Duck Lake h

ending here

For how long his gaze remained distant, he would never be able to answer. But when finally he returned to his senses, the elder gave a slow shake of his head and turned away from the water—and then he spied the child, a sight that startled him at first. How long had his grandson been there...? He did not know, nor did he think it to matter much right at that moment. Slowly, he made his way over to the boy, to whom he offered an affectionate nudge, should it be accepted.

Uneasy now that he knew the boy was away from home, Kove encouraged the child to walk along with him—and, should he follow, the Inuk would lead him back home, telling of northern lore as they went.