By nightfall they had reached the outskirts of the city. It was now, getting closer to it that Mariel could clearly see the state of it. Ruined, crumbling spires, broken streets, the forlorn heaps of houses, shops and craft-buildings. Not a house had a roof, its former glory now spread across the empty streets. Dull thuds and explosions rumbled in the distance.

“What’s going on here?”

“War. It’s been like this for decades. There are three claimants for the silver throne, and this city which used to be the centre of progress and development now lie in ruins. The explosions you hear in the distance are the three factions exchanging blows over the main crafting district where most of the really impressive weapons are still made.”

“There’s still production?”

“Sure, deep beneath the ground… That said, keep quiet when we enter the city proper… hunters from all three factions still roam in the ruins, ambushing reinforcements and executing anyone that looks suspicious…”

Using their skis, they slid quietly through the abandoned, snow-covered streets. The thundering sounds never seemed to let up. She took great care to follow in his tracks, while looking around warily. She felt watched, like someone out there were tracking them. Like wolves they were most likely circling them in. The sound of falling snow made her spin around. Standing in the track behind them, was a small elf, wearing a ragged sack. The elf’s skin was a pale blue and with a bony arm, reached for them.

She began to stop, but Kisando dragged her stave while shaking his head. A second later, there was the sound of something whistling, and when she turned back to look, she saw the child on the ground, a metal pole had the child impaled and was crackling with magical energy.

“Hurry!” She heard him shout, and she took a slide with her ski. Another two metal poles landed just where her foot had been. She began skiing wildly ahead, having lost sight of Kisando, she aimed for the closest rubble, seeking shelter. She ducked in behind a rubble pile and tried to get her bearings. On her left, at the other end of the street, stood a black and white-cloaked character, carrying a weapon of similar make to Kisando’s own. The attacker raised his weapon at her, but before he could pull the trigger, four bolts ripped apart the attacker’s face, the lifeless corpse lurching and falling over in the snow, covering the ground with a chilling red.

“We should be clear, I can’t sense anyone else… Come here Mariel, we’re going to the basement beneath that broken mill over there… Hurry, before someone else shows up…”

Upon arriving at an old wooden door, Kisando took out a small necklace and inserted it into a small slot in the frame. The door creaked and opened very slowly. Inside seemed dark, but as soon as they had closed the door, five masked characters appeared from various places, carrying the same crossbow hybrid weapons.

“Stand down, it’s just me… Don’t shoot the girl either, she’s a new acquaintance.”

“Kisando! You bastard! You promised to return before the first snow!” One of the elves, a female by the looks of her gentler, but still rugged features stepped forth and gave him a solid smack across the face.

“I got waylaid. Simple as that!” He protested.

“And who’s that you got with you? Another stray? I told you we’re underfed as it is, you’ve got to stop trying to save everyone!”

“Let those emotions go. And calm down. This is Mariel. A grand old lady was broken to kindling offshore, and she washed up on the beach with the flotsam.”

“Didn’t I just say…”

“You did.” Kisando raised his hands in a disarming gesture and embraced the angry elf. “I’m back now, Arandira. I also brought food.”

“Father… I wish you would stop being so reckless… You’re just like mother, and she’s gone…”

Clearing his throat, Kisando beckoned for Mariel to come over. “Aran, this is Mariel, Mariel, Arandira.”

“Hi, It’s nice to meet you.” Mariel put on her gentle face and smiled.

“I… Yeah, nice to meet you too…”

“Don’t be like that, It’s thanks to her that I’m not dead! And, she’s carrying over half our food supply… Now let’s not stand around, call the children over and let’s begin preparing food!”