At the northern tip of the human continent, beyond where any human had ever reached, the endless white landscape transformed into a rocky shore and clear blue waters. Steam slowly rose from the water’s surface, creating a hazy curtain that stretched from the water to the sky full of fluffy clouds, gentler than the stormy gray clouds that covered most of the north.

There was no trace of snow for leagues but leading up to the beach were eight enormous sculptures of ice. Few would recognize the large reptilian creatures for what they were but the exquisite detail, down to each individual scale and hair, conveyed their majesty. Despite the warm air from the steaming waters, the ice showed no signs of melting. If any dared to mar them, they would find the ice to be sturdier than mountains and impossible to shatter.

Sitting near the edge of the rocky shore, atop a large boulder with a flattened top, was an estrazi with light purple scales. Time had dulled their hue and too many years in the tunnels the estrazi carved to connect the underground caverns they called home had hunched his back. His thick whiskers had turned the silver of elders and the two horns that curled around his head were cracked at the base. To those familiar with the guardians of the north, it was clear that the estrazi was very old and nearing the end of his life.

Surrounding the elder were eight estrazi. The opposite of the lizard that looked two steps from death’s door, they were tall and strong. Their scales gleamed despite the weak light, each a different shade representing their affinities. Red for fire, silver for air, blue for water, brown for earth, sea-green for the mental affinity, gold for the light affinity, black for the physical affinity, and speckled for null. Each of them were prime representatives of their race, with thick tails, dark whiskers that hung to their waists, and pristine white horns that curved around their heads.

The estrazi were guardians. What divided the brood into different castes were the things they guarded. The elder was the most valuable member of the brood. In some ways, more than the Great Mother, as the leader of the brood could never ignore the old lizard’s words. To guard him was one of the highest honors an estrazi could have and it reflected in their behavior. Their duties consisted of standing quietly but remaining attentive for hours but their focus never wavered. They remained tense so that the elder could enjoy his last days in peace.

The red guard was the first to notice the figure that approached rapidly. His eyes narrowed as he huffed, motioning to the blue guard. The two of them trotted toward the figure while the others closed ranks around the elder, anticipating trouble.

The one who approached was different from them. Their face was flatter and more human, with deep ridges over their round eyes that resembled brows. Their horns were small, barely two nubs. In place of whiskers was a long mane of short hair, running from the crown of the estrazi’s skull to the tip of a thin tail.

The two guards moved in front of the intruder, the red one letting out a series of clicks and hisses that any other intelligent race would struggle to recognize as a language. “Little Water, you know none are allowed to disturb Great Eye. Return to your chambers.”

Little Water’s thin lips twisted in a snarl, showing blunt teeth. “Who are you to command me, nameless? Make way.”

“I have no name but I carry the will of the Great Mother. Leave, or we will remove you.”

“You don’t dare. To harm a female means death.”

“Even if we die, we must fulfill our duty.”

Little Water’s tail whipped in agitation as she evaluated her chances against them. One shared her element, the other wielded her opposite. Lacking a name, they had no status within the brood, but they would be well-trained for their roles as guards. The females of the estrazi were always more talented than the males but she wouldn’t be surprised if they were both her equal. Against them both, she had little to no chance and even if she defeated them, she undoubtedly stood no chance against the other six.

Still, she was unwilling to back down. Soon, if her guess was correct, she would no longer have the freedom to order away her guards. If she didn’t take the opportunity to speak to the elder now, she would never have the chance in the future.

Just before she could call their bluff, a raspy voice called out, “Let her approach.”

“Great Eye—"

The elder waved off the guard beside him that tried to offer protest. “She is a future mother of the brood. She will bring me no harm. Step aside.”

They didn’t dare to disobey his order twice. The guards relaxed their formation around the elder and the two blocking Little Water’s way broke apart. She moved past them quickly but didn’t drop her guard. The elder’s words were true. She didn’t come to bring harm, especially against him. Such an event would run counter to her objectives. Despite that, she couldn’t say their meeting would be cordial or peaceful.

She stepped up behind the elder. To stand beside him would be presumptuous, a declaration that she thought she was his equal. With her basic affinity, she wasn’t even the equal of her sisters, let alone the Great Mother’s sole adviser. To stand in front of him would go beyond presumptuous into the realm of offense. Nothing and no one were allowed to obscure the sight of the Great Eye, even metaphorically.

“Father.”

“Did you think to invoke my sympathy with sweet calls? Speak, daughter.”

“You must know why I’m here.”

“I know the events that have led you here. Nothing else.”

Little Water’s tail curled around her waist and she grabbed the tip with her hands, running her claws through the hair along it. “How much have you seen?”

“Do you mean to ask about the servants you sent away? Cruel of you, demanding of them a task they had no chance to complete. Their lives may belong to you but as a mother of the brood, you are meant to care for them.”

“…I understand my wrong but I had no choice.” She had to breathe deeply and let it out slowly to keep the anger out of her tone. “I couldn’t convince Mother to lend me a true force.”

“That is because your request went against the will of our people. We are guardians. Not killers.”

“I did not want them to kill!”

“Did you think the human lord would surrender his son willingly? They are aggressive creatures. If something disturbs their nest, they will swarm it until it dies, uncaring for the strength of the enemy or the consequences of war.”

She hissed, low and angry. “Do not disparage the humans. You know well, better than any, that they are not what Mother makes them out to be. He is different from the others. And there would be no need to retrieve him if you never sent him away!”