To Hold Back The Dark - Chapter Fourteen
Not much later, all of the magic users gathered together to set the warding spells. While they were busy securing an area that stretched from the cave and corral and down to the stream, the others were busy reinforcing the temporary shelter that had earlier been constructed for the horses.
While all of this was going on outside, Aline sat by Allanah's side, watching her sister sleep and wondering just what she had gotten herself in for on this trip. She began to question if she would ever see the rest of her family again. Of course, there was comfort in the fact that she had Corin and Allanah with her. Allanah stirred restlessly, and Aline figured that she must be waking up. If that were the case, then she would want something to drink. Aline decided that hot spiced tea would be just the thing to help her sister shake the drug-induced cobwebs out of her head and she went over to the fire to get her a cup.
When Allanah opened her eyes, she immediately had to fight back the panic she felt. Had everything been a dream? Had she and Michael really left here after the wolf attack? Her head felt as if it were full of wool and with a moan she sat up. Much to her relief, she saw Aline walking toward her, carrying a steaming cup of something. It had not been a dream. She had survived the attack and she and Michael had escaped, only to return.
Aline sat back down by her sister. "I thought you could use this. It's spiced tea."
Allanah gratefully accepted the cup from Aline. "Thanks. Uh, this is regular tea, right? Nothing extra this time?"
"Nothing extra, I promise. How did you sleep?"
"I slept like a rock. I don't know what happened to me out there, Aline."
"Thank God Prince John was out there with you. If he hadn't have called you and brought you back...", Aline didn't want to even think about what may have been her sister's fate.
Neither did Allanah. "Well, Prince John was there, and now I'm here. The next time Mark Wolfson tells me I may be in danger, I will certainly believe him. It felt as if something was calling me." Allanah shook her head. "I didn't know that I was walking to it, whatever "it" is."
"The wolf most likely."
"Yes. That's what I think, too. Aline, promise me that you won't let me walk out of here tonight."
Aline looked at her sister. Allanah's eyes betrayed just how scared she really was. Aline nodded. "I will do everything in my power to keep you indoors and safe tonight. We all will."
Allanah nodded, then reached over and hugged her sister. "Thank you. I feel so much better hearing you say that and know that you really mean it. I do wish though, that you weren't involved with all of this. I'm scared for you, Aline."
"I'm scared for all of us, Allanah. But, it does give me comfort to have you and Corin with me."
"Me, too. Say, did they ever find out if the wolf scratched Michael?"
"Michael said that to the best of his knowledge, he was "not touched by tooth or claw." His exact words. Mark and the others want to keep him inside all night just in case he might not be as knowledgeable as he thinks. Mark was saying something about how just touching the wolf's blood may have an effect on a person."
"Michael definitely touched that wolf's blood. Mine, too. Where is everyone?"
"The magic users are outside setting wards and everyone else is out building a better shelter for the horses. It's still snowing and very cold. The Morvalians say that their horses are tough, but not made of stone."
"If they build it strong enough then we may end up with a fort out here in the middle of nowhere. I wonder if we're in Morvalia or Marille?"
"No one has said. I don't think anyone really cares right now. The main worry seems to be if we'll be able to get on our way come morning. Even if it stops snowing, the snow on the ground will be deep."
Allanah sighed. "I hope we can leave. This is a good enough shelter, but I don't want to spend any considerable length of time here. It is more than a little crowded in here."
Aline grinned. "It reminds me of the dormitory at school. It's a good thing it's not summer, isn't it?"
"We'd be suffocating in here. See, if we keep that in mind, then we can put up with a little cold and a lot of bodies."
They both grinned at each other. Their parents had often admonished them to always try to think of something good about things, especially the bad things. If you were tired of the rain, then think of how glad you were that the kingdom wasn't suffering from a drought. There was always something good in every thing and God sent things to a person for a reason.
The magic users hurried in and Aline and Allanah keenly felt the cold when the hides were opened long enough to admit them all. They stood around the entrance, stamping snow off their boots and cloaks before shedding their cloaks and re-taking their seats around the cave. Corin, Michael, and Prince John came over to Allanah and Aline.
John smiled as he sat down next to Allanah. "It's good to see you awake. Are you feeling better?"
"Much better, thank you. I also want you to know how grateful I am that you kept me from becoming some wolf's supper," she smiled warmly at him.
"It was nothing, but if you really want to show your appreciation, I'm sure I can think of something you can do."
