Snow Dragons…part III

"The Guardians"


Descending into the frozen highlands, still haunted by the echoes from the forest
Those darkest memories briefly displaced by the majestic image now before him
Iced cerulean spires break through the swirling mist, glistening in the alpine sun
Luminous prisms cast rainbowed beams across the land, beckons welcome deep within

Monolithic pillars stand steadfast, frozen sentinels, ever watchful over the citadel of ice
He descends into the churning miasma; a sense of unease envelops him, like a shroud
Winds whip up the blinding snow and the earth trembles, as it struggles to breathe
All around the hostile earth erupts with thunderous roar, as if the Gods cried out aloud

Laid prone on the dank earth as his mount took fright, and disappeared into a smouldering crevice
Fissures erupting, expelling steam and fire; monuments explode, raining down in shards of ice
Ghostly sight of shadowed figures stirring through the haze, a familiar, haunting, silhouette
With fearful eyes and rage filled heart, sword drawn high; called to atone, there'd be a price!

Ethereal demons, akin to naught ever seen before, thought loosed to reign an unceasing terror  
A quickening, an almost soundless movement, more sensed than seen through half blinded eye
A startled cry, an impulsive pivot, and wild slashing thrust of that lethal sword, catching flesh
Took just one look and the knight he knew, 'twas the day today, and he was here to die!

All around now, clearly seen they lumbered closer, across the cold, and blood soaked ground
With their eyes aflame and nostrils flared, their circle of fear engulfed, there'd be no retreat
Desired not mischief, merely took fright from the storm, but a careless stroke had laid her down
Cut down in flight, mortally wounded by that brutal blow, a youthful Dragon lay dying at his feet