Bitterroot Valley uuman ∾

What if we cannot give healing? she asked, feeling heat in her voice. It had been months since Sialuk had felt lightness in her heart. If it was not dim, it was burning fire, as it had been with Kigipigak. She longed for the days when it burned steady and even. Now it seemed only to betray her every wish.

We will leave before the snow melts? Sialuk asked.

For the last question, Sialuk had no answer. And yet, she recalled a memory of what Kigipigak had said.

A man who will fight for me.