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XVIII. Realm of Sand

When Arista screamed, Sparthi knew that something went terribly wrong.
And the problem wasn’t king – goldenmaned’s roar was painful and sorrowful, but it had nothing to do with physical pain nor fear. It seemed more like a sheer recognition that something was already broken and there is too late to save someone. Arista lifted his head and then was hugged by Sparthi.
“All right… calm down, dad…” said prince. They were in main chamber of Golden Cave, where voice of king echoed in weird way. In that moment Sparthi regretted he sent all lionesses away. Then turned back to just awaken Kauli. “Come here! What wrong with him?”
Arista loosen his muscles and laid motionlessly on the bedding, panting heavily. Ball python slid to him, carefully examining ruler. But when reptile touched goldenmaned, he opened his eyes and looked with fully awaken stare on Sparthi.
“She is dead, son.” Said king. “And Wivu too.”
“Who’s dead?” asked prince.
“I see no special dangersssss.” Hissed Kauli, coiled around wrist of Arista’s paw. “But pulse isssss much quickened.” Seeing that king was replying soberly, he slid down to the ground. “Sssssorry, sir.”
“Dad, what happened?” replied Sparthi.
“It’s too late.” Said monarch with weak voice. “Masa is dead. I saw it… in my dream.”
“What? Rouges?” gasped prince. “Lionesses were attacked?”
“No. It’s just…”
“We should have gotten thosssse herbs.” Said Kauli. “Thosssse appeasing ones.” Added, but then again his stare met with stare of ruler. “Sssssorry, sir.”
“It doesn’t matter now.” Said Arista. “The Circle of Life judged me that I failed as a king… We have to leave our land. Now, before my errors claim more lives.”
“Dad, calm down.” Said Sparthi, not sure if he should believe in father’s vision. “You must rest. If we really have to go, you must be ready. Try to sleep.” He gently pushed goldenfurred down. But then asked with uncertain voice. “But… is Ghera safe?”
“Sir, I could fly and…” stared Hatibu.
“I guessssss, I’m flying better than you.” Noticed Kauli. “You can’t go on your own – first sssstorm would take you down.”
“No, wait!” ordered Sparthi. “There is Rama there… and Zira. We must trust them that do their job. We must guard king.”
A dead silence fell in Golden Cave.
*
Hunting team saw three rouges, but Rama ordered to leave the chase, when first signs of sandstorm showed. Then they started to look for Masa and Wivu. What seemed to be a very odd fate’s sense of humour, they failed to find lionesses, but encountered a fresh carcasses of two addaxes. Perhaps it was a prey of rouges, who left it, sensing a chase. Maybe those animals simply died due to thirst. Rama decided that whatever was the reason, hunting team should do its job anyway – they took two carcasses, after easting a solid portion of meat. After that greyfurred came to conclusion that lionesses they were searching already returned to the Golden Cave at their own, so team directed back.
Then they found them.
Mother and daughter laid together, hugging in sand-pan. From bloody trails on sand it could be read that Masa was killed in that place and fatally wounded Wivu crawled to mother, but died soon after achieving it. Marks of lionish claws were clear – it was deed of strong, male’s paws. Masa was killed after a short and exhausting fight, Wivu deadly would seemed to be inflicted after ambush that lioness failed to notice. Attackers seemed to leave dead Masa and dying Wivu alone, perhaps scared away by Rama’s team. But maybe they just went after those two addaxes. Whatever was the process, it couldn’t change the outcome. Two lionesses were dead. And those weren’t just ordinary pridemembers, but…
“Mother!” yelled Zira and rushed to lifeless body of greyfurred.
Rama felt as a pound of flesh was bitten away from her side. But she repressed her initial wave of panic and acted as a commander. She knew it was most likely useless, but she had to discipline her unit and keep lionesses sharp and organized. Then go back to Golden Cave and… “Stars!” yelled lioness, seeing Zira crying over bodies of Masa and Wivu. “What I suppose to tell the king!?” But she just called aloud.
“Alert! Form a round, enemy could still be here.” Obedient lionesses formed a defensive circle, leaving Rama and Zira inside, somehow happy to have anything to do, instead of looking on dead companions. Except of sound of wind and cries of Zira, there was silence. Golden lionesses looked carefully around, into desert partially dimmed with sand clouds, as starting wind reduced visibility to just few dozens of metres. But vicinity seemed to be secured. “It’s now.” Thought Rama with freezing irony. “I always miss the party.” When she made sure no rouge was in sight, she ordered with soft voice.
“Macheo, Busara, Doria, Saada... take them. Rest stay sharp and look around. We slowly retreat home.”
That was it – an order, a mission to do. Return home, before king and prince got into trouble. Only that kept Rama sane and away from overwhelming pangs of conscience. She formed an array, where four lionesses carried bodies, four others carcasses and she stayed away of that, scouting for eventual dangers. But she noticed as Zira stopped Doria, and helped Saada to take Wivu up.
“No…” sobbed princess. “Let me…” Rama nodded her head and young lioness step aside, then took Zira’s part of pray. After that sad retinue set off to Golden Cave.
“If we could speed up, let’s speed up!” called Rama. “We should be with king now!” Only silence replied her, but Golden Ones walked faster. In spite that no one, especially Rama, didn’t want to return to monarch with gave news.
Keme and Sukari waited in sandy pan as lionesses went away. The carefulness was on fact useless – if even dimmed with tears Rama’s eyes noticed enemy, Golden Ones were unable to fight. Murderers were all the time perfectly safe.
“Excellent.” Smiled Keme, looking on his charge. “We killed two birds with one stone… I mean, we killed two lionesses in just one ambush…” He laughed with mad laughter. “All right, we may stand up from this dirt.” He lifted his body and shook sand from his fur. “I think that will finally convince boys about your true colours. And moreover, we weakened those rascals.”
“Yeah.” Smiled Sukari, but then his smile died. “Are you angry on that I blew this whole action? I mean… I guess you are, but how much.”
“No.” Keme shook his head. “If I’m angry, not on you. On myself, partially, maybe even on Shababu for the most stupid swansong he could sing… but on not on you. And…” he smiled again. Perhaps it was because of recent experiences, hunger, thirst and anger, but maybe rouge was in fact put on the edge of his sanity. “Thanks to you, I discovered… or regained that very special feeling. I want them dead, Sukari. Vengeance is what left us, even when we have nothing more.”
“Don’t worry.” Replied brownmaned instantly. “I’m glad to help you in this.”
*
Lionesses returned to Golden Cave in complete silence. Rama avoided the doubtful honour to report king about Masa’s and Wivu’s deaths, because Arista was again unconsciousness. So hunting team just put bodies in main cave, while game was placed at chamber’s wall. Sparthi knew he should eat something, but was unable to force himself to swallow any portion.
He didn’t considered Masa as a real mother – as he perfectly remembered Malkha and never feel an urge to find any replacement for that orphaned part of heart, he still highly esteemed greyfurred lioness and loved her on his own way – as friend and tutor. But above all else he was aware what a blow it was for both his father and sister. For Zira Masa was the only mother she knew. For Arista, Masa was as a mate after queen’s death. As he didn’t have to trouble with father for a while, he came to Zira and hugged her. She was still sitting between Masa and Wivu and crying. Sparthi heard also a quiet question of Kauli, who climbed on Rama’s shoulder.
“At least have you gotten some of them?” prince silenced snake with freezing stare.
“Zira…” started Sparthi.
“Just don’t tell me, it wasn’t my fault.” Gasped princess. “You have no idea…”
“I think it was our all’s fault.” Said sandymaned slowly. “We all made errors that triggered all this….” He also was unable to finish.
“I loved mom… Masa…” sobbed Zira. „And I loved Wivu. But had she loved me? Or she died, still hating me for selfishness I had in me?”
“I guess that some day, when you will go to the Stars after her, you will ask. But for now, you must pull yourself together and help me… Otherwise, we all could get our final answers very soon!”
Before dusk fell, they had a plan – more or less. Kauli judged that Arista would be able to walk, when he awake. For sure it wasn’t a good solution, but surely better one than leaving wounded king to recover in that place, cut out from fresh water and with uncertain game to feed him. Whatever path they would choose, there was only one way for pride to travel safe, or at least not in suicidal charge. The pride was to be split in two teams – one of carriers, that carry Arista and some meet and second one of scouts that would go faster, prepare dew-traps for rest of pride and choose the best place to sleep. With rouges – possibly watching every step of pride – that was a great risk, but normal march would kill Golden Ones even more likely. So the only question was: where to go?
“Those rouges won’t leave us alone.” Said Rama with serious tone. “That is kind of personal grudge, for their crazy leader in the first place, but that’s not all. By way they… when they killed Masa and Wivu, they showed they want us suffer. I doubt if they just let us go.”
It was a tragedy and a farce in the same time – pride was still stronger and more numerous, but those advantages were useless in their situation. Rouge coalition would attack anywhere, anytime, from ambush, just focusing to get one or two pridemembers – exactly the same as they did with Masa and Wivu.
“So, I think that’s the only way.” Concluded Sparthi. “But dad is the one who decide where to go. East, to High Range, under protection of High Pride, north, to seek another oasis, west, to try our luck with undiscovered lands, or south to reach that mysterious Pridelands.” Their answer came sooner then they expected.
Arista was partially aware of world around him. He heard distant voices, even saw silhouettes of lions around. But he couldn’t move his body, or even didn’t felt it. Just as if he was outside himself. As his mind slowly regained its consciousness, he learned that he indeed was somehow outside.
“Wake up, my love.” Whispered Masa. King instantly raised his head, leaving his real body on the ground he looked on greyfurred lioness and smiled, thinking that all his fatal premonition was just a bad dream. However he felt relief too early. Sunrays of fading sun shone through silhouette of Masa and king saw a blur shapes on rock thorough her. “I’m so sorry, my dear, but I’m in fact dead.” Continued lioness. “But don’t cry… Soon you will join me. I was told about it.”
Arista mixed smile and grimace of pain on his unreal lips. He wanted to ask about more, but words failed to come out from his mouth. So he just looked in eyes of Masa. Lioness came closer and last rays of day again came through her. She stopped in front of king’s dreamy body and put her head on his shoulder. Arista sensed it as real, but still he couldn’t say a word. However he felt a warm touch of her tongue on his cheek.
“Don’t tire yourself.” Said Masa. “We can’t be together for a while… because you are still alive. You will wake up and do the final quest you have to do as a king and protector of Golden Pride. There we will meet together. All.” Arista noticed that on the doorstep of cave waited several silhouettes more. Pupils of his eyes extended when he recognised them. There were Wivu, Dhalimu and…
He didn’t say “Malkha”, because he was still mute. But gentle voice of his late queen came to him, as if she was standing just next to. Masa stepped back, seemingly letting him to greet also with old mate. Then dead queen said.
“Fear not, my love. We are all here, waiting for you. But don’t hurry, you still have to save our pride.”
“Stars!” thoughts of king shouted, but no voice was heard. “I failed you all!”
“No, it was just a turn of Round you couldn’t stand. It was, it is and it will be a trail, but not for you from now on.” Said Masa. “Ancient Ones put a great hope in Zira. She and her children will be the ones who would change the round of the Circle and mend some error done in the other pride. But to let her do it, you must guide your pride away, to let them survive.”
“Go south.” Said Dhalimu, steeping ahead and pointing with his astral tail on Pridelands direction. “There is a land that will greet your pride and let you survive the hardest time.”
“Our home.” Thought Arista. “I let our home to be destroyed.”
“I will raise again, someday.” Said Malkha. “Just it need some time. Few generations. World could heal every would, we just live too short to witness this.”
“You were a wonderful king.” Added Masa. “But this trail was failed by someone else. By that poor Sukari, who missed his chance to join to the Circle. But as Dhalimu said, you have one task more. Lead your pride south. There they will find a sanctuary.”
“I won’t?” silently asked king. But there was no sorrow in that question, just curiosity. “Perhaps it’s better. I born on desert and I should die here.”
