Chapter 66: Chains of ice
The loud crunching of booted feet on snow echoed down the slope of the hill. It was the only sound, as Basil had ordered them to remain quiet. Nobody seemed to dare ignore his order. There were some whispers now and again, but most of those were sightings that were being relayed across the line.
Irwin raised his head, trying to ignore the constant cold air. Becoming a full-hand had taken the edge off, and he didn't think he'd die if he kept moving, but it was far from fun. He was close to just triggering Coperion Body again, then shoved it away.
No. If we get jumped, I'll need it, he derided himself.
Trying to distract himself, he looked out across the four-man wide line of guards and soldiers that trodded ahead of him. A snow-covered forest sprawled across the valley below, the hardened path they were walking across leading directly to its edge. Not that he could really see the path, only the line of footsteps left by the scouts that had gone ahead.
Darkness hung below the trees, the thick snow covering the trees, not letting even a bit of the faint sunlight through.
On the other side of the valley was another hill, jagged and with a rocky pass like a black patch in the white lands. It was the final path that led to Grinning Man's hilltop and their current goal. Hutch had joined them just before they were moving out, explaining that they would wait in the pass for the scouts.
At least we will be out of the wind, Irwin thought as he gritted his teeth.
"You alright?"
Irwin looked to his side, seeing Daubutim stare at him.
"I'll be fine, just highly uncomfortable," Irwin said with a crooked grin.
His friend nodded and focused back ahead. Hutch, who was walking to Daubutim's left, looked at them before nodding and focusing back on scanning the hills.
A shiver from his pocket almost made Irwin let out a startled shout. Then he realized it was Ambraz, and he looked around in confusion. What was going on?