fought and suffered for.”

          Dash nodded. “I will Aniu.” He said.

          Aniu nodded. “I am afraid my time is short and I must return you to your world shortly, but before I do, heed these words. You must not doubt yourself Dash, for I am leading you in each step through every day as he who is above me will allow. You are never alone Dash, remember that, and second… remember your family. They are important as well. Take care of them, and they will take care of you.”

          Dash nodded.

          “…through faith will all of us be set free.” She said. “…please listen and take to heart what has been said here. Never give up on yourself, and most importantly never give up on my Clan. I have chosen you as Alpha because you are more than qualified, trust in that, in me, and everything will work out fine.”

          Dash nodded.

          “Before you go, there is someone who I think needs to tell you something…”

          Aniu closed her eyes and a blue portal appeared beside her. Out of the portal stepped…

          “…it can’t be.” Dash said.

          He promptly fell to the floor of the cave, unable to stand any longer.

          “Hello Dash.”

          Dash’s eyes instantly filled with tears. “…Shasta?” He asked.

          The glowing figure nodded. “Yes, it is me.”

          Dash looked at her and his jaw quivered as he fought back his emotions.

          “My time is very short Dash. I want only to say that I have been watching you, and I am glad to see that you have moved on, that you are happy, and that you have a companion. Take care of her Dash. I know you sense something is not right. I am here to tell you to follow your heart.” She smiled. “…it’s never led you wrong before.”

          Dash nodded and stood.

          “…is… is it really you?” He asked.

          She nodded. “…it is Dash.” She said. “…and sometime in the future we will be together again, but until that day, stay committed to June and your relationship with her. She needs you as much as you need her.”

          Dash nodded and swallowed back the majority of his tears. “…I love you… Shasta.” He said.

          Shasta smiled and stepped forward, nuzzling him. “…and I you.” She whispered.

          Dash closed his eyes as he felt her fur against his cheek… then she disappeared and it was only he and Aniu once more.

          “…and now I must return you my child.” Aniu said. “…take care of my clan.”

          With that the Great Aniu unfurled her beautiful blue wings and a white light seemed to emanate from her very core.

          Dash was struck dumb as it was the most beautiful sight he could ever recall seeing.

          Then all was black.

          Dash opened his eyes and looked around.

          He was back in the cave. June slept soundly beside him.

          His heart pounded in his chest so hard that he was afraid it would wake June. He’d heard Aleu tell stories of being visited by Aniu, but never had she come to see him. The encounter left him somewhat afraid, yet strengthened with a resolve he found surprising, a strength that he had not had before. He looked down at June and remembered seeing Shasta in the cave, feeling her against him once again.

          He smiled and nuzzled the wolf beside him.

          “I don’t know what has hurt you so deeply my love.” He whispered. “…but I will find out, and I’ll help you get past it.”

          He licked her cheek and June stirred slightly.

          Dash smiled and laid his head across her neck.

          The silver moon cast a deep blue shadow on the fallen snow as a shadowy figure stepped outside the Talbourne Cave’s back entrance. The figure knew that it should have been asleep, preparing for the day ahead, and yet, something was more important than sleep at this moment. The figure had been very careful to avoid being detected by the wolf assigned to guard the back entrance, but it had turned out to be a wasted effort, the young wolf lay slumped against the wall of the entrance chamber, soundly sleeping.

          The figure darted through the woods, keeping low to avoid being seen against the snow. Once the figure was sure that it had escaped detection and was beyond the scope of the Talbourne guards it stood up and quickly ran to a clearing nearby. It stood outside the same outcropping of rocks and repeated it’s phrase from before.

          “…for change.” It said.

          The same three wolves walked out from the shadows of the rocks. “…were you detected?” The lead wolf asked.

          The figure shook it’s head and smiled. “…guard was asleep, not a chance he saw me.”

          The lead wolf nodded. “…great, what do you have to report?”

          The figure sighed. “…much as I hate to see it happen I am coming to realize that for my family to be safe the current Alpha must be put down. You have kept your part of the bargain, once more only injuries reported in the skirmishes today.”

          The wolf nodded. “…so have we proven ourselves? …have you found your resolve?”

          The figure nodded. “Yes you have, and yes, I have. The situation in the Talbourne is only getting worse. You have my cooperation.”

          The figure nodded and smiled. “…very well.” He said. “…what is to be done then?”

          “…you’ll have to strike the Alpha, I am too close to him.” The figure said.

          The wolf nodded again. “..we were planning on that, when?”

          The figure sighed. “…that’s the hard part. He’s hardly ever outside the cave, and when he is he doesn’t announce the fact. It may take some time.”

          The wolf shook his head. “…we don’t have time my friend.” He said. “Our clan starves as we speak from lack of hunting ground. Perhaps we can take him inside the cave.”

          The figure shook it’s head. “…you’d never make it out alive. There are many accomplished fighters in the cave and the Alpha would be sure to make some noise… not to mention he’s a very good fighter himself.”

          “Then what do you suggest my friend?” The wolf said. “My patience thins as I watch my clan suffer.”

          The figure nodded. “I’ll see if I can arrange to have Dash come out of the cave somehow… and get back to you with the details.”

          The wolf nodded. “…and how long will this take?” He asked.

          “…give me one day.” The figure said.

          The wolf nodded. “…if when the week is out you have not delivered him to us we take him ourselves… and our deal is forfeit, understand?”

          The figure nodded. “…it will not take that long, this I swear to you.”

          The wolf nodded. “…see that it doesn’t. I have