“You children will take your power after you.” Said Dhalimu. “Sparthi… and Zira. I judged her very wrong, but I guess now she is going to show how I was misguided.”
“Will you help me? Lead me?” asked Arista.
“Yes, my dear.” Said Malkha and Masa in unison and came to king’s astral silhouette.
With gentle push they put them down, returning to his sleeping body. In that short touch Arista felt a warmth and soothing proximity of two lionesses he loved. But he didn’t regret he was going back. He know it was just temporal and in short time he would join them for good. However that touch calmed all his fears and allowed him repress all the pains he felt, as he opened his real eyes.
“We are going south.” Said to lions, amazed by his sudden awakening.
*
Zira took the worst watch – called “hyena’s hour”. It was a third shift, penultimate, ending about two hours before the dawn. It was impossible to rest well before that watch and even harder to get some sleep after it. But Zira insisted she take it. It was not about giving a good example – she wished to start her atonement.
Her head was full of painful thoughts. Whatever perspective she tried to take, every time she saw herself as one of makers of her pride’s misery. She took Sukari in. She ignored that handsome rouge managed to cast charm on Wivu and that way make split between sisters even deeper. And what was even most terrible – she wasn’t with Masa in her last stand.
“Wivu was her true daughter.” Thought princess. “She gave her life for mother. And I… I let… two of lioness I could call <mother> to die. By my paw I lost more than many had in their whole life.” Only thing that stopped Zira from total depression was a slight tone of anger in her mind. it was caused by the second sentry on that watch. Ghera.
Most likely, if both lionesses knew they picked the same watch, both of them would change their minds. But it happened – first princess of Golden Sands also volunteered to penultimate shift and when she exited the cave to see Zira already waiting, it was much to late to complain. Since disturbed fight in oasis, tension between princesses hadn’t stopped. Sudden attack of rouges simply forced the silent cease of fire, but without any settled any conditions. And still, Ghera was sure that tears of Zira weren’t simply tears of sorrow, but ones of regret. Goldenfurred had much easier task with standing sister-in-law’s presence, as she was mostly overcome by grief.
They were waiting in shadow of Acacia Alley. Full moon shone over desert, making it illuminated almost as if it was a day. Sand reflected silver rays and whole ground seemed to burn with cold fire. On the sky there was no single cloud. As for a drought, conditions seemed to be natural, but it looked scary.
Zira kept sobbing quietly, what almost drove Ghera crazy. Sobs weren’t loud enough to endanger their sentry duty, but princess heard them and wondered about violent death she wished to Zira.
“She is crying.” She thought. “Now!? She regrets what she has done, but it’s much too late to change anything. Because of her I will never be a queen of Golden Sands.” Then gasped with irritation. “Shut up! Your rouges will hear us.”
Golden furred was in pain, but not as much to ignore that statement. She raised her head from the sand and looked on sister-in-law. “Oh, just… you shut up already.” She gasped with crying, yet angry voice. “You have no idea…”
“I don’t have to.” Interrupted her Ghera. “But the result is what matters. You killed our kingdom, your traitor.”
Zira instantly stood on four paws and turned to lightfurred with angry gasp. She took a offensive position. “Oh, you show your claws so early? Any rendezvous tonight? You’re your Sukari, perhaps?”
“Shut up!” yelled Zira, for sure much too loud as for a sentry. “One word more and I will pull your tongue out.”
“Traitor.” Replied Ghera with delightful cruelty. “You won’t change it in any way. Thanks Stars that at least you failed to back Sukari on our throne…”
Zira lost her temper. Without thinking, she pounced on sister-in-law with all the anger, sorrow and guilt boosting her moves. Just few moments earlier she would partially agree with almost every charge of Ghera. Lightfurred had right: it was her fault, all along. She killed Masa, she killed Wivu, she killed Dhalimu and she killed Malkha. But she wasn’t traitor.
“I did not betray!” gasped Zira, hitting Ghera’s side.
It was perhaps the strangest fight ever. Lionesses seemed to combat seriously, exchanging heavy blows on point blank range, aiming in neck and muzzle. But none one them cried, call of pain nor anger. Just as if they tried to keep their argument quiet, still keeping sentry duty. They rolled on sand, embraced in deadly grasp, chocking with front paws and trying to deliver some painful blows with rear ones. But after Zira’s initial cry no word was said. In that position Sprathi found them.
He also said no word, just with fast moves got to fighting ones and split them. Because he already saw some flood on fur of his mate, he acted decisively and basing on wounded paw with the other limb grabbed tangled graps of lionesses and squeezed himself. They let loose with gasps of pain.
All three fell on the ground, panting heavily. It took a long minute for prince to try stand up. He failed and fell again. Ghera and Zira jumped ahead to help him, but seeing each other, they stopped just in front of Sparthi and froze. Sandymaned stood up on his own, but it took a moment longer. Finally he said.
“Ghera, I’m relieving you. Go and rest.”
“My watch isn’t finished.” Said lighfurred with tensed voice.
“Go and rest.” Said Sparthi with a bit harsher voice than he planned. “Please.” Added with softer tone.
Ghera made an angry bow, as if she was an ordinal subject and was greeting her king, then turned back and walked to cave. In spite she tried to look and act calm, sparks of fury seemed to dance over her silhouette. Her steps were a bit hobbling, due to hit that Zira gave her, but above all else she was furious more about Sprathi’s reaction, not princess’s hostility. Zira notice it quickly.
“I guess you haven’t scored a point for that.” She said with quiet voice. “She expect that you would comfort her and side with her, not with me.” She turned to her brother. “And I hate to say, but she is right. That’s all her fault, but she is your mate, so it shouldn’t matter.”
“So, you see that I have to deal with her too.” Replied Sparthi. “I hope it will make you more cooperative.” He put his paw on sister’s shoulder. “What happened? Who started that?”
“I did, if you ask for technical issues.” Replied Zira unwillingly. “And I guess you won’t believe me, when I say what was the before that. You could go to her already.”
“She blames you.” Said Sparthi with soft, yet serious voice. “She is wrong, but you are wrong too. If you didn’t believed her, you wouldn’t started that.”
“Oh, cut that!” gasped Zira, again close to cry. “Whatever you would present this, we have some casualties. Of our family and it hurts!”
“You learned the first lesson of being ruler.” Smiled Sparthi. “I guess father will be glad, when he sees that.”
“Ruler?” asked confused Zira.
“Technically Ghera is the first princess of Golden Sands… and if I survive this storm, she one become a Golden Queen. For now, you are second to throne, but I must admit, you are much readier than she is. You already look on pride as on extension of yourself.”
“According to that, it was an act of masochism, with blowing so many thing.” Said Zira and clenched her jaws not to let her cry sound. Sparthi noticed that instantly and hugged his sister.
“I remember what you promised me, then, before the duel. That you will take care about pride doesn’t matter what. It is still valid. I… father and I… we all need you.”
“Maybe.” Sobbed Zira. “But am I still able to lead them, if I strayed so many times?”
“I guess you can’t be better prepared for that.” Replied Sparthi. “You are still a cub, Zira… But before reaching three, you experienced more than many lion or their lives. I believe it makes you a perfect leader for that hard time. Of course, there are some conditions. First, it’s good that you look for your errors, but don’t do it in the heat of battle. This is a battle.” He pointed a desert behind him. “Right? We are fighting to survive. Second thing is that we are family and pride. That means we must stick together, don’t matter what. That includes also you and Ghera.”
“May I except you tell her the same?” asked Zira, slowly regaining her self-confidence.
“Yes, but it shouldn’t matter for you.” Said Sparthi, faking angry voice. “So how it would be – will you be Golden Sands princess or just a weeper?”
“I’ll do my best.” Replied Zira. And seeing face of brother, added. “Or more. All what will be necessary. But… You are the prince. You should be our leader, if dad is not well.”
“Dad…” murmured Sparthi with serious tone. “That would be hard for him. But because of that we have to have some plan. You are the cub of desert, as Masa always called you… Let’s think about it together. How we could do it?”
“We know the best route. The Lime Alley” Smiled princess with bitter smile. “And Rama’s plan of teams preparing dew-traps is generally good. But we must be prepared for attack of those rascals.” Zira looked back on desert, on moon fading on west horizon. She extended her claw. “And if we approach them, I’m ready for little payback.”
*
On the morning pride had a doubtful pleasure to bid farewell to its home. Golden Cave was left empty and dead, the same as land, dying after end of Mouth Oasis. However Golden Ones put a special guardians of their memory – Hatibu and Kauli.
“I’m sure we could take you.” Said Arista, looking on his loyal subjects.
“I know, sir, but that’s not a way for me to go.” Replied secretary bird. “I lived in Golden Sands… and I lived long enough.”
“For your loyal service, you deserver something more, than staying in this tomb.” Murmured Arista, who was barely speaking. His throat was squeezed by emotion and sorrow of leaving his home. “But I will return here.” Thought ruler. “Soon I will die and reunite with ones I lost. And then we will be all here.”
“Perhaps, sir.” Replied bird. “But I’m honoured to stay here as a keeper of memory of your pride.”
“I will ssssstay too.” Added Kauli. “My kind livesssss long. Who knowsssss, maybe I will witness the return of your pride one day?”
“I think you should go with us. Zira needs you and…”
“She will be all right.” Smiled python. “I taught her all I know. And she grew up her tutorssssss, what you most likely already know, sir!”
“I will miss you, my friends.” Said Arista, when Rama and Cheza came to support standing up king. “Let Stars shine over you.”
“Let Stars guide you, my king.” Said Hatibu and that was the last word of old secretary bird that any Golden One heard.
Soon after Golden Pride left the safe shadow of their family keep and entered the desert. There were no sobs nor tears, but they all understood it was a good-bye for good. Or for bad, it deepened on mercy of Kings of the Past.
*
“They have already gone.” Said Keme, looking on trails on sand.
It was just two hours after dawn, when sun shone still low above the horizon. But day was hot already, dry and dusty. Weak wind couldn’t cool down rouges and in fact yellowmaned wished it didn’t. “Soon it will grow.” Thought gerge leader. “And some storm would start. Then we will miss this hot morning.”
Lion took another look on tracks. What he saw made him much calmer. Sweet vengeance was about to be easy. Group had two severely wounded members and those were males. King went with support of two lionesses at his sides, while prince walk with just one assistant. But still it meant that lions of that pride were combat-impaired, slow-going and were weak spot of whole array.
“It won’t take long.” Smiled Keme. “We will take them away before storm comes.”
“Yeah!” replied Gebali with hateful grimace. “They will pay for what they did to Shababu.”
“To Shababu.” Thought yellowmaned. “He didn’t say <to boss>, because I’m the boss already. Stars! I would let those pathetic lionesses go and forget about Shababu. But if there is a chance to spill some nauseating noble, royal blood, why shouldn’t we?” Then added aloud. “Right, so our plan is simple. Try to attract lionesses attention and allow me to strike at wounded ones.”
“Yeah.” Nodded Sukari. “But it’s a bit dangerous.”
“Life is dangerous. Desert is.” Smiled Keme. “Just don’t engage the main force, and all will be right.”
“And you? You will be fighting with two lions.”
“With two cripples.” Replied Keme. “Piece a meat.”
“For you, maybe.” Thought Sukari. “But I failed to kill them. I think it’s my quest…” But aloud he replied just. “All right, we will do as you said.”
“Don’t be so bossy, kid.” Whispered Mhamiji to his ear. “We do remember what trick you made to us. We are watching you.”
“Cut that!” snorted Keme. “You know your orders. Let’s go!” he called and started his march on sandy trails.
Five lions set off south-east, after prints on fleeing pride. They have to be quick, because growing wind already started to wipe trail out. On northern horizon dark clouds gathered and even few distant thunders sounded. Of course it wasn’t a sigh on rain, but sandstorms also sometimes have ability to induce lightings. Golden Lions called it <the Wrath of Desert>. Keme didn’t know that, but his hatred towards pride was almost equal with pride’s anger on him.

