Ashlynn walked slowly behind Hauke as they followed the icy footprints deeper into the ancestral cave. The air had grown chill enough that she could see her breath, but the chill went much deeper than simple cold. There was no wind in the cave yet the fine hairs on her neck stood on end as if icy fingers brushed up against her skin.
In Hauke's arms, Heila struggled to stay awake. The day had taken a great deal out of her and she hadn't eaten since breakfast. By now, they were supposed to be feasting on the fish they'd caught but instead, the icy cold pressed down on her body and her mind until she could barely keep her eyes open.
It didn't take long to reach their destination. The cave opened into a larger space though it was impossible to tell how large the cavern truly became. Ten paces beyond what now felt like the end of the tunnel and the beginning of the larger cavern, a giant sheet of ice blocked their way.
