The Ice Queen - "The Long Sleep" Ch. 2 (Patreon)

Cassian

Present Day

"The experts think that we'll be able to make a name in clean energy within seven years. That is, if everything stays on track. A lot of investors want to get in on it, but I understand Mr. Varus doesn't want any outsiders, so the total..."

I find it easy as of late to tune out meetings. Once, I was very invested in them. Not only were they the key to our future, but they kept my mind off of my past. Living for hundreds of years becomes mentally exhausting at a certain point. Having the option to presently occupy your mind is a luxury I enjoyed. But now that Neytiri has shown signs of actually awakening, I can’t keep my mind on anything else.

She’s been in a deep slumber for centuries. Only Ancient’s that have mastered the power flowing through their veins are able to go into hibernation for centuries at a time, which leaves me in the dark on why Neytiri’s body did. But thanks to modern technology, her body is showing signs of awakening and I’m happy to have her back.

I’ve had a long time to reflect on who I was then and who I’ve become now. When I discovered that she was alive my first instinct was to take her away. But seeing as I was the cause of her coma induced state, I remained in the cavern by her side, stepping into my own slumber for years. When I finally awoke, like I had anticipated, the world had changed.

The lands I gave to them were no more as they decided to try their own hands at conquest. But they failed resulting in dragonborn scattering across the world. The dragonborn are known for their need to lead which was why the hierarchy was so important. In hindsight, I never should have left them for so long without a king.

But after convincing myself to leave Neytiri’s side, I decided to see how the world healed without me. And to my disappointment, it did not. The world was much bigger than any of us that the time could have imagined. With the silence of the Ancients, the humans grew into their greed and selfishness creating weapons to turn on one another.

The existence of us is all but a memory now; a whisper on the lips of lore. We have become legends and folklore that parent’s tell their children for entertainment. Our history and culture has been shaped into one fitting of the theatre and books. Pure entertainment. And as I watched the world of human’s fear and turn on what was different, I knew the need for our people to have a safe haven would grow.

Humanity has proven time and time again that they cannot be trusted. If any of us were to fall into their custody I fear the worst would befall us. Humans have always feared what they do not understand and hated what was different. I’ve watched their brutal ways etch itself into history. I am not impressed.

So with my newfound purpose I founded a company. It was simple since I’d been around long enough to understand the patterns of humanity. They crave things that are beyond their understanding. Advancements, they call it. And it wasn’t difficult for me to come up with something they would want. Naturally, we are highly intelligent creatures. We have to be to be able to understand the power that runs through us and how to control and manifest it.

I formed Tarragon Industries and took on a new alias every sixty or so years to “keep it in the family”, and with the help of the Terrans, I created this island. It’s large enough to house my company, mine, and Neytiri’s people. It was my way to offer them a way of life and keep the rest of the world out. It’s a safe place that no human has ever been allowed to set foot on.

Until now, that is.

“Mr. Varus?”

My attention is pulled back to the screen where the company’s analyst is watching me.

“That all sounds very good Justin.”

I use the second screen to pull up projections, studying them. It’s been three months since I brought doctors to the island. Each of them specialize in a form of genetics and biology which has helped immensely with her recovery. My one rule was that no human would ever set foot on this island, but with her being so close to awakening, I broke that rule. If it comes down to it, I will kill them for the safety of my people. But for now, I can rely on non-disclosure agreements.

“I need this down to five years. Seven will be too long,” I say looking at the charts.

“Sir, we would need to bring in investors for that-”

I look up in irritation silencing him immediately. With my own people, my word is law. But for humans who do not know who I am, I must have patience.

“I will front the money.”

His eyes widen but he complies nonetheless. I’ve been around long enough to earn a fortune a hundred times over. Money is nothing more than a means to take care of the people I promised I would. I’ve had centuries to plan on how to keep my funds secret from the world. If they truly knew, Jeff Bezos would not be on their list of people to pester.

I tense when I feel a chill ripple up my spine. It’s sudden and accompanied by a heavy shift in the air. It’s the same feeling I had when Neytiri had fully awakened in the past. The sensation is strong and won’t let me go. I whip my gaze to the screen.

“Mr. Weatherford, something has come up. I will contact you later in the week to further discuss the details.”

I can see him thinking of a response, one that I don’t have time to indulge as I turn off the screen. As the screen disappears, the view of Neytiri’s village in the distance greets me. They can feel the sudden shift in the air as well. My gaze shifts to the sky. It is cloudy and bright, the snow beginning to fall at a rapid rate covering the estate as well as the island. This island operates like the rest of the world, giving us four seasons just as others do. Lucky for Neytiri, she decided to awaken in the dead of winter. The conditions will be comfortable for her as she learns to be a part of this world.

I release a breath forcing my heart to calm as my nerves get the best of me. The last time Neytiri and I saw each other I had punctured her chest with my blade doing what I thought at the time was ending her life. There’s no telling how she will feel once she awakens toward me, no matter what I’ve done. I can only hope the preservation and protection of her tribe shows her that I am not the same as I once was, and that I am committed to fixing things between us.

I turn just as the door to my office is opened. Caius’s bright blue gaze that matches his chosen masters watch me with a shocked expression. When I established this island, Caius agreed to be a part of it, but not at my side as he once was. He remains the voice of the Ikniri in his masters stead, only doing what is best for them. When I came to him with this opportunity, he was skeptical at first, but he is no fool. As we watched the world around us change, we both came to the same conclusion.

Humanity’s cruelty knows no bounds with things they do not understand.

The Marina learned that lesson the hard way long ago, and now we no longer see them. They pushed their kingdoms deeper into the crushing depths of the ocean where no man or their technology can reach.

So, when Caius discovered what the world was doing to people that looked similar to Neytiri’s, he agreed to take his old position by my side. But only for her people. And he has done a marvelous job. It is why he was chosen to be my Xindrite. My family as well as his knew these qualities were in him and would help me rule someday. But now, these qualities have been shifted to Neytiri. The bitter betrayal I feel is fresh each time I see him with the stark reminder of his gaze. But he does not regret turning his back on his family’s oath, or me. And I know I am to blame for this outcome. I pushed him too far, and now his loyalty is no longer mine to hold.

A breathless laugh leaves his lips as he looks at me.

“She’s awake,” he whispers.

The moment of reuniting will be more important for him than for me, especially since he and Neytiri share a bond. Nonetheless, I am still happy to see her. I nod my head in acknowledgement to Caius, making my way through the estate. I take note that Caius silently follows behind me, both of us feeling a sort of joy at being able to finally see her again.

“I know that through the blood oath you and Neytiri are bound, but please consider the state she’ll be in. Are you so sure that seeing her so soon is a good idea?”

I pause in my footsteps turning to face Caius as my anger consumes me. It takes all my willpower to keep it at bay.

“I will tolerate you when it comes to speaking for her people, but you will not try and advise me as you once did. You no longer have that privilege,” I growl.

Caius’s gaze doesn’t falter as he studies me but finally realizes the situation stepping back to bow his head. I study him intensely as force my anger to subside. Even if he angers me he is Neytiri’s most trusted confidant. If I harm him, I lose any chance at a new path for us.

The sound of hurried footsteps pulls my attention and I turn to see Ulric running up the steps toward us. He has a look of panic on his face as he approaches.

“You must come quickly, it’s Neytiri. She’s awakened. And she is attacking the doctors.”