Orphan Ahwak by Raquel Rivera

Author:Raquel Rivera
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV000000
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 2007-09-01T00:00:00+00:00

Wolf

BACK IN the woods again.

On the return journey, it had seemed to Aneze that they traveled much faster and farther than they ever had before. It all happened in a whirl. Every time she woke from a rest, they seemed to be in a different place from where they had lain down. Perhaps it was necessary to leave the old man’s world while sleeping. Or perhaps her mind was playing tricks because she was traveling through lands where she had once been so lost and alone, before he had found her. Before he rescued her.

Aneze had changed her mind about going back many times. But the old man wouldn’t let her. He kept the dogs pointed toward her world. Sometimes she worried that he was punishing her for wanting to leave. Other times she thought he was helping her stick to her decision.

It was a good season to return. All the animals were out. It was the season of birds and eggs. The blackflies and mosquitoes were almost gone, but the days were still warm. It was strange to be among the trees again. It seemed crowded. But she was getting used to it. It was so easy to make a fire. She didn’t need to carry a stone lamp anymore, just her flint. Making a lean-to was easy too. She just cut some branches, laid on some spruce boughs, and there! A shelter fit for a hunter.

If only the old man had decided to stay in the forest for a while. If only he had decided to keep her company, just to make sure that she could really take care of herself. The old man had given her the sealskin suit, for keeps. She wore it all the time—the short trousers, parka and boots. The suit made Aneze feel good, special. It also kept the water off her better than anything else. She touched the smooth fur of the hood. She remembered what he had said before he left her on the barren ground to go back to his own icy world.

“This is for you, Orphan Ahwak,” and he handed her a small stone. “Sew it into your hood.”

Aneze looked at the stone. It fit easily in the palm of her hand. When she looked more closely, she saw that it was a tiny white carved bear.

“That bear in your hand will give you bear powers—bear strength, bear speed. Bear hunts alone. Now you will too.”

Aneze nodded. “Perhaps I’m being foolish to think of staying in the forest?” She waited. Would he relent and tell her to stay with him? Would he say that she was going to be fine by herself? It was ridiculous, but Aneze wanted him to say both things.

“Orphans must be especially strong,” he told her. “I think the white bear will help. But I think you must find your own animal.” The old man looked around. He sighed. “I think maybe you will meet your animal in your world, not mine.”

“Oh. Yes. Well,” Aneze said.

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