implacability
relentlessness
stave off
prevent; forestall
mortgage
an interest-accruing loan obtained through putting one's property (often real estate) up as security in case the debtor fails to pay the creditor
prairie
large open area of grassland
drudgery
difficult, dull, or menial work
wonderment
a state of wonder or respect
conscienceless
lacking conscience
warp
make something abnormal; distort
farmstead
the area of a farm and accompanying buildings
hardihood
boldness
detour
alternative route, often around something that blocks the usual route
skirt
go around
snowswept
blanketed in snow spread by wind
double wheel around moon
the appearance of ice crystals high in sky, causing moon beams to create a double halo effect
pane
flat transparent piece of glass
