Bitter cold, biting wind beat against the solid stone of the Winterland stronghold, as high in the mountains as was possible to live. It was carved directly from the stone of the mountain with no windows, and a solid steel door kept the Winterland chill at bay. Very few dared to venture this high into the mountains and even fewer dared to attack the impregnable fortress. To date, only one had ever been successful.
When Cedric arrived at the doors, they opened inward before he could even dismount to knock, as if they had been awaiting his arrival. Several men had been rushing back and forth through the hall, all of which stopped in their tracks as the doors creaked open. They saw a vision of old, the Winter King in full armor riding the mighty Snow Bringer into the hall, as if no time had passed since his death, and he was simply returning from a hunting trip. They knew in their hearts that Frost Slayer was long gone but couldn't deny their eyes, thus dropping to their knees.