Qeya River crow's cry

She smiled. A show of approval for the sudden obedience offered to her.

Know the glacier is not far, I'm not sending you on a long excursion. She spoke now as if her mind had been made up.

Rest for a day or two, first. There was little negotiation on this first step. He would be no good in a tired, ragged state from whatever journeys he had already made here. Then track any prey in the glacier for two days. If you need more, then you will come back and say so. You will learn the terrain of the taiga there too. The glacier has woodlands, ice and caves.

She paused for a moment, turning to face him. He may have taken up more space but she certainly felt bigger here.

Upon return, you will tell me and my Sangilak of your findings.

And now she fell fully silent. Prepared to hear what he'd make of this.