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XIII. Battle, holy Battle

Aarre felt unsure, but it was obvious – after all his venture depended on intelligence data not on careful strategic plan. Simple assault to Home Valley was always an option that tempted him, but due to numerous reasons he always postpone that to future. Before that trip he had to be sure that Talbourne military was split, because maybe better trained, but for sure smaller army of the Pack was unable to strike enemy fortress that was fully wolvved. Old commander knew that possibility of catching clan out of garde, with part of forces still on West Bank and some in home was perfect option, making chances greater and casualties of Packer lesser, but still – that all depended on proper judge of January. Aarre trusted his alpha, but was aware that malawolf was in fact very young alpha.
But for two days it was going all smoothly. Scouts reported about pursuing army of Tenu, but although one wolf could move much faster and catch Packers in several hours, whole army, two divisions of almost hundred wolves each could march with certain speed, unable to increase it drastically. And even if general would ordered frenzy run for his soldiers (Aarre knew that hoaryfurred wouldn’t), wolves of the Pack could speed up too. That was a vicious circle – faster Tenu moved, more exhausted and consequently less efficient his wolves would be. Aarre had even an idea to wait for pursue and gave Tenu a real battle. Perhaps Talbourne were on own territory, but attackers had still numerous advantage. Before mercenary joined his forces with defenders of Home Valley, Aarre could dictate the terms. But he was – as January told him – still going ahead, to reach capital of foes quickly. Young alpha-alpha promised them victory without bloodshed.
That was a cheeky declaration and old commander didn’t believed in that. So he was going to do his job. It was a beautiful moment – he was on lead of his troops, doing what he could do the best and wolfess he loved walked by his side. Ea was silent for the last days, still scared about her son. She needed a helping paw, a care of trusted friend. Aarre also in that field performed his duties gladly.
And Uniea… old commander didn’t believe that January was actually ready to fulfil Steele’s last will. Aarre never fully shared dreams of malamute and expected that his son would make an update, changing and cutting the aims to present times. Whatever would emerge from clash of Talbourne and the Pack wouldn’t be neither Talbourne nor the Pack. But Aarre and his old companions believed it would be renovated clan of Uniea. Old clanes or their children were over a half of army and consisted the biggest grexist group in whole Coalition. Many Uniea wolves were marching along with beta-alpha, connected with him by the same dream. That was their sacred battle of resurrection.
“The march of future troopers
It's leading us on stage
It takes us into future
It takes us to new age” seemed to sing wolves of deceased clan.
“Aarre…” Ea whispered to ear of beta-alpha. “You seemed to be so calm… But I can’t stop fear about January…”
“Well, that’s a soldier’s trait.” Replied greyfurred. “We are uneasy, when you – politicians – have your games, but we instantly calm down when the outcome is about to be settled by well known and measurable means of force. January has a soul of soldier. He prefer to do thing my way!” But in fact Aarre couldn’t be more wrong.
*
January was running with Flame and Ian. They easily avoided any Talbourne patrols, thanks to Ian’s skills, but also due to wolfesses’s knowledge. She new much about sentries, from Istana. Scoutess was never fully initiated to the plan, but she had to see what was her mother up to. And she willingly told clan’s secrets. But the way itself was just a beginning.
They reached outskirts of Home Valley exactly at he dawn of old year’s last day. No one planned so showy entrance, but it just happened. January ordered his guides to rest, before final infiltration. He needed a break himself. A rest and some consideration.
“As I said – Ian should join our military, but you, madam, are not a soldier. I strongly advice you to stay aside.”
“I wish to witness it.” She said. “And besides… I must make sure my family survive this. I know that the order is to spare lives of Istana, Viin and Ralph… but I want to make sure… they would allow you to spare them. I want convince them to give up, if the battle broke out.”
“Ma’am!” smiled January. “Have you ever thought that we could still lose?”
“In that case I must watch if Ian gives up.” She replied. “Sorry, my alpha… I admire your involvement and zeal, but for my long life I learned that only one thing that matters is the ones you love. Your family.”
