Begin Preparations

The morning sun cast a soft glow through the frosted windows of the bank-turned-safehouse as Dusty, William, Samantha, and Sarah stirred from their slumber. A bitter chill hung in the air, seeping through the cracks in the walls despite their efforts to keep the fire stoked throughout the night. As they huddled around the dwindling flames, the realization dawned upon them that they needed to prepare for their impending journey through the snow-covered landscape.

Thoughts raced through their minds, each member of the group grappling with their own apprehensions and hopes for the journey ahead. Dusty's brow furrowed with determination as he pondered the challenges they might face in the harsh winter weather. William's gaze drifted to the window, where swirling snowflakes danced in the frigid air, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of their surroundings. Samantha's hands trembled slightly as she tightened the scarf around her neck, a mixture of excitement and anxiety coursing through her veins. Sarah, ever the silent observer, watched her companions with a thoughtful expression, her undead heart heavy with uncertainty about what lay ahead.

"We will have to decide what to pack to take with us," Dusty began. "the wagons will need to be converted to sleds if we want to use them."

"But we want to do it in such a way as we can convert it back when we get out of the snow." Samantha added.

After some discussion they came up with a plan. If they had two toboggans for each wagon they could fasten a support down each side and fasten the toboggan to each one. They could get some 2x4s and nails at the hardware store. If the wood is just a little longer so the wheels are on top of the toboggan it would allow them to remove them later on and the wagon would still work as it should. 

After making a list of their needs they got ready to head off. This time they would not be separating, they would stick together. The concern about the new behaviors of the zombies laying heavy on their minds.

Bundled up against the biting cold, the four ventured out into the desolate streets, their breath forming clouds of vapor in the frosty air. The abandoned buildings loomed like silent sentinels, their crumbling facades bearing witness to the ravages of time and neglect. With each step, the crunch of snow beneath their boots echoed through the silent city, a haunting reminder of the world they once knew.

As they searched for toboggans to use on their sleds, a sense of camaraderie washed over them, binding them together in their shared mission. Dusty's eyes scanned the debris-strewn floors of the hardware stores and department stores, his mind racing with memories of winters past and the thrill of gliding over freshly fallen snow. William's fingers trailed along the dusty shelves, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he recalled childhood adventures spent on the slopes. Samantha's heart swelled with anticipation as she envisioned the freedom that awaited them on the open road, her spirit buoyed by the prospect of new discoveries. And Sarah, ever the enigma, watched over her companions with a mixture of curiosity and concern, her undead instincts on high alert for any sign of danger.

Near the back of the downtown department store they found what they were looking for. Four large toboggans that could be fastened to the sides of each of their carts.

"This will work perfectly," said Samantha excitedly.

"It sure will, now we just need to get the nails and hardware and we will be all set." William commented.

Leaving the store they headed down the street toward the hardware store.

Suddenly, the tranquility of the snow-covered landscape was shattered by a chorus of guttural moans, and the group found themselves face to face with a horde of zombies. The creatures lurched forward with unnatural speed, their tattered clothes flapping in the icy breeze as they closed in on their prey.

Fear tightened its grip on Dusty's chest as he raised his weapon, his heart pounding in his ears as he braced himself for the impending onslaught. William's hands trembled with adrenaline as he locked eyes with the advancing horde, a surge of primal instinct urging him to fight or flee. Samantha's breath came in ragged gasps as she readied herself for battle, her mind racing with thoughts of survival and self-preservation. And Sarah, ever the silent sentinel, moved with a fluid grace born of centuries of instinctual combat, her undead eyes scanning the horde for any sign of weakness. 

Sarah was the first to notice two of the zombies were armed. "This group's different, she shouted to the others, "those ones have weapons, be careful."

Looking over they saw that two of the zombies were approaching holding knives. This was a new experience for them and caused them to hesitate as they prepared to fight.

But even with weapons, they were no match for the four experienced fighters. 

"You guys go on to the next building," Sarah stated, "I'll quickly check these guys for anything valuable and catch up."

"I'll wait with you, William and Samantha, that building should have the nails and wood we need." Dusty pointed just down the street. 

"Ok," William replied, "Don't be long."

Dusty know Sarah was going to take this opportunity to feed and although it still bothered him, he did not want to leave here along with the threat of zombies all around them. While she ate he quickly checked the bodies for anything they might be able to use.

It didn't take long for William and Samantha to return with the others supplies they needed. Walking by the zombies he they couldn't help but take another look at the knives they had held in their hands. "This isn't good is it? William commented.

"No it isn't, I think its a good thing we will be moving on soon." Dusty replied.

This battle had been won but not without cost, the four survivors, both Samantha and Dusty had minor injuries that would need to be treated when they got home. As they trudged wearily back to their safehouse, the weight of their recent encounter hung heavy in the air. 

Exhaustion weighed heavily on Dusty's shoulders as he led the way, his muscles aching from the exertion of battle and the biting cold gnawing at his bones. William's gaze flickered nervously from shadow to shadow, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger lurking in the wintry landscape. Samantha's breath misted in the frigid air as she struggled to keep pace with her companions, her mind racing with thoughts of the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of their makeshift sanctuary. And Sarah, ever the vigilant protector, watched over her companions with a silent determination, her undead instincts attuned to the subtle shifts in the surrounding environment.