Corin cleared his throat, getting their attention.
"The wards are up, but we don't think you should go out anywhere alone. If you feel an urge of nature, then take an escort."
"How many people make a proper escort?",Allanah innocently asked.
"As many as necessary," Corin replied, "And as for you, Michael, the same. You are not to go anywhere alone!"
Michael saluted smartly. "Yes, sir! I will do my best to make sure I am completely surrounded before I go out to piss!"
"Michael!" Aline couldn't believe he was making a joke out of the situation. "This is serious. You could be in danger."
Michael nudged Corin in the ribs. "I think that your little sister has forgotten about me."
"I wish I could forget about you. Aline, you will soon come to remember that Michael refuses to take anything seriously, especially his own safety. Still, we love him." Corin told her.
"We do?" Allanah asked, a puzzled expression on her face.
"We do," Corin said. "I need to apologize to you for everything I thought, did, and said. I was wrong."
"You were?" Now she felt even more puzzled. What could have possibly made Corin change his mind about things, about Michael, this quickly?
"She's certainly inquisitive, isn't she?" Michael asked Corin.
"She certainly is. But, we Elves are naturally curious folk."
"Speaking of being curious, how are they coming with the stable?" Aline asked.
"Stable? Oh, you mean the temporary shelter?" Corin asked.
Aline and Allanah nodded.
The others laughed because the so-called temporary shelter wasn't that far removed from being a stable. "It's coming along rather nicely. If I were a horse, I'd like to stay there," Corin declared.
"Why aren't you helping? You're a healer, you don't set wards," Allanah felt as smug as she looked.
"They wanted to tap into my magical energy. They used all the healers that way. Well, almost all of them. Aline was in here with you, avoiding all the hard work."
"Those must be strong wards if they used the healers," Allanah noted.
Corin nodded. "They wanted the best. While we are all extremely curious about these wolves, we aren't quite up to meeting them face to face yet."
"Yeah. That's woman's work," Aline dryly noted.
Corin grimaced. "Ouch! Girl, you've been around Allanah too much."
Aline merely smiled, but Allanah grinned as she said "Thank you, Corin. I'm glad to see that you've finally decided to acknowledge who does all of the difficult things!"
"I did no such thing. I have witnesses. Your Highness, did I say that?" Corin demanded to know.
John looked serious as he remembered the conversation. "Well, you did insult them by insinuating that they were in here in order to avoid hard work."
"Your Highness, you are a traitor to your gender," Corin declared. "Taking the side of the women against me." Corin did his best to look put upon.
John laughed. "The women look a lot better than you do, Corin!"
"Don't they though?" Michael asked.
"I think we're being insulted again," Allanah told her sister, "First we're in here avoiding the hard work, now we're just merely pretty adornments."
"Oh no, Allanah, you aren't merely anything. You are undoubtedly the most beautiful sword welder I've ever had the pleasure to know. Your magical talents only enhance your intelligence. But, I would be lying if I didn't admit that you were very easy on the eyes. And your sister takes after you in that aspect," John earnestly told her.
"What about my sister?" Michael asked, looking offended, "Rhea is pretty too, you know."
"Rhea is very pretty, Michael. My father is very lucky to have in his employ a lot of beautiful women. Oh, hello, Ardis," John smiled as he stood to greet the mage.
"Don't "hello, Ardis" me. You saw me coming. Beautiful women, indeed. No one, not even my own parents, ever called me beautiful. Pleasant to look at, but never beautiful."
"Well, they should have!" Michael stated.
"My, my, whatever have you gentlemen been doing that makes you want to get on the good side of all of the ladies so badly?"
"Every side of a lady is a good side," John proclaimed.
"You have definitely been exposed to all the wrong elements at court," Ardis chastised him.
"They may be the wrong elements, Ardis, but they certainly are fun," he winked at her.
Ardis grinned. "Well, that is true." She suddenly tilted her head to one side, listening.
"I have a message for you from Prince William."
"Excuse us, please." John led Ardis over to the far corner, which was about as private as they could get.
"He wants to assure you that even though they have searched for your father all day without success, they will continue searching tomorrow. Also, nothing else out of the ordinary happened today."
John nodded. "Tell him that he can keep searching if he wishes, but that it may be futile. Also, let him know that we may be snowed in here, but not to worry, I'm safe and sound."
Ardis nodded and was about to send the message, when he thought of something else.
