The Hunt: Embrace of Ice

Thousands of men, women, and children walked into the shadow of the God’s Fang Mountain likes ants scurrying before a mighty hill. Many were setting up tents and preparing large cooking fires. Castius Bloodeye looked up and wondered at the titanic, natural beauty. The sun had risen into the sky and its light shone on the large mass. Resting atop the mountain like a crown was the Fanged Prophet’s temple. The rich blues of the temple’s walls were still visible from behind the curtain of frost that covered them. Castius scowled at the jagged edges and sharp points of the building. It was said it brought the Fanged Prophet closer to the Great Wolf.

Castius shook his head at the notion. No, it just puts him above everyone else.

A soft hand fell on Castius’ shoulder. It was Aera’s. Castius turned to her. She met him with a sweet smile. “I didn’t think they would make such an event out of this.”

“According to the Fanged Prophet, there’s plenty to celebrate. He wants to make a spectacle of everything, so much so he’s hosting a feast where his temple will be in full view. Me joining the Ice Pack, conceiving our child, securing the family line; it’s all just justification.”

“What’s wrong with celebrating that?”

Castius turned his gaze back to the temple lording over all of them from the mountaintop. “It’s his victory, not ours.”

“And it will be our son, not his,” Aera said.

Castius smiled. “If the Fanged Prophet can guarantee a son with this ritual he has planned, I might just have to give him a little more credit.”

“What do you think it entails? I hope it doesn’t hurt.”

A cold wind blew across the mass of people. Castius felt a chill bite on his exposed flesh. “I imagine it will be a farce. Strange rituals and words. Perhaps he’ll burn incense for good measure.”

His words earned him a sharp jab on the shoulder from Aera. “This is supposed to be a happy moment for us. Put aside the politics for one day.”

This whole day is about politics. Castius took a deep breath and sighed. He spied a large tent at the base of the mountain. He pointed towards it for Aera. “There’s our tent.”

Aera cocked her head and pursed her lips. “It’s bigger than I would have thought. Not as intimate as I hoped.”

“They’ll be more than enough intimacy soon enough.” Castius winked.

There was a glint in Aera’s eyes as she smiled at him. “Can we go in?”

“Everything should be prepared for us.”

“Then we shouldn’t keep everyone waiting then, should we?”

The pair hurried towards the hovel that had been prepared for them. As they approached, High Chieftain Curraldan exited from the tent. He grinned as he saw the pair. He placed his hands on his son’s shoulders. “Everything is ready, and the Fanged Prophet is waiting for the both of you. Good luck.” Curraldan turned to address Aera, “I’m sure you will make a fine mother to my grandson, and a great wife to my son. I will be proud to call you my daughter in law.”

“Thank you, father.”

Curraldan bowed then let them pass. The two entered the tent. A brazier at the center of the tent lit the interior and there was a small opening in the top of the tent that allowed any smoke to waft out. The Fanged Prophet stood by the brazier, minding some strange concoction that rested on a tray alongside an assortment of mushrooms. There was a bundle of blankets resting beside the prophet. The inside walls of the tent were decorated with rich reds and golds. The ground was covered in a layer of thick carpets which peaked out from under a second layer that was comprised of bear furs. The air was thick with a sweet, inviting incense.

Looks like I was right about one thing.

“It’s beautiful in here.” Aera said.

The Fanged Prophet took notice of them. “I’m glad you like it my dear. It’s not often I get to put this tent to use.” The Fanged Prophet turned its attention to Castius, “I assume it is to your liking as well.”

“It is.” Castius said with a polite nod.

“Excellent. If you’ll both please come here and drink and eat what’s been prepared for you.”

Castius and Aera shared a quick look between them before the pair approached the tray. Six mushrooms stared up at them. Two red capped, two black with white spots, and two light grey mushrooms with black spots. “So, what are these supposed to do?”

The Fanged Prophet chuckled. “Well, they all have different effects on the mind and body, but when it’s all mixed together, they go beyond such effects and reach the soul. This will be a spiritual journey for you both. Take them in whatever order you wish. Based on prior experience, I recommend taking the mushrooms all at the same time then washing the ghastly mixture down with the tonic.”

Castius picked up one of the red capped mushrooms and eyed it. Spiritual huh?

