Chapter 98

HĒDIN'S hands shook from the cold as he attempted to light the campfire for the third time. Uninhibited by the lack of daylight, the female Knight and her assistant had continued walking for a few hours past sunset. It was hunger, cold, and Astora's tired noises and Hēdin's constant nagging that finally convinced Faline to stop for the night. They had trailed off to the side of the road and began to set camp. Above them, grey snow clouds drifted across the deep purple sky dusted with innumerable stars.

A spark finally caught on the kindling and quickly grew into a proper fire. At the sound of crackling wood, Faline's head poked out of her cloak. The two of them basked in the small warmth as well. Faline was heating her chilled hands next to the flickering orange-red glow. She then quickly warmed and they ate the night’s travel rations before cocooning the thick winter blanket around her body. With her pack as a pillow and Hēdin settled not far from her, Faline fell asleep.