When he catches a glimpse of ravens gathering around a single spot along the still river, a cold sense of foreboding washes over Vyng. As an outdoorsman who's well-acquainted with the brutal and unforgiving facets of mother nature, he can already imagine the gruesome scene waiting downstream. The foul stench of rot, coupled with flocks of scavenger birds, only points to death and decay.

But nothing prepares Vyng for what he soon discovers: A cramped graveyard of bloated, half-eaten bodies. Polar bears. Elk. Owls. Crocodiles. Crushed humming birds. Too many decomposing creatures for anyone to willingly count. All friends who deserved so much better.

It's too much.

His eyes water, his throat constricts, and Vyng hunches over the side of the canoe. Retching.