The Frost Heart Conflict is a chronic human condition. Lady Katrin Killian knows this all too well. The protector of the mountainous region known as Killian's Bane located along the northeastern boundary of the Carthagian Badlands, Lady Killian is the region's sole Warden. A high-born Sovereign lady blind from birth but gifted with telekinesis and clairvoyance, she openly defies the Emperor and his expansionist agenda, choosing to defend her birthright and its people from constant Sovereign incursions. Lady Killian's passionate denial of all expectations placed upon her by the Emperor has led the Sovereign to label her "The Bitch of the North" -- a moniker she wears with pride. To her people she is Winter's Mistress, often compared to the Frost Heart -- a rare and beautiful flower that only appears during the harshest winters, pushing its blooms through the snowpack to claim its place amidst the bright sunshine. Over the years of protecting Killian's Bane from occupation by the Emperor's forces, Lady Killian has come to be hated by the Sovereign and loved by her people. Aided by her devoted monks and assisted by an ancient sentient artifact named Index, she watches over the region from her mountaintop fortress, venturing forth when need arises -- bringing food and supplies to snow-bound villages, healing the sick and wounded, and repelling Sovereign forces attempting to gain a foothold in The Bane. For Lady Killian and the people of The Bane, peace is only temporary. When a new Sovereign offensive strikes deep into her territory, Lady Killian is forced to defend her lands. Led by the wily Colonel Reginald Smythe, the well-equipped Sovereign forces pose a significant threat. So, she must act once again to save her people. But, this time, all does not go according to plan and a skirmish with the Sovereign ends with a surprising outcome. Finding old friends in the most unexpected places, opening Killian's Gate, and foiling the Emperor's plans -- it's all in a day's work for the hearty mountain flower, the Frost Heart, Lady Katrin KIllian. #steampunk #theairshipandalusia #polonius #ladypenelope #ladykatrin #wintersmistress #gatekeeper #thefrostheart Story and art by Aaron Hanson © 2021