paused and looked over the crowd of wolves until his gaze came to rest on Everest and his small family. “Though she wasn’t here long, I felt as if I lost a sister that day. Saba was a kind and gentle creature, but could be razor sharp if provoked. I was in charge of her training for a short time and I must tell you that she was one of the best students I have ever had. Saba was always eager to learn, to take on new responsibilities with the pack. She viewed her duty, not as work, but as her obligation. I have no doubt that Aleu would have been safe if in her charge and would have trusted her completely with this task. Before we crossed the bridge we fell under attack by a group of black wolves. We were separated at the time, and I feared for her safety. When I rushed to her aid however I found that she had not only defeated her foe, but done so soundly, and these were well trained fighters.”

Shadow paused. “I want it to be known to Saba’s family, and to all of you gathered here, that I had planned to ask Saba to join my Security Teams. This would have been a first in the history of the teams. Never before has a female proven themselves the way that Saba did.

I know that words are little consolation in times such as these, but it is all I have to offer. I hope you accept them, because they are sincere in everyway.”

Shadow looked at Aleu, who nodded and stepped forward. “Oh great Aniu, grant us the peace of mind that our most recently departed member, Saba, is in your care. We know that in your presence she is much better off than she was here on this Earth and for this we thank you. I would ask for your strength upon Saba’s family, especially her children who suddenly find themselves without a mother, and Everest, who now finds himself missing the one that meant so much to his life.

Oh Aniu, I cannot imagine losing Shadow, and know that you will put your guidance and direction upon Everest, so that he may get past this tragic day in his life. Please be with all of us, keep us strong, keep us on the right path, and may we forever be known as the Talbourne Clan your clan.”

Aleu looked up.

“That concludes this memorial, if you’d like to say something to Everest or the children, they would most assuredly appreciate your concern for them.”

Aleu looked at Shadow. “You are dismissed.”

The wolves began to chatter amongst themselves, and milled around the chamber.

Some made it over to Everest, some didn’t, unsure of what they would say if they did… what they could say.”

One thing was evident throughout the entire chamber though…

During her short time with them, Saba had made a deep impression upon the clan and almost everyone in it.

She would be sorely missed.

Everest was walking through the silent forest. There were three other wolves on his flank, keeping watch for prey, for food.

As he was walking, Everest took the time to reflect back upon the events of the last week.

Slowly but surely Everest was adapting to life without Saba in his life. She’d been gone for so long that he hardly remembered her before, but now… the two had gotten so close… if it hadn’t been for the pups, her death may have been enough to make him give up, just find the nearest cliff and… but the kids were a factor. They relied on him now more than ever, and he intended to provide for them.

Everest’s thoughts were shattered as he heard a sharp snap resound through the forest.

He stopped.

The woods were silent.

Everest glanced over to see that the other three wolves had stopped as well.

Suddenly a crash filled the air, and the wolf to Everest’s left fell, a fountain of blood spraying from his shoulder.

Everest turned as another crack sounded and another wolf fell… dead.

Everest looked behind him just as he prepared to run, and saw the attackers.

They were humans, but of a type that Everest had never seen.

Another crack sounded, and the tree just beside Everest splintered.

Everest and the last remaining wolf began to run, and it seemed as if they would make it… but then a new sound, unlike any Everest had ever heard filled the air.

TAT-AT-AT-AT-AT-AT!

Everest heard the wolf beside him fall and roll down the hill to his left. Everest jumped off the top of the hill and slid through the sow to the bottom.

The wolf was there, lying in the snow, a dark red puddle spreading out from him.

Everest walked over to him and then jumped back.

Everest had seen gun-shot wounds before, but… not like this.

“Who are these people?” Everest thought. “...and why are they killing us?”

Everest turned and ran.

“Aleu I’m serious.” Everest said. “I know it seems impossible, but… Teesha had at least five holes in him in the space of maybe a second.”

Aleu shook her head. “We’ve never seen a weapon that fast before though.”

“I’m telling you Aleu these weren’t the normal hunters.” Everest continued. “These guys were wearing all green, and had some kind of helmet… and there was a lot of them… we may be in serious danger.”

“I still find it hard to believe” Aleu said. “Are you sure you’re not exaggerating?”

Everest sighed. “Yes Aleu… those wolves are dead for Aniu’s sake.”

Aleu nodded. “I’ll have Shadow and the teams check it out.”

“Tell them to be careful.” Everest said.

Aleu nodded again. “… of course.”

Silence filled the chamber.

“You’re dismissed Everest.” Aleu said.

Everest nodded, and walked out of the chamber.

Aleu sighed and looked up at the ceiling of the chamber. “First we lose Saba, now this? Aniu, what else could happen to us?”

Morning had broken over the small town of Nome, Alaska.

Tim and Tycha sat on top of an old boat at the edge of town.

“Hey Tycha,” Tim said. “I’m going into town for a while.”

He stood up and walked toward the wooden plank that led to the ground.

“Tim…” Tycha said.

Tim stopped. “What is it Tycha?”

“When will you be back?” Tycha asked.

“Probably late afternoon.” Tim said.

“Tim?” Tycha asked again, taking a step toward him. “Why does it take you so long in town now?”

Tim sighed. “Look Tycha, I’m going alright.” He started walking down the plank to the snow covered ground below.

Tycha walked to the edge of the boat. “Tim?”

Tim stopped half-way down the plank and turned. “Yeah Tycha?”

Tycha sighed. “Tim I… I love you.”

“Yeah.” Tim said. “I’ll see you later.” Then he walked down the plank and started off toward town.

Tycha watched him go.

“Why won’t he say he loves me anymore?” Tycha thought.

She sighed and her vision clouded with tears, for she thought she might know why.

“No.” Tycha thought to herself. “…not Tim. He wouldn’t…”

Tycha sighed. “At least I don’t think he would… I’ve got to be sure.”

Tycha started down the plank.

It wasn’t hard for Tycha to find Tim’s trail and start tracking him. Sure enough, the trail led into Nome, and up to a strange house that Tycha did not recognize.

On the porch of the house stood Tim.

Tycha crouched behind a box on the other side of the street and watched.

Tim scratched on the door and presently a golden colored dog stepped out onto the porch.

It was a female.

The golden dog smiled and licked Tim’s nose and he nuzzled her. Then the two walked into the house together.

Tycha was shocked.

She’d known that this was a possibility, but it seemed so far fetched… so unreal, that she’d barely given notice to it.

Tycha shook her head and ran toward the boat, tears blurring her vision.

She would wait for Tim at the boat, and when he returned, he’d have some serious explaining to do.

Though she didn’t know it, Jenna was walking by the very house that Tim had entered. She was on her way to see Balto. She had to talk to him. Losing Everest had been very hard for Jenna, and she needed someone to talk to. Balto, she knew, would listen.

As she was walking by the house, she heard someone call her name.

“Jenna?”

Jenna stopped and turned.

Drake stood behind her.

“What do you want Drake?” Jenna asked.

Drake sighed. “Jenna… can we talk?”

She sighed. “Drake…” but he cut her off. “Please?”

Jenna sighed and nodded. “Alright.”

Jenna walked with Drake into a nearby alley.

Drake sighed. “Jenna I… I don’t know quite what to say… except to say I truly am sorry about what happened.”

Jenna shook her head. “It’s not enough, not nearly enough. Everest was my son Drake… how could you… allow him to be… to be killed.”

Drake sighed. “Jenna, I was just doing my job. I told them both what would happen if they returned. They knew the risks.”

Jenna shook her head. “Drake… I can’t do this right now.”

“Jenna please…” Drake started, but this time Jenna cut him off. “Drake… no.” She said.