>>6300384You decide to assess the condition of the runners at noon. If there is someone who can't deal with this cold, then they'll need to be removed from the quest. Upon arrival at the city of Villenfort, you'll dismiss them.
The grey skies above seem to suggest snow is in the offing. Snow will be blinding if it falls heavily. It will be an additional test for the runners to keep track of you during the day.
The idea of being blind is very unappealing. It is perhaps best to ask Tarn to bless you with his horns.
"Ah Tarn, guide me and let me see."
You call out to the god, and he answers with a touch of the divine.
Antlers grow from your forehead as a translucent bloody growth. It is strange you feel no pain when it's such a bloody blessing. Years ago, the first attempt to invoke this power was during your first winter, and it left you in a panic. Now the warm rivulets of divine ichor dripping down the face are a wonder that leaves you in awe. The tines of the horn twist upwards and forward, shaping into a scarlet crown worth of Tarn. Eyes closed, you savor the feeling
"What is the range and strength of the guiding horns?"
An unexpected voice causes you to jump.
"BWUH!" You try not to scream at the sudden appearance of the bodyguard, Minos, who stares at the bloody red antlers with intense interest. This is the first time the man has ever spoken to you, and he waits patiently for an answer. Armed with his shimmering staff of holy wood and a brace of bone throwing daggers, he is every inch a warrior.
"It typically lets me detect hidden dangers or obstacles underneath the snow pack. About a field length."
"So it can detect enemies?"
"Uh, yes but..."
"Then you should invoke the blessing during the night to guard our mistress."
"That's not how this blessing granted by Tarn works. I'd have to be awake all night to do that."
Minos looks disappointed and walks away. You close your eyes with annoyance and when you open them, the man has disappeared from view. Confused, you scan the crowd of people milling about and try to find him. Surprisingly, he is right beside Lady Aurelia's side already. There must be something at work. The warrior moved too quickly in a blink of an eye.
"Up to your yokes!"
The familiar scramble of runners to obey orders. Then the passengers alight on their respective sledges.
Then it's onwards to search for Spring.
