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II.II High Midnight

Victor needed a break. He just stopped for few weeks in mountains, two days of march from Eagle Pass. The path was still impassable, at least for Victor. Maybe skilled sled dog, or long-pawed wolf would make it, but yellow furred had no might nor want to do that. So he just chose some small cave on slope of Yu mountain and was waiting for nothing. He had just to forget about whole world around, as he had done it previous year and earlier. Sometimes that rest last for week, sometimes almost month. However it was required.
“Ow, strange.” Thought dog, lying in his cave. “Strange smell, a death smell. Just as if someone was there being sick, or something.” On stone wall he discovered spot long-clotted pus. He understood that it was sign of bubonic plague, but he didn’t react. That pus had maybe two years and juts couldn’t be dangerous anymore.
So Victor was sleeping, hunting, sleeping, hunting, endlessly looking in grey walls of cave and trying to clear his mind. something was telling him that his vengeance if far from being complete. Even if Aniu was dead (and dog thought she was) there still was one criminal alive. That pup, last remaining pup from Aniu’s litter. To kill his kin wolf had to have a good reason. Agatha was doomed by such a reason that was litter of pups to feed by pack. If not them, maybe - or even most likely – she would had survived. So that Balto was the real killer. In person innocent, however fully responsible. Victor came across that conclusion about early April. Then he just stood up one morning and set off in Selawik direction. For what exactly? Good question.
*
He entered the town in night. It just happened that he reached valley about dusk and came to outskirts few hours before midnight. At the first sight he already sensed that something changed. Town was different, filled with hew air and new smell. It was a smell of fear. Not in world of humans, but among dogs. Something bad had happened, what Victor understood quickly. However for him it was so hard to worry about it, at least before he met Ben and three gang soldiers.
“You are back.” Said mastiff.
“Really?” asked Victor, trying turn that irony to a sing of fondness. “It’s good to be in my old home…”
“There are some changes here.” Said soldier. Winter was gone and early summer was melting every remnants of snow there. However in smell of spring was something scary, different that smell of life.
“I see.” Nodded mongrel. “You have been promoted. Now you have your squad…”
“Rupert is dead and Fred is in charge.” Said Ben.
“Ow, I see.” Smiled Victor. “So new promotions are in common I guess.”
“Just do make any trouble to Fred and I think we will live happy ever after.” Advised mastiff.
Yellow furred said nothing, just walked straight to his keep, old slaughterhouse. He laid down to sleep and submerged in slumber in minutes. Just one thought called to him before he started to dream. “Why the heck Fred felt need to threat me? I don’t care about regime here, if it don’t concerns me. So maybe now it concerns? Well, tomorrow I’ll have to check it.”
*
The rumour about Victor’s return enflamed a town. It was a tradition that he was returning but that year almost everyone was waiting for that with special hope. Yellow furred was a chance for a change. He was late but because of that expected even more. Especially by one dog. Bitch actually.
Because Victor was sleeping whole next day, dogs just gathered in front of his house and were waiting. No one dared to break the peace of stranger’s keep, they hoped he would went out and ask what that was all about. But finally came Daisy. When sun was setting on horizon, she entered slaughterhouse and stood over sleeping Victor.
“I’m not sleeping.” He replied with weary voice. “I just sensed that is you, not some of Rupert’s… or now Fred’s sidekicks.”
“Victor…” she whispered. “May we talk.”
He opened her eyes and raised his head to look on dalmatian. She changed for previous few months, that yellow furred could say for sure. She… well… grew up, got mature. What Victor smelled also, she became a mother. Unwillingly he smiled.
“Congratulation!” he said. “Who is father?”
“Ow, Victor…” sobbed Dalmatian as if mongrel pulled the most painful string. “You don’t know that I was through…” she burst in tears.
Yellow furred felt a bit uncertain and if we recall how immune for any social behaviour dog was, we must suppose that normal dog would be extremely embarrassed. So he moved aside a little and showed her a place. She sat down, nestling ho his side.
“When you left… I mate with Eryk. Parents wanted it, owners wanted it and Eryk too, of course… But I did it because you refuse me. Only because of that.”
“Maybe I can’t express it in proper way, but I’m really glad you chose someone reasonable.” Replied Victor.
“We have pups. Five beautiful mites… My owners gave them to adoption, but it the right think to do. And I was thinking I would be able too see them anytime I wish, but…” she stopped to sob louder, then finished with cry. “He took away Johny!”
“Who?” amazed Victor.
“Fred! That ******* and his brutes! They stole him from house of Jaries and took him to old breeding… They want make him gang soldier.”
“Nice!” thought Victor. “That Fred has its brain! He secured a source of the best, because the most loyal recruits, by raising them in together under his control. In two years he will have a fanatical army and no one could resist his power.
“How many?” he asked and Daisy looked on him with crying eyes. “How many other pups they took?”
“About ten.” She replied.
“So… there are many parents ready to object his power, I guess.” She just pointed her tail outside, where a crowd of local dogs were standing. “So what are you doing here? Take Eryk, the rest of locals and do what is necessary.”
“But without you…”
Suddenly some noise sounded outside. Victor felt that wasn’t another his cheerer but some trouble bringer. He was right. On clearing in front of slaughterhouse came a platoon of twelve gang soldiers, led by Fred in person.
“I guess you don’t have to bother…” murmured yellow furred and stood up. “Stay here and try not to be seen.” He exited the building.
“Victor, my friend…” called Fred with sparks of anger in his eyes. “Ben assured me that there will be no problems with you. Is Ben wrong?”
“I don’t know.” Replied mongrel. “That your concern if he is smart enough to talk with me.”
“Victor, my friend… tell those dogs to go home.” Asked wolfdog with polite voice, however he was commending his soldiers to surround the slaughterhouse.
“Most of them have no home.” Said yellow furred, stepping further to enemy. He preferred to defend himself in building, but he didn’t want to endanger Daisy. “But I guess they will go away… if you let away all wants to. Pups especially.”
“Ow, so you heard about our new tradition?” smiled chief.
“If that is tradition, I’m really scared to see your views on revolution.” Replied mongrel, carefully choosing the battlefield. Against so many opponents he had no chance, however he hoped that gathered dogs would react when he take out Fred. “Let those pups go. What you are doing is… unwolfish.” In the same time in crowd of dogs Victor noticed Eryk. Maybe other locals were too scared to do anything, but young father was ready to die for his pup and mate. So yellow furred had at least one ally. “What an absurd!” he thought. “I could die here, fighting some noble and cute cause. But what it have to do with Agatha?” He made a discrete sign with tail to tell Eryk to be prepared.
“That’s the way the world is going.” Smiled Fred. “And someday no one would imagine that once was different. I want to rule this town but also to keep it in peace. The history of humans teach us that in root of every state is some violence. This is unavoidable.”
“I see.” Murmured Victor. “But if you don’t let those pups, I will express that violence on you.” Fred burst in laughter and was giggling for almost minute. Then he added.
“Touché! You are good. I will be missing you.” Then turned to Ben. “Kill him.”
So it started faster then he expected. From darkness appeared several silhouettes of enemies and Victor knew that many others were behind him. The only way to prevent being outnumbered and surrounded was quick finish of battle. That meant: killing Fred. But how get to him, if he was guarded by three personal guards? It was a way, however very dirty. Victor thought that it would be a serious problem if he was a dog with any scruples.
“Eryk! Now!” called mongrel and pointed on leader, knowing that he was most likely sentencing dalmatian to death. Black and white dog obeyed that order and pounced on chief’s guard. For a short while all soldiers look on that. Victor used that while to pounce ahead, bounce on Ben’s back and jumped again in hybrid direction. Distracted guards didn’t reacted on time and mongrel reached surprised wolfdog.
Victor grabbed enemy’s throat and overturn him. He was able to crush enemy in one move, but he still had a job to do and a hostage was needed for that. So he just pulled adversary on ground, chocking chief almost to senselessness. Ben and two guards froze in place, seeing that attack would kill also the chief.
“Don’t move and we all have a chance to see another day.” Called Victor. “Let him go!” pointed with tail on Eryk, who was pinned to the ground by three soldiers. Fred’s sidekicks obeyed under hasting stare of Ben. “Good. So if I know the aces, you will do what I say.” Said with slight emotion of triumph. “Eryk, are you all right?”
“Daisy!” panted wounded, however surely alive dog.
“She is fine, I guess.” Replied Victor. “Do you know where are pups?”
“In their main complex, in refinery…”
“Not anymore.” Called some voice from the darkness. Some Fred soldier, whose name yellow furred couldn’t recalled. “They are here and I suggest you to hold your actions.”
“Huh?” panted Victor. Indeed, he saw a three henchdogs leading ten scared pups. Eryk sighed, seeing there one tiny dalmatian. Many other parents there yelled with fear. “Don’t be a fool, pal. We have your chief.”
“And we have ten hostages. We could…” Suddenly Victor in moment of clarity did the only think the instinct told him. He pressed his jaws and Fred’s throat squashed with nauseating sound. Dog gasped and ultimately froze in his death.
“Now we have no hostage. But I want to speak with Ben. Are you new chief now?” asked with tempting voice.
“Well, I guess.”
“Werk! What you did!” called one of soldiers and set off on Victor.
Yellow furred didn’t wait for it, just started his moves. He jumped to intercept pouncing dog in the air. Spitz was much heavier, so mongrel almost bounced, pushed by his impetus, but before that he grabbed with teethes his paw. Both dogs fell down, however yellow furred landed on four paws and soldier in side. Paw that Victor wash holding in mouth bended in strange angle and broke. Dog didn’t yell from pain because he instantly lost his senses.
Victor jumped aside, when two other dog came. Meanwhile he barked with fury and that broke the spell. All gathered dogs rushed on gang with sudden courage.
Victor had just to knock out those two. The rest made local dogs. Mutts, pure breeds, domestics and homeless ones united for that short moment to rid off plague they all feared. Victor saw as canine citizens of Selawik were quickly appeasing aggressive gangsters. They were more numerous all the time but just death of Fred allow them to understand that. Mongrel pressed down the last opponent, making him senseless, then stood up, looking on battle field.
“Ben, stop it!” called to mastiff and last four fighting soldiers. “You do not stand a chance.” Seeing that they still were growling on locals, he added. “We let you go… away from town. That’s only thing we could do. But I still think it’s better than dying here.” Meanwhile he saw as Daisy ran out from slaughterhouse and went to small pup. Then others parents joined. “So how it could be?”
“Promise they let us go!” called Ben.
“E… Eryk?” called dog, stopping Dalmatian from run to his mate and child. “I guess you will be in charge here. Can I let them go?”
“Let them go to hell.” Replied overjoyed and excited father. “I don’t care.”
“You listened that.” Said Victor. “Go!”
*
On the morning most of dogs still were next to slaughterhouse, still playing with miraculously regained children. Some others were just looking on that merry scenes or just waiting for something important. Because then something was about to be decided.
“I hope you understand I had to do what I did.” Said Victor looking on Daisy, Eryk and John, lying on moss. “There was a risk, but surely smaller than waiting for them to organize.”
“You did it.” Replied Eryk “And that is the matter. I don’t know how I could thank you.”
“It’s just a… goodbye gift from me.” Said yellow furred and Daisy instantly narrowed her eyes. “I’m going now, most likely for good. Eryk, I believe you will manage to restore order here.”
“What do you mean?” asked dalmatian.
“Some damage was done, but you should use it.” Explained Victor. “When there is no gang here, maybe it’s time to settle some real community here. Including both homeless and domestics. I guess you, as a brand new hero, would be good person to temporally take a lead.”
“But you…”
“I’m out of here.” Reminded mongrel. “And it’s much better that someone with authority rules here. I’m just a hitman, who maybe accidentally hit a right target, I’m still not right person in that place.”
“Victor, may we talk aside?” asked Daisy with breaking voice. Eryk looked on that with anxiety, but he didn’t reacted. So Victor went to slaughterhouse, flowed by she-dalmatian.
“No, don’t do that!” she whispered when they entered a dark room. She nestled to his side.
“Come on, stop that.” Murmured mongrel. “You have a mate now.”
“I’m sorry. But…”
“I have to go.” Explained yellow furred. “Just it would be better if you stay here and forget about me quick. Easier for both me and you.”
“I won’t forget.” She sobbed.
“They will help you.” Said Victor pointing outside, probably thinking about Eryk and John.
“But what about you?”
“Just… it’s better that you don’t know about it.” Replied dog. “Just remember I did right think and went away before I could break it. Take care. It will be all right.”
“Please, stay. Everyone wants you to stay. You saved our pups.”
“I’m going to kill one pup now. How funny.” Thought dog. He added louder. “No. As you have your duties do your children, I have my duties. As important as yours.”
“Anyway, I love you.” Sobbed Daisy. “You’re my hero.”

