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But every happy dream has to finish… So let’s back to Steele and his troubles.
I’m sorry for that song, but I have to write it. I hope You find it funny, if not as a independent verses, at least as "You don't have to be a hero" parody. It will be somehow important further.

Ps.
Again the description of bubonic plague. Sorry, but I make dogs to suffer from it just as humans do, but it might be untrue. Sorry, I’m not a doctor.

Pps.
“Hero of their time” in song. It has to be a reference to Mikhail Lermontov’s “Gieroj naszego wriemieni”. I not sure, but I think that title of best known English translation is just [The hero of our time]. It’s just a detail, but it will be somehow important in further tale.

III.I Judgement Day

The nations were in uproar and now the time has come for your retribution, and for the dead to be judged, and for your servants the prophets, for the saints and for those who fear your name, small and great alike, to be rewarded. The time has come to destroy those who are destroying the earth.
Revelation 17;18

End of beautiful dream is usually terrible. But that time was different – it was twice time more terrible than Steele expected. First – he was taken away from Jenna. Second – it was cold out there, really cold. Awareness and heat were creating the constant sum. When quotient of his consciousness raised, temperature had dropped instantly. Dog was returning to his body and discovering that his flesh was shaking in uncontrollable shivers. His fur was wet as well as ground on which he was lying. But one element of both dreams was common.
“Jenna?” whispered Steele with disbelief, cuddling into side of female. “How it…”
“No, sorry, sir.” Replied feminine voice. “It’s just me, Berenice.”
So awareness fully returned and temperature dropped to the lowest bar. Steele opened his eyes and saw he was in small den. He was lying of bedding of fir branches and young malamute was resting at his side. Berenice was warm, but she had much too little warmth to heat dog up. And additionally she wasn’t Jenna. Definitely the previous dream was better. “And I killed him.” Thought Steele about Balto, smiling in spite of overwhelming frost.
“Sir… it will be all right. Soon you will fell warmth.” Assured his Berenice and cuddled closer to him. Steele sensed her soft fur of her neck… and oedemas beneath it. He froze, that mean: stopped to shivering at once. “What… Ow, sir…” she said with breaking voice. “I had to! You were drowning and…” Steele started to laugh, but in his condition it sounded almost like a cry. “Sir, I had to…”
“All, right, all right.” Interrupted malamute with tired tone. “Whatever… I guess we will finish this journey together. By the way… what happened?”
“I… just…” said Berenice with crying voice. However after few second she regained cold blood and started to speaking clearly. “When you pushed me into solid ice and fell down… I instantly stood up and saw that wolf you had knocked down earlier. He was pouncing on me, but I threw him into crack, then jumped down to catch you…”
“Hm?” interrupted Steele. “You dealt with… wolf? Adult wolf?”
“He was quite shocked after you hit him, sir.” Explained Berenice. “But it doesn’t matter. I saw you were drowning, so I jumped down and we swam to shore.”
“How the hell you broke ice?” asked Steele, but then he felt a giant bump on his forehead and understood he was used as a ram. Then another question hit him. How it was possible that young, fragile bitch got away from swamp and additionally pulled twice or three times heavier male with her? “But how did you do it?”
“Just… I managed, sir.”
“So I guess, you saved me…” said quite amused Steele, but she once again burst in tears.
“Sir… I infected you… if you didn’t stand for me… this all wouldn’t have happened. I’m so sorry…”
“Ow, quit it. What happened has happened and we can’t change it.”
Sound of his own words shocked him. He imagined Balto, saying that. “What happened has happened and we can’t change it.” Said unreal wolfdog in his vision. Lips of mutt were bearing the triumphal smile. “I will kill you… this time for real!” murmured Steele in mind and understood that advice he just had given to Berenice was useless for him.
“But now…”
“Now we are going to die from bubonic pelage.” Said dog. “Or we survive, because your bacteria are weaker than normal. Because you outlived so long with fever, I think that we have about fifty percent chances to make to the spring.”
“I… I don’t want you to die!”
“Think about yourself, baby.” Smiled Steele. “That’s your primary objective.”
“But if I die… I will go to mom and dad and you…”
“Do not think about it.” Said Steele. “Just let me dry up and we will go to hunt something.” He knew it was rather hard, because he wasn’t in condition to move. He was still shivering and cuddling in Berenice’s side. He had no idea how they could get any food, but he thought if his ward was so special she had taken down mature wolf and had pulled him out from swamp, a little hunting would be a piece of cake for her. “Could I…” asked, nestling closer to her.
“Yes, sir.” She answered, covering his head with paws. It was very ineffective in warming up, because she was much smaller that him, however Steele was partially covered by her was body.
“Sir? Call me Steele.” said malamute. “If we are going to die anyway… I won’t huff about some familiar terms. Right?” she nodded her head. “By the way, you have beautiful name… But terribly long. Don’t you mind if I call you just <Bere>?”
“Of course.” she agreed. “It even fit well. After all, I carried you here.”
“Huh?” asked Steele.
“You know… Bere-Nike. Ancient Macedonian name, means: <Bearer of victory>. So if we shorten it just to bearer…”
“Ow, good.” Smiled Steele. “I got it… I just not the best in ancient languages. How it…”
“Mother told me. She was very wise.” Explained Berenice. “But it doesn’t matter. Sir… I mean: Steele. could repeated few times in sleep some name… Jenna. Who is she?” Dog narrowed his eyes and was silent for longer while before he answered.
“That is not important now. A past, that is bygone for sure.”
“Don’t you want to tell it?” she asked. “Maybe it will help you.”
“Unless you are able to turn back the time, you won’t help. It’s just…” Steele felt strange. In the same time he wanted to quit that talk, but some voice in his heart was calling to share his burden. Absurd! Since early puphood, when he had been taken away from his parents, Steele was living on his own and counting just on his own. He never had a friend, even single one. Just allies and enemies. Underlings and rivals. Love to Jenna? That was the only exception of his egocentric life, but it still was an exception to stress the general rule. What drive him to say more was not even the need of heart but curiosity. He had never spoken about his life, problems and dreams in his life. And because most likely his life was about to expire, he felt a want to taste something new. “I doubt if you want to know more about me.”
“I wish know everything about dog you saved me.” Replied Berenice.
“But it could be very hard, because it will make you despise me. It turn your further way – not matter how long it take – a bit unpleasant.”
“Ow…” murmured Berenice. “I don’t want you to say about something you don’t want to. Just say what you have on mind. about her or about something else.”
“It’s not so…” started Steele, but suddenly he felt he couldn’t speak. This wasn’t due to cold of fever, but just due to sorrow. Dog was unable to cry, but a kind of sobbing shook his body. Berenice just nestled harder to his side, murmuring with sympathy, until he finished.
“You was sled-leader in Nome.” She said finally. “That what I read on your collar. You was the best, the strongest, and I assume the most handsome dog in town. But she…”
“Chose him.” Murmured Steele with breaking voice. “Although I was doing it all for her. To impress her, show I’m really care about her. She preferred that mutt…”
“Running from there you just gave up. Was that necessary?”
“Yes. Because he will carry this collar from now on.” Said dog with growing anger. “I’m not a master anymore. I’m just a shadow right now.”
“But that’s just a piece of leather and metal… I hasn’t brought you success, I guess it won’t bring him.”
“But it was my only advantage. I failed in every trial except racing in pulling. And now I lost even that. And he became a hero of town… He had everyone under his paw, including she… I know the dogs, Bere… Wealth and fortune don’t bring the happiness… automatically. But lack of those ruins every try. I can’t back to Nome. Balto became what I was.”
“I can speak only on my behalf.” Said Berenice carefully. “But I don’t care who you was, what prizes you got or what you did wrong. For me the matter is who you are here and now.”
“Assuming you know you I am now.” Smiled Steele with bitter smile.
“You are all I have.” Said she-malamute. “Do not give up… You don’t have to be their hero to be actual hero. To be someone important for her.”
“I like your naivety.” Replied former leader. “You are young… and ignorance is bliss.” Something grabbed his throat and started to strangling him, choking further words. But – unexpectedly for himself – Steele started to sing.

[You don’t have to be a hero
To rule place where you belong
You don’t need to be so noble
All you need is to be strong]

[You just cast away a weakness
Only unforgiven crime
You don’t have to be a hero
To be hero of their time]

Berenice, quite surprised, stayed silent, just listening. Steele had gentle, however powerful voice, then making a bring contrast with usual, harsh tone of dog. Former leader closed his eyes, probably reminding scenes from past.