Well... so that's how Arista knew that he had to go south. Well, it's a way as good as any other. So, Hatibu and Kauli decided to stay? Well, with Keme and the others wanting revenge, I bet not all the pride will get to its destiny, neither the rogues.

The endgame is nearing. Golden Pride set off from the home keep and now is going south, seeking haven from the drought. But it is still followed by vengeful gerge, what makes Zira both scared and pleased. Princess has a chance to payback Sukari for his betrayal.
(today the last chapter, and tomorrow the short epilogue).

XIX. Children of the Desert

Way south seemed to be easy, but it turned out to be hard even in initial hours. There were some technical issues that pride fixed, but barely. Arista couldn’t walk on his own – he was guided by supporting him Rama and Cheza, eventually lionesses were ready to simply carry him on their backs. Sparthi also needed a helping paw, but he was hobbling just slightly. With constant support of left side he could walk on his own. Ghera and Doria were switching in duty of leaning prince. So it made Zira a leader of whole group.
She walked on lead, what maybe wasn’t an extremely hard task for a moment, but somehow kept goldenfurred at peak of her awareness. It was odd that lioness guided a pride, a visible sign that king and his heir were unable to do it. That would made Zira felt uncomfortable, if she could feel less uncomfortable in that moment. In fact her mind was filled with aching memories of Masa and Wivu and also with images of laughing Sukari. If not a task to lead her pride, she would gladly stopped and camp in ambush on following rouges. She new they were about to come and only the awareness that her vengeance would be quickly settled, gave her calmness and strength to go ahead.
But there was also and another problem – as a leader, Zira was responsible for safety of array, what included a sandstorm watch. All lionesses should have watched on the sky, but princess was the one who was responsible in the end. When she turned back, she saw on the northern sky dark clouds of dust. Storm was nearing, but for a while no one could say when it would strike. Lioness hoped that it come when they already found a night shelter.
“Saada, Busara, Thela, Vii and Ujuzi, it’s time.” Said Zira. “You know the drill?”
“Sure thing.” Replied Saada. “We are just going straight ahead, and picking a place to sleep. Then put dew-traps and wait for you.”
“Just go… and don’t stop, whatever would happen.” Added Sparthi, hobbling just behind them. “Ignore any signs of rouges, unless they block your way. It’s up to you, to provide us all the water.”
“Of, course, sir.” Said Vii. “I hope to see you soon. Take care and watch your backs.” Then five lionesses started a faster pace and soon after outran the pride.
Wind was moderate but already inducing a dust-clouds. So water group quickly disappeared in sandy air, leaving rest of array on back. The probability that rouges would had gone faster and waited in ambush on scouts was really minimal, but Zira felt very unsure, being left by her friends. It also meant that main group was weaker and unable to run with two partially disabled members.
“I doubt if they attack us now.” Said Sparthi. “I think that would wait to dusk, to get us… and our water.”
“Great.” Replied Zira. “You really cheered me up, brother.”
“We should make a stop.” Said Ghera, from prince’s side.
“Not yet.” Replied goldenfurred instantly. “After midday.”
“Stop with this bossing, Sparthi needs a break.” Snorted first princess.
“No, just go ahead.” Said prince himself. “Unless dad asks for rest, we will go.”
Ghera wanted to add something, but Sparthi stopped her with soothing purr. So she just exhaled louder and continue her walk. But since that moment her sight was fixed on Zira. Stream of screaming thoughts called in her. “She is about to kill him! She actually wants to rid off her brother and took over the pride herself!” Walk of goldenfurred seemed to be easy and certain, but Ghera saw a gentle shivering of her nape, what she read as a sign of extreme nervousness. And in fact she wasn’t far from the truth.
They didn’t stopped on midday – king forbade. Arista, most likely not fully aware of what effort his assistants had to put in walk, decided he could go further. Surprisingly, it was Sparthi who took it harder – wound on paw started to slightly bleed again, what didn’t seem to scary, but was an unpleasant surprise after seemingly advanced healing process.
They stopped just before dusk, suddenly approaching at scouts chosen site. They noticed as in one of pans lionesses of water team prepared an improvised shelter. The ravine was deep, over three metres, long – coming parallel to Lime Valley on distance of over ten metres, but narrow, just slightly wider than a single lion. Dew collectors were already placed, but before night and down it was unlike to get any water. However a shadow turned out to be saving switch after a heat of daily wander.
“Sorry, we decided it would be the best.” Said Saada. “None of us had any idea if further is some better place.”
“It will serve us well.” Said Arista with weak voice.
King was put in the centre of ravine, perfectly shielded from any wind. Other pridemembers laid on his sides, closer to mouths of the crack. Everyone was thirsty, but on that lifeless ground getting any drink laid beyond reach of wanderers. Water team of that day went of close recon in search of any cactuses nearby, but returned shortly after with bad news. Zira and Rama climbed on highest dune in sight, to watch for eventual chase, but even above that – to estimate the coming of the storm. Both lionesses judged that would be hit on next day, but that changed nothing. Without oasis they couldn’t stay longer in that crack. Portion of dew would work to cheat the thirst, but in long run any available portion of moisture from desert was below daily need of lion.
“Who’s taking the first watch?” asked Cheza, completely exhausted by duties with king.
“You, I suppose.” Said Sparthi, trying to somehow make that effort up for lioness. First switch was always the easiest one – letting the sentry to sleep continuously for the rest of night. “Zira will stay with you.”
“I could take the third.” Said princess instantly. She looked on brother and her stare said just “I don’t have to be cub-sitted anymore.”
“All right, Rama, you will stay.” Decided prince, than laid down on the rock. He had no brushy bedding but in that vicinity it was no use to gather any material for that. “So… good night, everyone.”
Maybe Golden Lionesses were to excited to fall asleep instantly, but exhaust of whole-day-march kept them from talking. Also a constant proximity of eleven felines reminded brutally in what kind of distress they were. Lionesses just laid down, pretending that they had gone into slumber and hiding all thoughts into silent waiting. In time their acting become true and they actually fell asleep, cut down by tiredness and appeasing whistle of wind.
*
Arista had a fever that night. His wounds – especially those not seen: oedemas on internal organs and wide cut hidden by his mane – caused an inflammation. Strong will of ruler kept it under controls, as the health is in most cases the matter of mind, not of the body. But monarch knew he was almost done. “As my kingdom.” He thought and left his body.
But just to find himself outside, among sleeping pride. They waited outside, standing on desert. All of them: Malkha, Masa, Dhalimu, Wivu. That time saying nothing, just smiling and waiting. King smiled too and raised his paw to wave them. But then he woke.
It was few hours before the dawn. Thela and Vii just were waking up Zira and Busara for the third watch. Seeing that his daughter is already on her paws, he wagged his tail to call her. Goldenfurred ran with expression of fear on her face, as if she expected to find king in pain.
“No, it’s nothing.” Said Arista. “I just want to say something to you.”
“You should sleep in the first place.” Replied Zira.
“When you are in my age, you will see how dull and fruitless is sleeping.” Smiled king. “But listen… I know Sparthi will fulfil his duty, but you must support him.”
“I don’t know if I manage, but I’ll do my best and more.” Said Zira, sitting next to king and gently stroking his mane.
“I know… but you must also watch of your own way… Listen, I had a dream… about Pridelands and you. I don’t know what mission Ancient Ones would give you, but I sense you will be the key figure for next turn of the Circle of Life.”
“Yeah, sure, dad.” Replied princess. “But we are going together. I know I wasn’t the best daughter, but older I am, the easier I’m listening to what you say.” Zira smiled, but then narrowed her eyes in cryful expression. “Dad… I know I did many things wrong…”
“Don’t start it again.” Cut that king. “You mother… and Masa are surely proud of you. Just keep it for little longer. You must guide our pride safe…”
“I will dad.” Said princess and hugged to the king.
“Zira, I’m already on the position!” gasped Busara from the up of ravine.
“Yeah, I’ll be there soon.” Replied princess. Then she looked on father. “Sleep. I will watch for you.”
Ghera watched Zira taking her sentry place. Not that she expected her to go away at night, but just to be sure. However she hater her sister-in-law, she knew that goldenfurred wasn’t stupid. “She won’t call her rouge-pet right now.” Thought. “I guess she will wait for morning.” Lightfurred closed her eyes with stressing, yet exciting thought that next day would bring her a battle of her life. A battle with her deadly rival.
*
Gerge’s morale was low. And that fact wasn’t surprising, minding that coalition never consisted of fully spirited and motivated individuals, but that day exhaust even those remnants of high spirit. Day of march without drinking even shook Mhamiji’s, Tariki’s and Gebali’s crave for vengeance. Sukari walked saying nothing and most likely he was too tired to complain, while Keme with every step become more and more restless and in ill way excited. On night, that they spent on open air, four rouges felt sleepy even after eight hours of sleep. Keme showed signs of readiness, although perhaps he didn’t slept at all.
“Come!” said yellowmaned. “We will get them just after setting off, unprepared and surprised.”
“If you say so…” said Sukari.
“There isn’t even dawn!” yelled Tariki.
“You wanted to finish this.” Gasped Keme. “I didn’t oppose… but now I will make you fulfil your oaths. We will get those ******* that took Shababu out!”
“All right, I’m going.” Replied lion with sleepy voice. “So what you want us to do?”
“We will split.” Said Keme. “Sukari will go in advance and sway some lionesses away of main array, then we will strike on the rest.” He looked on his charge. “Of course, you don’t engage any of them. Just make a distraction.”
“Yeah, sure.” Smiled Sukari. But in mind he added. “No way, this is a command I won’t obey. I will get one of them for you, Keme!”
*
“We must find them.” said Zira to Rama’s ear. “Otherwise they would attack us from behind.”
Lionesses were standing outside of ravine, while rest of the pride prepared to set off. Princess didn’t want to share her plan with any other pridememeber, knowing it would cause a protests of Arista and Sparthi. So she decided to use a trick.
“I think you have right in everything.” Replied greyfurred. “Except of one – that you go. I could do it as well.”
“No, that’s my job to stop them.” said princess. “You just keep your orders. All will go smoothly.”
“I hope so. Good hunting!” Murmured Rama and called back. “Water team, go with me!”
Cheza and Doria ran to senior huntress and followed her fast steps ahead. Zira stayed in pan of dune, waiting for pride to move ahead. She told Sparthi, she would go with Rama, in search of shelter. But what she actually planned was to confront her shadow. “Now, we will talk differently, Sukari.” She smiled but also narrowed her eyes in crying grimace. She had no water to lose a tear, but striking memory of Masa and Wivu and why they had died, exhausted all her emotions just to burning urge of vengeance.
Ghera waited in the ravine, looking on her sister-in-law. So, it turned out to be true. Zira wanted help of rouges to betray pride once again. Princess was glad she lied to Sparthi and said she had been going with water team, because thanks to that she could slip out the array too. And watch Zira. Her only aim was to get the ultimate proof – a sound of words of treason. “I will hear it and then call pride here.” She smiled. “We will rid off the enemy – that from outside and that from within at once!”
And then she noticed them – four lions walking on desert without any caution nor fear, as if they were sure whom they could find. Mind of Ghera, a bit dimmed with thirst and anger, failed to read a simple fact – one member of coalition wasn’t there. That why she wasn’t looking in fear for sneaking Sukari. Rouge took a perfect place on edge of ravine and…
*
“Sir!” called Rama, running back to main group. “How stupid of us! There is an oasis there!”
Before lioness got to pride-array, a collective roar sounded, venting common joy. With such a shelter, not far and supplied with water, they could simply wait for sandstorm to come and go. Of course rouge threat didn’t vanish, but watered and rested Golden Ones were much touchier enemy than gerge could expect.
“Great!” called Sparthi. “So you could make a break with dad. I just go there, to Ghera and…”
“Sir.” Said Rama, stopped in place. “But lady Ghera isn’t in my group!”
“What!?” gasped surprised prince. “So who’s in charge there? Zira.”
“Well…” started Rama, to confused to lie still. And additionally upholding a shams would endanger them all. “Zira also…”
“Stars dammit!” gasped Sparthi. “Rama! Get them all to that oasis! I’m going back for them!”
“Sir…”
“Just do it!” snorted prince, freeing from support of Saada. “We will join you there… I hope.” Added with quieter voice.
Then he started his hobbling north. Lionesses looked after them, but sandymaned – boosted with new wave of fear – seemed to be in perfect condition for that way. Seeing curious stare of king, he just said. “Dad, I’m coming for Ghera and Zira. I’ll be back soon.”
“You would better…” replied Arista. “Storm is near.”
“That’s why we must go, sir.” Rama speeded him up. “Lean on my, my king!”
*
Zira saw that her enemies were much too numerous to stand against them. But her plan was just to hit and run, so she kept on her initial idea. However she regretted that Sukari wasn’t there. She stood up, emerging from sand den. In strange recollection, she saw herself, almost two years younger, when she was standing up from den she made to scare Sparthi. “I’m not a stupid kitty anymore.” She thought. “And I’m not afraid!”
“Hey you!” she called aloud, looking of gerege. “Where is your intelligence part?” Seeing surprised stares of lions added. “I didn’t mean your wits, because those were never here. I meant the traitor!”
“Well, that is not your concern, for now.” Replied Keme with smile. “But I should ask about your reason. Have you got sunstroke, that you decide to fight us all?”
Then a first blow of wind hit. It wasn’t hard, but sudden wave of sand put onto Zira’s face was surprising and painful. And menacing. “***** it!” thought princess. “I must do it quick, before we all get torn apart. It would be nice with those *******, but I promised Sparthi to stay safe!” Meanwhile rouges were still approaching, seemingly ignoring elemental threat, growing behind them. And that was a chance for Zira.
