alertness born from years of living in constant peril. He was unaccustomed to the feeling of absolute safety the wolves of the Talbourne seemed to feel inside their home and he didn't plan to get used to it; it made him uneasy. He looked over at the far wall of the chamber. He'd been sure that Kiona would return during the night, perhaps she'd slept away from him, a final sign of the stubbornness she'd exhibited as a result of their argument the night prior.

...but she wasn't there either.

"...hmm that's odd." He thought.

Most of the times that he and Kiona quarreled she was beside him again in the morning.

"I should go out looking for her." Achak thought. He stood and stretched once. It was all he needed. The dangers of life had taught him harsh lessons and one of those was to be quick to rise and quick to act.

Just then Nick stepped through the entrance, a lopsided grin on his face. "Heya Achak." He said.

Achak sighed at the other's excuse for a greeting. "Good morining Nick." He said.

"...if you're ready I'll introduce you to our Alpha, Dash." Nick said.

Achak frowned, thoughts running through his head. It was important for him to speak to Dash, but what about Kiona's absence?

He nodded his head curtly. "That's fine Nick," He said. "...lead the way."

Nick smiled and turned.

Achak started to follow him out of the chamber. "It'll be alright." Achak thought. "This isn't the first time that Kiona's been out on her own."

He quickly followed Nick up the steps to Dash's chambers.

 

Nick stopped as he reached the top shelf of the cave and turned to the dark gray wolf behind him. “Achak, just chill here, I’m going to go let Dash know you’re here.”

Achak nodded, wondering how he was supposed to “chill”. He shook his head. “These kids today and their vernacular.” He thought. “…the old words just weren’t enough for them.”

Nick reappeared a moment later. “Thanks for hangin’ out here Achak, Dash has requested your presence in his chambers.”

Achak took a deep breath and reached a place of utter calm, then he stepped forward and walked into the chamber.

He was immediately greeted by a red wolf… “…or is that wolf/dog?” Achak thought. “…odd that a wolf dog would be leading the Clan… but that’s undeniably what he is.”

The red wolf/dog smiled. “Hello, you must be Achak.”

Achak nodded. “Yes I am. …and you are Dash are you not?”

Dash nodded. “Yep, sure am.” He smiled. “Nick tells me that you’re here to help us in our fight against the Shadow Clan, is this true?”

Achak nodded once. “Yes it is. I am here because Lytion and his wolves present a serious danger to my family and friends. At the size of our pack it is hardly feasible that we could stand against him… seems to me that there is strength in numbers, that our purpose would best be served by siding with you.”

Dash nodded. “…sure. Where are the rest of your pack?”

“…in hiding.” Achack said. “They will do their best to stay away from a confrontation with Lytion, they protect my children.”

Dash nodded. “…good plan.” He said. “…may I ask you Achak, what duties do you hold in your pack?”

Achak smiled. “I am the Alpha.”

Dash smiled. “This is great news Achak. You are used to responsibility then, to leading from the front and following orders?”

Achak nodded once.

Dash smiled again. “Achak, I have need of a Lieutenant for my Fourth Unit… interested?”

Achak bowed slightly. “I would be honored to lead your troops Dash.”

Dash nodded and smiled. “…great.” Then he sighed. “They’re actually due to go out on a patrol soon… like… thirty minutes. We can start this tomorrow if you like.

Achak shook his head. “…wouldn’t be setting much of an example that way would I? …I’m prepared, I would rather take them out myself if that’s possible.”

Dash nodded. “…of course, if you like, you may do that. I’m sure you’ll hear no complaints from Timbre.”

“…Timbre?” Achak asked.

“He’s the leader of Third Unit.” Dash sighed. “Even with you we are still short a Lieutenant right now… The Lieutenant over the Second Unit Ami is down.”

“…injured?” Achak asked.

Dash smiled. “No, thank Aniu she is only ill.”

“…thank who?” Achak asked.

“…Aniu.” Dash said again. “…you… you know of the great wolfess Aniu don’t you Achak.”

“I know of her legend.” Achak said coolly. If you need some spirit to lean on for strength then that’s fine, but I draw that strength from my pack, my family. I’ve seen things in this world to make me believe that there can’t be anyone watching out for us but ourselves… no greater spirit cares about us… no one cares for us or cares how we feel, whether we live or die.”

Dash raised his eyebrows and nodded. “Well, we’re all entitled to our beliefs I suppose.”

Achak nodded.

Dash remained quiet for a moment. Then he smiled. “Well, you’d best get down to the Main chamber, otherwise your new unit is going to leave without you.”

