The men all started talking at once while staring at Dominic with wide grins. To Dominic, though, they seemed far more rugged and masculine than he did.
Living in such harsh natural conditions had clearly shaped these people into what they were. Their brown skin was darkened by the snow and sun, their arms, legs, and chests were strong and well-developed, their faces sharp and confident.
Dominic could tell they must be excellent hunters, these men forged by survival itself. If they ever became soldiers, they would surely be formidable ones.
He followed the men carrying their loads deeper into the cave and passed through one of the doors in the back.
"We live together in family groups," one of the men explained. "Each household is centered around its head. During the long winter, we can't go outside, so we spend most of the year down here."
