Dread filled Virgil as he looked upon the frosted tower, Alcoz. Built to be the ultimate prison for those who would misuse the arcane, the tower was filled with defensive arrays and binding runes. Truly, it may have been the most secure prison in Utradem, if only the frost witch had never arrived. In mere moments of being locked in her cell the witch took control of the tower. Freezing it over and turning its magic against the guards. It’s fortifications were soon turned outward and the very cells that once contained the witch had become her citadel.

Virgil brought the torch closer to his armor once more doing his best to keep the joints from frosting over. Virgil and Hokron alone made the trek up to Alcoz. Taking any others would simply act as a hindrance when negotiations inevitably failed. Virgil looked over to Hokron worry in his eyes. Noticing his look Hokron let out a low chuckle.

“If you hide any further behind me Virgil, your back will be pressed against the walls of Min Lochter. I see no cause for worry Virgil. Is the Witch not in your debt?”

“That was a debt I had never planned on collecting.” Virgil said with a sigh.

If anyone could turn a debt of servitude against its owner it would be the frost Witch. There conversation was soon interrupted by a blisteringly cold wind as the gates of Alcoz swung open on their own. Twenty golems of ice strode out of the temple and took position in two lines perpendicular to the door. A light blue walkway of rime carved its way up to Virgil and Hokron’s feet.

“A fitting reception.” Hokron muttered aloud as he slowly inspected every golem. He took his time making sure the frost Witch new he was unaffected by her spell. Virgil simply sighed at their childish displays before crossing the threshold.

***

Upon closer inspection the caravan was closer to an armed convoy. For every unarmed caravan member there were two armed guards. The guards wore chain shirts and padded gambeson. Each carried a sword and shield save for two armed with only a bow. Most in the caravan looked the same as I did. That being an ashen gray malnourished skeleton. Few were able to look heathy and even fewer had any muscle to speak of.

The Poet and I were soon spotted and a man wearing an immaculate white robe began to wave us forward. We weren’t but ten paces away from the caravan as it began to move.

“They really don’t have any patience.” I muttered under my breath.

“They have been kept waiting long enough. You would be wise to watch your tongue when speaking to our new traveling companions. Not all are very forgiving, and the march to the tolside peaks is treacherous alone.” The Poets words rang out behind me. Before I could answer a bright voice flew out from the caravan.

“Fair Poet it has been too long! It must have been ten solstice since you last joined us on the pilgrimage.” The man in the white robe moved forward in confident strides that rose in stark contrast to his decrepit and malnourished form.

“It is an honor to join you master Cardinal. However, I join today not as a pilgrim but as a guide to one who walks the Path. As such we shall be leaving you to your travels at the base of the eastern peaks.” The Poet replied. His usual dry baritone voice a little brighter as he spoke with the man. “I see the pilgrimage is as dangerous as ever. There must be twice as many guards as the last time I joined you.”

“Indeed, in recent times those who look down upon us for worshipping the gods have only grown more violent. I have heard rumors that the prince has even begun to supply them weapons, but I have never been one to fret over mere rumors. Even if the rumors speak true, and our assailants come with arms to oppress us, my faith shall remain unbroken. As it has since I entered the order of light.” The Cardinal exclaimed with an infectious pride.

“Judging by your garments you must be the one who walks the Path, it is a pleasure to meet you fair Challenger. It has been quite some time since a challenger has walked amongst us. Well there is no shortage of work! Make your way to the head guardsman I am sure he will be able to make use of your talents.”

“I’m sorry what? Why am I working as a guard?” I exclaimed in surprise. The Cardinal stood before me equally shocked at my questions.

“Previous challengers always lept at any opportunity to acquire more vitality.” He paused and pondered for a moment before continuing “I had assumed you would wish for a similar opportunity. Although some resistance to stealing the life of others is a good thing. I am glad that you have not become addicted to the rush of vitality. All members of the caravan must work but if you dislike the idea of guard duty, I am sure someone can find a place for you.”

“No, guard duty sounds fine I was just a little surprised by the suddenness is all.” I replied half-heartedly. He’s right that this is a good opportunity to gain some extra vitality, but I will probably lose all the vitality I gain due to wounds. If the guard were t teach me how to fight that would be much more worthwhile. After a little more consideration I decided joining the guard wasn’t that bad of a decision.

“Where can I find the head of the guard?”

“The master Guardsman is the big one in red.” The Cardinal replied before leaning in and whispering into my ear. “Make sure to get some clean clothes and weapons from the guard as well. I know they have extra and despite what the Guardsman says that aren’t worth that much. Also, he’s a bit of an ass but if you pester him enough, he’ll give in easy enough.”

With a light pat on my shoulder the Cardinal stepped back and took his place beside a groaning Poet. I made my way through the caravan looking for a large red guard. On my way I noticed a few interesting things. First, the pilgrims in white had the least vitality out of anyone in the caravan. Second, there were plenty of “normal” travelers mixed in with the caravan. Most seemed to be workers, cooks, cobblers, and the like but there was also the occasional wanderer. Lastly, most pf our fellow travelers where not as thrilled to have a challenger with the caravan.

Apparently for most travelers a challenger joining the caravan was a bad omen and spelled for a disastrous journey. From what I could piece together, challengers were not seen in kind regards. Partially because of the life stealing power but mostly due to their actions during the trials.

Like stabbing Myrica.

All of these people were banished by Lato so seeing someone follow in his footsteps must be pretty painful. Not like I wasn’t banished as well. I continued up to the lead wagon and a guard wearing red padded gambeson caught my eye.

“Are you the master Guardsman?” I tried to make my voice as friendly as possible. Trying not to piss off my brand-new boss.

“Tsk, a Challenger.” Was the Guardsman’s only reply.

Bit of an ass eh? The Cardinal’s warnings ran through my head once more. Well I just gotta pester him until he gives up.

“Master Guardsman I was told I should find work here.”

“Go elsewhere.”

This cycle of me asking for work and his rejection continued for what felt like days. After my seventy third offer the realization that an immortal Cardinal’s idea of easy might not line up with my own. This continued on and on before finally the head Guardsman gave in.

“Fine, just please shut your mouth.” The tired admittance of defeat from the Guardsman was almost worth the wait entirely. The Guardsman sighed once more before grabbing a pack from the wagon and throwing it at me. The pack contained a light gambeson shirt padded pants and a new belt.

“Give your old rags to the Seamstress. Next time I see you be ready to work.”

“Is there any way I could get a weapon with this?” I asked only to quickly shut up and run as I saw the look on the Guardsman’s face.

It took me only half the time to find the seamstress as it did to find the head Guardsman. I stepped up to the wagon and knocked on the door.

“Coming one moment!” A light soprano voice fell out of the wagon. After a few moments the door swung open and I was greeted by the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She wasn’t malnourished like the others. She was possibly the closest to a normal human I had seen since arriving in Utradem. Her skin bearing only a tint of gray, she had curves in all the right places and her thin form fitting clothes only helped accentuate them. She swept a lock of her red hair to the side before meeting my eyes.

“Do you need something?”

I choked on my words and couldn’t respond.