Animation Source Forums

thx for feedback, althought I understand that following this story without reading RTW could be hard;)
But here goes the next part:

II. Of Puppets and Puppeteers

January completed his combat-pack and set off on next morning. Well – for most residences of Haven it wasn’t morning anymore, but sun had just raised. In mid December day started late, almost as late as future alpha used to wake up. But no one was hurrying him – it was a simple mission, in waiting for presentation.
Kaata was going too, what was heavily worrying January. First – presence of beautiful female was definitely spoiling the battle spirit of unit, or boost it, but in least valuable way – encouraging to stupid bravado, instead of rational acting. And of course there was also the second reason – whatever feelings wolfess had towards future alpha, she was still Varjo’s daughter. Not that January didn’t trust his intelligence commander, but he thought that if you allow your specops to search freely, they will get know everything.
On the contrary, wolfdog’s pack was enjoying Kaata’s company. Eleven soldiers of private January’s unit was marching along with wolfess flooding her with usual small-talk that young males flood young females in winter. But Kaata was more concerned about hybrid’s silence.
“Hey, alpha-gamma, what’s up?” she asked, nudging side of malawolf. “What kind of victorious campaign are you planning now?”
“Nearest talk with my mother.” Replied January.
Day was again quite sunny, yet frosty. Fierce frosts of December started last night – sky was cloudless and during dark hours temperature dropped to minus forty. Wolfdog imagines how hard was a duty of soldier on Reindeer Creek Line. Except of time when one was on hunting for companions, the main task of Packers was to guard the ford (ford was not exact term, when river was iced, but it meant the narrowest place between two areas of wide pools – there crossing creek was easiest and safest) and wait on such a frost for long weeks. And January willingly decided to join that duty.
“Mother?” asked surprised Kaata. “What do you mean?”
“She let me go too easily.” Explained malawolf. “As if she had something smart on mind, but I’m too stupid to get what it is.”
“Oh, no!” protested Kaata and licked January’s forehead. “Sir, you are not stupid…” she paused and finished with laughter. “And even if, you have advisor staff proper for intellectual work!”
January pushed Kaata with side and giggling wolfess hobbled to hit the side of Apu, walking just next to them. Whole unit replied with carefree laughter. January didn’t resist and smiled too, but then he noticed another Pack unit, walking in forest almost parallel to them.
“And they… who are them?” asked himself. Kaata had to hear that and replied instantly.
“Don’t recognise? It’s Ian’s lot.” She called louder. “You, secret agent, come here!”
Soon to January’s column joined six more wolves from RAIA. They were leading by lightfurred wolf of light constitution and strange walk. Four years old scout was hobbling a little, what was a remembrance after general injuries he suffered two years earlier. Born as Talbourne, he was – that detail was never fully explained – captured or saved by Steele and his reconnaissance unit, when they were scouting Home Valley Region. Taken to Haven, he managed to recover and joined to Pack’s military, from that time on serving faithfully to his new family. Because wolf was in some sense charge of Steele and after leader’s death he came under care of Ea, January treated him like a brother. However they didn’t see each other too much recently – as very good scout, Ian was still busy in RAIA.
“Good to see you, ma’am!” he greeted daughter of his supervisor. “Hi, Jan.”
Most likely only Ian used that diminutive – because it was so similar to scout’s name, if someone else call like that, no one about which Ian/Jan was about. Malawolf nodded on reply to friend.
“Again some secret op?” asked January, involuntary putting in that irony tone of real envy. He wished to join the heat of battle – it didn’t matter if as front-soldier or scout in deep recon. “Shadow’s assassination or what?”
“I’m terribly sorry, Jan, but I can’t talk about it.” Replied Ian honestly. “All I could say, is that we are to verify rumours about Shadow’s death. Perhaps it’s a bit too late for assassination.”
Both units – future alpha’s group and scouts – burst in laughter. Yet hybrid felt a bitter taste of defeat – he just missed an opportunity, as would never kill Talbourne alpha. Shadow was considered as a strong leader and whatever would come after him, he or she would be much less honourable adversary to cope with.
“Whatever, good luck anyway. To where you will accompany with us.”
“To further than Reindeer Creek. We cross it and go into peninsula.” January nodded.
Lightfurred scout saw all the thoughts displayed on muzzle of his friend. He know January too long for not to read some wants he wasn’t able to express in words. Somehow Ian felt even worse, as he couldn’t tell to stepbrother what was actual goal for his mission. “I promised it to aunt Ea and I will keep it. Sorry, Jan.” He thought and speeded up his hobbling steps.
*
Tenu was lying on main square in front of Home Cave. The world around him was flowing with dangerous speed, but general was relaxed. He knew wolves souls well enough to predict future chain of events. He understood on that moment he had not too much to do. He would be necessary later, but much depended on how Maya would do her job.
Fida and Ama were close as usual. Twin sisters, always ready bodyguards of general laid on his both sides, taking half-aware naps. If any sign of danger appeared, they would in seconds stand up and stand for their commander. It was their duty and reason to live.
They were almost mirror reflections of themselves – the same shapes and features, varied only by colour of coat. As Fida was all black, Ama’s fur shone with whiteness. Two beautiful females were four and almost since birth lived with and server Tenu. They were saved by his group of wanderers, before hoaryfurred joined Talbourne, in by this time they become most deadly guardians that general could desire. If something went wrong, Tenu estimated that Fida and Ama would match at least ten common soldiers of clan. Of course, it was just a distant possibility and commander preferred to avoid any conflict. He was really counting that Talbourne would be used to his quest.
“Are you sleeping?” asked hoary leader. They were, but on the quietest utter from Tenu’s mouth they always woke up not to lose any of his words.
“Sir!” reported twins at once.
“Easy, I’m just observing. Take a look, if you wish.”
He turned his muzzle to several uneasy groups of Talbourne wolves. Careful observer would notice in that – on first glance usual chats of clanners – possible cores of future claimants parties.
Day before it was a memorial after Shadow. The main speaker was – of course – Sheik, but it was meaningfully that he said nothing about succession. Alpha’s son felt too weak to announce his power – at least too weak yet. Fortunately for him, Maya made no action. She was really crushed by death of her uncle and she disappeared on almost full day, to came on memorial in last moment. What Tenu didn’t see - but he had sense of – she spent that night, crying by side of Tram. Saba’s son was whispering his cousin words of sympathy, but also words of fondness, carefully sensing possibilities of relationship with Maya. However Tram in person couldn’t plot, his followers were active. Rumour about Shadow disowning Sheik was already on the run, strongly extending group of Tram’s acolytes. Meanwhile Rose and her most trusted wolves tried to counter that story, but unexpected gossip suddenly levelled balance of claimants parties. All undecided clanners – Tenu estimated their number on about half of Home Valley population – were ready to support Maya, but that agitation had to be done very carefully. Hoaryfurred doubted if innocent wolfess was ready to enter the political battlefield.
“And what would we do, sir?” asked Ama, after Tenu finished his briefing.
“Not too much for now.” Answered general. “Just wait… in fact it’s would be better if the question is open for longer time…” He took a look around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. They were lying on open air and in noise of countless wolves words, it was unlike for anyone to hear what commander was about to say. “Girls, I’m hoping for a war.”
“You have one, sir.” Noticed Fida.
“I mean the real war!” snorted Tenu. “And I’m suspecting we will have the enemy at the gates soon.”
“Sir…”
“But it’s perfect.” Smiled wolf. “When the Pack hear about Shadow’s death and succession tensions, Aarre would be a moron if he not use the opportunity. They will strike the full scale assault, hoping that before that some of Talbourne would kill each other in civil war.”
“It sounds reasonable, sir.” Noticed Fida. “For them. But we…”
“Only with clear outside threat, we would be able to secure Maya’s succession… and my leadership in military matters. For failures on the front we will blame Teele and the stronger claimant. Then we will make some deal with Packers…” he involuntary tuned down his voice. After all he was talking about aims completely different from clan’s expectation. He wasn’t traitor – because he never swore to be loyal – but he understood that guiding Talbourne by deceit was the easiest way to achieve the score. The score known only by him and his friends. His real brethrens, so different from pride wolves of old regime. He, Tenu was a morningstar of the new world order!
Maya exited the pine-plant after hard night. He woke up in snow, alone. Tram went away earlier, leaving <sorry> mark on snow. She understood he was busy, yet she felt very wrong again finding herself alone. On evening Tram came to her, as earlier with soothing words and soothing touch. She needed his proximity, so he laid in snow, nestling to her side, recalling all the good days they had with uncle Shadow in the past. And that way she fell asleep.
On morning she woke up and with uncertain steps (she felt as if she froze that night) walked to main cave. She passed by several loud groups of wolves, chatting with tensed voice. She noticed as all order failed there. Only Teele, as long intelligence commander and Ami as respected field commander who happened to be in home on Shadow’s funeral, tried to somehow guide confused clan. Those two females organised hunts, extinguished several bursting quarrels, and generally tried to make and impression that somehow was still in place among Followers of Aniu. But it wasn’t. Maya was looking on two commanders with gratitude, yet she still felt no strength to help them in any way. Then she passed by Tanu.
“Good day, princess!” called general.
“Good… what?” asked a bit confused wolfess.
“Day.” Replied hoaryfurred. “That is lapse of time when we observe sun-originated source of light. Of course, above the Arctic Circle definition is a bit more complicated, but…”
“How did you called me?” asked Maya, tired by black sense of general’s humour.
“Princess.” Repeated Tenu. “I hope I didn’t offend you. I could call you emperoress, but only after conquering the Pack’s land. That term is reserved to ruler who had in his or her power many once independent and sovereign domains.”
“Cut this, sir.” Said brownfurred and came to wolf. She was tired and she sat in snow involuntary. Tenu smiled.
“Why? Can’t I call you my princess?”
“Please…”
“Don’t worry.” He interrupted. “I made my promises to your uncle. I will help you to get this lot’s respect. But not now. There are still possibilities…”
“I’m tired of that!” cried Maya. “I wish I were somewhere away from here. In Nome with grandparents… or anywhere else. But it’s… disgusting!” she pointed on another quarrel among Tram’s and Sheik’s acolytes. “Uncle is dead and they are… for what they are arguing?”
“Right, go rest.” Advised Tenu. He stood up and gently helped her to stand. Then pushed her into cave’s direction. “I let you know, when you are needed… to your clan, of course.” Maya went away with uncertain steps and general sighed. “What a pity… she is so innocent and sweet.”
Maya actually wanted to get to Alpha Cave, but she came across Sheik, Rose and their pups. She initially smiled, seeing stepbrother and trio of his children, but then she noticed harsh stare of Rose. Redfurred wolfess was looking on Maya as on rival and no courtesy talk would cover it.
“Oh, my God!” gasped Sheik, with genuine fear. “You look terrible… I mean… You look beautiful, but You seem to…”
“I slept outside.” Said brownfurred. “Just… happened.”
“Come one, go with us.” Ordered Sheik.
Maya for in that moment smiled. She always knew it! Her Sheik, best friend, cousin and stepbrother was whom he always had been. So was so caring and protective… When he nudged side of Maya guiding her to Main Caves Complex, she had no doubts about him. “Those are only stupid sidekicks, who say nonsense about him. He would never be envy about leadership. He cares about family… he cares about me.”
“Sweetheart, take her and pups home.” Said Rose. “I have few things to do. I will join you soon.”
“As you wish.” Replied Sheik, always listening to his mate. “Kids, let’s go.” And all five went to cavern’s entrance.
Rose stayed in place for the while, until pups, Sheik and her sister-in-law entered the chambers. Then she turned back and headed to Second Division Quarters. What was called so proudly, was simple a pine-plant with several dens and rock-cracks and was serving as a residence for Ami’s soldiers. Rose had no interest to Ami, but she wanted to talk with Black.
It happened that Black, Snow, Lake and other her friends from old pack were in the one unit of Second Division. Partially it was a coincidence, but Rose and her friends helped the fate. They all were from Stardust Pack, that two years earlier voluntary joined Talbourne. That way they got – instead of eradication – the new home and Rose herself also a mate, who happened to be son of Aleu. Redfurred wolfess loved her new family, yet she also loved the old one and trusted former packmates more than any other. And then – when she had a quest for trusted friends – it was obvious she picked her old companions.
“Hi, boss.” Said blackfurred wolf, called simply Black. He was a sergeant of Ami’s forces. “Hey, guys, Rose is here.” He called into deeper plant for rest of old Stardusters.
“Yeah, hello all.” Replied redfurred.
“So, are you big-boss already?” asked Snow with smile on his face. “When Sheik will be announced as a new alpha?”
“That is a difficulty.” Replied Rose. “He is not only one to the office. Tram is drooling to jump there too and Maya… eh, we have a problem with that two. But if something happens to Maya…” She quickly reported about all rumours and tension among clanners. They were listening and finally Black – most likely the brightest of them all – said.
“So… hypothetically… if Maya dies, that is almost certain that Sheik takes power… and you with him.”
“Exactly.” Nodded wolfess. “That is not only matter of me and our wolves… it about whole clan. Sheik will be the perfect leader…”
“But only with you by his side.” Threw in Lake, light redfurred male. Rose instantly hit him in forehead with paw.
“Shut up!” she gasped. “Maybe I’m helping my mate in some decisions, but after all he will be ten times better leader than Maya and million times better than Tram. And those two seem to plot with each other…”
“What?” murmured Snow. “They are cousins! Have Tram inherited… aaa… such inclinations after his parents?”
“I know they are in forth grade of consanguity…” said redfurred, then added louder. “Or actually in third and half… it’s really gross… but never mind. I will take care about unfriendly gossip about that degenerate. But you must take care of Maya.”
“E… permanently?” asked a bit shocked Lake.
“Lake, my friend.” Said Rose, nestling to side of wolf. “You know that Sheik loves his family. Whatever happened, however Maya would be a weak leader – she is Sheik’s cousin and actually she is like younger sister to him. They grew up together and they are very good family. He simply can’t order to kill her.”
“What a pity…” murmured Snow.
“However I can!” smiled Rose. “Sheik doesn’t have to know anything. Simply… you must find the way to lure Maya outside the Home Valley. The best would be a visit on the front. There you could easily simulate some accident, for example Pack’s attack or even premeditated assassination.”
“Wow! You’re really smart!” admitted Black.
“Perhaps that’s why I’m mate of future alpha.” She replied.
But it was not true. Rose genuine loved her mate and pups. She would do anything to secure they future and she was doing right that. She knew that Sheik would be too weak to run that plot, so she decided to help him out.
When she was returning to Alpha Cave, she was smiling and thinking only about Sheik in alpha’s office and about her pups, most likely Max, who would some day inherit the power after his father. She was ion those dreams too – but always aside, only in shade, however always with helping paw, ready to discretely push things in right direction.
“What a pity, Maya.” She thought. “You are such a nice girl… But life's not fair, is it?”
*
On the first glance pawprints on the snow are simply cold marks on white surface. But Istana was so skilled scout that she could read countless things out of trails. After terrifying night when Shadow died and scout heard leader’s last orders, Teele was really scared about life of her subordinate. She sent her to duties around Home Valley, to keep her away from the heat of political arguments. So young soldier was performing her safe, yet almost pointless new assignment, when she noticed something unbelievable.
Pack’s scout was infiltrating Talbourne land.
She followed the trail. In light of dying day it was hard to follow, but sharp eyes of Istana were helping her nose to read the story. And story was very interesting – chased enemy was running in strange way. He was hobbling, most likely because of some permanent paw damage, yet he was moving quite fast. He left small amount of traces, because he tried to miss his tail. But he was in too much hurry to do it properly.
Then Istana heard voices behind her. She turned back to see in light of raising moon a pack of guards from First Unit. She recognise some known-muzzles, so she waited for soldiers.
“Oh, you are from Teele’s division?” asked sergeant, looking on her. “You’ve noticed him too.”
“What does it mean? A scout so close to home?” she asked.
“We are chasing him almost from Buckland.” Replied sergeant. He waged his tail and his subordinates sat down, using the moment of break. “It was a unit of six, that we spotted near Bear Mountain. We almost got them… but they separated!” snorted soldier. “Their commander tricked us, and all five of scouts somehow escaped. We were chasing just leader, when those five most likely returned to the border. At least he battue him here, where he has no chances to escape.” Scout smiled. “Yes, he will see the Home Cave. From inside.”
Then Istana looked again on pawprints to see new, very enriched image. She recalled earlier memories and imagine the runaway. He was going with remnants of his strength. He was doing all he was able to give more time to his companions. They most likely ran straight to the border, while chief was luring chase deeper into it’s territory. He was marching restlessly, ignoring pain (Istana noticed a red mark of blood on the snow) and hopelessness of own situation. There was nowhere to run, or at least the direction of running should be opposite. But still – scout was going in wide arc, closing to Home Valley. He wanted to make sure his unit would escape.
“Poor rascal.” Whispered Istana, standing from snow. “And now we have to take him down…” She looked on securers. “Are you ready?”
They set off and found him just two hours later – there was no use that exhausted scout would outrun fresh unit of guardians. Istana was going with them and she as the first noticed lone silhouette under the starlit sky of winter night. Enemy was running, or better to say: marching on ice field of Northern Valley. Even from distance of over mile, his moves looked odd and desperate. It seemed that runaway perfectly know that enemies are just behind.
In wave that even she failed to understand, Istana rushed ahead. Some voice ordered her to catch that scout before guardians. “He will die.” Thought wolfess. “But at least I’ll make sure that brave rascal will die painlessly.” She outran security soldiers and entered the field.
Packer slowed down, but not because he heard his chase. He was simply out of his breath and Istana noticed more red dots on the snowlayer. She quickly made the distance and without slowing down pounced on brownfurred male. He fell down instantly, having no might to stand up against in mêlée combat. Both wolves rolled in snow few times, then Istana stood on paws and got to enemy. He stopped, lying on back – so he was exposing his throat, belly and all vulnerable parts she could sink her teeth into. “That’s good!” she smiled, but then runaway called.
“Wait!” his voice was shivering from exhaustion. “I give up!”
She didn’t understand the message. She still was coming with bared fangs, looking for neck of enemy. Meanwhile guardians got there too, marching just after Istana. Packer was looking on this with muzzle burning with emotions. He repeated, that time louder and more decisively.
“Wait! I surrender.”
Istana wasn’t especially bloodthirsty wolfess. Simply that message is very seldom heard on battlefield. During Pack-Talbourne War it was actuality never heard. So scoutess put her teeth on enemy’s neck and closed her eyes, clenching jaws. Then came an impact from left side. One of guardians simply threw her away.
“Stop it!” ordered sergeant Michael. “He surrendered!”
And then a icy wall broke and Istana understood what had happened. She stoop up from the snow and looked on runaway, who was encircled by six guardians. They stares met, but she turned it down with shame in her eyes.
“I… I…” she started.
“Crap! I’m a bit surprised to.” Said Michael. “But if he gave up, we won’t just slaughter him now. Let’s take him to lady Teele. That will be her problem.”
Prisoner was taken on sergeant’s back and with assistance of two guardians carrier set off in Home Valley direction. Istana stayed in place a moment longer, breathing heavily. Her adrenaline shock passed and she regained full control. Moon ceased to look red and just shove above her. Stars stopped to blink. All was normal so she ran to taken Packer.
“Hey, you… I’m sorry…” she called to exhausted wolf. It was impossible to say if he heard that, because his eyes were closed and in the same time he was panting loudly, maybe in own ears muffling all other sounds. From his mouth was dripping a streak of blood.
“All right, all right.” Replied guardian. “Let him go. I bet he will understand… when he is able too. For now he seems to be out of any consciousness.”
Prisoner moaned louder when Michael accidentally shook him harder. But except of that he made no other sound. So, perhaps for the very fist time on that war, Talbourne had a Pack’s prisoner.
And no idea what to do about it.

Egh! Too bad that no one is following. The real action starts here and – I hope – some touching stuff.

III. Prodigal Son

Not every family deserved on cavern on its own, but some more meritorious ones were given with smaller parts of Main Cave Complex. Flame and Ralph were one of those families, however she thought that after moving of their children, living in solid shelter was a great waste of clan’s space. But residing just next to HQ had the same number of advantages and disadvantages. Quick hearing of bad new was one of those second.
Ralph was commissioned once again. Flame considered it as highly unfair, however she said nothing about it to her mate. Ralph was a real grexot and re-entry to military he greeted with genuine satisfaction. In spite of his age – he was eight – he was considered as qualified to defensive duty. It was a cause of pride for brownfurred wolf.
But Flame looked on that from completely different perspective. She believed that her family had already contributed to the clan much more than it should. Mates had totally six pups. Aneke died in infancy, Ian had accident during Defence Team Qualification. Only Viin survived. From second litter one pup was born already dead (that was most likely caused by hunger that burst just after Bear Clan War), Boran made it, but died year before in battle with the Pack. Istana grew up to be strong and beautiful wolfess – yet she was serving in Intelligence – mother saw her daughter maybe twice a month and each time she was saying goodbye to her, she was almost sure it was a last time. Flame paid her tribute to Talbourne in most valuable currency – the blood. Then she had enough of that.
It happened that Ralph was sent to the same unit that Viin, so father and son were serving together. However it was a slight relief for Flame. Knowing the restless ambition of her mate and of her son, she knew they both with first opportunity would try to show their valour in the most dangerous way. Unit was already at full training routine, so Ralph was for the most time in military quarters.
Each time Flame was falling asleep – so often, alone – she was hearing voices of young soldiers from Alpha Cave sentries. In almost every such a utter she heard her poor Ian, who gave his life in attempt to enter Defence Team. Those wolves… - God! those were just a bit grown up puppies! – were the same. So avid to fight and so unaware of life’s fragility. Flame was crying often. Both over her lost children and those half-lost – on distance missions or ready to march away with spring offensive.
That night she awoke about two hour after midnight, hearing strange voices from behind the way. Someone was arguing, but doing it in whispers and careful utters, like it was a clan’s secret. They were talking something about wounded and prisoner. Each time Flame heard “wounded” she turned herself into one, great ear, trying to determine if that was about Ralph, Istana or Viin. That time when she learned that none of her family was hurt, she simply laid to sleep. Yet arguments from Main Cave didn’t stop.
“Crap!” gasped Mike, sergeant of first Unit, temporally appointed as sentry commander in Cave. “What the heck I should do with him?”
“Just wait for Teele.” Advised Michael. “I guess she would be interested with some real POW.”
“Lady Teele won’t be here in eight hours.” Replied sergeant. “After those crazy days she got a fever and she was taken to strict healing. I’m not authorized to wake her nor…”
“So call general!” snorted senior guardian.
That was odd suggestion, caused most likely only by Michael’s weariness and want to rid off the problem fast. In whole clan’s military was a great divide between Home Forces, including First and Second Unit, as well as Teele’s intelligence and Tenu’s Strike Force, including old Third and Fourth division with new formed units of general. Before Shadow’s death the system was running smoothly – First and Second Unit under Henry and Ami were focused on guarding the cave, occasionally giving some teams to Strike Force. Tenu was commanding about two hundred wolves in front line and using help of some guardians. All tensions in chain of command – and there were some, because mercenary was widely mistrusted by Talbourne wolves – were cooled by alpha himself. But when alpha was gone… actually no one knew if Tenu took over the whole authority over Talbourne Military or he maintained just command over his two Divisions. However when Teele was unavailable and case serious, wolves in Main Cave saw no other option except calling the foreign commander.
“No! wait!” Said Cayce – old, whitefurred sergeant of First Unit. “We will manage it. Just… Teele will decide, yet for now we will make sure he survive. Put them on those bedding and prepare something to eat.”
Guardians willingly subdued to their colleague. In spite there were two more sergeants – Mike and Michael, they both had nothing against being commanded by older wolf. Cayce was veteran of Uniea War, long-cadence sergeant, perhaps candidate for lieutenant soon. He was definitely ten times more trusted than mercenary general.
“Let me see him…” said whitefurred, coming closer to prisoner. Enemy scout was put on brushy bedding and two guardians laid next to, to warm him up. He started to show some signs of conscience and finally opened his eyes.
“Hey, you!” said Cayce, mixing in voice harshness with sympathy. “You are the prisoner of Talbourne Clan. Don’t do anything stupid, so we won’t hurt you, all right?”
“What… what?” whispered prisoner.
“It’s over.” Said Michael. “We caught you few miles north from here. You are in Home Cave.”
One of guardians put a piece of meat in front of scout. He started to eat fast, trying to make up for long time of fasting and enormous effort he had made. It took few minutes before he swallowed his portion then he looked on his keepers.
“Oh…” murmured brownfurred. “Wait!” he gasped with spark of fear. “And others?”
“Well. It seems that your trick worked.” Said Cayce. “We failed to intercept your unit. But we have you. Tell me, what is your name.”
“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo.” Replied prisoner with just one breath.
“What was your mission?” asked Cayce.
“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo.” Repeated Ian. “That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.”
“Crap!” gasped Mike. “We might have killed him and he still plays a hero! Let me…” started sergeant, coming closer to prisoner.
Ian covered his muzzle with paws, as if he was expecting a hit. Then he repeated. “I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” Cayce sighed heavily.
“Oh, you’re a stubborn boy…”
“Sir, let me soften him!” called one of guardians, but old sergeant just waged his tail with decline.
“Right, show me your muzzle.” Ordered whitefurred. “Go on, I won’t hit you… at least this time. So… put away your paws… God, are your muzzle is classified too?” Finally Ian uncovered his head and Cayce looked at him once again. Then sighed with amaze. “E... e… what was your name, again?”
“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” Introduced himself Ian.
“Ian, Ian…” repeated Cayce. “I swear I know you… but how? From where you are from?”
“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” Stated prisoner firmly, however he was ready to shield his muzzle again.
“Oh, never mind…” murmured Cayce and turned to exit. “We will talk with him when lady Teele is here. For now, just keep him in place.” He started to walk outside.
“Sir!” called Ian after him. Whitefurred stopped. “May I have one question for you?”
“You can question me whatever you want.” Replied Cayce angrily. “But don’t be surprised, if I reply you that I’m sergeant Cayce of First Unit.”
“Sir… are Flame and Ralph of Talbourne all right?”
Cayce gulped. He turned back to see the prisoner again. He looked carefully on his muzzle and in next moment he closed his eyes, recalling some ghost of the past. It was the same wolf – the same cadet that was killed during qualification round three years earlier. Son of Flame and Ralph. Ian of Talbourne.
“Will… get here mrs Flame. She lives in side cave, next to main exit.” Said slowly. Then he replied Ian. “Yes, they are fine. Are you our wolf? Son of Flame and Ralph?”
“I’m terribly sorry, sir.” Replied Ian with genuine expression of sorrow. “I’m not authorized to tell so much details to enemy. No offence, I mean.”
“Mike, let him go.” Ordered Cayce. Mike was still holding prisoner, pressing him to the ground. “I said: let him loose!” growled sergeant and younger wolf obeyed. Ian stood up, but he was still very weak. His paws were shaking and his sight was still dimmed with weakness. But he was able to stand by himself. “So… Ian.” Said Cayce. “I have many questions for you… but now I have to say: welcome home, lad.”
“I didn’t defect.” Noticed brownfurred. “I was taken here by a force.”
“You were taken, where you belong.” Said Cayce. Seeing that some confused soldiers, were still ready to tear prisoner apart, he added. “At ease! He is Talbourne wolf! We will soon explain how it happened he was in their army. Let him walk freely.”
“Sir!” said Ian decisively. “I gave no word that I won’t escape. I said I give up, but with possibility of interrogation, I would…”
“So what, my lad…” asked Cayce. “Will you escape?”
“E…” murmured brownfurred. “Actually… YES!” he called and slammed into Cayce’s side.
Perhaps his weary appearance was a trick, perhaps seeing the route of escape wolf regained his strength. But the result was simple – he pounced on whitefurred and overturned him, then jumped among guardians and using their total surprise, he made his way through. He pushed two soldiers aside and started to speed to the exit. It took over three seconds for Cayce to react.
“ALARM!” he howled. Then all guardians ran out from chamber.
Ian was in his hardest moment of life. He had to use all his muscles, but also all his brains. He was bruised, sleepy and starved (that small piece of meat, given by guardians was just slowly being digested), but he had to ran faster than fresh sentries of cave. Additionally, he was putting all possible mental effort to recall memories of Home Cave and it’s vicinity. If he wanted to escape, he had to know any route of his run.
He easily mixed with loose group of wolves on square, but then he heard Cayce, calling an order to stop hobbling runaway. He turned aside, leaving the open plain and entered the forest. He knew – or at least expected – that route was a dead end. Behind grove once were quarters of Second Unit, where alert had to get too. So Ian decided to choose the only possible way out – to freedom or to death.
He ran down, closer to gorge. One of Talbourne Creek’s tributaries was a fast mountain torrent, embraced with deep ravine. It was in that place about three metres wide – Ian hoped that detail hadn’t changed since his last visit… - a distance hard to jump over by crippled wolf. And then scout was also wounded and weak – the quest seemed to be impossible. The same as most tasks in RAIA-service.
He bounced from ledge and pounced into air. Giving whole might he could in hind-legs thrust and flew perfectly over five metres depth, aiming at snow-hang on the other side. It was unbelievable, but he made it. However, the snow under his paws did not.
Ian sensed that his ground quaked and ran down. For short while wolf was staying in the air and desperately trying to reach with front paws to solid rock. Then gravity claimed her beloved child and Ian set off to meet the cold surface of torrent.
*
Ian and Viin were almost two, what make them consider themselves as mature wolves. Father of course repeated that was too early, but brothers felt that under his denies there was a pride of his sons. So they volunteered to Shadow’s Team in secret, however sensing that Ralph was expecting that. That was just after Bear Clan War, so military was craving the fresh blood to replace casualties.
Mother was crying, hearing they sons applied. But father didn’t protest. So on appointed day brothers came to main square, as many of young wolves from clan. They hadn’t fixed that, but brothers split in crowd. They were brothers… and that’s why they had reasons not to be in one team while qualification started. They had been always competing – since early puphood. Even in so small family, where just two cubs survived, some hierarchy must be done. Ian was on the lower step of ladder and he hoped that qualification would change that and show parent he was simply better than his litter-brother. Yet neither Ian nor Viin wanted to stand against each other so early, and surely didn’t want to eliminate themselves by some initial fight. So they picked different teams…
That was a frosty day – blizzard was so severe that the Pack’s forces might come unseen to the Valley – under condition that Steele was so mad to set off in such a messy time. It was good moment for qualifications – for sure it was ready to eliminate all weaklings.
The quest of qualification was simple – to reach the set point before next evening and there win in skirmish-fights with other teams that made it too. But the main problem was to get to finish. The route was about fifty miles long, what made quite a run as for such weather conditions.
Ian took over his small-pack and lead them straight to he aim. Because he was especially motivated, he chose the hardest way, via Frosty Pass. What surprised and shocked him what that two more teams did the same and when they got to mountain passage, they discovered three lifeless bodies on the bottom of gorge. Ian gulped, but quiet enough for no one to hear.
“Crew! Onward!” he said and entered the frozen path.
Wind was blowing from north-east what was in the same time beneficial and dangerous. Path was going on north-west, so wind was simply pushing competitors to the rock-wall, somehow securing them from fall. But sooner or later wolves would cross surface sloped or slippery enough that even windy support was not enough. In that case unprepared youngster was just sliding down to the edge of ledge and then lower – to three dead bodies. Needless to say – that happened to Ian.
He never knew when he made a mistake. Simply he found himself sliding down, with no control about own moves. He just managed to think “I’m dying!” and imagine smiling muzzle of Viin who once again turned out to be the better one. Then all his misery was cut by meeting with frozen surface of snow and firn. He lost his senses.
His team passed that place with no future accidents. They reached Sunny Valley and there met Viin’s team. Second of brothers quickly took over orphaned unit and increased his forces to fifteen jaws. He got to the finish as the last, but thanks to superior wolfpower he beat all opponents and got first grade from qualifications. Meanwhile his brother was dying.
Ian awoke about three hours later, when blizzard was still raging on. He felt that his paw was broken and saw his companions left him to die. He tried to stand up, but he based on damaged limb. Pain was so rapid, that wolf again lost his consciousness.
When he awoke once again, he knew he was dying. Frost and hunger were quickly stripping his life-forces and there was no way to stop that. Unless… Ian crawled to body of nearest competitor and started to eat. He vomited three times, but finally ate enough to survive the sleep. Somehow he was still alive when the Pack came.
Steele noticed four bodies and decided to dine too. Perhaps not all of his soldiers shared that inclination to canine food, but commander was thinking rationally – if he feasted on carcasses of enemies, he could leave more hunted game to his subordinates. So he came to nearest body.
Body yelped with fear.
“Wow!” smiled malamute. “Talk about hot meat!” But then he looked in terrified eyes of Talbourne. “Oh… you are a reject of qualification? You prefer to finished off or saved?”
Ian didn’t believe that he would be saved. From all war-logic he knew it came to: kill or be killed. He was unable to kill Packer, so he should be eliminated. The same as he had been eliminated from Shadow’s Team. Crying with dry tears and cowed in coil, trying to gain at least some time, before enemy would tear his throat.
“Aarre!” called Steele. “We are actually done with recon. Tell me – would we be able to get this lad out of gorge.”
“Sir?” gasped S.I.C.
“I don’t want to know your feeling about it, but estimation of odds.” Said commander. “Would we?”
“Perhaps… fifty-fifty I would say.”
“So: go! Put him on my back.” Before Ian would asked why he was saved by enemy after being sentenced for death by his brethrens, he lost consciousness again.
*
He awoke some time later in small rock-crack. Giant malamute was lying next to him and portioning meat. Ready pieces he was putting just in front of wolf. Ian recalled how he was hungry. He looked on his saviour.
“Yes, that is for you.” So brownfurred started to eat.
After few more minutes he also stared to think. What was that all about? What happened? And most important: “Why?” he whispered with weary voice.
“Good question, boy.” Said malamute. Ian recalled that dog was called Steele and he was the commander of mysterious Pack with which Talborne was wagging the war. “By the way: what’s your name?”
“Ian…” sighed wolf.
“So, Ian… I guess you were rated as useless for you military. And to be honest – now you are. The paw will never fully recover.”
“Sir, you are…”
“I’m fighting Aleu, not some her impaired sidekicks.” Replied dog.
“What will be with me?” asked wolf.
“In fact Home Valley is about twenty miles from here.” Said Steele. “We must go back, but we could left you some meat. You would stay here, rest for few days and when blizzard is over – safely return home. But…”
“I’m dead there.” Noticed Ian. “They left me, because I failed. I’m cripple. I can’t go back.”
“So what!?” asked Steele in incomprehensible impulse. “Should I take you with us?”
Wolf turned his eyes to muzzle dog and was looking in his blue pupils for long while. Malamute read many of thought that were flowing under face of youngster and was almost hearing cry of broken heart. Ian lost his home and old life.
“Should I take you with us?” repeated Steele automatically.
“Would you, sir?” asked Talbourne wolf.
*
Cayce was determined to catch the runaway for the second time and first time on his own behalf. He saw as scout was speeding in plant, then he followed his logic and quickly discovered his plan. He ordered to guardians.
“Follow me! To the creek!” and ran ahead.
If prisoner jumped across gorge he was out of the inner sentries range. Of course outer guardian would most likely intercept him, but whitefurred sergeant wanted to do it himself. But Cayce was almost sure that Ian was too weak even to exit the Home Valley.
He had right – they found scout, knocked down and floating in creek. Whitefurred curse and entered water. He wished to wait for some younger soldier to do that job, but he noticed that Ian was in the middle of drowning and hurry was rather suggested behaviour. He grabbed runaway with his jaws and took him to the bank. Brownfurred coughed with wet breath, showing all he was still alive and interrogate-able.
“Oh hell!” thought sergeant, carrying prisoner back to cave on his back. “That incident won’t come unnoticed. We have to report it to Tenu.”
Soon he put his load back on bedding on Main Cave Hall and ordered two soldiers to warm POW up. Then he was out of ideas. “Ian, Ian… what I should do with you?” he asked himself. Then he looked on Will with hope in his eyes. “Hey, have you told it to mrs Flame?”
“Well, I didn’t tell her who it is, but I asked her here.” Said young guardian. “She will be any minute.”
“Good, that’s good.” Said Cayce, while thinking intensively.
How it could happened? Ian died almost three years earlier in qualification to Shadow’s Team. There was really small probability that he survived and even if the product with odds that he join the Pack was unbelievable small. However it happened. Cayce was just a sergeant, so he knew he couldn’t understand it himself. But then he recalled one thing. That day, after competition three years earlier, some of scouts asked him:
“Sir, we have over ten M.I.A.s. Shall we send a searching team?”
He looked on cloudy sky and replied. “No, useless. And besides… what for?”
With that memory he was sitting next to Ian with no idea what to think.
*
Flame entered the chamber about quarter later and looked on motionless body on brushy bedding. It took just one second for her to recognise features of unconsciousness prisoner. She ran to him and kneeled just before. She cried with purest amaze and overwhelming sense of guilt.
“My son!”

