True North

Chapter 7

Nooloo kept to his promise. that morning when the sun rose up he tapped my shoulder. He said something in Iqaluit that I couldn't understand.

So I got up and woke up Wren who was smiling in his sleep.

"Wren, wake up." I said staring down at him. We he opened his eyes they looked lighter. Faint brown. He mumbled something then sat up straight.

"Your lips aren't blue anymore." I said to him happily.

"The skin under your eyes isn't sagging and pure anymore." he said.

"Looks like we needed that warm sleep." I said.

"Yeah." he nodded. He was smiling oddly.

"What?" I asked him. He looked at me,a look I had never been given before. He leaned over to be and I could feel my cheeks turning pink. I bit my lip and stared at him. And then he did it. He kissed my cheek.

"What was that for?" I asked still biting my lip.

"For yesterday. You kept me going when I got weak. No man behind. I appreciate that." he nodded nobly.

"So it had nothing to do with the sleeping arrangements last night?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Okay, partially. But still, you really saved me out there." he told me. I nervously looked around eager to change the subject.

"From the cabin we can walk over to my place. I'm pretty sure my dad and Faunsy are freaking out. We've been gone for a good day." I said looking around the igloo.

Wren and I walked outside. Nooloo was staring into the distance.

"Snow is coming. We must go now." he said nervously. Wren and I began following Nooloo. The path we took seemed different. I had never crossed this part of land before. Up in the distance near the mountains very far I could hear cracks of thunder.

"Go through trees." Nooloo said. As far as I knew my dad always told me to never go near the forests. Dangerous animals lived in there.

"It's dangerous." I told Nooloo. He took a hunting gun from the back of his parka.

"Safe now. Come." he said leading the way.

Wren held my hand as we emerged into the thick forest. Pine trees scratched the sides of my coat. Little open spots of light shone through.

The snow creaked underneath the weight of our steps. I could here birds up in the trees.

So calming. So beautiful. How could you not want to come in here?

Nooloo led us down a path that under laps a small running stream.

"Step over." Nooloo instructed.

"It's pretty wide. North, you might have to jump over." Wren warned.

Wren stretched his long legs and crossed over the stream. Nooloo simply jumped over. But I stood on the opposite side. It was probably 7 feet long. I don't understand how Wren made it look so easy.

All of a sudden a loud crack came from behind me and Nooloo quickly pointed his gun to the trees behind me.

"Come quick!" Nooloo warned. Behind me I could hear loud panting. Wren stuck his arms out.

"Grab my arms ill pull you over." Wren said reaching out.

More cracking sounds came from behind me. I could hear whispers now too.

"North come on. Grab my hands." Wren pushed.

"Hurry!" Nooloo yelled.

I reached over and grabbed the tips of Wrens hands.