“Easy to say.” Said malawolf. “My beloved ones are split into opposite parties.”
”And mine not?” asked Flame. “I had to make a cold-logic calculation, to protect them all. But I did it, because I love them all. I pray I’m right.”
“So… what would you advise me?” asked January with shivering voice. “There is an alternative – I am loyal to what I swore to my father, or I follow what my beloved asked me to do.”
“You are sure, that there is no other way?” she asked and he nodded his head. “So… I’m sure that in right moment your heart would tell you, what to do. Think, for what you are loved… and keep it up.”
“Yeah… but I will have a seconds to make a decision, most likely.” Said malawolf. “And if I choose wrong, many could die. I’m so scared about error.”
“Only dead ones make no errors.” Noticed Flame.
“That a vote for my father’s commands?” asked January with grim voice.
“Not, that a vote for your own judgement. I don’t know, whom you will choose… but I believe that the others will understand it.”
“Thanks, madam.” Replied January. “I guess you give me no answer, but it’s now somehow clearer anyway.”
They chose a small pan to take a nap. Malawolf wanted to enter the valley just before the dusk, to use the cover of darkness. He regretted that Ian was about to return to main forces – he wished to have experienced friend at his side. “But in fact it’s useless.” Thought hybrid. “I’m poor scout and presence of soundless Ian won’t make me any quieter.”
“Good night… or good day, whatever.” Said January. “Wake me up about hour before the sunset, all right?”
Perhaps sleeping so close to enemy is usually rather a poor choice, but in that particular moment they were safe as in Haven. In Home Valley almost all wolves were wrapped up by something different than searching for enemy’s scouts. If January looked carefully, he would noticed Maya returning home.
Brownfurred made her way rather slow, partially due to still aching paw, partially to Tan’s paranoia. Orangefurred lieutenant seemed to see Black and his sidekicks behind the every tree. He cleared all sentry outposts between Reindeer Creek and Home Valley from soldiers, to strengthen Maya’s retinue. After all everybody seemed to glad because of that – Tan, because Maya was safer and Aarre, because he encounter no guards whom he had to bother with killing.
Since five days Talbourne capitol was enflamed with growing argument. The division was clear – two parties emerged from indecisiveness. Tram was supported by his followers, but also those who wished Maya on lead generally believed in news about future relationship between cousins. Just few wolves replied Rose’s taunts about inbreeding perverts, while rest of “Mayalites” without zeal, but with calm determination went on southern side of Talbourne Creek where Tram was gathering his supporters.
At the first glance party of Sheik was in deep troubles. Serious group of wolves supported Aleu’s son, but that was still less that joined acolytes of Maya and Tram. Yet many undecided claners, who didn’t want to show any affiliation before, levered the balance. After all Sheik was a child of previous alpha. Most of traditionalists gave their conditional support to Aleu’s son.
There were rumour about Black’s involvement in Maya’s failed assassination. But Rose countered those with her own gossips, sounding no less unlikely. After Teele gave her agree on official duel instead of juridical trial, no one cared about the truth, but just hoped for a good show. And Tram realistically estimated that he stood no chance against Black. So he hoped that Maya would be back in time and then fix everything.
And Maya returned. She entered the main ledge and then all wolves turned they stares to her. Sheik and Tram ran to her, but Tan – seemingly ignoring all family-connections – stopped them about twenty yards from princess, as well as all wolves who were trying to get to brownfurred.
“Maya!” called Sheik. “I’m so happy that you are safe…”
“…in spite of his efforts.” Added Tram with poisonous voice.
“Lady Maya!” called Teele, pushing crowd of wolf aside and getting to her. Tan eventually let her go. “It’s so good to see you… Please, tell us, what happened at Reindeer Creek?”
In the same time a wave of whispers and gasped of amazement sounded among Talbourne. Four guardians of Home Guard were guiding young Ram. Lightfurred wolf was scared and severely beaten up. Sentries were almost dragging him to square and wolf seemed to follow only because of not full awareness. It was clear he was held as a prisoner.