[You don’t have to give your best shot, you just have to win it through
Doesn’t matter what you believe, point is they believe in you
Only acceptable example is the leader in this race
You don’t have to be a hero, to wear shining hero’s face]

[She-dog could was carefully staring in absent-minded face of Steele, reading his expression. It seemed she was hearing much more that was in words of that bitter song.

[Count on your own, if You can count
The outcome sure’ll be clear – the what you want
Have faith in your strength, the only thing is real
You will always be a hero if a weakling you can kill]

Steele stopped, opened his eyes and his stare met Berenice’s. Dog quickly turn down his muzzle, clearly embarrassed.
“I’m sorry… it was…”
“Touching.” Replied Berenice. “Although I don’t believe you. I don’t know what happened in Nome and I don’t want to know. I just feel you are my hero, whatever they think about it.”
But Steele didn’t answered. He already had fallen asleep, peacefully cuddled in side of young bitch.
*
When former leader woke up, the meal was waiting. A hare – not much but good for a start. Berenice assured him, she eaten already. Steele looked on her with curiocity.
“How did you find him?” he asked. “In so deep snow…”
“I took him from some wolverine…”
“WHAT?” yelled dog. “You attacked…”
“Not exactly.” Explained Berenice. “He just noticed my oedemas and decided to leave his prey.” Steele discovered that on her side were two parallel, fresh cuts, what told dog that it wasn’t whole truth.
“I know we are going to die soon, but try not to quicken that, right?”
She nodded her head, then they started to eat. Steele felt a bit strange, because he ceased to be carer and become a charge. In fact he wasn’t sure if Berenice would manage on her own. After meal he carefully stood up and exited the den. It turned out to be a small hole on slope of unnamed hill in Yukon Valley. Former leader quickly regained his orientation and started to think about further way.
“We are going now?” asked Berenice.
“I guess… There is still probability, that we will survive a plague. So we’ll go closer to some town. We have to decide just to which one. North to Selawik or south to Galena. In fact it doesn’t matter in longer perspective. In both towns you will surely get to some real sled and start a career of puller. I assume you want that…”
“And you?” she asked with sudden anxiety.
“I have my own goals. You probably know what kind of.” He smiled with bloodthirsty smile.
“But you should go there with me!” she instantly replied. “You would watch over me and…”
“Girl… you are better in saving your tail than I am. You will manage, I’m sure of that.”
“But you could start again in Selawik or…”
“Not before I pay my debts.” Interrupted Steele. “Not that I didn’t like to.” He looked in Berenice’s eyes and smiled. “But I’m not able unless I did what I have to.”
“Murderers of your father?” asked she-malamute.
“That for a start. Then Balto.”
“Maybe I could help you?”
“No!” said Steele, setting off in south direction. Then he stopped and asked. “So what now? Galena.” She nodded her head. “It’s my revenge! Girl, you have a life to live and my sick vendetta is not the best way to spend it. I really appreciate you are so helpful… But that I should be take care of you, not you for me. Thanks, but I will manage. Besides, you will be excellent sleddog. As your parents or better.” Then he added with quiet murmur. “And we still don’t know if that blasted fever won’t finish us in half a way.”
“It won’t.” Said Berenice. “I feel more alive than ever.”
“Nice to hear that.” Replied Steele and set off to further march.
*
They were travelling for next few days with ease. They exited the area of epidemic and entered lower forests of valley. Life was slowly returning to Yukon, however it was still February life – muffled by snow and frost. But it was easy to find food. They encountered many frozen carcasses and ate to fulfillment. Only thing that was troubling Steele were pulsing swellings on his and Berenice’s neck.
When they stopped for night, in den about twenty miles from Yukon River, malamute looked on his companion and asked with serious voice.
“How are my oedemas?”
“I can’t see anything unusual…” said she-dog but even poor observer would find a false tone in her voice.
“What a shame.” Murmured Steele looking on her with examining stare. “But you wanted me to honest, so I will be. Your ones grew significantly for last three days.”
She turn her stare to the ground and replied with serious voice.
“I know… I feel the fever in me.” She said and entered the den. Steele followed her with no hesitation. If she was infected, he was too. “And I lied… You was looking perfectly healthy in last days… But yesterday I saw serious thickening on your neck. I guess you too.” She Laid down in lair and looked on Steele with inviting stare. He sat down next to her then she cuddled to his side. Although dog said nothing, he was really grateful for that. He needed a warm touch to bear this news calmly. Funny – a month earlier he was almost totally indifferent towards own death. But adventure with Berenice changed it a bit. It had fuelled dog’s curiosity. He was really sorry it was going to end.
“Well, I guess we can’t help it. It’s just our time.”
“Steele, I’m…”
“Don’t start again. I can’t blame you!” interrupted malamute. “I had been already finished before it happened. And I’m really glad I will die in your company. It would be… it’s sounds funny, but I think it’s better end than I deserved. Of course it really unfortunate you’re going down too… You would be the best sleddog in whole Alaska…” Suddenly Berenice licked Steele’s cheek and put her neck on his. Dog was feeling pulse of both blood and swollen lymph nodes.
“I’m scared.” Interrupted Berenice. “I… don’t to die. Will you stay with me?” Steele wasn’t sure how could he leave her – especially that she was in worse condition and probably she was first to pass away – but he just nodded his head.
“Of course I will. It won’t be so bad… Just… a deeper kind of slumber.” He was really glad to say this. A unwritten rule of universe says that consoling other is the best way to kill own fear. Steele, as the one who seemed to be untouched by death-perspective, tried to think that way too.
“But it will be painful.” She sobbed. “I saw mom and dad. There were in such a pain!”
“We could reduce that.” Smiled Steele with bitter smile. He instantly felt that Berenice frozen in his hug.
“No, that is not right.” She whispered. “Mom said me that it bad to kill if you don’t have to… even to kill your own.”
“Well, I don’t mean euthanasia.” Explained Steele. “Just… a risky therapy. We could try to open our oedemas. I will bite your and you will try to cut mine, that way we will rid off the pus.”
“So why haven’t he done that earlier?” asked amazed Berenice.
“Because there is serious probability we bleed-out in progress and even if we survive, we would die due to exhaustion or external infection later. I estimate our chances… well… about twenty percent.”
“It won’t hurt?”
“Even if, just a while.” Assured Steele.
“But if…”
“If you survive and I don’t, you will just leave me here, go to Galena and be a happy sleddog. I’m sure you will manage.”
“And if I die?”
“That would be a terrible loss, but we can’t help it. Do you want to risk?”
“Of course, I want. But… do not die, Steele.” she whispered and licked his cheek again.
“Right, right…” murmured a bit embarrassed malamute. A caressing touch of beautiful young female warmed something inside him. For the first time he thought that Berenice was actually real beautiful. It was a different kind of prettiness than Jenna’s – more wild, less subtle but somehow stronger. She was still a child, but hard puphood made her to grow up faster. However Steele quickly extinguished those thoughts. “I’m going to die, not to bother this kid with my already lost life. Maybe it’s would be better if she make it and I not.”
“What should I do?” she asked.
“To be sure, I’ll make it as a first. I will bite your neck and as gentle as I can I’ll break your swellings. It could hurt, but it’s unavoidable. Then – of you are able to – try to do the same with me.”
“But if I hurt you?”
“Even if, do not blame yourself. You would only finish my anguish that way.” She looked in his eyes with fear, but he just nodded. “And if something goes wrong, I want you to know I’m really grateful to you. I think you… inspired the best in me.”
“I just discovered what always was, Steele.” she replied and added. “I… You are the great dog. I think Jenna made a grave mistake.” And before malamute replied on that, she added. “But do it quick. I’m too scared to wait.”
So Steele opened his jaws and put them on her neck. For several seconds he was sensing the pulsing oedemas, aiming not to damage any artery. Illness was burning with her and if Steele missed, he just had finished her agony. But he prayed silently, he success. “And then she will probably kill me.” He smiled in mind. “I doubt if wounded pup would do such a hard operation. Even I’m not sure if I do.” But then he clenched his jaws.
Berenice barely repressed her scream, when sharp teethes of malamute pierced her fur and skin. Steele plunged his fangs deep, carefully breaking oedemas. Then he presses whole jaw to extract all pus. Berenice was lying still, shivering, but holding her neck in place. After about minute of pressing, malamute judged he did what he could. He opened his jaws and laid next to she-dog.
“I’m sorry if it hurt.” He said. “I did the best I could. Will you try?”
She barely lifted her head up and closed to his neck. She was bleeding and dripping with pus, pain was clear on her face. But former leader managed to perform operation correctly – no of important blood vessels were damaged. So she bended to him and put her fangs on him. Steele felt that he would most likely die, being bitten to death by that child. However, he wasn’t panicking about that. “For sure she is most beautiful death I could imagine.” And them recalled strange dream with death Balto. He saw clearly blooded neck of enemy and smiled. Then came the pain.
*
Even if you are not dreaming, every awakening could be hard, just due to end of sleep. A brute call of reality, that ends pleasant rest and usually force you to return to hard and tiring life. So Steele felt a bolt of irritation that his body was calling absent mind. He opened his eyes to see rays of sun, breaking into den and shining on him and Berenice. That really surprised him – most probable he survived. But…
“Bere!” gasped dog and felt instantly pain in his neck.
He raised his head up and discovered that his fur was covered in dry blood and pus. Thrombuses were aching him as hell, however the pain was the only factor that made him believe it wasn’t a dream. The reaction is a sing of life.
But then Steele looked on his companion. Cut on her neck was also dry and covered with thrombuses but dog saw no sign of additional infection. Oedemas disappeared, leaving just strange looking bags of stretched skin.
But what was far more important, chest of Berenice was slowly – however decisively – moving up and down and her breath – quiet but constant – was filling silence of den. Steele sighed with great relief, but also with disbelief.
“It’s impossible…” he murmured. “It just can’t be… We’re alive!” He quickly exited the den and stopped on snow in front of it. He looked on frozen forest around and for the very first time since many years he thought that winter is beautiful. However he also felt in his spine that winter soon will be over.
“WE ARE ALIVE!” called to snowed pines. Some of white mass from nearest branches fell down in response.

