Sunset Valley It might've been the neighbor's kid, but I have my suspicions.

The girl was distracted.

Tulimaq had little patience for children, it was why he had been so adamant that the Anneriwok not join his savaktuk; but he had others with him who were capable of managing them, which gave the man free reign to do things he enjoyed and much preferred — leading him here, to this moment.

The girl's question earned a low grunt. His tone left something to be desired as he explained, There is no need. So long as the body remains here, she will stay close. She mourns. The sickness might be within her — she will die with or without us.

And he swung his head towards the caribou now, watching as the mother shifted with indecision. To linger where her child rested, or to run from certain doom at the teeth of the wolf — she was in her own purgatory.