"Oh, and one more thing. Tell him and mother and Mara, that we will do everything we can to find father and King Richard."
"Yes, Your Highness." Ardis sent the message and gave him the response, which was for him to take care. There was another message that Evan Gambine sent to her from Prince William and that was for her and David Windwillow. They were instructed to do everything in their power to keep the Prince from coming to any harm. She acknowledged both messages, and then went to rest. John returned to his friends.
Night was falling, and everyone, except for those on guard duty, were inside eating and getting warm. The cave was a tight, but comfortable fit, and everyone got along well together. The horses were in a dry shelter along with some of the guards, so they were content for the time being. It didn't take long for the warmth and their full bellies to put everyone to sleep.
John awoke with a start as a hand gently shook his shoulder. It was Mark Wolfson.
"It's your turn for guard duty, Your Highness," he whispered.
"What time is it?" John whispered back as he sat up.
"About midnight. You will be relieved at three."
"Is it still snowing?"
Mark nodded. "We won't be leaving here in the morning."
"Any wolves?"
Mark shook his head. "There's been neither sign nor sound of any of those demons. But, they are out there. I know it. Allanah is sleeping fitfully, and so is Michael. He may deny getting scratched by that wolf, but I believe he was."
John pulled on his cloak; grateful for the warmth it would give him. "Who's on watch with me?"
"Douglas McNair, Maria, Corin, and Cirus Torchuk. He volunteered. I'll put him in with the horses. That will keep him out of the wind and spare him from the worst of the weather. I'll wake the others, and then those on watch can come inside once their relief reaches them."
"Sleep well," John whispered as Mark started to turn away.
"I'll sleep, but it won't be well. Have a peaceful watch."
As Mark moved on to awaken the next person, John headed outside. The snow was still falling, but not heavily. Still, it had snowed quite a bit since he had last been outside. John could see that Mark was right about the party not going anywhere in the morning. The snow was way too deep for that and it didn't show any sign of stopping. He headed down to where Rufus McNair was stationed. John felt that since Rufus was stationed out on the other side of the corral, then he should get to be the next one to come inside. As he approached the man, he saw him stiffen as he heard John approach, then relax as he saw who it was.
With a big smile on his face, Rufus greeted him softly, "Welcome to the frozen north, Your Highness."
"Thank you. Has it been quiet?"
"If it wasn't for the fact that I know we're out here because of an evil menace, and that I know huge, carnivorous wolves roam these mountains, I'd be enjoying this immensely. The forest is being buried under a quiet blanket of snow, and it is a beautiful sight. I really wish I could enjoy it more."
"So do I. But, I'm sure you'll enjoy the inside of that cave. It's toasty and warm in there, and I believe that there's some hot food and tea awaiting you."
Rufus grinned, "Ah, that's the best thing I've heard in hours. Come to think of it, that's about the only thing I've heard in hours. Have a good watch, Your Highness."
"And may you have a good rest, Rufus."
He gave John a rough slap on the back and headed off. John watched as the man walked up the slope to the cave. He noticed others coming out to stand their watch, but since they were bundled up, he couldn't quite make out who they were. He thought that he recognized some of them, but he wasn't sure, and he was glad that Mark had told him who was out here with him. He knew that everyone who had been sent on this mission had excellent training in either the magical or martial arts. Some had been trained in both. If it came down to a fight of any kind, John knew he could trust his companions. He settled back against the tree and gazed out into the swirling flakes, making note of the landmarks around him, or at least those he could still see. He prayed that these next three hours would be as uneventful as the three-hour watch that just ended.
Inside the cave, Rufus and the others from the first watch settled down around the fire. They sat in silence, letting the heat from the fire and the warmth that was now radiating off the stone walls thaw them. The hot food and drink warmed them from the inside as well. Rhea couldn't help but look over to where her friends were sleeping in the far corner. It had been decided to place Allanah and Michael as far away from the opening of the cave as possible, just in case the wolves or wolf, did try to call them out. Both Michael and Allanah were sleeping fitfully.
"They'll be all right, Rhea," Rufus softly said.
Rhea was amazed that the man knew how to keep his voice down, and the softness of his voice took her as much by surprise as did the fact that he seemed to know what she was worried about.
"I hope this night passes quietly for all of our sakes, not just theirs."
"So do we all." Rufus assured her. Then he turned to Mark.
"What do you make of this storm? Is it natural for these parts?"
