Mina lost her footing so many times on the snow-covered mountainside that she seemed to be in a state of perpetual falling rather than running.  She imagined that she could feel the hot breath of the wolves on her ankle bones and hear the clack! of their teeth as they tried to find purchase in the soft flesh of her calves.  Her mother seemed possessed of unhuman strength as she struggled to keep Mina on her feet.

              After several moments it became clear that they were losing the race.  The barking of the wolves was thunderous even above the shrieking wind.

              Without warning her mother pulled her close in an embrace.  She stood there for a timeless moment looking at Mina in that caring way that only mothers can...

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