Erend, Zo and Kotallo left at first light into the Sacred Lands. They passed through the eastern gates of Daytower, across a short valley and left, over a bridge then down a steep decline that was littered with Grazers and a patrolling Sawtooth. Previously they would have hidden in the brush and picked their moment to dart by and hope for the best but with their FOCUSES they were able to mark the Sawtooth’s path and avoided it completely. The only hint that any machine noticed them was one Grazer lifting its head when Erend skidded on loose gravel.

Zo rolled her eyes at him and he mouthed something incomprehensible back at her. Kotallo couldn’t tell but he suspected it was an Oseram curse. They passed a deserted village that had Scrappers and Watchers roaming about it and avoided them by slipping along the side of a stream, crossing it at a bridge, heading east.

“Great, water in my boots.” Erend muttered, kicking them frustratedly.

Kotallo had the same thought but he kept it to himself.

The Sacred Lands were brittle and snow covered but not so chilly that the water in the lakes froze. They spied a herd of Striders and each picked a mount to override. Once they had their mounts and had ridden away from the angry Striders that took offense to their presence, they regrouped and rode together.

“I have to say, this is one of the better perks of being on Team Aloy.” Erend patted his mount.

“It is convenient,” Kotallo grunted, “although uncomfortable at times.”

“I’m sitting on my swag.” Zo preened happily. “It makes a difference.”

Kotallo and Erend looked at each other and immediately stopped and did the same. Kotallo sank onto the Strider’s back and sighed.

“Why did we not think of this before?” Erend chuckled.

“Actually the original idea was Kotallo’s.” Zo remarked, looking at him. “He fashioned one for his Bristleback when he picked Alva up from the coast. I thought then that it was brilliant.”

Stolen novel; please report.

Kotallo blinked. “I hope you tell no one else of my innovation.”

“Why on earth not?”

“I know,” Erend grinned, “because Tenakth are supposed to eat pain for breakfast and a saddle is just a little too soft.”

Kotallo’s expression flattened. “Exactly.”

“We won’t tell a soul, will we Erend?” Zo looked at him pointedly.

“I’ll try not to forget…”

“You mean you’ll try to remember?”

“Eh…”

Kotallo sighed. “Let me guess, you’ll do better at remembering to forget if I return your Strike piece?”

“It’s my favourite!”

“Then you shouldn’t have bet it.”

“Erend,” Zo leapt in before the debate could come to blows, “how far to the Embrace?”

Erend tapped his FOCUS and looked at the map. “Ugh…this thing gets me all turned around.” He flicked it off and looked across the landscape. “We’ll head to Mother’s Crown, a Nora settlement outside of the Embrace through that snowy pass ahead. It’s rocky and narrow and from memory, there are machines no matter which way we approach so we’ll have to ride through them.”

Kotallo glanced at the sky which was darkening with clouds, a light shower of snowflakes scattering across the breeze.

“I’m not used to this weather.” Zo complained, shivering. “Plainsong enjoyed clement weather almost all year round.”

“Here,” Kotallo held out his travelling cloak, “stay warm.”

Zo grasped the soft leather cape with the fur trim. “What about you?”

“This,” Kotallo smiled at the sky, “this is summer weather in the Sheerside Mountains.”

Zo wrapped the cloak around herself. “Thank you.”

“I thought it would have been colder in the Claim.” Kotallo remarked, recalling that the Oseram territory was mostly in the mountains, north of Meridian.

“It might have been but the sun was always shining so it was brighter and warmer in atmosphere. I didn’t notice the chill like I have here.”

“You could be anticipating the Nora’s chilly reception to us.” Erend pointed out. “We’ve got to get into the Embrace and tell them about Aloy’s commission, about the past, the present and the future…but you’ve got to face Varl’s mother.”

“I know,” Zo frowned, “Varl often spoke of her severity and lack of warmth…I never thought I’d have to face her alone.”

“You’re not alone.” Kotallo insisted. “We are with you.”

She nodded, her face brightening. Erend gave Kotallo a puzzled look but the remark went unsaid.

“Mother’s Crown is a good gallop away. We should get there before that snow flurry turns into a proper storm.”

“On my mark…and let’s see who gets there first. Three, two, one…go!”