Achak nodded. “Thank you Dash.” He said. He turned to walk out o the chamber, but was stopped by a female voice.

June stepped up beside her mate. “Achak, I’ve seen things in this world that tell me that the “legend” of Aniu is true. Aniu loves all of her children, even you. If you ever want to talk about her, we’d be glad to share her story with you.”

Achak shook his head and forced a smile. “I’ll… consider it.” He said. Then he walked from the chamber.

 

Jack opened his eyes and yawned. The mid-morning sun streamed through the cave’s single opening. He smiled and thought about smaller female cuddled up next to his side. Never in a million years would he have told Kalia how he felt about her. “It just… it wouldn’t work.” He thought. He smiled and laid his head on her shoulder which rose and fell slightly as she breathed. “…well now it has to.” He thought. There was only one hitch in the plan. “…Dash.” He thought.

Jack was nearly three years older than Kalia, and that was something her father might not go for right away.

“…or ever.” Jack thought. He looked at her closed eyes and her muzzle, which was turned p in a slight smile as she snuggled her head against his side. “…Dash is my friend, and I don’t want to lose that but… she’s more important.” He thought. It had taken him a while to come to this decision, but now that he had he planned to stick by it. He sighed. “…that’s if Dash is even still alive.” He thought.

Kalia stirred and lifted her head. She yawned and stretched, then laid her head on his neck and smiled. “You’re up early Jack.”

He smiled. “…yeah… just doin’ some thinkin’ is all.” He said.

Kalia tiled her head to the left slightly. “…thinking about what Jack?” She asked.

Jack smiled. “…thinkin’ about you.” He said. “…and how much I love you.”

She smiled and nuzzled him. Then her smile faded and she pulled back slowly. “…are… are we going to return to the Talbourne today?” She asked.

Jack sighed and nodded. “Yes… it should be safe now… but… Kalia… I want to warn you that…”

Kalia cut him off. “…I know Jack… but… I’d rather not talk about it till we’re sure… you know?”

Jack nodded. “…alright Kalia.” He said.

“Which way is it?” Kalia asked.

Jack tossed his head at the entrance of the cave’s opening. “…it’s north. I didn’t know how far I should take you… didn’t know if you were alive or not really, so I just took us about ten miles away… shouldn’t take too long to get back, but we should be careful. If the Shadow Clan did win that battle they may still be occupying the cave. If that’s true then there’ll be patrols… I won’t lose you again Kalia.” He said.

Kalia nodded. “…we’ll be careful.”

Jack stood up and Kalia followed.

Jack looked at her. “…so, you want to eat before we leave?”

Kalia sighed. “I’d… I’d rather find out about my parents first…” She said.

Jack smiled and nuzzled her. “…alright.” He said. “…follow me, and stick close.”

With that he walked out of the cave.

Kalia stopped at the entrance and looked back, a small tear dripping down her muzzle.

Jack saw it and stopped. He walked back to her. “What is it Kalia?” He asked.

She looked at him and smiled. “…it’s kind of sad is all.”

“…what’s kind of sad?” Jack asked.

She smiled and nuzzled him. “We’re leaving our first home together.”

He smiled and nuzzled her back. “…yeah I guess so.” He said. “…but you know what they say… Home is where the heart is, guess where my heart is?”

She smiled. “…where?” She asked.

He nuzzled her. “…with you.” He said.

“Awww…” Kalia said, nuzzling him back. “…that’s sweet Jack.”

He laughed. “Yeah, guess so… ready?” He asked.

Kalia nodded. “…lead the way.” She said.

Jack started walking again and Kalia stayed at his side as they made their way through the forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5:

 

Jason scowled as he stomped down the rotted stairs. He jumped off the last three and landed in the dirty snow that covered the ground of the outskirts.

Fairbourne was getting to be more trouble than he was worth. “I’m tired of taking his orders, who is he to order me around. It’s my revenge, my veangence we’re planning, why should he tell me when and where to do it.” He kicked the snow with his paw and growled. “Pompous fool doesn’t know who he’s created.” Jason thought. “…who he’s messing with.”

In what was left of his heart Jason knew that he owed a lot of Fairbourne and the training he’d given him. That’s the reason he’d decided to leave the burned out building just now. To keep himself from hurting Fairbourne. He turned and walked toward the soft lights of Nome.

 

The light in the Old Mill was warm and soft, flickering over the aging wood like flames bent on devouring it and everyone within the aged building.

Blaize stood at the head of a large crowd of dogs. He sighed. “…so that about wraps it up.” He said. “Please keep a look out

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