Several days passed, and winter crept steadily closer. According to the newspaper Gideon had read that morning, the first snowfall would likely arrive within the next few days.
The temperature had already begun to drop sharply, especially at night when it hovered near subzero.
In preparation, every tent in the territory had been replaced with sturdy four-season models designed to withstand the brutal conditions ahead.
Unlike ordinary tents, these were built with reinforced frames and thick, heavy-duty fabric capable of enduring strong winds, heavy snow, and extreme cold without tearing or collapsing under the weight of ice.
The insulated material also retained heat far more effectively than standard canvas, making the interiors significantly warmer. Each tent was large enough to accommodate up to eight people comfortably.
