The Bracken Woods The one of Ice

Kigipigak gathered himself while the stranger drew closer, listening as she offered advice, which he felt was ill-suited to the moment.

He did not like that the buck had escaped but he knew the area was filled with other targets, so the masculine ache of his loss would not live long. He did not need a stray woman to tell him as much.

Still, he smiled to her a tired smile. I had hoped for something to get my blood boiling, and it has. A good break from the easy kills in the valley.

It was the season for caribou, and this year they were plagued, which made them slow and stupid. Kigipigak knew this; but the woman, she appeared ignorant. A new arrival to the wilds, maybe?

I am Kigipigak. My people have made winter camps in the valley.