Aera gathered her mushrooms and devoured all three of them. Castius watched her face twist and contort as her hand shot for her drink. She chugged the mixture and tossed the bottle. Aera grimaced. “I can still taste it.”

Castius scooped up the other fungi and tossed them in his mouth. He mashed the various mushrooms into a thick, bitter paste. He fought the urge to spit the vile mixture out. With haste, he snatched his drink and washed the contents of his mouth down. His stomach gurgled in protest. “What now?”

The Fanged Prophet went for the tent entrance. “Make yourselves comfortable. You likely won’t remember much and then I’m told it all becomes interesting.”

“Interesting?” Aera said.

“It’s for you both to experience, my dear.” The Fanged Prophet waved and then left them.

“I suppose we should follow his advice.”

Castius nodded. “Let’s spread the blankets out.”

As he reached for the blanket, everything faded away. He felt as if he walked into a waking dream, only there was a blank nothingness waiting for him. Time seemed to pass at a snail’s pace and like lightning at the same time. Castius could not say for certain how much time had passed in that infinite moment. Then, there was a bombardment of color and shapes. Castius went cold, then warm. He left the frozen lands of Luparrov behind and found himself amongst long, curved trees whose leaves were long, thin fans. There was a cerulean pool a few steps away from Castius. Everything felt like home, yet strange and alien at the same time. A gentle, warm wind danced between the trees and brushed over Castius. The air was sweet - a far cry from the biting, bitter winds of the north.

Castius attempted to speak however no sound left his mouth. He ran towards the water’s edge. It was not Castius’ reflection that stared back at him but a formless golden light. He backed away from the water. Castius scanned the area for Aera. What he found was not Aera, but instead another formless light, unlike what he had become, this light was vibrant purple in color. The purple light seemed to take notice of him and approached.

Aera? Castius moved to meet the light. A comforting warmth started to rise from within Castius.

The pair met on the water’s edge. They were motionless for a long while. Lazy waves rolled over the shoreline. The purple light reached out towards Castius. He mirrored the motion. When the pair contacted each other, they jolted as if being struck by lightning. They began to glow brighter. Castius moved towards Aera. Aera stepped back. They began a dance of chasing each other back and forth along the beach and around the trees. Castius chased Aera into the water. As he reached out to her, the cerulean waters swallowed them and transported them to a world beneath the waves.

A sea filled with different colors greeted them, rich pinks, different hues of blue and green among a myriad of others. Schools of colorful fish darted around them in a dance of their own. To Castius’ surprise, breathing was no issue. Below them, massive blue and black star shaped creatures the size of Curraldan’s mead hall moved along the bottom of the seafloor. Castius stared in wonder at the behemoths. He turned and reached out towards Aera and she towards him. Their lights conjoined with a soothing hum. Together, in each other’s embrace, they explored this alien world for what felt like the briefest moment stretched beyond comprehension. Neither wanted the moment to end.

The pair’s journey halted in front of a school of sea turtles who were feeding on grass poking out from the sand. Castius and Aera began to separate. As they pulled away from each other a new light was formed between them, it was far smaller than either and was light green in color. It was followed by a second light, this one, was a dark red. The water and its hidden world fell away from them. Castius and Aera awoke laying naked in each other’s arms, covered by one of the blankets.

Castius smiled. “Did you see-”

“Both of them.” Aera’s eyes were bright.

The pair shared only a brief kiss before the tent flaps were flung open. The Fanged Prophet sauntered in. “I see you two have returned to your wits. How was it?”

“Strange,” Castius said. “But nice.”

Aera nodded in agreement. “I’ve never seen anything like that before, but it all felt so familiar.”

The Fanged Prophet’s fleshy maw drew into a smile. “I’m glad to hear it.” The Prophet paused. “Was it productive?”

Castius bellowed a triumphant laugh. “Very. You may announce that we are expecting twins.”

There was a stunned silence from the Fanged Prophet. The pair held each other’s gaze.

“Is something wrong?” Aeva said.

The Fanged Prophet shook his head. “Not wrong. Just… Never happened before.”

“How?”

“I’ve had many sire children this way in my many years of practice, and this is something new.”

“Yet we saw two lights between us after everything was said and done.” Castius rose from his spot on the ground.

“I am not denying your claim, nor am I calling you a liar my young friend. I am merely intrigued by the turn of events. This is a unique case.”

Castius’ eyes narrowed. “How many of these rituals have you overseen?”

