The sealed passage parts only while Frostfang remains raised. Behind them, the unconscious dragon cultist stays pinned within the battlefield ice as Velzard and Nebula follow Frosten across the threshold.
Beyond the threshold, the outer snowfields of the Glacial Crown stretch beneath a sky of pale stormlight. Ancient glaciers rise like frozen towers, their surfaces webbed with dormant blue radiance.
As Frosten crosses onto Crown-bound snow, a buried ward awakens. Lines of silver fire climb the nearest glacier and gather into a tall speaking sigil shaped like an open, lidless eye, its narrow silver-fire outline enclosing a pupil of swirling blue radiance.
The Speaking Ward-Sigil
Halt, bearer of the raised frostfang. The presence beneath the battlefield is bound to the Crown's oldest defenses.
Velzard
Bound does not mean welcome. State the law of this ward, and do not mistake our passage for surrender.
The Speaking Ward-Sigil
Its claim reaches through the sealed fissure. Passage is possible only when that claim is answered by the one who carries winter's authority.
Nebula Startouched
Then the seal did not end the connection. It brought the question to the Crown itself, and the ward is waiting for Frosten's answer.
Secure the Glacial Crown against the buried presence