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"How far is the neutral land?" She asked them both."It must not be far." Jack answered.They kept walking and came in front of a large stone, covered with wooden plates and tight thick ropes. Regan's eyebrows furrowed, "Maybe that's the way out.""I suppose so." Iris shrugged."I'll try to burn them." Regan walked forward, trying to stir up some fire."Burn?" Jack raised an eyebrow."Yes, she's trying to burn the woods out." Iris retorted.The fire glowed on Regan's hands and she threw it on the wooden barricade. It quickly started to burn out, the wood turning into ashes and the rope falling down. After what seemed like an eternity for Regan, the whole structure fell and it revealed an iron tall door. Regan didn't know what to do with it. It had no handle or anything. The only thing about it, was that its color was dark brown and two structures of serpents were carved symmetrically on its sides."Well, that's cool. It saved us a lot of time." Jack said, "I'll open the door," he added as he grabbed a tool from his bag. The tool looked like a sharp metal hook with a long handle.He inserted it into the gap between the door and the stone floor, then he slowly turned it until he heard a click. The door immediately swung open, letting the strong current of the freezing storm slam into their faces.They all winced and tried to cover their faces with their hands. The wind was so strong that it almost blew them away.But in front of them wasn't a plain horizon of snow. It was a cave, a glacier cave. It wasn't as narrowed as the first, it was wider. The light must have been coming from the ice itself, as it glowed in a soft blue. The icicles were everywhere, hanging from the ceiling and from the walls. The ground was icy as well, and Regan felt a shiver run down her spine.The air was bitterly cold and freezing. It was colder than anything Regan had ever felt.Iris, who was shivering the most, said, "Well, I guess they were right when they said that it's extremely cold here. You should have told us, Jack."Jack, however, seemed unfazed by the cold. "It's not that bad. We'll just need to keep moving. And this cave is beautiful." He fought off the wind, shoving it through his clothes as he stepped further. "Follow me, guys. And be careful, the ground is slippery. We don't want you both to fall."They followed, stepping inside the glacier cave. Even though it was wider, it was almost 7 feet wide. It went in a tunner, the ceiling was still high.Iris held Regan's hand as they both followed Jack, not wanting to slip somewhere."You asshole, you're wearing ice boots!" Iris shouted at Jack, her voice echoing through the cave. "Why didn't you tell us you had them?"Jack shrugged, his breath visible in front of him as he replied, "Well, it's not like you did have any. And it's not my fault you two didn't think to ask. Besides, the ice isn't very slippery. You'll be fine."Iris cursed under her breath as she held herself by the icy wall on her left, dragging Regan there as well. Regan was shivering from the wind inside, using her own fire to heat herself up, but it didn't seem to help much.The cave seemed endless as well, the icecles hanging dangerously, glinting in a light blue color. For how many years had they been there, Regan thought. Some dripped cold, freezing water. But they didn't seem to melt. Regan tried to avoid walking down them, not wanting to risk her life.The walked for what seemed like an eternity and then they saw a light farther them. The glacier had gotten narrower now and stalagmites were everywhere, sharp and pointy."I think... we're getting close." Jack said, "Soon we will be seeing the barrier."Regan felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew the gravity of the situation they were in, they were about to infiltrate in his realm and she couldn't help but think about the consequences."Hey, Cornelia....thank...thank you so much for this." Iris suddenly said, her voice shaky from the cold, "I'm very grateful. No one would be willing to do this. And yet, you are. When it's not even your burden.""You're welcome." Regan forced a smile. "It's nothing."They kept walking until they reached the end of the glacier. But what Regan saw next, was the weirdest thing she had seen until now. The end of the glacier opened into a horizon. It was different. Completely the opposite.The ground was separated into two distinct parts. To their left, the ground was icy, the walls emitting coldness and chills, the wind howling through the cave. To their right, the ground was orange, dark brown. Sand. Probably desert. The sky was blue and they could see much more. Because it was blurry."What's this?" Regan asked, not getting the sudden change in the scenery. Yes, she knew they had been talking about this all along but it was weird. The ground was obviously parted in color, but she couldn't see much past in front of her."I