The First to Arrive

Mountain of Eternal Winter A land so cold it feels as though everything has been frozen solid. Snowstorms rage without end, and the world lies in deep, silent darkness. Even the warmth of a single breath is stolen away by the icy air. Still, I pressed on—step by step—toward the massive prison looming ahead. This place was built for those who would cast aside their fear of Dragons and seek true wisdom. At the great gate, I found a stranger standing alone. He spoke to me, but I could not make sense of everything he said. As I drew nearer, the door creaked open, almost as if it had been waiting for me. I pulled a trial seal from my cloak and stared at it for a long moment. Was I truly ready to face this trial? What did I hope to find inside? A chill wind swept past, cold as ice. And then—without another thought—I stepped through the door.