“He is the one, who wanted to kill you.” Said sergeant Will. “He was hidden on Eastern Route, preparing to throw avalanche down.”
“He… is from Stardust Pack!” called Maya.
“Lady, is that true that he and his companions tried to kill you?” She nodded her head and all stared pointed not on her nor Ram, but on Rose, standing with her pups on Northern Ledge. But soon after that whole attention came to Sheik.
“That’s… that’s a misunderstanding!” started Aleu’s son. “I had nothing to do with that! Maya, tell them, please!”
“Do with what, sir?” asked Teele with polite voice, but it was obvious that Sheik ceased to be claimant and became a suspect.
“Teele.” Said Maya. “Thank you for your concern, but as a future alpha, I will solve it myself.”
I was done. Brownfurred for the very first time declared that she wanted to lead and no one protested. Just a whisper of confusion but also of agreement came among wolves and in next second Talbourne clan was looking on Maya as alpha-to-be. But few question were still open – was that true she mate with Tram? And what would happen with Stardusters, Rose… and Sheik.
“Leave him alone!” called voice from the crowd. It was Black.
Wolves dispersed form that area, showing darkfurred, slowly going to the centre of gathering. In almost combat rank, five wolves steeped to inside of audience circle and stopped in front of guardians. Tan gave a tail-wag and all sentries formed a wall before Maya. Just for sure.
“Let him go.” Said Black. “As temporally alpha of Stardust Pack I’m fully responsible for actions of my packmates.
Hearing that Rose gasped with fear. She closed her eyes, fighting the vision of imprisoned friends, most likely destined to be trailed and sentenced. She had a duty to help them… But Sheik… pups… in the same time she couldn’t. So she stood alone, praying for Aniu for any help.
Aniu had a bit different problems - overall lot on her head that moment - but let’s focus on clan’s issues. For a while all wolves in Home Valley were thinking what Black was up to. He entered the circle of audience and soldiers, in fact allowing guardians to catch him any moment. And he indirectly confessed his guilt.
“I must not involve Rose in this.” Thought darkfurred. “She is only of us, who could gone uncharged…”
“Black.” Said Maya with sad, yet decisive voice. “Why did you wanted my death?”
“That you wouldn’t became an alpha.” Said wolf. “And not mate with Tram, repeating the disgusting sin of his parents!” Actually he invented it just moment before, but it was a way to sidetrack any suspicions out of Rose.
“Wasn’t there any other motif?” she asked, looking in his eyes.
And there she found something she didn’t expected. A plead. He was silently begging her, not to dig that case. It was obvious for many that Black was just a scapegoat, he was taking Rose’s guilt. But if Maya accepted his sacrifice, redfurred and consequently Sheik were safe. Both sides wanted that – Black for Rose and Maya for Sheik.
“Why do you do it?” asked brownfurred with quiet voice, that only Starduster heard it. But for her own loss, Rose opened her eyes ion that moment. She read from lips of packmates. She made a step ahead, but Sheik stopped her with sudden nudge.
“Stay still!” he gasped. “God, we have pups! You can’t help him, just drown yourself.”
“Right, Black.” Said Maya aloud. “I don’t share you beliefs, but understand them. I’ll try to be benevolent for you all.”
“Let Ram free.” Ordered Black. “It’s me whom you want.”
“Don’t push it, Black!” said Maya with sudden decisiveness.
And then all happened at once. All Stardusters, who set thing up, pounced at Maya. Only Black and Garm reached her, while rest was stopped and pinned down by guardians. But Garm grabbed Maya and Black froze with jaws put on her nape. Guardians recoiled at once.
“Move and dig her grave!” gasped darkfurred to soldiers. Then whispered to brownfurred. “Sorry, girl, but it must be that way. Believe, I’m in the same deep swamp as you are.”
“I know.” She replied. “I admire your devotion. But… Christ’s sake, you can’t kill me now!”
“Any reason?”
“Well…” she murmured, giving one and only reason she wanted to live. “I have a date soon.”