“I could ask you the same. What made you so desperate to fight me in the heat of storm.”
“Don’t trick us with such…” started Tariki, but involuntary he turned back. Seeing his sudden narrowed eyes, other lions turned back as well.
“Gnu’s drooping!” cursed Keme after quick stare behind. But then he looked again on Zira and started seemingly calm speech. “All right, you got us. This storm would put us all dead, if we don’t hide somewhere.”
In the same time he wagged his tail, in discrete, almost unseen way. Tariki – for whom the signal was, stayed in place for a moment, but then started a way aside to get on Zira’s back and perfect spot for sudden attack. Meanwhile yellowmaned continued.
“You know… actually we don’t need a bloodshed… for now. I can’t tell you we don’t wish you harm, because we do, after what happened with Shababu, but I propose you a short-term armistice, just to survive this storm. Let us enter this ravine and we will let you live.”
“No that I don’t trust you…” started Zira. “I simply know you lie. But even if I believed you, I don’t want to have anything to do with murderers of my mother and sister.”
“That’s all Sukari’s fault!” called Mhamiji. “He killed them to show that he isn’t on your side anymore. We didn’t ordered it.”
“Even worse for him.” Replied Zira, making few steps back. She just wanted to keep rouges in place for moment longer, to the storm. “If they are trapped here for a sandstorm, we are safe.” She thought. “Well, I would have a hard time with rejoining pride, but I will manage. I’m a child of the Desert!”
“You know…” said Keme. “Sukari had some plans connected with you. Unfortunately, you turned out no to be cooperative enough….”
“I would never betray my pride!” cried princess with mix of growl and weep.
“What a pity.” Smiled yellowmaned. “That’s why you will die.”
Words of gerge leader froze Ghera. With those few sentenced wall of hostility that princess built around her sister-in-law was crumbled down. “Stars!” thought lightfurred. “She wasn’t a traitor! I was wrong!” And then she noticed that possibly she would never apologise goldenfurred. Tariki was almost on his place.
“Zira, behind!” called Ghera, but in the same time Sukari pinned her down to the ground.
Goldenfurred didn’t analyse what happened and from where that warning came. She just felt down to the ground, letting rouge fly over her in surprised, but missed charge. Zira just after rolled aside, before Keme pounced on her.
She heard a scream behind her, that she recognise of Ghera’s yell of pain, but then also another gasp, that time of a lion. That meant first Golden Princess hadn’t been taken down in one blow and even managed to fight back. Zira decided that she will think about her sister-in-law just after she secure her own survival.
She stood up and did most ridicules and less probable action, that surprised everybody, including herself. She rushed after Keme, before any of his companions managed to react. She landed on back of lion and reached with her front paws to his neck. Her claws stuck in dense mane, but she got a solid grab and she hit with hind legs, slashing hinds of rouge leader.
Keme yelled in pain, but before he managed to shake princess off, Zira threw her body on right side and using her mass as a lever, she overturned enemy. They both landed on sand when new blow of wind came.
Mhamiji, Tariki and Gebali froze in crouch before pounce, blinded by sudden cloud of dust. They saw nothing and heard just moans of effort and yells of pain, except of howling wind. They just walked slowly, careful not to charge on Keme, white two blurred silhouettes fought in dusty chaos.
Zira found herself partially under much heavier Keme and she knew that normal struggle with stronger male was in longer run a suicide. Even disoriented, exhausted and thirsty rouge was still more powerful than she. “Mother, help me!” she yelled in mind then at random bit side of enemy.
Keme roared and rolled on Zira, trying to squeeze her and that way rid her off. Lioness kept a pound of flesh in her mouth, desperately shielding her head from new blows. Then she was literally threw up and put on paws, by standing up Keme. But in fact desert helped her in that moment. Tariki – blinded by sand- noticed some shape in front of him and attacked in first impulse. Keme was overturned, leaving Zira standing still.
Seeing her only change, princess in desperate rush fell on rouge and opened her mouth. She could expect a hit into face but somehow she felt enemy’s paw coming straight to her jaws. She pressed her teeth down, plunging them into flesh of Keme’s right knee. She was pulled by impetus of pouncing yellowmaned, what made her feel, as if her jaws were tearing away. But what was most cheering, she imagined what felt Keme. Again she hit the ground, but she didn’t let enemy’s paw go. In last effort she pressed even harder, making lion to scream. Then she sensed she got to the bone and instantly loosen her grasp. She stood up and jumped ahead, just a second before Gebali attacked.
She hit side of lion, but they both passed, leaning each other and princess was still able to run. She made another jump, avoiding Tariki’s jaws and praying she was retreating in right way. That moment of break cost her dearly. Mhamiji hit her side, sending down for the another time.
“Wait!” yelled Zira, raising her paw to shield from incoming blow. “Every seconds counts. If you don’t take him to a shelter, he will die.” Rouge stopped his hit, just before her face and took a quick look back. Indeed – Keme laid on sand, bleeding heavily from bitten paw and omnipresent dust already spotted his injure. “Get him to some hideout and clear the would, or he die from infection. You want to lose another leader in this weak?” Added with menacing tone, rather not believing if that could work. She was very surprised when it worked.
“***** you!” roared Mhamiji and left her.
He ran to Keme and Zira noticed that two other rouges already got to their chief. Sandymaned lion kneeled and his companions beneded to lift Keme and put him on that carrier… Princess failed to see more, because growing sandstorm reduced vision just to few metres. Besides, she had some other things to do. She set off in run to Lime Alley ravine.
She made all her decisions on the fly. Seeing that Sukari was lying in Ghera, pinning her to the ground and slowly reaching her neck with his jaws, she didn’t slow down, just rammed rouge with all her mass. Brownmaned rolled aside few metres, what gave goldenfurred enough time to grab her sister-in-law’s neck and lift her.
“Get up!” she yelled. “We must go, before they all come here.”
She kicked confused Sukari, who seemingly tried to get up. Zira wished to deal with him for good, but she knew there was no time for that. And seeing that barely consciousness Ghera couldn’t maintain her balance, she kneeled, letting body of lightfurred fall on her back. “That is not smart!” she thought, but she sensed that staying in that ravine with more rouges to come was even more stupid.
“Sparthi…” moaned half-awaken Ghera. “Call Sparthi…”
“He’s out of range!” snorted Zira and exited the crack.
Wind almost cut her down. Storm wasn’t so strong yet, but goldenfurred, carrying other lionesses of her weight made next steps with giant effort. She was pushed to north-west wall of Lime Alley and with every metre ahead she was leaning on scratchy surface of rock. But it was some basis – rock-plate was raised about half a metre above the ground what let goldenfurred to support on it against the wind. For short while princess thought about crossing the alley and hiding on the other side of natural <kerb>, but she understood that it was most likely already covered with sand. So all she hoped was another crack where she could stop and shield from storm. And then try to defend herself and Ghera from the chase.
She didn’t notice another ravine – she just fell there. It was narrow and about two metres deep crack, coming parallel to Lime Alley – scaled down version of their last night shelter. In last second she held Ghera from hitting hard surface with head and felt next to sister in law. She turned back and with remnants of her strength prepared for desperate defence. But because Sukari didn’t come in next minute, she took a quick look on sister-in-law. It was a bad idea.
Ghera was dying. Long and deep wound on her side, coming from the belly almost to the shoulder, showed ribcage and damaged layer of muscles. In one place Zira with terror noticed the light-reddish mass of lungs, savaged with deep cut of claws. Blood kept floating from that injure, covering smaller, yet the same dangerous wounds below. It seemed that first princess of Golden Sands lived only due to her vital impetus.
“Stars!” yelled goldenfurred and leaving entrance unguarded rushed to Ghera.
“Zira…” whispered lightfurred. “I’m so sorry… I thought you stood against my beloved Sparthi.”
“Don’t say too much.” Said Zira quickly, seeing as another wave of blood came from damaged lungs of lioness. “Just lay low, as I will find way to…” But those were just words. She had no idea how possibly she could get from that alive and moreover save her sister-in-law.
“We were fighting each other.” Sobbed Ghera. “We shouldn’t have too… Forgive me!”
“Wait, don’t die!” yelled Zira, when another stream of blood floated down from Ghera’s side. “Just… hang on… Sparthi won’t forgive me, if something happens to you.”
“Just forgive…” whispered light furred.
“I forgive.” Said Zira. She gently nestled to unhurt side of lioness and added with cry. “And forgive me! I started it all!”
“So… may we forget about that?” asked lightfurred, but before Zira managed to answer, she lost remains of her awareness.
“No…” whispered princess, sensing slowing down pulse of sister-in-law. “It’s the end…”
But it wasn’t.
Sukari entered the crack, already bearing numerous superficial cuts, as marks of storm. But it made him just more furious and mad. She plunged his claws in exposed back of Zira and painfully pressed her to the ground. Lioness based on Ghera, but lightfurred was unconsciousness and she gave no sign of pain.
“Now. We will finish our business.” Laughed brownmaned and pushed Zira aside. “I wonder, if your brother is already on the way, or I have to show him your body to lure him into Keme’s force.”
“You’ve made a great mistake, Sukari…” gasped Zira. Lion was choking her, but she managed to grab his front paws with own limbs and froze in stalemate position. “It’s what you told me – one who lost everything, can’t lose anything more. It could give some strength!”
She kicked with rear paws, plunging her claws into belly of rouge. Lion recoiled back with pain, but he did it before attack of princess made any serious injure. He just spat a portion of blood from his mouth and crouched to final pounce on lioness. Sparthi hit him in that moment.
“You’re dead!” gasped prince, pinning rouge to the ground.
“Sparthi!” called Zira, slowly standing up.
“Run!” growled lion. “Take Ghera and run! Go to oasis, before the storm…”
A blow right into his face knocked that sentence off. Zira tried rush with help for his brother, but Sukari – almost without any effort – kicked her with hind leg, sending her back to Ghera.
“Get away! I order you, as a prince of Golden Pride!” yelled Sparthi and bit Sukari’s paw.
Zira obeyed against her will. She bended down to sister-in-law and with desperate bolt of strength lifted her and put on own back. Without looking back, she started her hobbling ahead. She exited the ravine, stopped for several seconds, fighting with wind, then set off south, parallel to Lime Alley. Ghera on her back was dying. With every her step, goldenfurred sensed that pulse of lioness was slower and slower. But still, she marched ahead.
“Onward! While I breathe, I hope. I can’t stop!” And with distorted steps she followed her rocky path to oasis. With all her will, she tried not to look back and not to think about neither Ghera nor Sparthi.
*
That wasn’t a fair fight.
Even in that limited space of crack, Sukari’s mobility was a great advantage over prince’s impairment. Whenever sandymaned tried to hit enemy, he jumped back, outside the range of adversary. But Sparthi couldn’t in the same way dodge brownmaned’s blows. So just after a minute of combat, prince understood he was just a hunted prey.
“I wonder, if I should leave you for Keme.” Laughed rouge. “But he will get Arista, so I could practise on you. No offence, right?”
“You won’t get away alive!” replied Sparthi, hobbling back to the corner of crack. “I won’t let you now and in minutes storm will come. It will kill you. Desert will kill you.”
“How touchy!” giggled brownmaned. “But I hate to say: you won’t survive to see this. I will take you down, here and now and wait this blasted storm here. And then… with boys I will work over your pathetic pride!”
“Why you hate us so much?” asked prince. In the next moment fast blow of Sukari send him on the ground. He felt just in the end of the crack. He was trapped between rouge from one side and rock wall and open space with powerful wind on the other.
“You… just hurt my friend. You hurt Keme.”
“I never met your friend before!” yelled Sparthi. “I did him nothing.”
Sukari stopped over lying prince and pinned him down. Seeing that enemy was helpless, he grabbed his wounded front paw into jaws and pressed. He plunged his teeth to the bone, but – in his extreme surprise – he didn’t hear Sparthi yelling. Sandymaned was too tired to do that.
“Why couldn’t you live with us in peace?” whispered prince. Sukari read it by lips movement, because howling wind muffled almost everything.
“I… didn’t want be like you.” Replied lion with smile. “I wish to be better!” Sparthi threw his paws ahead, grabbing enemy’s neck. He just held him, too weak to make any wound. Sukari ignored with wave of mad laughter. “And I am! Look, who is above you!”
“The Desert!” gasped prince and pull out all his might in that one move.
With all his desperate will, he straightened his all four paws, lifting Sukari up. Still laughing rouge was put upper, outside the shelter of ravine. In the same time storm hit with its all furry, blowing on exposed head of rouge.
Prince didn’t hear enemy’s scream, because it died in call of storm. But he felt – his paws were feeling that, struck with countless, sandy projectiles, that wrath of nature got brownfurred. Sparthi held his grab still, as Sukari desperately tried to get free and pull himself down to the safe shelter. Wind was roaring and Golden Prince after a while joined that roar, feeling a power of element fighting by his side. His paws were hurt in the same way – but those were just paws, already bruised and soaring. They could be sacrificed in that last resort charge.
Sukari kicked to the last time and then Sparthi felt as muscles of his enemy got loosen. Then blood from lion’s head, savaged with sand, started to drip on the prince, he let his grip go. In next second body of rouge felt down next to sandymaned – brown mane of Sukari, became almost fully red. From what was face of lion, left just a blooded crater, after devastating stream of sand. Globulins of the soil in few places cleared the flesh to the bone and totally filled what once had been lion’s throat. Sparthi shook his mane with disgust and breathed deeply.
Storm ceased just few seconds after, as if its job was done. Prince could stand up and walk south. But he climbed on three paws, leaning on the rock. Then set off with slow hobbling. Teeth of Sukari had cut his knee-tendon.

