Duskfire Glacier Sunnguvuk

Issorartuyok nodded his head, solemn and thoughtful at her inquiry.

Stronger than men, the northerner told her. It was said plainly, as though that was how it would be, how it had always been. The women of his life had been savage, intelligent, fearsome in all things they tackled. The northerner had never doubted that women could not be powerful beasts. They had always proved beyond their worth, so his doubts had never found ways to take root.

Heda wanted to know where they would start. This was pleasing. Issorartuyok grinned at her and wavered his tail. The dark brown of his eyes searched ahead. A group of trees was clustered in the distance. The space between where the two wolves patrolled and where the trees sprouted would make for a perfect course.

First, you must show me your swiftness. Like a caribou, show me how you run to those trees and back. Let the wind carry your paws and fill you with power.