“Coagulations.” Snorted Black. “I’ll do what I could.” Then he called aloud. “Wolves of Talbourne… We were unrightfully accused and we need to show our innocence. There is just one way to do that. I demand a Trial of Aniu, against liars that accused us. Against Tram.”
“That was a suggestion?” asked Teele, looking on Maya, in grasp of Garm. “All right, I guess we have limited choice… However remember: if you challenge Tram in case about whole clan, he could take a champion to fight instead of him.”
“But if Stardusters will come to the trial as whole pack, he could pick as many champions as are Stardusters… but minus one. He had to fight.”
“Yes, that’s right.” Nodded Teele and Tram gulped.
“Is that our law?” he asked Teele quietly and when she nodded again, cursed. “Werk! I should have hired a lawyer!”
“Are you ready, coward?” called Black.
“But all your pack have to fight.” Said Teele. “Even him.” She pointed on wounded Ram. Black cursed badly. “And Tram could pick any five champions he wish. Even elite soldiers.”
“Sorry, pal!” called darkfurred to Ram. “We have a duty.” Bruised prisoner nodded his head.
“NO!” called Rose. All eyes turned to her. “As mate of Sheik I have no bounds with former stardust Pack.” She declared. “But still, I could fight in name of Ram.”
“No, wait!” called Black with desperate voice. “Rose, we have all in control and…”
“I won’t let you die.” She said. Then she turned to her mate and whispered. “I don’t know, how it would end. So if… it goes wrong, take care of kids… And find them better mother than I was.” Before Sheik managed to stop her, she entered circle of guardians.
Trials by combat - iudicum Aniu - should been fight on the Fighting Pillar, but due to extraordinary conditions, it was about to take place on main ledge, before entrance to Home Cave. Rose joined her pack and nestled to Black’s side.
“Why, Rose…” he whispered. “We could have done it alone… And now… you could die.”
“My pups are still of our pack.” She said. “And I couldn’t stand as you doing my job for me.”
And then Maya understood she was about to die. Plan of Black was desperate, but quite logical. To kill in team deathmatch Tram and then kill Maya, who was still captured. Then via facti Sheik became the one and only claimant and no one judges the winners. New appointed alpha would acquit charged ones, whatever they did. That was only Black’s hope. But to do that both Tram and Maya had to die.
“Thanks, sister.” Said darkfurred to Rose. “I love you.” In his voice sounded Maya’s sure death.
“January!” thought princess desperately. “It was so close… but somehow I blew it. Forgive me.” She felt an overwhelming yearning for malawolf, that even muffled fear of death.
Tram chose five best soldiers that he could find there and entered the improvised arena. Maya was pushed to the edge of ledge. There was no way for her to escape unnoticed by Black and even she tried, she had to cross the area of duel. Starduster thought about almost everything. Almost.
Maya choke the scream in last moment, seeing with amazement that just next to her was standing January. Hybrid was partially transparent, as if he was not a living one, but a ghost. But he was substantial for sure – he nudged princess’s side and Maya noticed as she herself started to blur. In the same time just next to them appeared a phantom, looking exactly as brownfurred wolfess.
“Just follow me!” ordered January with decisive whisper.
Her head was full of questions, but she was in the same time scared to ask them. However one observation came before all next: as a saviour, January had an impeccable timing.
*
It happened just hour before. January felt father’s presence in his sleep. He opened his eyes, to notice he had actually no eyes, at least not in material sense of that word. He was outside of his body, floating above Talbourne Home Cave. Was saw scene on ledge before Home Cave, but also what happened on east from there. Aarre was leading his army, he was just few miles away, while Tenu chased him. But it was obvious that main part of mercenary’s forces would be much too late. January smiled.
“And that’s the last good news today.” Said Steele.
“Father…” whispered malawolf and bowed his head in greeting. “So… this is real.”
“I hate to say, but yes.” Replied dog. “And I must tell you know the worst order I could. Or no, but…”
“Father… what happened?”