Nice chapters! Victor is really an amazing character! Now that he knows that the Ravens pack is all but extinct, that Black and Aniu are dead, he also knows that Balto is the last survivor of the litter and is alive. Will he go after him?

He's heard of a black/white malamute who's killed a few Raven pack members but doesn't believe it. Will they cross paths?

Tension! Update soon!

So now the end of second story and prologue to the final part. Short chapters for today, but some cliff-hanging here;) So…

Epilogue: Road to Nowhere

Look, I am sending an angel to precede you, to guard you as you go and bring you to the place that I have prepared.
Exodus 23:20

The summer was tiring and useless. He left Selawik and was chasing the ghosts in half of Alaska. Ghosts indeed. Black was dead and Victor was almost sure of that. But rumours about Aniu were frequent and dog wasn’t sure what to believe in. Wolfess was dead, wolfess was alive. Some white wolf was seen on Eagle Pass but that wasn’t that one. For warm months mongrel was wandering and trying to find someone to interrogate. And few times he captured wolves who knew about Ravens Pack.
“She was there! I promise!” said one of prisoners.
“She is dead, I’m sure.” Yelled another.
So when snow fell, Victor was still confused and lost. He finally decide to go to Nome. If he was unable to kill Aniu, he had to try deal with her son. If only famous dog from town was then one, who caused disaster five years earlier, Victor wanted to finish him.
“Only a way round to check the Buckland area and I’ll go south.” He decided.
He wasn’t sure why he chose that road. In fact it was stupid and dangerous to make a shortcut by the Eagle Pass. However he went there. Funny, but going around would be quicker, because before his attempt Victor was hunting few days and eating twice his limits to gain more fat and prepared himself for climbing. It took him two days to get on pass, but road down was even harder. An avalanche had come there recently and way down was kind of swim in loose snow. So dog was swimming down and down, and finally he got to the brink of forest, where stopped a giant mass of snow. There avalanche stopped.
“That was nice!” murmured dog, imagining what happened there. But suddenly he noticed some move in white mass. “And that is what?” asked himself silently. With bolt of curiosity he turned to side of giant snow drift.

