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Thanks for your concern. By the way – your good word many times helped me in the heat of writting, so my success is somehow yours as well.

About lighter tone vs. sublime matters in my ffic.
It happened that my upcoming ffics will be a bit darker and more serious in plot-line than recent ones. I mean: alternative story of Steele will show definetely darker side of S’s personality and events on his way will be far more disturbing than those from TaoS/TaoC. For TLK-focused-fans I have (in plans, for now...) the prequel to my lion history, i.e. “The previous round (of the Circle of Life)”. Somehow the plot enforce me returning to dark and epic stuff, because that is the story from times before TSH, showning the decline and fall of kingdom of Golden Sands.

It doesn't matter to me if your next stories are dark. I kinda like that sort of thing. A new perspective on something and a certain character. I always wondered if Steele did have an even darker side to him. 'The Previous Round (of the Circle of Life)' looks exceptionally good. At least we'll find out how the Golden Sands fell. Keep it up my friend.

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Wolvesses and Wolves!

In break of writing my articles and add-ons to thesis I decided to start writing also the second of my fan-projects, namely the alternative version of Steele’s further biography.
Because I have a lot on my mind right now, I’m not sure how fast I will be creating new story, but I show You the very beginning just to tease You;)
This story show what would have happened, if Steele didn’t get to Buckland, but before town just turn east to the other side of Yukon Range. I prepared completely different story-line, however bio of Steele from times before B1 is common with version from TAoS (it will be important with Steele parents story).
Prologue might seems to be somehow familiar to you;) but read it anyway, because there are some quite important differences.

Ps.
All biblical quotes are taken from New Jerusalem Bible

pps.
*saffire jenna*
You have a beautiful smile, but I hope also for some reviews

Vengeance is mine (I will replay)

Part I. - Reach for the Night

0. Prologue

The harness was burning him although he hadn’t it.
And maybe it was burning because of that – if Steele was tormented by some specific and definite pain, he would made it easier. He could wait through the frost by hiding under a snow. Sharp ice-shards he could take out from his paws by getting them with teethes. The hunger was the most dangerous enemy, but dog was ready to fight it too – many times when there were no other way, his master released him from sled harness and let him hunt with whole pack... The pack! Yes, that was the real life. When Steele had lost his pack, somehow he died.
“And Balto has begun a new life.” Thought malamute. If thoughts were sounding like words, in that statement would be more resignation than anger. Because Steele wasn’t able to rage at rival. “This is the natural way of life – old ones go away in snow, as prey to Icy North and young ones come to cherish their triumph, at least until they are still young.” Without any satisfaction, but only with cold awareness of that fact, malamute knew that time would be come for Balto too. For few years halfwolf could remain his leadership in sledge-team, just like Steele had been leader for four years. But then... “Everyone will come here, where I’m now. Balto too. But maybe in some better style, without all this shame...”
He made himself rest. His body was yelling for some break and sleep but in the first place for shelter from snow-storm. The reason, trained by years of experience, was yelling too – the words of warning. Dog had to stop although his soul was urging him to go. Even when Steel finally nestled into a fresh snow just under shaggy branches of old fir something inside still was calling him to go ahead, as far from Nome as he could. Old habit made him to cover himself with heavy quilt of snow but his muzzle was directed to the north. If malamute wouldn’t be so extremely exhausted, he surely went again into his wandering. Luckily the sleep ceased this urge and bleeding pride. Blizzard was hitting forests of Alaska, covering all the scene in white. Even for early February it was unnatural cold – snow was striking the land and shards of ice were hitting hard every wanderer of North. Dog dug his shelter in last moment – a quarter of an hour later he would be dead from furious element.
So then he fell asleep, although he didn’t want to. He was scared that dreams would brought him the recollections of drama of last days – madness of humiliation that rid Steele away from Nome and away all the world he knew. But it hasn’t happened. Instead in his dream came his mother. Again malamute was a tiny pup, cuddling and caressing by darkfurred bitch inside the warm kennel of house dog-farm in Anchorage. With three of his siblings was nestling into mother’s fur and (although he didn’t recognize any word) listening to merry songs of love and devotion. But in that strange dream he thought he had understood his mother. She was licking his head and talking with soft, gentle but also scary voice.
“I’m so sorry, Steele. They will take you away from me. They will take all of you. They will separate you and order to run in sled-harnesses. But this is the way it should be. That why you came to this world. Don’t fail me, my son.” No, mother wouldn’t said that. Malamute probably was putting his own words of regret and longing into her lips. This was only a dream, not real caress of parent. “I want you be happy. If you can’t stay with me, go ahead. Become the best sled leader on the North. Make me proud!” Steele/tiny pup wanted to ask how she intended to check if he was the best. Because he was, at least for four years. “And she has never known that!” cried dog in dreamy mind. “No! I already know that!” whispered mother. “I’m seeing what will come. You are my son, so handsome and strong. You have fulfilled all my dreams.”
Steele wanted to ask if she knew what had happened later, two days earlier in Nome – how he ceased to be the best sled-leader on the North. But she only nodded her muzzle and licked pup on his face. So he took a look on recent disaster, but this time without all that burning pain of shame, that was paralysing him during the day.
Steele, the leader of sled of Gunnar Kaasen, the best sled in Nome, was defeated. By breaking of the laws halfwolf Balto unseated him on the mission by deceit, then he took a pack himself. That was the first disaster – great and painful but still not ultimate. The next one Steele made by his own paws – in spark of madness he intentionally misled the way of pack. In theory he didn’t make anything banned by Sled Code – he just covered Balto’s trees track. A wolfish way to mark the route, so Code says nothing about that. But this meant to harm the pack and endanger of sled – no one in sled team (apart of Balto) wasn’t able to lead the way to Nome. According to the Code, Steele should had thrown away his spotted pride and help his friends and master with all his might even aside from sled. But he left them for almost sure doom, laughing on theirs desperate tries. They had chosen bad leader and broke trust with natural chief – in some way deserved to die. But his master did not! Steele endangered his beloved owner and by this act he destroyed all his honour as a sled leader. He understood it when was already too late – when victorious Balto was entering Nome. Then Steele, left in scorn in warm kennel, run away don’t waiting for upcoming wave of reproaches and shame. And he wasn’t able to stand the view of new leader. He knew that he was ready to plunge his fangs into Balto’s neck. He would extinguished the fire of rage in his heart and he had nothing more to lose... except of this spark of sympathy from Jenna. She would saw that – him, weak and lost, and blindly avenging own failure. He would despised him even more. So he run from that despising stare. Due north.
“Yes, my son, this is already a past.” Spoke mother from his dream. “You can’t fix it, you must start it over again.”
Steele tried to ask if she knew that her son wasn’t still two-weeks pup but seven-year-old dog whose strength and agility was slowly fading due to age. He had no chance to rebuild that fame and respect he had in Nome. He had no chance to rebuild mother’s dream.
“Don’t say it, dear.” She replied. “Don’t even think like that. You can’t give it up, you have to go ahead, whatever it takes. Don’t matter on blizzard – you was marching that for long years. Go, my son!”
Saying that she muzzled lying Steele/pup in his side, making him to stand. And he slowly started to doors, away from warm chamber. Without slowing (he knew that mother wouldn’t wished that) he exited the kennel into dark and frosty night. His tiny paws were subsiding into deep snow that after few minutes he was drowning in the white ocean, desperately moving his legs. But he was still marching ahead, according to mother’s will. And then his clumsy paws started to grow and snow surrounding him became even heavier and more packed. But in the same time – warmer.
The dream was over – former leader of first Nome sled awaked in snow-den in the middle of frozen forest. Quickly he got out from shelter to the surface to see that the day (or better to say: February’s imitation of day) was just raising. However, the snow-clouds, still muffling the dawn, make whole scene dimmed. For short moment former leader was so confused that he didn’t know the four cardinal points. But after a while the long-gained experience restored his orientation. But he still wasn’t sure what direction he would chose.
“And now, mommy…” he thought with irony. “I’m going to reconquer the world… but for now I have no idea with witch part of world I should start.” But memory of Lempi gave him a slight shadow of purpose. To the east. To cross the Yukon Range and turn south, to Anchorage. Where he had born. Steele had no hope the would met his parents or siblings, but when one’s family is gone any substitute of home evokes similar emotions. To: to the east. Or being precise: to north-east. To cross Yukon Range dog had to go through the Eagle Pass. The same way he had done two years earlier… with his master and sled.
“God!” whispered malamute. “Balto would have never done it. So luckily he took over the team after we cross the pass.”
Thought about hated rival gave him a boost of might. In one, strong move Steele shocked off snow from his coat. He had to move ahead. Away from Nome and life he knew before. A life from then on unable for him.