"Because of the wolves, we never travel this far into the mountains, so I'm not really sure. My gut instinct tells me that it is not."
"As does mine," the one they called Old Worrell said. The man appeared to be in his sixties, and in good health. Still, he was a magic user, and they always seemed to hide their ages well. It was anyone's guess just how old he really was.
"I think that this storm is born of magic. Not caused by magic, mind you, but born of it. Rufus, as a teacher, you know what I mean."
Rufus had been nodding his agreement the entire time Old Worrell was speaking.
"Cause and effect," his eyes twinkled as he recalled the hundreds of lectures he had delivered on the subject. "Every magic act is a cause and it results in an effect. The larger the spell, the greater the effect. If you do a spell to make it rain in one city, you run the risk of having another city endure a drought. When a healer uses power to heal a wound, the healer's own body must pay the price with physical exhaustion."
"Don't magic users pay that price also?" Rhea asked. She knew that many times she had seen Michael and Allanah resting after doing difficult spells.
"If a magic user is conscientious enough, then yes, he or she will be physically and emotionally drained. The problem is, there are a lot of magic users out there who really don't care about the consequences. The person or persons behind this evil obviously doesn't give a hill of beans about anyone or anything. These spells can cause weather disruptions for years."
"The magic is that strong?", Oskar asked.
"It is," Old Worrell answered, "And it may be getting stronger."
"How do you mean?" Corin asked.
"Our foe may be using the missing people as channels, thereby greatly increasing strength." Old Worrell stood, "I'm off to bed now. There's no sense in talking away the night. We'll all be here in the morning to discuss this."
"I hope so," Corin muttered under his breath as he, too, stood. He helped Rhea to her feet and they walked over to the Trayille corner and snuggled down. Despite their fears and worries, they fell to sleep fairly quickly.
In the Marille corner, Mark made sure that Old Worrell was comfortable, then he put his cloak back on.
"Where are you headed?" Old Worrell asked.
"Nature calls."
"I have the same need," Oskar said.
"Be safe."
"We will, father. Get some rest now," Mark answered.
As the pair headed for the door, they heard a soft voice call out.
"Please wait."
Aline was sitting up and pulling on her boots, "I need to go out."
"Take your time. We're in no hurry."
Aline pulled on her cloak as she walked over to them.
"Thank you for waiting for me."
"It was no trouble at all, my lady. We wouldn't want you going out there alone. Perhaps once morning gets here, we should see about rigging up some sort of privy area inside the cave. It would be far less dangerous." Mark suggested.
They stepped outside, and the cold slapped Aline awake. "It would be far more comfortable, that's for sure."
"I thought Elves were a hearty lot, my lady," Oskar joked.
"Oh, we're hardy enough. But we prefer being hardy in warmer weather, I assure you," she joked back.
"Who's on watch now?" she asked.
"The Prince, and David, from your group are out on the right perimeter. Ciris Torchuk and Josah are with the horses, and Douglas and Andrew are on the left perimeter."
"I'm not as experienced as my brother and sister, but I can shoot a longbow with amazing accuracy, even through the snow. If you need me, I can stand watch."
"Thank you for your offer, I will keep it under consideration," Mark smiled at her.
Aline, with her keen Elven sight, saw his smile even though it was dark and snowing. She liked seeing him smile. When she had first met him, back at his Inn, she thought he was an idiot, but the more she saw of him and heard him speaking, the more she realized that her assessment of him had been wrong. She liked Mark Wolfson, and she definitely liked seeing him smile.
"We'll let you go first. Oskar?" Mark nodded to his companion. Oskar went around the large boulder to make sure that nothing dangerous was lurking there, then he returned.
"The coast is clear, my lady," Oskar reported.
"Thank you." Aline disappeared behind the boulder.
"You like her.", Oskar said to Mark.
"She's a sweet child," Mark replied.
"She's no child, cousin," Oskar replied., "She likes you, too."
"She's polite. All Elves are polite."
"She likes you."
Before Mark could reply, Aline returned.
"Next," she cheerfully said.
"We'll be right back," Mark assured her. He and Oskar went behind the boulder. As she waited, Aline looked about her. The boulder that had been selected as the first "privy" site was well within the magical barriers that had been set up, but Aline still felt as if something or someone was watching her. She wished she was a magic user and could cast a spell to enhance her night vision. Elven sight was good, but not good enough for her to see that far through the thickly falling snow. By gazing intently in one place, she did manage to make out a pacing figure. Since the boulder was off to the right of the cave, she figured that the person was David or Prince John. The figure suddenly stopped, and as she let her gaze go past the figure, she saw why. There were two wolves beyond him. Two large wolves.
