There are those among you who deny the obvious signs of The Divine that fill the world around them. These outliers, these unbelievers have no name for they shun organized faith as vehemently as they deny the workings of The Unbroken Circle. While fear of being ostracized keep many from revealing themselves, these people can be found among the powerful and prominent as easily as among the broken and destitute. This too is as The Divine decrees.

-The Second Verse of Creation

In the outer courtyard of Isdaggen, Jordan Kjord and Lord Hardgrave stood on a landing watching the last of the supplies being distributed among the pack animals.

Nearly a hundred housecarls, merchants, and soldiers prepared for possibly the most important expedition of their age. The snow under their feet had been beaten brown by the endless back and forth. Those in need of silver worked diligently to earn the coin that might mean the difference between purchasing flour from the south or starving. Those in search of adventure hoped to make any relevant acquisitions of goods that might mean they'd have a much needed grappling hook at a key moment. Those who truly understood the importance of their mission prayed to The Unbroken Circle that their endeavor would prove a success.

"Lord Kjord is nearly three hundred years old and struggles to climb a flight of stairs on the extremely cold days." Lady Agnor mopped her sweaty brow as she joined them on their lookout. "I'll let the old man use that as an excuse for not assisting, but what of you fops?"

Jordan gave the old orc a quick once over and chuckled. Where only his hair had succumbed to time, Kjord's entire body had grown bent and gnarled. The elderly orc had Jordan by a hundred years, but as far as years went for orcs, they might as well have been the same age.

"Gray hairs or not, you can lift a box or carry a sack of rations," the dwarf lord said as if reading his mind.

"We were helping just before you and your men arrived," Hardgrave said. "Seemed like as good a time as any to take a break."

"Likely," she grumbled. Her eyes settled on the wineskin at his hip. "Is there anything in there?"

He shook his head and handed it to her. After sniffing its contents, she took a long swig.

"I wish I were going with you." She made to return the skin, thought better of it, and took another drink. "Fools errand or salvation of the world, you're going where few have ventured in a thousand years. Even if The Heart of Winter is nothing but a frozen ruin in the eye of a blizzard, it will be a once in a lifetime sight."

"Why don't you go with them? I'm sure The King and Lord Scoiden could use your wisdom, and your ax," Hardgrave growled.

"I must return home. Someone must keep the commonfolk from swindling each other and it takes a firm hand to keep my brothers in line."

Jordan didn't listen to the banter of the two lords. Instead he watched the fuss around the black and silver armored carriage in the center of the courtyard. King Malcedayne stood to the side while Sir Gyeoul directed the placement of supplies. The old knight had demanded the stuff be tested, retied, and tested again... three times. As the wagon driver argued about wear and tear, The King studied the activity all around him. Their eyes met, boy king and ageless warrior, and something passed between them.

Jordan bowed and The King returned the acknowledgement with a shallow nod.

A call went up as more supplies entered the courtyard. While laborers hurried to help in the distribution and Jordan noticed a group of ravenbloods flying through the gates. He wouldn't have paid them a second glance, but one of them looked familiar. The eyepatch and her pale yellow feathers, standing out from the darker plumage of her companions and their travel garb, were a dead give away. Despite being too far away for Jordan to make out her face, he recognized the ravenblood from the band who'd attacked him a few days ago. The group of wingedfolk landed among the gathering of sellswords and soldiers who would be acting as guard for the expedition.

Jordan's hand went to the shortsword he'd purchased from a reputable blacksmith just the day before. Wyrm's Tooth still sat on his hip, but it was a terrible tool if he wished to intimidate or stab something. Jordan started down the steps, his eyes trained on that crowd. Days ago, he believed he deserved to be punished for his crimes, but he now had a task and he refused to allow anyone to get in the way.

"Is everything okay, brother?" Kjord asked.

"I think I've spotted a new friend. I want to say hello."

He glanced back and Kjord had raised a contemplative eyebrow.

"What?"

"Do you want an escort?" Kjord gestured towards Sir Hakus who pushed off a nearby wall and stalked over.

"No, I don't need–"

His words were cut off by the sight of Haiku returning from an errand. With the ratkin were Llaysl, Haru and Akiko. Memorizing the ravenblood's attire, he changed directions and went to meet his friends. By the time he reached them, the girls had veered off to mingle with the merchants.

"Sire, I was able to find a small vial of the oil you'd requested–"

"What are they doing here?" Jordan interrupted.

"Wha– who, sire?" Haiku stammered.

"It's a pleasure to see you too, Jordan." Llaysl raised his goggles and massaged the bridge of his nose.

"Seriously, Llay. What are the girls doing here?"

The elf glanced in their direction then shrugged.

"They were already heading this way so I offered to walk with them. We ran into young Haiku enroute." Studying Jordan's expression, he shook his head. "They are not your responsibility."

"I... I didn't say that they were."

"Hmmm, yet you're about to demand that they leave."

"I–"

"You aren't their father. And Haru isn't–"

"Don't do that!" Jordan snapped.

