do.”

          Dash nodded. “I sympathize with your position. Just trust in me, trust in Aniu and trust in the Talbourne. We’re always looking out for  the best of the Clan, even if it means few have to suffer.”

          Melody nodded. “Thank you for giving me another chance.” She said. “I know you should have killed me back there.”

          Dash smiled and nuzzled her. “You’re my sister.” He said. “To tell you the truth I could no easier kill you than you could me. You’re my family. We grew up together. I could never hurt you. It killed me inside when I had to.”

          Melody nodded and sighed.

          “…but put that behind you for now.” Dash said. “They’ll be time to deal with that later. Even if you run they may pursue you when they realize that you’ve betrayed them. Though I’m going to try to keep you as safe as possible it may not be possible to keep you from having to fight today. Clear your mind and ready it for what may have to be done.”

          Melody nodded. “…after you.” She said.

          Dash nodded and started out of the cave.

          It was some time later and Dash and Melody were still walking through the new fallen snow. It had stopped snowing about an hour ago, but the clouds overhead threatened to spill more upon them at any moment.

          Melody sighed as she walked, reflecting on how she had gotten tangled up in this mess to begin with. It had started a little over a week ago, as she walking through the woods stalking a deer…

          Melody crouched low, sneaking up closer to the deer in the clearing.

          The animal had its head down. It was digging through the snow, trying to get at the last of the grass left over from spring. It was so determined in this quest that it did not sense the wolf as it crept closer and closer.

          At just the moment she was about to spring, a dozen wolves stood up in front of the deer. It raised it’s head sharply and saw them. The deer let out a bleat and turned, darting through the woods.

          Melody sighed in exasperation. It had been the first deer she had seen all day and it was nearly dark. “Thanks!” She yelled. “What the hell is the matter with you? Didn’t you see me sneaking up on that deer?!” She stamped her paws a bit in frustration, then realization dawned on her. “…and what are you doing here anyway? This is Talbourne territory.”

          A black and white wolf with one orange eye and one blue stepped out of the crowd then. “Yes, we know. …and I couldn’t help but overhear that you have some grievance with them… might we be able to help?”

          Melody chuckled. “…not unless you can convince the alpha of our Clan to let my mate out of his obligation to our military forces.”

          The wolf smiled. “How about if I said I could do just that.”

          Melody stopped and looked at the wolf. “…and how do you plan to do that?” She asked.

          “We want to take over the Talbourne.” The wolf said. “We are without territory and starving because of Lytion’s repeated attacks. We withstood onslaught after onslaught while the Talbourne sat secure in their cave and did nothing to aid us… and then had the gall to call on us for help when they found themselves Lytion’s targets. We wish a peaceful transition of power. We do not wish to kill to gain the territory if it can be helped.”

          Melody laughed. “…and how do you expect to help me?”

          The wolf grinned. “…by releasing your mate from his obligation and giving you and your family a piece of territory to yourselves.”

          “…and why would you help me?” Melody asked.

          “…because you would help us.” The wolf said.

          “…and how would I do that?” Melody asked.

          “…by giving us the Alpha.” The wolf said. “If you can set up a way for us to bring down the Alpha then the Clan is leaderless, and I will step in. I will then grant you what I have said.”

          Melody shook her head. “I cannot betray the Alpha.” She said. “I’m his sister.”

          “Tsk, tsk.” The wolf said. “…and whom is more important, your brother who has failed you, or your beloved family.”

          Melody swallowed hard. “…my… my family.” She said.

          “…then why not help us?” He asked. “I promise as little bloodshed as possible. So your other friends will be safe.”

          “I would test you.” Melody said.

          The wolf nodded and smiled. “Very well, what is the test?”

          Melody sighed, hardly able to comprehend what she was doing. “…the test is this.” She said. “Attack the Talbourne, but inflict not one death, I’ll give you the patrols and their locations. Attack and withdraw before any mortal injuries are conveyed and you will have my cooperation.”

          The wolf nodded. “This seems fair to me. Fine, it will be done.”

          Melody nodded. “Fine, I’ll meet you after dark.” She looked around and saw an outcropping of rocks in the clearing. “…here. You can hide in those rocks until I appear. You will know it is me because I will say the words “for change” as I approach.”

          The wolf nodded. “Very well, we will do as you have asked.”

          “If even one wolf dies in your attacks I will not help you.” She said.

          The wolf nodded fair enough, now if I may impose an amendment to this agreement as well?”

          Melody nodded.

          The wolf stepped forward, walking until he was right in front of Melody. “Betray us to your Alpha and I will make sure that with my dying breath your precious family share’s my fate.”

          Melody shivered at this.

          “…do we have a deal?” The wolf asked.

          Melody swallowed hard. “My family is more important.” She said to herself. “Yes.” She said. “We have a deal. Await my arrival at these rocks tomorrow night.”

          Then she turned and ran from the clearing.

          “I was so stupid.” Melody whispered.

          “What’s that?” Dash asked.

          “…nothing.” She said.

          Dash nodded. “Well we’re approaching the clearing now. May as well get ready.”

          Melody nodded.

          “So Melody.” Dash said. “…I take it this is the place you were talking about. The place you wanted me to make sure was in our territory?”

          Melody nodded. “Yes.” She said. “…is it.”

          Dash stepped into the clearing. “…looks to be.” He said.

          Suddenly a eleven wolves leapt from the rocks above and to the clearing below.

          Dash feigned surprise and turned to Melody.

          Melody turned and ran away from the clearing as fast as her paws would take