masters Tazaku and Ash then slowed down. After a minute, sled stopped.

Arashi Tazaku whispered some Japanese curse and looked on John Ash, his son-in-law. “Ice sensed something. Probably wolves. No, don’t haste them. Ice won’t let it go. Check the guns.”

After the tragic event year earlier, trapped decided not to going alone. He usually was mushing with assistant from Buckland or with father-in-law. For that year since death of his best dogs and his miraculous salvation from jaws of wolves, John also significantly improved his shooting skills. Thank to great teacher (that was: Arashi Tazaku) he became real marksman. Apart from his old winchester he had two colts on belt. Old Japanese was armed with two revolvers too, but his main weapon was M1903 Springfield rifle with sniper’s scope. In belt doctor had about hundred rounds to reload. Two men were ready to challenge whole wolf pack.

“John, they want to go out. Release them.” Said Tazaku. He was already aiming with rifle in darkening edge of forest but he noticed a unrest among dogs.

“Are you sure?” surprised Ash. “They could escape.”

“No, they will hunt.” Replied Japanese. So trapper carefully went to dogs and unharnessed them.

“What’s the plan?” asked David with tensed voice.

“You will stay with masters with Arrow and Ringo. Do not charge, they will cover you with rifle fire. But stay sharp, those brutes could sneak.”

“Ice? I want go...” whispered Arrow.

“No, sweetie. You are useful here.” Said greenland. Stares of dog and bitch crossed and she silent yelled “I’m too weak for that?” “No.” replied Ice, silent as well. “Your leg won’t let you escape. It’s too risky.” And he added around. “I’m going with Daniel and sisters. We will lure them into humans range of fire.”

“Ice!” whispered Daniel, coming to friend. “They are coming with us?” he pointed with muzzle on mackenzie sisters.

“Of course, they are!” replied greenland. “Each one of them is twice strong as me!”

“I prefer to have one you on my side than them...” murmured husky but when Ice started into forest direction he followed him without a word. He heard also:

“How sweet!” barked Betty to her sisters. “We will see the real wolves! Those wilds are soooo handsome...” Daniel stopped and looked on mackenzies.

“Just... stay close to me and try not to die, all right?” Then he run into dark forest.

*

“Cher!” panted exhausted Jack. “Hold on! I sense some dogs!”

Cher was unconscious, so he was speaking rather to himself. To save the last sparks of hope – he needed it. Four enraged wolverines were running just behind him and his thin paws were subsiding so deep in soft snow... He coughed with bloody cough then forced his muscles to another effort. His body was burning with pain, but he just couldn’t stop. 

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