Snow blasted across the quiet forest. Sandy grabbed a rope before the wind carried it away.
The rope whipped between the trees. Sandy followed it through the white storm and found soldiers huddled beside a fallen sled.
The wind howled. Sandy raised a hand and shouted, “Stay close!”
Sandy pulled the sled, but its runners stuck fast in a snowbank. Sandy leaned forward and pushed.
Pop! The sled broke free and sent Sandy sliding backward. Poof! Snow covered Sandy from helmet to boots.
Sandy shook off the snow and pointed toward the forest. The soldiers followed between the trees.
Small blue markers appeared on the branches. Then—BOOM! The ground shook, and dark shapes moved beyond the snow.
Sandy lifted the lantern. “Go! I will hold them back!”
Sandy stepped into the open and raised a bright flare. Red light flashed across the snow.
The danger turned toward the flare. Behind the trees, the soldiers reached the safe path.
The flare burned out. Sandy dropped it and sank beside the sled in the snow.
The soldiers hurried back. They pulled Sandy onto the sled and wrapped Sandy in a blanket.
The sled bumped toward home. Sandy opened one eye as the quiet forest shone around them.
A soldier tucked the blanket close. Sandy whispered, “Together.”