He took Naraka’s sword and the hastily loaded rucksack from Yago, then waded forward to where Rishi was freeing the yaks from their harnesses. “I d-don’t think this will w-work,” Atreus chattered. “We’ll f-freeze to death.” “The good s-sir may have f-faith in his servant.” Rishi’s hands were shaking so badly he could barely work. “It is our p-pursuers who will freeze, not us. We have yaks.” A loud splash sounded from the rear of the wagon, then Yago said, “Ch-chilly!” The ogre stooped down and began to bathe his wounded shoulder in the cold water, moving his arm back and forth to work the stiffness out. “What about Yago?” Atreus kept his voice low. “He’s too big for a yak.” “He will find plenty to eat in the swamp. That will keep him warm.” Rishi motioned for the rucksack. “The only other choice is to confront our pursuers, and then there will certainly be much killing, which I know the good sir finds so distasteful.” Seeing that the Mar was right, Atreus hoisted the rucksack onto a yak’s back.
