Submission (#2892) Approved

Ink flowed like a river onto the paper, chartering a treacherous journey through the icy Maw of Death. Everything was setting into motion, all preparation that could be done had been. With the last eloquent line all there was to do was to begin. Bishop placed down his quill and called for his servant, “Korvin! It is time!”
Moments later a pile of adventuring gear with legs came waddling through the door. It was gently placed on a low table to reveal Korvin who began fitting it onto his master. A harness holding a satchel with basic necessities and his grimoire; a thick book with a jet-black, lustrous obsidian cover magically bound with shining blood forming complex runes, filled with crisp parchment paper inscribed with various dark incantations. A long, weighted spear made of stormy-grey bone-steel, edged with silver along the blade which was shaped in a converging double crescent moon. An oilskin shawl and small plates of armour, both enchanted with protection and warmth, were all donned. With the ink dry on the map Bishop set off toward Valkyrie’s ridge.
The journey so far had been trivial, only facing normal landscape and an easy rocky climb. But now the mountain began to steepen, the air began to thin and blow unrestricted. He had only passed a few beasts which were easily intimidated, if not through physicality, then through simple magic. The real danger had only just started. The cold bit through the magical wards Bishop had set as he climbed up to the path. Cautious of what could be ahead he drew his spear, activating its magic with a quick spell. Light shone dimly from its tip as a low metallic sound rumbled through the rocks. As he trekked forwards, he reached it: The Maw of Death.
The signature heavy knock of Bebe rapped on the door which Korvin hurried to open. Behind stood Gilded Guardian. Usually this would mean Korvin would be entertaining Galthazzar but he stopped them at the door. “Master Bishop is out currently, you will have to return later.”
“Where did he go?”
“That is not for me to say, ma’lord.”
Bebe clamped his hands around Korvin without harming him as to lift him to eye level.
“Korvin. Bishop always tells me if he goes somewhere. Where is he?”
With a reluctant sigh Korvin pointed towards the mountains nearby.
The Maw of death was a small pit along the mountain path surrounded by tall jagged stone spikes. It earned it’s name through what lay on a pile of rotting bodies at its centre; an aberration that had been called The Displacing Shredder. Aptly named for its mouth was filled with rows of razor blade teeth that would rotate around to tear apart any flesh it came in contact with. Its huge, hooked claws designed latch onto prey and piercing yellow eyes with diamond pupils could inspire fear into the strongest of wills. But by far the worst part was how it existed slightly outside of space-time. It was always in at least 3 places at once but only actually in one. It was an impossible adversary. Spear drawn, he leaped forward to bury the blade into one of it’s skulls. The blade went straight through and it started waking up. Bishop slashed at another as he pulled back and yanked his book out of its clasp. Begging a spell he parried off lunges by the beast. He couldn’t concentrate on the spell and the enemy at the same time though and finally it broke through. Pinning him to the ground it began ripping apart his chest. Struggling through the final words Bishop slammed the spell into its head, sending brains and gore flying across the pit. Blood pored from the gaping wound in his torso. Applying pressure, he climbed out of the pit to the mountain peak. There was a small patch of flowers. Flowers named the Magnanimous Prince; said to be the most beautiful ever seen and unable to die once fully grown. He picked a few and made them into a small bouquet with some Tyrian purple ribbon he had brought. His vision began to fade and he fell, lying on the cold snow. Bebe was in front of him.
“What the fuck are you doing?”
Holding out the bouquet Bishop responded, “These are for you, my love.”
Bebe picked him up.