Maniitok stands and surveys the grim violence all around him. The Shaman had completely healed his wounds suffered at the teeth and claw of the red eyed Ilijiraat . Of the 14 Dorset Eskimos riding seven sleds, pulled by close to 30 dogs, Only 17 dogs remain and seven Dorset warriors lay dead in the snow, their bodies torn to shreds and bloody carnage by the merciless Ilijiraat.
All eyes fell on Unulaq and his brother Tornuaq as they drove their own sleds (shy a few dogs themselves) up to the Shaman and their Cheif.
Maniitok's eyes brightened when he saw his old friends. He waved and called to them as if pleading for deliverance from this terrible evil that had just been delivered to the Dorset people. Then he saw the Norseman and his eyes narrowed some.
Strapped to Unulaq's sled lay the unconscious body of the Viking. He had pale white skin and long red hair and looked as though he had just been through hell and back again. His face was badly bruised and he had cuts along his exposed shoulders and hands.
Qannaq, the venerable hunter, rose to his feet and couldn't help but stare at the pale faced stranger. If not for his wisdom and fearless nature, all of the sled dogs would be dead and the tribe would be trapped out on the icy plains.
Faroo, helped Qannaq to his feet. He was the aging Dorset's only friend and served as his apprentice hunter. Faroo was just made Dorset Warior last winter and with Qannaq's training, will make an excellent hunter.
Fraqanaq, Just a boy come along to see the Belugas... He hoped by volunteering, Chief Kalituk would choose Fraqanaq as the youngest. The boy under 15 who was allowed to travel with the Dorset men and take part in the Great Cariboo Hunt. Now he lay unconscious in Yuralria's arms. He had benifited from the Shaman's healing but it was not enough to wake the boy from his harsh injuries sustained during the Ilijiraat attack.
Yuralria, Shaman to the Dorset people. And just as promised by Tornuaq's and Unulaq's latest kill, the Shaman's throat was torn and bloody from the Ilijiraat's savage attack. If not for her faithful protector Ogtuk-Luk, Yuralria would certainly be dead as well as bloodied.
Chief Kalituk frowns at Tornuaq and Unualq as they ride in with the pale faced stranger.
He holds up his hand and points the mighty chieftain's spear Wanatom
What ill spirit to you bring us Unulaq! We have already lost so much....
oc -There is no need for introductions... You have all know each other since you were born. Except for the Norseman. He's new!
