Ice Blink

16: Wolf Commander

Amarok stomped up to the table and grumpily smoothed out the reports she had crumpled. He looked every inch a warrior, his presence so imposing that she didn't know how to act.

"Nice to see you, Wolf," Siru said.

"Nigak." He acknowledged her without looking up.

Nuna craned her neck in time to spot Siru's dagger-sharp smile.

She backed towards Toklo. Having him by her side was reassuring and reminded her of home. They were very out of place here.

"Did your scouts find out much?" Sedna asked. "How careful will our people have to be?"

"Very," he replied, his mouth a grim line. "Annoatok has been expanding. They've taken nearly half of North Ice, managing to slip past our defences and quietly seize control of more than a few settlements. And there's unrest in Kirasaq, but the outcome is uncertain right now. There's been some kind of power struggle which may still be ongoing." He shook his head. "It's a mess out there, to put it bluntly. Sedna, what do you want to do?"

"We're going to send a message to the Inua."

"What are the Inua? How will they help us?" Toklo demanded. "We have a right to know."

"The Inua are a group of travellers. Explorers, if you will. They are not as glorious as they once were. In the old days they were considered wandering knights, heroes, keeping the peace across North Ice while they mapped uncharted territory. Tales were told and songs were sung about them."

"They are a shadow of their former selves," Amarok said doubtfully. "Do you really think they'll come?"

"They must, if they want to save everything we know."

"But how can a group of wanderers do anything against Annoatok? Let alone a glacier?" Nuna asked.

"I have a theory," Sedna said, "and the Inua are the only people who can accomplish what needs to be done. If I am correct, the task I set out for them will save us all." The room had gone deathly silent, with all eyes on Sedna; tension crackling like lightning. "Continue your research on the matter, Niju, and the spirits may save us yet."

Nuna stiffened. The spirits? "What exactly is this theory?"

"It is not yet concrete enough for me to say."

"So all of this, summoning the Inua... it's all on a whim?"

The older woman's eyes flashed. "Not at all. It may well be our only hope – and if you truly want to be a part of it, then you must join the Inua and go with them."

Toklo gave her an enquiring look. This is our last chance to back out now and go home. But their home had been destroyed and going back wasn't an option anymore.

He nodded. "Count us in."

Nuna hesitated before her chin dipped.

"Good. Amarok, you can train the newcomers. Make sure they have the skills to see this through."

"I believe it would be more beneficial if I continued to train my men."

"Your men will not be going on this mission, they must stay to ensure Illulik's security."

"Exactly – which is why I would prefer to focus my efforts on them. If the Nualiks come with me and the Inua, they would be a liability."

"You're coming, too?" I said.

"Of course. I am the Commander of the Takaani – it's my job to ensure Illulik is safe."

"We will not be a liability."