Vengeance is mine (I will replay)

Part III. – Avenging Angel

0. Prologue

Night, wind, frost, death.
No way back.
Kodi was terrible aware that they had no chance to get alive from there. And what was even worse, he knew that it was his fault. He doomed his owner, sled team and beloved Dusty. He, lead dog, guide of sled. Son of great Balto turned out to be loser and somehow killer. “My pride killed us.” He sobbed in mind. He was still walking ahead, but he saw no road on front of him. “I wanted to be as father… and I failed. But we all will pay for my stupidity.”
He heard a muffled yell behind him. Muffled because of wind, he was almost sure that Dusty cried aloud. Yes, that was his girlfriend who fell down as a first. It wasn’t her fault, she got just badluck to step on frozen crack. Kodi stopped.
“Go!” called Peter Kinrs. “Mush!” and he waved his whip.
“Stop!” barked Ralph. “She won’t make it.”
“Mush, dammit!” yelled musher and hit Bart, who was marching in last row.
“Don’t leave me here.” Whispered Dusty.
Kodi just took out his harness and went to bitch. Human was still shouting and hitting with his whip, but then he understood that he had no chance to force his dogs to impossible. No one could pull the heavy sled up hill on iced ground. Wind wiped snow from path and cleared the surface of ice. They were lost and stuck in place. And they had to run, before some avalanche would bury them. But with crippled Dusty (then Kodi noticed that her paw was twisted) they just couldn’t make it.
“No we won’t.” assured Kodi. “We will die here.” Added in mind. She smiled and whispered.
“I know. I love you and I’m sure that…”
The further sentence was muffled by sound of crumbling snow. Sudden wave of avalanche came from uphill and deluged sled and dogs. No one managed even to fell any fear or pain. The white death was faster.
When day came on slope of Yu mountain was just a giant pulp of fresh snow. Sun was shining on icy tomb of Peter Kinrs’s sled.
*
Of course dogs couldn’t enter the post office, but almost every Nomers was waiting for news from Morse. But Jenna just couldn’t stand that waiting. She crouched down and started to crawl under building. Balto followed her and finally they both reached floor under the main room of post office.
They didn’t know the Morse code well, however the message was so clear that translator wasn’t necessary. Because – due to that terrible storm - telegraph cables to Buckland were damaged, all messages from Galena were going via Ungalik. It caused serious late of every signal, making the waiting longer and more painful. The strings of nerves of both Jenna and Balto were stretched to maximum. But then came the message again. Again, so both dogs understood its meaning.
[no_sleds_reached_galena_in_past_two_days_STOP_no_sleds_reached_galena_in_past_two_days_STOP_no_sleds…]
Jenna was too tired to cry. She just cuddled her muzzle in Balto’s side.

Victor is on his way to Nome. Now that he's gathered information about Black and Aniu stating that they are dead and that Balto is the only son of the litter still alive, his blood is burning for revenge.

Too bad about Kodi and his team. Maybe something will happen.

Good epilogue and prologue! Update soon!

Now, we will see how Steele is going on his retirement… and how fast he becomes sick of it;)

I.I. Golden Collar

Look, I am sending an angel to precede you, to guard you as you go and bring you to the place that I have prepared.
Revere him and obey what he says. Do not defy him: he will not forgive any wrong-doing on your part, for my name is in him.
Exodus 23:20