He didn’t replied, just showed. January saw Aniu and Shade at her side. Mother and son were looking on scene below with concern and even with some uneasiness, but that was common emotion. They didn’t look like enemies and they weren’t.
“They reconciled.” Said Steele and put to son’s mind single set of all necessary information. In time shorter than blink of an eye, malawolf learned about ancient conflict between Mother of Wolfkind and her son. About appointing Light the successor after Aniu and wrath of Shade. About fight, when Shade killed his parent. About Light, who died from despair leaving his Pack orphaned and starting the Great Dispersion of Wolfkind. And about centuries and ages when Shade was fighting with his mother in afterworld to settle old hurt. And then last days, when Aniu and her dakrfurred son reconciled. Steele wasn’t sure if Shade’s plan to destroy Talbourne was a fake from the start, opportunity to show his good will to mother, by stopping it, or it was real, but darkwolf left it. But the outcome was the same. Steele was alone.
“I’m here just two years.” He said. “And they are immortal spirits since ages. I’m no match for joined might of those two. I can’t win this war.”
“War…” Whispered January.
“Yes.” Nodded Steele. “Whole my life I was a murderer and sinner. But at autumn of my road on Earth, I changed. I met your mother, fathered you… and settled Pack to fight the only idea I thought worthy to fight for. Talbourne reign will be a catastrophe and there is so little to do with it.”
“But Aarre… our army…” started January.
“You know, why Shadow chose Maya as the future alpha?” asked dog and his son shook his head. “Because only by her agency Aniu could help her clan. In every generation there is a Champion of Aniu, wolf capable to take his power from powers of Wolfkind’s Mother. Once that was Balto. After him the gift inherited Aleu… I’m not sure why, but after Aleu’s death, that trait came to Maya. Thanks to her, Aniu could boost Talbourne army with might that even Aarre’s soldiers couldn’t stand.”
“So why…”
“Shade told me that he could transmit his powers on me and I could give them to you. But Shade betrayed us!”
“And what now?” asked January and seeing Steele’s muzzlial expression, he gulped.
“All the Pack will die… As long as Maya lives - whatever she likes it or not - Aniu could make Talbourne invincible warriors by Maya’s agency.”
“No, I will ask her…”
“To what?” asked Steele. “To have mercy on them? Spare their lives? But still, Talbourne will win. Still wolves will be imprisoned in tyranny of that abomination.”
“So… there is no chance to win it?” asked January.
“There is always a chance.” Said Steele. “But it requires a sacrifice I can’t demand.”
“Tell me!”
“If you kill Maya… but no, Aniu won’t let you… But if you wound her… even tire her, there is possibility I would disrupt Aniu’s protection over Talbourne and that would give our army chance to… retreat alive.”
“Mom…” whispered January. “Kaata… Ian!”
“They are trapped between Home Guards and Tenu.” Said malamute. “Maya would let them go, but Aniu won’t. She know, what danger for her children the Pack is.”
“I won’t survive the duel with Maya, if she is boosted by immortal… or two.” Said January.
“I could take out Shade.” Replied Steele. “But Aniu herself would be acting still. There is no chance to win… but if you somehow tire Maya’s body, Aniu will have harder task to do with killing our family.”
“I guess it’s a Banzai charge.” Smiled January. “Just like your Expedition of Avengers… Dad, I loved this story.”
“Son, I’m sorry to ask you about it, but…”
“Make a room for me here.” Replied January. “I will join you soon.” He turned back, but then stopped and added. “But know one thing. I don’t do it for saving the World, the Ways of Nature, nor for the Pack. I’m doing it for you!” And he woke up, on the snow, next to Ian and Flame. He had a job to do – to die wisely.
*
Tenu was running at full speed, but weak body of general couldn’t gave him proper tempo. He had to make breaks often, yet was still faster than his army. “Just to get there.” Thought. “I would defend Home Valley for a while even with those Home Divisions…” He called to Fida and Ama, running by his sides.
“We split up! I’m going to Home Cave and you take all military personnel you spot here. Understood?”