III.II. Spring

When Barenice woke up, Steele already managed to hunt some real game. It was young buck, maybe exhausted and almost starved due to frost, but big enough to feed them for almost a week, in normal conditions. But those conditions weren’t normal, because Steele ate about three daily portions in one meal. He discovered that they had been unconsciousness over three days.
So when Berenice opened he eyes, she noticed Steele, bended over her and licking her scars on neck. She stood up instantly with smile on her lips.
“Hold on!” called Steele. “I must clean it…”
“Steele!” she cried. “We did it!” and she hugged him in burst of puppyish joy.
“Yes, I noticed that.” Replied dog with usual irony, but then he burst in laughter too. “I’m impressed to, but please: sit down, and let me finish!” She obeyed and bended her neck to his operation.
“It’s wonderful!” she added. “You did it! You saved us.”
“It’s your teethes that took care about me.” Said dog, finishing cleaning. “There is only you to blame.” They both smiled, looking on each other with airy stares.
“And now it’s my turn.” She said finally. “Laid down and I will cake care about your scars.”
“I’ll be grateful.” Murmured Steele, sitting down. “Ow, still can’t believe it… I was sure we would bleed out to death.”
“So, we are destined to do something more in life.” Said Berenice after a while.
“Maybe.” Agreed Steele. “We will stay here, rest few days and then go south. Galena is near.”
*
Although she didn’t said it straight, Steele was sure such a request was on her mind. She wanted him to stay in town with her. There were moments that malamute was seriously thinking about it. But then always came a wave from past, urging him to go back to the north. He had so many to do… So many dirty and sinister work. Berenice was even ready to follow him in his seeking for vengeance, but Steele forbade her even to think about it.
She was too pure, to noble and uncorrupted to step in swam in malamute’s heart. Thinking of dog wasn’t pure moral process, but something connected more with aesthetics – he didn’t want Berenice to do with all disgusting mud he was about to cross.
“I’m a ******* and I have my own, shady businesses. She is angel in dog’s fur and let it stay this way.”
So they reached Yukon and turned to Galena. They reached outskirts of town about first march. The winter was still raging on, however sun going higher and higher over horizon was announcing the spring.
“Go now.” Said Steele, looking on undecided Berenice. “This is fine town, I was here many times. Many sled teams, few real good mushers. They well greet you happily.”
“Steele, please…” she looked on him with her deep green eyes. “Come with me.”
“We talked abut it many times, I can’t”
“Can’t or don’t want to?” she asked with breaking voice.
“Can’t.” replied Steele. “I have my quests. I would be honoured to stay with you… but it just isn’t my destiny. I won’t fit to it.”
“To it, or to me?”
“To you also.” Said Steele, sensing that talk turned to quite unpleasant topic. “Just go there and be whatever you want to be. I’m really happy that you are going to get what you deserve.”
“But it’s not what I want.” Whispered bitch. She came closer and licked Steele’s cheek. “Please, remember me.” Then she turn away and started to run ahead to town.
For one second Steele felt an impulse to run after her, but he repressed it. That was stupid. He was really glad he helped that pup to survive and get there. But it was just a pleasant adventure. He had some debts to pay. When silhouette of Berenice disappeared among Galena houses, Steele turned away his stare and enchantment ceased. Again wave of cold and well know hatred returned to his heart. Nothing would stop him from doing his job. To avenge his father and then – if Fortune would be so kind – to avenge himself on that rascal Balto.
Steele set off on north, more and more drowned in sweet thought about coming payback.
*
Berenice reached main Galena’s street with tears in her eyes. To the last moment she hoped Steele would stay. And maybe because of that she failed to stop him. She wasn’t courageous enough to say what she was really feel. She was too scared he would just nod, excuse her, but in the most gentle way show his indifference towards her.
Because Berenice in her short life discovered whole range of creature’s emotions and the last one of that scale was love. She loved Steele not because he was handsome, strong or witted. She loved him because he was her. Or at least he thought that. Malamute was whole her word, became everything in those few weeks of their journey. She lost her parents but she hoped she found treasure of the same value.
Hope, hope, hope. The mother of fools.
So she had to manage herself. She shook her head to rid off tear from her face. When she looked with clear sight, she saw a giant rottweiler, looking on her with inquiring stare.
“Are you lost, baby?”
“Yes, I could say that.” She replied.

Good chapters! Steele seems to be a little bit torn. He wanted to go with Berenice but he's burning for revenge. Can't hardly blame him. So how far will he go? Me wanna know! Update soon!

Well, so let’s take a look how our heroes are going in their separate ways...

IV.I. One by One

I pine for you; my heart thirsts for you, my body longs for you, as a land parched, dreary and waterless.
Psalm 63;1-2

