mate knows me better than I do myself. He says I’ll get restless after a while, and he’s probably right. This will give me something to do within the clan while not having to shoulder the responsibilities of being the Alpha.”

          Dash nodded. “I agree with him.” He said. “We’ll make that official tomorrow as well.”

          Aleu nodded.

          “Well, I better get back to June.” Dash said. “…take care Aleu.”

          Aleu nodded. “…you too Dash.” She said. Then she turned and walked away.

          Dash sighed and turned, walking back into the cave, his mind spinning as he searched for possible culprits in this plot. Two wolves came to mind immediately and Dash sighed again. Then he laid down beside June, sliding close to her.

          Timbre opened his eyes.

          Melody still slept soundly beside him.

          He yawned and stretched out as much as he could without waking her. He was still tired, even after getting some sleep the night before. He hadn’t slept well. Timbre was worried, but he thought that anyone in his position would be. He looked at Melody and sighed, then he licked her gently on the cheek and stood up. Fourth Unit would be waiting for him to take them out on their first patrol.

          He stretched again and groaned, wishing he could curl up beside Melody and sleep for a week. He guessed he probably could if he were given the time.

          He looked up and silently said the prayer to Aniu he said every morning.

          He asked her simply to let him come back alive.

          Then he turned and walked out of the chamber to begin the new day.

          Dash sighed.

          It was early in the day and already he was tired.

          There’d been another attack today, still only a light battle and then a quick withdrawal by the attackers before any real damage could be done. At least now he understood why. They were trying to draw him out, believing that if he fell they would be free to step in and take over the Talbourne and its territory. In truth Dash had been afraid something like this would happen. The attacks by Lytion had left many of the packs surrounding the Talbourne decimated and unable to recover. As the Talbourne was the strongest and held the most territory of any wolf clan in Alaska it only made sense that the beleaguered wolves would try to take something from them.

          Dash had just returned from seeing to the wounded. None of them were serious, and all would be fine in a few days, still… it bothered Dash that they had to suffer for his sake.

          He sighed.

          “…guess that’s part of being Alpha.” He thought.

          Dash heard someone running to catch up to him. He stopped and turned around.

          “Hey Melody.” He said.

          “…hey bro.” She said. “…how are you?”

          He sighed. “…been better, you?”

          “I guess I’m alright.” She said. Melody chuckled. “…not like anyone would listen if I complained anyway.”

          Dash smiled and nodded.

          “…hey Dash, think you could come with me tomorrow?”

          Dash sighed. “…perhaps, depends on my schedule, why, what’s up?”    

          “…nothing big.” Melody said. “I just found some good hunting ground, but it’s kind of on the boundry between our territory and another pack’s. From the population of the herds it doesn’t look like anyone has been in there for a while, it’d be easy pickings for us.”

          Dash nodded. “…yes it would.”

          “I just wanted to get your approval before I hunted there… to keep from encroaching on the other pack’s territory.”

          Dash nodded. “…that’s a good idea.” He said. “…thank you. I’ll try to make some time for it.”

          Melody nodded. “Thanks bro.” She said. “…gotta run, hunting party is waiting on me as it is heh heh. I’ll see you later at the meeting.”

          Dash nodded. “…good luck.” He said. “…and be careful.”

          Melody smiled. “Thanks, you know me heh heh.”

          Dash nodded. “Yes I do, which is why I’m going to say it again… be careful. We have enemies out there.”

          Melody nodded. “…don’t worry about me bro. I’ll be fine.”

          With that she turned and ran back toward the Main Chamber.

Chapter 4:

          Later that night every wolf in the Talbourne was gathered in the Main Chamber. They were all awaiting the announcement that Dash would be the new Alpha. Everyone knew that’s why the meeting had been called.

          Aleu stood next to Dash on the second shelf of rock above the floor. She looked out over the crowd. “…looks like everyone is here.”

          Just then Timbre walked up to them. “…everyone is here Dash.” He said. “…present and accounted for.”

          Dash nodded. “…thank you.” He said. He had an odd feeling of déjà-vu as he stood there.

          Aleu stepped forward and everyone stopped talking. “Greetings to you all...” She said. “…my brothers and sisters. I have called this meeting to lay to rest any doubt over who is Alpha of this clan. I have led you all for many years, I know many of you by name, and many of you call me friend. I shall never regret those years, nor would I trade them for anything in this world, or the next. However, I am not as young as I once was and those years have begun to catch up to me. Therefore I am stepping down as your Alpha and leaving Dash in my place. Dash has served our clan with absolute loyalty and distinction since the day he decided to give up living as a pet in Nome and join us here in this cave. He started out simply as a soldier within the Defense Force. He quickly proved himself and was made Executive Officer of that unit within his first year. The year after that he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and he has served in that capacity ever since. He is a more than capable and competent leader and he has a sound knowledge and experience with tactics and defense strategies. I believe he cares for this clan just as much as I, and it is with no reservations whatsoever that I abdicate my position to him. I expect each one of you to follow him as loyally and as totally as you have followed me.”

          She turned and smiled. “…Dash, I know you’ve already done this, but will you please step forward.

          Dash stepped up next to her.

          “Please repeat after me.” Aleu said. As she spoke her next words she paused every once and a while to allow Dash to respond.

          “I Dash... do solemnly swear to uphold and defend.... all that which the Talbourne stands for... I will never waver in judgment... but will be decisive in insuring that justice... is brought to the members of this clan. I know that the forces of evil... are constantly plotting our downfall... and will work with diligence... and perseverance... to insure this does not happen... I will be ever mindful... of the needs of the members of this clan... and will strive to insure they are met... I will provide for them...