think that's it," Jack said, pointing to the parted ground. "The border. We're here."He stepped forward first, leaving them behind. But as soon as he tried to step past the cave, he bumped into the air and nearly fell."What the-?" he muttered. He was suspended in the air, unable to move forward.Regan sighed, "It's the barrier. It's invisible.""And how are we going to pass that now?" Iris asked, rushing to where Jack was. But she couldn't go past it. "This seems like glass. Or solid air.""It's a spell," Regan said as she placed her hand on the invisible barrier. "I don't think it's made of any material. It's magic.""And how do we break it now?" Iris asked. She knew there was a spell separating the North from the South, but she didn't really pay attention to it before. Now, it seemed like an insurmountable obstacle.Jack tried to see if there was any other entrance or exit from the cave. "Damnit. There's nothing here.""Why don't you try your magic?" Iris asked Regan."Okay," Regan said. She summoned fire on her hands, and threw a fireball at the invisible barrier. It collided with a flash of light, but nothing happened."We're going to attract a lot of attention if we keep trying to break through like this," Regan said, her breath forming mist in the air."But what should we do?" Iris asked, playing the ice under her feet."There must be a way," Regan retorted, "maybe a way to pass or to break the spell. Iris, you mentioned that his army had been sometimes caught in the North. How could they have passed this? There is a way for sure."Iris paused for a moment, deep in thought. "I'm not sure... Maybe it's something only they know. Do you know any sort of spelling to break this barrier?" She asked, her voice full of doubt.Regan's expression turned thoughtful. She didn't know any other spells. She knew some sort of telekinesis but it wasn't worth in that case. The fire didn't seem to break the barrier either."Maybe we could show our soldier attire and if someone sees us they'd think we are his army," she suggested, "I mean, we can try."They took off their winter cloaks, revealing their combat underneath. It was a risky move, but they had no other choice. Jack stepped forward, showing off his weapon as well. "We're soldiers of Sirius's army! Let us enter through!" he shouted, his voice echoing around the glacier.A moment passed, and then they heard footsteps approaching from the other side. A figure emerged from the greenery, his attire similar to that of the trio, with some minor changes, "Identify yourselves!" he shouted back."My name is Asur, that's Norma and that's Ingrid." Jack lied, pointing at Iris and Regan. "We were sent by the general himself to infiltrate the North and gather information on the enemy's movements. Our commander is expecting us to return with valuable intel."The soldier looked at them suspiciously, "And why should I believe this? Leave from here travellers. So I don't have to inform the lord and get you in more trouble than you're already in." He paused, "Unless... you have a token or something that could prove your identity?"Iris pulled out a token from her bag, one that neither Regan or Jack had any idea. The token was a circle with the S symbol glowing in the center, the emblem of Sirius's army. She handed it over to the guard and said, "This is the token that the general gave us before we left. Please, let us pass. We have important information to bring back."The guard hesitated for a moment. He looked at his arm, where he had installed a scanner, and then back at them.Surprisingly, he could pass through the barrier. He took Iris's token and scanned it. Although reluctant, he let them pass through the barrier by doing something in his device."Thanks man," Jack said, giving the guard a nod before turning back towards the wintery landscape. "Well, that was close," he muttered under his breath as they continued on their way. The environment was hot, the fiery breeze brushing against their clothes as they trudged through the endless expanse of greenery."It's very hot here." Iris complained, feeling the sweat forming on her face. It was going the same with Jack as well. Regan felt the same, but didn't say anything.The guard from behind reached them, "You should meet up at the military camp." He pointed at a distant location on the horizon. "It's not far from here. But you can go to your tents as well first." He said, then he turned back to guard the barrier.The three released a breath they didn't know they were holding."So, now, who's Norma and who's Ingrid?