Well, so they went south... and Keme is vengeful. It's really sad that Ghera died... but about Sukari... I bet Keme won't be pleased at all...

So here is the end. But remember, that this end is also a beginning. In the moment when TPR ends, You should jump to 13th chapter of TSH to know the story;).
Circle just goes on and on, maybe with other characters in story, but with the very same turn.

(ps. Waiting for all comments, both favourable and not)

Epilogue – The Promised Land

Keme regained his consciousness before sandstorm hit. He wanted to run, in search of Sukari, but Mhamiji, Tariki and Gebali stopped him. The dusty element was blowing with deadly might, able to kill any living creature, didn’t matter how it was strong. So rogues kept their leader in rock-crack, the same that Golden Pride used as a shelter earlier night.
But then storm ended. Instead of keeping him longer, Mhamiji and Gebali (Tariki had own injuries, that made him poor carrier) helped chief to stand and walk. Keme had to lean on charges, because his wounded knee turned to be stiff and any its effort would cause the permanent damage. So four lions hobbled south with slow and careful pace. Only Keme was calling Sukari.
They found him just next to another crack and that wasn’t a pleasant look. Head and part of lion’s body were mutilated by fury of the Desert. Just some remaining scraps of mane – once brown, then marked with dusty red – told gerge it once had been their companion. Without word, Mhamiji and Gebali put Keme next to the body.
Yellowmaned hugged lifeless body of charge and for long moment he stayed silent. Other three lions looked on it from distance of few metres, too scared to say anything or break that moment of bereavement. All they knew was that they witnessed something they couldn’t comprehend – the friendship and almost paternally love hard to understand for creatures who in their lives saw no friendship nor family bounds.
But time passed and another gentle blow of wind reminded gerge that standing in the middle of desert, thirsty and wounded wasn’t the best idea. However they hadn’t exactly thoughts about simple retreat.
“Keme…” stared Tariki slowly. “They can’t be too far. Just stay here. We could catch those ******* and…”
“No.” said yellowmaned. “That’s enough. I was hurt enough. We are going to High Range.”
Then he took a last look on dead body of Sukari and started a slow hobbling west. After a while of indecisiveness, three rouges followed him. They were gerge, after all. Keme was the only thing that left them from dreams of glorious future.
*
Sparthi hobbled on three paws, often had to stop and take a deeper breath, but still he was faster than Zira, carrying Ghera. But he didn’t call for sister nor mate, before he catch them up by his own. Goldenfurred failed to notice him – she was temporally deaf by the storm, in shock and putting all her might into walking ahead.
Sparthi had to be sure. He touched body of his mate to learnt it was completely lifeless. Then touched his sister’s shoulder. Zira stopped and with surprising energy, turned aside, jumping in evasion. She didn’t let Ghera fall, but she faced presumable enemy. Seeing that it wasn’t rogue but her brother, she loosen her muscles, almost falling down. But just second after she was again ready.
“Zira…” said Sparthi with just weary tone, that she instantly knew that all was lost. “You could put her down.”
Princess carefully kneeled, letting Ghera to slid down on the sand. Just then Zira learned that her sister-in-law was dead. She laid next to lifeless body, trying to overcome the dizziness and biting void inside of her brain.
Sparthi bended down to his dead mate, licked his lips and then also laid himself on the other side of dead one. They stayed without word for longer while, unable to make any move to even to think rationally. Perhaps rogue chase was on its way, but it wouldn’t force siblings to any action. They have to understand what they had witnessed.
Finally Zira whispered.
“Again, I failed. Will you forgive me?”
“That’s not your fault.” Replied Sparthi. “We all pay for our mistakes. Ghera and I pay for ours.” Then he looked on sister and added with ordering voice. “Go! Catch father up and guide them to that Promised Land. That’s your duty as a princess of Golden Pride.” He felt his cut tendon and he knew it was beyond his limits to go any further. And actually he didn’t want to.
“I won’t go without you.” Said Zira, standing up. She looked on Ghera. “She will stay here, on the desert, as real Desert Lioness. We have to go.” She bended down to her brother and then lifted his weak body to put in on her back. She thought she would faint, but somehow she stood it. “We are going south, right? To dad and others.”
“To the Promised Land?” asked Sparthi mixing playful and desperate voice.
“I guess we haven’t any other place to go.” Replied Zira.
Every step on loose sand and under merciless sun, carrying the precious, but so heavy load, was a torment, but Zira knew it was proper as a atonement. For all errors she made, she had to be a great leader to make those up. She had to start instantly – by saving her brother. It was a long way, but the way to their haven, called Pridelands was long too.
“I will do it!” she thought. “I’m a children of the Desert. I will get there! Onward! March! March! March!”
March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March! March!
…Onward!

[„The Promised Land” song. Tune is solemn, in moderate tempo, composed from acoustic guitar, gentle strings, rather quiet in verses. In choruses an orchestral assemble kicks in, much louder and in more vital, optimistic, a bit sublimed vein. Singing voice is Zira’s, but from off – on capture she just carries her brother with lips shut and focused and decisive stare, fixed on sand before her.
Capture from the air. Camera zooms out from Zira carrying Sparthi to upper shot, showing them and more and more desert. As point of view is high enough, we see the magnitude of desert.]
March! March! March!
Onward to our dream
The only thing that left
Is hope, that’s barely seen
[Bones of animals, fragments of trees, dead branches lie around, showing how strong and merciless the storm was. Cut to capture of Zira’s paws. They are swollen, covered with numerous cuts, but she walks still, making a sure, large steps. She walks over the skull of some bovid, ignoring it.]
March! March! March!
Whenever far it lies
The road is hard and steep
But still we have to try
[Capture from Zira’s eyes, with enormous desert, seemingly endless and her slow pace, at first glance, she doesn’t move at all. But then she sees few clouds of dust, induces by weak wind. She sees some shapes, resembling Masa and Wivu. On second plan are some other silhouettes, probably Malkha and Dhalimu.]
And even if our hope dies
And pain we know so well
We surely reach the paradise
Because we lived in hell
[Capture on face of Zira, close zoom-in. She shakes her head, looks ahead with saner stare, but she also smiles with some spark of hope. She goes ahead, leaving those clouds that turn out to be just normal dust-cumuluses.]
Chorus:
March! March! March!
There’s oasis over sand
March! March! March!
Soon we’ll reach our Promised Land
March! March! March!
[But when Zira goes ahead, we see actual spirits of lions. All mentioned four is looking after princess. Then another silhouette comes there – it’s Ghera. She sits among dead pridemates and looks after sister-in-law too. She is smiling with radiant smile – all anger she often showed in life ceased. Malkha comes to her and nudged her cheek with her nose.]
Second verse:
We’re not supposed to go on knees
But raise after we fell
If the God once gave us feet
He hopes we use them well
[Zira and Sparthi go further, closing to small oasis where waits rest of the pride. Seeing that royal siblings come, few lionesses run to them, helping Zira. They are taken to small waterhole.]
There’s no one bound to fail
There’s no ***** from birth
With the every step we live
This road is life itself
[Sparthi is put next to Arista. King sees that Ghera is absent. But he doesn’t ask. He just hugs his son. A moment after Zira comes there and join that embrace.]
And even if our hope dies
When you breathe, you live
We surely reach the paradise
If there’s no hell worse than this
[Faster pass of time and capture from the air. Night comes and passes. On the morning (all in “fast forward vision” lions form an array and sets off south-east.
Zoom out, we see not an actual ground but kind of map, where both Golden Sands and Pridelands are indicated. Cut to Golden Cave where, Kauli give some hunted rodent to old Hatibu. Then cut again to “map” and slow zoom in on Pridelands.]
Chorus:
March! March! March!
There’s oasis over sand
March! March! March!
Soon we’ll reach our Promised Land
March! March! March!
[Capture of Scar walking on Pridelands. With angry voice he gives some commands to restless hyenas. Then goes on savannah, north-west, watching a dusty clouds of sandstrom from over desert. He stops on some hill, on yellow and dried grass and looks ahead, exactly in the direction from where Zira will come in few day. He can’t see her, but his curious stare foresees the future events.
Music fades off with repetition of chorus, where louder and more varied instruments add a tone of hope to that seemingly lost story.]

[Akheri]

Taka_PL
March-April 2008

Well... like I said, Keme wasn't pleased, but at least he wasn't crazy enough to chase the Golden Pride. Now, Zira and her pride went to the promised land, where Scar is waiting. Well... after all, The Previous Round of the Circle of Life also had a happy ending - as much as it was possible in those circunstances. A very good fanfic, overall! One of your best works! Congratulations! I hope for your next works anxiously.

All right, and now for something completely different. We’re back to canines! AAE is a final installment of “Talbourne Trilogy” – stories I wrote thanks to inspiration given by writings of Anthony Rotramel.
To understand what is going on in AAE You have to know YotW. To understand what is going on I YotW, you have to know BB. And to read BB properly, You have to be aware of RTW stories plotline, so if You never heard about Tony Rotramel and his stories You have a lot to read now <lol2>.
This story seriously strays from RTW’s canon, but still has his “imprimatur”, as “extended-extended universe” I guess <lol2>.
It’s pg-13 rated. No surprise on this.
Sources of quotes are given on the ending disclaimer.
If anyone is interested: Home Cave is on:
65°37'48.57"N 166° 9'30.72" W
While Haven is on:
64°55'1.35" N 159°55'13.88" W

All characters are protected with copyright and belong to their creators
Original Balto Trilogy characters (just Steele?) belong(s) to Universal Studio
Characters taken from “RTW Saga” belong to Anthony Rotramel
All new characters belong to Taka_PL

Above All Else

When reactionary says that the reaction is unavoidable, You should remembered that we – reactionaries - measure the time in generation. – Nicolas Gomez Davila

