Captive

Erstonia was just as cold as its climate, and it was not just about the snow, it was its people, their energies and aura, the empty streets and silence as they rode through the city heading toward the castle which sat right in the middle of the kingdom. They could not help the chill that climbed up their spines, feeling like they had just entered a plagued city.

“Where are the people?” Syrana could not help but ask as the city held no sign of life within it, not even clothes hanging out on the wires to dry.

“In their homes, away from the cold.” Replied an Erstonian soldier. He had the reins of the horse Syrana and Iris shared in his hand as he led them through the city.

“It looks like a deserted place, it’s dead.” Xanth pointed out and a soldier close to him sent him a chilling glare. He scoffed.

“Better than the place you come from, I bet,” he said and spat.

Xanth shook his head and turned his attention from the soldier, then under his breath, said. “Not even close.”

Iris was still p