* Regan asked Jack. She had goten new names lately. It wasn't a problem for her after all. If she'd have identified with Cornelia, it'd have been risky, since he must've known that by now. To say her name was Regan, was like going to a battle without weapons."I don't know. But whichever you keep, you should not say your real names. Got it?""I'll get Norma," Iris quickly replied.As they walked, they could look better at the buildings in the distance. There were mainly ruins, their walls crackled and tainted by spray paint. They seemed old, probably from bombarding. Or maybe they had been that way before. Regan wasn't sure. Why did he had to destroy that all? What did he get from conquering these places?The air was burning at their clothes, it was terribly hot. The trees around the area were few, spread apart. They were mainly palms or just dried plants. So, it was deserted, overall. The guards and soldiers were the only, marching around, their steps heavy, their rifles on their hands. The sounds were mainly the static of radars and radios, but also the sounds of off road cars and trucks in a distance. She was surprised that there were vehicles.She couldn't help but wonder where Iris had gotten that token of Sirius's army. Maybe she knew much more and didn't want to admit. Or maybe Regan thought this way because she didn't think she had achieved anything to make her seem intelligent or wise."The guard talked about tents, where are those tents?" Regan asked."I don't know. But we're definitely not going there. We'll keep wandering hidden for a bit. Learn for their military bases and secret operations. We shouldn't attract attention." Jack replied, his eyes on the surroundings."But he said something about a military camp. And you said that the general in charge sent us to infiltrate the North. If this lie comes out, we're done for sure. They're gonna kill us." Iris said, her expression a hint of fear.Regan didn't say anything, fearing if if she looked weird or suspicious. She tried to not look at the other soldiers and act normal. But then, she also had something to say, of course."We don't have to state it clearly. I mean, we can meet the general and make up some other story. We can act sneakily as in your plan."The hot wind blew the dusty air around, making it impossible to breathe properly. Regan felt as if suffocating. The temperatures were hot as her own fire, so she felt even worse."It's been so long since we haven't been here," Iris said, her expression sad, "he has ruined everything.""Don't worry," Jack replied, patting her shoulder, "we'll get through it."Regan looked at the road, trying to figure out what she was going to do next. She hated feeling helpless, but they had gone this far at least. She had to think something useful. They had to be careful."Iris, what about that relative you mentioned?" she asked."I don't know where he is," Iris admitted, "the territory is large and he may be anywhere. We've lost contact for way too long. I don't think he'd help."Regan nodded, trying to figure out something else."So, where should we go now? Are we going to infiltrate or are we going to attack?" Iris asked."We shouldn't be impulsive. Maybe we find some rebels." Regan answered, uncertain.Soon, as they kept walking with no specific plan, they came upon a large square, the dusty air flying around. As they rounded a complex of ruins, behind the corners they saw a mass of soldiers staying in a row. The soldiers wore the same uniform as the group. Their expressions were blank."That's the military camp he talked about?" Regan asked."I don't know," Jack replied, "probably."As they peeked better, they saw another man in uniform, but his was more sophisticated, was standing in front of the row, his voice loud as if reprimanding the soldiers."Maybe he's the one in charge. If he sees us, he's going to question for sure." Regan spoke again, her expression warry."Right, let's go somewhere else." Jack said.But as they were going to turn around and leave, a loud voice called behind them, making them to stop."You three! Stop right there!" The voice shouted.The three stiffened and glanced at each other in uncertainty. They slowly turned around, noticing how it was the man in armour that shouted at them. He was tall with dark hair, his expression stern and menacing. On his attire, there was a gold badge that Regan could straight read."Who are you?" He asked sternly, his gaze suspicious."We're new to the army. We were sent to join." Regan said, noticing how Iris and Jack had nothing to say.The general's eyes narrowed, "Sent from who? From who do you have permission?"Regan bit her cheek, she had no idea how this kind of stuff worked. She was worried about the consequences of what she was about to say, "We were sent by lord himself. We're lower rank, new recruits." She said. She didn't know what she was saying but she tried to sound confident."And where are you from? From where did you pass?" He questioned again, his suspicious gaze on Regan.Before Regan could say something, Iris interrupted, "We are from Mistwood and we passed through the eastern tunnel, sir."The general's stern gaze turned on Iris, "Mistwood you say? I don't recall any new recruits being dispatched from there recently."Regan swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of her