The provisions are ready, and everyone gathers at the edge of the village. It is still early morning. Above, gray clouds catch on the peaks of the mountains, spooling into long tails across the sky. You are wearing your warmest clothes, a small knife tucked into your belt. The life-saving herbs for red sickness are carefully stowed in waterproof pouches in your knapsack, along with your apothecary bag. Your load feels heavy and bulky, but that is nothing compared to the weapons, ropes, and gear strapped onto the other mice. Halpra and Tully carry swords, daggers, and hatchets. Additionally, Roth has a crossbow. Halpra examines you as you approach. You feel very small under her gaze.
“Do you have any experience in the mountains?” she asks bluntly.
You shake your head no.
“Can you wield a sword?”
No.
“Can you navigate by the stars?”
No.
“Build a storm shelter?”
No.
She stares for a moment. Then, she speaks. “Listen to me. Very carefully. I will get you and those supplies over that mountain. But only if you listen to me and do what I say. Exactly when I say it. Don’t ask why. Just do. Understand?” You quickly nod. “Then say your goodbyes. We leave now.”
Tully, who is well known for her shyness, gives you a small, understanding smile, then follows her big sister. There's a chuckle, and you turn to see Roth. "Halpra is tough, but she means well," he laughs. "My job us to protect you. Do you know what your job is?"
You shake your head.
"To put one foot in front of the other. Keep doing that, and we will get there."
The villagers shout words of encouragement as your party departs. You pause in front of Master Hollis, looking into the kind face you have known ever since you were a young mouseling apprentice. He places a paw on your shoulder.
“Tolo, do you recall the properties of rosemary?" he asks in the calm voice that has soothed countless patients over the years.
“Inflammation, aches of the head, cleansing...” you begin reciting automatically. Master Hollis smiles and holds up a spring of rosemary. Its green leaves are vibrant against the winter snow.
“It's also used for good fortune. Here. For luck." He tucks the rosemary into a small pocket on the front of your tunic. "And Tolo?" he adds, looking into your face, "It is important for you to remember that you can do this. Be safe.”
You and the other mice begin to walk. Once past the outer circle of the village, the snow grows deeper and more difficult. It crunches under your boots like dried herbs in a mortar. The party halts at a place where the forest trees diverge from the sharp rocks of the foothills.
"There are two paths we can take to reach Mossden,” Halpra announces. “There is Long Pass, which is our usual trade route. It is less difficult…” her eyes flick quickly to you “…but the wooded path hides weasels, owls, and fox. They will be on the hunt.” You shudder, thinking of their sharp talons and teeth.
Halpra continues. “There is also the Summit Path over the peak of the mountain. It is more direct and will shorten our travel time. But it is also high, steep, and has rock walls to traverse. The choice is upon you, Tolo. Which path do you choose?”