The next day it warmed up a little and began snowing. Large white flakes fell thick and fast, and the land ahead became obscured. Their progress was becoming slower by the hour as they wound their way between the hills. The huge oaks were soon laden with a white mantle. Occasional small avalanches of snow fell from the trees onto the travellers. This was merely amusing at first, but soon they became sodden and cold.
That night they felled a great pile of poplars and made several huge bonfires to warm themselves and dry their clothes. As Ralph lay with Malina against his side, he watched the shadow of the steam rising from the tent as it was illuminated by the firelight outside.
Pran had just taken his watch, and Theuli, after checking on Rani and Zuic, and returning to her own bed, found Deborah awake.
‘Are you hungry?’ Theuli whispered.
Deborah simply nodded, trying to keep her eyes open. Theuli left the tent for a moment, and soon returned with a steaming bowl. Deborah struggled to rise, but Theuli held her back, shifting the girl onto her side.
‘Don’t try to get up just yet. Here, I’ll feed you,’ she laughed quietly. ‘There’s no need to be embarrassed.’