The Heartwood Omak

“They spoke in a language that is not shared. A hunter who spoke this man’s language said they are called sighima. Did Moongirl meet the sighima wolves?” Kannoyak asked.

Ariadne shook her head. No, she answered. The village I was with was a village called Tartok—they are my husband’s people. Her face twisted, and she frowned in disappointment, sighed, and glanced away. They are ... an interesting bunch. Very strong-willed and tough. She cleared her throat and idly drew one of her forepaws to her ear to scratch an itch that suddenly flared.

Did you enjoy your time with the sighima? What were they like? she asked, preferring not to speak of her husband’s people.