I theory all was already clear, however Berenice didn’t think like that.
Because if she thought she had already won, that would be the main reason of her failure. So she was approaching to the new enemy with carefulness, giving her best. And Garry from Anchorage deserved to give one’s best against him. German shepherd wasn’t as big dog as some mackenzies of malamutes, but he was extremely fast and agile – the same as Berenice. So that was highly technical duel, one of the most attractive in season of 1927/28.
The ring – as always – was covered in twilight, only a point light was shining on its centre. Black-and-white malamute and black-sandy shepherd were slowly making circles around themselves. Human faces she barely visible in darkness, not to disturb fighting dogs. Garry’s owner was Jarrik White Claw from outskirts of Anchorage, trapper, musher and dog breeder. He came to Nome with his finest dogs, swayed by fame of Martin Eden’s team. Berenice’s status was special. In theory she was a dog of Martine Eden, however Gunnar Kaasen claimed her was his. Norwegian was the one who found her and Steele that night two years earlier, took them home, cured their injuries and then gave Berenice back to Eden. However he made some conditions.
Trapper instantly recognised Steele and took his as own, without any question or rebuke. Some says that there is no more constant love than dog’s towards his humans, but sometime the equal emotion was feeling by human towards dog. Kaasen just enjoyed return of lost ward and even part of his likeness put on Berenice. So he claimed that he saved both dogs (it wasn’t fully true, but Gunnar could think that) and their lives were his. So he allowed Eden to take Berenice on dogfights – under condition that she was doing it willingly (she was) – and made Eden promise that he would never force her to fighting, especially if she became pregnant. He also wanted all pups of Steele and her. Those were hard conditions, but Martin agreed. So new family – lame dog and master warrioress of Nome were living between Norwegian’s house and breeder’s farm.
But enough of that – let’s back to the duel. While we were recalling recent history, both warriors were still waiting to make their move. Still surrounding themselves, just carefully looking on each other’s. Berenice made a first attack – she jumped with short jump, too near to endanger enemy, however she surprised him and made him to shun. When shepherd dodged aside, she pounced once again that time directly on adversary. She hit him and both dogs fell on the ground. They rolled aside, snapping theirs jaws in search for enemy’s throat. It was done with unbelievable speed so cheerers were calling and shouting actually not seeing the whole action. Canines got to the wooden wall of ring, however Garry was more fortunate – Berenice his the boards with her head what cost her a moment of distraction. Shepherd grabbed her neck and pulled hard, so just standing up malamute fell again, this time under Garry. Seeing she is in grave danger, Berenice cowed her paws and in sudden move she pushed enemy with legs. Dog was threw away about two metres, barking with both anger and admire.
“That was close.” Thought she-malamute. “Thank God he was too slow. I have to win that one. For Steele.”
Funny, but she was repeating that on every fight since almost three years. And she almost every time won. Of course, each time she was sure that fight was crucial, special and the one and Steele was looking on her, expecting her triumph. She was right because Steele was actually watching every her fight for past two years, however malamute in fact didn’t care if she win or loose. Instead he was all the time praying that no accident happen.
Dog was watching his mate standing up and jumping aside with narrowed eyes. His lips were shut and clenched with emotion, he was watching on every move of Berenice. When she attacked once again and hit shepherd hard, however failed to overturn him, he sighed with fear. She-malamute’s front-left paw was grabbed and Barry pulled. She jumped up not to fell and surprisingly bounced from ground and landed on shepherd back. Dog pulled her paw once again to threw her down. Berenice actually fell, but going down she hit with paws the head of enemy. Confused shepherd let his grab loose and she rolled aside, freed. Then she-malamute stood up and not waiting for adversary to regain his orientation, pounced once again. She hit him with all his mass and pushed on wall, of ring. Already confused dog hit with head in boards again. He didn’t lose his awareness, but a moment of half-stun was plenty time for malamute. She pressed him to wall, grabbed his neck and overturned to the ground. Barry barked with weak voice, to announce his surrender.
Auditory burst with applause. Those shouts wasn’t very loud, due to small number of watchers, but almost had stunned she-malamute. She loved that moment after the fight, when all gathered humans were confirming her victory. She was listening also to Steele’s call. Dog howled, but in that sound was more of relief than triumph. But that was the moment. Berenice felt a bolt of delight.
But just after few seconds that wave ceased. She-malamute ran to lying shepherd and bended down to him.
“Are you all right?” she asked with genuine concern.
“Yes…” panted shepherd. “Do not make a scene…” He tried to stand up, but he hobbled and sit down again.
“Let me help you…” she whispered and grabbed with teethes his neck. Dog growled, probably ashamed by acting of female. But when she lifted him up, he ceased his angry barking. When adrenaline dropped, he understood that she was really trying to help him.
They both stared to auditory, directly to Steele. Humans cheerers were calling with delight.
Steele steeped to his mate and hugged her in impulse of need. It was always like that, when after every fight malamute didn’t believed his eyes and had to check with other senses if Berenice was intact.
“God!” gasped malamute. “Again, you did it.” Most likely he wasn’t thinking about her victory but just that she was uninjured.
“I guess I won’t have a kiss, so I’m going to the kennel.” Snorted still confused Garry.
“No, wait! Please.” Asked Berenice and turned to shepherd. “I’m so sorry…”
“In ring you didn’t seem to…” murmured dog, but then he burst with laughter. “I know, I know… I had to be that way. I’m not huffed.” Then he added with whisper to her ear. “But it was a badluck. I should have knock you down then.” She well knew that moment he was mentioning about, when she had hit in boards of wall and actually survived due to luck. So she nodded her head.
“But you don’t have to say about it to Steele.” she replied. And shepherd laughed once again.
“Sure thing.” He agreed. “Well, baby, I took no offence, because it was a good match. I’m going back to my owner, but I hope to see you around.” Berenenice and Steele nodded and dog turned away and walked with a bit uncertain steps towards his owner. But then he stopped and looked again on Berenice. “Nice going. I’m sure after that season you will go to Anchorage. You deserved for it.”
“Could we go home?” asked malamute.
“Yeah, as you wish, my dear.” She replied.
When fight-heat was over, Berenice turned from aggressive and decisive to be perfectly humble obedient. It was a shocking duality of her character when he showed a steel will towards her adversaries and almost everyone else, but she was gladly subdued to every word of Steele. I guess that no one could be a master and ruler all the time and had to have a fragment of his live where he is trusting and following someone else.
So they went out from refinery, where tournament was going on into January night and turned to Gunnar’s house. In way back, they were talking about some common matter but heavy subject was floating in the air. Finally Steele didn’t resisted and asked bluntly.
“How long it will take?”
“What, my dear?”
“Your fighting.” Said Steele with serious voice. “How long you are going to do that.”
“As long as you allow me.” She replied with humble voice.
“Ow, stop it!” snorted dog. “You know I can’t forbid you that. I see that is your life and I want that you leave it by your own will. But understand it! I’m dying every time I see you on the ground, under some killer with bared teethes. Look at that Garry. He seems to be nice guy… and he was in fact close to kill you!”
“No, he surely didn’t want…”
“Of course he didn’t want, but there are accidents and you are not invincible. I bet you think you are immortal, but almost every one thinks that, until he or she dies!” Berenice turned her eyes to the ground. “Is the only way I have you on my side, safe is that someone cripple you on ring?” Former leader almost shouted. Instinctively she-malamute looked on lamed paw of Steele and narrowed her eyes. “I’m sorry to say that, but sometimes I wish that you get hurt, because that would stop you from fighting and you would surely won’t be killed.” She sobbed with growing cry. Steele was silent for a while and added with softer voice. “I’m sorry. I just… I’m really proud of you and your achievements. But I’m afraid that some day you would pay for it.”
“I’m doing it to show you, who I am.” She sobbed. “I want you to see I’m the best for you.”
“Well.” Murmured Steele with confusion. “I’m extremely proud of it… But few more such evening and you made my fur hoary. Would you imagine how would I look with hoary coat?” finished with playful voice, however that joke wasn’t the best. “Just…” They reached the Kaasen’s kennel, Steele let Berenice to enter as a first. “Have you ever thought about pups?” She stopped in doorstep as frozen. “Just asking if…”
“Do you want it, Steele?” she asked with breaking voice.
“I want what you want, but if you…”
“That mean <yes>?”
“Yes.”
She entered the shed and laid down on their bedding and looked on coming Steele. “Are you sure?” He nodded his head and laid down next to her. “So I guess you got me.” She answered with uncertain voice. “In that case my career has to be postpone a little. However, I think I will be rewarded for that.”
“I hoped you make a right decision.” Smiled Steele with relief. He closed his eyes and put his head on her side. They were silent for a while, then Berenice asked with shyly voice.
“My dear… if we made a decision… why don’t we… well… get started?”
Steele burst in laughter, and reached to her muzzle to lick her cheek.
“As you wish, my love…”
*
As some of you maybe already noticed, there were no other Nome dogs on fight of League. Almost all local community was more concerned with presumed tragedy on route to Galena. Five days earlier a sled of Peter Kinrs set off on Easter Route. The leader of team was Kodi, son of famous Batlo. Both musher and dog leader were young and ambitious ones, avid to break own limits. Cher and Saba heard their brother as he said he was going to do nearest journey via Eagle Pass, but they didn’t believed him. It was stupid – no one rode that way in middle of winter, that was a suicide. But after anxious ask to Galena and grave reply that sled didn’t reach the town, more and more dogs understood that Kodi’s pack could had actually dared for that stupidity. And more and more dogs of Nome were sure that whole team was lost.
It wasn’t that Steele was totally immune for others problems. But he and Berenice were living on the edge of community. Strange pact that Jenna had forced on him two years earlier was working but caused than two Gunnar Kaasen’s dogs were rarely interested in life of town. Around Steele there was still a wall of mistrust but Berenice didn’t care about that. Her mate was enough for her instead of rest of the town. So they were living in brink of society – hated Steele and secretly admired by many Berenice. They didn’t considered themselves as Nomers, just dogs accidentally living there. And in fact they were travelling much. Martin Eden was taking often both her and him (being sure that cheering of mate helps Berenice) to other towns of DFL’s matches. Because of wound on his paw Steele was no longer puller, but a passenger on sled, what always seemed funny for him. But enough of that: I have just to say that crisis of whole town came to our heroes a bit later.