Well, sorry for not being following that story, but I still didn't read all the necessary ones to understand it completely. Whatever, I can say that for now, things seem to be getting complicated. I promise to catch up as soon as possible.

Ograndebatata, don;t worry with new chapters. I just have to put it published, before I publish in gallery.
*
But if someone is fully aware following this: finally the plotting starts

IV. Forgotten Past

January was again small pup.
At least he thought he was, because he was seeing father. Steele was standing over his lying son and telling his about something that malawolf couldn’t understand. In those times January was totally lost – he wasn’t sure if father was praising him, cheering him up to his mission or his speeches are full of reproach and disappointment. Each time he heard his voice, he tried to focus of those words, but always failed.
That time was similar, however January thought he was closer than anytime to understand Steele. He observer lips of father, trying to read from its moves. There was something about danger, but January guessed that was a common theme in wartime. Then was something about prisoner and warning. And then…
And then the dream was over. Malawolf awoke in plant next to Raindeer Creek, aside of his combat pack. Apu and others were still asleep – and it was quite natural, because it was still dark. But when future alpha noticed that Kaata was not there, he stood up and set off to Kova.
Kova was commanding the forces of Creek Division. She was an old Steele’s companion from earlier times of the Pack. Then she became a alpha-beta and in fact second in command after Aarre. When greyfurred was directing the war from strategic perspective in Haven, brown female was main field commander. That morning – or it was still late night – she was sitting just on small hummock over Raindeer Creek bank, observing it’s frozen surface with her staff.
There was also Kaata, telling something to officers, but also… January sighed with surprise. He recognised Toima, Kunto and three others soldiers of Ian’s pack, but there were no Ian in person. January ran on the hummock, stopping before gathered wolves.
“Hello, aunt!” greeted Kova. “Hi, Kaata.” Then looked on Toima. “Hey, are you back already? Where is Ian?”
“Sir…” started scout. Then January noticed that soldier was exhausted, had a nasty scratch of his side and swollen paws. Malawolf felt a freezing wave on his back, when Toima looked with uncertain stare on Kova.
“January…” said commander with unexpected softness in voice. “Ian… hasn’t returned. They split…”
“What!?” cried malawolf and jumped to Toima. He almost bite her in side, yet stopped just in front of her wound. “What do mean by…”
“Sir…” she sobbed with sorrowful voice. “It was an order! We didn’t want to leave him, but he told us to… We were surrounded and traced… And Ian said it was the only way… He ordered us to wait, while he went further, making a false trail…” January steeped back, seeing as scout was genuinely touched and feeling guilt. He wanted to say something to stop that confession, but she continued. “So he went… We waited few hours and set off to border as he ordered us.”
“All right, don’t cry.” Said January. “I believe you did exactly what he wanted you to do. But tell me, where he went as a decoy? We must find him and…”
“To Talbourne Creek Valley.” Said Toima and again burst with tears.
“Oh, my God!” gasped January. “Show me on the map!”
On hill over creek there was a map-model in snow. Steele taught his soldiers to use many of human ideas and maps were one of them. So – especially in winter, when snow allow to make such a craving easier – Packers used that way to set battle plans and indicate enemy’s presence. One of best and most detailed maps was on the peak of Reindeer Hill, from where enemy’s forces on the other bank could be seen and required changes on model made quickly.
“There.” Pointed Kuinto, darkfurred member of Ian’s team. He showed a point deep in enemy’s territory, in foot of Seward Range, about hundred miles from Reindeer Creek and about sixty miles east from Talbourne Home Cave. “He said, he would try to breach further, to give us more time.” Added Kuinto.
“Deer’s drooping!” cursed January. “Why the hell have you gone that far!?”
“Oh, sorry, sir.” Replied scout automatically. “You still aren’t alpha-alpha, so without permission of sir Varjo I can’t…”
“Never mind.” Snorted January, but he looked on Kaata. “You father will have to have a word with me… But not now: Apu, prepare our pack. We’re coming there. Kaata, pick some not-so-suicidal route for us, to the last point that Ian was seen. Try to avoid human seats and…”
“SIR!” called Kova with harsh voice. “January, what the heck are you doing?”
“Isn’t that obvious?” asked malawolf. “I’m going to find him… or retake him.” Then he turned his stare down. “Or confirm he is…”
“January!” repeated Kova forcefully. “I won’t let you go on such ridicules trip. It’s almost hundred miles into Talbourne and…”
“I don’t ask you for permission, aunt.” Interrupted her malawolf. “I’m simply going, because the Pack leaves no one behind.”
“Sure, I won’t let you stay behind.” Said brownfurred commander. She wagged her tail and two her soldiers stepped closer to wolfdog with clear intention to stop him in place.
“Apu! Tulo!” called Januray, when he noticed that. Two wolves stood up, baring their teeth. “Toima, Kunto.” Added future alpha, knowing that scouts would do anything to free their commander. Two Kova’s soldiers looked on alpha-beta with uncertain stares. “Are we going to bid, aunt?” he smiled with bitter smile. Then ordered top everyone. “We are going to search for Ian. Don’t report it neither to Aarro nor to my mother and…”
“Too late.” Said Kaata. “I’ve forwarded to lady Ea.”
“What?” gasped January. “And you, Kaata…”
“Sorry, January, but I had to.” Replied silverfurred.
“You mother has already replied.” Threw Kova in. “She strictly forbade you to go with rescue mission.”
“I don’t believe in that!” growled January. “Ian grew up with us. She loves my mother as if she was his actual parent and I can’t believe she would allow us to leave him.”
“She forbade to search him behind the enemy’s lines, but…” said alpha-beta. January looked on her carefully. “She gave her conditional permission to check if there is any possibility for POW-transfer.”
“What?” yelled Apu. “We do not negotiate with Talbourne!”
“We haven’t done that yet… but this is emergency.” Said Kova calmly. “Lady Ea want Ian back and is ready to pay the price of retaking him.”
“But it’s unthinkable!” snorted Apu. “We don’t negotiate with Talbourne because of very basic reasons! If we admit they are clan, not just a gathering of wolves, we gives them field in diplomacy! Our recent doctrine of not acknowledging existence of Talbourne as organization…”
“…is right.” Interrupted Kova. “But at this moment unfortunately impossible to carry on. If you want Ian back, we must talk with them.”
“*******…” whispered Tulo.
“If that is the only way to get him back…” said January. He looked on Kaata and she nodded. “Right, so what mother said?”
“She allowed on negotiations, but under few conditions.” Said silverfurred. “She want it to be dealt on the highest possible level. I mean we will talk with alpha or someone in temporally charge of alpha.”
“They have a problem with that.” Noticed Apu.
“So we will accept any children of Aleu, Dash or Saba that is appointed by their HQ. But we can’t aim lower. We must talk with some real authority.”
“Right.” Nodded January. “But I guess if they put their big-heads into case, they also could expect us to send someone important. Haven’t my mother thought about that?”
“She want you to do it.” Explained silverfurred
“Wow.” Smiled January. “I feel flattered and flooded with trust.”
“I guess when you are negotiating you are not fighting.” Noticed Kaata. “That was probably one of main reasons for lady Ea.”
It was, but not only. Kaata was an intelligent wolfess, used to fast and large political thinking. She knew that if January entered the diplomacy pacting with enemy it would be meaningful for both sides. For four years of war – in times of Steele and after his death – the Pack refused to have any negotiations with Talbourne clan. Simply – it never admitted that Talbourne was one organization. Steele created the Pack as defenders of Old Order, the institutions of pack and family. Malamute used to say that Talbourne didn’t exist – it was not being, but a crack of being – pure gathering of absurd and impossibility. He simply denied Talbourne and considered it as ill even in most basic, ontological sense. That had a serious consequences – no diplomacy dealings between sides of conflict. Also it caused that almost never prisoners were taken. There was simply no way to trade with them. Those unfortunate soldiers who were caught, were killed or quickly retaken by their companions before execution.
But changing that meant much. Somehow the Pack was softening its course – talks with enemy was indirect admitting that the other side had a right to existence. But there was other, perhaps even greater consequence of that, in the Pack itself. January was to became de iure head of his clan. He was about to speak in name of whole Pack, what was unthinkable earlier. Steele’s principle of denying any form of wolf-state was seriously twisted. And Kaata knew something more – Ea never fully shared dreams of her mate. She preferred to see her son as a head of clan-like empire over whole Alaska, as of the Pack became simply the new and better Talbourne. Making January – even temporally – officially political (not only military) head of coalition in fact was making her desires closer to come true.
“Dad wouldn’t do it.” Murmured January. He wasn’t aware of all consequences of own decision, however he sensed some dangers. “But still, we have to save Ian. Right, I will carry out those negotiations. So, pack! Let’s go!”
“Wait!” yelled Kova. “You said that you…”
“I will talk with them.” Interrupted malawolf. “My mother forbade me to search for Ian, but she ordered me to organize a prisoner-trade. So I’m doing it now.”
“But where…”
“How many POW we have in stock?” asked January smiling. “I must collect few in order to have any stake to gamble. Mom said she doesn’t agree on trek to Home Cave. But I’m sure she has nothing against a small foray.” Then son of Steele turned back and set off to prepare his pack.
Officers and Kaata were looking after him for some time, then alpha-gamma Wiker waged to scouts to go to sleeping quarters. On peak of hill soon stayed only Kova and Kaata. They were looking on January as he was preparing his wolves to march out.
“We aren’t prepared for that.” Noticed Kaata. “Father hadn’t given me any forced to watch over him and…”
”Kaata, my child.” Interrupted her Kova. “He is warrior himself. He doesn’t need a pupsitting anymore. He will be fine.”
“I hope…” murmured silvefurred with uncertainness in her voice. “But except of that problem all else is going unexpectedly smoothly. Exactly as lady Ea and my father have predicted.” She smiled with pride, but after several seconds her merry expression died. She was well aware what that meant for her.
*
Maya was walking thought square in front of Main Cave, passing countless wolves waiting there. Tram was at her side, as for the most time in last few days. Her cousin stayed always close to her, giving her at least some partial comfort and self-confidence. But she also was hearing strange voices and strange sentences, always told with whisper and often cut in half.
“That degenerate… inbreed.” Was whispering crowd, discretely looking on Tram. Of course when Saba’s son turned his stare on it, whisper stopped, but soon after it sounded again. “And he want to take his cousin as a mate, to carry on that wicked habit of his parents.”
But in nameless gathering of wolves she also heard another utters, about Sheik and that he was rejected by father. It was partially true, because Shadow didn’t wanted his son to take a lead after him. But in core that was a lie, because old alpha died, assuring his child he loved him. Maya was sick of those mistaken rumours and couldn’t understand that Tram smiled many times, hearing about Sheik’s argument with father.
“Just ignore it.” Said to Maya, although he was listening himself carefully. “They always talk like that.” It was early afternoon after strange alarm in Valley, when ones said that guardians caught a spy in Home Region.
That “spy” was still guarded in side chamber of Main Cave. Teele was yet unable to take him over, so she just sent there four intelligence wolves to guard over him. Tenu got known about strange guest and announced he would interrogate himself. No one was happy about that, but mercenary’s will couldn’t be ignored. But for a while Ian was still unconscious, lying in cave. Just next to him was waiting Flame.
First sign of awareness prisoner gave just before the dusk. He moaned heavily, most likely after pressing damaged joint. It wasn’t any actual fracture, but fall to river wasn’t the best caress for brownfurred. He hit in one of boulders in creek’s bed with front-right paw, that damaged one. It held, but knee-joint was swollen. That pleased Cayce, because then POW had no strength to escape.
When Flame heard her son’s moan she raised he head and gently licked his ear. Wolf was slowly awaking and finally whispered with dreamy voice. “Mother…” then he opened his eyes.
“Ian, my dear…” uttered wolfess with voice shivering with emotions.
“Mother…” said scout, slowly coming back to senses. Then he seemed to recall what had happened. “I… I…” he muttered and recoiled back from mother’s hug. „Mother...” said with rigid, official voice. “I’m a prisoner.”
“Son… I… can’t believe I’m seeing you.” She said, looking on his surprised. “Aren’t you happy to see me?”
“I am, mother…” said POW with voice that was suggesting something opposite. “But I’m a Pack’s soldier.”
“You are my son…” said Flame.
“Sorry, mother.” Replied scout. “Your son died that day in Team’s Qualifications.”
Flame closed her eyes, then two tears escaped from under her eyelids. She crawled closed to Ian and in spite he stayed tensed, he she hugged him again. She started to whisper with shivering voice.
“I’m so sorry, my dear… We thought you were dead. If we had a slightest idea that you may have survived we would looked for you day and night. But it was miracle. Miracle that you survived and returned to us.”
“Mother…” said Ian with embarrassed tone. “You don’t understand… I’m a Pack’s soldier. I was captured while I was on mission here. I’m… the enemy.”
“But how?” she exclaimed. “How did you survived… and why haven’t you return earlier?”
“Mother…” started Ian. “You must understand that… that your son is dead. He died three years ago. I’m from the Pack.”
“But… what are talking about… You are my son!” she cried.
“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” Said scout, trying to stand up. But his wounded paw kept him down. However he again backed from his mother’s embrace.
“How it happened?” sobbed Flame, and even she wasn’t sure if she asked how Ian survived or how he had changed on that way.
“I’m terribly sorry, mother.” He replied. “I can’t tell you. The Pack is at the state of war with Talbourne. You are Talbourne.”
“Am I enemy? Your enemy?” she asked with breaking voice.
“Well… no.” replied Ian with hesitation. “Yet still you are Talbourne. I’ve made my oaths to keep any information that Talbourne could use against us in secret.”
Cayce was listening to that conversation form doorstep of chamber, so he missed some details, but heard main part. He came to wolfess and prisoner and looked on them. He had no idea what to say, but started anyway.
“Ian… that’s your mother here.”
“I know that, sir. Yet she still should remember I’m from Pack.”
“You are Talbourne!” cried Flame.
“Why can’t you tell her, what she is asking about?”
“She could forward it to some militarywolves. Like you, sir.” Noticed Ian. Then seeing uncertainness on muzzle of sergeant, he asked. “But if you could promise me you won’t use my mother in interrogation… and you, mother, promise you keep this knowledge to you… of course, I will speak freely.”
“Cayce, please…” whispered Flame.
“I don’t know if I could…” started whitefurred, but seeing quivering lips of wolfess he added. “Right, I’ll be in next chamber. I won’t force your mother to tell anything.” He turned to Teele’s guards. “May we wait outside?”
“Sir, lady Teele could be furious about that deal.” Noticed Missi, one of scouts.
“She doesn’t have to know.” Said Cayce, leaving the room.
Flame stayed alone with her son. Ian was still heavily sleepy after his injure, but yet aware of all around him. He was looking on exiting soldiers with surprise, then turned the same amazed stare on mother. He said slowly.
“I’m terribly sorry, to behave like that. I beg you to understand that now I have my duties to the Pack.”
“Son, you are home now.” Said Flame. “You can drop it.” He shook his head, so she changed the topic. “How it happened? How you survived.”
“I was rescued by sir Steele.” Flame gasped, hearing name of Talbourne arch-enemy. Even dead, malamute was invoking emotions. “I fell from ledge, while we were passing. Sir Steele was on recon nearby, so when our qualifications teams went away, he took me east.”
“No one helped you?” asked shocked Flame.
“No… mother… you know how it works. To eliminate the weak ones. I was… eliminated.” Said Ian. She just touched his muzzle with paw, stroking gently. “You should remember that you are speaking with death one.”
“You are still my son.”
“Ask dad and Viin… what they think about Pack prisoner.” Said scout. Flame narrowed her eyes and he continued. “As far as I know, they are in front unit. And my sister I never know is already in intelligence. Oh, sorry.” He smiled. “I know I’m asking many questions. But it’s a habit of serving in recon. By the way… I heard about my two brothers too, Boran and Sean. I never knew them too… but I’m sorry mother.”
“Ian, please… return to us…” whispered Flame.
“That’s not so easy, mother.” Said carefully prisoner. “First of all I’m capture and I guess that vast majority of clan treats me as the enemy. The second think is I don’t want to… I was living with the Pack… I’ve made friends… no, more than friends. Sir Steele died soon, but lady Ea… aunt Ea raised me along his her son, January. I love the Pack, I love my friends – Kaata, Tulo… in fact there is even one girl…” he smiled to himself. “Her name is Toima… God!” he gasped. “I guess all they survived, but them must be scared to death about me!”
“Son… you said you are from the Pack… you have a family there…” started Flame quietly. “And you love them.” He nodded his head. “But does it mean you… don’t want to have anything to do with us?”
“I don’t want to have anything to do with Talbourne, that’s sure.” Said Ian. But then he noticed as Flame was crying. “But mom… you are… mom… I love you. I always loved you…” Said and gently licked her forehead.
Cayce gave his word. However Teele did not. She was waiting in next chamber with four guards and Istana, listening to what scoutess said, repeating eavesdropped talk. She wanted to get know everything about strange prisoner and keep it for her exclusively. However that was impossible, because what old agent didn’t know was that one of her soldiers was Rose’s cousin, the second was supporting Tram and third one was subordinate of general Tenu, sent to spy on Teele. Fourth scout was loyal and trusted, but in fact it was moderate consolation after high probability that Teele’s secret was about to become everyone’s secret.
“What? What he said?” asked old agent with inquiring voice.
“Ma’am…” sobbed shocked Istana. “It’s my brother and…”
“Does that affinity makes any problem for you to understand him?” asked Lighting’s pupil.
“No, ma’am, but…”
“We must know what’s going on here.”
She was very wise wolfess. She knew that as an adversary she had a mastermind of Varjo and is on war happened something odd, most likely the answer was simple, yet covered by RAIA’s commander. She sniffed a trap there – it was so unlike that Ian was captured by accident. Sharp mind of brownfurred commander was building countless hypothesis “what if” scout of Pack let to capture him willingly.
*
On the next dawn her suspicions were fuelled by the new fuel.
On Reindeer Creek just another silent day of two hours before midday lone wolf from Pack’s side entered the ice and howled.
“Shut up!” called some voice from Talbourne bank.
“Hey, you!” shouted Apu. “Bring here your commander!” For a while the second side was silent, then the same voice answered.
“Are you nuts?” asked private Hilik from Third Unit. “What for? Are going to defect?”
“No, but we are going to kill you, if you don’t bring someone important here.” Replied Packer. “We have an offer for your HQ.”
Hilik wanted to return taunt, but what he heard really puzzled him. He looked on two guards keeping sentry with him, then he set off to find lieutenant Taivot, in charge on that outpost. The first thread of contact was plaited.