Prologue – Pawprints to follow

Milky light of afternoon was shining on delicate snowfall. Unnamed valley of Yu Range was white-covered and silent. No wind blew over snowed pines, making bottom of valley most tranquil place that one could imagine. Dusk was falling slowly, but dense clouds on the sky was a guarantee of not so frosty night. Very unusual weather as for December. Surely beautiful one. Apart of thinking about everything else, Steele judged that was a fine day to die.
Because that time there was no chance to get alive from chase. Staying and fighting both parts of Talbourne army meant simply defeat, while not all Pack’s forces were ready to run. Especially leader himself was unable. Saying straight – Steele, the mighty chief of Yukon Defensive Alliance, alpha of the Pack, commander of all forces fighting Talbourne Clan was too tired to run. Thirteen years old dog – in spite of his age – was still a powerful warrior. But even he couldn’t cheat the ways of nature. He could march no faster than most of his wounded soldiers.
Oh, wounded soldiers – it was obvious that malamute couldn’t leave his subordinates. In two years of being commander, he become totally different from dog he had been earlier. Once selfish, cold and extremely individual, in time learned how not only to lead but also live with all those who he guided. How to be a part of the pack.
So in the same time, he didn’t want to leave anyone, but hoped to save all those who could been saved. He hoped that at least three packs of his almost seventy wolves would reach Haven and join the defence of home. Although Steele’s sun was setting, his duty was to secure future of the Pack and future of his mate and son. Under care of Ea, one day January should take the leadership after Steele and finish quest that his father had started. That why Steele decided to act like every responsible commander should.
“Staff’s council!” He turned back and called to his officers. Soon after all of senior soldiers joined their leader and with curious stares tried to read next orders. “So, you are all here.” Smiled Steele.
All who survived. Just before that run, day earlier, that lost over a pack of warriors and Lena herself. Lena was accompanying the Pack almost since the beginning – she joined Steele with her unit of Uniea partisans and quickly became one of most trusted officers. Brownfurred female of many talents – sharp senses, bright intelligence and almost supernatural ability to predict Talbourne moves – for two years of the Pack’s struggle was near to Steele. Till her end. But even if she was dead, leader had there two more of his most trusted soldiers.
Darkfurred Velka was alpha-beta of paw of packs, that meant she usually was commanding sixty wolves. But those were mostly elite units, especially skilled in stealth combat and deep infiltration of enemy territory. That her charges had fought and died on that mission. Once she was from unit of her best friend – Aarre. Those two (or three – there was also Vamma and Kova – once simple Uniea soldiers, later officers of the Pack) met Steele two years earlier, just after failed strike of Avengers. With help of his first friends, malamute started to organize the Pack – strong military organization, resisting Talbourne Clan and countering new conquests of Aleu and Saba. And for two years they managed to establish a solid base for that strange alliance, who was bigger than any clan except of Talbourne, but it was doing all to destroy the way of clans organization. The sole purpose of Pack existence was to prevail Talbourne and… vanish itself, for not to became the empire of terror that it fought.
And two companions of that long struggle were waiting among rest of staff on side of Steele. Malamute was judging all “for” and “against” to rationalize saving at least on of his friends. Looking on Velka, dog learned she was done anyway. Her wounds were too deep to let her retreat. But Aarre was still strong and almost unhurt. Steele was sure he could give him the mission.
“Alfa-beta.” Called Steele. That was a military rank – more or less equivalent of Talbourne lieutenant. But alpha-alpha of the Pack forbade to use any ranks resembling non-wolfish vocabulary. However funny and absurd it sounded, the Pack was using only descriptive names of grades and units, where everything had to be similar to traditional organization of wolfkind. Steele was alpha-alpha, leader of alpha-betas, who were leading alpha-gammas, in charge of twelve numbered smallest units of alliance. The language was also a front of war with Taulborne. “It’s indeed sweet, we keep those formalities even in face of death.” Thought Steele.
“Yes, sir.” Called both Velka and Aarre, ranked in that way.
“Yes, orders for both of you.” Said Steele. “But different. Velka, we will lure Dash’s forces to nearest possible place of ambush. That is end-game stuff, you know?”
“Sure, boss.” In spite of pain, wolfess smiled with soldier’s passion. She was an artist in destructive disciplines and as every artist she was delighted to create.
“And I?” asked a bit confused Aarre.
“Aarre, are you loyal to me?” asked Steele with unexpectedly serious voice.
“E… you know, boss…”
“Yes, or no?”
“Yes, sir!” replied Aarre with decisive bark.
“So I give you the harder part. You have to lead all remaining forces to Haven and there organize eventual defence.” Light brownfurred wolf gasped, hearing that. “You are also temporally responsible for running the Pack. Now, you are appointed as a leader and beta-alpha of all our forces. But remember that all political power stays in paws of Ea, until January comes to proper age and he becomes the new alpha-alpha.”
“Well, cool.” Snorted Aarre. “But I’m not leaving you.”
“That’s an order.” Replied Steele. “Any discussion is pointless.”
New marshal of the Pack wanted to argue, but decisive stare of Steele told him that was really no point. Also Aarre was intelligent wolf and already experienced soldier – he knew that order was only logical and reasonable solution in that dire situation. He lowered his ears in gesture of submission.
“Yes, Steele.”
“So leave us with all who could pass through Eagle Pass now. And…” leader for short moment closed his eyes, trying to put all his minds in simple words. Of course he failed. “About Ea and January… just…”
“I will take care for them, I promise.” Assured greyfurred. “Do you want me to tell them something?”
“Just usual soldier’s stuff. I love them and so on.” Steele smiled to clichéness of that situation. “I bet that every death message sounds like that. But to be serious – tell them… I just believe in them. That I believe they will succeed.” Aarre nodded his head. “So go now. Gather your pack and head home.”
“That was… a great time with you.” Marshal said to both Steele and Valka.
“Just make sure it wasn’t wasted.” Said darkfurred wolfess. “We will try to cut down as many of them as we are able, but still Haven needs some serious preparations.”
“Yeah, sure.” Replied Aarre. In his voice some tone of emotion. That was rare for usually airy and dark-humoured commander. “Whatever would happen that strike was a success. We for the very first time hit them on their ground. And now, when boss has a heir and…” He paused, hearing his voice sounded touched already. “Anyway, I’m going. Good hunting, alpha!”
“Good hunting, alpha.” Replied Steele.
Velka and malamute was watching wolf gathering most of forces and setting off east. When he finally disappeared beyond the turn, darkfurred took a look around to check forces she still had in charge. Just four incomplete packs – forty one wolves, all too tired and bruised to follow Aarre in passing Eagle Pass. But still it was a solid force. Two units of chase, commanded by Dash and some other – unknown by name – Talbourne commander counted about one hundred and filthy soldiers – number much too much to stand in single fight. But if they were going separately…
“Do you think that Dash is on the lead?” asked Velka. Steele nodded his head.
“There is no other option. He had personal business with me and surely won’t let any other unit to kill me. He will be here soon, exhausted and winded. So find some cute place to slaughter them all.”
“All?” smiled wolfess. They knew that had no chances even with eighty of Dash’s subordinates.
“Aim at the sky, not lower.” Replied steel with grin. “Go, set our soldiers.” And preparations to ambush started.
*
Dash was running on lead of his unit, ignoring repetitive distant howls from Tenu’s division. Mercenary was calling to him, asking, begging and ordering his halt. But while Tenu was working according to military logic, Dash had his own judgment and different aims and wants. The elimination of Steele was the most urging quest of his life. The same stayed for Tan.
Young wolf was running at the side of his carer. Dark orangefurred youngster was just two years old, but as charge of Dash - who raised him after death of Tan’s parents – he was often companion of lieutenant, even in combat missions. His run was distorted by serious injure, inflicted to him in early puphood – wolfess called Muista bit his tension on right paw, made his limb partially immobile. But in that particular moment the fury was hurrying young wolf to chase as fast as healthy and older soldiers. And in the same way enraged.
“I sense him!” growled young Talbourne. “I always could smell that *******!”
“Hold on, my boy.” Replied Dash. “Soon it all will be over.”
Tenu was still calling halt-signal, but none of Dash’s wolves followed it. After all Tenu wasn’t even Talbourne, just strange mercenary commander who volunteered to support clan’s cause. He had no personal issues to settle with Steele, so he was unable to understand first unit’s haze.
Meanwhile wolves commanded by Dash – almost whole Second Division of the clan – entered narrow pass in valley, where especially many track of runners were seen. Almost every reasonable soldier would notice something was wrong. But two avengers on front – orphaned son and his carer – paid no attention on clear signs of trap. And if any attention were present in their run, they lost it, seeing Steele and few of his wolves in narrowing of pass.
“You’re done, Steele!” growled Dash, running to his old enemy. Tan was following his steps just after.
“Most likely.” Nodded Steele. “I’m tired of this all.” Confused lieutenant stopped, but bended down, ready to pounce on hated dog. “We will finish at least our old matters.”
“So, you finally feel some pangs of conscience?”
“Yeah.” Smiled Steele and looked on Tan. “If I killed this lad, he would never become a soldier. By letting him go, I’m responsible for few more deaths.”
“You will pay for killing my mother!” growled young Talbourne.
“You will pay for breaking your oaths.” Replied Steele with poisonous voice. “If I recall properly, you swore to never fight against me.”
“Oaths given to criminals are just words.” Snorted Tan.
“I though it was opposite – oaths given by criminals…” started Steele but in the same moment he noticed a discreet signal, given by Velka, who already took her position with main forces. Also his joint in front left paw called with rheumatic wave of pain. “Hold on!” ordered dog his body. “Just one more effort and its all be painless.” Then added aloud. “Never mind. Shall we start?”
“You’re dead!” Growled Dash and pounced ahead.
“That’s only thing we have in common.” Smiled Steele and jumped ahead also, to greet enemy in the air.
They clashed in half of distance, to fell down just after. That was a signal for rest of Dash’s soldiers for attack. When dog and wolfdog were wresting in the snow, around then and over them few dozens of soldiers rushed to charge. Only Tan stayed in place, waiting for result of the duel.
When wave of Talbourne ran over Steele and Dash, showy dust went down, Tan noticed as Steele held Talbourne’s neck in iron grasp. With instinctive impulse, orangefurred jumped to assist his carer. He slammed into side of malamute, sending him aside. Dash stood up and called.
“Step back, that’s my turn!”
“Uncle, let me kill him!” called Tan, striking on side of dog.
In spite of all appearances, Steele wasn’t confused, tired nor bruised by blows of Dash. And surely dog wasn’t surprised. As if he expected exactly that move, he intercepted flying Tan, grabbing his motionless leg and pulling hard aside. Wolf made and arc and pushed by centrifugal force, he hit the rock wall of gorge. With fading senses he noticed Dash, calling to him and devilish smile of Steele.
“Tan, no!” yelled Dash and again pounced with fury on enemy.
Dog waited for such a erratic and improvised charge. He easily jumped to meet wolfdog in the air, grab his throat and clench his jaws. But in the same time Dash kicked his hind paws into body of Steele and then they both clashed the snow on ground. It took for both several seconds to stand up.
“Leave him to me!” called Dash, seeing as about dozen of his soldiers looked on him with question in their eyes. Talbourne and malamute were standing against each other in distance of jump. Dash felt a bit strange, noticing that stares of his subordinates were pointed at him, not on enemy. “I said, I will…”
And then he sensed something odd – a gentle touch of warmth on his front paws. With curiosity he turned his muzzle down to see red pool, around his limbs. He couldn’t focus his sight on that strange phenomenon, but after few seconds of observation, he finally found the source of that red liquid. It was his throat.
With remnants of his strengths, he raised his muzzle again to see Steele laughing with hysterical laughter. But he didn’t sound like lost maddog – in that laughter called a triumph, against all odds. Dash wanted to curse him one time more, but his paws disobeyed to support Talbourne and lieutenant fell to the dark well without bottom.
Seeing fall of their leader, Talbourne soldiers rushed on mass on lone malamute. But Steele, even overran by few dozens of enemies, didn’t stop his laughing cry. It’s muffled even silent attack of Velka’s group and yells of surprised Taulborne, being slaughtered from behind.
But nothing of this Earth lasts forever – as dominating number of Talbourne managed to pin down back attack of alpha-beta, also Dash’s guards managed finally to overturn and bite to death furious Steele. Malamute was still laughing when countless jaws tore his flesh into pieces. Even when he finally felt silent, the walls of gorge echoed that sound. Then all appeased. For all Packers, and over half of Dash’s unit.
Tan opened his eyes to find with surprise he was alive. No bone was broken, no serious wound inflicted to his body. He opened his muzzle in smile but in the next moment that smile died. He took a look around to see monstrous casualties. And few seconds after he howled with painful howl, seeing lifeless body of Dash.
“Uncle!” he yelled, running to fallen lieutenant.
*
Tenu ordered to howl in alert, but not to speed up. It was highly rational, because some other ambush would be near. But the truth was also that if on lead of Third Division was some of Talbourne, he would order to run with relief for fighting companions. However Tenu was acting according to cold calculation, not to emotions.
“Wait!” he gasped to one of Talbourne sergeants. “It’s all over.”
“We came too late!” yelled sergeant Fitch.
“No. They marched too fast.” Replied small, hoaryfurred wolf with cold voice. “That is their fault they entered an ambush. Lieutenant Dash acted irresponsible, endangering his wolves and breaking general HQ’s orders, to cause all that…” he paused, looking on battlefield in gorge. “…mess! God! What a massacre!”
“Sir!” reported one of Dash’s soldiers, who just ran to relief. “All enemies are neutralised.”
“I see than not only enemies.” Snorted Tenu. “But where is Dash?”
“He’s dead, sir!” reported Talbourne.
“WHAT!?” gasped lieutenant. “He was killed? How could he engaged enemy in person!” Then he added with quieter voice. “Well, lack of command explains those extreme high losses.” Then he came to Tan, crying over Dash’s body. “Corporal!” he addressed young Talbourne, but orangefurred ignored it. Tenu sighed. “Is that an army?” Then Turned to nearest soldier. “Take him away and let him rest. Give his something to eat. Tell all members of Third Division that I’m taking a command.”
“Shall we pursue?” asked one of Dash’s soldiers. He was severely wounded, barely standing on paws. But death of commander deluged him with adrenaline and crave for revenge. “The other group, about thirty wolves got away…”
“Of course not!” growled Tenu. “Thanks to your commander’s swansong we have no strength to enter enemy’s territory. Form your soldiers and get rest. Tomorrow we will return to Home Cave.”
Soldier wanted to disobey, but his body was close to disobey him. His wounds were aching and heavy eyelids called to a sleep. So he replied unwillingly.
“Yes, sir!”
“So get away!” called Tenu. “To all: get away from the gorge. I must examine the bodies myself.”
Lieutenant waited until all soldiers – his and former Dash’s wolves – left the valley to search for some shelter in forest. Then he came close to bodies and stopped before Steele. He smiled, seeing enemy commander lifeless, but then he realised that it’s only reason he was glad. He came to Dash’s body and bended down to wolfdog.
“Your stupidity could be the banner of Talbourne Clan. Onward! Bury your dead and onward again. No thinking about your actions…” His eyed narrowed and lips curved in even more satisfied smile. “You would never think that your clan is merely a tool of someone’s actions… Mine, in particular.”
He left Dash’s body, to see other casualties, but he couldn’t hide his smile. He was watching on dozens of dead wolves and silently screaming from joy. Not that was glad about so many deaths – he could enjoy the fall of proud ones, but that wasn’t not a point.
“Dash!” he whispered to snowed dusk. “You helped me a lot! I can’t believe it’s going so easily. At this rate, soon Saba would have no other choice than give whole command to me… And then, I will show you all my dream!” He pressed his muzzle into the snow to stop mad laughter. But soon after raised his stare again and said to motionless body of lieutenant. “You are nothing like me or my friends. You could play in your little vendettas and feel happy about it. But we are beyond this. We are far beyond this!”
*
Steele was falling to some bottomless den for long time, until he noticed he actually was flying up. Then – without any sign of fear – he just focused his stare ahead. After his long and eventful life, after he killed much more creatures he could count, he wasn’t able to feel the fear of death. And additionally he was somehow sure that was merely beginning.
The end of his journey was sudden. He just sensed as he is still, standing in some dark chamber of space he couldn’t describe. In spite of darkness, his eyes could see some details of surrounding. For example – silhouette of blackfurred wolf.
“Shade, cut it off!” snorted malamute. “I’m not in mood to watch your sick aesthetics habits. I’ve just died. Give some more light!”
“Yes, indeed. You died.” Murmured silhouette from darkness.
But then chamber was lighted by white rays of unknown origin. Those were similar to sunrays, however evoked inside. Then Steele was able to see clearly the wolf of black fur, lying on flat floor of chamber. Malamute learned that room had no actual floor – on the ground he sensed glass-like plate, under which the world of living could be seen. He was straight above valley where he had fallen a moment earlier.
“Nice view!” smiled dog. “I bet that rent is terrible.”
“If I were two-legged, I would clap at you.” Snorted wolf. “But I’m walking on four paws. However your ending was touching… But this changes very little. You are dead!”
“I noticed that.” Replied Steele.
“So how suppose we are going to finish our plan?” yelled darkwolf.
“They will take care for that.” Said Steele, pointing down, more on east. Haven wasn’t visible from that perspective, however Shade well knew what malamute meant. After all he discretely helped the Pack to settle that fortress.
“Your family was to be our last resort!” called angry wolf. “They could fail us…”
“They will do what we failed.” Interrupted Steele. “Whatever is sounds, I sacrificed myself only to make their way easier. I trust them.”
“How touchy!” murmured Shade. “So all our plan is simply postponed?”
“You waited thousands of years to settle your argument with mother. Wait just few years more.” Advised Steele. “And meanwhile, make some focus on Haven. I want to see if they are all right.
*
January was eight months old. He was sleeping in main complex of Haven Cave, already in own chamber. Just next to was Ea’s and Steele’s room and both those chambers were strictly separated from main cave where Pack had first quarter. It was part of chief’s family. Of royal family, whom no one allowed to call royal. King forbade.
January was lying in deep slumber, but suddenly he opened his eyes in unclear impulse.
“Father?” he whispered into night. No one replied him, but chief’s son felt that something terrible had just happened.

