Challenge Submission Nathaniel and the Witch

[Demonreach]

'As they went out, in front a hound;
Their feet crunching snow.
As he went out, the only sound;
Soon, alone, Nathaniel plowed.

'His heart untouched by the fingers of cold;
His eyes scanned for the witches lair.
His soul touched by the flames of the bold;
His torch seared the night, afire.

'To house this creature, the forest was chosen;
Old and wise, its arms allowed no light to pass.
With deep roots, it remains unfrozen;
Vigilant, none should approach en masse.

'The smell of smoke on the wind;
Draws the hunter.
Hunger and exhaustion, ablend;
His steps make nary a blunder.

'Knock, knock, knock;
A fist beating on a closed door.
"Knock, knock, knock;
Come in, mind the floor."

'A voice of iron striking gravel came to him;
The door opening of its own accord.
Despite the fire within, the lair remained dim;
"Witch, I come to deal. Whatever it is, I can afford."

'Laughter, like a frozen lake cracking was his answer;
"Simple man, do not presume you are owed.
Your kind is a cancer."
Nathaniel felt his spirit unbowed.

'"Hag, aide not I, but my daughters three;
Let payment be no hurdle.
My soul is bared for thee."
The words spoken, left Nathaniel's stomach curdled.

'"A deal made, a bargain struck;
Pray you not regret.
A bargain struck, a deal made;
Regret, as you pray."

'Claws of ice gripped his left, his cry unheard;
Try as he might, he was held fast.
Sacrificed, first, second, and third;
Blood seals the pact, bound at last.

'The hag swallowed the knuckles;
Bloodied lips spreading to show bloodied teeth.
Her eyes rolled back, the frost-witch chuckles;
"So warm, a fathers love, like milk from a mothers teat."

'"What have you done?!"
Screaming, pain in his voice.
Looking, he saw the bloodied bones;
The first knuckle of the fingers taken by choice.

'Howling laughter, cold and sharp;
Bit his ears and flayed his flesh.
The faint tinkling of a broken harp;
A distant memory, so fresh.

'Tears touched his eyes;
Frozen as they rolled down his face.
Thinking back, of how time flies;
How not even he could slow his own pace.

'Many winters have come and gone;
Since then.
How he watched the darkness, take them one by one;
Nathaniel had spent many winters, looking for an end.'