Ava, Marcus, Erik, Alexia, and Garrett had been struggling against the bitterly cold weather and treacherous terrain for three weeks when they finally caught sight of the silhouette of Liberty Watch Village on the horizon.
The sight was a welcome distraction. However, it was obvious even from a distance that their once-bustling village had been transformed into a solemn battlefield due to the war with Frant, and there was now an unsettling silence.
The farmlands had been abandoned, the chilling winter winds had replaced children's laughter, and the cold replaced the warmth coming out of the chimneys.
As they got closer, the winter sun, which was just about to set, cast an ethereal glow on the snow-covered roofs and the frosted paths.