“My dear… what is happening?” asked Berenice with sleepy voice. Steele was looking from window on gathering in front of post office.
“Just stay here. I will check that.” He replied, jumped down to his mate and licked her cheek. After last night they both were exhausted, however he started to act so protectively as she was already in advanced pregnancy.
So malamute exited a shed and walked into post office direction. He was steeping slowly and carefully because on so frosty mornings as that one his paws was aching hard. Often in that time he was thinking about Star, who had done him that, but he was thinking without anger. In fact Star was the dog who behaved the best from locals – he was even sometimes speaking with Steele, greeted with while they meet and generally was the exception from common social boycott of malamute. And to Star called Steele to get know what happened.
“Hi, pal. What the heck means that?”
“You didn’t hear?” asked dog with tensed voice. He was nervous and scared. His eyes, always mad a bit (as Steele thought) were even more absent that morning. “They are lost!”
“Who?” surprised malamute. They where standing about ten metres behind crowd of dogs and star replied him quietly, as if he didn’t want other to hear he was speaking with Steele.
“Master Kerig’s sled. With Maya aboard.” Maya was Star’s niece and Steele felt a genuine sympathy towards old friend.
“Where?” he asked.
“On Eastern Route, but…” said star with breaking voice. “They took a way through Eagle Pass!” almost shouted. “Now, in January! God, that storm buried them!”
“Easy…” hushed him Steele. “That is close to Buckland. I’m sure that they launched an expedition…”
“No!” cried Star. “The Bucklands telegraph cable is broken. We haven’t called the Buckland.”
”Ow, that’s a problem.” Thought Steele and added aloud. “And that plane? Human called Duke came here two weeks ago with plane. He could…”
“They said he won’t.” whispered Star. “Another blizzard is coming.”
“But I see master Gunnar is preparing a sled…” noticed Steele. “So he could…”
“To Eagle Pass?” asked Star rhetorically. “Who would reach it in winter?”
“You once did.” Recalled Steele.
“Because you were leading.”
“So I guess I have some advantages apart of being pupeater.” Smiled malamute but then he froze his smile and added. “I’m really sorry, friend. But… but for now you can do nothing.”
Former leader turned away and started to walk home. He understood few things. Initially that town lost its best pullers. Apart of Maya, in team were Dusty, Kirby, Kodi, Bart and some youngsters Steele can’t recall. The current first league of pullers. Master Gunnar was preparing the rescue missions with some second hand old heroes, Steele wouldn’t be surprised if Star, Kaltag and Nikki were included. But there was a second think. Kodi was there. A son of Balto. Steele felt a bit embarrassed that he sensed something like satisfaction about it. “No, it’s really nasty. That boy had nothing to do with past of his father… But I just can’t resist…”
“What happened?” asked Berenice, when he entered shed. In few words he repeated heard story.
“Too bad.” Said she. “It’s very unfortunate… however maybe it’s have to be that way. Some life ceases… some other is about to sprout.” She smiled and asked with stare Steele to sat down to her. “I already felt I’m pregnant. Soon we will be parents.” He didn’t replied, just kissed her. But in the same moment they heard a knocking on door.
Actually it wasn’t knocking but just few hits with muzzle in hatch of doors. They both answered instinctively: <Come in!> however they were seriously surprised that someone was visiting them. But their maze grew even more when to the room entered Balto.
“I’m sorry to interrupt you…” said wolfdog with shaking and weary voice. “But may I talk with Steele?”
“What I’ve done to be punished with your presence?” malamute greeted him warmly. Balto stopped in place, half being outside. Steele suddenly felt that whatever he was thinking about hybrid, mocking at his as a guest wasn’t the best thing to do. So he add. “Well, it doesn’t matter. Step in.” Dog came closer. “Do you want to talk on side?”
“If you would be so kind.” Said Batlo and malamute was barely believing that those words are sounding in his rival’s mouth.
“All, right, I’ll go on walk.” Said Berenice, carefully looking on her mate. Steele nodded his head. “I’ll be in half an hour.” She exited the shed and Steele pointed Balto a place in front of him. Hybrid came there, however he didn’t sit.
“Please, don’t enrage me, because I really don’t want to be rude for you today.” Said former leader. “What do you want?”
“You heard about sled…” started Balto. “Kodi is there.”
“Not only Kodi.” Noticed Steele seven of Nome most gifted pullers are there. You want to hear that I’m sorry? Well, I am, but not for you, but for others dogs and their families. Hell… for Kodi too, after all he is son of Jenna… But you are the last person on this world I could sympathy with.”
“I do not ask for sympathy.” Murmured hybrid. “I ask you for help.” Steele gasped with amazement. “Yes, I came here to ask you, if you could lead the rescue team.”
“Are you nuts?” called malamute with amusement. “I’m a cripple now, thanks to your friends and sidekicks. I’m still far better puller that you, but it just couldn’t be taken as a compliment in any way.”
“Steele, please, listen to me.” Said Balto with breaking voice. “Just let me say it… You may believe or not, but I’m really sorry about that what happened three years ago. If I could replay that I would have tried to play it… in smother way, for both us to… act properly.”
“You depose me from lead on the route.” Growled Steele. “That is against the First Rule of the Sled Code!”
“I’m sorry!” yelled wolfdog. “I’m really sorry.”
“You have been reconsidering you acting for a long time.” Murmured malamute. “Why it took almost three years to your conscience?” Balto turned down his stare. “I don’t believe you. You just want to use me, saying that. You can’t regret that, because that event made you whom you are today. A hero. A hero instead of me.”
“Steele! Help me!” almost sobbed wofldog.
“Why?” asked former leader.
“I know how it was. Star and Nikki told me. Only you had made it. You were the leader that three times when master Kassen crossed the Eagle Pass. Star don’t remember the way, anyone else the same. But you… You made it even in such a blizzard.”
“Please, remind me, when that was?” asked Steele with poisonous voice.
“January, 1925.” Said Balto with breaking voice. “You carried the serum thought the most dangerous part of way.”
“Wow! Who would though that!” laughed former leader. “I? The coward and traitor? That a very dangerous thought, Balto. It allow to see some events in completely different perspective. Unfortunately, no one would know the truth.”
“I will tell them.” Assured Balto. “I will tell them what you did. That… actually you brought that medicine.”
“But for a prize…” murmured dog. “I mean your confession. You would tell it, because you hope that by flattering me you make me to lead that expedition. Aren’t you?”
“But I…”
“Go away, Balto.” Snorted Steele. “I used with being monster and I like that. And forced truth is somehow a lie. So hear me – I won’t even move an inch to save your son. Even if I was healthy, I wouldn’t have wanted to.” Balto lowered his ears. “So go away, mutt and still be a hero. Remember, that coward and traitor just can’t be a saviour. It’s just improper.”
“I… really sorry, Steele.” said wolfdog and exited the shed.
Strange, but Balto was true. It took him few years to notice that, but he understood that his acting in mountains three years earlier was so far from heroic fame and Steele’s one from his black legend. He understood a wounded pride of malamute. Of dog he once had been admiring for his strength and courage… and some of that admire stayed. “I doomed Steele because of my pride… And I doomed Kodi because of my pride! I made him to go through the Eagle Pass. He wanted to be like me!” He closed his eyes and two tears fell on the snow. It was too late to mend those errors. But he still could prevent some future falls.
“Dogs of Nome!” called wolfdog to gathered crown in front of post office. “I wish to say something…” All eyes turned to him with curiosity. “I want to correct some myths that arose around past of our town, especially one of its greatest citizens.” Steele stood up and ran outside with amazement of his face. He had no idea what Balto was up to, but he decided to be ready to react on it. “Dogs of Nome… When I said you story about serum run I missed an important chapter of that tale. Those who were there could witness my words. Star, Kaltag and others.”
Steele smiled with understanding. So Balto wanted to mock him even more, just to have a revenge on him. But it didn’t matter, Steele didn’t care about fame in town. He was just curious about that.
“Before the story you all know took place another chapter of tale was written. It was a chapter about bravery and mastery. About long forgotten glory.” Star looked on his chief with confusion. “Because before I took a lead I team… I did it against the laws of pullers, however I believe I had no other way… Before I did it, the team made the most dangerous part of journey. Those heroes were actually saviours on Nome, greater than I, who came just take their glory. Those dogs are here, respected among us, maybe not as respected as they should, but we know about them. But one of those heroes is now forgotten and neglected. It’s shame on us.”
Steele’s jaw dropped almost to the ground. In the same time he was nudged in side by Berenice who just had come there. She asked.
“What’s going on? Is he making fun on you?” she bared her fangs with angry bark.
“Worse!” gasped Steele. “He is going to say the truth!”
“The route from White Fort to outskirts of Buckland, including the hardest way in Eagle Pass was lead by leader Steele of Nome, son of Sharp and Lepmi.”
“No s**t!” murmured Steele, not knowing if that was sign of amazement or irony.
Dogs around were shocked in similar degree and most of them instantly looked on malamute with question in their eyes.
“Drop it, Balto!” called former leader. “As I said: I won’t go there!”
“He want you to lead the rescue team?” Asked Berenice. “He is even more cheeky than I thought!”
“What the heck…” murmured confused Star. Some others dogs murmured with surprised voices.
“You said.” Agreed Balto. “I know it, but I still have to do that: say how it actually was. Star, Kaltag, Nikki. Witness to me. Steele was your leader on Eagle Pass, right.”
“Well, he was.” Said confused Nikki as he just had discovered that simple truth.
“He was even leading you longer than I.” Added Balto.
“Yes, we could say so.” Agreed Kaltag.
“Do with that knowledge whatever you want.” Said wolfdog to the crowd. “But I think you should thank Steele.” He stopped for while, then called with breaking voice. “I’m sorry, Steele. I regret I depose you from the lead.”
Answering on inquiring stare of Berenice, malamute said quickly. “I’m not so amazed by that, because I don’t fully believe in that.”
“But it’s true.” She replied. “You are hero.” Then she added instantly. “Of course it doesn’t matter. I loved you all the time, not knowing about that. However, I suspected…”
Dogs of Nome were looking with silent amaze on Steele and Berenice coming back to Kaasen’s shed. When they finally escaped those stares, Steele whispered to ear of his mate.
“I know I’m idiot… I know you should be mad on me… But I have to go.”
“Where?” she panted.
“To the Eagle Pass. I’m afraid they are right. No one would reach it, only master Gunnar having me on lead.”
“But you said…”
“I acted as a last hypocrite, making you leave the league and deciding to back to pulling in the same time. But I guess… I’m a hypocrite.”
“You are…” she said with breaking voice. “You are the best sled leader in Alaska. I understand that you have to… You are the best and it’s you nature. Just as me and my fights… But You have to promise me, you will back. You have to be back.”
“For the very first time in my life I have a home to return.” He smiled.
“And tell my me one thing more.” She asked. “You are helping Balto. Why?”
“I say I won’t move an inch to help Balto’s son.” He said. “However I said nothing about helping Jenna’s son.”

