Snow was falling when they finally found what amounted to a small plateau. Katelina dropped to the ground in a heap and scooped up a handful of snow. She let it melt on her tongue and swallowed the water. Her legs ached and her empty stomach rumbled. Her fingers and toes had long gone numb, and she could see through the palm of her mittens where the rough bark had worn through the knit. But, at least she was alive.

Sadihra laid Verchiel down and straightened her back. "We ...