The Longest Day Read Online Free PDF Page A

to protect them from the avalanche that had killed him. “That’s really kind of you,” Kallik whispered to the little cub.
    â€œWe see him every night in the stars,” Kissimi told her.
    The bears farther up the beach were shifting, making the stones crunch. As fresh scents wafted over Kallik, she looked toward the rocky ridge at the top of the shore. Threebears were stumbling wearily over the boulders. Taqqiq ! Kallik recognized her brother at once. Shila and Tonraq—Shila’s younger brother—were with him. Kallik scanned the ridge, expecting to see Salik, Iqaluk, and Manik. They had been Taqqiq’s friends once. Kallik didn’t like them, and she still blamed them for leading Taqqiq astray at the previous Longest Day. But it seemed as if her brother had traveled without them this time.
    She ran up the shore to greet him. “Taqqiq! How are you?”
    â€œKallik!” Tiredness seemed to lift from her brother’s shoulders. “I hoped you’d be here.” He lowered his head—he was taller than her now, and much broader across his shoulders—to nuzzle her ears.
    Kallik sighed with relief. He’s happy to see me! Too many times in the past, Taqqiq had met her with hostility.
    Shila dipped her head as Yakone joined them. “I hope your journey was easier than ours.” She glanced teasingly at Taqqiq. “We got lost three times and had to hide from wolves.”
    â€œWe weren’t hiding,” Taqqiq huffed. “We just chose a different route.”
    Shila rested her shoulder against his. “If you say so,” she murmured.
    There was a closeness between the two bears that Kallik recognized. She shot a questioning look at Yakone. Had he seen it, too? Were Taqqiq and Shila mates?
    Yakone was watching Tonraq as the young male lumbered down the beach toward them. “Is Pakak with you?” he asked. “And Sakari?”
    â€œMy mother didn’t want to make the long journey,” Tonraq told him.
    â€œAnd Pakak stayed with her,” Shila added.
    What about Salik, Manik, and Iqaluk? Kallik swallowed back the question.
    Taqqiq stared at the lake. “I’m so hot!” He nudged past Kallik and stormed into the water. As soon as it was deep enough, he plunged beneath the surface.
    Tonraq eyed the water hungrily. “I’m hot, too.”
    Shila snorted. “Go on, then! You don’t need my permission.” As Tonraq hurried away, she rolled her eyes. “One day they’ll learn to think for themselves.”
    Kallik gave an amused grunt. “Taqqiq seems happy. You must be a good influence.”
    â€œIt’s not me,” Shila told her. “He’s just back to his old self, that’s all. Without Salik and the others around, he doesn’t need to act tough.” Her gaze softened as she watched Taqqiq wallow in the lake. “He’s sweet. I’m glad I have him.”
    As she spoke, Taqqiq called from the water. “Come on, Shila. Let’s catch fish!”
    Shila caught Kallik’s eye. “We’ll catch up later, okay?” She raced to the water’s edge and waded in.
    Kallik leaned happily against Yakone. “I glad they came.”
    Yakone rubbed his muzzle against her ear. “Me too. Let’s go fish with them. I’m hungry.”
    Kallik followed him into the lake. Ducking under the surface, the bears headed for the deeper water. Above them, the sparkling surface grew dim. Kallik could see the pale shapesof Taqqiq, Shila, and Tonraq a few bearlengths ahead. A trout flitted past her nose, and she swung a paw toward it. She missed, but Yakone turned and, stretching out his head, snapped it between his jaws. He lifted his muzzle and pushed up toward the surface.
    Kallik swam after him, her lungs tight. It was a long time since they’d been in such deep water. She’d forgotten the pleasure of its weight pressing around her. She couldn’t wait