Dejah puts her head down and swears under her breath. As if the weather wasn't horrible enough, now it has to be linked to some greater life force? What's next? Ice spiders or plant men?

She gives the woman a wry smile. "I'm beginning to feel like I'm trapped in one of my nephew's adventure stories." Her voice drops into a command tone, digging deep as much for herself as for them.

"Let's take advantage while we can. Ellen, help Edgar. Ysa, help me with Curtis. We'll make better time with both of us. Woola, Liranan, lead us back."