“Enough to know this is the first and only occurrence out of many. I believe the Great Wolf has shown his favor to your family.”

Castius was silent. He fell to the ground next to Aera. Are his words true? I cannot say. But if this truly took the Fanged Prophet by surprise. What does the Great Wolf desire from my family?

“Rejoice Castius Bloodeye: you have the Great Wolf’s favor. It is a rare and privileged few who could boast such a claim.” The Fanged Prophet turned and moved for the exit. “I will leave and make the announcement. The people will be ecstatic and will want to see you both. Feel free to join everyone when you are ready.”

The Fanged Prophet left them. Aera took Castius’ hand in hers. It was warm. Reassuring. Castius was grateful for the gesture. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. Though he would rather stay in the tent with her, his judgment pressed him to dress and greet the many people awaiting them. “We shouldn’t keep everyone waiting.”

The pair gathered their scattered articles of clothing from around the tent floor and dressed themselves. Aera straightened the furs resting on Castius’ shoulders. He held her hand and led her through the tent flaps. They were greeted by the cheers of hundreds of people who had gathered around the tent. The sun had set, and the camp was illuminated by the orange glow of countless fires. At the front of the crowd was the Fanged Prophet and High Cheiftain Curraldan. Castius and Aera raised their hands high in the air. The gathered crowd cheered louder.

Castius waited for the crowd to settle before addressing them. “The Great Wolf has given us not one, but two children to look forward to! Now, we feast!”

Curraldan stepped forward and addressed the crowd, “The fires are prepared. Ready the food! Let the ale and snow berry wine flow freely.”

Festivities erupted across the camp as fine spoils from the south were placed on the cooking fires and song broke out. The Fanged Prophet joined the group. “There will be no need to venture among the riffraff. There is an area nearby where the other clan leaders and warriors are gathered.”

“No reason to keep our festivities waiting.” Curraldan said.

A grumble sounded from deep within Castius’ gut. “I could use some food.”

The group made their way around the outskirts of the massive camp that had been formed. They trudged through the snow toward a small offshoot from the mass of tents and bodies. Kegs of alcohol waited in front of every tent and a massive cooking fire had been prepare. Pig, lamb, and venison rested within the flames. As the group entered this segment of the camp, they were handed slices of bread and full cups of snow berry wine.

Castius eyed the bread. “Is everyone eating like this?”

“They are. It will put a strain on our food stores, but it is for a worthwhile goal.”

This will be the best meal most of these people ever eat.

“We’ll be making a historic push south. For many, this will be the last time they have such a meal,” Curraldan said.

“It’s just a major raid, isn’t it?’

The Fanged Prophet cleared his throat. “I have taken time to pray and commune with the Great Wolf. If the Ice Pack is to travel south, it will be to retake the homeland.”

“It will be good to see you finally take to the field, cousin,” Braelen said, emerging from a nearby tent. “I hope you’ll have the stomach for it.”

Many had heard Braelen’s words and had turned their attention to the pair.

Castius snickered. “You’ll find that I have the stomach for making real gains for my people. I hope you’re capable of doing the same for them.”

“Of course, I am! Everything I’ve done has been for them.”

“Interesting, I didn’t know you could feed our people with gold and jewels. In fact, I’ve never seen you bring food or supplies back from your raids. Only trinkets for your treasure horde.”

Braelen’s face reddened. He reached for his axe. “You miserable-”

“Stay your hand, warrior,” the Fanged Prophet commanded, his voice booming.

Braelen did as the Prophet said. He turned and fled from the camp, ripping a man’s cup from his hands and finish the drink as he left. Laughter erupted from the other feast guests.

“You handled him well, my son,” Curraldan said.

“It was either that or plant the axe in his skull.”

Nodding, the Fanged Prophet said, “Wise. Bloodshed on such an occasion would have stained the day.”

“I certainly wouldn’t have forgiven you ruining this.” Although she smiled, Aera shot Castius a warning look.

“Speaking of special occasions. When am I to join the Ice Pack?”

The Fanged Prophet shot a finger pointing towards the dark, cold sky. The twinkling light of the stars greeted the group as they looked up. “Later tonight. When the full moon reaches its apex. You and I will enter the temple and your new brothers and sisters will watch as you drink and become an instrument of the Great Wolf. For now, enjoy the festivities. I will collect you when it is time to leave.”