I.II. Waiting till the end

<Eagle Pass; 29th January 1928; Third day under the avalanche>

They were finally together, at least those who made it.
All dogs, driven by deepest instincts, managed to dig to the sled. When Kodi heard first sign of life of other dog, he burst in tears. However he was taught to save every joule of energy and every litre of air. He ordered surviving compactions to slowly dog in sled direction, trying not to tire themselves. And on third day of imprisonment they all were at the side of unconscious Peter Kinrs. Human was wounded, however in not so terrible condition. Not all had those luck.
“Kodi…” whispered Maya with tear in her eyes. “Bart is down… he is dead, I saw his cold body.”
“Stay calm.” Replied leader, feeling a terrible burning in his throat. So he killed his friend. “You couldn’t prevent it.” Added. “But I could.” He thought.
“Dusty is wounded and unconsciousness, however her pulse is still. Rest is in moderate condition.”
“Good, that’s good.” Sighed Kodi. “Take Dusty closer to the human. And let’s lay round him. We must save warmth and oxygen.”
“Do you think they will search for us?” asked Maya.
“I’m absolutely sure of that.” Lied Balto’s son.

Good chapters!

Steele seems to be getting along well with his life in Nome. It looks as though the dogs of the town avoid him alot but they have good reason. Balto telling his side of what happened the night he 'rescued' Steele's team caught my attention. I always wondered why he didn't try to help Steele after he fell of the cliff. Now we know that even the 'Great Balto' has faults. Steele wants to help Kodi not for Balto but for Jenna. Well that proves that though he hates Balto with a passion, he feels sorry for Jenna. Hope Kodi and his team find their way from out of that avalanche and to Buckland.

And now You will see why I called my story <controversial> <lol2>.

Ps.
I didn’t mention that earlier not to give any spoilers, but idea of Steele as a real hero of Nome was inspired by Claymore and his <ComB> story.

if someone still doesn't know Claymore's ffics (btw. how it's possible? <lol2>) link as follows:

http://baltosource.timduru.org/balto-ac ... g-627.html

II.I. Where Eagles Dare

Though you mount on high as the eagle, and though your nest is set among the stars, I will bring you down from there, says Yahweh.
Obadiah 1:4

