few minutes later they were riding through the town, watching dogs try to extinguish fires.
“Stop right there.” a Lab said, standing in their path with a shotgun pointed at them.
“Who are you and why are you here?” he asked. Henry started to speak, but Balto silenced him with a wave. Dismounting, he walked up to about ten paces from the sheriff and eyed him.
“We’re on the trail of Steele’s gang, we don’t want any trouble, but if you don’t lower that gun you’ll find plenty...” he said, and the sheriff lowered the gun.
“Smart move.” Balto said, then mounted again.
“Which way did they go?” Henry asked the sheriff.
“South, they came suddenly and killed anyone who resisted, taking anything they needed.” the sheriff said.
“Was there a red and white husky female with them?” Balto asked, and the sheriff nodded.
“Was she alright?” Henry asked, and the sheriff nodded again.
“She seemed fine, I think it was Steele who shot one of his own for going near her.” the sheriff said, and Balto grinned and relaxed.
“Finally, Steele’s possessiveness shows a use.” he muttered, and Jon looked around.
“Is there anything we can do?” he asked, and the sheriff nodded.
“Kill him.” he said, and Balto chuckled.
“Believe me, his death will be slow.” he said, and rode out of town. Jon and Henry caught up as he found Steele’s tracks.
“The sheriff was right, he’s heading south. We’re three hours behind, give or take. Hopefully we can catch them by tomorrow night.” Balto said, swinging back in the saddle.
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Jon asked, and Balto grinned.

Several hours later, the found themselves standing around a smoldering fire.
“How long?” Henry asked, as he looked out over the horizon.
“They must have stopped for some reason, we’re only an hour or so behind.” Balto said, and Jon laughed.
“We can have them by tonight.” he said, and Henry chuckled.
“It is night. We can get up early tomorrow and surprise them.” he said, and Jon looked about, just noticing the fact that darkness was closing in.
“I’m going ahead and seeing where their camp is.” he said, checking his rifle.
“I’m coming with you.” Jon said, but Balto shook his head.
“No, you stay here.” he told him, and turned to go.
“Balto, be careful. I’d hate to have to give that right to my daughter for you.” he said, and Balto chuckled.
“I have every intention of giving it to her myself. I’m sorry about not asking you, but I didn’t have time.” he said, and Henry smiled.
“Don’t be, I would have said yes anyway.” he said, as Balto grinned.
“If I don’t come back, tell her I love her, would you?” he said, and Henry nodded.
“Of course.” he agreed, and Balto left. Jogging past brush and cacti, he relished in the silence. Soon, way too soon, he found himself at the edge of a small canyon. About ten feet below him, Steele and his gang were camped around a couple of fires. Dropping to his stomach, Balto crept forwards and took a head count.
Thirteen, unlucky for you, Steele...he thought, and searched the camp until he found Jenna. She was bound and guarded, right below him. Balto smiled to himself and settled in for a long wait. Sure enough, Jenna’s guard fell asleep soon, quickly followed by everyone else in the camp. Waiting a few more minutes, Balto dropped down from the ledge, and snuck over to Jenna. Placing a paw over her mouth, he shook her gently. Her eyes snapped open, then she smiled against this palm.
“Jenna, I cant get you out now. I’ll be back. When the shooting starts, I want you to get out of the way, alright?” he whispered, and she nodded.
“Balto, be safe.” she whispered back and he grinned at her.
“Hey, its me.” he said, and snuck off. She watched him go and drifted back to sleep. Balto, having successfully crept out of the camp, took one last look at Jenna. I love you, Jenna.  He thought, then turned and ran off for the others.