I. White Death

Yahweh will send a curse on you, a spell, an imprecation on all your labours until you have been destroyed and quickly perish, because of your perverse behaviour, for having deserted me.
Yahweh will fasten the plague on you, until it has exterminated you from the country which you are about to enter and make your own.
- The Book of Deuteronomy 28; 20-21

Travelling through Alaska wasn’t an easy task.
If it was easy, mushers wouldn’t have need experienced team-leaders like Steele. But in long routes of North both knowledge of human and skills of dog were required. Driver had to choose general way but it was up to dog-guide to run it in safest path – important especially in mountain terrains where sidetracking from firm route meant death. Steele had almost supernatural gift to recognize optimal and safe way and his musher always trusted him in that. That way Gunnar Kaasen in serum run did something that could be describe as suicide by many – he crossed Eagle Pass in the heat (sic!) of winter. Thanks to that sled saved about twenty four hours of bypass to much easier Buck Pass, near Buckland town. Steele led his master and team through the most dangerous route in whole peninsula and then – on safer and lower grounds tragedy happened.
Yes, he got lost, however he still knew where he was. Snow-blinded and extremely exhausted he sidetracked from main route to find a shortcut. Then he got back, when he understood it was useless. His team took it as a sing of trouble and then murmurs started. His dogs thought he – the great leader – got lost and they got terrified. Thanks to that Balto has an easy task with taking over the sled. Steele clenched his jaws, thinking about that. But he repressed his emotions and looked ahead to monumental rock ahead of him.
So, the Eagle Pass was a narrow strait between two peak of Yukon Range. The mountains top were about three thousand feet high and the highest place of the pass was about two thousand feet elevated. But that one thousand made the crucial difference – the pass was the only way for sleds in many miles. If one was in real hurry, he or she had to take that way.
But it was unreachable in some seasons. The early January was one of those. With piercing wind blowing in pass and temperature sometimes lower than minus fifty degrees it was a bold move to set off in such a journey. And Steele though that even not the pass itself was the worst point but nasty way up to it. A ice field partially overgrown with thin bushes of mountain dwarf-pines was deadly. It was extremely easy to sidetrack from few safe way and slide down to the edge of precipice. It was quite dangerous for lone dog, and in team bounded in harness fall of one could bring the doom of all. Malamute hated that – he was depending on others abilities, what was both shaming and highly uncertain.
With such thoughts Steele was bothering his mind during way uphill. It was – as we mentioned – very hazardous way. But paradoxically in that frosty morning not as hazardous as usually. Of course – passing in pass itself meant freezing and fighting the wind, but Eagle Coming was that day quite easy, at least comparing to normal conditions.
Sun of that dawn – two days after Steele’s escape from Nome – was shining bright on while wall of mountains. Rays were reflecting in icefield, showing the best patches to run ahead. Malamute thanked spirits he wasn’t forced to walk there at night. But soon he was wrapped by wild beauty of that landscape. Pass and range’s wall was sparking with reflections, blinding but also charming the gazer. From under fresh snow the waves of light were sprouting, making whole landscape looking like dream of part of heaven.
For the first time since few days, Steele smiled, seeing that. Heart of dog way filled with anger and despair, but sight of unearthly beauty melted that feeling, at least for few moments. Malamute was walking up, slowly not to miss any moment of that play. Sun was shining from east and was coning to peninsula side only by pass. Pass itself turned to be light-tunnel and bright line shining on the valley ahead.
But when sun raised high enough to light from above Yukon range that show ceased. Again whole valley was snow-white without mysterious reflections and colourful sparks. Meanwhile Steele got to the pass-path and started to walk with wind against his face. Then a fulfilment after seeing wonderful event turned once again to anger.
“Balto!” he growled in mind, still walking in white tunnel of pass. “He would have never pass this way. I am the real hero of Nome, I led master Gunnar thought the most dangerous part of way. That mutt came to steal my victory. He stole everything I had. That can’t pass unpunished…”
If Steele had been running without clear purpose before, in that moment of struggle on white path, he understood he knew what to do. Leader of Nome died with being deposed from lead. But an avenger was born. Malamute discovered that only factor that was hasting him to go was a dream of Balto, lying on front of him with broken neck.
“Vengeance is mine, wolf!” whispered against the wind. “I will make sure you won’t taste your victory for too long.
*
Although Steele despise wolfkind, he was well aware of his kinship with forest predators. He perfectly knew all the features that spitze – in particular his malamute breed – inherited from wild relatives. It were among others: endurance, strong muscles and perfect terrain orientation. But one of few features that malmutes lack was extreme stamina of wolves and they ability to starve for weeks. Steele’s stomach was calling for food since he left Nome. After a quick meal in boiler room and accidental prey on route (but it was just a arctofox), he ate nothing. So he decided that a hunt was necessary. When he entered a forest on eastern side of range he made a quick stop to gather his strength to incoming chase. But after few minutes of resting Steele understood that something was wrong. Very wrong.
“A silence.” Murmured dog. “It’s too silent here. No birds singing, no other noises…”
It was a winter but even in January some voices of wild life should been heard. In that moment the forest was silent. Just like dead.
Malamute stood up and started to sniff in cold air. It was about dusk when he came down from pass and night was coming quickly. Wind ceased and every smell of every creature nearby should be sensed by former leader. Should, but it didn’t. instead of that Steele sensed the scent of death.
“A plague” thought dog without any emotion.
He walked few stops and started to dig in snow at random. His theory turn out to be true – he discovered a dead squirrel in drift. It was frozen – without any wounds, looked quite satisfied before it died. And what was the most scary – no scavenger eaten that creature. There could be only two answers: its meat was toxic or there was no scavenger to do it.
“Black death.” Estimated Steele, looking on swollen neck of squirrel.
He smiled and ate creature in two bites. If meat was still infected, dog was already dead. But former leader decided that possibility of that is minimal and he was hungry. Besides matters of life and death – even own life and death – became a bit unclear to him. He was unable to fear own end, in fact he was unable to fear anything. He was living just to kill Balto and that little plague, that probably killed most of animal population on Valley just couldn’t stop him.
It didn’t mean that Steele wasn’t aware of danger. He knew he had to avoid contact with living carriers of illness, but he showed no panic about hard quest he had to do.
“I will manage.” He smiled and set off on east. “No one could stop me from killing that scum. Even not a death. I’m the death!” called in silent forest. His howl echoed and thrown some snow from nearest young pines.
But unexpectedly the call was returned. A cry from deeper forest came to Steele’s ears. Dog stood, thinking fast. However he was almost indifferent of dangers of wild, he still have to be careful. He had to survive in order to fulfil his quest. That why he took a quick look around and estimated eventual way of escape. Narrow path up to the pass was easy to block and malamute felt he was able to defend himself even from moderate pack of wolves. So he howled again, hoping that pack wasn’t too big and too hungry.
“Here!” answered him weary voice of some canine. “Come here… But carefully… We are infected.”
Steele gasped with nasty curse, because he had no intention to interact with carriers of plague. Those were far more dangerous that even most enraged wolves. But he discovered his position and additionally wanted to get know more about pestilence. So he set off in voice direction, looking carefully in slowly darkening forest.
“Stop!” called dog from bushes. It was an older malamute with dirty fur and long scar on his muzzle. He looks ill, because his neck was already swollen and dripping with pus. “He won’t stand more than week.” Estimated Steele.
“I’m clean.” Said Steele. “And I wish to stay that way!”
“Of course, stranger.” Replied second malamute. “You are windward to me, so you are perfectly safe for now.” Then he raised his weary stare on newcomer and narrowed his eyes in surprise. “Sir! That’s you… But how it could be!?”
Steele looked on dog who addressed him <sir>, but had no idea who could he be. Malamute was probably even older than former leader – he could be eight year old. However looking on newcomer he crouched and lowered his ears as he was greeting an alpha of his pack. Steele instinctively smiled.
“Are we know each other?” asked with curious voice.
“Sir, that’s me, Barry from third row of our harness… And Kate is here too…”
“What are you talking about?” gasped former leader, desperately trying to recall muzzle of that dog.
“Sir, do not pretend you don’t remember.” Said infected spitz. “And if you are alive… Are you came here to punish us?” Then – in spite of obedient expression of face – dog burst with bitter laughter. “Too late, boss. The nature punished us already. Kate and I are infected. We…”
“Shut up!” called Steele. “I don’t know you!”
“Sir, but…” then eyes of dog became narrow and piercing. He was gazing on Steele’s face with no word, to finally add. “But you are not Sharp!”
“No, my name…” replied former leader, but then he understood. “My father! My father’s name is Sharp!”
