Starting a fire isn’t difficult. A salt furnace is essentially a device for boiling saltwater; it consists of a heavy pot placed on bricks, with a strong fire lit beneath it. Thus, there’s no need to search for dry kindling; plenty of leftover fuel is available, and just striking a spark will cause it to blaze up immediately.

“You can’t start a fire; those things—”

“It’s fine. Do you think I’m just some average martial artist? Right now, you’re about to freeze to death before those creatures arrive, aren’t you? Look at your sister; she’s already gone pale.”

“That can’t …