King Elk Forest i dig till my shovel tells a secret

The woman who met her cut an impressive stride, and Taktuq ascertained that she stood in the presence of royalty.

She matched the woman's greeting with a soft dip of her head. The Dominion. Taktuq wondered what kind of place this was, what kind of wolves made up the ilk of it. No nonsense, it seemed, if first impressions counted.

"Taktuq Ateneq," she offered, "of Atautsikut. It would seem we are neighbours now, so it seemed good that we meet." Despite the woman's intimidating aura, Taktuq offered her a kind smile that reached her eyes. Inwardly she tried not to worry that this village might be like the bear wolves who had chased her back when she was a pup. Her heart tremored at the thought.