Snippet #3576

A shiver crept down Aaria's spine, as an icy breeze washed over her. Frowning, she tugged on Storm's reins, pulling him to a halt. That breeze had been far too cold to be natural. Shivering again, she cast a glance around. There was a village nearby, on the edge of the city. The perfect place to be plundered by the Winter Race. Anger boiled inside of her as she turned Storm and set off in the direction of the small village. She wouldn't let the Winter Race destroy yet another town from the Summer Kingdom.

Storm bolted onwards, head down, mane and tail flying behind him. Aaria sat low on his back, bent over, so that they could move quickly. Her eyes flickered around, waiting for a guard rogue to launch himself at her. But none did. Perhaps it was a lone rogue, trying his luck. Many of the Summer Folk were frightened of the Winter Race, with the except of the warriors and fighters. Not many in a village that size would stand up to them.

Reaching the edge of the village, her body began to shake slightly. It was freezing and she could see why...
The whole place had been covered in a sheet of ice, clear and sparkling due to the sun shining down on it. Aaria's eyes grew wide as she and Storm walked around the town, Storm a little unsure of the ice, as he had never seen anything quite like it. And Aaria had never seen an attack quite like it. Everywhere was covered in ice, glittering and cold. But she could find no source. Most of the villagers had fled and there were not signs of a body anywhere.

Stopping Storm, she patted his side, before sliding off. She slipped on the ice, but caught herself, managing to stay upright. "Show yourself!" She called to no-one. Her shout echoed through the village. She waited cautiously for someone to reply, but there wasn't a sound to be heard. Chewing her bottom lip, she drew her bow, a single arrow resting on it's string. She had remembered to grab them before they had left earlier.

Suddenly, the sound of scurrying feet sounded behind her. She stood still for a few seconds, listening, before whipping round and coming face to face with a boy of around her age. "Don't shoot!" He said, raising his hands, his eyes terrified. "Aaria, don't shoot. I'm from Summer. There is a boy, he is causing havoc in our village as you can see." She lowered her bow hesitated, frowning at him, surprised he knew her name. "He's in the village centre. Please, help our village." Aaria didn't need telling twice...

"Watch my horse. If any harm comes to him, you'll be the one to pay," She said harshly, as she turned and headed carefully towards the village centre. She had never seen ice quite like this and she knew she would fall if she went too fast. The village was small compared to the city and it didn't take her long to get there. She watched for any sign of movement. The boy had said that it was one person, but she didn't believe one person could do all of this alone...

Lifting her bow, she glanced around, cautious of every step she took. She was wary of an ambush and never let her guard drop for a second. But she didn't need to be so careful, for he was just stood in the centre. This surprised her somewhat, as she expected him to be tearing houses down, shouting and laughing. "Turn to face me!" She shouted, keeping her distance, her arrow perched. "What did you do?! Who are you?!" She demanded, her temper rising and fast...