Well... It's as you said: I have a lot to read! I had heard of Tony Rotramel, but as to read his stories... huh, I didn't. So, sorry that I will take some time to read all of Tony Rotramel's work... and then your related fanfics... but I promise to catch up on this. Eventually. I just don't know how much it is eventually.

Well, I see no readers here. But it’s your loss – I did my job and the story is ready. Here’s the second part.
Steele is dead but idea and movement he started are not. His son is about to follow father’s pawprints, but it’s as easy as it could seem.
Meanwhile, a storm gathers over the Talbourne Clan.

I. War, sweet War
<two years later>

January exited the cave just after he woke up. However the time was late anyway – young wolfdog wasn’t especially lazy creature, but lack of duties allowed him to rest much longer than he used to. He knew that state was just temporally, so he was using maybe the last opportunity for adolescent idleness. In just few weeks, maybe even few days, he was about to be introduce as a mature member of the Pack.
It could sound strange, but after knowing Pack’s fresh, but strict rituals, it gained much sense. January was almost three years old wolfdog, whose appearance was a perfect mix between malamute father and greywolf mother. His constitution was wolfish in almost every way – long, thin paws, muscular, yet shapely body resembles line of his forest ancestors. But head of creature was marked with father’s genies – a bit too heavy (in wolves standards) muzzle and very pointed ears was accompanied with pair of blue eyes – odd view as for wild’s resident. Also fur of young canine was mostly black with inner coat of white, giving in result mix very unusual as for giant gathering of wolves there.
So adolescent hybrid already finished teachings that mother, Varjo and Aarre gave him. Most of his contemporaries were already involved in duties of the Pack. But Aarre – as his tutor and carer decided to a stretch a bit future leader’s youth. He aimed for particular time, to introduce January as Packmember as soon as Haven are reached by news of Shadow’s death. Old Talbourne leader was about to pass and Pack beta-alpha wanted to make a real spectacle with showing how winds of History blow.
“The hidden movers frown
our holy banners fly
Watching their stars go down
Our sun is rising high” he repeated, answering on January’s questions. Of course he meant setting Talbourne clan and raising power of the Pack. Whatever poetical it looked, it also was set to have serious ideological impact – when old and corrupted Empire of late Aleu was grieving its chief, the new leader was coming in father’s pawprints on the other side of mountains.
With introducing January as a mature Packmember he should become also alpha-alpha as his father once. That meant also unofficial “regency” of Ea and Aarre ends then. Ceremony was set on winter solstice – what was also a symbol for careful watchers. That day was a victory of the sun, from then on day was prevailing the night with raising higher and higher. Ea was gifted in such ideological matters. Mate of once and mother of future alpha-alpha took her duties to family line very serious.
And she made most of court to help her.
“Sir!” called Kaata – young, silverfurred and blue-eyed wolfess of January’s assist. “What woke you up so early?” she added with irony.
She was member of “Family Pack” – kind of unnamed court of leader. Ea and her son were officially living only with that family – group of closest advisors of Steele and regentess. However Kaata – most likely as a daughter of intelligence-commander – was in the same time companion of future chief. She was January’s pup-playing-mate, but later she become actual adjutant of wolfdog. And simply friend.
“And what I’ve done to deserve for your sweetest shots?” he asked.
He came closer and licked silverfurred’s cheek. She laughed, stepped back then playfully kick the snow, sending a portion directly on January’s forehead. Instinctively wolfdog snapped his jaw in her direction, of course without intention to hit her. She laughed again.
“Late waking doesn’t improve your reflex.”
“Early waking doesn’t improve your manners.” Noticed January. “So, what’s up today?”
“Oh, nothing.” She started to walk downhill, to Pack’s main meeting place on slope-clearing. “My father is praying to all ancestors he know, for Shadow to die before solstice. He hopes that old rascal would give you a gift on presentation. By the way, let’s go to him. He has a briefing for you.”
The day was a sunny one. Rays of daylight were reflecting on layer of snow, making wolves to squint their eyes. It was almost midday, so Pack was fully awaken and in middle of daily duties. Well designed machinery of wolves community was working perfectly. Soldiers were training, hunters were transporting freshly killed games – as far as January knew, the Pack was mirroring most of Talbourne traits – so huge gathering of creatures (over five hundreds that winter) was able to run only with hated ways of enemies. “But we are living in this unnatural state, only restore the proper order.” Thought wolfdog, passing by the group of practising soldiers under Kova’s command. Brownfurred alpha-beta nodded with greeting and young hybrid replied with the same gesture. “We will destroy Talbourne, as father planned. Then there will be no clans on Alaska, just packs, as it should be.”
“Hey, what are sublimed thoughts are keeping your head, my lord?” asked Kaata with sneering tone of voice. “Some chief’s matters, I guess. Maybe matrimonial? Are you thinking about some well connected marriage? I heard that Dash’s daughter of Talbourne is still available.”
“Very funny.” Snorted January. “You are speaking almost like my mother. She is thinking as we were actual clan and my power would be eternal. But we are running whole this thing to break any clan-organisation and let no authority bind our kind with unnatural bounds. By the way…” he added quieter, with half-ironic smile. “If we won with Talbourne tomorrow and the Pack dissolved, I guess you would be my mate, as only available female in my pack. Speak about marriage.”
“I just can’t wait for that, my love.” Replied wolfess with laughter. However some careful observer could noticed that airy and jesting reply was not so airy and jesting as it was intended to sound. Kaata was betrayed by few small gestures – quick eye-flash, raising ears for a second and defensive turning her stare to the ground. Deep in her heart she actually wanted it badly, however she had no courage to admit it, even silently – her mind.
“Don’t panic.” Snorted January. “Our war, sweet war is about to be waged for some time. Until that both you and that Talbourne princess are safe.”
They went to small cave on Haven’s slope. It was a quarter for so called RAIA – Reconnaissance and Intelligence Agency. Steele hated so artificial name, but after his death the new habit prevailed and recon unit was started to be called like that. For almost four years of Pack’s history that organisation was lead by its creator – Varjo. Old wolf looked similar to his daughter – he had the same silver coat and similar – yet very virile and scary looking muzzle features. In his character he also seemed to be real Kaata’s parent, because under appearances of warrior he was hiding trickster’s mind and black sense of humour. He was one of closest advisors of Ea, in actual hierarchy of pack second only to Aarre. That day he was leading a briefing for his leaderess, future chief and Pack marshal. There were also Apu and Tulo – two members of January’s personal security.
“Good day, mom, good day, alpha, good day you all.” Said wolfdog, entering the cave.
He came to Ea. She was still young female of stunning beauty – her snow-white fur was smooth as ice and deep blue eyes looking on word with tone of intelligence and softness. However five years old wolfess was hiding inside mind of responsible leader, who was – in rate that her sex allowed her – silently guiding future empire of her son. When Steele took her as a mate, she was just poor girl, orphaned and separated from her family pack, lost in cruel world, passionately loving her saviour and benefactor. But for three years of her “rule” – first by side of malamute, then as mother of future leader – she learned the ways of life and ways of war. Aarre had to admit that she kept much more power that she should simply as mother of Steele’s son.
Pack’s marshal – but was called rather: beta-alpha – was seven years old light greyfurred wolf of solid, soldier’s constitution and veteran’s look. He was in charge of all military operation of Haven Wolves, yet in political matters he was running the Pack along with Ea and Varjo. That triumvirate kept the Pack in unity since death of its founder.
So January came to mother, licked her cheek, then turned to two alpha-betas and they all give a bow at once. Commanders were saluting their future leader. Wolfdog was giving his respect to his tutors. When that was done, he simply nudged sides of Apu and Tulo, as his best friends.
“Good to see you, sir.” Said Varjo. “Hello, my dear.” He looked on Kaata. “But let’s go down to the business. Our sources in Home Cave are confirming all good news. Shadow will be dead in just few days. The presentation ceremony could be done on solstice.”
“Are you sure to be so hasty, sir?” asked January. “I must warn you – if you recognise me as ready to take my father’s heritage, I will do it. Seriously. I mean: I will be the real leader of the Pack. No more <strong suggestions>, I’m going to run this place seriously. However, I could wait, if you are not sure about me.”
“Of course, you are ready.” Said instantly Ea. “It’s high time you get a responsibility for what we are doing. Don’t worry, you will be real alpha… We – just good… advisors.”
January smiled sarcastically, as he didn’t believed his mother. He knew that Ea loved him the most on the world, but that meant she was able to do anything that motherly love says her. And that was a problem – January already learned that dreams of his parents varied. If Steele was honestly aiming in Pack’s initial goal – destroying Talbourne and restoring old order on Alaska - after his death the visions of Ea started to prevail. She dreamed not about wiping Talbourne, but taking it over. Of course, not literally – Ea wished that Pack win the war and introduce the new order to Seward Peninsula. But that way of things was very similar to regime of hated clan. The Pack was about to be simply better Talbourne and January better Shadow. Whitefurred regentess wanted her son to rule wolves on whole Alaska, whatever was the cost. That was tempting vision, yet completely opposite to what Steele hoped for. January prayed that he had a strength to overcome that temptation.
“Yeah, I heard that before.” Murmured wolfdog. “So, what’s on tap today? Any mission for my crew?”
“No…” Aarre shook his head. “After your last performance, we decided not to put you on the front anymore.”
“What!?” gasped January. “I need to fight with my pack. And you…”
“I’m still your commander, sir.” Noticed beta-alpha. “Lady Ea and I decided that your skirmishes are too dangerous.”
“Nonsense!” snorted January. “We were very efficient recently, right guys?” Apu and Tulo nodded quickly, but froze under Aarre’s look. “And I’m treaded softly already. You’ve never let me enter some real battle, just make some second-paw forays, while my pack is wasting its potential…”
“If you are not satisfied with your combat training, that’s good – there will be no more.” Said Aarre harshly.
“For two weeks.” Replied January, smiling.
“What?” asked Ea.
“To the day I’m introduced as new alpha.” Explained wolfdog. “As I say – when you give me a power, I will use it. Surely as the alpha-alpha I won’t be hiding in last rank.”
“Young master, you are…” started Aarre, but Ea hushed him with nod. Commander took a deeper breath and continued. “Whatever. For now we are sustaining whole combat activity, except of recons and keeping the line of Reindeer Creek.” That river was only place where the front between the Pack and Talbourne could be easily shown. On eastern side of iced creek was stationing strong Pack division, when the west bank was kept by clanners. None of sides was avid to make any sudden move. Natural border made any attack highly risky, turning war to positional stalemate.
“You’re commanding here…” murmured January. “Yet.” Added quieter, but then said aloud. “Right, but I will be there, on Eastern Bank. If I have to wage a war I must know it.”
“Anyway you like.” Said Varjo. “Just be back on solstice…”
“So, settled then.” Smiled January. He looked on his friends. “Tell our crew we will set out tomorrow.” They nodded. “Anything else?” he turned to his mother.
“No… just be here at dusk, Varjo will show you the newest front-reports.”
“Right, so I’m off… for now.” Said January, nodded on goodbye and started to exit.
Kaata looked on her father, exchanging some silent mimics, then she followed wolfdog. Two young soldiers exited cavern too, but heading to plant-quarters. Aarre wanted to say something, but Ea did it first.
“Easy, nothing would happen. Just… get back to your work.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Said beta-alpha and bowed his head. Then went away two.
Only whitefurred and intelligence superior stayed. For a while they were silent, looking on each other, then Varjo said with quiet voice.
