The Second Archon War: Comedia Glacialis 19

Comedia Glacialis 19: The Calm Before 

The day of January 14th, 2005, dawned cold and clear on the Allied side of the line, though a blizzard perpetually clouded over the Russian side as always. All eyes were on the sky as from the south, a great wyrm appeared over Europe. More than 100 meters long, made of interwoven metal and plant life, with wings that stretched farther than any airplane at 150 meters and mounted with two giant elemental jets on either side. Sayidat Alzuhur the Dendro Dragon had arrived. Or just Tessa to her friends. 

Landing exactly on the border between the two sides, the dragon quickly grew a large grove of fir trees that sheltered a meadow where a large wooden table sprouted. Pathways to both the Russian camp and Bialystok where the Allied forces were headquartered formed, and the Dendro Dragon loomed over the clearing, studying her work before nodding. Then she transformed into an ordinary looking young woman with glasses, and seated herself at the head of the long table, producing several stacks of paper and clipboards.

It wasn’t long until the two delegations arrived. The Fatuui were headed by the Imperial Princess, but the Witch, Dancer, Servant, and Thief attended her, along with several officers and a cadre of capes. With them, Amber and several other prisoners were being escorted in bonds of icy vines. Before they could enter the thicket, however, two little fairies bared their way. 

“Frozen Nara may not bring all her Murkhah Nara with her,” Arabalika declared, pointing with his staff. “She may bring twelve nara with her. No more.”

“How interesting. And you think you can stop us, little one?” Yelizaveta asked, grinning wickedly at the tiny fairy. 

 “Wicked Nara does scare Arabalika,” the forest spirit said, leveling his stick at the Witch. “Seven. No more.”

“It’s fine. We will conform to Ambassador Richter’s wishes,” Kollei said, frowning at the Witch, who shrugged and smiled. “What of the prisoners we brought to exchange?” 

“Rules did not mention prisoners. Twelve,” the other aranara, a small blue one named Ararycan said. Then both Aranara faded from the vision of all there, save Kollei, who could still see the spirits thanks to her age and Vision. 

Turning, Kollei glared around at the Harbingers. “We are here for peace. Do not violate my mother’s will. We will exchange prisoners, and discuss further terms. Understood?”

“Of course, your Highness,” Anastasia said, curtseying prettily. Thoma bowed at the waist, while Anatoly inclined his head. Liza just laughed.

“Oh, of course. I wouldn’t think of betraying the Tsaritsa’s purpose here.”

Gritting her teeth, Kollei pointed. “Amber, you’re with us, as are Captains Sergi. The rest of you, wait here. Keep an eye out, but don’t violate the truce.”

“The Knight is taken as one of ours?” Anatoly asked, his eyes narrowing at Amber. 

“Do you think that four Harbingers are not enough to protect me?” Kollei demanded. “Or that I cannot protect myself?”

“No. Of course not. My apologies, Princess,” Anatoly said, bowing slightly.

Turning, Kollei stalked forward. There would be peace. One way, or another. 

Waiting for them at the table were people familiar to Kollei. Grandmaster Cookie had Capri and Naomi seated to either side of her, the two bards dressed in leather and the grandmaster in full plate. They didn’t appear armed save for their Visions, but that didn’t mean much. Next to the Knights were Ajaks, Rozalyn, and Colonel Pawłowska. Each were dressed in winter battle dress uniforms of the Republic of Poland. And at the foot of the table, the largest delegation were the four Americans. 

President Alexandria was resplendent in her new uniform, which looked a tad garish with the American Flag and golden epaulets with long tassles. Legend wore his usual aquamarine spandex, while Miss Militia was also decked out in the red, white, and blue in her power armor. The last one was known to Kollei only due to recent briefings: Armsmaster, real name Colin Wallis. A Tinker who also had power armor he’d created himself. Odd, Kollei had expected Hero, Alexandria’s husband. She wondered why Armsmaster was here instead, but dismissed it as unimportant for now. 

The two delegations glared at one another for a moment, except for Amber, who grinned and waved cheerily, apparently completely unable to read the room. “Uh, hey guys! Um, I’m fine! Actually gained like two kilos. Honestly, not my choice of vacation, but still, not the worst prisoner experience ever! Two and a half stars.”

Cookie looked to Amber, and gave her a severe nod. “It’s good to see you’re healthy, Amber. We’ll talk later.”

Clearing her throat, Theresa turned all eyes to her. “Now, I’ll be saying the opening invocation. Bow your heads and doff your headcovers, please.”

There was a pregnant pause until Kollei glanced at her Harbingers. “Do it. We’re here in good faith.”

A slight rusting and clinking occurred as helmets were removed, and Kollei closed her eyes. 

