The decisions being made, the party wraps themselves up in the warmest clothing available. There is considerable snow upon the ground, making for slow progress. A slight advantage of the extreme cold is that there has been little or no melting and refreezing, so that the snow is not icy and therefore slippery.
As the walk continues, a bitter wind blasts the party, inducing shivering. Even the mighty Russian, who is no doubt used to the savage winters of the northerly regions of the Earth, seems to have succumbed to the ravages of Boreas. All of the adventurers save Mister Witherly feel alternating periods of fever and chills, and cough frequently. Why the melancholy cleric suffers no such symptoms is not apparent, unless it be the whim of Nature to spare him.
Doggedly, the party continues. A few furtive, scurrying figures are seen seeking such shelter as they can in alleys and doorways. Some of those lying upon the ground will never rise again.
Andre's small shop is not very far, although the journey seems longer than it should. The proprietor has evidently been awaiting the arrival of the adventurers, as the sound of a lock being opened -- a large and rusty one, judging by the noise it makes -- can be heard as they approach. The door opens a crack. All is darkness within.
-- Quickly! Take these bundles! -- he whispers.
Several small parcels are thrust at the party. The man within accepts the payment sent by his cousin and shuts the door quickly.
The adventurers will wish to avoid the attention of the curious.
An unsuspected cobblestone which is higher than expected, its exact position hidden beneath the snow, causes the sure-footed Gypsy to stumble. The sound is enough to draw the attention of onlookers.
-- They have food! -- someone shouts.
As if they were rats emerging from their nests, a crowd of wide-eyed persons of both sexes appears as if from nowhere. Where can they have been hiding? They are attired in rags, and their cadaverous limbs speak of privation. Yet they appear to have acquired unexpected courage and resolution from the company of their fellows as they approach the adventurers. A few hold a rock or a stick in their hands.
It is apparent that the party is outnumbered by slightly more than four to one. Will they attempt negotiation, flight, or battle?