Kings and Crystals

Chapter One

In the days following the fall of the Nether Horde, the Frostbourne continued to work diligently to smooth over relations between those of Nether origin and those who lived in the Overworld. There was in inherent distrust between the two races, but between Grandmaster-General Patrick and Nether Queen Abigail, a mutual, if fragile, trust was established. A permanent Nether portal was to be established in the Frostbourne Village, and Frostbourne civilians and soldiers were permitted free entry to the Nether. All looked to be going well on the surface, but inside the walls of the Dreadfort, things were painted in a different light.

"Another caravan is missing, sir," a courier reported to Grandmaster-General Patrick.

Patrick sighed. "And there's still no leads?"

"No, sir. Our guards have no definitive clues, and nobody seems to be left behind."

"What is doing this? Lady Nera hasn't shown any hostility since she came to our aid in the Nether, and Naeus is dead. We know that for fact," the General sighed. "Return to your duties."

As the courier left, Azura came into the Study. She immediately saw Patrick's concerned and frustrated face. "Sire... what is it?"

"Four trade caravans have left the village in the last two days. Not one of them reached their destination or was even heard from again," Patrick replied.

"Sire, could it be bandits?" Azura asked.

Patrick sighed. "Bandits wouldn't make the entire caravan disappear."

"Then what could it be?"

"I don't know, Sire. Maybe Gabriel and Azrael could find out."

"Send them with the next one. I need to know what's happening."

"Yes, Sire."

"And Azura?"

"Yes, Sire?"

"Thank you."

"Of course," Azura gave him a small smile as she exited the Study.

Upon her exit, she sought out the Angels. The pair were not easy to track down, since they were seldom in the same place. Angel of Death Azrael was often off alone, usually in one of the Dreadfort's watchtowers. Archangel Gabriel, on the other hand, was most often found among the former Nether Rebels, or among the Ender Watchers. She considered it best to seek out the one in her dimension first. As she crossed out into the courtyard, she could see that Cora was gathered with her team, likely still celebrating their victory. The village below certainly was, and it appeared that was where they were headed. She, however, had work to do.

Climbing up the tower, she could hear soft humming coming from the top. As she arrived, she saw the Angel of Death staring off into the snow-covered forest that surrounded the Frostbourne Village and the Dreadfort.

She was hesitant to speak, but she had a job to do. "Azrael?"

The woman looked back. "Lady Azura. Did you need something?"

"Four caravans have gone missing in the last two days. General Patrick wants you and Gabriel to escort the next one to find out what's happening."

"Of course. Always happy to be of assistance. The Archangel will not be happy to work with me, I fear."

"Regardless, he's going to have to," and with that, Azura left.

Azrael shook her head, standing up and putting on her helmet. Her wings deployed, and she took flight for the Nether portal.

Gabriel was right where she thought he'd be, right by Queen Crysteffor. Azrael knelt at the throne, and Abigail looked at her. "State your business, Angel of Death."

"I come for the Archangel. His assistance is required in the Overworld," Azrael replied, still looking at the floor.

"Granted. Godspeed, both of you," Abigail nodded, and without missing a beat, Gabriel flew towards the Nether portal, Azrael close behind.

***

Eventually, they met up with the caravan they'd been sent to protect. Or rather, met up with what was left. The first thing that hit them was the overpowering smell of burnt flesh. Bodies lay littered across the ground. As Azrael drew closer, she saw that some appeared dismembered- half-eaten.

Gabriel was more focused on the caravans themselves. The wood was scorched to pure black, crumbling at the slightest touch. An incredibly hot flame had hit them, stronger than any mage's magic. The goods on the caravan had also been scorched- this wasn't the work or bandits.

Rustling in the nearby foliage drew their attention. Several creatures, presumably of the Zizo race due to their obvious wings and tails, emerged. The one at the head wore red knight's armor, with holes carved for his horns, wings, and tail. His eyes were practically glowing red under his helmet, matching his blood red horns. His wings extended and retracted on his back, showing the black spines and red skin. Had they not seen worse, this Zizo would've been a terrifying sight.

The others seemed less spectacular, their scales a grey color and their horns and skin a darker shade of grey. Each one held a long spear, and their obvious leader carried blades resembling Enderheart's.

Azrael drew her scythe. "Who the hell are you?!"

The leader laughed. "We've been ordered to collapse the Frostbourne."

Gabriel spoke up. "By who?"

"Dragon King Sombre."