When decision had been made, it took a little time to prepare the expedition. About midday team was almost ready to go. Steele just ate some in home then simply joined the group of dogs waiting to be harnessed. When Gunnar Kaasen notice that, came closer to pet his favourite.
“No Steele, you are retired.” Said, stroking malamute. “Your leg would definitely wouldn’t help you.” Dog looked on his owner with piercing and whole-speaking stare. “But on the other hand… ow, hell! You are the only one here who actually know the Eagle Pass. But it’s hard journey, in your age and in your condition… Will you make it.” Steele barked with decisive bark. “Well… so it will be like in old times.” Smiled human and led him to front harness.
“Boss!” amazed Star. “Are you coming with them?” husky wasn’t allowed to participate, although he wanted that from all his might. But he was rather small puller, yet not in his prime. However it somehow touched him that Steele – older and laming was taken to the team.
“As you see.” Replied malamute with unexpected gentle voice. “I have to show them patch through the Eagle Pass. You know… since our team is gone, no one was there in winter.”
“I don’t know why they don’t let me…” started Star, but suddenly he stopped and looked on malamute with humble plead in his eyes. “Will you find them?”
“I can assure if I wasn’t sure of that, I wouldn’t interfere in that. It’s all will be all right.” Star nodded his head and went to other pullers.
Meanwhile both Berenice and Jenna came closer to sled, looking on preparation. In fact round team gathered a serious crowd, however those two were standing closer, following every move of human and dog team.
“Balto, come aside.” Ordered Berenice and wolfdog followed instantly. So malamute stayed with Jenna. She was looking on old adorer for longer while without a word.
“What?” asked Steele, gently smiling. “Did I something wrong even now?”
“No, Steele.” she sighed. “I’m very grateful you are going with them, but… tell me why?”
”For you.” Smiled malamute.
“I don’t think so.” Replied Jenna and her muzzle shaded with anxiety. “Tell me why you really want to go.”
“As you heard: for you.” Repeated dog. “I would give no heck about death of Balto son. However your child is… a bit different cause.”
“Remember! You promised never to kill him!” almost growled husky and Steele burst with laughter.
“O, my God! Do you think I plan to assassinate him during that trip? I confess I have a baroque style, but running over hundred miles to find better scene to my revenge somehow exceed my aesthetic needs.”
“I’m serious, Steele!” she gasped. “Don’t do that!”
“You are very intelligent, but somehow you not so smart. Can’t you believe that I’m really doing it, because I loved you?” She shook her head, like she wanted to dispel those words.
“You did?” he nodded. “And… now?”
“I successfully passed it.” Replied malamute. “However I hade some promises… and I’m ***** good in keeping promises… One of them was I would never let you cry. So I’m trying to do my best to help it.” She had actually tears in her eyes, but when Steele said that, she raised her muzzle and looked in his eyes. In that moment Steele thought she was really beautiful. But it mattered not. Steele was going for his own purpose.
“Is that true, what Balto said about you?” she asked with uncertain voice.
“True, however it doesn’t matter.” Replied malamute. “The point is what you are thinking and how despise me. You could ignore it.”
Then returned Berenice and Balto. Wolfdog had a nervous expression, eyes of she-malamute were almost sparking with anger, however she instantly appeased when saw Steele. She came to her mate and once again she licked his cheek.
“Return quickly.” She whispered. “As the fastest leader on Alaska should.”
Then came Gunnar Kaasen to check the harnesses. They set off few minutes later.
*
To dusk they made about twenty miles, what was – due to weather conditions – extremely good result. It was quite warm (as January), wind was weak but thick layer of snow after blizzard three days earlier was turning the way into real challenge. And Steele was on lead. He even asked himself that the heck for? He had been picked for a guide on the last fragment of way and there was no need to tire him before that. But he was happy that master Gunnar let him run as a first.
It was unbelievable how delightful could be burden of leader. His paws was aching, he felt cold, however he was sure those minor problems would disappeared in run. He was caressed by gentle warmth of working muscles (and felt cold on paws in the same time, but it didn’t mattered) and stroked by monotonous moves of leather belts. The way in front of him was straight and if not the absurd depth of snow-layer the route would be most pleasant think Steele could imagine. Because of heavy effort it was just pleasant.
“It’s all right, sir?” asked dog from second rank, chow-chow Jimmy.
“You see that something is wrong?” asked Steele. It wasn’t his intention but it sounded rather harsh.
“No! Not at all.” Instantly denied puller.
Malamute heard something strange in that. A tone of admire, something he had been missing for many years. Young chow-chow was really fascinated in famous leader, both scared by his mysterious history and impressed by tales about his old achievements. It was even more unusual, because next to Jimmy was running Balto in person. “But he chose me to stare at. Nice.” Thought Steele, but then he discovered that it could be cause by something else.
Saying straight – over the half of male dog population was enamoured in Berenice. Of course, it was one way attachment, because Steele could hardly imagine more constant and devoted mate than was Berenice for him. However she had admirers all over the Nome and there was a serious probability that young Jimmy was one of them. “I can understand that.” Thought malamute with poorly covered pride. “She is the most wonderful bitch on the world.”
On first stop, on band of Reme Creek, Gunnar Kaasen even didn’t bothered with real camp. He just prepared and ignited a fire, then improvised tent from sled card and his trapper’s cape. Dogs had to manage at their own, what was obvious for northern pullers. So all of them dug a hole in the snow, surrounding the campfire.
When Steele finished making his lair (“God, what a fun one could has even with such a simple task?” he thought), he discovered that his hiding is placed next to Balto’s. He clenched his jaws, pretending that he didn’t care, however that somehow disturbed his excellent mood on that evening. Maybe even better – frankly speaking moods of team were grave-like, because almost every one had a relative or friend in lost team. The fate of Kodi, son of town hero Balto was also concerning everyone. On that company Steele seemed very airy – he was going for no kin, just to… well, no one actually knew why he was going, however team was glad he was around. Star, Kaltag, Nikki and others veterans from times of serum run confirmed that simple truth – Steele was only guide capable to lead in Eagle Pass.
“Steele?” asked Balto from his den nearby. “Are you sleeping?”
“I think that question asked so loud is highly rhetoric.” Snorted malamute. “What now?”
“I’m sorry to interrupt you… but you know that area. Do you think… they have a chance.”
“Ehhh… Have you ever seen the Yukon Range?” asked leader.
“It was long time ago.” Replied Balto. “In fact I was born there.”
Some bell sounded in Steele’s mind, however dog ignored it. Just he didn’t associate some facts about Balto, that he had already known. He just answered.
“A nasty place. So nasty, that I’m really surprised that your son led his team there.” He paused, took a deep breath and continued with hidden satisfaction. “But I guess he wanted to as father… or better than father. You have never passed the Yu.”
“Once, with father.” Said hybrid. “When we lost and got separated from pack. But it was without sled. But you have right – I’m responsible for that accident.” Added with growing anger. “I’m guilty. Are feel satisfied?” almost shouted.
“Ow, easy…” hushed him Steele. “In fact, I like to annoy you as in old, good times, however I must assure you I have nothing against Kodi. Its your son, but it isn’t his fault.”
“That was supposed to be funny?” asked Balto.
“No, it supposed to be honest.” Replied Steele. “I hate you, rascal, however I’m ready to help anyone from your family, because… it’s just a right thing to do.”
“But if I was in that situation – would you go?”
“No way.” Murmured malamute. “But sleep now. Tomorrow we will have a hard part to do.”
*
Indeed, the next day was a hell. Weather was quite good, but with tempo that they had, even running on wide streets of Anchorage would be exhausting. And Steele was still on lead. Of course Gunnar tried to switch him with Balto (malamute growled) then with Jimmy (malamute just looked into master’s eyes with puppyish plead in stare not to do that), but it happened that old leader was still a leader.
It was bright and with no wind there, but temperature was quickly dropping. Somehow it could in the same degree the salvation or doom for survivors from lost sled. Because there was no wind and new snow it was easier to dig out from avalanche. But more of cold could faster kill the team, if no help would be on time. So expedition was doing their best to be on time. It was mainly up to Steele to make sure about that.
About midday malamute felt a terrible pain in his paw. Left, that once wounded by Star. Probably it had been hurting since long time, but just then dog stopped to ignore it. He panted to the rest of team.
“Please, stop for a while.” They obeyed. Master Kaasen instantly went to his dogs.
“I’m sorry, but someone should take a lead.” Said Steele. “I’m not sure if could maintain that speed any longer.” Saying those words cost him dear – it was admitting he wasn’t the best. At least Steele thought that initially. However he was totally wrong. Younger dogs were looking on him with amaze, but from under that was seen a admire. Suddenly malamute understood that he did what he hadn’t done three years earlier – step down. And that stepping down not always id seen as a sing of weakness. Sometimes even as a sign of victory over own pride. “Jimmy, could you?” asked leader. Chow-chow looked on Balto uncertainly, but hybrid nodded his head.
“It will be honour, sir.” He murmured and came to first harness.
Kaasen accepted that exchange – he was taught by experience that some things should be solve among dogs. So they set off again, with full speed, as Jimmy wanted to show he was good as his predecessor.
*
Before night they made another forty miles and that meant they were further than in half a way. But remaining part was harder, because it was going up. That way Steele knew that is mush better if someone else was on lead. Malamute was needed in final part – running through the ice field just before Eagle Pass. And to do that dog had to be in perfect condition. “However I hope my help would be necessary.” He thought. “If it happened they stuck before pass and even Balto could find them, I just get angry.”
Camp was made by tent of human and circle of dogs. They dug own dens, but so close each other that they were almost one giant lair. Thanks to that some warmth was saved and shared. Steele was glad he was between Jimmy and Raynor, not neighbouring with Balto.
They soon fell asleep, too tired and cold to talk. Only malamute stayed awake a bit longer, due to pain in his paw. He just regretted that there was no Berenice around to massage his leg. “Another reason that we have to be back quick.” He smiled and once again tried to laid down comfortable. Then he fell asleep too.
*
But on next day Steele had to stand even Balto’s leadership. A blizzard started (nothing compared to elemental rage five days earlier, but hard anyway) and quickly made Jimmy snowblind. There was more and more snow and road started to go up. So wolfdog took a lead and after few hours he was changed by Raynor. Of course young dogs were exhausting fast, so then came a turn for Mike and Lucy. Gunnar wanted even put Steele again on lead, but when blizzard grew stronger he decided to make a stop for night.
That night they purposely dug one hole and filled it like bodies in mass grave (Steele scared about that association – was thought about death a sing that something was going to fail?), however it gave a warmth. Norwegian was freezing, but experienced trapper didn’t complain about that. The rest was hard, and made human and dogs maybe even more tired that on evening before. They barely stood up, fighting with enormous mass of the snow that had fallen that night.
“Eat as many as you could.” Advised Steele. “I’m not sure when exactly would be the next stop.”
“Will we get to the pass today?” asked Raynor.
“If that is necessary, we will try.” Replied Steele. “By the way…” he turned to Balto. “Use your wolfish nose and smell for them. I guess you are the best sniffer of us. Also you know the best their smell, because you have son there. I barely sense them.” Hybrid nodded his head. In fact he was so wrapped up by recent events that he forget about that action, just following the leader. However he started to smell carefully, sensing distant and weak aroma of Kodi.
“They were here.” He judged. “I think I will notice when they sidetracked… it they sidetracked.”
“Excellent!” smiled Steele. He was actually proud of good work in his team. “So finish your portions and let’s go!”
They started about eight (it because so short sleep on frost) and quickly reached their maximum speed. It was rather moderate tempo, but in way up it meant hellish effort. When they came to brink of Ice Fields, Steele barked to stop the sled.
“Ow, yes.” Nodded musher. “Now you will show us the safest way. Good luck, pal!” and he harnessed him to the front belts.
Snowfall ceased and beautiful sun appeared on the sky. But it was the worst weather to go there (maybe not as bad as full scale blizzard, but still nasty), because sunlit was quickly blinding every traveller. Somehow Kaasen was prepared for that and put on Steele his own invention – a snow-glasses, made from two piece of smoked glass, rubber seals and a string. It looked funny, however was really effective. Steele’s vision was a bit darkened, but thanks to that sun wasn’t a threat for him. Seeing leader in glasses, Balto couldn’t resist a smile.
“It’s not funny!” snorted malamute.
“I know.” Nodded hybrid. “Just… you look very professional.”
Then they entered the field. That was the most deadly part of way, even harder than the peak of pass. It was a wide and long area on slope, over five kilometres to go. It was sloping and had no clear path due to constant avalanches there. Any sidetrack from optimal way was a grave danger and a chance to step on deep crack in icemass. Those cracks were usually covered with fresh snow and extremely hard to spot. Steele somehow was able even not to see them, but predict where those would be. He was observing the ground, estimating dense of snow and angle of layer. Then he was (at least until then) able to show where dangerous places were. He was still talking to other dogs.
“Stay sharp! Walk carefully. If one of us falls, we are all doomed. This is extremely slippery and if we slide down, we will slide until we hit some crack and that is a dead end.”
“So they fell into some crack?” asked Jimmy. Steele nodded, not turning his stare from road before him. “But… how we will take them out?”
“Ask master Gunnar.” Replied Steele. “But I bet he has some idea.” Added with hope.
They made the way to the peak of pass, where field turned to rock of twin peaks. There was no more the danger of sliding down, however it became really cold due to wind blowing through the canyon. Steele was even thinking about ask for a change, but he left that idea, knowing that others were tired as well as him. “But I know that place and fell that I know where I’m going.” Then he asked aloud. “Smell?”
“Still there.” Replied Balto. “They were here.”
“So go on.” Called malamute. “The faster we go through that, the sooner will be warmer.”
On the last part of canyon wind became really hard. It was blowing in faces of expedition, making way a torture. When they reached the other side (and – unfortunately – another ice-field) Steele was so cold and confused that he sensed no smell of lost sled. He just hoped that Balto still had that matter in control.
They came to another ice-layer. On that side of range, it was covered with fresh snow, most likely after an avalanche. Steele was sure that if something had happened, it happened there. He looked on Balto – hybrid nodded.
“They left the way.”
Steele gave a signal to stop. Gunnar unharnessed the pack and dogs made a group around Steele, waiting for further instructions. Malamute was thinking for a while, then said.
“Listen to me. Master expects us to find presumable place of second team. He had ropes, spade and climbing equipment. If we find them, he will quickly take them out. But we must be sure, because we won’t stand here too long. We must hit with the first try, right?” pack nodded. “Now, the most important: be careful. Walk slowly and listen to the snow, what sounds he is making. It’s harder to single dog to break ice layer, but it still possible. We must split out, but just form three teams. Jimmy, Raynor and Lucy. In second Mike and Mitchell. I will go with Balto. You on right…” he pointed on first team. “…you on left.” Turned to second one. “We will go down. If some of you start to cave in snow, do not move, just howl for assistance. Balto, go!” he ordered and set off down.
*
Fitch died, chocked. Just he passed away in sleep, due to insufficient of oxygen. Kodi wasn’t able to grieve that, he was hardly able to understand what had happened, because hunger and high level of carbon dioxide caused first hallucinations. He was nestled to Dusty’s side, but sometimes he was sure that she was Aleu or his mother. Dusty had similar problems, or even worse, because in sleep she just had bitten him, probably thinking we was her meal. Kodi really feared that after next days of that madness, they will reconsider becoming cannibals. Of course they have the bodies of Bart and Fitch to eat as first, but then…
“Kodi!” panted Ralph. “Did you hear that?”
“Ee…” replied Kodi, not sure what to say.
“A help!” yelled Kirby. “They are digging!”
Indeed – the snow roof above them was hit by spade. Because of warmth of bodies, the snow malted and froze again, making a solid layer. But that wall was cracked and to cave came a fresh air. All dogs howled, even not to show their presence, but just because of relief.
“They’re alive!” barked some voice from up. “Who’ll come there?”
“We all.” Replied some unknown voice. Was that… Steele? a mysterious enemy of his father? Kodi was really surprised. “Master will lift you down, to check the scene, then we all go.”
After a while to cave was lowered Jimmy, most agile of rescuers. He came to Peter Kinrs and awoke them with lick. Other dogs from cave where barking with joy.
“Easy!” said husky, proud that he was the first saviour to help human. “When your master attach the rope, master Gunnar will come here.”
Peter hardly stood up and pulled the rope to show his readiness. Then Norwegian in person came down with spade and other equipment. The quickly examined survivors.
“Your state?” asked.
“Two dogs down. I have frostbitten palm. But I could mush… if we get out from here.”
“Try this.” Gunner gave him a flask of rum and started to dig a horizontal tunnel outside. “Lay low and do not tire yourself. I will manage. Save your strength for way back. Is your sled intact?”
“I could drive it.” Assured musher.
It took about two hour for Norwegian to finish his job. Surprisingly dogs helped him, by digging a tunnel from outside (Steele had that idea), so it was done much faster than anyone expected. To cave came dogs of rescue team. Balto almost pounced on his son.
“Dad!” panted exhausted Kodi.
“We are coming home.” Whispered wolfdog with tears of relief in his eyes.
“I’m so sorry, that…”
“Not now!” interrupted him wolfdog. “It all ended in good way.”
“Not for some.” Murmured Kodi, looking with hollow stare on bodies of Bart and Fitch.
“Let’s go!” ordered Steele. “All dog to own sleds, now!”
Gunnar and Peter managed to temporally fix second sled and to make tunnel wide enough to pull a card through. So they exited on open air of night. And started to prepare both sleds to way. After about quarter they were ready.
“And now? Where?” asked Peter. “It’s closer to Galena, but…”
“Yes, I’m still not sure if I want go back on fresh tracks. We know the safe path.”
“How did you get here?” asked amazed musher.
“My Steele lead us.” Meanwhile Batlo, still unharnessed, howled and turned west. “Look, he wants to return on our track.”
“What?” amazed Steele. “Galena is closer! I will lead you there.”
“Why we have to risk?” Asked wolfdog. “Let’s back on your path.”
“I don’t like it.” Murmured Steele. He and Balto were told to support Peters sled, that lost two pullers. And they have to lead way back. Gunnar hoped that five dogs managed to pull his. He knew that exhausted pack of Peter needed a solid support. “But of you are sure…” said and started to first sled. A slight blizzard started. “But let’s make it quick.”
“Exactly.” Smiled Balto, who was walking after Steele. Suddenly he hit his side, pushing him out of path.

