The Frozen Shore

A lone figure stood, under dim moonlight, facing the bitterly cold ocean waves that crashed against the Frozen Shore with hostile roars. The figure wore a heavy cloak, with hood draped back. The weight of it pulled on his aged shoulders, but he remained stern in his stance. His pale eyes, sunken deep within an almost skeletal face, searched the stars that faintly glittered along the distant horizon.

The corners of his frail lips turned downward as the sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts.

"Master..." a husky voice said. "May I approach?"

The figure's head turned toward the other. He regarded his servant with obvious contempt, then simply nodded.

A stalky man approached cautiously. "News from the MesTarii... One of Selucian's Tears have been located."

The Master's fading pupils changed to appear more like the angular slits of a cat's. He inclined his head slightly and spoke. The tone of his voice was low and hoarse. "Selucian's Tears... At last." He turned back toward the crashing waves. "Selucian," he whispered into the night, "you were so clever... But you were never going to win."

There was a short moment of silence before the aged figure turned back toward his servant. "And where, exactly, is the stone located?"

The stalky man responded, "It has just recently come into the possession of a Yuaelan man... Of House Kornan, I believe."

"Kornan?" His stare dropped as his thoughts focused on recalling the name. He then looked back up. "Greh'Yaelos Kornan?"

"Yes, Master. Do you know of him?"

The Master nodded. "I know of him... How interesting." The hint of a smile developed on his stern face. "This will fit in perfectly."

"Shall I obtain the stone for you?"

The Master raised an eyebrow. "The use of the word 'obtain' makes you sound almost human." He then regarded the shorter man coldly. "Do not forget your place. The more appropriate word would have been 'fetch', where you are more mutt than man."

The servant lowered his head and fearfully took a step backward.

"And the answer to your question is no. I do not need you to take any action. I will handle it from here." He lifted his arm, revealing a pale, cold hand with skinny fingers and long fingernails. A quick wave dismissed the servant. He looked back out at the icy ocean. A short, hoarse laugh escaped his throat. "A stone in the hands of the son of Ulagreh Kornan... Yes, this will fit in perfectly."