. We need that protection now more than ever."

King Sinclair took his place at the front of the chain, placing his hand on the ice. He began the ritualistic prayer, his voice a deep, resonant murmur. The ice began to glow a brilliant blue, and the civilians watched in awe as the light spread, sealing their bonds.