“My lady, I’m so sorry. We didn’t see you. Our Apologizes. Please, I beg of you don’t tell Lord Tarass.”

The voice of a young lad continued begging for mercy.

“Was it meant for you?” Snow asked.

“Aye, there is only me—Roy—and Todd against three,” he explained.

“That’s not fair. You need another to help you. I can help,” Snow offered, since she was already being reckless by taking a chance on walking through the unfamiliar village with only Thaw to guide her. Why not be even more reckless, or was she being impulsive, by taking a moment to have some fun?

There was a moment of silence before Roy finally spoke. “Excuse me, m’lady, but you’re blind.”

“I’m not addressed as my lady, my name is Snow, and if you tell me where to throw the snowball I just might hit someone or at least distract them so you can hit your mark.”

A moment of silence followed again.

“There’s also my pup, Thaw. He will force them from their hiding places,” Snow said.

Hesitation proceeded the response. “What of Lord Tarass?”

“Is he here? He can join in the fun if he wants,” Snow said with a chuckle and heard the young lad laugh.

“Lord Tarass is not about, but the three are watching us now,” the lad said, keeping his voice low.

“Then have Todd fetch me a snowball or two and a few for you and him as well and tell me where to throw them and as soon as they retaliate, hit them with all your might,” Snow said. “But don’t let them see what you have planned. It needs to be a surprise attack.”

“Aye, my… Snow,” Roy corrected himself. “Todd is making the snowballs now. We should be ready soon to attack.”

“And don’t worry if I get hit with snowballs. They’ll be expecting you to protect me. Go after them, and victory,” she encouraged.

“Aye, Snow,” he said with joyous enthusiasm.

“Listen, Thaw, I have a chore for you,” Snow said.

The pup sat, leaning against her leg to let her know he was listening, and fixed his eyes on her.

“Follow the snowballs when I throw them and chase our foe from their hiding spot,” she explained, though didn’t know if the pup understood.

“All here say the pup is like the god Thor, mighty and fearless,” Roy said.

Snow smiled. “That he is.”

“We’re ready,” Roy whispered and slipped two snowballs to Snow. “Todd has a pile of snowballs a short distance to your right. Todd and I will walk away as if our talk is done. Standing where you are, if you throw straight ahead of you, you’ll hit their hiding spot.”

“Perfect. Now I’ll wag my finger at you as if scolding you, then you and Todd can shake your heads and walk away.”

“Aye,” Roy said.