205 A Long Journey

"She has to be hiding in the copse of trees on that hill over there." Snowcloud's eyes held a look of grim determination. "It's the only place nearby that offers cover and a good vantage point. If you can distract her, I'll go around and attack from the back."

Her knuckles whitened as she reflexively tightened her grip on her sword. After more than half a year of training her strength and swordsmanship, she no longer treated the weapon with disdain. Now, she wielded it with as much confidence as she wielded her spells.

Arran looked out over the dense wilderness that lay before them, considering Snowcloud's assessment. The rolling landscape was thick with brush, but from what he could see, she was right — the tree-topped hill was the only place that gave both shelter and a good view of the area.

He gave Snowcloud a quick nod. "Let's do this."