another in our team. How about it?' Kodi and the others barked in agreement.

    'Are you sure, Rig? She is wild.' Nell said, nerviously. Rig shook his head.

    'Don't worry, Nell. I'll know.'

***

As night grew upon the town, both dog and man returned to the cabin. Then after a light meal, both Mr and Mrs Ground left to go and see the docter, leaving their son to look after the dogs. While they were gone, Jonney tended to the dogs. He bought some combs and brushes. Though grooming wasn't Tamill's favourite chore, he let the boy pamper him. Once they were brushed and then combed, Tamill and the others were given their evening meal.

After they'd finished, the dogs were led to to the Main Room. There they laid themselves down and slept.

first tended the fire before going 

    'It's been ages since I've been around humans,' Aleu whispered.

    'So why did you leave?' Saba asked. Everyone knew what happend and why Aleu left Nome. Balto had told them about their journey.

Aleu looked at the floor, before speaking.

   'Not long ago, I had a dream. You were all there on a cliff, tied to a sled and pulling it. There was a storm. It ...it...swallowed you and...That was all.' she paused,' I knew something was wrong and decided to heed the dream. So I had to come here. I was afraid for you all.'

   'But how did you know we were here in Koyuk.' Kodi wondered,

   ' It's difficult to explain,' Aleu sighed. She looked pleadingly at her father.

Balto nodded, understandingly.

   'Your sister shares a strange...awareness that is known to wolves of the wild. I don't fully understand it myself. Once I had a dream which led us to the shore. It proved true. But how did lead you here?'

   'Some old friend led showed me the way.' admitted Aleu,'that's all I can say.' she stared back at each of their puzzled faces. 'All I will say, is this. I know about the race. I know you're all going to be in it.  But I want to help just to make sure you get back safely.'

Further conversation was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. The Grounds had returned. The Doctor had seen to Rig and agreed he seemed strong enough to enter the race. On their way back, the Grounds had passed a butchers store and picked up some supplise for the Race. As they came in the dogs greeted them affectionately. Rig held out his hand again to Aleu. This time, he patted her. Aleu's ears pricked. She nosed his arm. Rig smiled.

Afterwards they all sat by the fire Jonney had been tending and later settled themselves down to sleep.

 

XIV

It was a day they had been waiting for.

As Mr Ground and Jonny lead them out of the cabin. Jenna whispered to her mate. 'Will we make it?'

Balto nuzzled her neck. 'For Rig. Yes'

    'Stay close, kids.' Rig warned them.

They met no person nor dog. Everyone had gone to the Town Square. Silently, the Balto Family and the Grounds left the cabin.

*

They came to a large barn. Nell went to the door and opened it for them. They entered the barn. They found Mr Sulski there with Nick and eight strong dogs. Rig hailed them. 'Hay Sulski! Where's the sled?'

    'Over there. Under that sheet.' he pointed to a covered shape in the far corner. With a nod from his father, Jonny pulled it off and there stood the sled. Beautifully furnished. Jonny brought out the reins from it's ready bags.

Dingo was put first. Next was Tamille. Chilla. Aleu. Saba. Kodi. Jenna. And Balto. 'I see you have another.' Sulski said, nodding to Aleu,' Tough cookie. Where did you get her?'

    'She just came. One of the pack now.' Rig explained how Aleu came to him.

    'I would watch her, if I were you.' the hermit warned him. Rig nodded. Jenna frowned. It was clear the humans were unsure with her daughter. She looked at Sulski's dogs and was surprised to find that they were all mixed breeds (except for two Eskimo dogs). They looked very sleek and sturdy. The Lead-dog was brown with dark cream markings. His companion, who was much younger then him was black and white, and had a look of sourness and disgust in his face which made Jenna want to drew back.

She glanced back at her pups. She and Balto were the main Leaders of the team. Kodiak and Saba were Turners. Aleu and Chilla were the Runners. And Dingo and Tamill were Pullers.

Mr Sulski said. 'Right, we're all done.' Going to his sled, he bid Nick and Jonny to open the doors. They did so. Outside was clear. The snow had stopped a chilly wind was still in the air.