It was one of the first summer nights. Snow melted down and May’s sun had warmed forests of Alaska enough to judge the weather as: warm. For those who survived frosty winter of 1925 it seemed even hot.
Juniper Pack, founded on ashes of lost Raven Pack had suffered a lot during winter months. They had a badluck to cross infected areas and some pack members got a bubonic plague. Additionally unfortunate fight with two of sick and mad malamutes claimed life of three others members. So group – once counting over twenty wolves – then was just small, ten-members pack. However alpha male, called Okto was happy that they survived anyway.
And life in their group was reclaiming it’s place. Okto’s mate: Elema gave birth to five pups and additionally Robert and Viki had more four pups. It was risky move, allowing two betas to mate and produce a litter but by his sixth sense Okto knew that it was necessary, it was the only way to secure future of pack. After hard winter many animals fallen and every population had to restore its number. But the most damaged group were predators, who starved not only due to lack of prey but also because plague made them to carefully select every victim, leaving possible carriers of illness. That caused the strange situation where population of herbivores was significantly more numerous than carnivores. And Okto knew that in coming year there will be plenty of food for wolfkind. That why he greeted additional litter in his pack with leniency. So wolf could been sleeping with ease and dreaming of secure future of his group. However his sleep was broke just before the dawn.
“They are hungry, as always.” Whispered Elema, pointing on five furballs, seeking her breast. “I think you should go.”
“Yes, my dear… give me just a minute.” Murmured Okto with sleepy voice.
Wolf barely repressed call of his body to close his eyes again. He stood up and started to wake up whole pack. All, apart of nursing mothers, had to help leader in his hunt. So wolves were slowly standing up and gathering in formation. Okto came once again to his mate and pups and gave a gentle lick to whole six.
“We will be back soon.”
“Take care, my love.” Whispered Elema and return a kiss.
“Go!” called alpha to his pack.
When they exited pan on eastern Slope of Yu mountain, Okto did what had been doing since few weeks. The special conditions of that spring required special tactic on hunting. So he ordered his wolves to scatter and separately seek for game.
“So guys, we trained this before.” Said with unexpected joy. It was beautiful morning and he felt alive as ever. He was filled with pride from his offspring and beautiful mate. His pack was growing stronger and future seemed bright. For the very first time after decline of Ravens Pack Okto felt save and happy. “We’ll form a wide line and sweep this forest to Thepi Creek. I’m waiting for report of everything larger than a fox. Got it?”
“Sure, boss!” replied Robert instantly.
Okto used to be anxiety about loyalty of beta, if he – after having a pups – would try to object alpha’s power or even try to depose him. But birth of Viki’s litter changed defiance wolf a lot. He turned out to be first to help and every task, he obeyed every order of leader, probably knowing that fate of his children depended on wealth of whole pack. Robert turned out to be a real friend – another cause for Okto to fell contentment.
“So, let’s go!” instructed leader and eight wolves set off into forest.
*
Steele had been observing Juniper Pack since few weeks. The number of enemy made him extremely careful and cunning. He had been looking for the best way to get to Okto for long time and finally he found it. They had a system of hunting, a constant formation of battue, where alpha was almost every time in the same – most remote on south – position. Although Steele would have no chance against while pack, but sudden attack on single, unprepared wolf was possible. That was what he was about to do.
He waited for Okto to go far from his next pack mate. Nearest companion of alpha was beta male called Robert, strong and fast warrior, what malamute had observed. So Steele had to do quick what he wanted to do.
Dog was sneaking with ease. Wolf was concerned on tracking game in front of him and paid a limited attention on own back. So when Okto entered a small pan, from where he couldn’t be seen by Robert. Steele decided to strike.
In fact, it wasn’t even a fight – heavy malamute pinned slimy wolf to the ground and with both front paws pressed his muzzle to choke his scream. Victim tried to shake attacker off, but Steele quickly bite his paw, cutting tendon and causing wolf to cower from pain. It was almost midday, forest was filled with birds noise. No one heard sounds of wrestling.
“Relax, pal. It’s over.” Smiled Steele, pressing Okto down. “Do you remember me? This winter, infected dog. It’s really unfortunate for you, that I survived.”
“Mmmmhmm!” tried to scream Okto.
“I’m going to level some debts with you. You were in Ravens Pack. You killed my father.” Steele let loose one of his paws on wolf’s muzzle, but pressed with it his throat, so predator was unable to call aloud. “Aren’t you?”
“Wait!” whispered Okto. “This was not my fault… Aniu was an alpha… and that husky took a lead. I was just a pawn.”
“So no one will cry when I remove you from chessboard.” Smiled Steele. “So say goodbye and…”
“No!” gasped prisoner. “Don’t do it… I’m a father… I have pups with my alpha and…”
“I bet that when you was killing my father, he saved his dignity. You are scum, wolf.”
“No, please…” Suddenly dog smiled, but Okto instead of relief felt just greater fear.
“All right, I won’t kill you.” Said malamute. “Someone else will do that.”
Then he put his jaws on wounded Okto’s paw. Bone cracked and wolf’s eyes narrowed in pain. Steele pressed harder, making tibia’s dislocation greater. In normal fight it was extremely hard to damage enemy’s bone, but in such situation, when adversary was immobile this operation wasn’t more difficult than cracking a bone of prey to get a tasty marrow.
“Three more to go!” laughed Steele and put his jaws on another paw. Okto could scream and even hadn’t strength to. In fact he lost consciousness after second crack.
*
When he awoken, his body was just one, giant lake of pain. From all four paws a flame of constant anguish was deluging his senses. However he managed to open his eyes and notice that he was still in that pan, lying on bloodred moss. Two front paws were laying before him, crippled and motionless like they were no longer his. But over that Robert was standing.
“Robert…” whispered alpha.
“O, my God!” gasped beta. “Who did it?”
“That white devil… Help me… take me to our den…” Robert was looking on him for longer while with serious concern but also with half absent stare. Finally he replied.
“I’m so sorry, friend, but it can’t be… Our pack needs a leader, not a cripple…”
“Help me, dammit!” yelled Okto.
“I was admiring you, I must confess.” Continued beta. “For that how you manage to lead us in winter. You was my perfect example… a hero for me. But understand… you can’t be leader now. Our pack just couldn’t manage to feed useless cripple.”
“Robert, what are talking about? Take me to Elema and pups!”
“I will take care for them, I promise.” Assured wolf and bended down to Okto’s neck.
“What you’re doing!? Stop that! Help me!” screamed former alpha, but his successor didn’t stop.
“I am helping you.” He said. “Now.” And grabbed Okto’s throat.
Steele saw that scene from rock above and barely repressed a yell of triumph. It was puppyish but seeing dead body of Okto he felt unexpected bolt of joy. Dog instantly shook his head and inhaled deeply. That wasn’t good time to celebrate. He had much more work to do.
*
Berenice wasn’t sure if world around her was real. However she decided to act as if it was real. Just in case.
Hans, brown furred rottweiler of mister Katczinsky’s breeding was standing against her and baring his teethes. Of course she knew it was just a pose – Hans just couldn’t be angry nor furious on her even – maybe especially – on ring. He had been her tutor and guide in word of dogfighting and had explained her as it worked.
“If it happens I stand against you and we have fight, do not look on my bared fangs. Do not listen to my roars. I’m not wish you to die. Those are just rules of show. If we don’t fell hatred, we must pretend we fell.”
Hans was good in that. In spite he had a heart of innocent child, he looked as a child-butcher. His dreadful constitution and scary (and scarred) muzzle seemed to show the clear intention to kill every life form in sight. But it was just a poser. In his career Hans had killed just two dogs in fight and each case he paid with heavy remorse. Even years later, when Berenice came to Galena Breeding, she found him few times to scream in his sleep with tears in his eyes. He didn’t want to kill, but accidents happens. Especially when humans want a good show.
“This is not a hatred. This is a theatre.” Said Hans many times. “It hurts, causes wounds and sometime it kills. But when the fight is over we must restrain our rage and become canine beings again. Then we have to apologise our enemy for each cut we did. Most likely he did the same.”
Whatever Hans once said, Berenice wanted to be the one who apologise, not the one who is apologised. And rottweiler wanted the same, so fight was about to be hard. That time tutor and his ward were put against themselves, in spite of personal friendship. But humans just didn’t understand it, they wanted just to have show. Mister Katczinsky seemed to see more, but he was also obedient to rules of Dog Warriors League (most common organisation of illegal dogfights) and he did no exceptions even for his old champion and new found favourite. They have fight as if it was matter of life and death.
“Go on! Do not hesitate!” called Hans’s voice in Berenice’s mind. Real Hans was silent then, staring on her with ready stare, but she was almost sure he was thinking those words in that moment. “If not you, your opponent will win. That is not a personal matter, but you have to be better.” “I will.” Replied malamute in mind. “But for God’s sake, I don’t want to.”
She made a step ahead. Ring was a round of five metres diameter, surrounded by loud crowd of gazers who were shouting and cheering one or other adversary. Some of lookers bet on Hans, some others on Berenice. Most of them – of course – on Hans, much bigger and stronger dog. But few smart and carefully looking cheerers discovered in young she-malamute some advantages that rottweiler lacked. She was faster and much more agile than heavy male. Also Hans was coming to dusk of his career – as nine year old he got tired quick and have problems with sight. Although it seemed at first sight that it was duel of David and Goliath, few humans in hall suspected that it could end as surprisingly as fight in the Bible. What they didn’t know was one more advantage of Berenice. She had been taught by the best – champion Hans himself.
Malamute knew exactly what tactic would her former tutor choose. He knew her weaknesses, but that changed nothing – Barenice predicted the way that fight would evolve. Hans was mush stronger in point-blank wrestling and ground fight, so malamute had to attack from distance, move a lot and withdraw after every successful (or not) charge. Rottweiler had to stop her from that.
So she attacked as a first. She just slightly pushed side of enemy (“Enemy!” she yelled in mind. “He is my friend!”) just to provoke his reaction. But dog stayed cool, just throwing her away, being careful not to lower his garde. So she jumped back and made a semicircle around Hans. In that way she would get tired first, but she had to show her advantage in field of endurance. When Hans for jus a second lost his attention, thinking she was just playing, she pounced with unbelievable speed, landing on back of tutor. She pinned her fans in his neck and jumped down from him, hoping to became a lever to overturn him. She failed (in fact she didn’t hope for that in such early stage of duel, when enemy was still in good condition), but she managed to roll aside before he reacted. Some voice in her screamed with her. Hans was in mush worse shape than she thought. Month earlier he would have intercept her and pinned her to the ground with ease.
Cheering of audience grew. Those few who had bet on Berenice called with triumph and the rest yelled with disbelief. However malamute knew that outcome of duel was still very unclear and if she was a human, she would certainly place her bet on Hans.
She also noticed a concern stare of master Katczinsky. He was the owner of both dogs and he was worrying for both. In his own way he loved all his dogs, but those two especially: his old champion thanks to whom Katczinsky’s Team became one of the best in league and the new recruit, unexpectedly found on street Galena beautiful young malamute. On that fight was about to earn a plenty of money. However his heart was in pain with every cut on fur of his charges.
Two another tried became another failures. Berenice pounced again and again, but Hans blocked both charges and on the second approach almost got he in the ground. Malamute became more and more restless, especially that she was already wrapped in by rush of fight. It always comes in time – a delight and trance of duel, making every fighting mystical experience. Hans said that every dogfighter feels that, because that makes him dogfighter. In the same time Berenice loved and hated that emotion. It became a quest of her life to swim in that see of rush, but after almost every fight she hated herself for losing control and letting to hate enemy, who was just warrior like her. In that case was even worse – it was Hans she was fighting with. Her friend and carer.
Suddenly rottweiler attacked. Just like that, without warning, he rammed her with all mass, falling down to pin her to the ground. She shunned, but not perfectly – her rear paw was caught under Hans’s side and ground and Berence fell down. She managed to turn on back and shield with front paws before rottweiler’s muzzle, but she made it baterly. She threw aside jaws of dog and in desperate try bite his neck. Hans was very muscular even in his breed’s standards. Malamute had little chance to choke that hill of muscles. But she did it just to hold his head before she freed her paw.
Suddenly she understood that attack of her friend was sing of desperation. Hans was exhausted and decide to finish duel as fast as he could. Because of that he made some errors.
Berenice cowed her body and freed her paw. Then she jumped up and stood on paws, still holding Hans in grip. Then she pulled hard, hoping to overturn rival. That was too bold move – she weigh about fifty pounds and he was twice her mass. So the result of that was Rottweiler who grabbed her neck and pressed with his powerful jaws.
“It’s finished!” called a scared voice in Berenice’s mind, but she forced herself to go on. Rottweiler’s teethes were pinned in her neck – dog didn’t want to kill her, of course, but to strange her to give up. That why he was grabbing her with fangs. But what Hans forgot what was a special feature of his charge.
Bubonic plague gave Berenice a unusual stigma. Her oedemas on neck never fully disappeared and stretched fur made some sort of skin-purses, covering lymph nodes, neck arteries and partially trachea. When Hans was sure he was chocking her, she could breathe quite regularly. She just played, she was loosing her strength, waited for him to lose his grab. Then all happened very quick.
She dived down, breaking away from his grab, fell on ground and bite his paw. She cowed her body and basing on his second front paw made a lever, spreading his limbs wide. Surprised rottweiler lost his balance and fell down. She shunned falling body, stood up instantly and jumped on his back. Then she pressed him with her mass and once again grabbed his neck. Then she had more time to aim and she got to the zero point of weak spot. With all her might she clenched jaws and hold over minute before Hans’s muscles got loose. Dog was knocked out.
Instantly the fighting berserk left Berenice, leaving just cry of pain. She looked on heavily berating rottweiler and gasped with remorse. Paw of Hans was deeply cut and his neck was also scratched. Those injured looked innocent, but it was about to turn out in time how serious were.
“I’m so sorry…” she whispered to dog’s ear.
But then a wave of cheering deluged her. A sudden burst of human emotions dragged her out from fallen warrior and filled her sweet venom of pride. She won her first official fight in the league. And with whom? With champion Hans. She was the new star of Katczinsky’s Team. Who knows, maybe the coming star of whole North?
*
When Katczinsky turned lights off, Berenice slipped out from kennel and carefully went to house of owner. She was still intoxicated with screams of crowd, stares of admire and envious whispers of other dogs. But she had to shake those emotions off.
She entered dark room on back of Katczinsky’s house. Human was a skilled vet so he was carrying over his dog in home. Berenice noticed that old desk was turned into operation table and there, under light coat, Hans was lying.
“Hans?” she asked in darkness of room. “May I…”
He answered with weak sigh, but she sensed it was invitation. She came to desk and jumped on chair to look on wounded dog. She yelled with fear, seeing rottweiler in bandages. What had seemed to be just minor injuries, were serious wounds. Katczinsky stitched dog in several places, some other areas covered with bandages. Berenice also sensed that Hans was partially anaesthetized by some sophisticated chemistry.
“Hans, I…” she sobbed, laying her muzzle on table.
“Why don’t you celebrate it with others?” panted dog. “It’s your great day. A real start of you career.”
“I didn’t want to be that way.” She whispered with crying voice. “I didn’t want to hurt you.”
“It happened because it had to happen, sooner or later.” He said. “I’m glad I’ve outlived to see you glory, at least start of your triumph.”
“If I knew…”
“I hope you would fight the same. It was wonderful fight and you deserved to win. And I? My time has come and it came easier from your fangs.”
“No, you will recover! You will be on ring again!” yelled Berenice. “Master Katczinsky will fix you!”
“As I said, my time has come.” Whispered Hans. “Now it’s your turn. I had my glory once and you deserve of you share. I’m still alive, will be around for some time and I will be happy to see you win.” She gentle nudged his side with he muzzle and said.
“But it’s unfair.”
“It’s a life.” Replied rottweiler. “Just enjoy it, as you always wanted to. You are the best now.”
“No! don’t care for that!” cried Berenice. “I hate myself for fighting… for hurting you and others.”
“So why did you start it?” asked dog with surprised voice. “Why did you followed me in that day when you came to Galena? It was your choice.”
“I have to win.” She replied. “I have to be the best… the winner… the hero.” Hans asked with questioning stare. “There is a dog outthere. His name is Steele… All I want is to show him, I’m the best… I’m the best for him.” Rottweiler nodded his head.
“I see… And that why you shouldn’t have any doubts nor remorse. You are doing it in purpose.”
“However I feel like a criminal.”
“Feel like a winner.” Said Hans, however it was clear he was slowly falling asleep due to sedatives. “That’s what is important. I believe Steele will do what I would do in his place, when he discovers why you are doing it. I’m sure you will…” But he didn’t finish that sentence, just got silence in forced slumber. Berenice carefully licked his cheek and steeped down on the ground.
She was still feeling terrible, after she saw what happened to her friend. But apart of that a new feeling was growing in her heart. A hope. If Hans said that she succeed, she will. “Steele, wherever you are, I’m doing it as if you were here, watching me. I hope You appreciate it one day. I wonder where you are, my love…”
She exited into warm, July night.