“O Allah the Merciful, we are gathered here today in the name of Lesser Lord Kusinali, your servant, in the pursuit of peace. May those gathered here be blessed by her wisdom, and speak only truth, that we may find common ground this day. Amen.” 

With that, Theresa smiled and clapped her hands. “Righto. Have a seat, everyone. And no funny business. If I have to sit on anyone, I will. And I might not look it, but I’ve got a mighty big behind.”

There was a snort of laughter from the American delegation, and Kollei noted that Armsmaster had covered his mouth with a hand, a look of amusement plain on his face. 

“Now, I have several proposals from each side, and I’ve decided we’re going to skip the obvious ones, like the Russians simply leaving Poland or the Polish immediately surrendering, because they wouldn't be terribly productive,” Tessa continued, her expression and tone neutral. “Instead, I think it best to start with the proposed prisoner exchanges. Each side was instructed to bring a list of those they’ve taken prisoner. Have you done so?”

“I have them here,” Colonel Pawłowska said, handing several sheets of paper to the Dendro Dragon. 

“I as well,” Kollei said, offering her own list. 

The dragon flipped through both lists, then shook her head. “These are incomplete. Can you produce the correct lists, or would you like me to?”

“Well if you had them sweetie, what’s the point in asking us?” Liza said, sounding amused. 

Tessa glared at the Witch, but she just smiled. “This was a chance for you both to come clean and be as honest as possible.”

“I apologize, Dendro Dragon. Our advance has been so rapid that not all prisoners have been able to be accounted for,” Kollei said, hastily producing a sheet of paper she’d wanted to keep hidden. “Um, this list…it has a few additional prisoners.”

Namely, all the ones she’d kept hidden in the Dream. She should have known the Dendro Dragon wouldn’t be fooled by such a scheme. 

“Those are all the prisoners we are willing to trade,” Alexandria said flatly. “Any others simply aren’t on the table at the moment.”

“Very well,” the Dendro Dragon said, and with a wave of her hands, she grew a copy of each list, passing it over to the other side. 

Kollei paged through the list quickly, recognizing several dozen names. Most of them weren’t capes, but there were a couple of minor parahumans and a couple of Vision holders who had been captured. 

“I notice one name is absent from this list,” Cookie’s voice said, and Kollei looked up to meet the Grandmaster’s glare. “Where’s Amber’s name?”

Amber wilted slightly, looking at Kollei with a wounded expression. Taking a deep breath, Kollei closed her eyes, then said, “I intend to let Sir Amber leave with you as a gesture of goodwill.”

There were mutters from the other side, and Kollei sensed the frustration and anger from the Harbingers, but she ignored it. Amber had let out a cheer, and to Kollei’s embarrassment, Amber tried to hug her even with her manacles on. 

“On what condition?” Colonel Pawłowska demanded. 

“No conditions. I want to show that coexistence is possible. That my Mother can be reasonable. That life under her rule is better,” Kollei said firmly.

“This is a trick of some sort,” Alexandria said, her face flushed. “You’re playing us.”

“We accept,” Cookie interrupted, glaring at the president. “On one condition.”

“What, one free high value prisoner isn’t enough for you?” Anastasia said, turning a frustrated look on Kollei. She’d actually proposed the same thing, but only after she’d brainwashed Amber to be loyal to the Tsaritsa. Kollei had refused, as that would have defeated the entire point. Besides, the Dancer’s influence wasn’t exactly subtle. 

“And that is?” Tessa said, holding up a hand. 

“That we play a song first,” Cookie said, nodding to Capri and Naomi, who quickly stood. 

“Now hold on a minute, this has to be a trap, we can’t just walk into this,” Alexandria said, but the Knights ignored her. “We had a deal, Katherine!” 

Deal? That sounded ominous to Kollei. What was this song?

“A song?” Anatoly sneered, shaking his head. “This only wastes our time.”

“Cookie? Don’t you trust me?” Amber asked plaintively, looking wounded. 

“I do, Amber. But I also have to be realistic. You’re sitting next to the Dancer, after all,” Cookie said firmly. “Play it.”

“Right,” Capri said, and a shimmering object appeared in her hands. Instantly, the Harbingers were on their feet, weapons drawn, while Captain Sergi dove in front of Kollei, activating his Anemo Delusion to create a barrier.

“Oh for crying- will you relax!? It’s my AXE. Not my sword,” Capri huffed, holding up an electric guitar. Around her, the allies had similarilarly risen to battle posture, glaring across the table at their counterparts. Only Theresa and Kollei were still sitting, with even Amber standing and trembling in fear as Anatoly held a pistol to her head. 

DOWN. NOW. The draconic rumble coming from Tessa was disturbing, as was the green glow coming from her eyes. Still, no one complied, until Kollei spoke. 

