Alton woke with messy bed hair, sunlight weakly filtering through the frosted window. The blizzard had calmed somewhat during the night, but snow still fell steadily. He dressed quietly, pulled on his boots, and headed downstairs.
The inn was already bustling. Villagers filled nearly every table, talking and eating with the kind of energy that suggested something important was happening. Rose and her mother moved quickly between tables, serving plates and clearing dishes. Not wanting to add to their workload, Alton slipped back upstairs, washed his face with cold water from the basin, and geared up in his thick bear-fur coat.
Outside, the streets were nearly empty. Most of the villagers seemed to be gathered inside the inn. Some kind of special day? he wondered as he made his way toward the village gates.
The chief and several guards stood watch along the wall. When the chief spotted him, he raised a hand in greeting.
"Ey, you're up already. Have you eaten breakfast, kid?"
Alton shook his head. "Not yet."
"What? Then what are you doing out here? Go back and eat something proper."
Alton sighed. "The inn was packed. I didn't want to bother anyone."
"Even so," the chief said firmly, "a young man like you needs proper nutrition. Can't defend yourself on an empty stomach."
Alton changed the subject. "What exactly are you guarding against out here?"
The chief's gaze turned toward the distant white horizon. "For the people. There have been… incidents in the past. Mountain monsters killing travelers and hunters. They haven't come near the village in years—we've strengthened the walls and our fighters—but I can't shake the feeling they might return one day."
Alton stared into the distance with him. "Understandable. If anything does attack… count me in."
The chief looked at him, surprised, then gave a short nod. "Alright then."
A moment later, Rose approached, carrying a small basket. She noticed Alton and paused. "Oh… Good morning."
"Morning," Alton replied with a small nod.
She stepped past him carefully and climbed up to her father. "Dad, breakfast is ready."
"I'll be there in a few minutes, love."
"Still peaceful out there?" she asked, looking toward the horizon.
"For now," the chief answered.
No sooner had the words left his mouth a massive shape appeared in the distance—tall, unnaturally tall, cutting through the falling snow like a nightmare given form.
Alton's eyes narrowed. "It looks… familiar."
As the figure drew closer, the truth became horribly clear. A giant skeleton, easily seven or eight meters tall, its bony frame coated in fresh frost and ice.
The chief's face drained of color. "No… It can't be. Everyone! Mountain Skeleton—eight meters tall! Battle stations!"
Rose's voice trembled. "Dad… what is that thing?"
"Bring the rock throwers! Call the mages!" the chief barked. "Send a runner to warn the village—get everyone into the warehouses if needed!"
He turned to his daughter, gripping her shoulders. "Rose, go. Get somewhere safe. Now."
"I can't leave you!" she cried.
"Rose—"
While the others panicked, Alton placed a steady hand on the chief's shoulder. "Can I have my sword back?"
The chief stared at him for a split second, then nodded. "Y-yeah… of course."
Rose looked at Alton in confusion and disbelief as he retrieved the dark blade from the guard post. He secured it across his back and turned to the group.
"Don't panic. With all of us together, we can take it down."
Calmly, Alton walked to the edge of the wall and looked out at the approaching giant. The wind tugged at his bear-fur coat, the familiar cold sharpening his focus.
"Don't worry," he said, voice steady. "I'll help defend this village."