“Steele.” whispered infected. “Boss told us about you… many times… So you are the son of chief Sharp…”
“Excuse me, friend.” Said Steele. “I missed many important things. Could you tell me once again who you are and…” But then dog turned back to forest and called with all his might.
“Kate! Kate! Come here! Son of boss is here.”
“Wait! Do not bother yourself…” murmured malamute, slowly backing to the path. He felt a nasty premonition that he encounter some real troubles.
“Sir, she will be here in any moment.” Called infected from the forest. Newcomer temporary lost him, but he didn’t care. He decided to withdraw as soon as it was possible. “Sir, wait! She is here.” Cried spitz.
“Pal, I appreciate your hospitality, but…” then Steele understood that there was no way back. Night had fallen, the only route away was returning to Eagle Pass. Walking it on night – apart of being quite pointless, after he had made that way recently – was real dangerous. Maybe even more than meeting with infected dogs. “All, right, I’m staying here… But do not approach me!”
“Of course, sir.” Replied female voice.
From bushes nearby exited two silhouettes. One was malamute with scar, the second was bitch, also pure breed, looking on Steele with curiosity. She was a bit younger that her mate and definitely beautiful, in spite of visible sings of illness. Her neck was even more swollen than dog on her side.
“Do not be afraid, sir.” She added. “We know well how not to be danger for others.
“I hope so.” Thought malamute. “I have nowhere to run.” Then he said aloud. “My name is Steele, son of Sharp and Lepmi. But I still don’t know who are you.”
“We are probably only survivors from your father’s team.” Said infected dog. “My name is Barry, left in third row and this is Kate, left in second row in harness of chief Sharp.”
“Nice to meet you.” Murmured Steele. “I’m sorry, but I won’t shake your paw.”
“Of course, sir.” Replied Kate. “We will be careful. Relax, we know how to keep our curse… only our. But now, come with us. Twenty feet behind will be good enough.”
“But, why…”
“You are hungry, sir.” Said Barry. “We have stock of food. Relax, it’s long dead and frozen. Those snacks are clear now.”
“Thank you. Lead!” replied Steele quite loud to muffle his rumble.
*
During way through dark forest Steele was thinking heavily. Whole situation seemed very funny to him and he was simply curious how it could go. On the other hand, he had something to do and if he could afford for dying from disease, he also couldn’t afford for dying from starvation. So he followed his “host” to small cave in slope of lower Pass Peak.
“Here, enter that.” Said Barry. “There is a stock of meat… But wait! Are you sure you are healthy?”
“If you didn’t give a <gift>, I’m clean for sure.” Replied Steele.
“Sorry, sir. Just to make sure…”
“Make sure? But for what?” asked malamute in mind. “If they are dying they should give no heck for infecting their food… Or this isn’t their food!” thought in moment of clarity. “They are aware not to infect someone else… Rest of pack?” He entered a small chamber where frozen pieces of meat were lying half covered with snow. “Not too much for a pack.” Estimated Steele.
“Please, eat as much as you wish.” Said Kate from outside. “But if you don’t have to, leave some. It easy to find preys now, but we must manage it carefully…”
“You hunt or find meet and leave to froze and clean from disease.” Said malamute. “Smart and touching. For whom you are doing that?”
Kate gasped with sudden fear, but then Steele heard a muffled voice of Barry. “My dear… that is son of boss. He will help her. We have to trust him.” Then malamute understood he was in deeper swamp the initially thought. If he was able, he would have run away from that place. But unfortunately – the only way out was cut out by infected dogs. “Werk!” thought dog with anger.
“For Berenice, our daughter.” Said Kate with quiet voice. “She still have a chance…”
“WHAT?!” called Steele. “You drove to place where someone infected was feasting!?” He growled with rage. If could meant death sentence or just nothing if illness happened to be weaker on that carrier. And - as we mentioned – Steele didn’t fear death as a normal creature. But he was enraged that he was cheated.
“No, wait!” yelled Barry. “Sir, I’m sorry, but Berenice is healthy almost for sure…”
“So I almost for sure won’t kill you!” growled malamute.
“Do not fight with us, sir.” Said Kate with unexpectedly hard and decisive voice. “If you touch us, you will be infected. And we need you alive!”
“Deer’s dropping!” gasped Steele, but then he started to eat the meat fast. He decided to be prepared for everything, so the full belly was welcome. He hoped that parents were wise and carefully planned feeding their daughter and food was safe. “But if get the black death, I will march straight to Nome and make Balto to drink my pus!” added in mind, imagining the full-scale epidemic in town. Balto saved citizens from diphtheria? Sure, but how he could deal with bubonic plague? Dog burst with hysterical laughter, spitting the meat from his mount.
“Sir?” asked a bit scarred Barry.
“O, my God!” whispered Kate. “He could has a rabies!”
But then Steele called from inside of cave. “You’re good! I though I’m the bad guy here, but what you did was nasty indeed. But I see some serious lack in your plan. What is condition of your daughter?”
“Healthy, but very weak.” Said Barry. “We just yesterday gave her some frozen meat. Also she was starving for over two weeks when we coming here. You have to take care of her, because we will be done in few days. It won’t be too hard, she is almost one year old. What you need to keep her alive to spring, then she will manage.”
“I understand…” said malamute. “But tell me: your plan is to leave that Berenice with me and pass away in peace. You lured he here and eventually infected with illness she has, because I have no reason to avoid her – we are or destined to survive if she is carries or to outlive together if she is not... But tell me, you smart-heads: why did you suppose I won’t kill your daughter in spot or just leave her, after you die and stop threat me with your infection?”
“Because you are son of Sharp.” Said Barry with firm voice. “We were praying to God for someone like you and our pleads were fulfilled. You will save her.”
“However, we would like to hear your swear you will do it.” Added Kate.
“And I would like to be hundred miles away.” Growled Steele.
“Do it, sir.” Said bitch. “I feel very uncomfortable insisting it from son of my leader, but Steele… if we decide you won’t do it, we will simply enter the cave and infect you.”
“I will kill you then…” whispered malamute, but cold sweat deluged his neck.
“Go on, sir.” Replied Kate with mixed grave and amused voice. “Your fangs are quite tempting alternative to slow death from general sepsis.”
“***** you!”
“We are ***** already.” Said Barry. “For what we did to your father. But please, have mercy on our innocent child. She did nothing.”
In Steele’s mind awoke another question. They were still talking about his father… and knowing much more than him. He left memories of his parent when he understood in early puphood it was useless to find him. But then his curiosity was fuelled. After short consideration, dog decided to play game of infected dogs, to get know more about great Sharp.
“Let say… that I eventually… Hypothetically: I’ll take care of your daughter.”
“He agreed!” cried Katy with cry of relief. Suddenly she ran to cave, probably wanting to hug stranger. But growl of Steele stopped her in half a way. “Sorry… I forgot…” She slowly stepped back to exit.
“You are going down, so a little madness won’t hurt you too much.” Panted malamute angrily. “But few more such a jokes and I will lose my mind. And I’m going to live for a while, all right?”
“Right, sir.” Said Barry. “We’re sorry. We will leave now. You stay here, eat and rest. Tomorrow you will follow our pawprints. It will lead you nearby Berenice’s lair. She will find you at the end of the path.”
Then Steele understood that parents would do anything to save their child. They were planning whole action so carefully, that malamute discovered that the danger is minimal – at least for young she-dog. In the same moment he saw the crisis from perspective of pair of infected malamutes. They were doing they best to save what they could save. Although former leader was still furious on that strange couple, he had to admit he admired their devotion and sacrifice. If he was father of that bitch, he would have done the same. If, if, if. But he was not, so he still was boiling with anger. However, he didn’t showed it – he had to find what happened with his father.
“No, Barry, wait.” Ordered. “You owe me a serious favour. I want to know everything you know about my father. Every word. What happened before you left him.”
“As you wish, sir.” Replied infected malamute. “I have no intention to lie in face of death… But please, do not blame Berenice for what we did.”
“Blame? Her?” asked Steele with hollow voice. “Do you think I’m so vegenful?”
“No, of course you are not.” Replied Barry instantly. “You are son of noble Sharp.”
Steele barely repressed his laughter. “Now it got even more interesting.” Thought dog. He laid down on ground of cave and closed his eyes. Then ordered.
“Speak, Barry. I want to hear your confession. I promise, I won’t project my vengeance on your daughter.” Said with hidden irony. “But it doesn’t matter I will help her now.” Added in mind. “Maybe you didn’t notice, but I promised you nothing about it.”
“Thank you, sir.” Said infected dog. “Of, course, sir, I will tell you everything. From when I should start?”
“From very beginning.” Replied Steele. “Where and when you met my father.”
“It was a fall of 1921, in Fort Yukon. Our soon-to-be owner, Patrick DuMeil, was looking for dogs to his sled. I was young puller, but I probably caught attention of master DuMeil. He bought me and took to his pen where I met rest of team. Your father was already the unquestioned leader of your pack. He just looked on me and said instantly; <Hey, you. You look strong. You will replace Mark in third row.”
Steele was listening carefully, understanding a little, but being more and more wrapped up.