The Fanged Prophet left the group. Castius made sure to enjoy his last hours as a normal man. The meal of mixed meats and to Castius’ surprise, fruits, were served. Apple and pear slices rested alongside cuts of meat on the worn clay platter he was handed. Castius licked his lips and devoured the meal like a starving animal. Three bards began reciting ‘The Wolf’s Lament,’ a poem that recounts the loss of Harborden and the damnation of their people to the frozen land of Luparrov. Castius finished his plate, even going so far as to lick it clean. He looked for seconds. Everyone was watching him; some were shocked, and others were amused. A server came and took the plate from Castius.

The server eyed the plate and then Castius. “Seems somebody worked up an appetite.”

“Would I be able to have another serving?”

A hand landed on Castius’ shoulder. He turned his gaze to find the Fanged Prophet standing behind him. “No time I’m afraid.”

“To the temple then?”

The Fanged Prophet nodded.

Castius said his farewells to the others. Before leaving, he came to Aera, they shared a moment in each other’s arms. He kissed her.

As Castius pulled away Aera said, “come back to me as pack leader.”

“I will.”

The Fanged Prophet led Castius away in silence. The pair approached the very base of the mountain. An ice-covered staircase waited for them. Castius stared at the countless steps before him. The Fanged Prophet removed a glove and held out a pale hand whose fingers had turned a deep blue. “If you would take my hand, I can get us to the temple in time.”

Castius hesitated for a moment, then took the hand. They took the first steps onto the stairs. Ice formed around their feet and grew up to their knees. They were pulled at a great speed up the stairs. The wind whipped at bit at Castius as they made five loops around the mountain. Castius paid little attention to his immediate area and fixed his eyes on the moon as it rose higher into the sky with each lap around the God’s Fang Mountain. The temple began to command more and more of the view until it stood before the pair. The Fanged Prophet released Castius’ hand. The ice receded from their legs.

“Are there any special rites to this ritual?”

“No.” The Fanged Prophet moved towards the temple.

Castius followed. “No? So, I just drink from the chalice and that’s it?”

“Correct.” The Fanged Prophet waved his hand at the door.

In response to the Fanged Prophet’s gesture, the two massive blocks of ice that were shaped in the likeness of doors groaned open.

Is this some kind of joke?

Seven human figures exited the temple. Their skin was white as snow, yet it emanated an unnatural blueish hue. The largest of the group stepped forward. The man was bald, and his grey eyes reflected the moon’s light. “Prophet. Is this the one that is meant to join us?”

Castius could feel the man judging him.

“This is indeed the one, “the Fanged Prophet said. “Castius, this is Arrv, the largest and strongest of the Ice Pack.”

“It’s a pleasure.”

Arrv stared at Castius. “How did your eye come to be so red?”

“It was stained in my mother’s blood at birth.”

“She died?”

Castius nodded.

A subtle change came over Arrv. Castius noted some of the tension leave the man’s pale body. “It’s a hard bastard that kills the woman who brings them into the world. I hope you prove worthy of her sacrifice.”

“I strive to every day,” Castius said.

Arrv seemed pleased by Castius' answer. He stepped aside and motioned towards the temple. “Then do so now.”

Castius walked into the temple. Turning his gaze to the sky once more, he saw that the moon was nearing its apex. Castius strode forward into the massive temple of ice. The room itself was stark, devoid of any decorations, it was only walls of ice. Close to a hundred other snow skinned people waited on wooden benches. Standing as tall as a man, the Chalice of Ice waited for Castius at the opposite end of the building. He approached the chalice with the Fanged Prophet and Arrv at his side. There was a smaller, golden cup on a table behind the chalice. He took the cup and reached into the Chalice of Ice with it. His hand felt no liquid within, however there was an unnatural cold that gripped his flesh. When he pulled back, he saw that the cup was filled with a deep blue liquid, though his hand was dry.

Castius drank the liquid, even when it bit at the back of his throat, he kept drinking. As the last drop in the cup rolled down his gullet, he lost his grip on the cup. The gold cup clattered as it hit the floor and rolled away. Castius gagged as a terrible, icy pain spread from his stomach into the rest of his body. He tried to vomit and expel the liquid from his body, but he felt it cling to the walls of his stomach. Castius fell to the ground. He looked to his hand. His flesh was white as snow and emanated an unnatural blueish hue.