That morning, Balto shook the others awake a good bit before dawn.
“Wake up, its time to go.” he said, kicking sand over the fire. Moments later, they were all waiting to go.
“Well, this is it.” Balto said, looking towards the gangs camp.
“Yes, it is.” Henry replied, riding up alongside him.
“It’s been a pleasure.” Jon said, and the other two nodded.
“That it has.” Henry agreed.
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Balto asked, and they rode off, riding for justice, love, and peace.
“Here we are. They’re just over that cliff.” Balto said, pointing.
“We better go on foot from here.” Henry suggested, and Jon dismounted and readied his rifle.
Balto and Henry followed suit. The three of them crept up to the edge of the cliff, to see nothing. Steele had left early.
“I guess he’s-” Henry started, but a bullet kicked up dirt an inch from his face. Balto immediately started shooting at the dogs who were appearing from behind boulders. Two went down before a rain of bullets shredded the cliff. The three dogs backpedaled, firing as they did. Another dog took a hit as Balto aimed and fired. He could hear Steele shouting encouragement to his gang, and shot at the malamute, swearing when he missed. Henry kneeled and fired off three rounds, hitting two before he got shot in the shoulder. Jon crawled over as Balto unloaded his rifle, hitting four before he took a round to the leg. Gritting through the pain, he drew his Colts and fired twice from each, kicking up blood and dirt. Jon raised he rifle and braced it, pausing, then fired. A gang member fell, and three dogs cam out with their paws up.  They dropped their weapons and retreated off to the side, where Henry drew a bead on them. Jon fired again, and the last gang member fell, and Balto stood.
“Come on Steele, lets finish this, just you and me.” he called out, as he reloaded his Colt’s.
“You want to risk her life?” Steele shouted, as he came out from behind a boulder, a gun held to Jenna’s temple.
“Leave her out of it Steele.” he said, and Steele smirked.
“Fine. Do you go anywhere.” he said, throwing Jenna from him and pointing the gun at Balto. Unbidden, the words of a song leapt to the young wolfdog’s mind.

Lord, I got to ask a favor
And I'll hope you'll understand
'Cause I've lived life to the fullest
Let the boy die like a man

“That’s better Steele.” Balto said, tensing for the draw.
“You’re going to die, coward.” Steele sneered.

Staring down the bullet
Let me make my final stand

“We’ll see, won’t we?” Balto asked, softly.
“I will. You wont be around for it.” Steele replied, as they circled on another.

Shot down in a blaze of glory
Take me now but know the truth

Suddenly Balto drew, faster than Steele could react, and shot him in the heart. As he fell, Steele used his last breath and aimed and fired. The last thing Balto remembered hearing before blacking out was Jenna screaming his name, and the words to his father’s song:

I'm going out in a blaze of glory
Lord I never drew first
But I drew first blood

Jenna wrung her paws as she paced back and forth outside the hospital. Henry looked up, and patted the seat beside him.
“He’ll be fine, sweetheart. Relax.” he told her, and she sighed.
“I’m sorry, I’m just so worried.” she said, still pacing.
“He’ll be fine.” Jon said, from where he was standing and staring out the window.
“How can you be sure?” Jenna muttered, finally sitting and holding her head in her paws.
“He’s my son, isn’t he? And if he’s anything like his mother he’s stubborn as a mule.” Jon said, sitting down beside her.
“You’re his father?” She asked, looking at him with tear filled eyes. He nodded, and sighed.
“That’s a story for another time.” he said. There was a knock on the door, and the three dogs who had surrendered walked in, accompanied by a sheriff.
“What are you three doing here?” Jon demanded, standing.
“We’s came to see if Balto is alright.” a roundish chow said, taking off his hat.
“Who are you?” Jenna asked, and the small husky smiled at her.
“Keltag,” he said, pointing at the tan Chinook, who nodded and smiled, “Nikki,” he said, indicating the chow, “and I’m Star.”
“Your Balto’s friends from the gang?” Jenna asked, and Keltag nodded.
“We were in much the same situation he was.” He said, sitting at a nod from the Sheriff. There was an uncomfortable silence, then the doctor opened the door.
“Miss Jenna? Mr. Shanver?” he asked, and they stood.
“I thought it was Donver?” Jenna asked as they followed the doctor.
“Shanver was my wife’s maiden name, I took it when my parents disowned me.” he answered, as the doctor pointed them into a room.
“Balto!” Jon said, then pulled his son into a hug. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have let that happen, hell I shouldn’t have left all those years ago...” he babbled, years of pain and worry breaking through.
“Father?” Balto asked, and Jon nodded.
“I’m sorry, son. I will tell