THE BUOYANT MOOD DRAINED away once we were on the road again.
Once the snowstorm cleared, we made good progress, but the further we journeyed, the closer we were to enemy territory.
Around mid-morning, we made it through the mountains. They loomed up behind us, stretching into the pale sky. For the first time, I sensed how truly vulnerable we were, just two people, heading into the vast unknown.
The procession would catch up with us once they found a way through the snow. But they were probably half a day behind us.
Marienne’s hand found mine in the space between us, and our fingers tangled together.
Just yesterday, I had been terrified for her safety. I couldn’t help but be glad she was here now. Whatever we found at Winter Castle, we would face it together.
Small farmsteads appeare