II.II. Bye/Die

Surprised dog overturned and sunk in the fresh snow. He wanted to howl, but another hit of Balto took his breath. Malamute coughed and felt a terrible pain on his rear-left paw. That once Star wounded. He could scream, so he just helplessly submerged into the sea of whiteness. Balto was standing over him.
“I’m terribly sorry, Steele.” he said with breaking voice. “I’m so grateful you saved my son, but… Never mind. I promise I will take care about Berenice and pups.”
“Holy crap!” panted Steele, almost crying due to pain. “I would never thought, you…”
“As I said: sorry Steele. But I just have to?”
“Berenice?” asked malamute. “I can’t be.”
“I love her…” said Balto. “That means… I loved Jenna, but it’s past and…”
“You are out of his mind.” cried Steele, but his weak voice, partially muffled by snow was weak.
“I am.” Agreed wolfdog. “And I have limited chances to conquer her heart… But it would be impossible if you are alive. That why you must die. Steele…” he added with softer voice. “I’m doing only what you did once. Understand me!”
“Dammit!” called dog with weak voice. “I gave you at least a chance…”
“And I cannot do that.” Said Balto and pushed his rival under the snow. Steele pierced the roof-layer and fell down to cave that few hours earlier was a tomb of first team. Then it was about to be tomb of Steele.
Balto quickly went to first sled and took his place in the lead. Peter didn’t know that malamute had been chosen to help him, so he just harnessed Balto and gave a sigh to Gunnar, he was ready. When first wave of blizzard came, they set off. They easily reached Steele’s path and started a way back. They had no guide, however way was already marked, so guide wasn’t necessary. Balto was acting in impulse, however he improvised it perfectly.
“Will you guide us, dad?” asked Kodi from second rank.
“That’s why I am here.” Smiled wolfdog, covering his confusion. Meanwhile in other team sounded the crucial question.
“But where is Steele?” asked Jimmy.
“If he is not here, I guess he run with master Peter… And Balto.” Said Raynor
“And Balto.” Repeated Jimmy, as it was a guarantee of safety. Both sleds were escaping the coming blizzard and falling snow quickly sealed the cave, where Steele was dying.

Well you were right about the controversy! Intense! Very intense!

Balto has really ticked me off! Now I like him, but I like Steele better! He better not die! Berenice needs him and their soon to be born pups! Steele had better survive! He's strong and Balto has just set off that vengeance he's had to keep under wraps!

Good chapters! Update soon!

Well, unfortunately he just can’t die, because I arranged him for full scale fanfic <lol2> So he is safe, at least till the end of ViM.
And now we will see how he gets away from those troubles.