Moonsong Glacier sunsister

Dutch gave a sweep of his tail at the suggestion. "We shall see if I am worthy," he agreed, glad if it was something he could participate in despite not being born a seal hunter himself. Therefore he listened more carefully even than usual when Chakliux began to describe how a seal could be bested underwater, where they undoubtedly commanded more strength and grace than the average wolf could ever hope. To become such a warrior as Chakliux described was impressive even without the slaying of a seal — but the panther still felt an uneasy chill at the idea of Raiyuk performing this task.

He thought that the seals in this lake would be safer than the seals in the ocean, but held his tongue for the moment. If Chakliux looked to him, he would find the panther's expression free of any clear opinions. The lake and the seals within it were free to be hunted by the wolves of Moontide. Dutch would neither encourage nor stop them from partaking.

"This is fresh water," he said instead. "You may find these seals different from the ones you find in the waves." They were different, certainly, than the fur seals that he'd once swam with.