IV.II Shortening the list

“Ow, I will ask one time more.” Growled Steele, pressing wolf’s skull to the rock surface. “Where is Black!?”
“He’s dead!” yelled Beth. Wolfess was wounded in side, exhausted after long chase and then knocked down by enraged Steele. she was bleeding from several wounds and she definitely wasn’t in condition to fight. Malamute was also heavily injured but hatred gave him even more might than fear to Beth.
“Dead?” smiled Steele with bitter smile. “I killed Okto, Alima and two others of your lot and every single of them were claiming that rest of you was dead. Alima almost made me believe…” he lowered his voice and got closer to wolfess’s ear. “But she changed her mind when I spoke a little with her mate. His screams turn out to be very encouraging.” Beth gulped. “Let make a deal, bitch.” Growled malamute. “I know where is your mate and your pups. But won’t kill them, if you tell me everything about remnants of Ravens Pack. How do you think?”
“You will kill me anyway.” She cried.
“Well… indeed, I will.” Confessed Steele. “But I have no interest in killing your family, unless you drive me mad.”
“How could I trust you?” asked Beth who seemed do reconcile herself with unavoidable fate.
“Do you remember your friend, Black? Did mention about word of sleddog?” asked malamute. “I promise I won’t kill them. I was a sled leader for years and that should be your guarantee.” She nodded her head and fear became a determination. “So, will you tell me?”
“Promise, and I will tell everything I know.” She sobbed.
“I won’t touch your family unless they attack me, my kin or my human if I ever have one again.” said former leader, not sure if he was going to fulfil that oath. After all, he wasn’t sled dog then.
“I swear I’m talking truth.” Replied Beth with serious voice. “Black and Aniu are probably dead, although no one saw theirs bodies.”
“Continue.” Encourage Steele, a little letting loose his grab. “I will judge if you are honest.”
“Ravens Pack is no more.” She said with sudden bolt of sorrow. “It dispersed few month after we killed your father’s team. That was a hard winter… we almost died from starvation. Aniu had pups and we were desperately trying to feed them… We had to go on hunts with whole pack, including them… Black was an alpha then, however Alima always objected…”
“To the point!” growled Steele.
“We lost in blizzard.” Yelled Beth. Maybe the last blizzard in that winter. We failed to find again our den and Black with pups… When snow ceased, we discovered that there were five bodies of pups and no Black. He had to leave them in order to find us… But he failed. No one has seen him later.”
“And Aniu?” asked malamute.
“She took that loss deeply. She left the pack and without any alpha we got scattered. I don’t know where she is now… But some said that white wolfess was seen this winter on Eagle Pass on route east.” Steele burst in laughter. “What?”
“So she met her fate in plague.” Replied dog. “Too bad, I haven’t done that, but…”
“Are you satisfied?” asked Beth with fear in her voice.
“I could say so. Good girl.” Replied Steele, nudged her muzzle with paw and then plunged his fangs in her throat. He was holding her few moments until she stopped her kicking then stood up and looked on mountains on west.
“So, I’m done here, father!” called to silence of valley. “I took care of your friends. Now I wish to focus on mine.”
He had no idea if father was looking on him. In some way he hoped that not. After all Sharp was a hero, who died standing for his master and Steele was just an ashamed outcast. However malamute felt he did right. If he had no share in father’s glory, at least he gain lion share in his revenge.
“But now I’m finish with that.” He murmured, starting to climb to Eagle Pass. “Balto, be ready to die. Unfortunately I won’t go so easy on you.”
*
Fortune has her own sense of humour. This time her joke was especially well done, however main characters of that drama were unaware of playing in it. Berenice even didn’t recalled a name of town. That was Hans who helped her in that.
“I knew it.” Smiled rottweiler. For previous few months dog got older few years. Since he left arena and ceased to fight, he turn out to be old indeed. He was barely walking, often with help of Berenice. Malamute’s blow in head probably was a cause of his problems with sight, because old warrior was almost blind. However he had good hearing and discovered what was going to be. “You’ve been promoted to higher league.”
“I don’t want to leave.” She sobbed. “I don’t want to leave you.”
“Nonsense! Here you won’t make any career. Nome is the biggest centre of dogfighting apart of Anchorage itself. That move is the shortest corridor to the top.”
“I don’t want to lose you and master Katczinsky!” she said with decisive voice.
“And he doesn’t want to lose you. However – with heavy heart - he sold you. Because he knows it s for your good. I heard that Martin Eden is good owner to his dogs.”
“Yes, but he is in Nome…” murmured Berenice. “How will you do here when I…”
“I’m not so old yet.” Murmured old dog. “And in fact, moving to Nome… Wait… You said that your Steele was sled leader in…”
“NOME!” exclaimed malamute. “I’m going to Steele!”
And however she had no guarantee that her beloved was three, she already believed that she was close. In one second whole sorrow cause by lost of friend mad owner vaporized to overwhelming hope for meeting Steele.

Good chapters! So Steele has revenge for his father's death and is now on his way to Nome to get Balto. Sweet! It seems that Berenice has made herself a good life in dog fighting and is now on her way to Nome as well. Hmm, maybe they'll cross paths, who knows? Update soon my friend!

P.S. I know that Claymore is another one of your reviewers. He's a good writer too but I think he was a little out of bounds as to your writings. I like your describing. Besides you don't wanna put in too many scenes. He has is way of writing and you have yours. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Okay Claymore. I was out of line and I apologize. I got carried away.

It’s good to have a readers like You both, where BaltoLuver could appreciate my descriptions and epic plot lines and sometimes – maybe I bit more frequent than I deserve – commend me. Meanwhile Claymore keeps me away from falling in too static parts and too stretched descriptions.
But for now we’ve got something faster – a climax of the first part of series is near.


ps.
Warning!
Quote from Sirach was taken from King James Version of the Bible (not – as rest of quotes – from NJB)

V.I Of Life and Death

Do good unto thy friend before thou die, and according to thy ability stretch out thy hand and give to him.
Sirach 14:13