Wow! Steele has an eye for revenge on Balto. Maybe he'll suceed but with him caring for the infected dogs' daughter he may not. Him learning about his father could also play a part. Look forward to more!

Welcome back and thanks for attention (is there is someone apart from the First Reviewer of BS – BaltoLuver? Claymore maybe?)
I’m waiting for more comments and (or) criticism.
I forgot to mention that this story could be very controversial for straight-Balto fans, because the title isn’t just a joke but a message what this will be about;)
So I warn any Balto-fans – be prepared for some sacrilegious motifs.
The first one is coming now (a short subchapter for today, but important one, I guess).

Ps.
Sorry for off-top but…
…It has come!!!!
The Motu proprio is on the way !!! Long live Benedict XVI!!! Vivat Tridentine Mass!

I.II. – For those who died

“Sir!” Barry was trying to overscream the blizzard, but leader, laying just next to was barely hearing what his charge wanted to say. “It doesn’t look good.”
“Lay low, boy.” Growled Sharp. “You must rest before we set off.”
Rest?! In that weather? Maybe the great and invincible Sharp of Anchorage was able to sleep in minus fifty degree in blazing wind, but Barry wasn’t as touch. Under constant waves of snowy blizzard he crouched closer to leader and bended down to his ear.
“Sir, we can’t wait any longer! Katy is almost out! We must reach Inuvik as soon we can!”
“Lay low, Barry!” repeated leader. “Black said he will back and we will wait for him.”
“Black is dead!” yelled younger malamute. “We must go.”
“I won’t leave my team mate behind.” Said Sharp quietly, but with so decisive tone, that Barry understood that sentence in spite of noise of element. “Wait here, I will go back for him.”
“Sir, wolves…” started Barry.
“If I don’t return, you’ll take a lead and take them to base. I believe you’ll manage.”
“Sir, that’s not funny!” screamed younger dog. “Black tried to sell us to wolves. If he wants to join them, let him be! If they eat him, let it be! He will just get what he deserve…”
“He is still part of a pack.” Growled Sharp, although on his face anger and frustration was clear. “I won’t blame him for what happened to Lii and Rex until I have a proof.”
“Sir, I think the proof you’ll see would be the last thing you see in your life!” called Barry. “We are just five now. If you are down, we won’t survive… we won’t save master DuMeil!”
“You will, puller.” Replied Sharp with bold smile on his muzzle. “You will, because I’m ordering you to do it. And now I’m going for Black. Guard the human and set off if I don’t return in two hours.” Barry could only nod his head when Sharp stood up and slowly set off in direction of furious wind. In fact, that was the moment he saw him for the last time.
In snowy blizzard he was able to see only distant silhouettes. Sharp walking barely into wind and several other canines, waiting on brink of forest. Black, lying on road, pretending he was wounded. But it was just a decoy – when Sharp closed enough, five wolves pounced. It wasn’t an actual fight – malamute had no chances to stand. Enemies, jumping with wind pinned him to the ground. In spite of extreme unfortunate position, leader managed to throw away two opponents. However, three remaining did their job quickly. Barry couldn’t move when silhouettes of wolves started to closing in to sled.
After death of chief he should have take over the lead, alarm rest of pack and stand in defence of human. But he was unable to move. Kate, Vik and Lequ just lifted their heads to follow enemies, but no one dared to do anything. It was much too cold to be a hero.
On the lead of pack was going Black with white wolfess. Black husky didn’t seem to be hostage or prisoner. Rather an ally.
“Black…” whispered Barry with disbelief. They all suspected that second-in-charge in team had decided to leave sled and join the wolves. Also there was a possibility that ambush on Lii and Rex was caused by Black’s betrayal. But sight of death of Sharp shocked him to the core. Husky, friend from team turn out to be traitor.
“It isn’t as you think…” said dog gently. Meanwhile he gave a wave with tail and pack of wolves came to the sled-card. “I had to. It’s nothing personal… I just…”
“You killed them!” murmured Barry with no rage nor reproach, but just extreme surprise. “Lii, Rex and chief.” Although it probably wasn’t audible due to wind, husky had to understand his words.
“As I said, it wasn’t as you think.” Added traitor. “I fell in love.”
White wolf came to black-furred and tenderly nudged his side. On her muzzle, as well as on faces of whole pack, hunger was clear. But then that expression was covered with joyful awaiting for feast.
Barry didn’t reacted when wolves jumped to musher and with quick attack killed the unconsciousness human. Then predators started to tear pack with supplies, looking for dried meat. Seeing that, Black turned to card and went to the spoils – whatever spirits de corpse rules the group it always gets waxed in times of prey-getting, so new-joined husky decided to secure the meal for him and his mate for himself. Barry closed his eyes, too tired to run when was expecting that wolves, after satisfying first hunger, would finish off the dogs, just to be sure they won’t attack them, or – who knows – to get a exotic dessert. But when wind slowed a little, malamute heard a moan of Kate.
He felt burning pain in his head. So not only he was going to die but also sweet Kate. Why? It was completely useless to fight against over ten opponents, however Barry started to crawl slowly in Kate’s direction. Beautiful and independent bitch, who never paid any attention on him was anyway mistress of malamute’s heart. If he was unable to save her, he wanted to die next to her. Just to…
“Barry?” whispered Kate. “Will they kill us?”
“No, of course not.” Replied dog, laying next to her. She instantly hugged to his side. “Black is with them.”
“That why he should kill us.” Said bitch. “So we won’t tell Lepmi who did this. Barry… Why we haven’t died, standing for master Patrick? We would just do it honourable. It’s so cold…” She nestled tighter to dog.
After minutes of silent feast, Black came to pair of malamutes. When Barry saw he was alone, he bared his teethes, ready kill at least one of enemies.
“Stay down.” instructed husky. “I said Aniu and others, I will kill you. Try not to show I didn’t.” they nodded theirs heads and Black bended down, playing he was finishing the prisoners. When he got face to face with lying Barry, malamute said.
“We are *****! We doomed our master. You killed chief. Dammit! He was not only a leader, but also a mate and father.”
“I do it for my mate. And for my soon-to-be children. Leave, you won’t resurrect him.”
“I should kill you.” Murmured malamute.
“I guess, you should.” Agreed Black and stood up. Then he turn back to his new pack and quickly disappeared in snow-blizzard. Barry was lying still, next to crying Kate. It took maybe an hour, before they made first move.
“And what will be now?” asked she-dog with breaking voice. “We can’t just go back.”
“We will stay here.” Said malamute. “I will stay with you, if you wish.” She only hugged him tighter. Blizzard was still raging on.

Well you're right. The title was no joke and this slightly controversial for those of us who like Balto. Me being one of them (Obviously!) but I'm also a Steele fan so I don't mind something like this. I believe that this story carries a strong message. It was a short chapter but it was very informative Update soon and have fun writing!

And a bit more to read on weekend
Ps.
There could be many inaccuracies about bubonic plague and its influence on canines. I’m rather a dummy in microbiology, so the process of illness in story is mostly my licentia poetica.

II.I. Accidental Hero

"Very well, then", Yahweh replied, "whoever kills Cain will suffer a sevenfold vengeance." So Yahweh put a mark on Cain, so that no one coming across him would kill him.
Cain left Yahweh's presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Genesis 4;15-16

