Witches of the North

Things look bleak for Christopher Hawks, a 23 year old trans man, this year: last September he shattered the legendary sword of the kingdom of Northland and is now being tracked down by the elite Hunters - events being a result of a few unfortunate choices made in order to help a Witch named Winter (who, in turn, also receives help from a Witch named Ian).
Now, Chris, following Winter's lead and dragging along a few others with him, is on his way to (reluctantly) reach the current Queen and challenge her to a duel. But it seems that Winter is more than impatient - could there be a deadline to their mission? And why does everything seem a little too easy?