“So, my lady? Are you sure of that?”
“Of course I am.” Replied wolfess. “That was you who gave the idea.”
“Yes, but now…” started commander.
“Don’t listen to my son.” Interrupted whitefurred. “Some day he will become a real leader, but for now he needs some guidance, not necessary the visible one. I want him to think he is fully in charge, while we are discretely watching his steps. I’m trust him, but I also know that youth has it’s habits. We have to persuade him the most reasonable way of ending this war.”
“So you want me to start the plan <Spring>?” asked for the hundredth time RAIA’s leader.
“Yes, call your agent… Are you sure he is going willingly?”
“I’m.” replied Varjo. “He is very avid to serve the Pack and no one could question his loyalty. Maybe he is the outsider by blood, but in heart he is one of us.”
*
January and Kaata went to centre of Haven. Pack’s residence was the sector of forest on Yu Range’s slope, stretching on about two miles wide. The capitol was a fortress but very comfortable fortress in fact. For most time all pack united in the Pack was living outside in forests of Yukon Valley. Haven was meant to be real home only in case of siege. But for a while Talbourne offensive stuck on Reindeer Creek, so seventy miles distant (in straight line – actual shortest way was about thirty miles longer) keep was perfectly safe from enemies. For a while.
“So, what now, my future dear leader?” asked Kaata.
“I don’t know…” replied hybrid. “I guess I don’t need you as a adjutant for now.”
“Good, because I need you not as commander, sir.” Said wolfess and nudged side of friend. “Tag, you’re it!” Then run to the forest.
*
Home Cave was silent, as well as whole valley. News about Shadow’s illness – most likely terminal illness – spread wide and there was no single wolf who was not aware of crisis that clan suffered. As the mate of Aleu, brownfurred alpha was unquestioned leader. But when it came to choose an heir… it turned out that Shadow was not as strong ruler as he thought.
Tenu was in cave since morning. Dying leader was giving his last commands to clan’s general, whispering with weak voice. Mercenary was really tired and aware of pointlessness of that briefing. Tenu knew ten times better how the war should have been waged.
“That epidemic hit us hard.” Was whispering sick alpha. “Not only claimed Everest and ruined my health, but killed many of our brethren…” saying <our>, he meant his and family’s. Hoaryfurred general felt no bound with clan and he would even say: your brethren. “It weakened our forces…”
“Cut it, sir.” He interrupted Shadow’s monologue. “First of all, you are wrong. The epidemic, doesn’t matter how he grieve death of so many friends, made us even stronger. Only elder and weaker ones died. We suffer no famine this winter and that’s allow us to better prepare summer campaign against the Pack. If we survive to April – and believe me, I will make sure we will - there is no danger. But the second thing is – just… leave it!” snorted with reproach. “Sir, you are dying. If you don’t feel any urge to say goodbye to your family, at least think about the succession. That is a problem you are fully responsible. I could win the war for you, but not when this place is torn apart by civil war. Just tell me, whom I should support, Goddammit!”
Shadow slowly and carefully turned his stare on mercenary. He had to manage his strengths carefully, because he felt death so close. Most likely it was the last evening on this Earth for old alpha. He focused his vision of muzzle of Tenu, for the hundredth time thinking that in spite of three years of common fight he failed to understand the strange outsider. Hoaryfurred wanderer simply came three winters earlier to Home Cave and said he wanted to join clan’s military. He didn’t wish to officially join the Talbourne, the same as group of vagabonds that came with him. Because weak and fragile-built wolf happened to be brilliant commander and strategist, he quickly was promoted to newly invited rank of general and field commander of all clan forces. For those years he was leading conquests of Talbourne and fighting with Pack, managing perfectly. But he never told what he wanted from peninsula clan. Shadow prayed that was not a political power. If Tenu wanted to, he could easily become “an alpha-maker”, supporting one of claimants and ruling from behind.
“So… will you obey my will?” asked Shadow with hope in his voice.
“Depends on what it would be.” Replied Tenu honestly. “If you are going to appoint some weak or incompetent successor, I won’t put my paw into destruction of clan’s power.” Shadow sighed, not surprised by that answer. General was logically frank. Because dying alpha was no longer an important player, hoaryfurred was waiting for him to leave the board.
“Maya… she is the only way to keep our clan together.” General smiled, so alpha asked with fear in his voice. “What? What you…”
“Good shot.” Said commander. “All right, I will secure your sweet Maya on the lead… I was afraid that you would appoint your son, or that dandy, your nephew…”
“Sheik is a good wolf...” Said Shadow quietly. “But he can’t be the leader. Simply, not everyone would accept him and a tension among us would start. Tram? No, he’s not a material for a leader too. I’m sorry, but only Maya is proper on this place. You will have to guide her, but remember…”
“If I wanted the power for me, I would have taken it already.” Said Tenu straight. “I would have kill you here and now, then say you let the regency on me. And later… I would found some way to secure it.” But then smiled again. “Don’t worry, I will clean the mess you’re leaving.”
“Wait!” gasped Shadow, then burst in coughs. After over minute of fit, he breathed deeply and continue. “Sheik is my son! Tram is my nephew! I forbid you to hurt them…”
”Oh, you could have died already!” Sighed Tenu. “You perfectly know that I will do anything that is necessary. I would have slaughter your kins with smile on my face if that would help us to win. Fortunately, it won’t so I don’t have to be violent. However…”
“Please…” whispered alpha.
“The war soon will be over. Maya soon will be in charge.” Said general. “I could promise you only those two things.”
“Just… take care about her.” Panted Shadow with resigned voice. “She is so pure… so innocent.”
“Uncle?” sounded shivering voice from corridor.
“Lupus in fabula.” Smiled Tenu and stood up. “I will leave you, old wolf. Have a nice agony.” He turned to doorstep of chamber.
To alpha’s lair was going Maya. Young, brownfurred wolfess, who just came to the age to consider herself as mature female, was canine-shaped goddess of beauty. She inherited almost pure wolfish appearance of mother, yet small dose of doggish blood made her paws and muzzle a little thinner and seemingly more fragile. She seemed to be made of gently snow of that winter, yet from her muzzle radiated warm wave of emotions. She ran to her carer and sat down just next to alpha. With carefulness she licked Shadow’s forehead.
“I’m so sorry, uncle!” she sobbed. “I returned to Home Cave as soon as I heard…”
“With your permission I shall leave.” Said Tenu and bowed his head. Alpha was too tired to look carefully, but he expected that nod of general was just a courtesy mask on severe muzzle. Mercenary exited the chamber.
“Hush, my dear.” Sighed Shadow. “It’s good you are here.”
“They say… they say…” started Maya, but then she burst with tears.
“It’s true, my dear. I won’t last long.” Admitted alpha. “But Maya, you must listen me carefully.” He again coughed loudly.
“Don’t die, uncle… please…”
“For everything there is a season.” Replied Shadow with weary voice. “And everyone’s time must come. Soon I will join your aunt… also your mother and father. That’s a natural way of things. Do not oppose the glacier – just learn his route.”
“I love you, uncle…”
“I know, my dear. But the tears are useless now. However I need you to listen to me and promise me something.”
“Whatever you wish, uncle.” Sobbed wolfess.
“Maya, Sheik won’t the next alpha.” Said dying leader. Seeing surprise on niece’s muzzle, he added. “I love him, he is my son. And I know, you love him too. He is like a brother to you. But I can’t make him a chief. I wish you to take a lead.”
“But… but…”
“Hush, let me finish.” Said Shadow. “There are reasons I made this decision. I still haven’t told it Sheik, but soon I will. Yet, I doubt if he accept it.”
“Uncle…”
“You have to use any possible means to fulfil my last will and take a lead in our clan. Just… get the support of elders of clan, gain fondness of our wolves. I know that rivalry in family is bad thing, but you have to.”
“But… why?” whispered wolfess.
“Only you are able to keep our clan in unity.” Said Shadow slowly. “I hate to say, but both Sheik and Tram are too egocentric to be good and devoted leaders. You have to be my heir. Please, now swear that you won’t our clan to split. We are the followers of Aniu and Mother of Wolfkind is hoping for our clan to fulfil her dreams of unity. You must not fail!”
“Yes, uncle.” Said Maya with tears freely flowing from her eyes.
“Right…” smiled Shadow, but then burst in coughs once again. “Now it’s easier to leave… Please, call Sheik here. I must say goodbye also to him. And ask Tram too. I must…” His eyes narrowed and he breathed very heavily. “Quick! I have no strength…”
Maya ran out from chamber to almost his her cousin in doorstep. She looked on Sheik with scared stare and called.
“Quick. Go to him!”
Shadow’s son entered chamber and kneeled next to father, while crying wolfess exited the cave to meet crowd of her kins outside. They were waiting and Maya with terror noticed that on some muzzles that waiting was mixed with hope. “God! They wish uncle is dead already!” she sobbed silently. Her eyes turned to Tram, whose grieving appearance was clearly shallow as summer pool. Just next waited Rose – redfurred mate of Sheik with their pups, Max, Cher and Nina. Wolfess was barely repressing smile of pride, as if she already thought about herself as mate of new alpha. Maya turned her stare down with disgust and walked to the brink of forest. Tram caught her there.
“Maya, wait…” said Saba’s son. Wolfess stopped.
“It just…” started greyfurred wolf. “I understand what you are feeling… but let me help you.” He came closer. “I love uncle the same as you do.” Continued, putting much emotions in his words. In eyes of Maya old, cynical Tram disappeared. She heard real pain in his ask. “Just remember that I’m always here… We should stick together in times like this and…”
“He is dying, Tram.” Sobbed Maya and needled to cousin’s side.
“I know… but we must be strong.” Replied greyfurred.
And because she couldn’t see it then, he allow himself for a smile. In normal conditions, he had no chances for succession – group of his supporters was smaller than Sheik’s one and most of his allies was very passing lot. So only way for him to became an alpha… was to became a mate of alpha. “She is my cousin.” He thought. “Yet still… this is not so bad as was with mom and dad…” he added silently and smiled even wider. The future was laying at his paws.
Meanwhile in alpha’s chamber Sheik was crying. Last words of Shadow were melting his son’s heart with unspeakable grief. Wolf was barely responding to what he was hearing.
“I love you, my son.” Continued alpha. “And I know you love me. That’s why I have to ask you for something hard, but necessary.”
“Whatever you wish.” Answered his son. To his cry came a sweet awareness what was about to happen. Sheik was really crying over passing of his father, but the view of soon succession made those tears less burning.
“Sheik… I’m so sorry for asking you for that… but please, let Maya take my place.”
“Of course, father… FATHER!?” yelled shocked wolf. His expectation had been completely opposite.
“I’m sorry.” Said alpha and coughed again.
“But why… dad… I’m your oldest son and I was always loyal to you!”
“Please, Sheik, promise you won’t take a lead instead…”
“Dad, no! You are wrong!” said younger wolf with tensed voice. Suddenly he understood that grieving over deceased father is much easier than grieving over lost patrimony. “I will be your perfect successor…”
“Promise…” uttered Shadow, but that word was his last. Heart of old leader stopped.
“Dad… Dad!” called Sheik, both crying from sorrow and confusion. “No one heard it.” He though, nestling his muzzle in lifeless side of father’s body. “No one will know. I will say, I’m the new leader.”
But someone knew. Teele sent Istana just in case, but it happened to be quite a case. After Lightning’s death, old scout took a intelligence unit under her supervision and tried to continue her predecessor’s job – to watch over the clan. She send her best agent, subordinate most gifted in eavesdropping, young wolfess called Istana. However she didn’t know that Istana was not just her most trusted soldier, but also very good friend of Tram. And a secret that was meant to be known only by intelligence commander, could quickly became known widely.
Talbourne clan was at the peak of its power, yet never in its history it was also so close to fall.

Well, I will try to understand better this fanfic as soon as possible, but, from what I can see here, things are not exactly good. Well, probably Steele would be proud that his idea isn't dead, but let's hope it doesn't bring too much problems. As for the Talbourne clan... Well, it never got so close to fall, huh? Oh, well, let's hope things get at least stable.