fabricated story pressing down on her, "It was his decision, sir. That's all we know."The general looked at her and then nodded, "Alright. Come to the row." He ordered. Although he seemed to buy it, Regan knew he wasn't convinced.Iris and Jack glanced at her nervously and they all began to walk after the general. They found the row and positioned at the end. The other soldiers glared at them suspiciously, their faces a scorn.Regan was the last on the line, and she felt awkward because her and Iris were the only women in there. The soldiers were practicing their skills, some passing through the obstacles courses, some training with their weapons.The general, whose stare lingered on the trio, approached another man in unifrom and said something to him. The man in uniform nodded and hastily walked to the three."Move." He ordered, motioning for them to go near a tent.They did as told, Regan's anxiety rising. She knew the general was doubting them.As they stood there, the general approached again, now his suspicious gaze on Regan. As he took her scar and distinctive hair, he sternly spoke, "What's your name?""Ingrid." Regan replied, trying to sound casual."And you two?" He asked Iris and Jack."Norma.""Asur."The general nodded, although his expression was betraying his suspicions about them."You," he turned to Regan, "I've seen you somewhere."Regan felt her blood run cold as she heard his words. Iris looked at her in uncertainty."Have you been working for lord Sirius? In Silvertide?"Another chill run down Regan's spine, although the temperatures were hot."Yes, sir. I was a maid," she lied, not meeting his gaze."And why are you here?" The general continued, his eyebrows furrowing, "did you get on his nerves?""No, sir....I was more interested in the military. The weapons, the training....I liked that more." Regan said, fearing if she was going to be caught.The general nodded, "And what about you two?""We were just normal civilians." Jack said.The general pursued his lips, Regan could see he was still unconvinced, "I don't know why the lord would send inexperienced amateurs here, but let's go with it. I'm going to inform him." He said, making Regan swallow nervously."You don't have to suspect us, sir," Iris said, "that's the proof we were sent here by the lord." She showed him the emblem of Sirius's army. The general narrowed his eyes at the emblem and nodded."Alright. Let's see what you're worth of. Move right there." He pointed at the row of the soldiers, "you're going to be tested your abilities. If you fail, I'll sent you away."Iris and Jack nodded, while Regan was still drowning on the fact that Sirius was going to find out very quickly.As they moved, the general stopped Regan, "And Ingrid?""Yes, sir." She turned, her eyes holding a hint of defiance."I'm going to inform lord Sirius for you. There's something off about you, for sure." He said, his expression wary and skeptical.Regan turned again, cursing under her breath. If she had to act upon her resolve, she had to do it fast. Otherwise, she'd jeopardize herself as well as Iris and Jack, being in the bases of her enemy, and being taken captive again.She quickly approached Iris, "He's going to inform Sirius about that. I hope he doesn't but I don't think so." She muttered.Iris frowned, being well aware, "I know....we have to be quick to act. We can't risk you."They stood in the line of other soldiers. The line was shortening and they looked at their surroundings. The training field was located at the far end of the camp, surrounded by tall hills on three sides and a rocky beach on the fourth.There were big and wide various obstacles, like barriers to jump over, ropes to climb, walls to scale, and muddy trenches to navigate through. The track was designed to test the soldiers agility, strength, and endurance.As Regan, Iris, and Jack approached the track, they could see other soldiers already engaged in the grueling challenges. Regan knew she hadn't ever been good at PE classes and she hoped that she wouldn't stumble or fall somewhere.The track looked dangerous enough and she wasn't skilled for any of that.They brought her some time because first, there were exercises. Harsh and extreme exercises. Regan knew she wasn't very flexible but still she did better than Jack, who couldn't keep on track. Iris did better than them all.Later on, they had to run on the track field filled with obstacles. Jack went first and just as he was about to jump over a barrier, he stumbled on it, making everyone laugh. Even Iris did.Regan didn't, because she knew she was going to stumble the same way. As Jack turned back, his face red from embarrassment, Iris went on after him. She was faster and more practical. She swiftly passed the barriers on the track and climbed up the walls, feeling everyone's eyes on her. She reached the finish line in a quick time and the general was clearly impressed by her.Then, it was Regan's turn.