As they said – on next morning Steele found pawprints on the snow, leading him on south-east. At first malamute was scared to follow those, because he also noticed few pools of dirty-red blood, mixed with pus. The neck-oedema of one of infected dogs had to broke out, or even was bite through by one of them, unable to look on anguish of mate. Anyway it was a sing that time of ill couple was nearing. Steele clenched his teethes and set off on path. Pus was frozen and risk of infection was minimal.
“But adding all those odd to one, I could get an awfully big probability.” Thought dog bitterly.
After few minutes of march, he saw that from path came a double pawprints into a nearest bushes of juniper. But before he asked, an answer came from there.
“Go ahead… about three hundred feet.” Whispered a weak voice of Barry. “Be quick, she is hungry. Kate… passed away that night. Don’t wait for me, I will join her soon.” Without word former leader moved on, but after several seconds another call, a weak moan from bushes, stopped him. “Steele! Steele!”
“I’m still here.” Replied dog.
“Will you forgive us?”
“Yes.” He replied without any emotion and walked away.
The path ended soon in small pan, covered from wind and blizzard. There was another cluster of junipers, bigger and denser, making a perfect shelter for frosty days. Maybe not as good as cave, but keep on open air was definitely safer in times of plague. Dog stopped on slope of pan and called gently.
“Berenice?” He actually didn’t know, why he was doing it. He had no interest in caring that kid. He fell that he would have no scruples to leave her in place if his duty turned out to be too tiring. But also he was driven by serious curiosity and something more. “God! Why I’m doing it? To return favour to underlings of my father? Father… After I got known so much I should plan the vengeance on Black and that wolfpack, not on Balto. Am I so selfish that I could hate only on my behalf?” He realised that obeying request of infected dogs he was only postponing the greater question to answer – what he should do with knowledge he just had gotten.
“Are you… Steele?” asked female voice from junipers.
“No, Santa Claus!” thought dog, but he restrained that remark. In whatever mood he was, he understood that child who just had gotten orphaned could be in worse. “Yes, that’s my name. Will you show yourself?” asked. “According to assurances of your parents I’m not infected…” He played a wrong string, because he instantly heard a burst of cry from bushes. He carefully walked closed, entered cluster and found her, lying in snow.
She was about eight months old – adolescent bitch of pure breed and perfect shaped, beautiful features. Her fur was pure like day and night – darkness of upper coat came instantly into whiteness of lower one. Her green eyes – in spite of being deluged by tears – were looking on newcomer with piercing vision. “Beautiful eyes.” Thought Steele instinctively. “But somehow they look dangerous.” She was moderate grown as her age, inherited a powerful constitution after strong parents, but recent times of hunger made her slimy and fragile. And weak, very weak. She was lying not only due to sorrow or hopelessness, but also due to exhaustion. Next to her were remnants of uneaten meat. The hunger wasn’t sole cause of her misery.
“They are dead, right?” she sobbed, still lying motionless on the snow.
Steele thought for just two seconds to find proper answer. He decided that a small lie would be really helpful there, so he answered with firm voice.
“I’m afraid you’re right. But they haven’t suffered…”
“You lie!” whispered Berenice. “I saw pain in their eyes…”
“Your parents froze that night, probably due to overall exhaustion.” Continued Steele, trying to sound emotionless. “Just passed away in sleep. At last, they are in peace…”
“Can I see them?” asked Berenice. Steele imagine Barry, who still was alive, bleeding with pus from his oedema and desperately fighting for another breath. That wasn’t a good view for his daughter.
“No. There is a risk of infection.” Answerwed quickly.
In spite that dog did what he could, she burst in cry once again. Steele considered himself as rather cool and immune to any sudden emotions. But recent hollow days had tired him. Something sparked inside malamute and drove him to came closer to she-dog. He bended down to her and licked her cheek. She still was sobbing quietly but turned her head to dog, surrendering to caress. Steele licked again… and froze.
On her fur he tasted death. Again, a bitter aroma of decay shocked dog’s senses. This time the danger was on his tongue. He stepped back, as careful and slow as he could, as if that would deceive the illness and slip away. Berenice, who had closed her eyes and had smiled when tongue of Steele rubbed her muzzle, instantly opened her eyes and raised her head. As malamute suspected – her neck was swollen.
“What?” she asked. In spite of tensed voice some playful tones were heard. “You didn’t know how it looks like? Don’t worry, your neck will be as pretty in few days.”
“Sure. Now it will.” Replied dog with hollow voice.
So, it came – a death. Maybe not instant, but sure as always death is. He was infected. “They deceived me!” thought former leader. “They knew all the time…But they still were fooling themselves that this is some easier kind of plague. And in fact – there is some possibility, like one to ten. And because that hope, they mixed me up in this! Genius! If I were them… I wouldn’t find anything better! The son of great Sharp… will be nurse for our beloved daughter… or her undertaker, if someone goes wrong. Barry, you are *******, but I must admit: a ******* with own style!”
Berenice looked on him with amaze in her eyes. She stood up – barely – and steeped back few steps.
“That means… you are really healthy?” yelled with grave whisper.
“Used to be.” Replied Steele, who started to think cold and rational. That was just a short direct contact, maybe to short to get infected. There was still a hope.
“My God!” sighed she-dog. “Step away from me!” She jumped back, lost her balance and felt down. In first impulse, Steele stepped ahead, to help her, but she froze him with her scared gaze. She slowly lifted herself on paws and asked. “Why did you do this?”
“Come with me.” Said Steele with cold voice. “Now you could enter the cave, I think… I would be grateful, if you keep some distance.”
“Sorry,” she sobbed and followed her guide. In distance of twenty feet.
*
That was a strange day. Steele wasn’t sure if it was real, or was some kind of dream. If a dream, it wasn’t exactly a nightmare but just wild vision of absurd. He guided Berenice to the cave, let her in and waited some time when she was eating. When she finally exited, he said.
“We will try to think rationally. Because there is smaller probability I’m infected, I will hunt. You could infect some aninal that escape you. And then we will cause another local Armageddon. All right?” she nodded her head. “And I’m really sorry about your parents. What I could assure you, to the last hour they were thinking about you and your future.”
He turned back, not looking on Berenice. He set off into forest and ran for few minutes, until he was caught by unusual thought. He sidetracked in junipers colony and called.
“Barry… Are you still there?” The weak moan was the simplest answer.
