back of my head.”

          Dash laughed and nodded. “…something.” He said. “Why did you relieve Reese of her post? ..why are you out here instead of at the Main Entrance?”

          Aleu sighed. “Reese is young.” She said.

          Dash sighed and nodded. “…the casualties we took while fighting Lytion and the Shadow Clan have forced us to look to the younger generation to fill the holes in the Defense Force.”

          Aleu nodded. “Yes, I know… but the five hundred meter post is the furthest out, our first line of defense. I just thought someone more experienced should handle it. …if that’s okay?”

          Dash laughed. “…you really think I’m going to second guess you?” He asked. He stepped next to her and shook himself off.

          It wasn’t snowing hard, but he’d let quite a bit of it accumulate on his back. As it fell to the ground his fur was left feeling a bit damp. The wind blew a bit and he shivered.

          Aleu smiled. “…so, what brings  you all the way out here?” She asked.

          “You actually.” Dash said. “…just wondering when you are going to relieve me.”

          “I’m not.” She said.

          Dash was surprised, and it showed on his face. Almost involuntarily he took a step back. “…what?” He asked. “…why?”

          Aleu sighed and her shoulders slumped forward somewhat. “As much as I love it, leading the clan is hard work and I’ve done it almost my entire life.” She said. “It’s beginning to tell on me.” For just a moment she turned her head to him and smiled, then resumed watching the trees ahead. “…besides, you’re doing a fantastic job. You really stepped in when the Clan needed you.”

          Dash nodded. “…thank you.” He said. “…but I was really hoping that when you came back you’d take over again.”

          Aleu sighed. “I can’t Dash. I’m not a puppy anymore… not even a young wolf/dog. I’d like to spend my last years in peace, as just another member of the Clan.”

          Dash shook his head. “No matter what you do, Alpha or not Aleu, you’ll never be able to be “just another member of the Clan.”

          Aleu nodded. “…guess I’ll have to give you that one.” She said.

          “You don’t belong on guard duty, standing out here. You belong in the cave, leading these wolves. It’s what you were born for.” Dash said. “You’re so much more experienced. They need that right now.”

          Aleu sighed. “…and how do you think I got that experience Dash?” She asked. “You have far more experience than I did when I took over the Talbourne. The Clan will follow you Dash. They have followed you. They’re not looking to me anymore. Not one wolf has asked me what to do since I got back. They’re looking to you. You led them through certain annihilation, through one of the toughest times this Clan has ever faced.”

          Dash sighed. “Had it not been for her return we’d’ve been slaughtered. We’re only lucky enough that you were able to save her.”

          Aleu sighed. “Dash, what I did was foolish, the mst reckless and stupid thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. I hurt all of you, Shadow, my mate and I almost destroyed my life, both here and after. I’m no hero for what I did, the only reason I’m standing here, the only reason any of us are standing here, is because our father has great grace, and he saw fit to forgive both Aniu and myself of our stupidity.”

          “Still, the only reason we survived was because Aniu returned.” Dash said. “Not because of my leadership. If she hadn’t come back Lytion would’ve won easily.”

          Aleu sighed again. “Dash, We only ever survive because of her. Do you think when I was Alpha it was any different? I’m nothing special Dash, just a wolf/dog, just like you.”

          Dash shook his head.

          “..what?” Aleu asked. “You think I did it alone? I’d’ve never lasted one day as Alpha without Aniu. She is my strength, as she is to all of us, and should be to you.”

          Dash nodded. “I know, she is.”

          Aleu nodded back and once again looked at Dash. “Then step into this role Dash, give it your all and trust in her plan for you. Aniu never does anything without reason. She’s been grooming you for this moment since you decided to leave Nome to follow Shasta.”

          Aleu stopped speaking and paused a moment, having accidentally spoken the name of her brother’s first love and the reason he’d decided to leave life as a pet in Nome and join the Talbourne. Shasta was a sensitive subject with Dash. She’d been murdered almost four years ago by the possessed husky Steele.

          “…just trust her judgment.” Aleu said at last. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all that’s just happened to us it’s that Aniu and our father will never give us more than they know we can handle. If Aniu has placed this responsibility on you it’s only because you are the best suited for the job and she knows you can handle it. It will take some time, but go with it. Get out there, make mistakes, learn from them. You will be an Alpha for the ancients to sing of for ages if you will only believe in yourself.”

          Dash sighed. “I just don’t know.” He said quietly. “I’m just so afraid I’m going to fail them.”

          Aleu nodded. “I thought the same Dash.” She said. “When I decided to leave dad and follow my first pack across the great waters I was very scared. Not only did I have zero experience as a leader, I didn’t even know where the ice bridge would take us… or what we’d find when we got there… but Aniu had begun to show me who I was, and had promised through Muru to continue to do so if I would only have faith in her and complete the journey. After all the wolves in that pack were killed trying to re-cross the ice bridge my faith in her became even more important. I had no idea the Talbourne even existed at that point… but I had faith. That’s what you must do now… have faith. Her plan for you will be revealed to you when the time is right.”

          Dash nodded. “I suppose you’re right.” He said.

          Aleu smiled. “You’ll do fine Dash.” She said. “To lay to rest any doubt of full transference of Alpha to you we’ll make it official through the proper ceremony tomorrow night, just inform the Clan of the gathering.”

          Dash nodded. “All right Aleu.” He said. “…and thank you. You vote of confidence means a lot to me.”

          Aleu nodded back, her vision shifting forward again. “…and it’s not like I’m leaving or anything. You can ask me for advise anytime you’re unsure of yourself.”

          Dash nodded again. “I appreciate that as well.” He said.

          Aleu nodded back. “You have it in you to be a fine Alpha Dash. You just don’t realize it yet.”

          Dash nodded. “…you really believe that?” He asked.

          Aleu smiled. “Dash, when you came to us I thought it was a very bad idea. You were a young, wet behind the ears pup who was following his heart instead of his head, but when you were helping us search for mom and dad in that storm Shadow saw something in you that he liked, and when…” Aleu paused and sighed. “…and when you took off on your own and confronted Meesha and her wolves to save Shasta he saw still more. It was he who convinced me you could have a future here with us.