It didn't take her long to call out, "Mark! Oskar!"
The two men, who were already on their way around the boulder, hurried to her.
"What's wrong?" Mark asked.
"Wolves. Two of them," she pointed toward the figures.
Mark and Oskar tried to see to where she pointed, but they couldn't see through the snow.
"Can't you see the guard down there?" she asked. "They're just beyond him."
"I think I see a dark shape," Oskar said.
"So do I," Mark said. "Aline, go back to the cave. Wait for us at the entrance. If the wolves break the barrier, you'll hear it. Wake the others if that happens."
"Right." Aline hurried back along the path they had taken, praying that the barriers held. Once at the entrance, she could no longer see the wolves, but she knew they were still there. She thought she heard a lot of movement inside the cave, and she pulled back the hides slightly to look in. She could see Allanah and Michael standing over in their part of the cave, surrounded by the rest of the Trayille group and a few others. She let the hides drop back down. If she had been in doubt before that there really were wolves out there, she had no doubt now.
John stood completely still as he looked out into the swirling snow. He could feel that something was out there, but he couldn't see very far, and that frustrated him. He silently repeated a spell that would enhance his vision, and in the instant it took effect, he could see the two wolves very clearly. The animals were huge, and one had flecks of blood around it's snout. Their lips were curled back as if they were snarling at him, but there was no sound. John could see that their teeth were large and pointed. Under his cloak, John drew his sword and he held it ready as he whispered another spell. This spell would blind his opponent and he chose to cast it at the one on the left if the wolves did break through the barrier.
"Have they tried to cross the barrier?" Mark asked as he and Oskar flanked him.
"I don't think so. I was only able to see them a minute ago. I felt their presence a few minutes before that, so I don't think they've been here long."
Both wolves started forward at the same time, taking slow measured steps as they approached the trio. When they reached the invisible barrier, the men could tell that the wolves were pushing themselves to break through. Finally the animals drew back, and this time they growled loudly. Then they tried again to breach the magic wall. Again and again they tried, until finally they turned and ran into the forest. John could no longer see them, but after a moment, all three men heard two blood-chilling howls.
"I don't think they'll be back tonight," Mark said, "But they have tested us, and they will be back later. Most likely, with others."
"Then we'll just have to ready for them, won't we?" John said.
"Yes. Oskar, come on. We need to get our rest, or we won't be of much use later."
Mark and Oskar walked back to the cave, but John remained where he was. He kept looking at where the wolves had gone, and when he was satisfied that they hadn't returned, he resumed his walking. His sword and spell remained at the ready, just in case he needed them. His watch was going to be a long and tense one, although he doubted that the wolves would make another appearance this night.
When Mark and Oskar returned to the cave's entrance, they found Aline waiting for them.
"You were right, there were two wolves. They tested our defenses and left." Mark reported.
She nodded, "Will they return?"
"I doubt if they'll be back tonight, but I feel they will be back. I expect that there will be more than two next time. How are things in there?"
"Allanah and Michael woke up. The others kept them from leaving the cave."
"We might as well get our rest."
The trio went back into the warm shelter. Andrea McPhibb, from the Marille group, was over with Michael and Allanah. She had already given Allanah an herb-laced cup of tea and was now handing one to Michael. Allanah was nearly asleep, safe and secure now in her twin's arms.
Michael looked up at Mark, his eyes full of fear, "Did they attack anyone?"
"They tried to get through our defenses and they failed. I'm not sure if they were trying to attach us or were trying to lure the two of you outside."
"Thank God for large groups," Corin softly said. He was afraid of losing his sister and his best friend to those monsters.
"Our size and abilities seem to be our best defense. I think that when we can travel, we should stay together."
"Togetherness didn't help those Caravans, Wolfson," Rufus pointed out.
"That's true, but the Caravans didn't have the number of magic users that we do. Also, the caliber of our magic users is high. Each Kingdom sent the best they had." Mark observed.
"That's true. Even though I've fought many a battle, and met my enemies face to face, I don't relish the idea of meeting these creatures alone. I agree that we should stick together." Rufus admitted.
There were nodding heads all the way around the cave.