Winter came suddenly.
Just quite warm September turned to frosty October. Snow felt yet about fifteenth, and with start of December frosts were as sever as used to be in January. So on that winter morning Steele was marching in two feet deep snow, almost freezing. But he cared limited attention on that.
It was his third approach to Nome and – he hoped – the final. Previously he had been scouting and observing Balto’s living routine. What he had learned discouraged him to frontal strike. The first reconnaissance had ended almost as a tragedy. Steele should had been prepared for that, however he was shocked by view of Balto coming along with Jenna, surrounded by pack of pups. Malamute in last moment repressed his rage and stayed in his hiding, but he wanted to tear his enemy there and then. Reason ordered him to withdraw and learn more about current situation. That was a good decision.
Balto was strong in Nome. That meant: he was commonly respected, he could count on support of almost every member of society. However wolfdog had weaker eyes and less sharp fangs he had dozens of additional eyes to guard over him and dozen of additional fangs to defend him in distress. So Steele had to commit his vengeance in secret. But how to do it, when hybrid was partially living inside of town? On winter Balto left his boat and moved to Boiler Room, probably to be closer to Jenna and his kids. He was visiting his remote keep just few times a week. It was hard to sneak and make an ambush there because goose called Boris and two polar bears were also living on beach. But ambush in the city was ten times harder. Those dozens of eyes would have been observing every Steele’s move, alarming Batlo at the very first sign of danger. Additionally when hybrid was in town he was almost always with Jenna (“That’s too much.” Thought Steele. “I cant kill that rascal in front of HER!”) or by trio of his new sidecks: Star, Nikki and Kaltag (“Guys, so you haven’t missed me?” asked in mind with irony. “I guess it’s your nature to serve as someone’s underlings.”). Malamute was curious how would his old “friends” would act in eventual confrontation (“Do not fool yourself! They will support the stronger… that is more numerous!”), however he felt not sure enough to try.
After week of constant thinking and planning, he was enlightened. A chance had happened – in Nome was going be a open of Dog Warriors League. On evening of fifth December almost whole town – and surely vast majority of dogs – would be on outskirts of Nome in old Gold Refinery. That was the time to strike.
Steele decided to move on morning of that day and get to refinery unnoticed. Then to take cover and wait for evening events. In crowd of humans, with many new dogs he could slip undetected to his enemy and inflict a one fatal blow. Malamute was sure of his ability to kill. In previous year he had been killing wolves. Many wolves, sharpening his fangs on that final, great game. Steele was almost eight year old, however he was still in prime of his strength. That was a golden autumn of dog’s live when creature was still able to reach his limits. “Now or never!” thought Steele. “Such an opportunity wouldn’t happen again.”
So he approached to northern side of town, seeing the big and remote building of refinery. However on that morning factory wasn’t lifeless. Malamute heard a noise made by numerous dogs. There had to be those dogs fighters. Steele was curious what kind of creatures would slaughter themselves in order to amuse their owners, but he repressed his curiosity and sneaked to the wall of building.
Since end of the Second Gold Rush refinery hadn’t been used, so it was half ruined factory. In wall dog found a whole in grey metal plates and he entered the darkness of inside. He knew well that factory, because he was living there long time ago… before he found master Gunnar and became the master. Old memories held him in place, making him to sniff scents around. But he sensed just presence of dozen of warrior dogs. So he set off next to wall, passing cages.
Those were blind on rears, so dogs sensed him just because of scent. But his presence wasn’t any sensation – fighters had to recognise him as some curious locals. “I will hide on director’s office, if humans haven’t taken it. Then I will… NO!” he yelled in mind and stopped. He raised his nose and sniffed again. But he couldn’t be wrong.
“God dammit!” yelled. “Not now!”
But he was instantly deluged by memories and something totally new for him – pangs of conscience. “It’s Berenice!” he thought with shock. “She is here, capture by human breeders! I… I let her being caught!” As we wrote: that was completely new emotion for dog and it burst from complete voice. Reason of Steele called to him to leave it and focus on the quest. But everything what wasn’t reason demanded his action. Dog quickly estimated his chanced and understood that help in escape of former ward would complicate things greatly. However it still wasn’t hopeless. “I’m mad.” Murmured former leader and jumped on the cage.
Creature inside had to ignore that, because she was still motionless. So Steele took a look around and seeing that only human inside was in doorstep of director’s office, he sighed with relief. Although there was another problem – dog sensed some presence on the wall where his hole-pass was. He cursed badly, but didn’t stop. He knew that wrestling with a padlock, but metal wire net on front of cage was – paradoxically – not so hard to break, if one knows how. So Steele grabbed the brink of mesh and clenched his jaws. Few wires broke and that was enough. He steeped behind the brink and started to slide down, tearing the net with his own mass. When he touched the ground, a hole in front mesh was enough to small dog to pass. However his first impression after seeing Berenice was: “God! How she grew up!”
She-malamute raised her sleepy head and looked on her guest. For few seconds she was staring with disbelief on scene in front of her and meanwhile Steele was extending a hope. Finally he gasped.
“Go on! We’re out of here.”
“Steele!” she called and ran to mesh.
“Shh!” gasped dog. “Humans.”
“Yes, I know, but…”
“Follow me!” ordered malamute and turned away.
So they set off in silent run to the centre of factory. Steele lead Berenice to the round staircase in the middle of main hall. Then, trying to be quiet they climbed up. It wasn’t too easy for dogs to walk on metal, narrow stairs, but they managed to reach the upper platform over the hall.
“Now the real nasty part.” Murmured Steele and stopped next to wall, where roof was just one meter over the surface of platform. “Jump on my back and try to break a plates. It not so hard, those are lightly placed.”
“But Steele…” she murmured.
“Do what I’m saying!” growled former leader.
So she obeyed – jumped on dog and with her head pressed the roof surface. Rusty metal plates indeed surrendered quickly and after few moments there was a hole to the open air.
“I will throw you as high as I can, but you must jump higher by yourself.”
“And you?” she asked.
“I have problem.” Replied malamute. “Ready? One, two… three!”
Berenice was pushed up and she pounced on Steele’s back in the same time. She easily reach to roof and grabbed the brink of hole. When she stood up, unexpectedly Steele sprang from hole, as if he was shoot by cannon.
“Wow!” whispered Berenice.
“Old bed with springs and a bit of idea.” Murmured Steele. “But now there is a real challenge. We can’t just jumped down, because humans would see us.”
“But humans…” yelled Berenice.
“Shut up!” gasped Steele. “Do what I’m saying or we are toasted! We must jump to that tool shed ahead. I think this about three metres away. Can you make it?”
“I think…”
“If you failed and fall down, you will be detected. In that case, run, whatever happens. I will distract them. Right?”
“If you say so…”
“So go!” ordered Steele.
Confused Berenice set off to run and gained impetus. She perfectly jumped away from roof and with ease (Steele barely believed what he saw) landed on shed. Then malamute went. He accelerated to maximum and pounced ahead. However he wasn’t as agile as Berenice and he was heavier too. So he flew over the edge and hit hard the brink of shed’s roof. She-malamute reacted instantly, by grabbing his fur on neck and pulling him up. After several seconds they were lying on roof (to be accurate: Steele was lying on Berenice), panting heavily.
“Steele!” finally called Berenice with puppyish joy in her voice.
“Hush!” gasped dog. “We still have to run.”
Without any further explanation, he stood up and came to other brink of roof. He took a look around and jumped down on snow drift.
“It’s clear!” gasped from down. “It’s your turn.”
She followed him and landed in the same pile of snow. When she got put, he was already looking around with anxious face.
“Go! To that grove!” called and set off to run.
She had to follow him, in spite it was all stupid. But Berenice was thinking only about that encounter. “I knew I would met him. I knew it!” she thought and burst with laughter. They entered a larch grove, where tired Steele stopped. She pounced on him, overturning him and pinning to the ground. Because the exhausted dog didn’t resist (he had no strength for that), she covered his muzzle with licks.
“Steele…” she cried. “You found me! I cant believe it!”
“Yeah, great…” murmured Steele. “But let’s go farther, they could search for you.”
“You came…” she repeated. “For all those months I was dreaming about it.”
“This is the second time I became a hero against my will.” Thought former leader. “I’m happy to see you too.” Said awkwardly. “But we must go before humans…”
“No, you don’t understand.” She cried. “Master Eden is good… I have go back to him. But with you, of course…”
“Go back?” amazed Steele. He felt a fire in his throat. “But you was imprisoned.”
“No, that cage is just to protect locals from us.” Replied Berenice. “I’m fighting voluntary…” she looked on him with sudden fear. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“WHAT!?” yelled Steele. “So you didn’t need to be rescued!?”
