Moonsong Glacier sunsister

Dutch nodded in confirmation. He could not help but add that, "They left me in charge," even though that had not been the exact language of the order. Still, he took this duty as seriously as he took his agreement with Chakliux: "I will see it when we return," he replied. His blood was stirred now for violence, and not for love.

But violence could wait this long: enough for him to give Raiyuk his due attention. For he would soon be without his father, and Dutch hopes that this day would buoy his spirit with confidence for the long nights to come.

The interruption did not bother him, and he turned a warm look on the spirited youth.

"Almost," he agreed, although a current of unease ran through him. "A skin-walker is a dark witch. He wears a skin — any skin — to sow evil by evil means. A selkie is born a selkie. She is a huntress of the land and the water. They are creatures of great beauty and spirit."

His head tilted to the side.

"What friend is this? he asked, interested mainly in the chagrin he'd perceived.