Prologue
A bear cub was walking in the freshly fallen snow. Little flakes fell silently all around her. The sky was dark, the slit of a half moon being the only thing illuminating the scene. In light of the moon, her white fur seemed to glow like a spirit.
She walked into a clearing, which at the center had a small pond. The sky held a crisp reflection on its still surface. Lifting her front paw, she touched the tips of her toes into the water. It was surprisingly warm for such a cold night. She reached her head down and lapped up a few drops of the pure liquid. It was salty.
The bear whispered something to herself, hardly enough to be heard.
"I've found it."