Llaysl bowed deeply, mockingly, then stepped aside with a sweeping motion. Jordan grumbled as he trudged past. Llaysl and Haiku fell in step behind him. They made their way through the hustle and bustle until they found Haru haggling with a merchant for a pair of winter gloves. Akiko saw them first and smiled broadly. When Haru looked up from negotiations, her brow furrowed.

"I thought I'd asked you to stay in bed for a few days," Jordan said, voice low to avoid making a scene.

"You did, sire. I thought I told you I was fine and couldn't lay around waiting for another situation to arrive in the dead of night."

"I hired guards to patrol– fine." Jordan spread his arms. "Why are you here of all places?" He struggled to keep his voice even, but they'd had argued about the girls' safety for the last few days and he'd only just realized she was entirely too stubborn for her own good.

Haru purchased the gloves for the agreed upon silver and handed them to Akiko.

"The expedition is heading north, deep into the interior. Our troubles won't follow us up there and we'll be in the company of the most protected person in Winter."

Jordan grabbed her arm and pulled Haru back far enough so the merchant couldn't hear them. Llaysl chuckled and casually engaged the merchant in idle chat.

"Your troubles are the most adept at living out in the wilderness. They could follow you and attack while your guard is down. You didn't wake up for twelve hours, we couldn't wake you for twelve hours..." His words drifted off as he remembered looking down at her dark features locked in sleep.

"Don't..." Haru pulled away. "I'm fine. Your physicker confirmed it. Nimitz stunned me so I couldn't fight the rite. They won't dare attack with The King and his escort around."

"Plus, you'll be with us," Akiko added from his elbow.

A strange look passed over Haru's face. "The first chance we get, we'll strike out on our own. They won't find us, and you won't have to worry about our troubles."

"I'm not worried about your troubles, I'm worried about you."

"Why? Why are you worried about us? We dragged you out of your swamp and now you're being forced to undertake The King's quest. You were better off before you met us." Her eyes blazed as she read his expression intently.

"I– I'm worried because I brought you into this and I feel obligated to make sure you get out..."

Jordan wanted to say because he couldn't stand by and let them struggle when he knew he could do something about it. He wanted to say he'd grown accustomed to Akiko's grin and really wanted to see them both safe. He wanted to say he worried because he loved her eyes... but he didn't say any of it. His emotions were becoming jumbled and he didn't trust his tongue to say the right things.

She looked away, and he had the distinct feeling she'd expected him to say more.

"Haru, listen—"

"Jordie! There you are!"

Jordan, Haru, and Akiko turned with a start at the sound of Absinthe's sickeningly sweet voice. She skittered over on the back of a wide flat creature that resembled a cockroach with long segmented antennae she used as reins. People pushed and shoved to scramble out of her way of the creature's wide trampled path. She waved at Jordan as she brought her mount to a halt. For Haru she had a sneer.

"Isn't this exciting?" She clicked her teeth and the creature laid flat, nearly flush to the ground. Absinthe stepped off, kicking a bit of snow onto Jordan's legs. "A real and true adventure! The way things were going, I'd feared my last bit of excitement before the world froze to death would be capturing you. The stargazer told me— no, I'm getting ahead of myself!" She gave him the old Timberwolves salute. "I'm glad to ride beside you once more, sire."

"Just a few days ago, you were threatening our lives and leading him like a captured animal," Haru spat.

"A few days ago, he was a captured animal. If you haven't noticed, I like to tame exotic critters. What's more exotic than a two hundred year old relic?"

"You've signed on for this expedition?" Jordan asked. Akiko took he and Haru's hands, and he gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm being paid to ensure The King returns to Isdaggen in one piece." She lowered her voice, leaning down towards Akiko. "The Heart of Winter is a dangerous place full of monsters and nightmares of deepest Winter. King Malcedayne II will need a monster to protect his flank." Her eyes flicked up to Jordan. "Maybe two."

Haru pulled and Akiko dragged Jordan with them.

"Stay away from us."

"Awww, I thought we could put that nastiness behind us and be friends."

"Friends? You poisoned us, you crazy bitch!"

"What's a little poison between friends?"

Haru lunged for Absinthe and Jordan jumped into her path, taking the slap meant for the assassin. Haru's eyes burned with hate as she glared at him.

"What a temper..." Absinthe sang. "I'm going to see what other familiar faces are lurking about. Be back in a bit!"

Absinthe strode onto the back of her giant cockroach and it backed away before skittering off. Jordan rubbed his cheek as he studied Haru.

"She thrives off of goading people. You have to ignore her."

Whatever she was about to say was cut short when Sir Pietro flapped over.

"Lord Scoiden, The King would speak with you and the other lords." He pointed to the black and silver carriage where the others gathered.

"Thank you, sir knight."

Jordan turned to Haru, but Llaysl stepped forward and rested a hand on his chest. The warmth of his touch was soothing.

"Go tend to your duties, sire. Haiku and I will make sure our friends are prepared for what lies ahead."

Jordan scowled. "You shouldn't be coming along either."