Steele, having no idea, what he was doing, marched into cluster and stood over dying dog. Sick malamute tried to protest, but he wasn’t able. His oedemas broke and all pus deluged fun on his neck and chest. He was lying on side, barely catching the breath. The illness started its last phase.
“You have beautiful daughter with beautiful swelling!” growled dog, standing over sick one.
“Steele… go away… you will catch…”
“Why are you so protective now?” said former leader with anger. “She is sick too. She had some weaker kind, but she got inflammation as well. I must congratulate you, because it was really hard to use remnants of kindness in me to your aim. But you did it – I got to her and probably got her illness.”
“Go away…” moaned dog.
“Not yet.” Said Steele. “Repeat it all. Names, locations, any clues. Who killed my father?”
“Go…”
“Faster you tell me, the lower is probability you infect me.” Smiled former leader. “Names, locations, any clues.”
“It was on Buckland Route. Husky called Black, he was our traitor.” Whispered Barry. “Pack of wolves is wandering one, but it’s called Ravens Pack. Names of wolves… I heard just a few… Aniu, Okto, Beth, Alima… Will you avenge my leader?” asked dog with last breath.
“No, I’m going to send them x-mass postcard!” though irritated Steele, but he added aloud. “After all, I’m the great Sharp’s son. And now I must admit, you impressed me.”
“I’m sorry…”
“Do not sorry. It was right thing to do… for you. I thank you on behalf of Berenice. This is the only way I could help you.” Said former leader and carefully grabbed Barry’s neck, trying not to swallow any of pus. He clenched his jaws, squashing spine in one move. He unbended and spit out all infected blood. “Somehow I wish to be like you: nasty, but doing it not just for me.” Added malamute to dying companion. Then he turned away and started his hunt.
*
He got back to cave few hours after fall of night, with quite heavy load. He got some fat raccoon dog, weighting almost twenty pounds. Eating it he realised that this kind should hibernate in that season, so that one was really special… or special due to infection. But he ignored and devoured half of carcass. He was risking his life so intensively that he wasn’t avid to lose tasty meal because few additional, eventual bacteria. Then he split remaining carcass and took about ten pounds of meat for Berenice. He hoped that such a portion would last for few days, because he was really tired. He hadn’t slept with easy sleep for over five days.
“I put your supper here.” Called Steele before the entrance to cave. “I will depart now and you will get it, right?”
“Right.” Replied Berenice. Malamute surprised, hearing her voice. All fear had ceased, leaving just cold determination without hesitation. Former leader though that it meant something good (good, at last!) – his ward wasn’t going to be crying sniveller. And – what was even more optimistic – she seemed to be cooperative, remembering about infection threat. So dog went away about hundred feet and laid down to sleep. After about half an hour he was awoken by quiet call.
“Sir… sir…”
“What happened?” asked malamute with sleepy voice.
“No, nothing…” added Berenice. “I just wonder… How do you feel?”
“Good, I’m not dying yet.” Replied Steele. “Your food supply is sure at least for few days…”
“I’m sorry, sir.” Said Berenice with genuine sorrow in her voice. “I didn’t meat to…”
“Good night.” Interrupted Steele.
“Good night.” Replied she-dog and returned to cave.
After few minutes of trying to fall asleep, to Steele’s mind came quite absurd thought. “I’m too harsh with her. She just has lost her parents…” But then he asked himself. “And what the hell it concerns me? She is going to die, maybe I’m going to die too. What an absurd! What I’m doing here, anyway?”
Then a sudden curiosity made Steele to stand up. He marched to the cave and silently entered the main chamber. He saw Berenice lying on the floor with paws put under her muzzle. Dog came closer and examined her neck. Oedemas were still significant, but they hadn’t grown since morning. Former leader gained a slight hope. “It’s just a weaker kind… I will make it too.” Thought and exited the cave.
Berenice opened her eyes and exhaled deeply. She was too confused to judge clearly on her carer. But only thing she was sure was simple. “He is really care of me… He is risking his life. How noble…”
*
Next few days passed in that that strange routine: on morning Steele went on hunting, he got back in early dusk, left part of preys on doorstep of cave and left to his lair in junipers. They talked a little, both too confused to say anything more than: Hi, Thanks or How are you feel? What turned out to be a strange ritual was the examination on morning. For few long minutes they were staring on each other’s neck, looking for signs of illness. And with every morning Steele discovered that Berenice’s oedemas were like frozen – they haven’t disappeared or even got smaller, but also haven’t grown. Malamute wasn’t sure if that was good or grave news, so he said nothing to his patient. Berenice said that he had no swellings, although dog didn’t believe her. He felt a unnatural thickenings on his neck’s lymph nodes. However in emotional state he was in those days, he was able to even believe he is a wolf if someone suggested it to him strongly enough. But on fifth day Steele made an important decision.
“We must go down, to valley.” Said during morning examination. “I have more and more problems with looking for game. All eatable preys here are dead or fled away.”
“As you wish, sir.” Nodded Berenice, still looking on his neck.
“Have them grown bigger?” asked dog with tired voice.
“No sir… I’m just… eee… marvelling at your muzzle features.” Replied she-dog.
Unexpectedly for himself, Steele burst in laughter. He had to sit down on snow, repressing his giggles. After about minute he calmed down, looked on her and said.
“Well said, baby. I’m sure those oedemas made look more mature and nobly. But if you are ready, we should go.” She nodded her head and Steele turn back to east. “So come. I’m not going to die unless I come to some more civilised area.”
*
The weather was perfect, at least for winter time. Sun was shining with its full force, and although it quickly disappeared over horizon, no wind nor snow disturbed pleasant, calm dusk.
“When you are tired, just tell me.” Said malamute, turning his head to companion, walking about twenty feet behind him.
“No, sir.” Replied Berenice. “But I’m curious, where we are going.”
“I’m curious too, baby.” Smiled malamute.
“That means you haven’t any…” asked she-dog, but she stopped, not sure if Steele wanted to talk. “But tell me, sir, why do you do it. I mean… don’t you have some pack… or I don’t know… family, sled?”
“No.” replied Steele. “It’s all as you see. I have now you and presumably: the bubonic plague.”
“And your collar?” inquired she.
“I doubt if it could be a carrier.” Replied Steele with slight irritation.
“I mean: why you are the carrier of the collar?” asked Berenice, as if she missed the joke.
“Let’s make a deal: no questioning about past, right?” Steele stopped and turned to his companion. She stopped intently too, not to close to him.
“I’m sorry, I just…”
“Let’s make a stop.” Decided Steele.