V. Princess of Alaska

In week after Shadow’s death the situation became a bit clearer. Of course – not easier, but at least almost everyone knew on what swamp the clan was stomping on. Divisions among wolves were already set. About one fourth of Talbournes wanted Sheik as the new alpha. About that, maybe a little less, preferred Maya to lead the clan. Tram had shorter base of followers, not more than sixth part of clanners, but if that group was joined to Maya’s supporters… Rose shook her head, trying to rid off the mournful thoughts. The point was that over one third of Talbourne was waiting, without showing any affiliation. Those could be eventual upholders of Sheik, however the case had to be played wisely.
Rose left her pups with mate as soon as she heard about Pack’s ultimatum. Enemy took five prisoners and – instead of killing them, as they used to – they simply offered exchange for Pack’s scout called Ian. Redfurred sensed something wrong with that idea, however she couldn’t sniff for plots among enemies, because she already found several among allies. January, son of Steele, demanded a meeting with alpha or temporally wolf-in-charge of clan. And Rose got late for few minutes. Tenu already proposed Maya, as “compromise candidate”. He argued that daughter of Dash would go not as future alpha, but the “lady of trust”. Initially Rose was furious about that, because whatever Tenu was saying, Maya’s service in clan’s diplomacy was meaningful anyway, but then she was enlightened. Maya will go on mission. And Maya will not return.
Redfurred came to Second Unit’s quarters, but she met Lake already on path. Wolf and wolfess weren’t related, although they look similar. Lake’s fur was lighter, yet tone of red was painting it in akin way. And judging of behaviour, soldier was acting like younger brother of Rose. Seeing her wagged his tail with joy, ran to her, bowed his head, but then backed to serious expression of muzzle and said quickly.
“Did you hear the news?”
“Maya and prisoners?” asked Rose and instantly nodded.
“So… is that it?” whispered soldier. Wolfess understood that her packmate already learned of her intentions.
“Could you do it?” she inquired. “But in way that all will take it as the Pack’s work.”
“If something happens on the front it is the Pack’s work.” Replied Lake. “Just… trust us. Soon Sheik will be the sole claimant.”
“Right… sure…” said Rose. “Lake… I’m… I’m go grateful for what you are doing…”
“I bet.” Smiled wolf. “We are pack, after all. Soon the banner of Stardust will fly again!”
“You bet, bro!” laughed Rose. She came closer to soldier and licked his forehead. “But… you know… be careful. You know, no one must know…”
“I know the drill.” Replied Lake. “If something goes wrong, we won’t say a word about you nor Sheik.”
“What?” she gasped. ”Don’t even say like that. It’s easy job, but just… be careful.” Then she added with quiet voice. “But if something goes wrong, be sure I won’t leave you. We are pack, after all. Raise together or fall… But it won’t happened.”
Lake wagged his tail and turned back to run to quarters. Rose stayed a while on path, calculating all circumstances. She really was uneasy about her packmates on assassination mission, however that was a risk she couldn’t avoid. She always was thinking two steps ahead, so she even had a emergency way of getting her friends out of trouble. Tenu was the most dangerous adversary in run for power, but in some way he was the one easiest to eliminate. He was the alien, outcast, mercenary after all. Rose knew the way to turn clan’s anger against general, however it was just a last resort. She needed the genius commander later, when Sheik took his power. In spite of everything, there was a war to win and Rose – aware of her talents in many fields – admitted that military strategy was not her sharpest fang.
*
Tenu was excited and happy. He was unable to express it on his muzzle, so he must show those feeling with whole body. His face seemed to be carved in granite, always sharp, suspicious and bright, deadly focused. Even when he was smiling, simple barring his teeth could be took rather as threat than sign of contentment.
So he was pacing in front of Maya, coming three metres ahead and going back. In the same time Fida and Ama had to walk twice the distance, to constantly be at sides of general, slightly before him in best bodyguarding position. Maya was looking on it with amazement.
“Must you going with him that way?” she asked, but was ignored.
“I didn’t ordered them. It’s just a habit.” Said Tanu.
“Sir, I’m asking Fida and Ama.” Noticed Talbourne princess.
“Good luck!” smiled Tenu, however – as we already noticed – his smile was hard to describe as a friendly one. When for another minute wolvesses didn’t answered, brownfurred sighed and said.
“All right, general. So you tell me: why they are walking with you that way?”
“As I explained. That’s a habit. But don’t worry, in case of emergency Ama’s priority is to protect you.”
“Could you… sent them aside for a while?” asked Maya. Two guardians looked on princess with disbelief in their eyes. “Just for a while. I want to talk.”
“Why can’t we talk with them here?” asked Tenu. “I guarantee theirs discretion.”
“But… maybe I want talk about a private matters?”
“Private? To promote?” asked mercenary. But after second thought he added. “Oh, private matters… well, sure if I have any of my own.” Finished with smile. “And if you want ask me about your problems, there is limited probability I would help. Sorry.”
“And that’s your problem.” Murmured Maya, then added louder. “I insist.”
Tenu said nothing, just wagged his tail, hushing all protests of bodyguards. They went out from Maya’s chamber, leaving her and mercenary alone. Brownfurred was looking on general for longer while in silence, then said.
“I have many question about you. But first one is most important for me. Why are you doing it?”
“As I said: I didn’t ordered them. They wanted to perform that funny parade themselves.”
“Why are you helping me? Why are you executing my uncle’s last will? Why are you fighting with us against the Pack?”
“My lady.” Smiled Tenu. “Those were three separated questions. The answers are totally different. However connected.”
“First one, please.”
“I’m helping you, because that was request of your uncle.” Seeing she wanted interrupt him, he added. “And I’m fulfilling that request, because it is the best for the clan’s purpose.”
“So, now tell me, why have you joined our fight?” she asked.
“Perhaps that you were who joined me.” Smiled general. Then he sat down in front of Maya and started to talk. “Many times I heard that your clan follows Aniu. Of course… numerous pack of the North are following that deity, but you consider yourself as some kind of chosen nation, clan of her beloved children. I think that belief has countless advantages. It encourage you to action, keeps clan in unity and above all else it creates the wolf society I really admire, the gathering of equals and solidary. However your religion had one, yet quite a flaw. It’s fake.” Maya gasped with anger. “Simply – Aniu does not exist. If she were real, I would be the first to bow to her and her laws. However she is just a myth, as well as Shade, Light, Ancient Homeland, White Wolves in the blizzard, Altar of Origin and such a fairytales. But one things in that load of sweet lies is true, even truest than you expect.”
“I don’t want to hear it.” Said Maya.
“It’s the Aim.” Continued Tenu. “I mean the idea that you calls <the Peace of Aniu>, when all wolves of Alaska, maybe all wolves of the world would be united in one clan, with no war, arguments and exploitation of wolf over wolf. The paradise. However I believe… yes, there is one thing I believe. We could be saved this way not someday and somewhere in heaven, but here and now. And if now – tomorrow and not too far. I have a dream where all wolves of world are living in peace. But not peace forced by tyranny of packs, hierarchy and submission, but real peace, based on equality and brotherhood. With no big brothers, of course. In my heaven we all are twins!”
“Sir…” whispered Maya, looking on him with extended pupils. “But… but… you are follower of Aniu. You just repeated in what we all believe.”
“So, you have your answer.” Smiled mercenary. “I want to achieve Talbourne’s dream. I don’t care about Aniu and all the rest of dead ghosts, so I haven’t joined the clan. But I’m faithful to the Aim and that I will give my best to guide you all at least few steps closer.”
“Oh… sir…” whispered brownfurred.
“And there are serious reasons for me to consider you as the best possible leader of clan. Now you know all you wanted.”
“No, not yet.” Protested Maya. “May I have a private question?”
“Of course you may, my princess.” Said Tenu, smiling. “But because I have no private answers, my reply will most likely not satisfying you.”
“Why haven’t you a mate?” she asked. “Or maybe you once have one and…”
“Look on me.” Smiled mercenary, coming closer to her. He stopped just before and looked in her eyes. They were of the same height, however body of general was even more fragile and slim than silhouette of young bitch. “What do you see?”
“You, sir.”
“But what kind of me?” he asked, but seeing she wasn’t following, explained. “I was born in litter of six. I wasn’t the weakest one, of course. Three of my weaker siblings simply died. But I was most impaired from the outliving three. Somehow it happened that my sister died of illness in our pup’s days, so there was just two of us. Strong, handsome and always victorious Solakk and me, as you see – weak, puny and helpless. And it stayed that way. I was just created as one who serve not rule and one who obey and is not obeyed. It took me half a life to change it.”
“That was not an answer on my question.” Noticed Maya.
“It was.” Replied Tenu. “Someday you will understand it.”
“So… let’s try from the other side. Fida and Ama… I guess they love you.”
“O! I’m surprised.” Smiled general.
“You… see it and doing nothing about it?” asked a bit shocked wolfess.
“And what I should do? Order them to love someone else?”
“No…” sighed Maya. “But… for example choose one of them, making at least one happy.”
“And making the second twice unhappy.” Noticed Tenu. “They are twin sisters. Although I have a limited respect for any institution that resembles family, I think that making sisters hate each other is a bit above the rights of simple general.”
“You are cruel.” Said Maya with breaking voice.
“Of course, I am.” Nodded Tenu. “I was raised in a cruel world, you know? It was technically the same Earth that you know, but in the same time it was different, so different from sunny world you grew up in. Our common Aim is to give the world of wolves like you to wolves of my kind. However I learned few things that you still are unaware. I already know that leveling to upper level is impossible. The only solution it to level the life to the poorest and most neglected creature here. Perhaps that world won’t be as sunny as your, but just for sure.”
“You are talking incomprehensible things.” Said Maya finally. “But I believe that except of that slight logic disorder you are good wolf.”
“I have no idea if I’m good or evil. I’m just required.” Smiled Tenu. “So, may I call girls back?” she nodded and Tenu called. “Fida, Ama, you may resume your parade!” When wolvesses entered the chamber, general looked on Maya again. “So, you are going to negotiate with that Steele’s son.” She nodded again. “Good luck. I’m really curious what Ea and Aarre are trying to gain by that.”
“Maybe they really care about the prisoner?” asked Maya. “Whatever the pretences are, creatures sometimes happen to be simply noble.”
“Yeah, I’ll try to remember that.” Smiled Tenu. “But on this particular case I have really promising thoughts…” He paused and continued, looking on sisters. “I’m sorry, but I can’t give you my special guards. You will have to trust my front line soldiers.”
“Do you think that lady Ea prepared it as a trap?” murmured Maya.
“There is so many unknowns.” said mercenary. “Even if the Pack’s HQ really tries to talk, there are many hard-headed fanatics… on both sides. I will order a team to keep an eye on you all the time by the Creek.”
“Thanks sir. I should be going now.” Replied princess.
“…but first you want to say goodbye to Tram?” asked general.
“Well… yes.” Admitted Maya and fur on her neck slightly erected. That is a rough equivalent of flushes among humans.
“Oh, that’s not a problem.” Said Tenu. “At least his plots exclude killing you, so you are quite safe with him.” He didn’t explained what he had on mind, even when Maya insisted.
*
“I’m going on the front.” Said brownfurred, standing before Tram. They were on road down the valley, waiting for Maya’s escort. The morning was clear, yet frosty one.
“God, what a joke!” Said Saba’s son. “In old, good times, guys were going on war and girls staying in home, waiting for them. But you know… the modern times… equality of rights…” he was jesting, yet under those jokes was sounding a tone of disappointment. He hoped to go and negotiate with the Pack.
“I’m not going to fight.” She answered. “I hope those talks will open the possibility of real peace.
“I believe you will do your best.” Said Tram. “But be careful. It’s a front line, after all.”
He bended to net and licked her cheek. It wasn’t a kiss actually, but gesture as close to it as possible. Wolf was observing any motion of Maya’s body, reading if she greeted that with any resistance. There was no resistance, yet no encouragement. So he stepped back, pretending he hadn’t counted on anything else.
“Take care.” He said. She nodded and turned back.
Sheik caught her already on route. He ran to his stepsister, calling to unit of Tenu’s soldiers to stop. When they actually stopped, son of Aleu came to Maya.
“Oh… you’re…” he panted.
“Calm down, Sheik, you are winded.” Said princess. He made several more breaths then continued.
“Sorry, about that. I just wanted to say you goodbye.” She hugged her cousin.
“Yeah, that’s sweet.”
“And tell you… that you mustn’t cross the creek.” Added Sheik. With regaining of breath, he again sounded as worrying, older brother. “Talk with them only on ice and not farther than lieutenants allow you, right?”
“Sheik, I know that!” she smiled. “Just trust me – it will be fine.”
“Yeah, that’s good.” Smiled wolf. “And one thing more. Rose insisted me to catch you, because she didn’t find you, she asked me to say goodbye from her.”
“Oh, that nice of her.” Said a bit surprised Maya.
Meanwhile, just two miles south on the other slope of valley, unit of and Black, Snow and Lake was running at full speed. Wolves were making their way, hoping to outrun the column on the Northern Way and get to Reindeer Creek before them. All Stardust packers were there and although no one was hurrying them, all were giving their best to be fast.
“So good that Rose sent Sheik to slow them down.” Panted Lake to Snow, running next to them. “That way we will outrun them and have some time to prepare an ambush.”
*
Kova set her troops in forest, hidden on the edge. From exercises they made day earlier on near frozen lake, they know that rescue team was able to get to January in just twenty seconds. But future alpha had to survive those twenty seconds and that was keeping commander in constant fear.
“He is coming!” whispered wolfess, looking on January, entering the ice.
It was a dusk and snow started to fall slowly. It wasn’t so cold, but Kova preferred that it was fifty minus, but visibility was better. Future alpha was about to almost disappear into grey clouds of fall.
“We should halt the action.” Snorted Kova.
“Come on, boss.” Murmured Viiv – sergeant of her unit. “It’s all set up…”
“I sense an ambush too.” Nodded alpha-beta.
“No, I meant it all was set up… settled with Talbourne. That Maya is already here. Scouts saw her.”
“I really don’t like it.”
Meanwhile January was marching on snowed ice to the middle of river. In surface was even indicated the point of middle, accepted by both sides (Packers and Clanners spent about two days in measuring it and arguing that the other’s measure is farther, but finally the compromise was accepted). He stopped before that place, marked with gently cracked ice – enough to show where was the axis mundi, but still much too delicate to endanger two wolves on ice. However if all the forces from both sides would have entered the layer, it could broke. Kova was shivering, thinking about that.
She came out of nowhere. Simply emerged from clouds of falling snow, almost indiffering from the aura. Her light brown fur and blue eyes seemed to be made of snow itself, but not of its coldness but softness. Her steps were gently and carefully, that January could have thought that innocent creature simply can’t have anything to do with any plot.
January could have thought about beauty of newcomer, but he didn’t. He was too confused to do that.
“I am January, son of Steele and Ea. Speaker of the Pack.” He said uncertainly. “And you are…”
“Maya, daughter of Dash and June, heir of Shadow and Aleu.” She said what Tenu told her to stress. “It’s nice to meet you, sir January.”
“You…” gasped malawolf. “You will be Talbourne alpha?”
“You sound disappointment.” Said beautiful wolfess. “I’m sorry to miss your expectations.”
“I’m delighted to meet you.” Said January and came closer. He lowered his ears, but being careful to show not submission, but just respect towards female. Then he bended down his head and licked her paw. More snow dimmed the scene around. “But… are you able to negotiate the fate of prisoners?”
“I’m.” she said. “You must believe me, as I believe you. But of course I recognised the son of famous Steele…” she tried to say that calmly, but some tones of tension left her lips. After all Steele was the enemy. Steele’s soldiers killed her father. January noticed that.
“I’m sorry to meet your expectations.” Said coldly.
“I didn’t mean it… just… Let’s go on walk.”
A bit surprised malawolf turned right and took a lead, guiding his negotiation partner. He sensed that Maya was totally lost and is trying to play on time or to give him initiative. So he tried to carry on the talk.
“The weather isn’t the best… I mean, I like it, but my companions from my shore are a bit nervous.”
“Yes…” nodded Maya. “My friends probably can’t see me too. So I hope you don’t plan to kill me.”
“We are not on battlefield.” Replied January and she smiled. But then she learned that sentence could be read on more than one way. “So… I could say that all five prisoners are alive. No permanent injuries, although I must say they are bruised.”
“You were so interested in fate of prisoners yourself?” asked Maya with friendly curiosity.
“Well… actually that was I, who bruised two of them.” Confessed malawolf. “We haven’t POWs before. Just we had to get some when I heard that Ian was caught…”
“That’s your friend?” she asked. He stopped and looked in her eyes. “Come on, I guess that’s a not classified subject.”
“Perhaps it is.” Said January. “If you know how much I care about Ian, you could bid the price…” Then he sighed. “I could say a friend, but actually he’s like a brother to me. We grew up together.”
“He’s an orphan?” she asked.
“It’s a bit more complicated.” Replied Packer. “Just… my mother loves him as if he were her son. Only that’s why she agreed on that trade… But let’s back to the meeting point. I guess they are mad on us already.”
Maya smiled and went after malawolf. He slowed down and matched with her, to shield her from wind. Even without knowing it, two young canines moved closer, gently touching each other’s side. They were going for few minutes in silence.
“So…” she started. “You will be an alpha of the Pack?”
“For a while.” He replied. “When the war is over and your clan prevailed, we will dissolve as the Pack. From then on there will be no leader, except of packs alphas…”
“You are so strange…” she whispered. “You oppose our beautiful dream with so high spirit. What makes you so hostile towards the Path of Aniu?”
“I guess that both: the path and Aniu.” Replied January. “But I think we shouldn’t talk about politics. You know… we will exchange prisoners and say goodbye and then we could even meet on battlefield and…”
“I don’t want to fight with you.” Said Maya forcefully. “I will became an alpha and thanks to that I will make a peace with you. Will you help me?”
“I wish to… but… Maya…” he replied automatically. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean…”
“It’s all right.” She said. “Call me Maya. All right, January?”
“Yeah, great…” smiled malawolf. “But I wanted to say that first of all we should settle down that hostile trade, right?” she nodded her head. “Are you ready to go and see prisoners, or I should go with you first.”
“Oh…” Maya hoped that moment would come not so fast. “Actually your friend is not here… but in Home Cave.” He was silent for a while, then answered.
“So… that way we will make just partial exchange – two prisoners before and three after we see Ian.”
Maya should have told: “Three before and two after.” But she replied just: “As you wish, January.”
“Christ sake!” gasped malawolf. “Won’t you negotiate about that? How the hell you conquered whole peninsula with such naivety!”
“Maybe it wasn’t a conquest.” Said Maya. “Today we’ve made a first step. I believe that soon we learn that not so much is dividing us.”
“Right.” Nodded January. “Enough for today. It was nice anyway… So until tomorrow…” He again bended down and licked her paw.
“Have a peaceful night.” She said and turned to her bank.

VI. Balkanising the Alaska

Maybe it was coincidence, maybe not, but Ralph and Viin had no time to meet Ian. Istana wanted to see her brother but in the same time she was too scared about it. Finally after two days Flame dragged her mate and her children to Main Cave into prison section.
Ian wasn’t interrogated too hardly – although Teele wanted to get some information about how the heck he managed to guide his unit so deep into Talbourne territory, she was careful to treat prisoner well. After all soon after he was to be exchanged. And on on technical question Ian did answer.
“…all I’m allowed to tell you.” Started his routine statement POW, then suddenly looked in eyes of intelligence leader and added with a bit amused voice. “Ma’am, is so strange that I know the place where I was born? I simply knew where I was going.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Admitted Teele. And then came Flame and her family. “So, I’ll be going now.” Said old agent to prisoner. It might sound weird, but even she wasn’t sure how to treat him – as the enemy or as the prodigal son. So she exited the chamber, as well as two guards, who took places outside.
Meanwhile brownfurred wolfess, two troopers of Home Guard and scoutess entered the chamber. Family – finally reunited – stopped, looking on each other in awkward silence. Finally Flame broke that spell. She grunted and said:
“Hello, Ian. I brought us all here.”
“Hello, mom. Hello father, Viin. Hello… Istana.” He looked on sister he was seeing first time in his life.
“Are you treated well?” asked Ralph, unable to say anything else.
“So so.” Replied Ian. “I don’t complain.”
“So… son.” Continued wolf. “If you are ready to back to clan, I will use all my influence…”
“No.” interrupted him scout. “I mean, sorry father, I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m just… I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. I’m on mission, sir… I mean: father.”
“You’ve disgraced our family!” snorted Ralph.
“I’m no longer the family.” Replied Ian. “Aunt Teele understands it.”
“Oh, stop it!” cried Flame. “Viin, tell them something… to stop it.”
“But what, mom?” asked soldier. “If he wants to stick with them…”
“Reconsider it, son.” Said Ralph with stern voice. “When you are ready to make a right choice, tell me. Until then you are really from the Pack.”
“I am.” Smiled prisoner, then added. “Sir, I see now clearly that your son actually died Frosty Pass. Or maybe even earlier. I wasn’t meeting your expectations anyway.”
“Let’s go…” whispered Flame, trying to stop the scene before some graver words would be told.
She nudged Ralph and pushed him to exit. Viin followed them, only Istana waited a while, then came to Ian, bended down to laying soldier and licked his forehead. She said quietly: “Sorry, brother” and went after her family. Ian stayed alone and he was glad of that.
The stare of Viin, it was the same! Again sneering, again laughing at his weakness. Nothing had changed by those three years and Ian felt it in most aching way. But in the same time… “Viin… Father… if you knew, what it is all about… Most likely you would killed me, because of danger to your clan… But dad… you would be proud of me, knowing, how important is your son. How I will help to destroy Talbourne!”
*
Voice of Tan seemed for Maya as a lullaby. To be exact, oragnefurred wolf was scolding her in most severe way, at least as for Tan. He would never shout at his step-sister, but calm and quiet sentences of wolf were rebuking her behaviour in the most complex way. However she was completely ignoring it, simply glad to see and hear Tan.
“What you mean <duty to the clan>!? Clan can’t require from you such a ridiculous, suicidal acting. You can’t go behind Pack’s lines. They are enemies.”
“You are going there rather often.” Noticed Maya.
“I’m a soldier!” cried lieutenant. “And you are not. Additionally you are bitch and our possible future alpha. Putting yourself in such a danger is…”
“Tan…” she interrupted him gently. “Why are you shouting on me again? At least we could see each other and you want to argue.”
“Is it my fault that each time you are visiting me, you have such a ridicules ideas? But, yeah, you’re right. I’m really glad to see you again.” He licked her cheek.
Thankfully, no one heard that talk. Field commander took his stepsister outside the camp, to small gorge of Reindeer Creek inflow to chat far from his soldiers. Tan was commander of Third Unit, under general Tenu. Since two years he had been fighting the Pack mercilessly. That why he chose to serve with mercenary that station in home – he wanted to be as close to enemy as it was possible. His heart was always burning with vengeance. He was orphaned as a pup – first of all his father was killed by Uniea. Then his mother and sister were killed by wolves called themselves “Avengers Pack”. One of them was Steele and malamute hurt orangefurred one more time. He killed Dash – Maya’s father and Tan’s caretaker after death of Jack and Shiela. So since wolf was able to, he was carrying on his vengeance over hated Pack, the followers of Steele and in some way descendants of Uniea.
To sum it – Tan had a bad luck in his life. First he lost his biological parents. Then he lost his adoptive ones – Dash on war and June during the plague. So all the emotions he was feeling, he put in two being – clan as a whole, to become unquestionable grexot and his adopted sister – Maya. He was older than she and because of his service he was seeing her rather seldom, but in those moment he tried to be the best big brother he could. Maya was very glad about that, however she admitted that sometimes brotherly love of Tan was very tiring.
“Tan, I must go there.” She interrupted his another stream of warnings. “Your wolves are captured.”
“We could retake them by force.” Said lieutenant.
“I believe… but you would lost another soldiers.” She said. “Just let this time to do it my way. January is a honest wolf…”
“He’s dog, by the way…” interrupted Tan.
“I’m too!” noticed Maya. “My grandmother was purebred husky, what makes me wolfdog almost in the same grade that January…”
“January?” asked a bit shocked Tan. “You are talking about him as a friend. But he is the enemy! His father killed uncle Dash! He killed your father!”
“Yes, I know!” she replied. “But I’m struggling now to appease this war and secure that no pup here would became orphan because of useless war!”
“It always ends up with force.” Murmured Tan. “There is no peace, where is hatred. And they hate us, Maya.”
“But January doesn’t!” she exclaimed, somehow already enjoying the incoming meeting.
*
The weather was even worse that previous time. In falling snow the visibility dropped to twenty yards, so Maya even hardly found the spot. January was already waiting and she smiled seeing him. Snow covered him almost completely, hiding all of his black outer coat. So he looked like a big icedrift with two blue eyes, watching carefully for incoming guest.
“Good day…” said malawolf, trying to overscream the growing blizzard. “If that we could call day.”
“Nice to see you… January.” She said.
“What?” asked Packer. So she came closer, nestling to his side and bending to his ear.
“I just said <hallo!>” she called.
“Yes, we can go!” replied January. “To some shielded place. On which side?”
She smiled and nudged him to go in Talbourne bank direction. But then – as if some one asked God for this in particular – blizzard ceased. Wind stopped blowing and all the screams of storm turn silence. Snow as falling still, maybe even harder, but there was quiet enough to talk.
“Oh…” murmured January. “I guess we don’t have to hide anywhere.”
“You sound disappointed.” Noticed Maya with smile. “Do you always invite new-met girls to some warm den?”
“I definitely consider dens as more romantic that igloos.” Replied malawolf, shaking off the snow of his back.
They should have talk about the trade, but the talk sidetracked on many other topics, swaying their focus away from the main problem. In spite that January promised himself that would never happened, it happened – he completely lost his awareness, ignoring white world around. That why he simply ignored some silhouettes closing from Talbourne bank and going carefully in their direction.
“Remember the plan!” called Black to his unit. “We must take down Maya. We could kill January as well, but he is not our target. When mission is accomplished, we are running downcreek to pool and already then going on our side. Snow will cover our trails.”
“Sure thing!” smiled Lake, ready for action. “Poor girl, but Rose has right – she and Sheik would be the perfect leaders!” And they marched ahead, in direction of two princes.
*
“I know! I know!” exclaimed Maya, after having a new idea. “You will visit us! I mean: you will travel to Home Cave… Soon, to get Ian back. But you will also see how we live and that my clan isn’t a bunch of pupeaters, but a fine family.”
“Yes, but what…” tried to interrupt her January.
“Don’t worry, you will be under my protection… But if your mother is still uncertain, we will give some hostages to the Pack for time you are on our side of border.”
“We wanted to solve the hostage problem, not…”
“Come on!” called Maya, smiling. “Do you want it, or not, prince of the Pack?”
“Lady Maya.” Started malawolf, faking official voice. “I would like to, but there are some basic reasons that order me to say… NO!” He screamed, looking above her shoulder.
Because he was shielding her from western wind, he was going on her right side. He noticed some silhouettes emerging from snowy fog and understood that whatever caused that alarm, could finish with completely useless massacre and he would be in the middle. However he would be really scared, knowing that in fact no alert was made.
*
“See anything?” asked Kova for thousandth time.
“No, ma’am, not on ice.” Relied Viiv. “But I see their forces in forest on the other side. We will see if they are coming down.”
”I wish to have some wolves down there, in snow.” Said alpha-beta.
The surface of river was covered with snowy clouds and mist. Pack soldiers from Reindeer Hill could see movement of enemy, but didn’t see January and Maya. However they assumed that if regular forces of Talbourne were calm, there is no danger. Claners thought the same.
“We should have left a unit downthere…” murmured lieutenant Kimby.
“Too late for changing plans, boss.” Noticed sergeant Bill. “But at least we are sure they won’t budge.”
So as you probably figured out, the wolves January spotted were neither of Talbourne nor Pack front units.
*
“Oh, Lake!” called Maya, seeing friend of her sister-in-law. “What are you doing here?”
“Call them off! Call them off!” yelled January. “Quick, before my buddies react!”
“Lake, please, stop and…” started brownfurred, but then malawolf tripped her and overturned.
Lake pounced into air and flew on princess, but thanks to January he hit not her, but Packer. Those two rolled aside, trying to reach each other’s throats. Malawolf was shocked and confused, but training that Aarre had given him worked perfectly. They wanted to kill him, so the only way to survive was to kill in retaliation. But wrestling with redfurred Talbourne, he noticed in corner of his vision that in fact he wasn’t the target.
“Maya!” he yelled, seeing as three wolves pinned her down and immobilised on her back.
“What you’re doing!” cried brownfurred. “Black, what possessed you? That’s me, Maya!”
“Thanks ma’am, but I’ve already confirmed that.” Smiled blackfurred and bared his fangs, bending his head to her throat.
January put a desperate effort into hind paws thrust. He kicked Lake away and instantly stood up on paws. Then he pounced on mass of wolves, trying to stop the murder. He landed hard on Black, Snow and Maya, making them all yell with pain, but at least temporally saving the princess. Brownfurred was let loose and rolled away on the snow. But then January found himself in the middle of circle of five wolves, barring teeth on him.
“There was no order to kill him.” Said Snow. “But in the same time, there was no order to let him live…”
“Your logic is stunning.” Smiled Black, stepping further.
“Maya…” called January. “RUN!”
“Werk!” cursed Snow, seeing as princess started to run in milky way of snowfall.
In fact she was so confused that she chose the way up the creek, back to meeting spot, but not to any bank. Honestly speaking she wouldn’t know which bank she should choose, because on the east was enemy but from the west came friends that wanted to kill her. So she safely postpone that decision, escaping ahead.
But Lake was already on his paws and started to pursue. He quickly made up the distance and grabbed hind leg of brownfurred. Seeing that January howled with fear and charged. Because of so dense snowfall it was limited chance that anyone could hear that, but the charge was real movement and – what January had to admit, if he had a time – very stupid one. He simply jumped on back of Black and pounced on it as on trampoline. He should he stopped by Talbourne wolf and taken down. But thanks to unbelievable luck, Black was so surprised that he was late a second – with snap of his jaws he missed malawolf’s paw and Packer managed to get through.
Ha landed in deep snow, barely feeling the ice under it. He rushed ahead to help Maya, wresting with Lake. Redfurred was so focused on killing princess, he missed incoming danger. January hit him with all his mass, snatching him away. Unfortunately Lake’s jaws were still clenched on Maya’s hind paw, so malawolf heard a yelp of pain and saw as redfurred rolled aside, holding a piece of wolfess’s fur. Princess’s leg was red in blood. “Well.” Thought Packer. “I guess that’s all about possible escape.” He ran to Maya and grabbed her neck, trying to help her stand up.
He should had escaped and saved himself. But of course he stayed. That wasn’t caused by any large calculation, that for example he would be blamed of princess’s death and Ian would be killed because of that. He simply was unable to leave female in distress, especially that he gave her his word, she was safe.
“We must run!” he called. “Can you?”
“Why…” was whispering Maya. “They are my friends.”
“We must go!” screamed January, seeing that Lake was slowly standing up and rest of unit was already on chase.
He pulled her to run, praying she was able to jump on three paws. She was, but the speed they achieved was highly unsatisfying for them, yet excellent for the chase. Lake again was close, enraged and ready to kill. Malawolf pushed Maya ahead, slowing down and taking a position of her living shield. But it was just a one-time solution, shielding from first strike.
Then January understood with perfect clarity that there was no chance to run. Snowfall was so heavy that no one of his army noticed what happened. Playing on time was out of option, as well as fighting eight wolves. Creek was there quite narrow – but narrow comparing to wide pools. It had about hundred yards wide, what give fifty to one or the other bank. They were in the middle…
“Ice mark!” he called in wave of inspiration, but then he understood it was simply way of suicide. But it was too late.
He simply threw Maya on the snow and stopped over crack in ice that few days earlier both sides of conflict marked a middle of river. What was just a slight carving then, became a serious crack later. Because of frost, still gripping the land, ice was restlessly growing and that rift, pressed by glaciostatic forces, caused crushing more of frozen layer. At least January hoped that.
“Use you head, son!” he repeated what father always told him and hit with forehead into cracked surface. To his surprise, it broke. He found himself with head among ice-shards, and with Lake just behind him. Acting with impulse, he grabbed in mouth one of shards and turned back. His head made a semicircle and guided by a cosmic luck hit the head of redfurred. Ice fragment, still held in jaws, plunged into Talbourne’s neck. Lake coughed with blood-flood, stepped back and fell to the ground.
“Come on!” yelled January, grabbing Maya’s neck. He lifted her and pushed to ice hole.
“We are going there?” she asked, confused. Then she noticed Lake, shivering in agony and bleeding from wounded throat. “He’s dead!”
“Take a deep breath or you will be as well.” Said malawolf and pushed her into the hole. Then – praying that water-surface was low and there was some space between it and ice – jumped himself.
When he hit the freeing water (somehow it was on low level, making some airfilled space to surface of ice – he instantly grabbed Maya’s paw, to not let her drown. He was afraid that he might let it loose, but then wave of frost came to him, his muscles tensed so much, that he barely was repressing his jaws from biting Maya’s limb out.
Malawolf tried to move his paws, to stay emerged, but coldness quickly drained his strength and son of Steele sank into unconsciousness.
*
“God… NO!” screamed Black, seeing motionless body of Lake, with icicle coming out of his neck. “Lake… Lake!”
But redfurred didn’t hear it. There was still some spark of life in him, but it faded in next moment, with another wave of blood flowing out of his throat. Talbourne unit was watching dead friend with shock. Finally Snow gasped.
“Those *******!” and ran to the ice hole.
Inside he saw just a water, flowing about foot under ice. She growled inside and turned back to his companions.
“They could be alive… GET THEM!” and set off to run down stream.
His companions looked on dead friend, then turned north too. Soon the unit – shorter of one member – was pursuing runaways down river. Seven wolves were boiling with rage of revenge.
*
Kova – because she was calm and experienced commander – endured two hours, before the showed any signs of uneasiness. But then she simply burst with fury. She called all forces from second camp and was ready to send them down on ice, but Viiv stopped her.
“Maybe… maybe we ask them first?” he proposed.
“About what?” she snorted. They should have return us January long ago…”
“Maybe… you know. That Maya is hot chick after all…” started alpha-gamma, but under stare of Kova stopped. “But still we could howl to them and…”
But then howl sounded on the other side of creek. It was barely hearable, but Viiv – who had very sharp senses – read it anyway. When transmission was over, he stayed motionless, still looking on the milky wall of could before him.
“What?” asked Kova with breaking voice. “What did they say?”
“They claim that lady Maya haven’t returned and accuse us for taking her.” Said Kimby slowly.
“We will rip them…”
“They give us an hour, then sent strike team.”
“So we have a thirty minutes.” Smiled Viiv, hearing that. Then Kova looked on her soldiers.
“That’s it – January is in danger. Let’s go!”
*
Viiv managed to persuade Kova that only recon team should go. So alpha-beta joined her subordinate’s group and quickly came to the meeting point. They instantly noticed a dead body – commander yelled with fear, but soon after noticed that killed wolf had light-red coat. She ran there and looked carefully on scene.
The history of fight was unable to reconstruct – snow already covered all trails. But few elements were sure – there was a dead wolf, surely not the Pack soldier and a ice hole. There was no January at sight.
“Ma’am…” said Viiv, grabbing with jaws fur of alpha-beta and pulling her back. “We must leave, before Talbourne come. He might be still alive…”
“I will rip their throats apart!” growled Kova with bloodthirsty tone in her voice. But in fact she was shivering inside. She had to forward news to lady Ea.
*
Kimby halted his soldiers over dead Lake’s body. He sighed with relief, seeing that was not Maya, but then yelled with amaze, recognising wolf of Talbourne. He dug the body out and noticed icicle in neck of victim. He looked on his soldiers.
“Ladies and gentlemen… we screw it!” she said with grave voice.
“Boss… does that mean lady Maya is…”
“Prepare the strike!” called lieutenant.
“Wait!” they heard a voice from the other side. From clouds of falling snow emerged Viiv. “I heard you… and I believe that isn’t your fault… At least you didn’t know…”
“That’s Packer!” called one of soldier. “Get him!”
“No, wait!” ordered Kimby. “Let him speak.” He looked on enemy. “So, you claim you have nothing to do with that?” Viin nodded his head. “How could we believe you?”
“If you don’t, there will be a battle, where no one would win, but we will hurt ourselves surely… By the way – my commander thinks you killed January. She wants the fight.”
“And she will get it!” growled one of Talbourne, but Kimby hushed him with wag of his tail.
“Well… let’s assume that is not your deed… and not your for sure. So where the heck they went?”
“I don’t know.” Replied Viin. “But if we send teams… you take your bank, we will search here…”
“You want to weaken our defence here?” asked Kimby suspiciously.
“Six jaws each.” Said Viin and Talbourne nodded his head. “But promise me… if You encounter January on your side… Let him go! You promised his safety.”
“All right… I’ll give you my word, as the follower of Aniu. I will not attack January, except of self defence. I hope for the same with lady Maya.”
“Be sure we don’t want her dead.” Assured Viin. “So, let’s go. My wolves are ready.”
“Mine…” Kimby looked on his units.
But in the same moment on the ice entered Tan and his division. He was running at full speed in Packers direction, baring his teeth and growling. Hopefully Kimby stopped his rage.
“Where is she!” howled orangefurred.
“No, sir, wait!” he cried. Then looked on Viin. “We will soon explain that misunderstanding. Then – most likely - lieutenant Ten will lead the searching team.”
*
News struck down like a lighting. Ea, Kaata and Varjo exchanged no word, but it was obvious whet they would say. Their plan failed and it was possible that cost life of January. They set off north with all available force that Aarre could prepare in such short time.
Ea was going on lead, just next to beta-alpha of her army. She was crying. Aarre made no questions, knowing that she was unable to answer, but also he already understood some of what happened.
“My lady, that is not your fault.” He assured.
“God… Aarre… that is my fault! I sent my son to die!”
“You didn’t and you still don’t know what happened. If he is alive, we will find him!” assured and stepped closer to whitefurred. They didn’t slowed down, but in march she nestled to his side. Beta-alpha turned his stare down, to cover his smile. He was terribly sorry about January’s missing and worried about Ea’s grief. But he admitted honestly that death of Steele’s son would open completely new perspectives for him.
Kaata was marching at side of her father, sobbing still. Varjo had no good words to comfort her, mainly because he was aware that they all were guilty. It was Ea’s plan, but they helped her to carry it on. Kaata wasn’t an exception.
“I was so stupid!” she cried. “I’ve never wanted it… I should have stopped you! Tell him, about…”
“Now I regret you haven’t.” admitted RAIA’s commander. “But it’s already done…”
“Dad… I could have… God! It all could be on my way, but I failed it!” she cried.

