When an old man at the tavern suggests someone who could rid the province of Dorraine of its eternal winter would be a hero, it gives Niall, an apprentice carpenter, an idea. All he needs to do is find such a man, a sorcerer of great power, he thinks.
It means traveling over the high mountains in search of such a person, if one exists. Something he knows he can't do alone. So he persuades three of his apprentice friends to join him. They need to find a mercenary to escort and protect them, as their Masters are unwilling to allow them to make the quest without one.
Renard enters the picture. It takes a fair amount of persuasion, and the willingness of the merchants to pay his fees, but finally he agrees.
Once they have everything they need -- clothing, food, weapons, and mules and a cart to transport all they had -- they set out.
As they fight snow and wind-blown blizzards through the canyon leading to their destination, or so they hope, Niall and Renard form a bond which might go beyond friendship, despite the disparity in their ages.
Can they make it to the other side of the mountains alive, with the weather, wolves, and brigands to contend with? If so, will they find a land with all the seasons, and most importantly, a sorcerer willing to help? They pray it's possible but only time will tell.
