Winter had come.

The snow was high.

The drifts were deep.

The river was frozen and it was harder and harder to break the ice and get to the riches below the white. Soljor knew how dangerous this winter could be. The wolves were prowling but so far had chosen (wisely) to steer clear of the lands the herd frequented. There were too many bodies now, and Soljor’s vigilance had been routine. But it was not the wolves that worried him.

Soljor moved a bit stiffly lately. His muscles were sore from the fight with the invader. He was glad that Magnus had arrived and aided him in chasing off the foe. Though, he rather wished he would heal. The cold helped, however. Today, the sun was high and the air was clear and calm. It was a good day to do something that was quite overdue.

He stood in the forest where the herd took winter shelter. The mares had gone about their business as usual and the fillies likely had been traipsing about enjoying their first real snowfall. Soljor lifted up his head and let out a loud bugle to summon the herd. There was business to discuss. Fly’s desire to be lead mare, seemed to have been met with the majority of support. He would, however, ensure the three who had not spoken were still heard before making it official. There was also the matter of meeting any mares Magnus had brought home from the Crossing and there was the mysterious predator.

He had seen the tracks a few times now and come across a rather disturbing caribou carcass. It was time to inform the herd of this beast and it was best to do it all at once. And there was of course the matter of the alliance with Dogun and the Inlet. Soljor had decided to give him one of his daughters as a sign of this allegiance. He hoped Dogun would reciprocate when possible. But he would speak to Cut up Angel, Fly, and Acelynn about this.

There were many things to do. Best get started.