Avatar of the Frozen Behemoth: Volume 1

Chapter 28: Snowfalls on Shattered Thrones

The air around the Spadian castle crackled with tension as the battle raged on outside. King Sinclair, Lord Thranis, and Lord Arcturus hurried through the castle halls, their faces set with grim determination. The sounds of clashing swords and distant explosions reverberated through the walls, a constant reminder of the chaos unfolding outside.

"Stay sharp, everyone," Sinclair commanded, his voice steady despite the turmoil. "We must reach the battlefield and support our soldiers."

Lord Thranis nodded, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. "The Spadians are holding their ground, but the Janoan forces are relentless."

As they emerged into the open courtyard, they were greeted by a scene of utter devastation. The once majestic castle grounds were littered with debris, and fires burned in several places. Spadian soldiers fought valiantly against the Janoan invaders, their ice weapons clashing with the enemy's fiery attacks.

The king's heart swelled with pride as he watched his men, but also with a deepening sense of urgency. The Janoans were pushing closer to the castle with every passing minute.

"Hold the line!" King Sinclair shouted, raising his sword and charging forward. He struck down a Janoan soldier with a powerful swing, his blade glowing with icy energy. "For Spadia!"

Meanwhile, Princess Evie stood at the palace entrance, her heart pounding as she watched the battle unfold. Her father and the others fought valiantly, but she could see the toll it was taking on them. The Spadian soldiers, despite their skill, were being cut down one by one.

As the battle intensified, Evie stepped out onto the castle's balcony, her heart pounding in her chest. She had heard the fighting for what felt like hours now, each clash and explosion filling her with dread. But nothing had prepared her for the sight that awaited her when she looked down.

The courtyard was a war zone. Spadian and Janoan soldiers clashed fiercely, their weapons flashing in the chaotic light of the fires. She spotted her father amidst the fray, fighting with the strength and skill she had always admired. But it wasn't enough. The enemy was everywhere, closing in from all sides.

"Father!" Evie called out, though her voice was lost in the roar of battle. She gripped the railing, torn between the instinct to run and the need to help. She had never been trained for this-she was the king's daughter, kept safe behind the castle walls. But now those walls were crumbling, and her father was out there, risking everything.

Suddenly, a Janoan soldier was flung through the air, crashing into the debris of the partially destroyed palace below. The impact sent a plume of dust and ice debris into the air, obscuring Evie's view. She strained to see what had happened, her breath catching in her throat.

"Father!" she whispered, her hands trembling. But before she could react, the Janoan soldier emerged from the smoke, his eyes locked onto her with a predatory gleam. He moved with terrifying speed, closing the distance between them in an instant.

Evie froze, terror rooting her to the spot. The soldier's twisted expression was the last thing she saw before a massive ice greatsword pierced through his chest, lifting him off the ground. He crumpled to the earth, lifeless.

Evie gasped, looking up to see several high-ranked Spadian soldiers surrounding her, their faces stern and determined. "Princess, stay back!" one of them commanded, his voice urgent. "We're here to protect you. This is no place for you."

"We have orders from the king to keep you safe, Your Highness," one of the soldiers said urgently. "This is too dangerous-please, return to the palace!"

"But my father-" Evie began, her voice breaking with emotion. She could see him still fighting, surrounded by enemies. "He's out there! I have to help him!"