The days and nights passed, and the expedition settled at Emberhold Frontier to resupply. Wyatt and Cassian had expected freezing temperatures, but not to this extent. The place was home to a settlement for humans and dwarves alike and acted as the border between the realms of both races. Trade was abundant, and the settlement was in good condition despite the ongoing trouble in the far north.

  Wyatt pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders. "By the seven hells, it's freezing up in here." He said as Cassian approached him and gave him freshly roasted skewered meat, still smoking. "Eat it now while it's still hot. They say it's a local delicacy, and it's damn good." He said as he took a bite of his piece, which was already halfway finished.

  Wyatt, curious about his father's reputation amongst other dwarves, wanted to ask someone other than the emissary for more information. He was close to approaching someone who also had his eyes set on the young man, eager for a conversation when a loud shriek echoed over the mountain. The sound pierced through every person's body and chilled them to the bone, and was unlike anything Wyatt had ever heard before. It was not long until the screaming began, and panic began to spread among the townsfolk.

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  Uriel, with his charisma and solid leadership, immediately commanded every able-bodied man to watch over their families and evacuate the premises. He then looked to Khandem, who looked at him with dread in his eyes. "Blessed ancestors..." Khandem said. "May the old gods help us all." Suddenly, a large figure emerged from over the mountain and cast a large shadow over the mountain. The horses reared and snorted, as their breaths came out in frantic bursts of steam.

  "Hold your positions!" Uriel rallied the royal guards, who immediately defensively locked their weapons. Mana began to surge from each member, creating a somewhat transparent barrier. "Stand your ground, men!" Uriel whispered a chant and a battle staff materialized out of thin air and onto Uriel's firm grip.

  "Shit. We're in it now, Wyatt..." Cassian said as he raised his shield and took cover under the barrier. Wyatt stepped forward, undeterred as he held his warhammer. The figure now dove in and headed straight toward the group. Soon, they were now faced with an ungodly being of otherworldly proportions. With a united scream, the expedition faced off against the beast, in the hopes of defending the settlement and proceeding on towards the great north.