Balto: A problem in the clan

Runningwind woke up to another day in the clan. The sun was not even in the sky when each wolf was ready to be assigned a job. Each day everyone in the clan was put to work, the only ones who didn’t work were the females who was nursing or expecting to have pups.

Runningwind saw Balto talking to Nightsky, the leader of the Forgotten clan. Balto was a half breed. He lived near a human tribe which he called a ‘town.’ He lived in a ship wrecked ‘boat’ he called it, which Nightsky often called it “The love boat.”

It was said by many of the elders and Nightsky himself that Balto was the rightful leader of the clan. Balto’s mother was the leader before she died and Balto ran away. Eniu was her name. She was known by many as the wolf goddess.

Balto laughed then turned away from Nightsky. Darkcloud walked up to them. He was asking him what job to give who today Runningwind knew. It was the routine of the day. Everyone was assigned jobs and each party would do what was asked. Nothing ever exciting ever happen to the Forgotten clan.

Darkcloud called names for the hunting patrol. Then names for the look out patrol. Some would take care of the elders and nursing or expecting pup females. And so on.

Today

Runningwind was in the look out patrol. He joined his group and walk to his position. It was at the edge of the Forgotten clan territory. All he had to do was make sure no one from the other clans came on his clans lands. Though many of the clans were peaceful none were allowed in each clans territory. The only time anyone in another clan was allowed in another’s territory was when all the clans had a roundanue or a party between the clans celebrating heritage and friendship they all had.

That was pretty much Runningwinds whole day. And at the end of it he would walk home and let the night patrol work.

When he got home that night Balto was still there. Runningwind was now wondering why he was there. Sunsky, Nightskys twin sister was standing alone. He walked up to her. “Do you know why Balto is here?”

Sunsky smiled. “His helping us out with the patrols. Our clan was weakened when coldweather’s winds and blizzards took the caribou.”

Runningwind always thought she sounded wise for her age. She was young but had an awareness of herself and things around her.

“Coldweather was harsh this year.” He replied.

“He is amazing isn’t he?” She asked.

“Who?”

“Balto. He just is strong and even though he doesn’t want a life of a wolf he does try to help his clan.”

“He’s got a mate you know.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She turn sharply.

“You know you enjoy his company.” Runningwind said.

“You need to learn to stay out of everyone’s business!” She snapped. She walk off to her friend called

Raindaze. Both she’ wolves talked about something.

This was a problem for Runningwind. He could never talk to someone without causing some sort of trouble.

He often wished he would think before he opened his big muzzle.

The night went on and Runningwind stayed by himself. Then Balto came up to him. A prickly feeling came on Runningwind’ back.

“Why aren’t you with your friends.?” He asked.

“Just want to be alone.” Runningwind replied. Then without thinking he asked. “Why won’t you lead our clan?”

Balto sighed. “I don’t think I could do it. I was taught differently then you.”

“Well you could learn.”

“I was not raised in a wolf clan.”

Yes you were! Said Runningwind. “What about your mother.”

“Yes, but when my mother died I ran away. I didn’t remember anything till a few months ago. I still have more to learn about the culture of the clans... So you see I cannot lead.”

“But you lead the dog sled team.”

“Yes, I did. But that was easier to lead because all I had to do was get home and that was it.” Said Balto.

Later that night everyone was served meat and Balto went home. Runningwind was tired though did not know why. Soon he went to bed.

The next morning Runningwind was waiting to be told what patrol he was on today. He was over by one of the pine trees when he heard muffled voices. “Yeah Iceberg did say that.” Said a voice he recognized it as Coldsnow.

“I understand. I love him but if he feels if he likes her then he’s cheating on….

“Runningwind, You are on the hunting patrol today.” Said Darkcloud.

“What?” He asked. “Oh, yes thank you.”

“Are you feeling okay?” Asked Darkcloud.

“Yeah just a little tired that’s all. I’ll be fine.” Runningwind replied.

