Chapter 96: The Precarious Snow

She wrapped the heavy cloak the soldier provided her more tightly around herself and carefully picked her steps through the snow, getting closer to where the mini avalanche had blocked off their path through the mountain even more than they'd already been.

She didn't have long to stare in concern at the mess that was going to cost them time and slow their return. Her arm was grabbed roughly and she was jerked back, stumbling to stay upright.

Before she could complain, the snow she'd been standing on collapsed down inward, revealing a fissure in the ground she'd not seen, something that she could have fallen into.

Probably not fully, but enough to break an ankle, maybe even her leg.

"Be careful, little fool."

It took a moment to register what happened and realize that she was standing close to Donncahd's chest and his fingers held her forearm tightly, while the other arm rested gently on the back of her shoulder as though to hold her in place.