“You are going alone?” asked darkfurred sister.
“I have no other option. Go now, you have an order.”
“But sir…” started white wolfess. “You could…”
“I wont die.” Snorted mercenary. “I’m far beyond this!”
*
Steele was weaker than Aniu and Shade, however he wasn’t helpless. He equipped January with all powers he could spare. Malawolf didn’t become invisible, but supernatural coat that covered him absorbed most of light shining on. Because it was a dusk, hybrid was very hard to spot.
Few thing in his body changed. He instantly stopped to produce any sweat nor hormones and just in minutes his scent was reduced just to slight aroma, easy to miss even by skilled sentries. He still made sounds while moving, but spell of Steele’s power slowed down his breath, to make him almost inaudible in careful sneaking.
That was why he simply walked among gathered wolves, paying limited attention of Rose’s drama and came to Maya. As soon he toughed her, similar effects affected her. Those two withdrew from ledge, leaving visual phantom of brownfurred.
“Where we’re going?” asked Maya, still confused with so many improbable events.
“Far from those madwolves.” Replied January. “Just… follow me, right?”
She followed, asking no more questions and tempering her curiosity. But when they reached the Fighting Pillar, she smiled in mind, slowly understanding, what he was about to do. “He will announce himself Talbourne Alpha.” She cried in mind, barely repressing joy. “And then we become mates!”
Path up was a serpentine, coming on sides of pillar. Those seven coils took them up to snowed roof of rock. There instantly magic coats disappeared – after all Steele had to save his strength for harder battle. Maya could see January, who came to edge of pillar. She came after him and kissed him passionately. However she sensed as his muzzle was tensed.
“Maya…” he said with soft voice. “Whatever would happen, be aware that I love you. I love you as no one on this world. Remember it. And know, that I will forgive you everything.”
“Jan, what you are talking about?” she asked with confused tone. “We will be together, right?”
“Maya, please, announce you are taking over your clan.”
“But Jan… shouldn’t we do it together.”
“No, it must be that way.” He said and two tears escaped his eyes. “Maya, I’m so sorry it came to this!”
*
Shade and Aniu were looking on scene with confusion. Finally white-furred wolfess turned to Steele and said with calm voice.
“Thank you with saving Maya again… But believe me, we would deal with it ourselves. My son and me. Why did you do it?”
“Soon, you will see.” Replied dog. He gently crouched down, being ready to pounce on Shade. “Let’s the party started!”

XIV. Apoliteia (Of Puppets and Puppeteers – reprise and also “How to gain and lose Empire in weekend: Handbook for dummies.”)

Chaos is usually beautiful, but most creatures who are in chaos have much too much on their heads to marvel at it. Those creatures usually are desperately fighting to stay alive and thus all beauty of the unpredictable escapes them. But sometimes chaos manifests itself in such amazing way that it has a power to freeze all life in admire.
Tram chose five soldiers he knew of being skilled. He didn’t remember their names, just recalled they were serving in First Unit in old times when his father Everest was sergeant there and later was in Alpha’s Own Guard, when Saba was on lead of whole clan. Those picked wolves didn’t protest, however they seemed not to be very avid to fight against Stardusters.
“Sir.” Said silverfurred male, who’s mane was – if Tram recalled right – Brian. “Just… let us do our job. Stay in centre of line and do not charge before we do.”
“Yeah, sure.” Smiled Tram, who had no will to step before the rank.
They formed a line and stopped against Stradusters. Pack ordered in strange formation, where Rose was behind arc of friends. But seeing her, Brian felt some uneasiness – it seemed that accused group knew how to fight. Rose was not shielded, but simply put back to pounce behind the enemy’s line. Perhaps it was a suicidal plan to win the fight, to order fragile female attack in the hardest charge, but Brian learned that Stardusters didn’t want to win the fight. They wanted just to kill Tram.
“Sir, take cover!” called Talbourne and in the same moment two lines of combatants clashed.
