The ice box was opened, revealing a pair of azure blue longbows shaped in an archaic yet elegant style, their surface exuding a faint, chilling aura that misted slightly in the cold.
"This is the Ice Shaper, my grandfather's weapon," said Hyosgum solemnly. "This bow bore the name of our tribe, and now it will stand as a symbol of alliance between the Lightspear and the Iceshapers."
Rowe picked up the Ice Shaper longbow and studied it with curiosity and awe.
Although his knowledge of ranged weaponry was limited, it was clear even to him that this longbow was of extraordinary make—crafted with precision beyond the standards of even Asgardian smiths.
Compared to the Fist of Verrigan or the ancient staff he wielded, the Ice Shaper felt like a divine relic. However, he was not trained in archery, which dimmed the excitement slightly.
"The Ice Shaper was once shattered during the Battle of the Nine Frosts," the old wizard Helbrindi explained, his voice a low rumble. "But even after its reforging, its power remains fearsome. It conjures arrows of pure elemental ice—no need for physical ammunition."
"Of course, if equipped with frost-enhanced arrows crafted from Glacial Silverroot, its lethality increases manifold," he added thoughtfully.
"In the hands of a skilled marksman, it can slay even giants with a single shot. Against enemies beyond Jotunheim—like the Asgardians—it is devastating. Even a glancing shot from its ice-forged arrows could prove fatal to an ordinary Asgardian."
"This is too precious," Rowe said sincerely.
The old wizard's eyes twinkled beneath his frost-rimmed brows. "Compared to the life of Hyosgum, the Ice Shaper is a mere trinket. Moreover, we hope this bow conveys the earnest goodwill of the Iceshaper tribe to the Lightspear Clan."
Rowe certainly wanted the weapon, but instinct and humility tempered his acceptance.
He nodded respectfully and said, "You have my word. Our wise and visionary Patriarch Sylvanas will feel the sincerity and friendship of the Iceshapers."
The old wizard gave a slow nod and smiled faintly, then hesitated before speaking again. "With all due respect, Mr. Vol'jin… it is noble to love peace. But the path of diplomacy alone is not sufficient. The Asgardians have no reverence for peace; they exploit it. If given an inch, they will claim a mile."
"The Lightspear Clan is proud and powerful. You should not stand alone. The Iceshapers—and all frostkind under Jotunheim's banner—would gladly rise beside you."
It was clear Hyosgum, Helbrindi, and the Iceshaper elders had embraced the myths of Zandalar and the Lightspear legacy. Their gift wasn't just gratitude—it was a plea for alliance.
Rowe understood the gesture perfectly and replied with a sigh, "The truth is, ever since Prophet Velen led us from the dying world of Azeroth, our people have argued over the path forward. My comrade Garrosh believes deeply in peace and diplomacy… but I have my doubts."
He paused, then continued. "But now, with the fall of the First Dalaran at the hands of the Asgardians, I believe most of those illusions have been shattered."
The old wizard nodded solemnly. "We too once dreamed of peace with Asgard. But the truth has struck hard—we were fools."
Rowe clasped his staff tightly. "I'll return to the clan and bring your message. I'll ensure the Lightspear Council hears the will of the Iceshapers."
"Thank you," said Helbrindi, his expression easing.
After a pause, the old wizard asked, "Mr. Vol'jin, when do you intend to depart?"
Rowe mentally calculated his transformation timer. The Ice Demon Hunter disguise would fade in a few hours.
"I must return at once," he answered. "The Second Dalaran remains unaware of the First's destruction, and they must be warned."
The old wizard's expression tightened. "The roads are perilous. Skirmishes erupt constantly. Allow us to assign warriors to escort you."
Rowe politely declined. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm more than capable of traveling alone. I am a warrior too, trained by the great Thrall—World-Sa of the Second Dalaran and the clan's strongest guardian. Unless I encounter a full Asgardian legion, I'll manage."
"World-Sa," Helbrindi repeated in awe. "A title of such grandeur… I would treasure the chance to meet your mentor."
"You just might," Rowe said with a smile. "Sooner than you think."
They shared pleasantries a while longer before Rowe formally took his leave.
The old wizard, Hyosgum, and a handful of frost warriors walked with him for over half an hour, watching as he disappeared into the snowbound horizon.
They stood in silence as Rowe's figure faded into the icy mist.
"Lord Helbrindi," a young frost warrior asked, "do you think the Lightspear will truly ally with us?"
Helbrindi remained quiet for a moment, then said, "It is hard to say. They have honored the code of isolation for eons. Traditions as old as theirs are not easily broken. But if they do ally with us, it would be a powerful union."
Another frost giant scoffed. "But the Lightspear only have two underground cities—those so-called Dalarans. One's already been wiped out by the Asgardians. How strong can they really be?"
Helbrindi glanced at him. "Perhaps not strong in number… but individuals like Vol'jin—and especially his teacher—seem to possess unimaginable power. His healing of Hyosgum was no ordinary magic. I still feel its depth echoing."
---
Once he was clear of the Iceshaper village, Rowe quickened his pace through the snow, putting as much distance as possible between himself and their sharp eyes.
After several miles, his body shimmered with light. The fangs retracted. His skin shifted from ice-blue back to warm flesh, and his Asgardian form returned.
That was too close...
Had he lingered longer, his disguise would've unraveled.
Reflecting on the last day, Rowe was overwhelmed. He had infiltrated a Frost Giant tribe as an Asgardian spy, forged a bond with them, and walked away with one of their sacred heirlooms. The danger was excruciating—but exhilarating.
An Asgardian infiltrating Jotunheim and walking out with honor? That's a feat worthy of the sagas.
He retrieved the Ice Shaper from his Sanctuary satchel. The longbow gleamed with otherworldly elegance. Its blue crystalline surface looked like it had been carved directly from ancient glacial sapphire.
Time to test it.
Rowe nocked the bow, letting the weapon gather elemental energy. As he pulled the string, the bow glowed with deep blue runes. Frost seeped from it, chilling the air around.
But the string resisted.
His arms strained. The draw was impossibly stiff. He couldn't even bring it halfway. The temperature dropped sharply, and the cold pierced his bones.
Finally, he released the string.
FWOOOSH!
A glowing arrow of solid ice erupted from the bow and exploded into the distant mountain wall.
"Boom!"