Chapter 16 - The Clash of Elements
The collision of gold and ice sent a shockwave through the narrow gorge, creating a swirling vortex of steam and crystallized snow that forced both armies to shield their eyes.
The Frost-Lord stumbled back, his icy mount rearing in terror as it encountered the blinding, searing warmth of the dragon-fire. He stared down at the small boy standing between him and the king, his pale blue eyes wide with shock.
“The royal bloodline...” the Frost-Lord hissed, recovering his balance and gripping his glaive tighter. “The brat who awakened the false golden beast in the south.”
“I’m not false,” Lucas said evenly, his voice carrying the deep, resonant echo of the ancient dragon circling high above the clouds. “And this land isn't yours to conquer.”
With a flick of his wrist, Lucas unleashed a wave of golden mana that melted the ice beneath the Frost-Lord’s beast, turning the hard-packed snow into deep, treacherous mud and destabilizing their footing.
Seeing the opening, King Alden recovered instantly. He spurred his horse forward, swinging his saber in a sweeping arc that knocked the Frost-Lord’s glaive out of his hands and sent the towering warrior crashing down into the snow.
General Vesper and Lord Kaelen moved in swiftly, securing the remaining frost-warriors as their leader was disarmed and neutralized.
The battle in the gorge died down as quickly as it had begun. The surviving Frost-Wyrms, seeing their commander defeated and realizing the overwhelming power of the golden bloodline, lowered their heads and slithered backward into the upper reaches of the northern peaks.
The freezing gale began to subside, replaced by a clear, pale winter sun that sparkled across the snow-covered rocks.
Alden dismounted, walking over to his son. He knelt in the snow, placing his hands on Lucas’s shoulders with a fierce, proud smile.
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“You saved my life out there, son,” Alden said, his voice thick with emotion.
Lucas offered a tired, genuine smile, the golden glow in his eyes slowly fading back to normal. “We protect each other, Father. That’s what families do.”