“That was amazing!” she called. “You are my hero!” she licked him once again. “But in fact… Yes, I wasn’t in actual captivity.”
“GOD DAMMIT” howled Steele with despair. “So I did…”
“But we are together, right?” asked Berenice. “You found me. That what you wanted, right?” She noticed a confusion of his face. “You haven’t been looking for me?” she asked with breaking voice. “You came here for just your vengeance?”
“So you need my help or not?” asked Steele bluntly. “Tell me quick, I have lot of work to do.”
“But I thought… I thought…”
“What you want me to do. Decide now, because I have to get this ******* Balto, before whole city get know about my return.”
She turned her stare to the ground, stayed silent for a while and answered.
“Right, it’s not a time yes. I still haven’t a golden collar for you. But I will! Tonight I’ll show you, who I am!”
“Huh?” murmured amazed dog. “What are you talking about?”
“Us, Steele.” she replied with breaking voice. “I hope that when I find you we could be together.”
“What?” gasped Steele. “You with me? Do you know who are you talking about?”
“About you… my…”
“Stop it!” growled malamute. “Just ask anyone here about me and you will get the right view on me.”
“I love you, Steele.” sobbed Berenice. “And soon I will prove I’m worthy of you.” Suddenly she stood up and ran in factory direction. Malamute set off to follow her, but he stopped, alarmed by barks of dogs. If he had followed he would had been detected for good.
“What the hell is going on?” he asked himself, reminding Berenice’s words. Although he was living the life far from normality that dose of absurd was hard to swallow. “Anyway, there is a job to do.” His cover in refinery was useless then. Additionally his pathetic and idiotic attempt caused some noise and it was just a matter of time before was got detected. So he had to act quickly and in improvised way. He didn’t like to, but actually he was the best in such a jobs.
*
Berenice was running thought the forest.
She passed the refinery and went further to the city. All she knew what that Steele didn’t want her. And he didn’t want her because of some mysterious reason. There was the only way to solve that riddle and face with it. She had chance to get know why her Steele could love her. And as a natural-born fighter she was ready to fight with every adversity. But as humble creature she was ready to reconcile with things she couldn’t change.
“Jenna.” She thought. “He still loves Jenna.”
Some sixth sense drove to Rosy’s house. Some seventh one, probably available only to females, allowed her to know the rival in redfurred Alaskan husky, who was playing with her adolescent children in snowed garden. Without slowing down, she jumped over the fence (four feet high!) and stopped in front of bitch.
“Who, the heck, are you?” asked confused redfurred.
“Are you Jenna of Nome?” asked Berenice. She nodded her head. “Could you send your pups inside?” she pointed on house.
“What do you want from mom?” asked Kodi. He was seven moths old, but he was mature over his age and was most bold of his litter.
“Just few answers.”
“Kids… go to mistress Rosy.” Asked Jenna carefully. She felt something dreadful about that stranger, however it wasn’t danger directed into her. When whole six went away, she again looked on malamute. “What do you want?”
“Who is Steele for you?” she asked with harsh voice. On husky’s muzzle appeared a expression of total confusion. “Do not say you don’t know about who I’m talking about!”
“This Steele?” asked Jenna quite awkwardly.
“Purebred malamute, blue eyes, heart of real dog.” Replied Berenice.
“I’m not sure if we mean the same person, but the only Steele I used to know was…”
I can’t say that the next hour was the most hard for Berenice. She lived in hardship for all her life. However that time turned out to be most disgusting. “So what why…” she thought, listening to Jenna’s tale.
*
Steele was cursing himself, Nome, Balto, snow, Star, humans, Berenice, Jenna and the sun (although he wasn’t sure because of what in particular), briefly, he was cursing whole world. They knew. Rumour about his return had spread with unbelievable speed, putting the telegraph in shame. Some saw him next to refinery. Some other brought news about escape from breeding and connected him with that. Of course, most of rumours were completely nuisances however they did damage. Balto was surrounded by his guards, namely: Nikki, Star and Kaltag. Few more dogs were hanging around. The news had been spread that Steele (pronounced with diabolical accent) had freed one of dog-killers from League Breeding and with his assistance he was going to assassinate Balto. In spite of rage, malamute smiled, thinking what would Balto said, seeing that his presumably assassin is two year old beautiful bitch.
But that thought led him to Berenice. Something was crying in him that she would get know the truth about him. “Truth?” thought dog. “What is that? She will learn that I left my sled and tried to kill Balto. She would never hear that I led them thought most dangerous parts of route, including Eagle Pass. That is not fitting to my image. I’m villain, murderer, pup-eater. Period!” So most likely the only creature on the world who admired him (“Love? No, she couldn’t be serious. And even if… not from now on!”) now was on the best way to despise him. “And maybe it’s good.” Smiled Steele in mind. “That is a banzai charge, most likely I won’t get this alive. It’s easier to exit this world, knowing that no one would cry about that.”
The dusk was coming and malamute was coming too. Sneaking on streets of own town was absurd, however necessary. He well knew the town and was going easy. The harder part of mission was to get directly to Balto.
“I saw him! On my own yes!” called Michael, small terrier, who had been always annoying Steele.
“I wish you to explain how could you see on some other’s eyes.” Thought Steele, but didn’t stopped to crawl on snow, parallel to the main street.
“He is here!” called terrier, pointing on… exact point where malamute was hiding.
It had to be pure coincidence that he guessed. Terrier probably actually saw on his own yes, but on mind’s eyes the spot on snow that took as malamute’s coat. And he accidentally was right, as that broken clock that two times a day shows the right time. Anyway – didn’t matter what happen, Steele was in trouble. He just crawled under one of houses (“Thanks God it haven’t solid ground-foundation!”) and started to go to the backyard. Unfortunately on backyard he herd also some noises. “A chase! A hunt!” thought with tone of amusement. “They are hunting on me!” So he turn right to small lane between housed. Sun set and leaving Nome in almost complete darkness. Most of humans were already going to refinery, to see Dog Warriors League. Steele reached the yard and stood up. Then he turned back to return to main street. Unfortunately it wasn’t as simple as he thought.
“Hi, boss…” smiled Star with ironical tone. “Long time not to see, huh?” There were many others dogs there. Kaltag, Nikki, huskies from master Gunnar breeding and others. But no Balto. Steele understood that he was about to die in vain.
“You have gut to come here, Steele.” barked Kaltag.
“Indeed.” Smiled malamute. If he was about to die, he was going to do it in classy way. “Where is your wolf master? I hope they haven’t locked him in zoo…”
“Go away Steele.” called the voice from darkness. It was hybrid’s voice. “That is our last warning.”
“That is your last word also.” Smiled malamute and prepared himself to the pounce.
*
Building of refinery was full of humans. There was hot, stiffing and whole scene smelt with sweat. But Berenice ignored it. Only thing that kept her there was a small hope that Steele would come. And even if he wouldn’t, that he hear about her victory. Because she was going to win. She had no choice.
“I’ll be the best.” And then she recalled the strange Steele’s poem.
[You don’t have to give your best shot, you just have to win it through
Doesn’t matter what you believe, point is they believe in you
Only acceptable example is the leader in this race
You don’t have to be a hero, to wear shining hero’s face]
Those words turn out to be so real for her as never. “I know why he rejected me. He had to do his revenge… And he is right. It doesn’t matter what they say about him… I know him and I know the truth.” If before hearing Jenna’s tale she wasn’t sure if there was a reason to fight on, but then she understood it was. Steele was her and she had to conquer him.
[You just cast away a weakness
Only unforgiven crime
You don’t have to be a hero
To be hero of their time]
But then a whist sounded.
“Lady I’m really in uncomfortable situation.” Said her opponent, local Mackenzie dog. “I don’t want to hurt you and…” He was big, strong and slow as icedrift, so Berenice estimated that shoe could beat him up in few minutes. “Just give up. I will pretend that I…”
“Where are dogs of Nome?” she asked, circling around enemy. “Why don’t they see your victory?”
“Most of them are a little busy right now.” He answered. “We heard that that ******* Steele is back here and…”
“And what?” asked Berenice with fear in his voice.
“Well… Balto said that we should take care of him.”
She lowered her face and was silent for a while. Then she looked on enemy with genuine sorrow in her eyes.
“I’m terribly sorry.” She whispered. “But I must go.”
With unbelievable speed she pounced on Mackenzie and with one move, grabbing his neck and using her mass to lever him. Dog - twice heavy as her – overturned with shock on his face and let her to grab his throat. With her all might – maybe not so impressive as giant mackenzie’s, however –impressive for fragile female, she pressed. The yell of pain meant the end of fight – human judge entered the ring, ready to stop winner from killing loser. But there were no victress anymore. Berenice ran out from stiffed hall and speeded to the town. Although she was never good in running that time she was almost flying. Her Steele was in danger.

