Chapter 3: Frostbitten Hope
The journey home after defeating Inferno proved taxing for both Gavin and Valor. Though victorious, the knight bore new scars and burns after enduring hellish fire, while his loyal steed plodded weary from the trek through hills and woodland. When the misty shadows of the Frostmarsh came into sight ahead, a weary sense of foreboding crept over Gavin's soul.
He had heard dark rumors of this fell fenland where mists snuffed out all warmth and life. Unnatural cold seeped into one's spirit here, leeching defiance until only despair remained. Many entered its mists and were never seen again, frozen statues joining the silent sentinels that peered from within like baleful eyes presiding over a realm of emptiness.
Gavin signaled Valor to halt at the marsh's edge, his breath clouding before him. An arrow-straight path through writhing vapors hinted at a will guiding lost travelers deeper into frigid traps. But Gavin's duty demanded he penetrate this gloom, for tales from fleeing villagers spoke of a new horror stalking the mist—a drake formed of frost and shadows with eyes that froze the heart. Its touch was death, and the realm it now claims must be its lair.
With whispered prayers for courage, Gavin urged Valor into the mists. At first, the going proved stable amid marsh grass frosted like glass, but twisting vapor soon concealed all landmarks. Chilling fingers curled around Gavin's armor, leeching warmth as if to freeze flesh to metal. Valor shivered violently despite Gavin's encouragement, the stallion's every breath blurring before being snatched away.
Panic threatened to take Gavin, yet faith held it at bay. He dismounted to lead Valor, continuing prayers under his breath as numb hands gripped cold reins. Onward they pressed, though doubts assailed—was the mist distorting directions, leading them in endless circles to perish lost? As hope waned, Gavin grasped his blessed shield, praying to God to infuse him with his calming radiance. Through the power of prayer, God cut through swirling vapors, banishing obscurity, and a new sound reached Gavin's ears.
A tremendous cracking is ahead, like fracturing glaciers. Emerging from mist curtains, Gavin beheld an immense bowl of ice nestled amid frost-sheened trees. Yet atop its pinnacle perched no natural formation but a draconic shape, wings mantling as clouded breath escaped fanged jaws. Scales glittered azure as the northern skies, yet within lurked a fell aura, leeching warmth from the marsh. Eyes like frozen pools surveyed the intruders coldly.
Frostbite, Gavin named his foe silently, instincts confirming its identity. By right and righteousness, I challenge you, demon! Cease your depredations upon this land or face justice!
A low laugh issued forth as the dragon spread wings to alight upon the frozen earth, pacing before Gavin with predatory grace. "Welcome, knight, to my domains. Here your faith shall not avail you—only frigid oblivion awaits all who face my wrath. Surrender to the chill!"
Frost billowed forth a howling blizzard, numbing clouds swallowing man and stallion. Yet deep prayer warmed Gavin's soul, as in the demonic onslaughts before. He dared meet Frostbite's charge with steely calm, bidding Valor flee to safety while faith upheld him. Their duel amid whirling snow commenced in earnest as knight and wyrm tested one another's might amid the frigid realms.