VII. Melting the Ice

Tenu was a weak wolf. That meant his body was weak, because his mind transgressed almost every barrier it approached. One of those barriers was the distance – mercenary created perfectly working system of communications via howling, that soon became a common procedure in Talbourne. But general and his trusted soldiers had additional codes and procedures that allowed Tenu to communicate safely even from Teele’s wolves.
Mercenary got known the events on Reindeer Creek just several hours after those happened. With limited information he had, he had to think and plan carefully. After few minutes of consideration and about twenty minutes of his pacing he decided to go there, leaving Home Cave alone in its arguments. The real problem was about to be settled where were Maya and that mysterious Pack prince. Tenu called Heik and Alam.
They were two of his most trusted companions, even from times before Talbourne. They came there with him and were with him for good and bad. Giving his orders Tenu hoped that for good. When two officers stood before him in Third Cave, he said.
“I’m going there to find Maya. Heik, you will have an eye on the mess here.”
“Just one, but it’ll be enough.” Replied greyfurred wolf.
He had just one eye, while the second he lost in puphood. He never told about that accident, but Tenu established that it happened in quarrel with siblings, perhaps in hierarchy-match among them. The existing eye of Heik was also impaired – wolf generally saw not too much, being almost blind in night time, yet mercenary knew that in fact his sergeant could see much more than others. It was the sharp mind that observed the word carefully.
Second of his subordinates was blackfurred male of small built, but if one took lightly his abilities, could quickly regret it. Alam was master on mêlée combat and teacher of Fida and Ama. Of course not always was that. When Tenu found and took him to his pack, darkfurred was weak and scared pup, maybe rejected by his pack. The mastery in martial arts came later, but was unavoidable process. Only those hurt and envying strength of others have real strength to master themselves and Tenu knew it well.
“Alam, you are going now to creek, I will join you when I manage.” Wolf saluted with lowering his ears. “Gather your team, small enough to travel quickly, but strong enough to match with twelve front soldiers. Understood?”
“And the mission is…” said Alam, who had a strange manner of never using question marks in his questions.
“To find Maya, of course.” Said general. “And that January… with him, the completely new options open for our cause…”
“He and Maya?” asked Heik. Tenu nodded his head. Brownfurred looked with his barely reading eyen on dark friend. “So, you have to be nice for that Packer.”
“Just… judge him yourself.” Added Tenu. “If he is appropriate for our plans, encourage him.”
“But if he’s not…” started Alam.
“Kill him, of course.” Finished general.
Then turned back to Fida and Ama to exit the cave. Two officers stayed in place for a while, looking after the commander. When he vanished behind the corner, Alam turned to Heik and said.
“I sense… that’s it! Our fight is nearly finished.”
“Well… if I were boss, I would take out that bitch who wants kill Maya first…” started half-blind wolf, but then continued. “However I’m not boss and I guess he knows better. But yes – I’m so glad we are so close. The time of revenge will come!”
*
Guardians simply get used to presence of Flame. As mother of three soldiers and mate of one, she was respected in the clan and had relatively a few duties. She hunted three times a week, two times a week had a service in orphanage, but nothing more than that. So almost all free moment she spent in prison, next to her son.
Teele had nothing against it, even was glad – after all the persuasion of mother increased the probability of defection for prisoner. But Flame wasn’t thinking like that and had no ambitions to recruit a double-agent. She had much more ambitious quest – to regain her child.
Ian was still kept in Main Cave Complex. The try of escape at the first day made all be convinced that he was able to do such a bold thing, so his freedom was strictly limited to inner cave and two walks in wood daily (with accompanying unit of four sentries). Teele (sometimes with Istana) visited prisoner usually once a day, trying to talk about subject at least close to military matters, but when Ian heard anything about that he replied with his usual “I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” For the rest of day he was with mother.
Flame persuaded guards that she could participate in walk of prisoner. So they were walking in Home Cave vicinity, as mother and her young pup. Paw of Ian was still aching, still recovering after injure, so wolf needed guidance and his mother was helping him. They were walking to gorge of Talbourne Creek, to Training Plant, Star Clearing and all those places where Flame used to guide her pups four years earlier.
“Do you remember?” asked wolfess. “You used to play here with Viin.” They reached the Star Clearing.
“Yes, I remember.” Replied POW. “But mom…” he said. “I don’t have the best memories from here…” admitted honestly.
“You mean, you scorn everything before Pack?” she asked with sad voice.
“No, of course not…” Ian shook his head. “But here… I’m just remember as Viin used to beat me up and win in every competition and you, praising him…”
“For beating you?” gasped surprised Flame.
“Not directly.” Said prisoner. “For being better.”
“I… I see, I wasn’t good mother for you.” Said Flame after a while of silence.
“No, that’s not a point.” Replied Ian. “I wasn’t good pup enough. I couldn’t be…”
“Ian…” said Flame, nestling to side of son. “You have a great grudge in your heart. Grudge on us… Please, tell me, how we could fix it.”
“Mother… that’s past… there is nothing to fix…” said aloud and then added quieter. “Some thing are unfixable. You did leave me to die. The death is not to reverse.”
She was silent for a while, licking his forehead. But then he said. “Oh, sorry. Of course I didn’t mean it. It just… happened. Don’t back there.”
“But I must back there.” Whispered Flame. “How else I could persuade you to be my son again if not recalling times where you loved me.”
“I’m still your son.” Said Ian. “And I still love you. I am from the Pack and I love my packmates. I love aunt Ea I loved uncle Steele. But nothing could change I’m your son.”
The decision was made. Flame was amazed that took her so long. After all the choice was hard but unavoidable. She looked on son’s paw.
“Does it hurt? When you expect to be all right?”
“I don’t know…” murmured Ian. “In ten days maybe…”
Flame closed her eyes and thought. “That won’t be a betrayal. That will be payment for a betrayal. Fixing of it!”
*
For the very first time January wasn’t a small pup. He was just January, almost three years old wolf and was dreaming being completely aware of it. That time father was much closer and – what was the most important – malawolf could understand him. It wasn’t easy – hybrid felt no strength to answer his parent, but he was able to hear and comprehend and that was enough.
“Welcome, son.” Said Steele. His silhouette was radiating with both black and white (is light could be black too?) on… well, January preferred not to think what the background was and where exactly that talk was taking place. He recognised some landscape marks, but they suggested that father and son were somewhere… high above the ground. That brought January not too optimistic connotations.
“No, not quite.” Said Steele. “You are not dead, but I would lie, telling you are far from it. You almost killed yourself in extraordinary stupid way.”
“I’m sorry, father.” Whispered January and surprisingly that thought was audible.
“But after all you used your head.” Smiled malamute. “I’m proud of you, son.” He came closer and nuzzled his muzzle to muzzle of lying January. Malawolf felt mixture of heat and cold.
“I was missing you, dad.” Said uncertainly.
“That was stupid too.” Replied Steele. “I was always so close to you and your mother… But yes, you’re right. It bad you grew up without father. That’s one of sacrifices you made on the altar of my fight. I felt like a tyrant, involving you all in it.”
“What is your fight, is mine too!” called January with sudden emotion in his voice. Flood of untold forces, hidden in his soul deluged his throat and made it clenched. He couldn’t speak anymore, just felt how he always missed a voice of father, praising him for his efforts.
“I saw it all from here.” Said Steele. “And I am proud… But you told that you will do anything. It’s easy to say it now… but soon you will stand against trials beyond your imagination where every choice will be a bad one.”
“Trust me, I won’t fail you!” sobbed January, failing to control his voice.
“Not, the problem is for you not to fail yourself. To stay honest with your spirit and judgement. I simply hope that my dreams are your dreams too.”
“They will, father!”
“Listen to me.” Said Steele with decisive voice. “You are on the doorstep of great choices. They could mean something wonderful, but are also the great danger. Whatever happen, remember my words: your faith, your heart, your family are always first and most important. All sublime ideas are just to serve those three. If your dream are betraying what you have deepest in your heart, leave those dreams. The closest treasure you have, matters most. Remember it… Your family. And don’t be surprised that others think that way. And don’t judge them – they are doing what they think is best and most noble. Right, son?”
“Right…” whispered a bit lost January.
“Good…” smiled Steele. “Soon you will wake up… eventually and you won’t be sure if that all was just a dream. Perhaps it is a dream, but still you could remember my words. So now…” he looked down with concern in his stare. “We will have to think, how to get you out of that blasted river.”
Vision of father was cut away and the piercing frost returned. January again felt well-known feeling of drowning.
*
“WERK!” yelled – or better to say – gurgled January.
Water was assaulting his muzzle from every side, including the upper side, so malawolf made a desperate attempt, and kicked with hind legs to reach the surface. He succeeded and he his a ice-layer with his forehead. Thankfully, he was too confused to panic. But then he recalled about something important.
“Maya!” he screamed, looking around for brownfurred.
Somehow she managed to stay on the surface. She was drifting with current just next to hybrid, unconsciousness, but what January checked in one tough, still alive. Steele’s son grabbed her into his jaws and lifted her muzzle above the water. She started to cough, what sounded for hybrid as the most beautiful music.
“Come on!” he called. “Hang on, we will…”
But saying that he opened his mouth and let her loose. She fell down to raging river and January again dived to grabbed her fur. When he emerged with her in tight grasp, he could finally think the situation over. And then he panicked.
There ware taken by current into pools of Reindeer Creek. Wide backwaters were going for miles north, but it was even good, because the normal run of river would drown them in minute. But still they were trapped under ice and quickly freezing. January consider himself as solid built and very resistant canine. Yet he was feeling how low temperature was consequently draining strength from his muscles. If he was about to faint, the question <how long would stand Maya?> was highly inappropriate. They were dying.
“Maya, wake up!” he murmured, clenching still fur oh nape in jaws. “Wake up, God dammit! We’re drowning!” sensing she was still motionless, he bit. Just plunged his teeth into her neck, hopping that pain with bring any response. He was right.
“No!” yelled Maya. “Lake, why?” but then she looked around and noticed where she was. A loud scream sounded under ice.
“Calm down!” gasped January. “I’m thinking how get up from here…”
“Jan… what… what…”
“Listen to me.” Said malawolf carefully. “We will try to pierce that ice… You will. I will push you up and you’ll break the surface, when we find some thinner place. Then… listen! Don’t fall asleep! When you break the ice, you grab the edge and keep it. Understand? If you have a good grab, I will climb up by your back… But if not, I will let you loose. In that way, simply… go on my bank, you will be safe. They won’t blame you for my death, because you will tell them password… or something like that. You will tell my mother, lady Ea that <Tro had grey fur>. Just that and she will know I sent you there. Ok?”
“No, wait!” she sobbed. “Don’t leave me… or I mean: don’t make me leave you here.”
“Do you think I had a heroic death in my schedule today?” smirked January. “Just go… Become the alpha and make your dreams real. I doubt if they are right, but at least it makes you happy.”
“January…”
“Here… be prepared… Three… two… one…” malawolf submerged and swam under Maya.
Then he summoned all the power he had and pushed his body up. Talbourne princess instinctively let him press on her underbelly. Then they both sprang up and hybrid pushed even stronger, prepared for resistance. But for what he was prepared, she wasn’t and brownfurred his the ice with her forehead. Frozen layer broke, letting her go higher. But it didn’t change a fact that impact hurt.
Hurt as hell.
Maya was screaming from pain, feeling burning volcano on her forehead. But words of January were still echoing in her mind, so she awkwardly grabbed edge of ice and kept her grasp. After a second she recalled about January, holding her paws. She remembered mainly because the additional weight was slowly taking her back down. She forced herself not to shake her saviour off. She grabbed the ice harder but that didn’t stop her sliding down. She understood she was going to die.
But then a miracle happened. Maybe it was just an impression, but she felt a warm tough of tongue of her rear paw, as January put a kiss on it. A second alter the weight was away. Maya understood that malawolf let her loose.
She stood up barely, trying to overcome the nauseating dizziness and pain in her head. She made few steps in shore’s direction, but then cried with all her might.
“January!”
She turned back to see newly made ice hole, then ran there and looked back. There was no malawolf, but two holes – after hitting ice with head she must had a real concussion, because her vision split in two and that double image was freely dancing before her – from almost merging in one to move aside by more than ten degrees. It wasn’t nice way to see the world and definitely wasn’t helping in saving January. But then a rescue came.
Crying from pain and because of confusing vision, she set to zigzag run to nearer bank. Some voice in her ear was repeating <Log! Log!> so she speeded where some log could be found. She entered frozen canes and fortunately found some heavy branch, not iced too deep in layer. She pulled it our and ran back to backwater.
She had no idea where January could had been taken, so she had to guess. She looked on ice hole, then drew in mind a line of eventual route for malawolf. She could only speculate where he was at that time exactly, but those voices in her mind suggested a point on ice. She ran there, still hobbling in confusion and barely holding the log.
Finally she stopped, lifted log as high as she could and hit with it into ice. Cracks appeared on white surface but it was still not enough. She again made attempt with branch, striking the same place. Finally ice cracked, opening a gap before her. She put a log into that hole.
“God!” she prayed. “Let he be conscious! Let he manage to grab the log!”
Her prayers were granted – she felt a weight on the other side of branch. She was too weak to lift it up – she just tensed all muscles, holding with all her might and waiting for him to come out. January managed to climb to the edge, then he let branch loose and grabbed ice. Maya dropped the log and grabbed nape of wolf, pulling him on surface. Malawolf fell on ice, panting heavily and then Talbourne princess sensed that her visions became again one, but in the same time it started to become darker and darker.
“So… we… live…” moaned hybrid. “But still… the best… before us… We could freeze to death…”
Maya fell to the ground, losing all awareness. She just felt that January grabbed her fur and – being too weak to put her on his back – he was dragging her on the ice to bank direction. Yet she didn’t hear as hybrid murmured with shivering voice.
“My father was the best puller in Alaska… I have it in genes… Mush!”
*
Even if January looked, he wouldn’t noticed three blurred silhouettes, floating over the river. It was snow-white wolfess, pitch-black wolf and malamute of bicoloured coat. They were looking on wolfdog carrying Talbourne princess to the bank. Three was silent, finally dark wolf said with a bit embarrassed voice.
“Thanks, mom…”
“Yeah.” Added malamute. “It was a pleasure to cooperate with you, ma’am.”
“Oh.” Smirked white wolf. “Don’t imagine too much. I’ve helped you only because of my sweet Maya.” But then she added with softer voice. “But I’m really grateful to your son that he saved her.”
“You know… father’s genies.” Said dog and smiled.
“No problem, mom.” Said dark wolf, whom mortals call Shade.
*
Black’s unit found the icehole about one hour later. Maybe they would ignore that, but Snow noticed the log and some marks on the snow. Trail stopped about fifty yards farther, because of falling snow, but they had a proof that runaways survived and knew general direction on their escape. Targets were going still north, but on the Pack bank. Somehow it was very favourable for pursuers, because there was smaller probability of help for Maya from Talbourne side. The Pack was a problem, but not so great there, because with every mile north they were closer to human seats and Pack soldiers – the same as Talbourne – avoided to go there. So for wolves humans were the main danger, but Black hoped that they would be lucky.
“And Maya and January got shot by hunters.” He murmured and set off north-east. “Form a tyraliere!” he called to his companions. “They most likely hid somewhere here. They are exhausted and frozen. They want get rest in some den. Find that den!” seven affirmative growls answered him.
*
Aarre wasn’t strategist, but he was a hunter. He treated the rescue mission as a hunt, so he acted as wolf on lead of his pack. He left centre region of search to Ea and Varjo, while he directed more north, almost to humans seats. He wanted to find January before anyone else… and check what would happen. For his mission he picked up ten wolves, only most trusted ones, from old Uniea military or children of his brothers-in-arms. He was absolutely sure of loyalty of those soldiers and whatever order he would give, it would be fulfilled. But he hoped that he didn’t have to give any order. Maybe Talbourne would be quicker.
To his companions he had a perfect explanation. January, although he was a good and brave wolf, unwillingly betrayed. Because he didn’t want to resurrect the glory of Uniea clan. He simply followed crazy idea of Steele, what was noble and sublime, but crazy indeed. In times of trial, when fate of reborn Uniea clan is about to decide, responsible wolves have to make a serious decision.
“I’m so sorry January.” Thought Aarre. “But I really wish that Talbourne finds you first. You simply shouldn’t be back. And… sorry, my brothers… I am Uniea… but I don’t care about it anymore. I have my own quest to do.”
“Faster!” he called to his unit. However he was aware that most likely, when he found January, he would have to wait.
*
Maya was too weak to open her eyes, so she just enjoyed a warmth. She felt the pleasant feeling all over her body. Even pain – that in paw and that in head – was small and insignificant, comparing to overwhelming caress of warm touch. After immeasurable time, when she partially quenched her thirsts for heat, she started to think from where that pleasure came from. Then she opened her eyes.
She didn’t see too much. The den was small and dark. Thought snow that cover entrance was dripping a little of milky light, but enough only for Maya to see the lair under fallen tree-roots and January, nestled to her side. Wolfdog was busy with licking her rear paw – she almost forgot about injure that Lake inflicted her.
“Lake…” she sobbed, recalling all what had happened. “God… That’s not real! That’s hasn’t happened!”
“I will gladly nod in agree, but first I have to take care about your leg.” Said January. That most likely supposed to sound ironical, but because his voice was shivering with cold, it gave rather pitiful expression.
“January…” she sobbed. “Why…”
“I would ask myself, why we survived.” He replied. “In all those circumstances we should have died at least three times.”
“Oh, yes…” she murmured. “You saved me… Thank you.” she turned to him and licked his cheek. He froze for the while, then give another few lick to her injure. And then raised his head to look in her eyes.
“And you saved me.” Said with soft voice. But then temperature of his voice dropped lower than frost outside. “I told you to go! Why the heck you came back!?”
“But… but… I saved you that way.” She murmured, confused.
“Yes, you are right and I’m alive only thanks to you. But next time, when I say something, you do it, okay?” he paused his voice, then added. “I mean… not forever, of course, but when you are under my protection. Right?” She impulsively nodded her head. “Oh… I’m sorry.” Continued with quieter voice. “I didn’t meant to shout on you… I just… still can’t believe we made it alive.”
“All pleasure is all mine.” She said, smiling.
“No, maybe not all.” Said January. “Maybe you give me a half?”
“So…” she smiled even wider. “I saved you too, right?” he nodded. “So you have to thank me in the same way.”
“As you wish…” murmured malawolf and bended down to her muzzle. But he stopped just before it. “Oh, my God!” he gasped, looking on giant bump on her forehead. “I did it?”
“Oh, Jan… only that way I was able to break the ice.”
“I’m terribly sorry…” said hybrid with embarrassed voice. “Stay low, it might help.”
And he started to lick her forehead, but what had to be a caress, become a medical treatment. January gently remover the blood clot, then slowly sucked blood and pus, to finally clean it with tongue. That was all about <thank you>.
“You are very caring.” Noticed Maya.
“Father taught me much about medicine, when I was a pup. He knew much about it, from times he was living with humans.” Said malawolf. Then added in mind. “And later - as a soldier - he had to know much about wounds and traumas inflicting many.” But aloud he asked just. “How are you… I meant in the first place leg and forehead.”
“Barely feel the paw at all.” She confesses. “And about head… After you took care about it, it is much better… But I still see two of you… a little.”
“***** it!” gasped hybrid. “And I was thinking about running just now…” He looked again on Maya’s leg. “Well, we have not much to do for now. Let me rest a bit, dry up, then I will go for recon, perhaps I’ll bring something to eat. But now…” He moved closer to her. “May I? It’s just to warm up…”
“Of course.” She said and nestled to malawolf even closer. She desperately needed some touch and warmth – not even physical one, but one that floats from other being. After a while of silence, the sad thoughts returned to her. She closed her eyes to see Lake with blooded neck, giving his last breaths at her feet.
“January…” she whispered with sad voice. “Help me… I can’t stand it… I don’t understand it! Those wolves you fought with… They are from my clan. I thought they were my friends…”
“So, they must be better friends of some other claimant to Talbourne lead.” Said hybrid, but then added with softer tone. “Sorry, Maya. I don’t want to be rude and upset you even more… You just seem to be so innocent… but also so naïve. You don’t understand how politic works and what wolves are able to do, to reach the power.”
“But I don’t want to be that way.”
“It will be, as long as Talbourne and Pack exist. But someday it will cease. Both our clans will cease. That’s what were fighting for. To return to peace of traditional pack…” He paused and laughed with embarrassment. “Sorry, I was talking like a politician too. Forget it. I’ll try to forget…”
“But who…” she sobbed.
“According to date of my intelligence, the other serious claimants are Tram and Sheik. I suspect Sheik, because he has more influence… at least sir Vajro thinks that.”
“But he is my brother… my cousin in fact, but we grew up together.”
“Maybe he doesn’t know about that attempt. But some of his hot-headed acolyte misunderstood his will and…”
“I don’t want anyone to hate me!” she cried.
“I don’t hate you…” said January carefully. “I mean, you are from Talbourne… but… I want to forget about it, right? Do you believe me?”
He licked bump on her forehead, but he did it then in non-medical way.