"Then it's settled. When we are able to travel again, we travel as one," Ardis said, hoping that those outside on watch would be as agreeable to the idea as those inside. "Now, I suggest that we all get to sleep. This crisis is over, but God only knows when the next one will be."
Ardis returned to her pile of bedding and everyone else did likewise. Corin and Rhea made sure that their siblings were sleeping soundly before they, too, turned in for the rest of the night. Despite this recent encounter with the wolves, everyone fell to sleep quickly.
When dawn arrived, John went outside. The snow had stopped and the sun was out. He paused just outside the cave's entrance and looked about with wonder. It was as if a forest of diamonds surrounded them. The sun hit the ice-laden branches and the brightness of it all hurt his eyes. He wondered how it was possible for there to be such beauty in the world when he didn't know if his father was alive or dead. As he walked to the privy area, he noticed how deep the snow was. The path he took was clear, and there were clear paths leading to the corral and the stream, but he estimated that about three feet of snow lay on the ground. There was no way that the horses would be able to take them through that. With luck, the day and night would stay clear and warm enough to melt at least some of the snow. If that happened, then they could be on their way in the morning. He prayed that the delay would not endanger his father or the other kings who he hoped were with him. John knew he had to remain confident and steadfast in the belief that his father and the others were alive. To believe otherwise would only lead to despair, and something in the back of his mind told him that once despair set in, they would all be lost.
John left the privy area and went over to the corral. The people who had taken the last watch had gone inside to get warm and sleep and for the time being, the horses were alone. It didn't take him long to find the horse he had bought from Mark Wolfson. He was a fine specimen. His coat was so black it seemed as if it had deep blue highlights. The stallion had intelligent eyes and stood 14 hands high. John ran his hands over the horses' legs and then scratched him between the eyes.
"Ah, so you like that, do you? I suppose everyone likes it when someone can scratch a place we can't reach. I never did find out if you have a name."
The horse whinnied and shook his head.
John laughed, "You don't? Well, I know it may sound simple, but I like the name Midnight. Do you?"
Once more the horse whinnied, but this time he nodded.
"Midnight it is then. You can call me John. I promise to do all that I can to keep you alive, Midnight. You are a fine horse and I would like to take you back to Tralik with me."
The horse nodded again, and John smiled, "You'd like that, too? Good. I think we'll get along together fine, Midnight. I have to get back to the cave now, but I'll make sure you and your friends are fed."
John stepped outside of the shelter and looked about. He was still the only person outside, but he could smell something cooking. Breakfast. His stomach rumbled as the connection was made. "Breakfast can wait, we have something else to do first," he said to himself. He walked out to where he had stood watch the night before and looked out into the forest. He used magic to expand his senses and knew that the magical barriers they had erected were still strong. Animals in the forest were on the move, going on about their daily business. There was no sign of wolves and no real reason why he should suddenly feel they should leave as soon as possible. But the feeling was there, and it was strong. There was danger here, a deadly danger. John returned to the cave and found that everyone was awake.
"Coffee?" Mark offered him a cup.
John took the cup and sat down, "I think we should plan to leave now."
"When I last looked, the snow was pretty deep," Rufus commented.
"It is deep. I'd say about three feet at least," John replied.
"The horses can't make it through that," Mark said.
"They have to. We need to leave as soon as we can get packed. We can walk in front of the horses and break a path if we have to, but we have to leave."
"Why?" David asked.
"Because we have to," Princess Margaret told him. "I have a feeling that we must leave this place or face death."
"We'll leave after breakfast. We can pack while it's cooking.", John said.
Those who were gathered around the fire went to their bedrolls and began to pack their belongings. John had known they would go without argument.. He was technically in charge, even if he didn't have the experience. If he was wrong, then he would be making the horses and his friends suffer needlessly. But, he wasn't wrong. The feeling that something bad was going to happen seemed more intense every minute. At least he could take some comfort in the fact he wasn't the only one who felt it. He went to his bedroll and began to pack.
Less than an hour later, the group was on the move. Instead of travelling in three groups, they went in one large group. It was easier for the horses to get through the snow without riders, so everyone walked, leading his or her mount, and the going was slow and cold. Talking was kept to a minimum as each person tried to conserve his or her strength for walking. Some of the magic users had created a mobile area of protection and keeping that up while walking through three feet of cold snow was taking a toll on Rufus and the others.
Chapter Fifteen