The apprentices sheathed their weapons and followed the mage into the house when he gestured for them to come forth.
Since the house was large, there was plenty of space for them as they entered.
It was immediately clear that the house was also abandoned before they arrived. The cobwebs and dust everywhere were a sure sign. However, the part that made it most obvious was the holes in the roof that showed a bit of daylight shining through.
Since Irene desperately needed them to go to the encampment with them, she couldn't help herself as she spoke up.
"You're planning on staying here for the winter?" she asked. "Then what will you do after that?"
"We have only made it this far, but we will soon go to Idona and never have to face snow again," Stanley explained.