VIII. Leave no one behind…

In normal circumstances Black and his team would had found runaways in less than hour. But what earlier was the curse of runners, later became a blessing – because of heavy frost scents were almost insensible and still falling snow was covering any track in minutes. Unit of Stardusters started to methodically search over the forest. Black decided that after seeing the farther route north – in dense plant pawprints would stayed much longer and because they didn’t, wolf thought that Maya and January were still in grove next to backwaters.
Darkfurred was enraged after death of Lake, so almost two days activity didn’t cause his sleepiness. However it affected his alertness. January was weak after hypothermia and his sensed turned out to be dimmed too. Moreover he additionally tired himself during the hunt. Two canines collided, hitting with foreheads and falling down to the snow. Both were so confused that it took several long seconds, before they reacted. Black gave a war cry and pounced on malawolf.
Steele’s son wasn’t a coward and considered himself as well trained in fight. And that was why he decided to run. He simply estimated chances of combatants – he knew almost nothing about Black, while he was well aware that he was tired, bruised and hungry. Enemy had just to wait for some reinforcements – malawolf had to survive the combat. Generally – retreat was very reasonable solution.
January intercepted Black in air, sending him few yards aside. Then he turned at random direction and speeded ahead. Because of still falling snow, after few minutes he had sure that he lost his second tail. Then he turned east to den where Maya was sleeping. He carried a rabbit, miraculously found just before meeting Black. But there was not too much time to have a breakfast.
He entered lair and nudged Maya. She just smiled in her sleep, so hybrid repeated his move, that time stronger. She gave a quiet yelp of pain and opened her eyes, looking on wolfdog.
“Sorry, but we must go. Eat and come with me.”
“Oh, thanks.” She grabbed rabbit and bit a first bit. Then stopped and asked.
“And you?”
“I’ve already eaten.” Lied January. “But be quick, they are coming.” He stood in entrance to den, ready to block it.
Maya ate extremely quick, most likely overwhelming hunger she felt. After about five minutes the rabbit was cleaned to bones and she gently nudged back of her guardian. January’s nerves were so tensed, then he jumped in place, turning back instantly. He froze just in front of smiling and blood-red lips of wolfess.
“Clear your muzzle.” Said malawolf instinctively. “And then go.”
In fact setting off from hiding was the hardest part of plan. When they were still inside, risk of finding them was serious, yet not so great. However after leaving den even pawprints staying half an hour on snow made a calling evidence of their presence. January estimated they have not more than hour of easy march then they have to run.
“How’s your paw?”
“Better! Now I feel it.” Said Maya with airy voice. But then she must stomped on wounded limp, because she gasped with pain. “And actually it hurts as hell!”
“Right…” murmured malawolf. “Listen, when I say <run>, we run. If you can’t, just climb on my back. But please, don’t do it too hasty. I won’t carry you with satisfying speed.”
“But… have we run?” she asked and he stopped, turned to her and looking right in her eyes said with freezing voice.
“You think that it’s so funny to flee with cowed tail? Lady, I usually show more bravery, but it happened that I haven’t eaten since two days, I’m hypothermed and additionally I’m guiding wounded female. Just… let me be rational this time, not heroic. My father always repeated that good commander knows which battle he cannot win.”
“Sorry…” whispered Maya, turning her stare down. “I actually meant to try negotiate with them.”
“How?” snorted January. “My safety for giving them you?” But then he noticed that on her face appeared two tears. “***** it!” he murmured. “I did it again. Sorry, Maya I didn’t mean to be rude… just… let me do it in my way. From us two I have a bit more combat and survival experience.”
“Dad taught you?” asked wolfess, still with tensed voice, but trying to start a chat.
“Well… yes… But let’s go.” They moved on.
“You really loved your father.” She said after few minutes of march. “And you miss him.” He just nodded his head. “I’m too. I mean – uncle Shadow always carried about me, but I miss my dad anyway… He died two years ago.” January laughed nervously.
“Yeah, I know that. He died the same day that my father. There is possibility that they killed each other.”
“You blame me?” she asked.
“And you blame me for Dash’s death? If not my father, that war would never broke out.”
“It happened very bad, but you are not guilty of it.”
“Still, I’m fighting under my father’s banner.”
“I believe that’s only because you had no chance to see that my clan is good actually.” Replied Maya. “We… we talk, stay with each other. Perhaps we could mend the split between our parents.”
“You really want it?” asked January, turning his head back to Maya. She nodded, but then sight of malawolf pointed somewhere above her shoulder. “The hunt is on. RUN!”
He showed direction, then waited as she came on lead. But then noticed as she barely going in deep snow, so he outran her again and started to mark a path. For every minute he turned back too see how she was going. She was going awful.
It was about midday, snow almost ceased to fall and sun shone from above dense - yet leaky - layer of clouds. They didn’t see the chase, but heard it – Stardust wolves were calling themselves with hunting signals. The terrain became easier for both battue and game – forest of Alaska interior started to come down to the sea and Buckland Area. It was easy to run, at least ahead – January judged that try to leave valley of river was doom to be failure – in simple run ahead and down Maya’s imparity was significant, but not disqualifying. But climbing up with wounded paw on east slope of valley would allow Stardusters to catch them instantly. The going on western slope, to Talbourne area was then out of option – on that point river became wider and ice less stabile. Coming on the other bank was dangerous. However January kept that idea as a last resort.
“I’m sorry…” sobbed Maya at his six. “I can’t…”
“Well…” replied malawolf, trying to sound calmly. “You manage to go at your own extremely far anyway. So, come to me.” Be kneeled down, allowing her to climb on his back. “Hold on, but try not to choke me, right?”
January stood up and in next second almost fell down. Dizziness burst in his head and stomach violently reminded him about his biological needs, rumbling loud. He took a deep breath and made first step ahead. It was herder than he thought, yet it happened. “And then, what?” he asked himself in mind. “Are we going north to Buckland, waiting for hunters to shot Maya and capture me to be a sleddog?”
“Hey, you!” sounded a call from behind. “Stop if you want to live!”
“It’s extremely cheap talk in hunting situation.” Murmured January to Maya, marching still.
“January!” Talbourne wolfess recognised Black’s voice. “We don’t want you dead! Just drop her here and go home. That is not your business!”
Maya instinctively hugged closer to hybrid’s neck. Under all circumstances January had no interest in saving her. They had talked nice, exchanged few jests and had generally a good time, but then it became a matter of life and death. Packer had to choose between his safety and – in consequence – safety of Pack’s heir and… Well, Maya wasn’t sure what was on the other paw.
“Come on!” murmured wolfdog. “You really think I could leave you here?”
“I don’t understand why you are doing this.” She whispered. When she noticed that he wanted to reply in his usual way, added quickly. “But I don’t complain.”
“***** it! ***** it!” January snorted. “If I die, mom is going to kill me! Crap! That’s all in vain…” Suddenly he stopped and looked on the river. “Maya, are you ready for another batch?”
“In hot spring? Yes, please!” she replied, smiling, but then he followed his stare. “No…”
“So I’m sorry, you will swim unprepared.” Said January and entered the ice.
Layer was cracked and fragmented – under mass of two canines more break appeared. Wolfdog chose a solid float, put Maya on it and pushed them from ice-mass. They floated with current freely. Their improvise raft was highly unstable, so malawolf carefully backed to the centre of five yards float and nestled to Maya. “Stay still.” He ordered.
“And that’s it?” she called. “It seems to be safe.”
“It is.” Nodded Packer. “Until we want to land or even make a turn. By the way, do you know, where is nearest waterfall here?”
She gasped with fear, but then her cry turned to laughter. January didn’t resist too and soon after both canines were laughing airily. Malawolf had to counter shivers they make by carefully moving on float, but it didn’t stop him from merry giggling. They were dying, but who said that one can’t laugh for the last time.
“What the crack!?” called Black from the bank. “How the heck you’ve got a sunstroke in such a blizzard? Or I hit you in the head? You are dead already!”
“What a shame…” laughed January back. “So I guess I took a bad path. You promised to let me go freely.”
“After them!” murmured Black to his packmates. “We will go on the bank. They can’t float faster than we run. Maybe they will drown in first river bend. But maybe not. We will try to convince that Packer to leave Maya for his life.”
“And we let him go?” asked a bit shocked Snow.
“Of course, not!” growled darkfurred. “He got Lake, don’t you remember? But don’t threat him now. Perhaps he will do out job for us.”
*
To kill Maya, January had just to push her away from drift. It was highly improbable that wolfess would swam to bank with wounded paw and in that general condition. To be honest, we could add that malawolf also wasn’t sure if he was able to reach the shore. But he was ready to jump after Maya to water if some force threw her away.
They were sailing in silence for long minutes, looking on Black’s unit, running on eastern bank. Initially they thought that idea with icefloat was excellent way to outran persecutors, but after some time two runaways noticed that chase was moving with almost the same speed that game. However that was good for Maya and January anyway – floating with ice they could rest a bit, while pursuers were tiring themselves.
“And… what now?” Asked wolfess. “Where are we going?”
“We are not going.” Replied hybrid. “We’re just resting. When you are ready to run, we will try to reach the bank and get to Pack’s territory. We can’t enter human’s seats. They will shot Black and his sidekicks, but you will be shot too.”
“You could survive… as a half dog.”
“If wanted to be a sledpuller, I would have gone there earlier.” Murmured January. “Oh, don’t be afraid. I won’t leave you.”
“Yes, I know.” Said Maya and nestled to his side closer.
“By the way… on the first glance you could be glad that we die.” Said January. “The Pack loses it’s leader, while the stronger claimant for Talbourne alpha gets the score…” She wanted to say <I never thought like that!>, but he continued. “But it doesn’t work like that. If I’m down… Aarre becomes the leader. He is our beta-alpha… marshal in your words, I guess. So someone like Tenu. The funny point is that my family won’t suffer so much, because Aarre will still be obedient to my mother… But his aim – as well as aim of all Uniea survivors and their children – is to restore the glory of Uniea Clan. And they will attack Talbourne for sure – as revenge for war four years ago.”
“It’s horrible…”
“Well, remember that Tenu was planning offensive against us in nearest summer. So, now the question is just: Who whom?”
“We must survive and stop it!” she whispered.
“Why do you assume I wish to stop it?” asked malawolf. “I’m trying to fulfil my father’s dream, that’s all. Ultimate quest is different than Aarre’s, but means are the same. War.”
“No…” she sobbed. “You are not like that!”
“Like what?” he asked. “Like your parents? Like Aleu and Shadow? They all were fighting.” He noticed.
“We can change it!” assured Maya, putting her head on January’s side.
*
Good motivation can’t replace food and sleep, but could reduce need of those to very small dose. Both teams – Tan’s and Aarre’s had motivation and they were going with unbelievable speed. Thirty miles in such terrain and with such a weather was an achievement, if was done in less than eight hours.
Aarre as the first noticed tracks of runaways and chase – after all most of that race was done on his bank. Old hunter read from pawprints and other marks well. He saw the hole made by Maya (and the second, made by Maya too, yet intentionally) to more or less discover what happened. His head was full of theories about mysterious assassins but he tended to choose the right one – that was inner-Talbourne game, where January was not the main target. In the same time he felt relived and he was very angry on that circumstance.
“Werk!” he gasped, seeing edge of ice-layer and freely drifting floats. “Did he…”
“Boss’s son is amazing!” yelled Tomu – one of most trusted Aarre’s soldier. “They were eight and he managed to outwit them!”
“I doubt if he is able to outwit the river.” Said Aarre. “Anyway, we must go ahead.” His unit followed down the stream.
*
She gathered family in her cave. It wasn’t easy – she had to persuade lieutenants Ami that her “family business” was more important that another drill in Icy Valley, but she managed to do it. Istana found her time easily, because Teele was still in Home Cave, postponing most of recon operations.
“So, what’s up, mom?” asked Vin, entering as the last to cave.
“We must all talk about Ian.” She said. Ralph wanted to express his discontentment, but she froze him with her stare. “We must.”
“If you say so…” murmured wolf. Then asked with hope. “Have you convinced him to return to the clan?”
“No.” said wolfess. “And I don’t plan it. Or later. But first of all we must ask him for forgiveness for what we did to him when we was with us. Or for what we didn’t…” She looked on Istana. “Of course I don’t mean you, my dear, but I ask you to accompany us.”
“What!?” gasped Ralph. “We have to apologies him? He is a traitor, not us!”
“Mom…” added Viin with quieter voice. “It’s cool that Ian is alive… but it’s not my fault that he lost the qualification round…”
“I see you never learn.” Said Flame, looking on them with sad eyes. “Very well, let it be.” In that moment she made the final decision.
Two wolves – father and son – left the cave. Only Istana stayed. Flame sighed again and said to her daughter.
“And you? At least you’ve done nothing wrong.”
“But it’s my brother…”
“And my son.” Added Flame. “Please remember it, when… well, you will see when it will be worth to recall.”
*
Mother’s acting was strange, what Ian – taught by Varjo – noticed quickly. She made nothing especially strange, but all her person was sparkling with some mystery. She started to came there less frequent and talked less too. However Ian had enough brains to wait with question to the moment they were alone.
“Mom… what is going on?” She took a look around and smiled.
“Isn’t that obvious?” she asked.
“Wait…” gasped scout. “You don’t mean that…”
“Soon you will be free.” Said Flame. “I’ve already hid enough food to have a real meal before we go and acquired a route, where we could rest and dine in progress.”
“What!?” yelled Ian. Then he turned his voice lower. “Mother, I’m extremely grateful for that… but what means <we>? You want to escort me to the border?”
“You said you know lady Ea and January in person. I guess fixing the Pack’s asylum for me won’t be so hard.”
“But… to the Pack…” whispered scout. “You want to go with me… there? You can’t leave your home.”
“Tell me something, mister!” said Flame with faked harshness. “Do you still claim that you Pack is the finest one in Alaska?”
“Yes, but it…”
“So, don’t you want your mother to be on the right side, huh?”
“I want that you are with Pack… but… dad? Istana and Viin?”
“Sorry, Ian.” Said Flame with tensed voice. “They simply don’t see it.”
“See what?” asked scout. He was shocked, maybe in very pleasant way, but he also didn’t like someone was taking his fate in her or his paws.
“We failed you, Ian.” Replied wolfess. “You father and brother too, but mine fault is the greatest one. I failed as a mother.”
“But I didn’t ask you to defect because of that.”
“Wait, mister!” snorted Flame. “Do you want to return home, or not?”
“I want, but… aren’t you afraid that that help me in my mission and consequently help the Pack’s cause.”
“Soon that will be my cause as well.” Said wolfess. “Seeing uncertainness of her son, she added. “I wished that we all go. But if they can’t see that they should. However it doesn’t relieve my from my duties.”
“Wait! There is something you should know! About my mission…” yelled Ian.
“No, I don’t. In fact, I don’t care.” She replied. “I just want to deliver you there… and live there with you. You will show me your home… introduce me to your girl… Will you?”
“Of course, I will.” Said Ian with decisiveness. “But still we must go there.”
“Don’t worry!” smiled Flame. “I’ll show you, that you survival skill you got with genies!”
*
Varjo was highly reasonable wolf, that’s why he was wrong. He assumed that January was worrying about his own survival and interest of the Pack. That’s why he assumed that Steele’s son simply with the first possible opportunity left Reindeer Creek and hid in forest, waiting for rescue team. It was optimal option for heir, who was responsible for future of the
Pack. However it was bad tactic for young January, who was caring about Talbourne princess.
Kaata persuaded her father to give her six wolves and let her go south. Of course RAIA’s commander forbade daughter to get close to Buckland, but she was determined to visit even Anchorage, if that was a place where possible January was. She ran downriver at her full speed, but of course she was unable to make up to Aarre.
“Don’t worry, we will find him.” Assured Varjo, when he was looking with Ea on outgoing Kaata.
“I am worrying about it too.” She replied. “How we would explain it to him.”
*
“Sir! Fresh trail!” called Tomu to Aarre.
“Good, continue.” Replied beta-alpha.
“But sir… those are enemy’s trails.” Added sergeant. “Seven wolves of Talbourne. We can’t locate master January.”
“So… that changes nothing.” Replied Pack’s marshal. “Or no… let’s go a bit slower.”
“Sir?”
“We can’t let those Talbourne to spot us, right?”
“Right.” Nodded Tomu, not knowing that his commander had something different on mind.
*
The night had come and they had to land. January was barely standing on his paws, felt nausea attacks because of exhaustion and hunger, while Maya’s paw was still no good for run. Their only hope was weakness of enemy – after all pursuers also had to rest eventually. And there was a second reason for a stop – they almost reached human’s territory. Malawolf would do almost anything to avoid entering it, but he understood there was no other choice. Chase was restless and slope of valley seemed to be still too steep for Talbourne princess. Moreover January hoped that Black would scare of humans. That was a weak hope, however, because the damage was already done – Maya saw muzzles of assassins and leaving her alive was very unwise options for them.
“Be prepared.” Said hybrid to wolfess. “When I see good place, we swim to the shore. Then we will have to find some den and instantly dry up. Any minute of walking with wet fur will drain us. Too long time will kill us.”
“Do you know any hot source here?” asked Maya with sleepy voice.
“No, no! don’t sleep!” yelled January. “This time I simply can faint, saving you!”
“As you wish, Jan.” she replied with tone suggesting she was already away.
The threshold of unpleasant sensations is limited. They were so frozen already that another cold bath seemed just a breeze for them. However hybrid knew that was just a pretence – their bodies were on the edge of hypothermia and any error on that way would kill them.
Heavens had to watch over them – two canines reached the bank and shaking as trapped mouse entered random den just next to the river. Instantly they coiled inside, nestling to each other in way more strict than any passionate lovers would. Coldness didn’t let them sleep, what was at least good effect, because January felt that sleep would cut them to icecubes instantly.
“Yeah… now we must stay awake.” Said January. Actually it sounded like <W… we… must…shtai… aw… ak!> , because his voice was trembling. “Right?”
“I will try.” Replied Maya.
“No, no tries!” murmured hybrid. “You must not sleep! Talk to me! Don’t stop!”
She reached his neck and their throats met. Maybe it seemed absurdly, but most of warmth is lost via neck, where hot aortas are running just below the fur. So they stayed in that intimate, yet extremely odd position with muzzles almost joined.
“Jan…” January smiled. “What’s wrong? You don’t want to be called like that?”
“No, it’s nice.” Replied wolfdog. “But no one calls me that, even mother. You know… I have a friend, Ian, so calling me simply <Jan> could be confusing. But if you want… go on.”
“Ian…” murmured Maya. “That scout we captured?” He nodded his head. “If we survive this, I will meet with him… and of course, I will make sure he is treated well.”
“Thanks.” Said wolfdog.
“By the way…” asked Maya with a bit tensed voice . “Have you… special someone?”
“To cry for me, when I don’t returned?” smiled January. “Thanks God, no!” laughed nervously. “And you?” She shook her head, when hybrid sensed it clearly on hi own neck. “So, after all we are not so afraid to die, huh?”
“By the matter of fact, you would be wolf of my life.” She said with playful tone. “I will die at your side.”
“Wow, how nice.” January laughed back. “I always wanted to live and die with just the one, special girl, but previously I planned to get old before that!” They were silent for a while, but then Maya again started a quiet chat.
“Tell me more about your Pack. I want to understand why you are so loyal to it.”
“Are you really want to hear that? We could argue about that.”
“I guess that just one argument during our relationship will be acceptable.” She giggled.
“Right…” murmured wolfdog. “I’m sure you know the basis of our doctrine. That we want restore the traditional order of wolves communities, with no clans over pack and family structures… That is completely opposite to what teaches your Path of Aniu, that tells to create an utopian wolf-state all over the world, if possible. Sorry, to call it in so simplified way, but I really thought it’s absurd and dangerous. My father always told me…”
“So, it’s all about father.” Interrupted Maya.
“Well… yes, most likely yes.” Agreed January. “But look at this from the other side. Our world-views are usually based on personnel bounds and inspirations. If some idea is colliding with your personal happiness, are you really ready to disown your friends and family? If that’s true, all ideas, utopias and revolutions are done by highly unhappy persons. That way every result of such action will be corrupted with unhappiness and despair too. Am I wrong?”
“Tenu.” Whispered Maya. “Now, when you tell me that, I see that you are right, at least about one wolf. General Tenu of our military. He is unhappy… or something terrible happened to him in the past. He seems to support our cause, the cause of Aniu, but he is as you described him. Somehow corrupted. He has good intentions, but them drive him to so merciless actions that I’m scared of him.”
“It is always like that.” Smiled January. “We wanted good, but it happened as usually. So imagine that for us, your clan is one, collective general Tenu – corrupted by ideology and with good intentions twisted by soulless body of aggressive organisation. I wish to show you, we have right, but if I fail, at last try to see by our eyes for a while.”
“You are wrong.” Protested Maya. “Only some of us are like Tenu. Most is really believing in Aniu’s Path. That keeps us from doing bad things.”
“You are so naïve.” Said January. “Sorry so say it, but no one could deny war atrocities of Talbourne. Also no one could deny similar acts on our side, because it’s a nature of total war. But we are fighting to cease that and allow no wolf community to wage war so cruel that our…” He paused for a moment and added with quieter voice. “And I’m praying that at least some would survive our <War for Peace>.”
“But why the war at all?” asked Maya. “Can’t we live in peace? Coexist. Imagine the Alaska where Talbourne Clan is living on Seward Peninsula and the Pack oversees Yukon Valley. That’s a compromise. We still serve Aniu, but let you follow whomever you want!” January smiled with bitter smile, hearing that.
“Maya, understand that is just fooling yourself. We can’t coexist in peace, because existence is not a aim of the Pack. We want the return of old times… And even if… even if Talbourne stays here with the Pack or restored Uniea as a neighbour… Do you really expect see those two organisations maintaining a peace?”
“Of course!”
“But Maya… you said you follow the Path of Aniu, because you consider it as true. But allowing the Pack to exist, you deny it! Allowing two opposites to be, you don’t prove them both right. You prove them both wrong! If we are right, what right to exist Talbourne has? And if your way is the better one, why should we uphold our errors?”
“Because we don’t know, which one is right.”
“You know… I know… Only time could tell.”
“So…” asked Maya with breaking voice. “Is there no world where we are not enemies? Where we could live… together?”
“I’ll make everything to prove there is such a world and it’s my world that might be your as well. But honestly speaking… Today I can’t give you any guarantee.” When he noticed she was crying, she gently started to lick her muzzle to dry salty drop. But after a while he froze in place, raising his ears.
“I’m terribly sorry, Maya.” He whispered. “But we must go!”