V.II. The road ends

Steele estimated the distance and understood he wouldn’t done it. Balto was standing behind line of dogs, about five metres from malamute. To reach him, former leaded had to jumped over the rank, bounce on ground and pounce once again, praying that no one from second rank (yes, apart of three dogs in row there were many others next to Balto) would attack. However he had to try. One chance on ten, but still a chance.
“You’ve done a grave mistake, returning here…” was talking Balto. Steele noticed that wolfdog wasn’t paying any attention on him, just hearing to sound of own voice. “Wow!” thought malamute. “Just one year of being the star made him somehow as I was. Extremely vain. It’s very fortunate for me.” But hybrid was continuing. “You had done enough damage to our city and you should had been punished for that. I really don’t know what to do with you.”
“So die then.” Growled Steele and pounced.
He sprang into the air, surprising all dogs. Only Star managed to reach – the smallest and the weakest one was actually the fastest. He snapped with his jaws on rear-left paw of Steele, biting hard. Malamute easily broke that grasp, however his flight was distorted. He heavily fell on the snow, landing on scratched leg. Steele was a tough dog, immune for a pain in greater degree than his opponents. However it hurt. Badly.
He faltered and fell on the ground just in front of Balto. Wolfdog steeped back with amaze and disgust on his face (but there was also a spark of fear in that), what others dog took as a sing to attack. “And that way it ended.” Thought Steele. Then came a wave of swirling bodies.
Malamute drowned under that deluge. He even didn’t notice who exactly was hitting him. He just sensed a numerous bites and scratches. He rolled aside, covering his belly and throat. Then he grabbed with teethes the one of opponents - it happened that it was Kaltag. He rolled with his enemy once again picking him out from the mob and escaping the deadly mass. Kaltag was so surprised that he surrendered to that move and after just second he was lying under Steele. But malamute didn’t attack. He would even reach the friend’s throat – dog was so exposed – and kill him, but Steele knew that he had to shun for his life. He stood up and jumped aside in last moment – few dogs pounced on him, landing finally on Kaltag. But few next, including strong and dangerous Nikki, was pursing him still. So malamute had to run. He set off to instant retreat and… froze in place.
In the lane was standing Jenna. Just on his path, few feet before him to break free he had to push he aside. It sounds amazing, but he just couldn’t. He stopped, looking in deep Jenna’s eyes, unable to make a move. She was staring on him with fear, disgust and… a spark of remorse? Steele didn’t understand that stare, however it expressed something more than plain hatred. “Once we were almost together baby.” Thought malamute. “I wished to live and die at your side. Funny – most likely I will die at your side. Now.” And in the same moment Steele sensed a terrible pain in his paw.
Star certainly had his day. He had managed to first Steele as a first and soon after he hit him again and – what was even more incredible – in the same spot. The hurt paw was again pierced by short but sharp dog’s teethes. However tough Steele was, he wasn’t steel-made. When Star grabbed him and pulled, he fell.
Again malamute met the snow. Still looking in Jenna’s eyes. He was clearly seeing her surprise when he was falling down and hitting the ground. Maybe she wanted to call (ask for mercy on him?), but scream died on her lips. Malamute wanted to say his last words just to her, telling something remarkable. Like: “You didn’t want to see on me and my life. So, look on my death.” But then he understood that whatever he would say, he wouldn’t be remembered because that. He was done, lost, without his vengeance nor any other real aim of his life. With just a dirty snow in his mouth. So he just panted.
“Jen…” and he felt terrible pain on his back.


THE END