For place to stay a night they chose a dense cluster of young pines, probably natural plant after some old fire there. They separately dug dens in distance about fifty feet. Berenice asked why so far, if there were marching much closer, but Steele explained that in place the probability of infection is greater, so they have to be careful.
“You know… few things changed since we left mountains.” Said, but before he finished that sentence, he understood ha was absolutely right. And he missed some simple necessities of camping in new area.
“Werk!” growled quietly. “Berenice… try to walk to edge of cluster… silently.”
“What…”
“Do you think you would fool wolves senses?” asked voice from the dark.
Steele tried to analyse the situation. It was dark, they were in unknown area and were surrounded by unknown number of wolves. A hungry ones, probably starving for long time of epidemic. Suddenly malamute burst in hysterical laughter, understanding the complete stalemate of situation.
“Are you so avid to die, pet-dog?” asked a voice from the darkness. In shades of cluster Steele noticed several silhouettes of forest predators. Presumably it was just an avant-garde. However, it didn’t matter.
“Hey, savage!” called dog playfully. “I think you could attack the pine with similar success. We are not destined to be eaten.”
“I do not believe in destiny.” Said alpha of pack, coming closer to surrounded ones.
“Berenice… could you show this gentlewolf your beautiful neck?” asked malamute, chocking with laughter. She obediently stepped out from shade and lifter her head. Oeademas were so thick that even in that light, wolves saw them.
“That’s a bluff!” called leader. “You look healthy and I’m sure you wouldn’t travel with infected one.”
“So, you want to try it? Go on…” He stepped in pack’s direction. Younger wolves instantly scattered in bushed before him and malamute started to march to brink. Passing next to Berenice, he whispered. “Follow me… and be ready to run!”
“Hold where you are!” called alpha with firm voice. But seeing that malamute walked still, added with slight confusion. “Stop! I said stop!”
“Or what?” asked Steele. “You eat me and my bacteria?”
“Werk!” cursed wolf.
“Okto, what we are doing?” asked some uncertain voice from second rank.
That sound shocked Steele with high voltage. That name! If he was…”
“Okto of Ravens Pack?” smiled dog. “I’m pleased to kill you!” then he gasped to Berenice. “Sorry, baby, you’re on your own for a while. I have some business with that furball!”
“Sir… I think they have a little tactical advantage.” Replied bitch with confused voice.
“But they’re assuming I have some biological weapon.” Smiled Steele. “There is some river nearby, I heard its noise. Go there, if I survive, I’ll find you there.”
“Wait… don’t leave me!” she called.
“Yes, of Ravens Pack.” Said Okto with amazed voice. “But that pack no longer exists. Do I know you?” Then seeing that malamute is closing still, he stepped back. “Well… you reminds me someone…”
“Winter 1922.” Said Steele. “Road to Cape Bathurs… January, expedition of Toronto University, but you probably even don’t know it is university… A traitor called Black…”
“You are son of that…” understood Okto. “But wait, it’s not fair… you can’t infect me!” But alpha did the worst thing he could do – he stepped down to small pan, witch turned out to had a dead end. Leader stopped, touching with back to ground wall behind him.
“No way out.” Smiled Steele.
“If you even infect me or kill me now, you won’t get alive from here.” Growled Okto.
“You wanna bet?” asked Malamute and made few steps closer.
“Screw it, boss! I’m hungry!” called some of wolves… and ran in Berenice’s direction.
Most of pack was still reasonable and scared of plague carriers. But few younger ones, dimmed by hunger lost their cold blood and joined the half-suicidal chase. Steele saw it in corner of his sight, but he was still standing in front of killer of his father. He cursed in mind, however he wasted both to pay his debt and survive. Helping she-dog was the easiest way to waste those chances.
“Won’t you stop your companions?” asked malamute. “They chase their death…”
“They are already lost.” Said Okto. “But let make a deal… I will let you live, if you step back…”
“Shut up!” growled avenger.
“Think! Your sweet companion is about to be eaten and you are thinking about…”
“***** you!” cried Steele and spat on Okto. Wolf shunned that projectile and took a defensive position. But Steele didn’t repeat any attack. He turned back and ran to exit from pan. Pack of wolves scattered before him and dog started a chase after few mad renegades, wondering what for he was doing it.
“I’m risking my life and wasting a chance to revenge for some dying kid, who could only infect me in return. How noble… how pathetic!”
He easily caught the first of raging wolves. It was a female, barely aware what she was doing – hunger dimmed her mind and – fortunately – also senses, because Steele easily overturned her and pinned to the ground. He didn’t want to kill, it just happened. He clenched his jaws on her throat, finishing anguished and probably already doomed life.
Then dog stood up and set off to further run. He exited dense forest and entered area of thinner flora. In summer that place was a swamp, but under quilt of snow and frost it turned to special race-track. Steele hated that, because if one stepped on thin ice he fell to water or mud beneath. That looked as solid ground could be – even in winter – deadly trap. One of wolves met that fate – he just stomped on barely frozen surface of mud-pool and instantly fell down to den. Malamute passed next to him, not checking if predator success to escape that pit.
Then he saw there remaining wolves and Berenice. That was dead end, far more deadly that one where Okto had been caught. All four ran on frozen small lake, covered with layer of snow. But due to frost the water of lake shirked enough to create a serious disparity between its surface and layer of ice. Steele saw few air-holes that led to swamp about three feet below. Because of that one who fell down had limited chance to get out.
“Werk!” yelled dog, seeing the scene: Berenice stopped, understanding that one step ahead would crack the ice, but three wolves were still going towards her.
“Hey, you!” called former leader to distract attackers. However it changed nothing – predators were still coming to their prey. “***** you!” yelled Steele and ran to the lake.
The first wolf he hit with whole impetus of run, so he threw him many metres away. Then he heard the ice was cracking, so he jumped aside, just on second attacker.
“Run!” called to Berenice, who was still standing like paralysed.
Ice definitely broke and Steele even didn’t have to fight with next opponent. He just made a desperate shun to reach solid ice and slimy wolf fell down to cold swamp below. Then dog noticed why Berenice was still in place – her paws submerged under the snow and – most likely – also under the ice. She was standing still only thanks to resistance of snow layer. It was slowly lowering and lowering, to base on cracked ice or water. Young bitch was unable to move.
Steele got to her when he felt teethes of third wolf on his side. But he ignored it and pushed she-dog away from trap. He overturned and slid on ice several metres. Meanwhile wolf jumped on Steele’s back, what was much too much for thin ice. Suddenly malamute discovered that world around became very wet.