“Weapons down. All of you,” Kollei barked. “It’s an instrument. It’s harmless.”

Slowly, the Harbingers complied, and a moment later, so did the allies, until it was just Capri with her guitar, and Naomi with a violin of all things. How many instruments did the woman play?

“With your permission, Miss Dragon?” Capri said sarcastically. Tessa gave her a nod, though the green glow didn’t fade from her eyes. 

Capri and Naomi began to play a tune that Kollei didn’t recognize, and a warm breeze began to blow from the West behind them, rich in elemental energy. Apparently, Lord Barbados was listening. Behind Kollei, a cold wind began to stir, though her mother was slower to react than Kollei thought she would be. 

I want to break free, I want to break free

At the opening verse, Thoma suddenly stiffened, and Kollei turned to him curiously. Did he sense some malice in the words? Anastasia’s lips had firmed, and her eyes were glued to the Tone Deaf bards, so she didn’t notice at first. 

I want to break free from your lies

You're so self-satisfied I don't need you

“GAH!” Thoma gasped, slipping from his chair, and clutching at his head. Anastasia’s head whipped around, her eyes going wide. 

“Thoma!? What is-”

The Tone Deaf Bards continued to play, and Barbatos’ wind increased in strength, as if the song was guiding it. Kollei stood up, her heart pounding. What was happening? 

I've got to break free

“YAAAAAAAAHHH!” Thoma screamed, ripping off his demon mask and hurling it away from himself. 

“THOMA!” Anastasia scrambled out of her chair, trying to grab onto her Servant’s head. “No, please, I love you, don’t-”

God knows, God knows I want to break free

“GET AWAY FROM ME!” Thoma bellowed, wrenching his Pyro Delusion off and flinging it into Anastasia’s face before grabbing Amber and erecting a barrier around himself “GET AWAY!”

“They’re casting a spell! GET THEM!” the Witch roared, and Kollei could only scream in horror as she flung a sphere of electro at the Tone Deaf Bards, who despite the chaos, continued to play. 

Then all hell broke loose. Tessa Richter disappeared, replaced by the bellowing Dendro Dragon, whose commands for order were ignored. Cookie charged at Anastasia who was pounding at Thoma’s barrier, only for Anatoly to meet her halfway across the table and deliver a devastating kick that sent the Grandmaster flying backwards through the air. Legend was firing his lasers at the Witch, who screamed in pain as she took a blow before firing back. 

And Alexandra herself charged at Kollei, her face grim as one fist was cocked back to slam right into Kollei’s forehead, icy death coating the President’s body.

ENOUGH. 

A great claw of vine wrapped metal slapped down the President, only for the Dendro Dragon to warble in pain as Alexandria tossed her off. The Tone Deaf Bards had stopped playing and were now dueling Anatoly and coming off the worse for it, the two of them barely able to keep up. Anastasia was leaping after her brother, strands of watery control reaching out for the bards. 

Kollei formed a barrier of thorny vines about herself, but Armsmaster hacked through them with his halberd, and then Alexandria hit the barrier so hard that Kollei was flung to the ground, her teeth rattling at the impact. She tried to fight back, but her attacks just splashed off of Alexandria like they were nothing. Once more, an icy fist descended towards her, and Kollei saw her death coming.

Then, everything froze. The air itself turned to ice, and time slowed to a crawl. Kollei tried to blink, but she couldn’t even do that. As she struggled to breath, Alexandria’s fist only millimeters from her face, the president still struggling onward despite the air having turned solid, Kollei felt a sense of panic fill her.

SO, REBECCA. YOU THINK TO HARM MY DAUGHTER. I THINK NOT.

A great sword of ice flashed through the air, striking Alexandria and sending her plowing backwards through the frozen air, until her momentum was completely arrested by the ice that surrounded everything.

And the Tsarista took the field. A sense of relief flooded through Kollei, tears filling her eyes. 

DANTILION. THIS IS SACRED GROUND. YOU WERE NOT TO TRESSPASS HERE. The Dendro Drago shattered the ice around her, even as the mortals remained frozen, shaking herself off and rearing up over the Tsaritsa. 

Kollei’s mother regarded the Dragon for a moment. I WILL COME FOR YOUR GNOSIS LATER, DRAGON. DEPART. THESE MORTALS SEEK TO CLAIM WHAT IS MINE. TO TAKE THE LIFE OF MY DAUGHTER. THEY HAVE BROKEN THE TRUCE. RETRIBUTION IS MINE. 

The dragon hesitated. THE PEACE TALKS WERE GIVEN TO ME.