Darkcloud walked away and running wind looked to see Coldsnow talking to Sunset. That means something is going on. Why were they talking about Iceberg cheating on someone. Unless he was. Runningwind was nervous now. What could he do? He could go ask Balto what to do. Or ask someone. That was dangerous. He did not know what to do.

He walked with the hunting group to the grounds where the caribou grazed. Runningwind had trouble hunting because his mind was on what Sunset and Coldsnow said.

That night Runningwind went to see Nightsky.

“Nightsky, may I see Balto. I need to talk to him.” He looked at Nightsky with eager eyes. So Nightsky could not say ’no’.

Runningwind ran all the way to the ’boat’ and walk on the railing. “Balto?” He called.

“Balto is not here at the moment.” Said a voice with a deep Russian accent. running wind turned to see Boris the goose who helped Balto.

“Do you know where he is?” He asked.

“He is at the one place where all the dogs hang out.” Said Boris.

“Thanks.” Said Runningwind. He was nervous. He never seen dogs before except Jenna, who is a pure bred Husky Balto’s mate. She was nice but Runningwind heard all the stories how the dogs can be mean. He had to ask but he found the place.

Balto was in a corner talking to a dog who looked like Jenna.

“It’ll turn out okay, Kodi.” Said Balto. He saw Runningwind and both Balto and the dog turned to him.

“Balto, I need to talk to you.” Said Runningwind.

“Is the clan in danger?” He asked in a concerned voice.

“No, It’s not about the clan. Okay it is but it’s not what your thinking.”

“Okay, is it where we could talk here or do you want to go to another place and talk.?” He asked.

“But Dad. I wasn’t finished.” Said the Dog.

“Kodi, I’m sorry but Runningwind doesn’t have a lot of time here. The clan is my responsibility.” Said Balto.

“Okay, but promise we’ll talk later?”

“It’s a deal.”

Balto turned to Runningwind and said. “Come on.”

Some of the dogs watched as they left. Runningwind didn’t feel nervous anymore but felt very uneasy. They walked a ways till Balto made sure no one could hear or even see them.

“So what’s going on?”

“I think Iceberg is cheating on someone.”

“Who is this someone?”

“I don’t know exactly but I heard Sunset and Coldsnow saying that.”

Balto didn’t show his emotion. Runningwind wasn’t even sure he had one at the moment.

“you got to believe me. I’m not making this up.”

“And I don’t think you are. But I do think there is some sort of mistake. Maybe we should talk to Skylar about it.” (Balto called Nightsky, Skylar as a nick name.)

Runnignwind couldn’t believe his ears. “What if it’s true? You know the consequences can be fatal.”

“I know.” Balto frowning looked away for a second. “Did you hear the whole conversation?”

“No.” Runningwind said truthfully.

“I don’t know what to say. Maybe I could ask about it for you.”

“No, No, don’t worry about it.” Said Runningwind turning around. “I’ll see what I can do. Thanks anyway.”

Runningwind walked through the forest. The birds were singing. Runningwind was worried

Balto would go and ask Nightsky. He had to find out if it was true before he could tell anybody more. So he decided he was going to ask Sunset. He would tell him. Runningwind steped into a pile of snow and sunk down. He hated the spring snow. It was always mushy and wet. When he got back Runningwind couldn’t find Sunset. He wasn’t sure if he could ask Coldsnow. She was really good about keeping secrets.

That night when everyone was resting Runningwind got Sunset alone. “Is Iceberg cheating on someone.” He asked straight out. He felt like he should have started a conversation before asking.

“No, Why?” He asked.

“I thought I heard you say that yesterday so that’s why I asked.” He said.

“Well I didn’t say that.”

“Iceberg’s cheating on howling wind?” A voice asked. The two wolves turned to see Raindaze.

“No!” Said Sunset too quickly.

“Poor Howlingwind.” She said.

“No. He isn’t.” Sunset tried to say but Raindaze didn’t hear him. She walked off and both wolves watch her go over to Howlingwind.

“What have I done?” Thought Runningwind.

He watch as Howlingwind went hysterical. She howled in pain she walked up to Iceberg and smacked