Tram was pushed back by Black and Rose fell on them, aiming on his nape. Those two rolled aside and stronger, yet completely surprised male was being chocked by desperate female.
“Mom!” called Max and started a scared howl with his two sisters.
Presence of pup was noticed and wolves, who just moment before wanted Rose dead, then reconsidered their cheers. After all lost of Stardusters meant a family tragedy. Then stares came down to Sheik, who was running to Teele.
“Stop it! I order you to stop it!” yelled Aleu’s son.
“Sorry, boy.” Replied inter-alphess. “But it’s the law.”
“Screw the law!” growled Sheik and jumped ahead to assist his mate. He was stopped by two scouts. “Let me go, God dammit!” he yelled. “Can’t you see they kill her?”
Istana thought just a time of blinking eye and stepped back. “Sir, I could help you to stop them.” she said.
But in fact Rose was going quite well. She pressed Tram to the ground, locked her jaws on his nape and clenched them. Saba’s son tensed his muscles and prevented sister-in-law from killing him in one blow, but just for time. He got weaker and weaker with every second and he would be most likely done for, if not Brian’s relief.
Soldier ran to Rose, grabbed fur of her back and in one decisive move tore her away from Tram. She flew back, holding a patch of male’s fur in her jaws, fell on the snow and slid farther on slippery snow. And then chaos broke out.
Rose slid into Maya. And in the same moment silhouette of brownfurred disappeared, leaving just a cloud of snow and confused redfurred in that place. Deathmatch instantly died, as combatants turned their stared to spot where just seconds earlier had been hostage. And then was no hostage.
Black was rational wolf and thinking what exactly happened there was beyond his reach. But he instantly calculated what meant loss of prisoner. He turned to his packmates and yelled with ultimate despair the only command he could give.
“ALL PAWS ON DECK! GET TRAM!”
All six of Stardusters – because Rose stood up too – rushed on Tram. Wolf hadn’t manage even budge, before wave of enemies deluged him, pressing down and pinning into the snow. Brian and his companions jumped just after, but Saba’s son was already trapped.
“No!” gasped Sheik.
“NO!” called a voice from the Fighting Pillar. It was so decisive that everyone stopped. Even Stardusters, just tearing Tram’s fur apart. Above gathered Talbourne felt dead silence. “Stop it.” Added Maya.
She was standing on the edge of pillar, looking on clan in front of her. The plateau of pillar was almost at the same altitude that main ledge of Main Cave, but brownfurred was looking with so unhesitating self-assurance that it seemed she was miles above. Her voice was chilling to the bone in such amazing way that many didn’t recognise young, charming girl they knew before.
“As the new alpha of Talbourne Clan I forbid you to fight! Step aside now!”
Rose seemed to indifferent to that charm, but Black nodded to her with clear instruction of obedience. The situation got dire, so darkfurred was looking for any chance to shun the death. He, Stardusters and Tram’s soldiers stepped back. Only Tram himself stayed on the snow. He was severely wounded, but loud moans he gave assured the audience he was still alive.
“Somebody help my cousin!” ordered Maya. Then she looked back on January standing just behind her.
“Good.” Malawolf nodded his head. “Now, again announce you are the leader of your clan.”
“As you wish, my love.” Replied wolfess with soft voice. The difference between her commands give to Talbourne and sad tone she was speaking with hybrid was stunning. Thankfully no one heard that and no one asked why was that way.
“Wolves of Talbourne.” Called Maya. “Being asked for it by Shadow, my uncle and previous alpha of the clan, I taking an office of alpha. I’m not asking you, what you think about it, I just do it, to save our clan from war and split. If anyone has anything against, I’m waiting for the official challenge.”
In Home Valley silence broke out. Over seven hundreds of wolves were looking on new-acclaimed leader with no response. Of course no one dared to reply. Rose wanted to, but decisive stare of Black stopped her. Sheik also wanted to react, but he simply couldn’t pressed by pangs of consciences and fear about Rose’s fate. Tram wished to say something too, but pain was keeping him silent, or allowing just to cry quietly. But there sounded one voice.