IX. …alive!

It was not that Black represses his anger and acted with cold logic. He was simply too tired to howl with rage. He and his companions came silently to den on plain, guided by trails in snow. Because snowfall had ceased previous evening and January didn’t notice it, he did nothing to cover his and Maya’s pawprints. Stardusters had clear way to hideout of runaways.
Talbourne princess and future alpha fled in last possible moment – when enemies were less that hundred yards from den. Already she was on his back, because hybrid understood that running at own paws wouldn’t made her any faster. January had no further tactic, because of previous events he assumed it was useless to think if he even didn’t know where they were. Then – at milky dawn – he already knew and that was filling him with both hope and despair.
The field was a pasture – maybe not fenced then, but for sure used by humans. Needles to say – humans seats were close, much closer that wolfdog expected to. And chase was still going on. In spite of general anger, January admired his persecutors for determination and bravery. Or for unbelievable stupidity. Maya moaned at his back, so he just clenched his jaws and made another jump ahead.
*
“There they are!” called Alam to his unit. “Faster!”
“Sir!” yelled Kaup, soldier running closer to commander. “There are humans there!”
“I bet you prefer to face humans, than fury of general!” replied sergeant and speeded on.
Of course that was not the only team who get so far. Aarre was standing on the hill and looking on scene below. His subordinates were growling quietly, ready for action, but no command was given. Finally Tomu asked with emotion in his voice.
“Boss… what are waiting for?”
“For the end.” Said beta-alpha with frozen tone.
“W… what?” whispered soldier. And Aarre turned to his most trusted wolves.
“Listen!” he called. “I hate to say it… but now you are not in service of the Pack. You are again Uniea soldiers!” Silence cut all murmurs of soldiers, stared focused on commander, expressing shock but also interest. “You are all from Uniea clan… or you are children of claners. I chose you, because of loyalty to our cause. For long years I thought that banner of our clan is long lost, but now…” He took a deep breath and continued. “January is a fine wolf and a fine leader. But he won’t return us Uniea.”
“So… we leave him there?” asked one of younger recruits. Miekkan - son of Velka.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“So… we went so far…” whispered Tomu. For one second Aarre suspected treason, but then alpha-gamma added. “Sir, should we go farther in this?”
“What you mean?” asked Uniea.
“I mean… should we stop Kaata’s wolves?”
Silverfurred was running in valley, more than hundred yards before her soldiers. It seemed impossible for fragile wolfess to move with such a speed, manage to stick with scout unit and even outrun it, but it happened. With every pulse of her heart a howling pangs of conscience were slamming her head from inside and making her to run. For past two days she was imagining January torn apart by Talbourne soldiers, eventually – while she came closer to Buckland – shot down by hunters. “Jan…” she was repeating. “I’m so sorry… But God witnesses – I wanted it for your good!”
Fourth group uninvited, yet present on party was squad of Alam. They came from western bank, looking for appropriate way to cross wide backwater of river. Finally commander decided to do it in most cheeky way, because he turned to human bridge. Eight wolves entered the wooden stricture and in just moment were on the other side. But it was no longer Pack’s territory – it was Humans Land.
*
January fell down without warning. His body gave him no signal that was so bad. Of course – his body was giving him such a signals since two days, but malawolf didn’t know that end of those was the ultimate call of despair. He was running in deep snow of field, continuously submerging and emerging paws from white mass. But one time some barrier in him failed – after his step/jump ahead he lost his balance and fell down. Maya was thrown into snow and malawolf drown in mass of whiteness. He barely raised his head to see above snow surface and his stare met with eyes of Aarre. Old commander was five hundred yards farther, on the slope of valley, but somehow they saw each other clearly. In moment of clarity January understood that help would not come.
“Sorry, boy.” Seemed to tell Aarre. Fro that distance it was imposable to read from lips, but hybrid read it from the soul. He was left on his own. Instead of panic or thinking it over, he made quick and ultimate decision.
“Maya…” he gasped. “Are you… alive?”
“Unfortunately… yes!” she replied. “But it hurts!”
”We must go to the humans.” Said malawolf. “I can’t carry you anymore!”
“I’ll try.” Said brownfurred. “But Jan… where exactly we are going?”
Hybrid stood up and started to hobble in her direction. He gave a quick look back to see that was too late – Black and Stardusters ran just after them, forming a fan formation. “As if we were able to run from them!” snorted wolfdog with anger. Then he supported Maya side and they started to hobble north.
*
Alam was focused on mission, what partially decreased his awareness. But after some time he couldn’t ignore the human silhouette, skiing in their direction with nasty looking, long and narrow object on his back. Wolf cursed badly.
“We must do our mission and get out of here.” He said, looking on man on skies. “Get
Maya and go to the forest. Any forest, closest one.”
“Pack’s territory!” noticed Kaup.
“Screw it! That human has some real gun!”
*
Arashi Tazaku was a bit tired, yet morning ski–runs were necessary. As a doctor, he understood exigency of movement at his age and knew that staying in place could mean death long before heart stops. So he decided to keep his condition for all cost.
Old, hoary Japanese was almost seventy years old, yet as only physician in Buckland he had to stay healthy – to help his patients efficiently. He used to be a great marksman, but age claimed sharpness of his sight and then Arashi wasn’t so sure of his skills as few years earlier. That’s why to defend himself he had no ordinary rifle, but gun he didn’t have to aim too closely. In his late sixties Arashi Tazaku used to miss his single shot of hunting rifle. But on twenty rounds that produced his Browning Assault Rifle in single burst at least one was always a score.
“What a…” he finished with Japanese curse which meaning unknown in Alaska. He had sight problems, but no so severe to see phantoms. And he spotted several wolf silhouettes, running in deep snow right in his direction. That was highly odd behaviour, even for starved predators. Arashi suspected rabies, so he grabbed his weapon and pointed barrel at the closest creatures.
*
“Kill them!” yelled Black and pounced on running two.
He hit Maya’s back, sending her three yards away. Then he attacked January. Malawolf was too tired to defend himself properly. He shunned Black’s jaws and grabbed his nape in his own. But then he had no strength to clench them. Darkfurred easily shook adversary away, preparing another charge.
“Maya! Run!” called January, but it was said in wrong time.
Seven Stardust wolves got all over Talbourne princess. Hybrid rushed to help her, but when he was in the air, Black hit his back. Both canines slammed into mass of fighting wolves. Most likely that saved Maya, because in few seconds of chaos January managed to got to wolfess and pushed her away from the crowd. But it would be taken in vain anyway, if not Kaata’s squad.
Six wolves hit in tight formation, pushing Talbourne away. Kaata instantly pounced on Black – still holding January’s nape. Soon whole situation returned to previous state – that meant: to chaos – but with one slight difference: Maya was already outside circle of wolves. But she got her share anyway.
Arashi Tazaku hated wolves. Forest predators killed few years back his favourite dog – wolfbitch Sky and since that time he had no scrupled from shooting encountered creatures out. He pressed the trigger and in one rapid burst twenty O point three bullets left the barrel. From distance of hundred yards eventual hit were more the matter of coincidence than aiming, but they were anyway.
Snow’s head almost exploded as projectile hit his forehead. That was only instant casualty, but few more canines were wounded. When shooting sounded, all quarrels among wolves ceased and creatures – joined by primal fear - recoiled in shock. Not waiting for human to change the clip, everyone who was able to, set off to mad run to the nearest forest. On the blooded snow stayed just four silhouettes – lifeless Snow, Kaata, Maya and January.
“Run!” cried malawolf. He got to Maya, somehow managed to put her back on paws (or at least three of them), then jumped to Kaata. Silverfurred was lying in snowhole, spraying red from pierced thigh. “No…” gasped hybrid.
“January…” smiled wolfess, focusing her sight on future alpha. “I’m so sorry.”
“No wait…” he called. Then he heard a soft clap, as Maya fell to the snow. He turned to her, then back to Kaata, to finally say with weary voice. “Whatever gallant I look, I won’t carry you both at once! Maya, GET UP!”
He knelt down and dived in soft snow to get Kaata over his back. Then he stood up, shivering on whole body. Took a look around then ordered with decisive voice.
“Maya, slowly stand up and check where is human and where we could go.”
“Yes… Jan.” she answered with fainting voice, but obeyed. She gave a quick glance over the surface of snow, then crouched again. “He is there…” pointed north direction. “I see no cover… except that human-made thing. That cottage.”
“Lead the way!” said malawolf and they started to march in snow.
That was possible only because layer was thin and Kaata’s fur silver. Wounded and unconscious wolfess was above the surface, but in sunrays of midday, sparkling on whiteness, she was almost invisible. Strange human gave no other shot from his gun and January soon after sniffed that he was gone. “But he’ll be back.” Thought bitterly.
They reached empty cottage about quarter later. Maya didn’t want to batter down the door, she just tripped and hit it, making old wooden plate break. So the human house was open. January put motionless Kaata on pile of furs in corner of chamber, then took a look around. It was abandoned cottage, where perhaps some hunters lived in summer time. But then there was just silence and emptiness.
“Search for something to eat…” ordered January to Maya. “We will eat, then think how to get out from here.” In that moment sounded a howling of Alam.
*
“They are alive.” Said Tenu’s sergeant to his soldiers, after finished talk. “As you most likely heard, they are in human cottage, there, next to bank. They are trapped.” Wolves looked on building and quickly understood situation. House was standing almost on bank, so one direction of escape was blocked by water element. On east was a plain – wide space of flat snow layer and if any wolf entered it in daylight, he was easy to shot by good hunter. Alam knew nothing about skills of Arashi Tazaku, but assumed the worst. Human took his place in hunter’s ambo, on brink of the forest. He had a cleat shot on whole clearing.
“Well…” continued Alam. “Enemies… wait, we don’t know exactly who is our enemy… I mean: Stardusters drew back to forest and they surely won’t make a move, because of hunter. Pack’s squad got to slope and united with… another Pack’s squad that was inactive previously due to unknown reasons. So we are the closest ones to do the job.”
“Yeah, sure.” Nodded Kaup. “But what is our job, again?”
“To retake Maya for all cost and January if that’s possible.” Replied sergeant. “And if she is dead… our secondary mission is to take out January. Without Maya he is no good for general.”
*
Aarre understood that situation went out of his paw. So, instead of riding off Ea’s son, he endangered Kaata. Awareness of failure was burning in his skull, driving him crazy. He had no good words for soldiers – his Uniea ones and scouts of RAIA squad.
But then sounded a howl from the bridge. In short message Talbourne commander, calling himself sergeant Alam, promised to save the day. He declared that his mission was to retrieve Maya back and he had no interest in killing January. He asked just for safe passage back, if situation forced him to enter Pack’s territory. Aarre gave his agree and they announced to move out at evening.
“What is going on, sir?” asked Tomu.
“Most likely, it’s all going fine.” Replied beta-alpha. “It’s just me who lost.”
*
In fact cottage contained tons of food, but that was humans food. Coffee, flour, even some biscuits – perhaps tasty for omnivore homo sapiens but not for canis lupus. Finally Maya found big bag of sugar and January judged that was thing closest to acceptable diet there. They ate solid portions of white powder, then vomited most of it – but malawolf was convinced that was because of stomach exhaustion, not awful taste of nauseating sweet mass. Then they went back to corned and laid down next to unconscious Kaata.
“And what now?” asked Talbourne princess.
“We must wait for the dusk.” Said hybrid. “Then we will try to run away. But…” He looked on silverfurred. “I simply have no idea how.”
“You will find something.” Assured Maya. “As long I know you, you always have some idea. By the way…” she looked on Kaata too. “Who is she?”
“Best friend…” said January. “But also daughter of RAIA’s commander. I bet that some plot of her father put her into all that.” He bended down to see wound of her thing. He gently touched it with tongue. Kaata shivered from pain, still not regaining awareness. January narrowed his eyes. “Clean hit, the bullet came out… Yet, still it made a mess with muscles. There is no chance she could walk by herself in predictable future…”
“But you won’t leave her.” Said Maya, just noticing obvious fact.
“Sorry, Maya, but I can’t.”
“That doesn’t make us chances greater…” she murmured. “Anyway, you saved me so many times in last few days that you have God given right to focus on someone else now.” They were silent for a while, then she asked. “How you estimate our odds?”
“I prefer not to estimate.” He replied.
“And if you have to?”
“I’m born-optimist.” He said. “Fifty-fifty.”
“Not bad, after all.” She smiled.
“I mean – from that human.” Added malawolf. “We still don’t know, if your Talbourne friends are still there. One is down, but seven… Crap! We steeped in all that completely in vain!”
“I don’t regret anything.” Said Maya with sudden rally. She moved to January, putting her muzzle on his shoulder. It looked a bit weir, seen from side, because between them was still knocked down Kaata. “If not that, I how else I could meet you?”
“If Aarre attacks first, that would be done. If Tenu is faster, you could have only done it by assisting coroner.” Smiled malawolf. “Sorry by that, I’m tired of war too. Oh, by the way, have I told you, that my Aarre seems to strike me off the list. He just stood and watched, as we were attacked…”
“Peace…” whispered Maya. “Jan… I don’t expect you to accept any of my principles… but there still is a way to stop the war.”
“In next six hours?” smirked hybrid with irony. “We must be quick, before we’re dead.”
“You will lead my clan according to vision of your father.” Said wolfess with shivering voice.
“Oh, and how’s that?” asked amused hybrid. “I challenge you for leadership and became alpha after you?”
“Yes, that’s possible.” She said with quiet voice. “But there is always an alternative.”
“Yeah, of course…” laughed January. “We could…” then he stopped, looking on her with eyes wide opened. “Don’t tell me, you meant that.”
“I lov…”
“Stop!” gasped malawolf. “Don’t say a word. Just…”
“But I do!”
“Shut up!” shouted January, loosing his temper. “No, it all was to be not like this!” growled into dark room then fell silent. Took a few deeper breaths and understood that Maya was crying. “I’m sorry… I not angry on you… You should be angry on me… But it just won’t work.”
“I love you, Jan.” she sobbed. “And I thought that you…”
“Of course, I love you too. But it doesn’t matter, when…” he stopped, feeling he said few words too much.
“You… do?” asked Maya through her tears.
“Well… actually yes.” Admitted malawolf. “But it changes nothing!” added forcefully. “There is no way I could be with you in present political state… Or, wait… if you leave the clan… No! no!” stopped second after. “Don’t listen to me. It’s just impossible.”
“You said it, remember?” she licked his cheek. “You warned me from creatures who follow their ideas, being corrupted by unhappiness. Don’t let yourself become that way. Don’t fight your real, good and noble wants.”
“I’m almost happy, we won’t survive this.” Murmured January, but then she locked his lips with kiss.
He wanted to pull back, but he failed. Perhaps he was too tired, perhaps he didn’t want to stop. But it just happened. They were joined for long while and then carefully put their heads on each other’s shoulder. Maya was smiling – looked especially strange, because her beautiful muzzle was still covered with tear.
“You cast a spell on me.” Said hybrid. “It’s not fair.”
“Life's not fair, is it?” she noticed.
“So… what were are going to do now? I mean next few hours. There is no use to make any plans further than that.”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure it won’t be boring.” She kissed him once again.
“Thanks God we have a chaperone!” murmured Janaury, looking on unconscious Kaata.
*
Cousins met at the Fighting Pillar. Not to fight, of course (“Right? For not to fight?” assured himself Tram), but to talk. It was a rocky column of over twenty yards of diameter and over thirty yards high, standing in Talbourne Gorge. Bluffs of gorge from both sides were almost exactly on altitude of Pillar’s plateau, so when duel was going on, watchers could follow it in two ledges. In old times that was the place where duels for leadership took place. In spite that custom was dropped since Nava’s reign, the place was still important and became a natural spot for all crucial events in clan. Alphas used to speak from pillar and announce their will, recall heroes of clan or acclaim war and peace. From that place Aleu and Saba were watching homages of subdued packs and from there they were listening for voice of clanmates.
That day it was to be just simple talk-spot. Tram insisted to pick it – it was transparent location and there was very hard to arrange any accident on Saba’s son. Tram was really scared, after he heard about Maya’s disappearance.
“So… why have you brought me here?” asked Sheik to cousin.
“Don’t tell me, you have no idea!” said Tram harshly. Presence of over ten his supporters, looking from nearby ledge cheered him up and gave necessary courage. “You tried to kill her!”
“What!?” yelled Sheik. “What are you talking about.”
“If you hurt Maya, you are good as dead.” Growled claimant. “Call off your sidekicks and I will let you live.”
“You are crazy!” snorted Sheik. “If you accuse me for attempt on Maya, you are really out of your mind. She is my cousin, and I…”
“She is your rival. As am I.” Interrupted him Tram. “I bet you got know that we are engaged.”
“You are what?” gasped Aleu’s son. Some amazed wolves on ledges gasped too. That was a surprise and also would be a little surprise for Maya herself, if she happened to hear it.
“You learned that and decided to kill us. She seemed to be weaker and…”
“Shut up!” called Sheik. “I didn’t even think about hurting Maya! You are lying! You use the situation, to accuse me. You can’t believe in it, because that’s impossible…” was calling Sheik, but in the same moment, he associated few facts. Rose, talking about his leadership. Disappearance of Black and his friends. His own words, encouraging Rose to <help him out>. “God!” he yelled in mind. “And what if I actually killed her?” He made a step back. Tram instantly steeped ahead.
“You will be charged in front of whole clan under charge of attempt of murdering Maya.” Sheik made another step back, closing to the edge. “And if we don’t save her… you will be sentenced as a murderer!”
“I didn’t do it!” yelled Aleu’s son.
“So who did in your behalf?” asked Tram and pressed ahead. Sheik found himself at the brink of plateau. “Tell us, for us to judge him according to the law of clan.”
“You don’t have any proof!” yelled the other claimant. “This is madness!” Tram pressed his cousin back.
“Madness? This… is… Talbou…”
Fida and Ama were quick. They overturned both wolves, pressing them to the ground, yet in safe distance from edge. In spite of tries, cousins were immobilised in steel grasps of warrioresses. They were just howling with anger and amazement. Tenu came about minute later.
Numerous wolves of clan were looking on hoaryfurred, small wolf entering plateau of pillar and coming closer to two cousins. He stopped, gave a sign to his body guards and two males were released. Yet Fida and Ama were ready to react, if anyone of them had any stupid idea.
“Wolves of Talbourne!” called Tenu. “You saw a troubling scene, yet it was unworthy of your attention. Two princes…” he looked on Sheik and Tram. “Are in extreme nervous state, after we heard that lady Maya is missing. Please, forgive them that burst of emotions.” He came closer to Tram. “Well, well, well.” He smiled, looking on shocked claimant. “Even few hours back I thought you are stupid, arrogant and irresponsible brat of no talents… But after seeing this show… and learning what are you up to… I still consider you as arrogant and irresponsible. Yet I can’t call you stupid anymore. But don’t mess with me. I’m better in this game. All right?” and he set off to path down the rock.
Sheik and Tram stayed there for some time, panting heavily and trying to rationalise own humiliation. Fida and Ama left them, assuming they wouldn’t kill each other then. They had right. Both claimants went down the pillar, saying no word.
*
Night was slowly coming, putting forests of Home Valley in deep shades. The gorge of river was still well illuminated by setting sun, but just after line of tree the kingdom of night was already present. That was a domain of spies, scouts and runaways. So if one happened to be all three of them at once, he or she felt there as in home.
Because the focus of most of wolves was pointed on Fighting Pillar, almost no one watched the Main Entrance. Flame asked Istana to find some pretext to call the sentries off for a while. She didn’t tell daughter what for, but bright scout had to suspect the reason. In spite of that she didn’t oppose. That was enough for plan to succeed.
Two wolves – older female and young, yet a bit hobbling male were running in shades of dense plants on Northern Slope. Flame was leading Ian there, far from heat of events. They became almost invisible in fading day, still going quickly and quietly. Scout believed that he got his talents by genies. From mother’s line.
They were satisfies, Ian was almost cured. Flame prepared the escape route with hidden meat and safe-dens all the way to Reindeer Creek. On the other bank Ian was to take initiative. All was going smoothly, carefully planned and perfectly executed. But it was not the point of success. There are many powers on this world but only few of them are mighty enough to oppose motherly love.
It seemed that Talbourne clan sentries were not one of those.

X. My Beloved Enemy

After all they slept. Bodies - exhausted with three days of extreme conditions - yelled for a break. So they put their heads on each other’s shoulders and fell asleep. Only January woke up few times, to check if Kaata was ok. During one of such inspection he discovered she was awake.
“January… I’m so sorry…” she sobbed.
“Shouldn’t I say that?” asked malawolf, licking her would. “After all you saved my back today…”
“But it was me who put you in danger.” She said. Hybrid stopped his work and looked on friend with surprised stare. “I shouldn’t tell it to you… but I must. Most likely, I won’t make it, so I need your forgiveness. But please… don’t judge us hard.”
“Judge? For what?” whispered confused hybrid.
“For the plan.” She said with shivering voice. “That was you mother’s idea in general, but my father decided to use prisoners-trade to that.”
“U… use?” uttered Steele’s son. “But Ian...”
“He volunteered. It was all set up.” Explained Kaata. “He was meant to be captured… he had order to give up. Then we knew You wanted to help him, even for the cost of breaking our diplomacy policy. That was the first stage – make You a real leader in eyes of Talbourne.”
“No… I can’t believe it…” whispered January. “That means – I do believe mom would intend something like that, but why Ian agreed on such stupid plan.”
“Because it was not so stupid. Listen then.” Continued Kaata. “That was just a stage one. By forcing Talbourne to negotiate, we hoped to enflame conflicts over succession after Shadow. And that partially was done. But now the third stage, possible to accomplish, if Maya was chosen to negotiate. Your mother hoped… she still hopes…” her voice trebled and she finished almost crying. “And I hope for it too… for you…”
“What exactly?”
“That you mate with Maya and become Pack’s and Talbourne alpha.” Finished silverfurred and burst with quiet sobbing.
“…” replied speechless January. It took a while of his consideration and her sobs, for him to say a word. “So it was planned? Oh, freedom… I bet that every falling drop of rain thinks it is flying…” murmured, then added with angry voice. “But it’s totally against last will of my father!”
“That’s why you wasn’t told.” Said Kaata, still crying. “Forgive me, that I had my share in this.”
“All right, please, stop it.” Said malawolf, awkwardly stroking her head. “I don’t blame you… I don’t blame mother… I guess it’s natural that females of some intelligence try to manipulate males… and I guess it’s not a bad thing… usually. God! I know you wanted good, but it happened as usual! There is still possibility that such a deluge of good intentions will fruit with remarkable death toll.” Then he looked on sleeping Maya and clenched his jaws. “All prepared… all planned! Have you names for our pups?”
“Name one <Kaata>, please!” in spite of tears asked silverfurred.
“Christ sake!” gasped hybrid. “What I’ve done!? I actually… fell in love with her.”
“I know… I heard it all…” said Kaata. January looked on her with confusion. “Father always told me, not to show that you are awake.”
“Talk about chaperone…” snorted wolfdog. “Kaata, is there any thing you haven’t in control?”
“Many.” She said. “And that one most important completely out of my reach…”
“Oh, yeah.” Murmured January. “We must get away alive… Listen, Kaata. Perhaps it’s all in vain, because we will die… But we must establish few things. I dreamed about father recently. He really puts hopes in me… if that dream was real. I don’t want to fail him.”
“So, you won’t became Talbourne alpha and you mate with her?” asked silverfurred. Careful listener would read in her voice a spark of hope. However malawolf was too tired to do that.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do.” He said. “Honestly, I have no idea. But listen to me… from now on you… listen to me, right? I am your alpha and I’m ordering you. Not your father, not my mother. I, January, son of Steele!”
“Yes, my alpha.” Said Kaata and lowered her ears. Then she smiled and in that expression old, cheeky and playful wolfess returned. “That was my plan. To make you my alpha. Don’t be angry on me, that I succeeded.”
“Thanks… Kaata. If we survive, I’ll think of some way to return that favour… but now we will wake Maya and try to not get killed.” He looked on window to see that sun already set. “Maya, wake up! It’s time to practise bullet dodging.”
“But maybe you practise swimming?” sounded voice from behind the wall.
“Alam?” asked Maya with sleepy voice. “What are you doing here?”
“Assisting, your highness.” Replied Tenu’s sergeant. “Sir January is saving you, but technically I’m playing the close combat support.”
“We won’t swim the river.” Said January with reasonable tone. “We are three. Girls are wounded, I’m exhausted.”
“Don’t worry, I have seven wolves with me. We will assist you. On the other side we have prepared food and shelter.”
“God dammit!” laughed malawolf. “Can’t I do anything by myself?”
“You will sir, you will.” Replied Alam. “General Tenu will explain you everything. But for now you must leave that thing discretely. Are there any holes in walls?”
“Perhaps it’s time to make one.” Smiled malawolf.
Just few minutes after three runaways were dragged after strong and unhurt wolves of Alam’s unit on the other side of Reaindeer Creek. January was almost disappointed that rescue came so easily and solved so many problems with so easy way. But then he recalled that he had many others problems and those couldn’t be fixed even with strongest paws and sharpest fangs.
*
Tenu didn’t give such an order, but in fact he put Talbourne clan in martial law mode. He made sure that Teele supported no claimant, then he made her interalphess to the time of Maya’s acclamation. Of course, he didn’t tell her that Maya was to be leader. Not only because of carefulness, but also he was uncertain how it could be done. He didn’t know if Maya was going to be acclaimed alone or with mate.
His mind read the plan of lady Ea – all circumstantial evidences led him to conclusion that widow of Steele planned to make peace with for the price of January on lead of both clans. That was acceptable price, because Tenu was sure, he was able to manipulate both Maya and January and make them tools of his plan. Or not tools, but followers. Tenu knew he wasn’t immortal and had to think large, leaving his legacy in good paws. He wanted to make sure if son of Steele was the right creature. Then help him or eliminate him, it all depended on his decision.
But he had to be sure. All his theories, built on rational basis, required empirical verification. He could be wrong, reading Ea’s and Varjo’s plans in way he wanted to read. However general Tenu felt he was able to judge young January and make proper decision.
“Soon…” he thought, marching on east with escort squad. They hoped to meet Alam and see if sergeant succeeded. Home Cave was been run by Teele, but Teele was discretely overseen by Heik. All was under control. “Soon… my dream will come true.” General smiled to his own thoughts. “With joining Talbourne and the Pack in one that would be started. Yes, I’ll introduce the New Order here to show all the world that age of tyranny is finished. And we – no more the clan, no more the pack… the Unity will march further and free all who are oppressed by the power and authority. There will be no omegas. We all will be alphas! The age of equality is just in front of us!”
“Is something wrong, sir?” asked one of his soldiers, seeing reverie of commander.
“No.” Tenu shook his head. “Get back to line.”
*
January managed to hear howling, when Alam was informing Aarre that all hostages are safe. Malawolf wondered what would his tutor do. In normal conditions he would demand returning future alpha and Kaata instantly, but then? “Why did you stayed, Aarre?” asked for thousandth time hybrid. “Are you really want me dead? But why?”
Then exhaustion cut him down. He was put in den with Maya. Kaata was taken aside, because one of Alam’s troops was skilled with basic treatment and wanted to see silverfurred’s wound. January made no questions. He (as well as Kaata) was treated not like an enemy, but beloved guest. Maybe as for good ware, but extremely valuable ware. He was a bit afraid that Tenu’s subordinates would think about another exchanges, but he was too tired to worry for long.
He put his muzzle on shoulder of Maya and closed her eyes. From tension of her muzzle – he sensed it under her fur – he read she smiled. They stayed without world for a while, then she asked.
“So… we survived. I’ll make sure that Alam let you free, if you wish. So tell me, what now.”
“I don’t know, Maya.” Replied malawolf. “It’s all so tangled… Don’t think about it, right? Whatever will happen tomorrow and day after tomorrow… let’s be silent tonight. Let… just be here and be close… that all what matters now.”
“Yes, that’s all what matters.” Replied Maya. However she was planning dreams of bright future. She simply couldn’t resist.
*
When Ea and Varjo joined Aarre’s unit, the messages were already delivered. Beta-alpha saw whitefurred wolfess, emerging from darkness with scared expression of her beautiful muzzle. In that moment he felt he wished to be dead and not looking on that. Guilt was burning his chest, yet he was repeating silently. “For you… I tried to do it for you!” Then he said aloud.
“They are safe. Those Talbourne took her from human’s trap and hold on the other side. But they said that lady Maya is ready to give us January and Kaata without any terms of admission.”
“I fear Talbourne, even if they bring meat.” Said RAIA commander and Aarre noticed with some surprise that he was shaking on whole body. Calm and cold-blooded intelligence leader was dying with fear about his daughter.
“Lady, if you wish, I could prepare strike team… just in case. But I dissuade any combat action before we have any recon.”
“Prepare.” Ordered Ea. “And wait.”
“Lady…” said beta-alpha with quieter voice. “I’m so…”
“You did, what you was able to.” She said. “No one could predicted that. If you only knew how we failed…” she turned her stare down and Aarre sighed with confusion.
“She… she also has something to do with that mess? January… boy, you have an extremely bad week.”
“Anyway.” Said Pack’s commander. “We could only wait. They are wounded and for now unable to move. Let’s rest a bit.”
*
In forest of Talbourne dominium were countless creatures. Some of them sleepless that night. Many because their way of life, but others because of want. Seven tired, yet still furious wolves were sitting around hunted elk and easing still warm meat. No one dared to speak – all waited for Black to be first.
Darkfurred male satisfied his hunger, looked on companions and uttered with hateful voice.
“We must rest. From tomorrow on we are on new mission. We still have to kill Maya… but not only for Rose. We have two friends to avenge.”
“Black… don’t you think that count could increase because of this?” asked Merik, youngest Starduster.
“Silence!” gasped Black.
“But what we should do now?” yelled Merik. “Kill our Talbourne soldiers?”
“We are not Talbourne!” growled darkfurred. “We never were. Clan is a fake, it never existed. All what counts is your pack, Stardust Pack!”
“But Rose…”
“Listen to me!” He stood up and came to younger companion. “Lake was one of us, because he was of Stardust. Snow was one of us. Rose is one of us and her pups the same. Even Sheik is one of us, but only because he is father of new generation of Stardusters. Understood?”
“But…”
“The pack is what matters. Not some oppressive regime that enslaved us! If Sheik didn’t fall in love with Rose and old Birgy did decide to fight with Talbourne, we would be not their companions, but victims. Don’t forget about it!”
They both were silent for the while, finally Merik asked.
“But now they have advantage. How we would do it?”
“We could wait for proper moment.” Said Black. “And then they will all taste the wrath of Stardust Pack!”
*
Maya awoke, nestled to January’s side. She didn’t opened her eyes for longer while, enjoying the moment. Although all round her seemed to tremble down and fall, presence of malawolf just next to her was sure and soothing. She wished to freeze that minute into eternity. Her beloved was there, not going anywhere, not hurrying anywhere. At least while he was asleep.
But he eventually awoke too. Looked on Maya and she gave him a lick. He initially narrowed his eyes, wanting to say some rebuke, but then smile appeased him. After all, how he could criticise what he enjoyed. They stayed nestling for some time, none of them wished to count.
“I’m sorry, but we must stand up.” Said hybrid.
“I know and I’m not afraid of that.” She smiled. “It all will be good. We will find the way.”
“Yeah.” Smiled January with bitter smile. “After all I’m in your territory. You could dictate all terms you want.”
“Come on… you are guest here. My guest.” She smiled, but it was faked smile. She sensed in his voice some desperate determination and she didn’t like it. “Come…”
But then they heard growls and shout from outside. January stood up and stopped in entrance to den to take a look before he let Maya leave. Soon he found the source of uneasiness. It was orangefurred wolf with immobile front right paw.
“Where is she? And where is that *******!?” growled lieutenant. Then he noticed January.
“Hi!” said future alpha. “We weren’t introduced to…”
But then Tan rushed on Packer. He crouched to pounce and bared his teeth, so Maya exited lair in last moment to prevent a brawl. She ran to her stepbrother and licked his forehead with joy.
“Maya…” said Tan, quickly restraining his temper. “You’re all right? God, you paw…”
“Hush, Tan, it’s nothing.” She said. “Jan took care about me.” They both looked on wolfdog. “Tan, meet January of the Pack. Jan, this is Tan, my bro.”
“Maya!” gasped orangefurred with amazement. “That’s enemy!”
“I think I should have been introduced to your family all at once.” Said malawolf. “The impact would be deadly, but at least single one.” Tan bared his fangs on Steele’s son.
“No, Tan, listen…” started Maya and stopped next to hybrid. “I know it looks bad… but you must find some friendly terms with him.”
“His father killed your father… uncle Dash!”
“But he is not Steele.”
“So…” Tan looked on newcomer. “You disown your daddy?”
“Maybe it not very elegant, but efficient.” Uttered January. “You want provoke me, to break given word of my safety?”
“Yes or no?” asked Tan with harsh voice.
“My father was the finest alpha in Alaska. Ever.” Said January. He stepped back and crouched, ready to fight.
“No, stop!” cried Maya. “Tan, you must accept him.”
“Why’s that?” asked orangefurred. And Maya nestled to malawolf’s side. Lieutenant gasped with amazement and rage. “No… it’s not true!”
“I love him, bro.” Said brownfurred quietly. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help it.”
“Sir?” asked one of sergeants of Third Unit. “Is this Packer any threat to us?” Tan breached deeply, but replied with calmer voice.
“No. At least not now.” Then added with harsh tone, looking on Maya. “Your father wouldn’t approved it.” He came again to stepsister. “But now you shouldn’t walk. Your paw has to recover.”
“Yes, sir!” smiled wolfess and parodied a soldiers salute.
“Faster I get out of here, the better.” Said January, guiding her back to den.
“That’s only beginning.” Replied brownfurred. Then added with quieter voice. “Please, you must speak with general Tenu. He want to make some truce with you. Would you go with us south? If Kaata is ready, we could return her. Some of our soldiers will take her at your side of river. She would explain everything…”
“Yes, that’s a good idea.” Said hybrid and walked to bush of junipers, where silvefurred was taken and overseen.
She raised her hear, seeing him and smiled. But then a pang of pain grabbed her body and she laid down again. January came closer, examining wound on her thigh. Some wolf of dark-brown coat came there and said to Packer.
“She was extremely lucky. No infection and bullet missed artery by an inch.”
“Kaata… how do you feel?”
“It happened to feel better, my alpha.” She replied with smile. “But also happened to feel worse.”
“She is unable to move at her own, but she is ready to be taken. If you want to send her back, sir…”
“You are very kind to the enemy.” Noticed January, looking in eyes of wolf.
“I’m a soldier, sir.” He replied with smile. “I’m to fight… sometimes to heal. But my commander is to point the enemy. And someday… maybe… he won’t point you.”
“Kaata.” Said wolfdog to silverfurred. “Talbourne will take you on the other side. There…” He took a look around and dark wolf steeped back, for not to hear the talk. “I have some quest for you.” She nodded her head. “Check our army and estimate on how many jaws I could count if… something funny happens.”
“What’s wrong!?” yelled wolfess. “You said you don’t hold the grudge to lady Ea and my father!”
“Of course I won’t hurt my mother!” snorted January. “And she wouldn’t hurt me… But Aarre… He left me there.” Pointed on the other said. “He just stayed and waited as I was beaten down. If not you and your squad, I would be good as dead.”
“So he…”
“I don’t know!” interrupted malawolf. “Just get back and check… discretely, why Aarre would want me dead. Don’t involve your father in it. You are my RAIA now. Right?”
“Right, my alpha.” She nodded her head. “And you?”
“Believe me, I’m not staying here for entertainment.” He lied. “I’m Pack’s alpha, remember? I must investigate if that split inside of Talbourne would help our cause. And moreover I want make sure that Ian is safe.”
“As you wish… my alpha.”
“Don’t make such a sad muzzle.” Said hybrid. “You are going home.”
“Yes, I am.” She said. But deep in heart she felt that her home is wherever January was going. And only there.
*
Runaways got to third point on route and that was their second night in way. Food was prepared, as Istana told them, no one asked inquiring questions. Only few wolves knew Flame, and those who did, esteemed her well, as mother of two soldiers and mate of clan’s hero. Ian was introduced as simply Ian, but wolfess in most cases suggested that he was a fiancé of Istana, but he was going to recover, after nasty paw injure. It all was going smoothly.
Too smoothly.
At the dawn they met Tenu. When they were almost ready to set off, unit of general appeared from nowhere. None of soldiers recognised two runaways, but mercenary himself was very perceptive.
“Bite me down!” smiled hoaryfurred. “A prisoner transfer? But where? To Haven?”
They met on clearing, where stationed one of feed-pack. It was place where Teele sent few families, as Home Cave started to run out from game. Those were civilians, but hey had obligation to help any military Talbourne. Ian took a look around to see that general’s soldiers were tired, but they possibly could run faster then he anyway. RAIA scout estimated his odds to flee as minimal.
“They will stop me.” Said brownfurred, coming to commander. “But I will kill you first.”
“I doubt it.” Smiled Tenu. Then Fida and Ama appeared. Flame bared her teeth. “But for what all those nerves… I won’t spoil you that family trip.”
“What!?” gasped wolfess amazed.
“I said that my soldiers won’t move even an inch to pursue your son. Because Ian and I aren’t enemies… We just happen to temporally play in different teams. Yet still…” He came to lame scout. “…we are both playing for the draw. Aren’t we?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about…” said confused Flame.
“But he knows.” Smiled Tenu, looking on Ian. “You mother is not aware of the plan?” asked. When scout gave no reply, added. “I don’t want to interrogate you. Just tell me <yes> or <no>. Was that all to join Maya and January?”
“And if that’s true?” asked Ian with tensed voice.
“If that is true, I will let you go and ask to forward message to Varjo. That I think he is a disgusting *******, but I like him anyway. I’m for the project. And ask him, why he hasn’t asked me for help?”
“I will tell him that.” Nodded Ian. “Are we done?”
“Yes, you could go.” Said mercenary. “Have a nice trip.” And he simply walked away.
“Ian... what was that?” asked Flame. “Why he didn’t arrested us?”
“I will explain you later, mom.” Said scout with tensed voice. They moved on.
*
Trap was a simple one. Just to wait as Talbourne retinue enter the gorge and start the avalanche. And then check – if white deluge did it’s job, come down and finish off the rest. If not – to escape and choose another place for setup. The technique was obvious. But it’s context not.
On Talbourne wolves were waiting another Talbourne wolves. Stardusters to be exact, but due to Aleu policy there were no packs minorities in clan. Everyone who entered Talbourne became Talbourne and even talking about family pack was unwelcome. However old bound among some claners were fact and no edict could fix that. So Stardust Pack was striking Talbourne clan.
It was evening, almost time to stop for night. But Alam wanted to pick some solid shelter for rest and that killed him. Black ordered to induce avalanche as soon as avant-garde passed. He knew that Tenu’s soldiers were tough ones and focused on riding them out. Targets could wait.
A while.
White wave slid from the slope of valley. Three wolves coming on the lead avoided it, but main group was all hit. Maya and January were right in the middle, under strict supervision of Tan, walking nearby. Fortunately malawolf was walking on left side of his companion, so Maya was partially shielded. Body of wolfdog hit her, as mass of whiteness covered the road. January took a main impetus of avalanche and additionally managed to grab Maya in his paws. He rolled round her head, blocking further injuries. Then already he felt pain of hit side. He screamed, but didn’t hear own voice. He found out that he was already under the snow.
Silence came. Maya even wasn’t sure what happened, because in one second she was walking next to malawolf and in other someone turned the world off. There was dark and in the same time white, so wolfess learned that she was buried under the snow. January was at her side, moaning painfully.
“Jan!” she called.
“Alive, alive…” gasped wolfdog. “Unfortunately…” added. “My side hurts as hell. But don’t panic, that just an avalanche. We will…”
“Tan!” called Maya even louder.
“Easy!” ordered hybrid. “I’m sure he is all right. He was more on right side, so he perhaps is already on the surface. Let’s try to dig ourselves away.” In few moves he threw some snow from above and they saw moving hind paws of some Alam’s soldier. “You see? Everybody is okay!”
But then leg of soldier kicked in desperate attempt and snow above Maya’s and January’s head turned to red. Drop of moisture fell down on hybrid, who licked it just to be sure. It was blood.
“Well… that’s means… Black!” exclaimed malawolf, understanding what happened. Then he added with whisper. “Be quiet.”
He was right – when avalanche fell, all thought it was accident. Vanguards quickly turned back and ran to dig friends away. Stardusters used that moment, when surprised enemies were busy with help for others. They struck from back, taking excellent soldiers from surprise, not letting them to show their skills. Three of vanguards were down in minute, then Black ordered to finish the job. Stardusters started to dig for survivors. But instead of taking them away, they bit their throats, as victims had no place to shun, still covered with snow. That wasn’t a battle, but a massacre.
January suspected what would happened on the surface. That’s why he held Maya in place, thinking how to break the vicious circle. Try of escape would attract enemies. Staying on place would gave them more time to kill whole unit.
Finally malawolf said to brownfurred.
“Be careful! You promised me to obey me, next time I’m saving you, right? If something goes wrong, you’ll do exactly what I tell you. I’ll try to make a way to surface. If I call for you, you go, as fast as possible. If I’m dead, you wait here until the end of world. Maybe someone would find us, before they find you…”
“Jan…” she whispered. “That’s absurd. You can’t die now… Not after I know you love me…”
“I guess that dying in ignorance isn’t so different.” And he pushed himself up.
He quickly reached the surface and quickly reached the enemy. He met Merik, who was just finishing soldier nearby. January was still half-buried and young Starduster was free. That duel was handicapped from the very start.
Merik grabbed malwolf’s nape and in that position was killed by Ama. Again, the rescue had perfect, yet extremely dramatic timing.
Tenu guided his unit in last moment. Black and his wolves managed to took six soldiers already and Merik was on best way to kill January also. But when darkfurred avenger noticed than new division came and he had no idea what was the strength of rescue team, he ordered retreat.
Merik was dead, but all remaining six Stardusters left gorge before Tenu ordered to pursue. And general was focused more on searching survivors than killing assassins. Ama spat Merik’s blood and started to uncover January.
“No…” whispered Black, seeing lifeless body of friend. “Again…”
“Black…” said wolf of milky coat, called Ram. “That’s it. We must return to Rose and tell her.”
“No!” gasped darkfurred, but then he burst in tears. “We… failed! I failed. Our pack was hurt so deeply!”
“There is no time, Black!” called another Starduster. “Let’s get out of here!”
*
Maya was found soon after, scared almost to death, but alive. She fainted due to terror, taking Fida as one of Stardusters, so Tenu ordered to put her next to January and leave until morning. He walked with malawolf to brushy bedding where Packer laid down and Talbourne princess was brought. Hoaryfurred looked on young hybrid with esteem.
“We will talk tomorrow, now sleep.” He said. “Thanks for saving her and not dying in process. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
“Screw you!” whispered wolfdog and fainted down.

