Franz's men left before the first snow hit because of how terrible the winters in this mountains were. Thankfully, we finished all of the major construction before then. Even the houses for the returning Kanta who came later in the summer.
They had to supply us with rations for winter because our own hadn't grown yet. By this time next year we should be self-sufficient.
Once everything was built we were able to breathe a little and focus on trying to build up our economy and shops in town that would keep us running. That was difficult to do once the snow hit.
Winter here was ten times colder than winter in the capital of Annalaias had been. I wore layers and layers of clothes and still felt cold even huddled in front of the fire. An Arizona girl was not equipped for this kind of snow without an electric heater.
I have a confession to make: I ALWAYS write things chronologically but my sister inspired me to do a side story/epilogue a few weeks ago so I actually wrote that first because I knew how I generally wanted the story to end. The main story line ends here but Al and Katie's story isn't over just yet!