Kilugna smiled and nodded at the thank-yous. She gently patted Lyra on the head and retreated to let them eat. She smiled sheepishly at James, glad that he wasn't gloating. She knew that she'd certainly be proud of herself if she'd brought home a moose, but she couldn't complain; now there was hopefully enough to last the whole clan through the storm. As the first snows started descending lightly, she said, "Keep warm, everyone, do you all have enough firewood?" She was perfectly ready to fetch more before the weather got any worse. 
---
One of the scouts turned around after a startled jump of surprise. Recognizing that the traveler had some kind of authority, he called back, "Lucky you found us! We were just on our way back. We'd have sleds if the dogs weren't all sick." He gestured for the other two scouts to hurry back the short distance and to the gates of Crowhead. "I can take you to the Queen's guards. They'll probably let you talk to her."