"Don't you worry about me. I was a knight of Summer back when you were still training at my uncle's feet." He smirked. "Besides, you have a bad habit of getting yourself slapped." He gingerly pressed two fingers to Jordan's cheek.

Jordan squeezed the elf's hand and departed, following Sir Pietro to The King's carriage where the other lords had gathered. Lord Pantel had arrived though he'd managed to avoid any of the manual labor. His attire was pristine and his hair tied in an unrumpled braid. As Jordan approached, Pantel's smile became strained and his mannerisms stiffened. The sigil on his shoulder cape stood out, a solitary blue mountain on a white field. The ravenblood woman who'd tried to kill Jordan bore a shield with that same symbol and now a Winter Lord who made it clear he wanted him dead wore it openly. Staring at that mountain made Jordan uneasy. Focused as he was, he'd missed what The King was saying.

"I want the history books to say that this day marks the beginning of the end of our current suffering. I want my people to remember this day when I set out to right the wrongs and repair what was broken." After a moment's nervous hesitation, King Malcedayne II made a crescent with each hand and raised them over his head. "A circle broken cannot hold. Our world must be brought back together. Winter must be made strong once more, then from here we will push back the snows of the forever winter and reclaim the prosperity that was lost." He put the two crescents together, creating the symbol of the divine.

"A circle. Unbroken." Lady Agnar said with reverence.

The others repeated her. The King nodded.

"While I'm gone, I'm entrusting stewardship of Winter to Lord Hardgrave who has helped me govern all of these years as he's made amends for his people's past indiscretions."

"Raping, pillaging, and eating their neighbors... indiscretions indeed." Lady Agnar mumbled though only Jordan seemed to hear it.

"Lord Iceblood you will act as his advisor, I'm sure your wisdom will be invaluable."

Kjord gave The King a sage nod.

"The rest of you will rule your lands, care for your people, and await my return with The Night and the key to ending this nightmare within my grasp."

The King's lips moved slightly as if he were going over his speech in his head. Jordan realized the young man likely was. The King nodded to himself then scanned the gathered lords.

"Remember this. Remember us gathered here today, our combined efforts making this expedition possible–"

Jordan noticed Kjord mouthing the words as Malcedayne II spoke, and he knew who'd helped him craft the speech. When they were young, people saw the big brash orc and overlooked his skill at statecraft. Jordan thought about his home deep within Belgaul and the events that had brought him to Isdaggen's courtyard. Kjord had arranged for him to be brought there, but Absinthe had suggested it wasn't him who told her to use Haru. It wasn't him or the naturalist who'd put a bounty on her head. There were still players in the shadows manipulating his life.

His eyes sought out Absinthe and he found her playfully hugging and kissing Hardgrave's knight, Tyllden. The Papillon seemed to know everyone.

"I intend to get some answers from you, my friend," he whispered.

"Rousing speech, don't you think?" Hardgrave the Younger growled into his ear.

Jordan ceased his musings to find The King had finished speaking and the lords had been dismissed to resume preparations. Agnor helped Kjord towards the last set of Dwarven supply crates. Highwing chatted excitedly with Sir Gyeoul. Pantel whispered in King Malcedayne's ear openly gesturing towards Jordan. He took a step towards them and Hardgrave grabbed his arm.

"Let him talk. All he's doing is showing everyone that he is a shortsighted coward. The King won't make a move without consulting those he trusts. Pantel merely demonstrates how weak he is."

The beastman's words made perfect sense. Jordan relaxed and allowed the tension to leave him. He was no diplomat and he would have likely made a mess of things.

"Go. Get your things." His feline face was split by an all too familiar grin. "Adventure awaits."

Jordan gave him a sideways glance. For an instant, he saw Old Jarek, the Hardgrave who had been his mentor in King Melcin's court because his adoptive father hadn't had the time for him.

"What is it?" Hardgrave the Younger asked, suddenly concerned.

"Nothing. It's just that for a moment, you looked just like your father."

The grin returned.

"I hear that a lot."

Hardgrave clapped him on the back then left to join The King. Chasing Pantel off with a snarl, he put his arm across the young monarch's shoulders and guided him off as they spoke. Pantel watched them go, acid filled his eyes when he noticed Jordan studying him.

At high noon, when the bright spot behind the perpetual cloud cover was at its peak, trumpeters blew their horns and the courtyard gates were thrown wide. To fanfare and cheers, scouts galloped ahead, followed by Absinthe astride her multi-legged monstrosity. The creature trampled the snow creating an easy lane for the mounted sellswords and The King's carriage. The heavy vehicle rattled loudly as it made its zigzagging way down to Kronanhold. The rest of the adventuring types followed as did the supply animals and rearguard.

Among those heading into the most dangerous place in Winter were knights and soldiers, a cook, a half-blind wheelwright, and a boy whose job it was to test The King's food for poison. There was a King, an ageless hero, a papillon assassin turned bodyguard, an elven alchemist, an ex-naturalist and her adorable apprentice, and a young ratkin eager to prove himself.

Oh, and Jaq was there too.