Raven's Watch xvii siksuruk

It was not rare to find signs of deer near the Watch, but with the growing population of wolves flocking to Stjornuati's presence Kigipigak did not expect to hear the obvious click of hooves upon stone so early in the morning.

He followed the sound until the trees gave way to the sprawling lake that Kigipigak and Valmua had discovered together; it was there he saw the doe, head bowed to drink, while he lingered among the trees. It struck him as curious—but maybe the herds in the south were used to the smell of wolf and were not always quick to flee from it.

Kigipigak debated stalking closer and instead chose to hang back, looking for signs of the rest of the herd (if there was one) or an ally to help him in this trial (if anyone else was awake).