45 The Chimera I

The silence beside the howl of the wind had been music to the young Prince as he felt his senses come to life amidst his search for the beast. From his soundless steps across the snow base to the soft felt breaths and pants beneath the snowy fields, he found himself lost in a blaze of silver and the scent of pine. 

For a good hour, they searched, bearing the flames of ice searing their flesh without sound and the silent hunger that pressed against the lining of their stomachs. But they were used to this feeling. And knew they could survive a least a day or two without food. The pain was but in their minds. Luna had taught them at least this. 

Approaching the second hour, Riena signaled Altair to stop. She pointed over the uneven land beside a looming tree that carried the face of a hideous abomination etched into the bark. Hidden a meter's distance from the tree beneath the moon rested a figure.