XI. Of sons and mothers

Initially Ian thought that avoiding units stationing on West Bank would be hard. But it happened to be very easy task. All forces that left on right side of Reindeer Creek were at full alert, but looking on dangers from right side. Flame decided simply to enter the camp, greeting few wolves she know and smiling to other soldiers. The sureness makes for perfect cover – mother and son proved that rule right.
Of course they had to go a bit aside to cross frozen river, but that they put to the next day. After talk with general Tenu they feared almost nothing. They ask for food and place in Third Unit’s Cave – and so they get both. When they laid to sleep in corner of cavern, Ian asked.
“You want to hear it all now? It’s bit dangerous, because so many ears to hear…”
“No. On the other bank.” Replied Flame. She felt that something was wrong, but she wanted to – maybe for last time – savour with unspoiled joy of love of her regained son. All hard questions could be asked on the other side.
*
Maya was sleeping peacefully. After being dig out and warmed up, she regained awareness for short and when she was assured that January was basically unhurt and Tan was heavily bruised, but with no injure endangering life, she fell again into slumber.
Malawolf hobbled to her just before dawn, after being treated by Murtaan, new medicine wolf of unit. Darkfurred wolf, who helped hybrid day earlier, was killed by Stardusters. Post factum January learned he was called Suoj and was Murtaan’s friend. They both were Uniea whom parents gave up to Aleu. But sons joined Tenu’s forces, unable to fully integrate with the clan.
After massage of stretched muscles, Murtaan guided January to snow den with Maya inside. wolfdog managed to laid down to beloved and even fall asleep, but Tenu came just after. Gathering all his kindness and gentleness, mercenary woke only Packer, leaving Maya asleep.
“Hey, you… We must talk.” Said hoaryfurred, biting hybrid’s ear.
“At this time, if you want to talk, I’m good as pine to do that.” Murmured January, with muzzle on Maya’s head.
“No pine would be in charge of the Pack in nearest time.” Replied general. “Get out.”
He didn’t want to, but he followed. They sat down just in front of den’s entrance. It was still dark, but January spotted Fida and Ama, waiting in near junipers. Tenu wanted to give his guest discretion, yet he was ready for everything, so he kept his guards by side. If hybrid knew hoaryfurred better, he had to admit that was very kind of him.
“If you kill me now, Maya will take a living flesh out of you.” Said January, looking on hidden wolfesses.
“You are really distrustful. I like you also because of that.” Said mercenary. “But now understand that you will walk away from here and return to Pack’s Dominion at your will. No one is hurrying you, but no one stops. However, I advice get back home, take full power and return here to finish the job.”
“Job…” murmured malawolf. “You wouldn’t believe how similar was plan of my mother.”
“Well… great minds think alike.” Smiled Tenu. “Face it – I’m the best canine military commander walking the Earth. But I admit that in case of plots lady Ea has similar talents. And soon we two will combine our powers - as the one, great family. She, as your closest advisor and I, as commander of your legions.”
“Any place here for Maya?” asked hybrid with angry voice.
“I’m talking exactly about her. She is the guarantee and the key of alliance. Power of the Pack and Talbourne clan in one. No one would stop us.”
“Maya said few things about you.” Replied wolfdog. “But I didn’t believe, until I saw you. You took all this Aniu-stuff even harder than Talbourne themselves!”
“I took it better. In rational and secular way.” Smiled mercenary. “But my motivation is secondary to our plan. So, the drill is easy. Go back to your Haven take the Pack over. Then come to me. Without army, because I will be your army. Two units under my command and you will stand on the lead. We will return to Home Cave, discipline all who tried to kill Maya or who could endanger her power. Then you two will be proclaimed mates and alphas of new, perfect wolf society, the Unity!”
“Are you mental!?” yelled malawolf. “I, son of Steele, on lead of Talbourne wolves?”
“They will love you.” Assured general, then added quieter. “Or I will make them love you!”
“That’s is against all I swore to fight for. That’s against of last will of my father!” growled January.
“I know it would be hard from the start.” Tenu smiled and came to the den. He just took away some snow from above the hole, to uncover Maya partially. He put a paw on her head and started to stroke her. “But she will help you, I’m sure of that.” January made a step further, then stopped with opened mouth and silent stare of indecisiveness. “Why do you resist?” asked Tenu with unexpectedly soft voice. “I bet she is in pain, thinking about you, who still is choosing between her, so beautiful and alive and some dead dog you never actually knew.” He moved pad of his paw to Maya’s nose. Wolfess opened her eyes. “Easy, my dear.” Said Tenu. “I’m just talking with January about your common, bright future. There is nothing to worry about.”
“No!” called malawolf. “Stop it! I swore… And my mother…”
“That’s exactly what is your mother hoping for.” Said mercenary. “Her son on the throne of whole Alaska. You can’t please her more… or you can, giving her grandpups, but that’s a topic to discuss with Maya.”
“You could kill me here, I don’t care.” Growled January and Maya stood up with confused stare. “Decide now. But whatever you do, I won’t give you any promise.”
“I’m not expecting a promise.” Replied hoary furred. “I expect you just to be reasonable.”
“I’m going home.” Said January.
“No, stay!” cried Maya. Seeing that Tenu wanted to add something, she said with decisive voice. “Leave him alone!”
“Easy, my princess.” Said general with proud smile. “I’m just catalysing what is inside of him. He has to accustom to his new situation… Maybe he seems to be resistant, but I believe he already made a decision. The one we want.”
“Go away!” gasped January.
“As you wish, my prince… my future alpha.” Said Tenu with smile and bowed his head. But in gesture of commander there was no obedience nor respect. “But remember. Came to me, I’ll be there with two divisions under my power. Take your sidekicks if you want, but don’t let them go through the river, because Talbourne won’t accept you as a conqueror, yet welcome as a peaceful mate of Maya. In case, I will go with you and those two divisions. We will crush any opposition and announce you as alphas.” Then he stood up and walked away. Fida and Ama followed.
“I didn’t promise!” called hybrid after him, but mercenary didn’t reply.
They stayed alone, in front of partially broken snow-den. Snow started to fall again, but that time it was a nice and light shower of soft flakes. Sun shone from eastern side of sky, painting gold all the whitened world. Reflection of morning light shone on Maya, making her even more beautiful. Malawolf closed his eyes, to cut the scene off. A while after he sensed a tongue of wolfess at his cheek. He opened eyes.
“I’m sorry for Tenu.” She whispered to his ears. “He didn’t want to offend you… just to help me in his, weird way. Please, do what he proposed. That way we will avoid the war.”
“So, I became a peacemaker.” Said January slowly. “But yesterday we spoke about love.”
“You silly…” smiled Maya. “Of course I love you. I prayed to Aniu for such perfect outcome. We will be together, no one will die in battle. All you have to do is to say <yes>. Please, cast aside all old hurts and pride, as I did. We could be happy… we could make all them happy.”
“No! I promised!” called January with breaking voice. He jumped back, out of Maya and looked on her with mad eyes. “I won’t fail my father… Goodbye, I’m going home. I hope that after war we could…”
“You will be back.” She said. “You can’t fool me, I see it in your eyes. I love you… but I see I might expect you at my side. You follow Aniu in the same way I do… but you still don’t see it. I will help you to open your eyes.”
“Lies, lies, lies!” howled malawolf. “If I do come with you, I’ll prove we both are wrong. I won’t go this path.”
“You are already running it.” Smiled Maya. “Take care, January. I’m waiting for you in Home Cave.”
Hybrid gave a loud howl, expressing all at once – sorrow of leaving Maya, promise of returning some day and also desperate assurance he would never return. All those voices were true and false in the same time. Malawolf turned east and started to run and soon after he disappeared in white curtain of falling snow. Maya was still looking after him with smile at her muzzle, when Tan – that time hobbling on two paws – found her.
“He is gone.” Said with mixture of surprise and relief.
“He will be back.” Said Maya and nestled to side of her stepbrother. “He will be surely back.
*
Stardusters, tired, bruised and decimated, returned to Home Valley. Silent column was consisting only six wolves and maybe in general chaos no one took a notice, but who knew friends of Rose, surely understood that something was wrong.
“Black!” called surprised Sheik. He was out on patrol with squad of Second unit, given by Teele. Intelligence leaderess and temporal overseer of clan wanted to make sure both present claimants had something to do, so she sent Sheik and Tram on quite useless recons around home. Of course in different direction. “Black! What happened? Where is rest of crew? Lake… Snow?”
“Dead.” Replied darkfurred with follow voice. Seeing that Talbourne prince was looking on him with amazement, added with growling voice. “I won’t explain myself to you, Sheik! Only to Rose. It’s our business.”
“Wait!” called wolf, seeing as Starduster was slowly descending on slope of Valley. “Black, you must tell me few things!” Darkfurred didn’t reply, but stopped. “I know it sound stupid and weird…” He took a look around to make sure that none of his soldiers was listening. “Has Rose asked you…”
“We failed to killed her.” Said Black. “But in progress we lost Lake, Snow and Merik. Easy, we will get that blasted lead for you. If Rose decide that way.”
“God…” yelled Sheik. “You did try to kill Maya.”
“And we failed, Sheik.” Growled Black. “If you became an alpha, you will pay for blood of our brethrens, who died for you!” And he set off again.
“No…” whispered Aleu’s son. “Rose… it can’t…”
He didn’t let Black just go away. He went for his troops and said them he had return to home. Orders of Teele were important but strict family business was much more crucial. He joined sad column of Stardusters and marched with them. They exchanged no word, although Sheik wanted to know how exactly he was guilty.
*
Rose was in cave, with pups. It was evening already, so they were asleep, just mother stayed awaken. She was worrying about all the complicated matters around her. She not only had to take care about pups, but oversee the action of black-mouthing Maya and Tram and gaining support of undecided members of clan. She was exhausted after a long day, but anyway she smiled, seeing in doorstep of cave her mate and Black.
But her smile died, as she noticed expression of those two.
“What… what…” she asked with breaking voice.
“They are dead, Rose.” Said Black with mournful tone. “Lake, Snow and Merik.”
She stood up, gently licked all her pups. Then walked outside the cave and stopped on snowdrift on square. There she turned to friends and asked, still not understanding his words.
“But…how?”
“Lake was killed by that blasted Packer, January.” Replied Black. “Humans got Snow. Tenu’s wolves killed Merik.”
In that moment she actually believed it was right. Sending friends on assassination she didn’t even think about possibility of casualties. But then – three of her friends didn’t returned. And that was her fault – if she didn’t send them with mission, they would be there still, jesting together and playing with pups. Rose gave a short cry of pain.
“That… bitch!” she yelled.
Redfurred understood many things in short moment. One of them was the cost of all her plans. She wanted with all heart success of her mate but planning it, she didn’t thought about eventual price. But much more important was the feeling of loss. Rose used to scold and argue with her packmates. Used to, because she understood that should would scold no more on three of them. And that was unbearable. She loved her friends. Lake especially, who was always closest to her, like her little brother she hadn’t. he was always near, sometimes asking for help, sometimes coming with helping paw. But always, always there. And then he was dead.
“No…” she whispered and two tears left her eyes.
“Rose… is that true?” asked Sheik with tensed voice. “Did you ordered them to kill Maya?”
“Yes, I did!” cried redfurred. “It’s all my fault.” Sheik sighed with relief, thinking that his mate regretted her plan. But he couldn’t farther from truth – Rose did regret, but not about the plan, but it’s failure. “My fault! Because of me, they are dead!”
“No, wait!” gasped Sheik. “You must ask Maya for forgiveness.”
“I… must… kill her!” she growled. Black nodded his head.
“No! Stop this madness!” called Sheik. “Black, wake up!” he looked on darkfurred. “You are responsible for Rose’s safety the same as I am. Now we must make sure no one knows it and she is out of suspicions… and eventual charges.”
“There is only one way to make this happened.” Said wolf, smiling with bloodthirsty smile. “To finish the job!”
“No!” yelled Sheik. “You must cover it up!”
“Too late.” Replied darkfurred. “Everyone knows. Tenu, Tan… Teele will soon get to the truth.”
“Stay out of this, darling.” Said Rose. “If something goes wrong… you must take care about pups. Black…” she looked on old friends. “I know how great my fault is… but I must ask you for help again. Will we… finish the job?”
“No, it’s not real…” whispered Sheik.
“We will, sister.” Said blackfurred.
*
Not only Teele had her brains. Tram could think on his behalf too. As soon as he heard about detail of events on north, he went straight to inter-alphess and asked her for protection. Perhaps it was a little biting his male’s pride, but satisfying his reasonable mind.
“It’s your duty to protect me, as future alpha.” Said, looking into eyes of old agent.
“Who knows, if you are future alpha.”
“I am.” Gasped Saba’s son. “I will rule the clan with Maya at my side. Of course, if you fulfil your duties and eliminate the threat.”
“Good…” she said slowly. “I will sent some bodyguards after you, while Tenu is keeping his eye on Maya. But Sheik… I want to know, what he claims, before I would accuse him or Rose.”
“Those are murderers…”
“This is a liar.” Said Rose, entering Teele’s chamber.
Tram wanted to pounce on sister-in-law and make her beg for mercy, but then he noticed Black and Ram, standing at her side, ready to enforce some respect for claimant’s mate. So he just looked on Teele, waiting her to react.
“Good to see you, Rose.” Said intelligence commander. “I was going to ask you few question.”
“I’m listening.” Replied redfurred. “But are you sure that he should hear?”
“You are charged here.” Noticed Tram. “I advise you some carefulness.”
“He is a liar.” Said Rose. “Perhaps it would be indifferent for me, if he took his sister…”
“Cousin!” shouted Tram.
“…his cousin as a mate, they move away and inbreed happily for years somewhere else.” Spat redfurred. “But I thing he is up to kill Maya and rule on own behalf. I have no proof for that, just my words. You must admit that my words are surer that saliva of this coward and liar.”
“I’m not here to judge it.” Said carefully Teele.
“Tram, I challenge you for life and death duel on Fighting Pillar, in five days from now!” she said with decisive voice.
“Cool!” smiled son of Saba.
“She is female.” Noticed intelligence commander. “She will choose a champion to fight in her name.”
“I guess it will be me.” Smiled Black.
“Werk!” cursed Tram and his will to fight reduced significantly.
“That’s only solution, as for we have no proofs.” Decided Teele. “I give you permission on duel, to decide who is talking truth. Who could withdraw, but it will have an impact on eventual judgement as circumstantial evidence against side that gives up.”
“If you consider yourself as a female, you could always find a champion too.” Smiled Rose and turned back. She exited Teele’s chamber, trying to look cheeky and calm. In fact she was silently repeating words of desperate relief. “We have five days! Five days of time!”
*
On the morning January was still running like a mad, indifferent to his location. He was still at the enemy’s territory, but if he accidentally encountered Talbourne patrol, we should had pity for the patrol. Malawolf was ready to tear apart any creature at sight who upset him, ask how he was doing, mention about Maya, war, father or being alpha. However he wasn’t prepared for simple.
“It’s good to see you, Jan.” He stopped and noticed Ian, standing on his way with brownfurred wolfess at his side.
“Ian…” said confused hybrid.
“Are you escaping?” asked scout. “There will be a chase.”
“I… I actually don’t care.” Murmured Steele’s son with confusion. Reasonable words of old friend put him back on the earth and made him think calmly. “And you… are you running away?”
“Who knows?” smiled Ian. “I can’t explain it, but Tenu let us free… Oh…” then scout recalled all the context of situation. “You know already?”
“Yes, I know.” Nodded January. “Although I still don’t know what exactly.”
“Come on, let’s go on the other side.” The entered the iced surface of river. Then malawolf stopped.
“No, wait. I have to check if I could return.”
Before scout managed to ask for details, hybrid gave howl in cipher that knew only two creatures: he and Kaata. It was theirs puppyish play. Silverfurred from her earliest days had unique mind and talents. She was so gifted to secrets and tricks as her father, so she invented a code that she used only to communicate with January. They were sure that no one had broken the cipher before – so many secrets came that way that if Varjo was aware of rules of that code, Kaata would had been smacked up countless times after setting many naughty pranks with Steele’s son.
The reply came quickly. Kaata assure that Aarre was harmless and if January didn’t believe her, she was able to instantly call for twenty soldiers, chosen for no bounds with Uniea clan. Malawolf howled that was not necessary and entered ice.
“Sorry for that.” Said to Ian. “But I have my secrets too. By the way, who is your companion?”
“I’m Flame of Talbourne.” Said brownfurred female. “Ian’s mother.”
“Oh… Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Said wolfdofg and lowered his ears in polite gesture. Then came closer to wolfess and asked he quietly. “Were you aware why all this was started?”
“No and I’m still afraid to ask.” She replied. “But I’ve already left my clan for my son. Maybe I don’t want to know too much.”
“Good thing.” Replied January. “Not know too much. Unfortunately, I have to.”
“Mother… Jan… I will explain you all.” Said Ian, hearing scraps of that talk. “But please, at least let’s enter the safe site.”
Aarre was waiting on the shore. Malawolf noticed Kaata, laying about hundred yards further and nodding her head. Old Uniea was there not to kill him, just to talk. Steele’s son turned to beta-alpha.
“Go ahead. I will join you soon.” Said to Flame and Ian. They nodded and walked further.
January entered frozen beach and stopped before Aarre. Old wolf lowered his ears in gesture of total submission, as if he was an omega of pack. His stare was pointed into the ground. Hybrid hoped for him to say something first, but after a minute of silence, started himself.
“You were always an enigma to me, teacher.” Said Pack’s prince. “You was teaching me, still encouraging to solve given problems. But this time I give up, I just don’t know. Why do you want me dead?”
“Is this so hard to guess?” asked Aarre. His voice was full of sorrow, but January didn’t hear any regret. He steeped back, ready to defend himself, but he felt it was unnecessary. If old Uniea wanted to kill him then, he would had already done it and no efforts of hybrid to defend himself would helped. When silence became too long, beta-alpha said. “Your mother.”
“What? I don’t get it!” but he got it well.
“She… she is the regent now. Mother of Steele’s son, ruler of the Pack. She is not Ea right now… at least not for me.”
“Are you sure that killing a son is the best way of courts to the girl?” asked hybrid with irony. “You… fool! I’m sorry to say it, teacher, but apart of tactic skills there is not much more in your head… She does love you! I saw it long time ago.”
“I always hoped for that.” Replied Aarre. “But as long as she is mother of alpha-alpha, we can’t be together.”
“Haven’t you thought that when we win, the Pack will be gone, and she would do anything she like?”
“But when Pack is gone, Uniea clan would be never restored and…” Then beta-alpha paused, as if he was amazed by own words. “But I don’t care about Uniea. I actually was a fool.”
“Don’t worry, we all are learning on our errors.” Said January with soft voice. But then added, shouting. “God dammit! I could have been killed there!”
“That’s why my life is in your paws.” Said Aarre quietly.
“Because of what?” snorted malawolf. “Do you really believe that I would kill my best commander just before the crucial campaign of war?”
“You don’t have to.” Said old wolf. “If you said your mother about this, I will be good as dead.”
January sighed and came closer to his tutor. He had a want to bite him painfully, but then suddenly felt urge to laugh. He burst with airy giggling.
“You… rascal!” he called with choking laughter. “You know I won’t do it! You always knew it!”
“Thank you, my alpha.” Said Aarre with shivering voice.
“Tell me just one thing.” Ordered January. “Did you know about Ian’s mission?”
“What mission?” asked confused Uniea. Malawolf was sure that his teacher wasn’t lying. On honest muzzle of wolf lies had no space. He could kill, but not cheat. Like all soldiers. Hybrid laughed again.
“Aarre, perhaps you won’t believe me, but you are not the creature who pissed me the most recently.” Said and ran in forest direction.
And old wolf stayed in place, still couldn’t believe how close he was to total failure. And how stupid he was before. But most important – how happy he still could be.
*
They found lady Ea on the brink of forest, waiting for her son. Seeing that January had some business with Aarre, whitefurred was waiting patiently for unavoidable consequences of her actions. She was already imagining wrath of her child and shivering inside. But ostensible she stayed calm and decisive leaderess.
“Ma’am…” said Ian. “Aunt… I’m back.” She raised her stare on her charge.
“Good you are safe.” She said. “But he knows already. We screwed it, Ian.” Brownfurred nodded his head. “And who is wolfess with you?” She looked on Flame.
“Her name is Flame. She is my mother.” Said scout. Ea gasped with amaze. “She helped me to escape from Home Valley.”
“Oh, my God!” yelled whitefurred. “What we’ve done!?”
“Aunt… please, tell her!” said Ian, barely repressing his tears. “I can’t!” And he ran away in forest.
Ea looked on newcomer, at first a bit uncertain what to say. Fortunately, she started.
“So… I figured out that all was set up. Ian’s raid to Home Cave and his capture.” She took a deeper breath and continued. “Understand me, ma’am. I came here not knowing about it, but I don’t want go back. I wronged to my son in heaviest possible way and I have to repent that thus. However… I hoped that he loved me, not only used as tool to accomplish your plan.”
“You are totally wrong, Flame.” Said Ea. “Ask any of my soldiers.”
“What?” murmured confused brownfurred.
“Stop random wolf, to be sure I didn’t set it up.” Ordered whitefurred. Flame still didn’t understand, but she pointed on some scout, walking with report to Varjo. Soldier came, called by Ea.
“Private Irim, await for orders!” called milyfurred wolf.
“Private, tell our guest about our prison policy in case of strike of Home Cave.”
“But ma’am… that’s classified.”
“Tell it!” ordered Ea. And Irim took a deep breath and said.
“Let live everyone who surrender, except of cases mentioned by field commander. In any case make sure that Objects one, two and three survive, doesn’t matter on their acting.”
“Describe the Objects!”
“One: wolf male, about eight years old, dark-grey fur, amber eyes, possibly visible scar on left side of forehead. Two: wolf male, about four years, dark-grey fur, blue eyes, no special sings, but similar to object one. Son of object one. Three: wolf female, about eight years, brown fur, blue eyes, morphological traits similar to object two and sergeant Ian of RAIA.”
“That’s…” gasped Flame.
“Names of Objects!” ordered Ea.
“Ralph, Viin, Flame.” Replied soldier. Brownfurred gasped with amazement.
“You could go.” Said Ea to Irim. The she turned to Flame. “Do you understand? Every wolf of the Pack knows those descriptions. That was Ian’s price. He wanted to help me… but he wanted a favour… to make sure that his family would be taken alive in eventual combat. That was not an easy task, but he insisted.”
“I can’t…”
“He always loved you.” Said Ea. “Away from you, but thinking about you. Please, forgive him.”
“I? Forgive…” cried Flame. “He is ten times better son than I was mother!” then she ran to the forest, after Ian.
Ea was looking on that with smile, but then she felt fear again. Now it was her turn and she had no excuse before January. She had to face his rage.
Flame found scout in cluster of junipers, waiting in improvised snow-den. He was coiled there like a tiny pup, scared and shocked. She laid next to him, licking his forehead.
“My son… I know everything.” She whispered. “Just tell me one thing… You didn’t see me three years… so you can’t actually love person you are so far away from. But now? And tell me also: have you – coming there – been thinking about how would you feel, seeing us?”
“Some things of that were faked.” Replied Ian with shivering voice. “But I swear, not so many as I thought. Mom…” he added. “Two years back, I was on training with my squad… We got lost, were trapped in blizzard, then were wandering for days, dying from hunger. Someone had to find some food, and I was the leader… We came to frozen lake… there was no use to get food from elsewhere… So I enter the ice, jumped up and break it. They somehow put me out and caught fishes… Only because of that we survived.”
“Well, sweet.” Replied confused Flame. “But why do you tell me that?”
“To answer two questions.” He smiled. “First – why I risked that faked jump to Talbourne Creek. Because I had some practice with freezing water.”
”And the second thing?”
“That coming on that ice… I wanted to catch a fish… But it didn’t change the result – I get wet. And the same… Coming there I wanted to help aunt Ea… but it didn’t change the fact that I regained you. And I love you, mom.”
“Oh, Ian…” whispered Flame and licked her son’s forehead. But then added with severe voice. “You won’t never, ever swim in frozen rivers nor lakes again!”
*
“I heard that.” Said malawolf. He came to mother and stopped just next to her. “Heard that Ian was actually doing good thing.”
“Son…” cried Ea, lowering her ears before January. “All I wanted was your good.”
“Yeah, sure.” Smiled wolfdog “Fortunately I survived your steps…”
“I’m so sorry!” she burst in tears.
“Mother…” said January with serious voice. “I could answer you in only one way. To invert words that you told me most often when I was young. Do you know, what were those words?”
“He hates me.” Thought Ea. “He hate me, because I manipulate him. Those words are <I love you>. And he want invert hem. He despises me!”
“And if you don’t recall, those words were…” January cleared his throat, driving Ea almost to madness, as she was waiting for the sentence. “Those words were: <January, don’t do it again!>” said hybrid and smiled. “I wish to invert it and say: Mom, don’t do it again. Right?” He put his head on her shoulder and licked her ear. “And it’s good to see you. Those were just few days, but I missed you.”

