The salty scent of the sea was left behind as Mamir, Runya, Ener, and Necor rode north on their steeds: Kabur, Karatay, and Sarı Kız. The wind cut against their faces, the air growing colder with every mile. On the horizon, snow-covered mountains slowly emerged, standing tall like the guardians of the frozen north. Mamir could not stop the thought running through his mind:
"If Traven spoke the truth… then an even greater darkness awaits us here."
Conversations Along the Road
Runya clung tightly to Mamir's back on Kabur, her lips curling into a soft smile as she whispered:
— "No matter how harsh the cold gets, as long as I'm with you, I feel peace."
Ener, riding Karatay, glanced at Necor with both respect and concern in his eyes.
— "Master… this place feels like the end of the world."
Necor's voice was stern, but filled with resolve.
— "Remember this, Ener. The hardest battles forge the brightest heroes. As long as you stand by Mamir's side, you are on the right path."
Mamir heard their exchange and allowed himself a faint smile. With his uncle Necor and his closest friend Ener at his side, he knew no matter what awaited them, he would not face it alone.
The First Sight of Kuzren
After crossing the snow-covered peaks, an immense frozen plain stretched out before them. The endless white shimmered under the pale sun, carrying a chill that bit through even the thickest cloaks. In the distance, the ice-forged walls of Kuzren rose like mountains themselves, towering and unyielding. Yet, dark shadows slithered at their base, writhing restlessly.
Runya shivered, her voice heavy with dread.
— "The darkness has rooted itself here as well."
The Villagers of Kuzren
Not far from the walls, the group came upon a small wooden hut buried in the snow. A handful of Kuzren villagers stumbled out, their faces pale, their eyes hollow with fear. One of them, voice trembling, spoke:
— "You should not have come… The darkness has swallowed Kuzren whole."
Mamir dismounted, standing tall before the weary man.
— "Tell us everything. Who did this to you? Is your king still alive?"
The villager's eyes fell to the ground, then rose again, filled with sorrow.
— "Our king… he has been locked away in a prison of ice. And now the city is ruled by the commander of the dark army. The shadows… they grow stronger every day."
Chapter Ending
Mamir's hand tightened around the hilt of his sword as his voice rang with determination:
— "Then first, we destroy this commander. And after that, we free Kuzren."
Like a dark omen, the view shifted toward the top of Kuzren's icy walls. There, standing against the howling wind, was a shadow-wreathed figure. Its eyes glowed with a piercing green light—one of Ostomas's dreaded commanders.
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