Nell reached over the sled and kissed her husband goodbye. 'Take care, you hear.' she said. Then softly added. 'I love you.' Rig smiled. She left him. He nodded to Sulski and both of them shouted ''Hike!'' and they all left the barn.

*

The square was clustered with people and dogs from young to old. They cheered when they saw them coming. They all seemed keen. Jenna could feel their excitement. As for herself, her heart was fluttering. She was part of a great event. Her first real race! If only Rosie were here, she wished.

They pulled the towards the standing polls. Everyone backed away for them. As the crowds parted, Jenna noticed for the first time that there was another team next to the polls. It was their other opponent. Team number 3. Jenna and the others made their way next to them. Placed beside the polls, was a low podium and on it stood the Mayor and his wife. They were clothed in gold and splendid fur jackets. Ragnel and Missy were sitting with them. The poodles bowed to the teams.

Jenna gave them a warm smile, before turning her attention to the team she hadn't seen yet.  

Their musher, Ted Maximous was a tall, broad shouldered man, with jet, black hair and a broad, boned face. The five Eskimo dogs were with him on the team. There were also two Siberian Huskies. But the last, an Alaskan Malamute was...Jenna gasped aloud! 

      'Balto...look!' she stammered. 

Balto followed her gaze. His jaw dropped. 'Steele!' 

Steele after hearing his name, turned his head and saw them. He looked older and less bulky. But the look of pride was still visible. The was a tense moment amid the hubbub. At last Steele spoke in the voice they remembered. 'Well, wolf-dog. You got what you wanted. And more.' he shot a glance at Jenna and then their pups. 'Fame and fortune. Who could ask for more? Say, Jenna. Good to see yer. Wondered if ever I would.'

    'Well, I didn't,' she said simply, glaring at him,

    'Shhhhhhh!' Balto hushed them. The Meyor was speaking.

     'Ladies and gentleman!' he roared. 'We thank you for coming. We also would like to thank those who have traveled far to watch this exciting event. And to see three of the greatest mushers and dogs from different towns compete with each other. On 1st Place, running for our town; Sulski with his lead dog, Lurth'

Sulski waved, cheerily as the the people of Koyuk cheered for him and his team. Nick hailed to his uncle.

    'Show em, uncle!' Sulski grinned.

    'Will do!'

The Mayor went on, proudly. 'On 2nd Place. Running for Nome; Rig Ground and the famous wolf-dog, Balto!

There was joyous sound of cheering crowds, Nell and Jonny. Jenna gave Balto a fond lick, fondly. Balto gave her a loving look. 'I needed that.' he said. They nuzzled each other.

    'Lastly, on 3rd Place, and running for White Mountain; Ted Maximous and his dog, Nero!'

While the people cheered. Ragnel suddenly hopped off the podium and ran straight in front of the teams. He accounted them. 'Once the crowds settles, the Mayor will give a signal and three men will come and give each of your mushers a stack of flags. Green, blue and red. They will help mark your three mile trail for the plane to see.'

    'You have your own aircraft here?' asked Balto, with interest.

    'No, we don't. But you do. Bye all. Good luck.'

Ragnel gave them one last bow, before rushing back to his master.

    'He must mean Balto Flyer!'  Kodi cried in amazement.

    'Duke will be up there, then.' Balto said, staring up at the sky.

As the cheers died down, the Mayor gave a signal and three men came down. The gave the flags to the mushers. While they did, the Mayor gave one last announcement. 'The teams will plant the flags after each  mile. Now, teams at the ready!' 

The dogs crouched down. Steele whispered to Balto. 'Well wolf-dog. See you...very soon.'

The rivals glared at each other for a moment, then turned away. 'Oh Balto!' Jenna whispered fearfully to him. Balto didn't reply.

Lurth, who'd seen it all, asked curiously. 'Old friend of yours?'

Balto didn't look at him. He just shook his head. 'We never even tried to be.' he said

As the Mayor raised his pistol, a hush followed. He began. 'ON YOUR MARKS...'

    'Hay! Good luck.' Lurth whispered to them.

    'GET SET..!'

    'You too.' returned Balto.

 

BANG!

 

Both teams shot forwards! Everyone cheered! The Trail Run

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