Chapter 85: The Fortress of Loops
Frosthold was not what they expected. It did not look like a fortress under siege by madness. From a distance, it appeared impeccably maintained. The high, granite walls were clear of ice or snow. The watchtowers stood straight. The imperial banner snapped crisply in the bitter wind. There were no visible breaches, no signs of battle.
It was the perfection that was wrong.
As they approached the main gate along the narrow, cliff-hugging approach road, the unnatural silence of Glint intensified here into something taut and watchful. No challenge came from the walls. No sentries were visible at the parapets. Yet the massive iron-bound gates were shut fast.
Varian signaled a halt fifty yards out. The wind moaned through the pass, but beneath it, Elara could feel it the grinding, rhythmic hum was stronger here, vibrating up through the rock beneath their horses' hooves. It was a physical pressure in the teeth and jaw.