XII. Of sons and fathers

Maya was ready to go on the next morning. Her bruises of past few days were still present and not helping in march, but she wanted to get back to cave as soon as it was possible. There were several reasons – she wanted to be there, hoping that January would return directly to her home, but also he wanted to appease tensions in family. For even a moment she didn’t believed that Sheik had anything to do with Black’s attack, but she wanted to look in into eyes and confirmed that she had still a loving brother. “God!” she thought, feeling a growing irritation. “If he simply asked me to not claim for uncle’s legacy, I would seriously consider it. Uncle Shadow wanted different, but Sheik is my big brother after all. But… but now it’s all different. I have to become an alpha… to be with January and with him appease that useless war.” And she smiled to herself. Malawolf was gone, but she knew he was about to return. “Whatever he tells, he loves me. I saw it in his eyes.” Then she stopped and Tenu walking just after her, involuntary hit with head her back.
“Sorry, general.” She said. “But please, stop for a while.”
“Stop? You are tired, my princess?”
“Not quite, but give me a minute…” She laughed. “I forgot to do something very important that I should have done long time ago.”
Mercenary stopped his squad. It was just ten chosen best fighters, while rest of his forces waited on the West Bank. Tan picked nine of most trusted wolves to escort Maya back home. Tenu himself decided soon return on front to wait for January there, but he made sure his princess was safe. After all Black was still somewhere there. However brownfurred seemed to be calm about that.
“Here.” She said and climbed on small hummock over the forest road. She looked east to sun, slowly raising on the sky and called, not too loud, but Tenu heard all perfectly. “O, great Aniu, Mother of Wolfkind. Thank You for your care and protection, thank You for generosity, all graces You give us.” She smiled, narrowing her eyes against sunrays. “Thank You for January, thank You for my love. And thank You, you give us chance to finish the war with enemy, whom we should love, not hate.” She bowed her head and started to go down from hummock.
“Any incense required?” asked Tenu with irony in his voice.
“Oh, you understood nothing.” Said Maya, but she was still smiling. “However soon you will see Aniu’s grace on your own eyes.”
“Indeed.” Smiled Aniu. Living wolves couldn’t see immortal spirit, but she saw them well.
Snow-white canine watched as her followers moved on west and she couldn’t stop her smile. After all those years, centuries, ages all was going in right direction. Thanks to her beloved great granddaughter Maya, her plan of Unity was just at paw.
“We all be together soon.” She whispered and her voice turned to gentle wind, blowing snow-dust over the forest. “There is only one thing to complete our family reunion.”
*
January ordered to call all wolves from Haven on East Bank, prepare for “Plan Omega” and wake him up when they were ready. Then he went to sleep. Over five days of constant emotions, effort and danger drained almost all his strength and will for life. He had to take a long nap, far from everyone.
He also hoped to see father. January never knew if dream he had were real or were just vision of missing mind, fuelled with hope and yearning, however he decided to act as if words of dreamy father were real. He fell asleep and indeed – quickly saw inside of his mind image of Steele.
And of some other, blackfurred wolf.
“What a shame.” Murmured darkwolf. “Dog will save the day!”
“Watch your words.” Growled Steele. “You are immortal, yet not immune for pain.”
“Easy…” smiled second canine. “Let’s talk with your boy.”
“Dad?” asked malawolf, slowly focusing on dreamy landscape around him. Two spirits greeted him in quite unique scenery – high on the sky, from where whole Seward Peninsula and greater part of Yukon Valley were seen. There was no visible ground, just transparent layer, similar to ice, but warm. “Dad? Is this… real?”
“I’m afraid more than I wished to.” Replied Steele. “Son, meet my staff – Shade, rightful alpha of Talbourne clan.”
“Maya would be disappointed.” Smiled January, but then his smiled died. “Dad… I’m not sure if you saw it, but…”
“You picked up the very wrong girl.” Said malamute. “However it’s to late for reproaches. For now the matter is: what we will do with Talbourne and Aniu.”
“We?”
“Listen.” Said Steele. “Shadow is Aniu’s son. He had own business with mother and he is helping our cause. Don’t ask about too much, you won’t understand it, as I don’t, in spite of being dead over two years. Just accept few things – we, Spirits of the Sky – are watching you all closely. We can’t interfere directly, but your power to advice, guide and strengthen you downthere is quite significant. We used to have a draw here, before I died. Aniu and Shade were fighting for centuries, but they powers were balanced. I’m just fresh aide of this rascal, but there is possibility that I could change the fate of war. Thanks to you. It will be your agency.”
“Dad… but this all… is this really necessary?” asked January, hardly believing he could oppose father’s will. “Can’t I… make a peace with Talbourne? Unite Pack with clan?”
“But it’s exactly Aniu’s plan!” called Steele. “That puts all of our efforts in vain.”
“Yet, it gives us peace.”
“Look at the price, boy!” exclaimed malamute. He came to son and nudged his side. He pointed with muzzle world below their paws. “Look down there… Talbourne and the Pack are abominations of Way of Nature. I spent… sacrificed my life to fight it… The same goes for you mother and you too. What you were doing in past few years.”
“I don’t care about Way of Nature” called January. “I was doing what I was doing only to be your son… to make you proud of me… I don’t know why your idea is good, I simply know it is good, because it’s your… As you asked me – I forgave everyone. Kaata, Aarre, mom… Because I imagined you, forgiving them. But I’m tired, dad… I’m putting all my might to follow your pawprints and I can’t see the end of road.”
Steele awkwardly hugged his son, having limited experience in hugging as an astral body. But the touch was as real as it could be in sky-world. January swallow tears that were about to flow then nestled to father’s side. They stayed silent for a while, then malamute said.
“You are right… I’m demanding too much of you… I guess much more that I should. So I will understand if you decided to go your way. You have a right to be happy… Because I fell into vicious circle. I wish no one sacrifice himself, but to achieve that we need a sacrifice now… But want you to be just happy. You will decide, when time comes.”
“You want he angry on me?” asked January with tensed voice.
“I guess not.” Replied Steele. “At least you will please your mother, what is generally a hard task and the success is remarkable thing.” Said, smiling. “But just in case, if you decide to help our cause, I will tell you, how I see this.” January nodded his head. “Call the Pack, order them to approve you as alpha-alpha. Then go with all forces you could gather to Home Cave. You have to squash military resistance of Talbourne and you have great chances now. In summer Tenu will come with his offensive. That war would kill you, as Tenu is brilliant commander and there will be many factors supporting him. But you could decide it all now. Just outmaneuver Third and Fourth Unit, as they are still on West Bank. Come to Home Cave and announce yourself as Talbourne alpha. Alone! Maya can’t have anything to do with it. You have to be sole leader… to order them to dissolve. Announce the apoliteia.”
“And you think that’s it? They would obey me, just to leave their clan?”
“You will have an army with you, to assure that.” Replied Steele. “Perhaps you would have to threat or even kill all eventual claimants.”
“You’re talking about Maya!” yelled January. “I want to be with her, not fighting her!”
“Uh… well… try to persuade her. You know… that she would be your princess anyway, doesn’t matter how many wolves follows her.”
“You requests are heavy, father.”
“I know.” Replied malamute. “Only my son could bear them.”
“Sir…” January looked on Shade. “And what you would say?”
“I would say your papa is out of him mind.” said darkfurred. “But still he is good guy in this story.”
“I don’t…” started malawolf.
“Just go back.” Said Steele. “And take what is your – succession after me. Whatever you choose to do later, remember that I love you anyway.”
“Yeah, I love you too, dad…” said hybrid, but then he learned that he was back on Earth, awake, lying in Reindeer Cave.
He stood up and noticed Kaata, sleeping at doorstep of cavern. He came to her with anger locked at his muzzle, being convinced she was eavesdropped his sleep, as he was talking in slumber. “Whatever it was real or not, she had no right to invigilate my dreams.” He thought, but then noticed that silverfurred was actually awake and listening.
And crying.
In second all anger at her ceased and wolfdog laid down nest to his friend. He licked her muzzle to wipe out the tears and she nestled to his side, still sobbing.
“I can’t comfort you, unless I know what I did to make you sad.” He said a bit embarrassed. Kaata cried much too often in last days. In fact he saw her crying recently earlier that for previous three years. “Or it has nothing to do with me?”
“It has, my alpha.” She sobbed. “Unfortunately, it has. I heard it all.”
“All right, Kaata, I’m not angry on you.” Said malawolf. But then added with inquiring tone. “You heard what!?”
“You was talking aloud in your sleep.” She said. “As if you were talking to someone… To father, most likely. But I heard you spoke about Maya…”
“Kaata, understand me.” Said slowly hybrid. “I’m not born-intelligence-analyst. I’m rather dumb creature, I can’t think as fast as you do. What do you mean exactly?”
“I love you, my alpha.” She sobbed. “I always did… and I always will. It doesn’t matter you will be with her… as Talbourne alpha… But it’s so hard to stand.”
“Werk!” cursed January. “There is no step to make that you don’t stomp on someone…” Then added with shivering voice. “Kaata… I had no idea! I thought we are friends... and all that scolds you used to flame me with sounded not so romantic, I guess.” But then added, seeing her still crying. “I’m sorry. But in fact I do love Maya.”
“I know.” She said. “And I accepted it already. I wish you to be happy. Be with her… don’t risk the war and own prosperity to follow father’s will. It’s your life.”
“As I said, I’m not born-intelligence-analyst…” started January. “But according to all what I know about game theory, you should encourage me to fight and execute dad’s plan, because there is a probability, I would mess so much that my relationship with Maya would be impossible.”
“That’s a logic’s way.” She said, dripping with tears on his shoulder. “I’m walking the path of love. I love you and really want you to be happy.”
“I didn’t deserve for it…” murmured malawolf.
“You deserved for better mate than that cry-baby puppy with…” she exclaimed, but then added with quieter voice. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to offend Maya. She has to be special, if you chose her.”
“Werk!” yelled January. “Whatever I do, I will fail someone! Kaata… please, help me! As my intelligence commander… tell me, what to do.”
“I’m happy to serve you in that way.” She smiled. She shook her tears out, looked in his eyes and said, already with calm voice. “Now, the thing you should do first, is to announce yourself as alpha-alpha. I’ve already made some preparation and…”
January smiled with relief. In spite the world was falling down, he could count on old, good Kaata.
*
At dawn of coming day, almost all wolves involved in Pack and Defensive Coalition gathered on fields of East Bank. Of course not all wolves supporting the fight with Talbourne were there. It was principle of the Pack to involve not more creature that it was necessary. At Presentation came military wolves, leaving their families in dens. Maybe some curious youngsters, but most of audience were combatants, ready to set off on real combat mission just after. And that was January’s idea.
He was standing on rocks, above glade. The meeting place was placed on plateau over valley, so if malawolf turned back, he would see Reindeer Creek and further forests of Talbourne Dominion. But he was looking against the raising sun and watching over three hundred wolves, soon to be over his command.
The spectacle had it’s directors – among many there was Ea, Varjo, Aarre and Kaata, overseeing that all was going smoothly. January thought about silverfurred once again. He felt awful about her. If hybrid could be considered as some kind of prize, Kaata worked perfectly to gain it. She done her best and even more to help malawolf get where he was standing there. “She is a wonderful girl.” Thought future alpha. “Beautiful, intelligent and loving. Extremely cheeky, but no one is perfect… If not Maya, I would felt so happy to be with her… but my heart is simply already given… I hope I will have some means to somehow make it all up to her.”
“I’m so proud of you, my son.” Said Ea. She was quietly crying from emotions, however in the same time carefully overseeing the event, ready to leave role of proud mother and became lady Ea again. When she noticed a bit irritated stare of her son, she added quickly. “Of course, I’m aware that was not my merit…”
“It was, mom.” Replied hybrid. “But now, leave it all to me.”
Kaata gave a signal and all wolves bowed down to hear the new alpha. January gave a triumphal howl and when he finished, looked on his new subjects (“Subjects? I’m fighting for no wolf would be subjected… Or I’m not?”) and called.
“Wolves of Alaska… wolves gathered here… in the Pack! Listen to me, as I’m your new alpha!” A wave of cheering howls burst. When they stopped, January continued. “I’m your leader… but only at the time of war. Because we are fighting not to gain power, not glory… We fight for the liberation of Wolfkind! To free our brethrens, yelling in tyrant captivity of Talbourne Clan. I will lead you to put that to end!” Another wave of calls sounded and January had a while to ask himself, if he was really up to do, what he promised? Because he seemed to be decided to betray thing he had sworn. “That’s right.” He thought. “I’m stomping on someone with every step.” But it was too late – he was already alpha-alpha.
“Wolves of Pack!” he called. “We are going west! To crush our enemies and fulfil our destiny. We fight for return of old laws… We are the future… we are the past… we are the Eternity!”
Thankfully the third wave of howls managed to muffle even hybrid’s thoughts.
*
Varjo caught him, as he was going to vanguards units. RAIA commander was going with Kaata – who seemed to recover almost completely – but it was obvious that he had a ask for alpha-alpha. Seeing father and daughter, January left the road and waited.
“Sir…” started silverfurred male.
“Leave it, gamma-alpha.” Said leader. “Didn’t my mother tell you? I hold no grudge for the plan you made and…”
“I think I deserve the punishment anyway.” Said intelligence leader. “Assignment in front line would be just fine.”
“There is no need.” said January.
“So, let’s try another way… Sir!” called Varjo with decisive voice. “For reward for my long time service… except of last month I must say: perfect service, I ask you for new assignment. I wish to join front line of our forces.”
“What he is up to?” asked malawolf, looking on Kaata. “I know he is plotting something, but what exactly, I have no idea.”
“It’s not like that, my alpha.” Said wolfess. “I tried to persuade him to stop, but he is already decided… He really want to fight in first line.”
“You are an intelligence officer!” yelled January. “Why the heck I should risk your life like that?”
“Because I need my life to risk… for the very first time in my life.”
“I’m lost.” Admitted hybrid. “Hint, please.”
“You know that I was from the pack of Peninsula.” Started Varjo. “From day of my birth I was considered as smart and intelligent, however that my brother was meant to be future alpha… but then Talbourne came. We wanted to defend our soil in alliance with Stardust Pack… but they gave up and we was left totally alone. My father wanted to fight… Girin wanted to fight… But I persuaded all to give up.”
“One pack against the power of Talbourne?” asked January. “I guess that was rational decision to surrender.”
“Perhaps.” Replied Varjo. “But it doesn’t make me less guilty.” He sighed and continued. “I persuaded all pack… except of my father and my brother. They didn’t let Shadow enter our home cave. And he ordered to kill them, as I was standing and watching.”
“Sorry to hear that.” Said January. “I know the case only thanks to your words, but I believe that you had a reason to give up. No pride should demand sacrificing of whole family.”
“I was repeating that for years.” Said Varjo with quiet voice. “But on those almost four years I failed to convince myself.”
”Is risking now would be proper atonement? God dammit! You have a daughter to carry about.”
“That is what I was repeating that for three years.” Smiled RAIA commander with bitter smile. “But no I ran out of pretext. Kaata could take care for herself.”
“Don’t you think, you should interfere now?” January looked on silverfurred wolfess.
“I tried, but there was no use.” Said Kaata. “He actually want it.”
“All right…” murmured January after a while of consideration. “You will replace alpha-gamma Ian of RAIA in charge of his combat pack. That’s still recon unit, but in this mission I guess that we all would see some real action.”
“Thank you, my alpha.” Said Varjo and bowed his head.
“But what about Ian?” asked Kaata. “Won’t he fight?”
“I need him at my side.” Said malawolf. “I have a plan of making our all’s mission a bit less <action>. By the way, Kaata, as you father resigned from his office, the RAIA is up to you.”
“What?” gasped wolfess but in next second she added with humble voice. “Yes, my alpha.”
“So… let’s go!” ordered hybrid and they all stood up from the snow.
Steele’s son let them pass and he waited for another subordinates. He had still few orders to give and few decisions to make. Finally he noticed ones he was expecting. Ian and Flame were marching in soldier’s tempo, in spite that neither Aarre nor January wanted them to go. Scout was in theory able to action, but his freshly injuries were still far from being fully healed. “But whose are?” asked himself wolfdog. “I’m quite beaten up too, not to speak about Kaata. Yet we all are going… And I still am not sure, for what.”
“Ian, madam Flame… come here!” mother and son joined alpha-alpha in his easy walk. No other unit was in sight, so they were marching alone on forest route, just before Reindeer Creek.
“Yes, my alpha?” asked scout. He said it with airy and playful tone. After all he was still like a big brother to his leader. In his voice January could hear a joy and relief. Ian fully reconciled with his mother. And moreover he made Aarre to teach all Pack’s soldiers Istana’s traits. Then Pack’a Prisoner Policy secured safety of whole family.
“Oh, madam Flame…” murmured alpha-alpha. “I have some mission for Ian, but I guess you should stay with the army… or somewhere else. We set with Ian, that you will wait outside the Home Valley and reunite with whatever party wins, giving appropriate story…”
“O, no!” laughed Flame. “You won’t rid off old lady so easily. What is that mission? I could help my son. I march as fast as he do.”
“Ian, judge yourself.” Said January. “I need to be guided to Home Cave… discretely, with no alarm and before our army arrive.”
“Werk!” snorted scout. “That’s hard. Do you have some plan?”
“I prefer not to say it right now, but perhaps we will win this war without a single battle.”
Ian grinned and looked on mother. “I knew it! Actually he did seduce Talbourne princess!”
“No!” called malawolf. “That means… actually: yes, but it doesn’t…”
“Youngsters.” Smiled Flame. “But what we should do? Just to guide you to Home Valley?”
“Yes.” Nodded alpha-alpha. “I will give my orders to Aarre, Kaata and mother. They will manage. In the same time we will infiltrate Talbourne and finish this conflict before it starts”
“Sounds good to me!” exclaimed Flame, hearing that even Pack’s Prisoners Policy wasn’t required to save her family from war-mayhem.
*
And they entered the ice. About five miles south from place that was usual outpost of the Pack. In normal conditions on the other bank there should be some Talbourne patrols, watching for possible assault. But January assured his army that all enemies were standing in old place, waiting for support that would never come. Malawolf didn’t intend to meet with Tenu again. Instead of that, he guided his forces via frozen backwaters and entered Talbourne Dominion not harassed by any threat.
Before he went ahead, he came for the last time to Aarre to give last orders and make sure all was going as they had planned. At least at first glance it was. Old Uniea looked on hybrid and asked.
“How long it would take, before they notice.”
“I guess that some time… but be quick, if you are able. We don’t have to risk.” Beta-alpha nodded his head. “And remember – don’t say a word to my mother before I go far enough. Then carry out your orders. I know you will obey all her wishes, but she doesn’t have to know. Right?”
“That is kind of your vengeance, my alpha?”
“No, that’s kind of my thanks. She will understand.”
”If you survive this trip…” murmured commander.
“Cheer up!” smiled January. “Recently you wanted me dead, remember?”
“You have the same sense of humour that your father had.” Said Aarre.
“Let’s assume that was a compliment.” Replied malawolf. “I’m going. We will meet in Home Cave. Until then, take care of my soldiers.”
“It will be done, alpha-alpha.”
*
In fact it took some time before they noticed. Tenu was sure that January would be just a bit late, stopped by some pack’s issues. But those “pack issues” could take a day or two. But three? Maybe January returned to Haven and there announced his leadership. But all heard wolf howls just on the other side of Reindeer Creek. At morning of third day general started to revise his assumptions.
He was a bright wolf, rational to the core and that was his main weakness. If he decided that January had an interest to deal with him, he acted as if that was a irrefutable dogma. But after seventy two hours of waiting mercenary started to doubt in his own infallibility.
“Check the bank.” Ordered lieutenant Kimby. He already regretted that he sent Tan with Maya. Orangefurred was Talbourne, but trusted one. After two years of perfect service he had nothing to do with cry-pup that Tenu remembered from his earlier days.
“Yes sir!” replied Kimby. “I’m going now.”
He was back in just half an hour. And even before that he howled on alarm. He ran to main outpost, to meet Tenu ordering a fall of troops. He was exhausted after long run, so he fell down in front of general.
“Report!” ordered mercenary. “What the hell happened?”
“They… came through… about ten hours ago.”
“WHAT!?” yelled Tenu. But before he fell in rage, he gave the required commands. “Setting off now! Direction: Home Cave. Maximum possible tempo of march in perspective of three days… Ten hours!” called to the sky. “He lied to me!”
“Sir, he actually gave no word.” Noticed Fida. General slapped blackfurred wolfess with his paw. He was too weak to hurt her, but it was obvious that any sign of discontentment was worse torture for female than tearing her fur apart.
“Shut up!” yelled mercenary. “You two go with me. We must run faster and warn the Home Cave. Howl to Home Cave…” commanded to nearest liaison. “Tell them that most likely whole Pack’s army is on the way!”
Of course Packers heard that warning howls and Aarre ordered to speed up. How ironical was that in Home Cave alert gone unnoticed. Simply all wolves there were so wrapped up with boiling conflict inside the clan that they forgot about war with someone outside.
And January just ignored series of communication howls. He was running, guided by Flame and Ian and not thinking about anything. It was so simple – to speed ahead and take no heavy thoughts into mind. He was running away from decisions, and with every step he felt lighter. He was closer and closer to Maya.
*
Steele was looking on it from the sky making no comments. Not that no one would hear him – he would always call for Shade to chat, but in last… days, or whatever was the measure of time in afterworld, dark wolf became rather silent and secretive. And that was not good – after all he was the basis of the plan.
“Hey, Shade!” called Steele. Noticing that his companion was not replying, he moved. In land of dead space matters not, so malamute just focused his will and found himself just in front of dark wolf. But also in front of second immortal. Aniu.
“Shade, what the heck…” Then Steele noticed white wolfess. “Oh, lady Snow-white. What a surprise. May we help you?” asked with irony.
“No, you cannot help it.” Said Aniu with tone of such sureness that Steele felt fear. That’s not common in afterworld.
“Shade, what is going on?”
“I’m so sorry, Steele.” said dark wolf. He stood up from transparent sky-floor and came closer to his mother. “Don’t take it personally… but you know… Alliances change, the family does not.”
“Tip, please!” asked with confused voice.
“I guess you already know.” Said Shade. “I really did want to help you… but I had my own goals from the start. And recently I learned that those could be accomplished in different way. After all, just a heart to heart talk could help.”
“Still no idea.” Murmured Steele. “Don’t you tell me, you give up! So, you mommy beat you?”
“Our long argument wasn’t a zero-sum game. It was a tragedy that hurts us both.” Said Aniu with soft voice. “It took me centuries to understand that… and for my son it took the same. But we finally learned that all we need is to forgive and forget.”
“You don’t say, that you…”
“I wronged my mother.” Said Shade. “I was proud and selfish. And then I gone crazy to do what I did. But I asked her for forgiveness.” Steele’s jaws dropped.
“Shade killed me.” Said Aniu. “But that was I, who hurt him earlier. I inflicted him wounds that no mother has right to. I failed my son as a mother and I finally understood that. And he forgave me.”
“That means… means…”
“Call your son off, Steele.” said Shade. “There is no more reason for him to fight.”
“Do it, Steele.” added Aniu. “If he even think about hurting my sweet great-granddaughter, I… we will kill him!”
For the first time in both his life and afterlife, malamute felt he was really trapped.