Victor proceeded to pull out a map. "Red Willow Ravine sits south by two ridges. Lots of hanging stone. The glasswings nest under the lip—think flying blankets with knives. Ironbacks charge from cover; do not stand in front of cover. Needle locusts… well, you'll know them. I'll take point until we hit the teeth of the gorge, Questions?"
"Senior," Yao Lin called out with her chin up, "are you truly only a core disciple? I heard you—"
"Absolutely," Fang said gravely. "Merely a humble core disciple with a strong dislike of funerals. Move out."
They descended in a ribbon of white and steel, leaving the sect's comfort for the chattering pines below.
...
...
The sun dipped low behind sharp peaks as a crisp wind swept across the cracked ridges leading to Willow Ravine.
Victor walked at the rear of the group with hands behind his back and his expression indifferent.