THEY ARE CLEARLY OVER. DEPART. THIS IS MY MATTER NOW. Then Bronya turned towards the red bubble. Reaching out, she tapped it with her sword, and it shattered to pieces, exposing Thoma and Amber, who were as frozen as the rest.

“M-Mother,” Kollei gasped, staggering to her feet. “P-please. Do not-”

I WILL NOT HARM YOUR PLAYTHING. YOU MAY DO WITH HER AS YOU WISH. BUT SHE LEAVES WITH US. AS DOES THE SERVANT. HE IS MINE. AND MAY NOT BE TAKEN. The Tsaritsa turned a hand towards Thoma, reaching out to touch his forehead, and Kollei felt sick

“ZA NASZĄ I WASZĄ WOLNOŚĆ!” Ice shattered, as a green gem flashed to life on Ajak’s breast. Wind roared, and the Tsaritsa spun about in shock as the Polish cape slammed into her, knocking her back. 

Panting, Ajaks slowly stood, his breath frosting in the air. He held out his hand, and a lance appeared in his hand before he assumed a guard position between himself and the Tsaritsa. . “This is Poland, bitch. They are not yours to claim.”

AJAX. YOU? YOU DEFY ME? YOU, WHO WERE ONCE MY TARTAGLIA? The Tsaritsa asked, sounding stunned and breathless. 

Spitting to the side, the man grinned and spun the lance from hand to hand. “I do not know this Tartaglia. But my name is Ajax Jedynak. I am a son of Poland. And we will never bow to a tyrant like you!”

Fury suffused the Tsarita’s face. IF I CANNOT HAVE YOU, THEN NO ONE CAN.

“Mother, no!” Kollei gasped, but too late, the great sword lunged for Ajaks. He tried to parry, but the Tsaritsa was no mere mortal, and her fury was unabated now. She battered aside his spear, then went for the killing blow, a cleave that would have separated Ajak’s head from his body.

And then a hurricane fell from the sky and parried the blow, knocking Kollei back dozens of yards, as an angel descended from heaven. 

BARBATOS. The Tsaritsa hissed, her earlier target forgotten as her gaze locked on the Anemo Archon. So palpable was her fury that Kollei could only cry out, clutching at her head as she curled up into a ball.

WHILE I CANNOT INTERFERE IN MORTAL WILL, I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO HARM MY CHILDREN, BRONYA, Barbatos decreed, spreading his wings. His expression was stony and stoic, and his tone bereft of all playfulness. 

STILL. STILL YOU MOCK ME!? I AM THAT PATHETIC GIRL NO LONGER! The Tsaritsa raged, icy wings sprouting behind her back as she lifted up into the air. I AM DANTILION! THE CRYO ARCHON! AND YOU WILL BOW TO ME, WIND SPIRIT! FOR WHILE YOU ARE BEREFT OF YOUR GNOSIS, MINE IS YET WITHIN MY HAND! 

OH YOUNG ONE, Barbatos said, his expression growing sorrowful. DO NOT DO THIS. WE NEED NOT BE ENEMIES, DANTILION. WE WERE FRIENDS, ONCE.

WE WERE NEVER FRIENDS! YOU LEFT MY MOTHER TO DIE! AND NOW, I WILL CAST YOUR CORPSE UPON THE PLAINS AS YOU ABANDONED HER TO THE MERCIES OF HEAVEN! The Tsarista raged, hurling herself at Barbatos. 

A howling gale met her, and to Kollei’s shock, her mother was battered back. 

MORTALS. DEPART. IT SEEMS I MUST REMIND DANTILION OF SOMETHING. Barbatos said, flapping his wings, and sending not just Kollei, but all of those nearby tumbling backwards, each towards their own side. Though with a pang, Kollei saw Amber and Thoma blown towards the west. DENDRO DRAGON. YOUR SERVICES ARE NO LONGER NEEDED. THANK YOU FOR TRYING. I WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. 

Kollei tried to fight the tempest, but it was too much. Only her mother was standing before it, gathering power about herself. 

WHAT CAN YOU POSSIBLY REMIND ME OF, LIAR? The Tsaritsa demanded as the Dendro Dragon swooped down to pick up a lone figure before flapping her wings and heading for the south. 

YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN YOUR HISTORY, DANTILION, Barbatos roared as the form of the angel dissolved in the winds, and a horrific specter emerged. It was formed of impossible gales, a hundred wings flapping about it, and a single, glowing eye of the storm under a white hood. I NEVER NEEDED MY GNOSIS TO SECURE MY THRONE. 

Then Kollei was blown away by the storm, tumbling miles and miles away as the wind and ice buffeted her. 

And for the first time, the world saw the fury of Barbatos unleashed

.

Author’s Note:

It’s time to Swirl Geo.