-
v. 1.to wake from sleep; 2 to make sharply aware; n. the act of waking
Something deep and awakening stirred in Buck each night as the wolves sang their ancient song to the stars.
-
v. to make or become worse; to make or become less in value or quality
Under the cruelest of masters, even the strongest sled dogs would deteriorate within a single brutal season.
-
v. to have control over something or someone.
Buck learned quickly that to survive he must dominate, or be dominated by those with fewer scruples.
-
adv. in a physically fierce manner
He ferociously defended his food, snarling at any dog that dared approach his portion of the ration.
-
adj. without thinking or in way that is natural
His instinctive crouch before a larger dog was not cowardice — it was the ancient wisdom of the wild.
-
adj. showing no mercy or pity towards others.
The merciless trail claimed three dogs before the team had crossed even the first ridge of the Yukon.
-
adj. having great strength or force.
Buck grew more powerful with every mile of frozen trail, his shoulders thickening against the harness straps.
-
adj. relating to animals that hunt other animals for food.
His predatory crouch in the underbrush was flawless — patient, silent, and perfectly adapted to the frozen forest.
-
adj. fundamental or original; being earliest; existing from the beginning
A primordial instinct stirred deep within Buck as the howling of wolves rose across the frozen valley.
-
adj. not relenting; harsh; pitiless persistent; unremitting
The relentless Klondike cold pressed down on the sled team, turning every mile into a test of survival.
-
adv. in a fierce or violent manner.
Buck fought savagely for his place in the pack, driven by a will no whip could ever break.
-
adv. in a way that shows obedience or a willingness to submit
The younger dogs lowered their heads submissively whenever Buck passed, acknowledging his uncontested leadership.
-
adv. In a manner that is very determined to do something and not easily discouraged.
Buck tenaciously held his lead position, refusing to surrender it even after hours of punishing uphill trail.
-
v. to change completely in form or appearance.
The wilderness would slowly transform Buck from a pampered pet into something ancient and magnificently untamed.
-
adj. not giving way under pressure; firm.
The unyielding tundra offered no shelter, no mercy, and no reward to those who showed weakness.
