Moonsong Glacier sistermine

it was time to turn back.
chakliux had been defeated.
the dried blood he had painted upon his face five days prior had flaked away slowly, leaving behind a chestnut stain along his cheeks in a rough line.
he must return to moontide now, to his wives.
he must admit he had failed.
but the seal hunter heard the songs from the glacier, and new voices; he made his way there first, crossing the border with the heavy step of a man who has carried a weighty spear for many miles.