II.II Drowned Past

Wet, dark and distant. That way Steele could describe his state, if he was in state proper to describe anything. In fact when malamute submerged under surface of water, he instantly lost his consciousness due to thermal shock. Tired, hot and probably with fever was suddenly threw into freezing water, what could bring only one result. But when night came for his body, his mind – who knows – maybe soul, was awake still.
Steele knew that everything he was seeing and sensing was just a dysfunction of anoxied brain, however he FELT that was real. Impossible, but true. Dog found himself on slope of snowed hill. White coat was covering pine forest in sight and in air light snow was still falling. It was night, beautiful night over… Nome? Yes, those lights downthere had to be sign of Nome. Over the mild landscape was shining aurora borealis, thing that Steele hated, because it always disoriented him in routes. But then he had to admit that atmospheric phenomena was beautiful. In combination with snow in the air, whole landscape was sparking with thousands of colours. It was very bright for a January night. Too bright.
“All right.” Murmured Steele, standing up from snow. “I know that is fake. I’m drowning right now, or this is yet the hall of hell.”
He said “hell”, although it was washed out from any metaphysical fear. Just a plain ascertainment that it would be quite improper if someone like him would filled heaven with his presence. But before any judgement over Steele took place, dog started to walk down in town direction. With every step the certainty of whole scene being real grew. After about half a mile, when malamute was a bit tired a bit cold and a bit impatient, he was sure that somehow all memories of his journey through the Eagle Pass were dream and Nome at night was actual reality.
On road from town – that directed to the sea – Steele noticed two canine silhouettes. With long-taught impulse, he laid down to the ground and started to crawl in snow to sneak closed being undetected. “What an idiotism!?” snorted quietely. “I’m sneaking to my own home and…” But then a new portion of memories came to his mind. “Not, that is no longer my home this is home of…”
Balto.
Bigger dog of that pair was certainly famous hybrid. Steele almost ceased his breathing, to become better camouflaged. At least… so quick. A chance to little payback. But if that was Balto, that second silhouette could be…
Jenna.
Steele froze in place desperately trying to remove that thought from mind. but it was too late – he saw her next to hated enemy, walking with smile on her muzzle and half-absent stare, pointed in Balto. Malamute ordered his muscles to take his body back. Unfortunately, they didn’t obey. His flesh was leading him closer couple, with every step gaining sudden might and will to kill. Mind of dog resisted just few moments longer. After another while former leader smiled and opened his mouth in greedy expression. He wanted to kill, even in front of Jenna. Whatever. Neck of Balto stated to pulse in strange way like grown oedema of bubonic plague carrier. Steele was seeing only it, closer and closer.
He didn’t hear neither the scream of Jenna, nor growl of Balto. He just pounced on hybrid, instantly overturning him and pinning him to the ground. Mutt was so surprised that his pathetic attempt to shun Steele’s jaws finished before it started. Former leader grabbed neck of adversary and pressed with all his might. It came even easier that with Barry (Barry? What Barry? Sick dog from that dream?), because bones got up quickly and spine was squashed in single bite. Steele jumped back, looking on swirling then stopping and dying body of Balto. When wolfdog ceased to move, malamute felt that time came to raise his sight and look on Jenna. That was the worse part of party.
“E… e…” said former leader, looking on red husky, standing over Balto’s body with eyes open wide and scream locked on her lips. “Hi, Jenna…” said with heavy afford, then he realised he had no idea what to say. “How is Rosy going?”
“You killed him.” Said Jenna, although her voice showed she didn’t believe in scene in front of her.
“Well, yes… I notice that.” Agreed malamute. “He is definitely gone.”
“Steele…” panted husky in weirdest way that anyone anytime said anything. First letter of that name was spelled with disbelief, the second and third with fear and three last with some kind of sudden tenderness. And because Steele’s name was usually spelled as just one syllable, dog felt that Jenna did something against the very basic rule of phonetics.
“I am.” Confirmed former leader, still unable to say something wiser.
But then turned out that nothing was necessary to say. She-husky went to malamute and cuddled in his side, panting with kind of relief. Steele didn’t intend to do it, but his paws just fell beneath him and he found himself in snow with Jenna at his side. Her muzzle went to his and dog felt a gentle kiss on his cheek.
Then with terrible clarity understood that this was much too beautiful to be true.
“I’m sorry, Jenna.” Said, looking deep in eyes of bitch. “I’m afraid that I have just drown.”

Well they say that being sucked into a cold icy water can cause hallucinations. So did Steele have one? There's a good chance! Interesting one! I must say it did seem real... maybe this will be some sort of omen for him. Who knows! Update soon!