Blood on the Snow (1)

When the next day arrived, the former ferocity of the wind's relentless howl was replaced by a moderate breeze. Although snow showers still persisted to glide through the air, the blizzard had eased to a more manageable snowstorm.

The group of five knights approached the small cabin nestled in the northern part of the Odelle forest. Snorting, the horses waggled their heads, neighs erupting from them as the knights pulled tight on their reins.

Their light armors, worn over layers of thick clothing to battle the cold, were frosted with a layer of snow. The same went to the crown of their heads, forming a helmet on them with cold flakes. Their horses were not spared either; a white blanket draped their bodies as well.

With a swift leap from their stallions, the knights landed with a chorus thud of boots on the compacted snow. As they did so, their horses snorted once more, filling the air with their whines.