“I challenge you.” Said January, putting all his might to utter it calmly.
Maya turned to him and looked deep into his eyes. She was in tears already, what wolves downthere couldn’t see, but malawolf watched just in front of him. She was breaching fast, gathering her strength to reply. Moment lasted long seconds, making hybrid almost to cry too.
“Why… January?” She asked simply.
“I’m so sorry…” said Steele’s son. “But fortunately I will be punished for that soon. Maya… I love you and I know what must be done. Just do it and know I understand you have to.”
“Jan…” she whispered, stepping aside, away from the edge. “What are you talking about… I’m the alpha! Don’t you understand? Talbourne is under power of wolfess who loves you… I won’t let Tenu nor anyone to hurt your friends and family.”
“Are you sure?” smiled malawolf. “Aniu will be here in moment.”
“Aniu…” uttered brownfurred and then she saw her. “ANIU!” she bowed her head.
“Yes, my child.” The voice of immortal sounded not in the air, but in mind of wolfess. In the same time it sounded also in head of January. But malawolf made no gesture suggesting a respect or fear. “That is me.”
“Aniu… I’m your loyal servant and follower.” Whispered Maya. “I will lead your clan according to teachings you left us… But I’m begging you to forgive and spare family of my future mate. I love January and I don’t want him to suffer… nor to suffer any of his friends.”
“My child.” Said white wolfess, coming to her great granddaughter. She stopped before her and snow, that was gently falling from the sky started to falling through her body, discretely reminding that guest was out of this world. “January is son of Steele, who killed your father. I don’t hold any grudge against him, and you shouldn’t hold too. But he and his pack are danger for our clan. There is no way you could live together, if young January doesn’t bow to me and enter my path.”
“Only prints I could follow are my father’s.” said January.
“See? He persists in his errors.” Added immortal. “It’s up to you, to correct him. And for his companions…” sighed Aniu. “I’m afraid that we can’t do too much.”
“Of course, you can’t!” growled January. “We are free creatures, who live as we are meant to live. We won’t bow our heads to your sick utopia. We deny your path is true… that even it’s real. I’m ready to die for this.”
“I think that my Maya isn’t ready to let you.” Smiled Aniu. “Maya… tell him, please.”
“Jan… I beg you.” Sobbed wolfess. “Leave it! Be with me, become an alpha at my side… I will protect your Pack.”
“I’m sorry, Maya.” Replied malawolf. “It is happening for too long. Talbourne Clan hurt too many wolves to uphold it’s existence any day longer…”
“You won’t stand a chance against us.” Said Aniu with bored tone. “I will stand for my great granddaughter and kill you, if you don’t give up. Then, thanks to my blood in her veins I will lead her against the Pack. This is your last chance to surrender.”
Silhouette of Aniu started to blur. But it didn’t disappeared totally, but became a half-transparent cloud that flew to Maya and entered brownfurred’s body. Maya yelled with fear mixed with excitement. Suddenly she felt unbelievable power floating her veins. She smiled and looked on January.
“My love… I’m one with Aniu! Together, you, her and I could do anything.”
“Soon we will see, if you could kiss me, without biting my throat.” Smiled malawolf with bitter smile. “Maya… open you eyes… I can’t bow to your ancestor.”
“But it’s a suicide!” yelled wolfess.
“No. It’s a sacrifice.” Replied January.
And in that moment they hearts met. Silent talk was done without words, without even thoughts, just by simple emotions. In time shorter than a heartbeat, January cried aloud all he was feeling. That he loved Maya and that he wanted to stay with her with all his might. But he couldn’t. Brownfurred read what was in hybrid’s mind. His and Steele’s plan to stop Aniu. And that father and son had right – there was no other way. Aniu was ready to wipe out any threat for her children. And if not her alone, there was Shade to assist.
“You see?” asked wolfdog. “I can’t stay with me… We must fight. I guess I have no chances to hurt you, but I must try, at least to buy some time for mom and our army. Soon you will lose control over your body… and kill me. I know that, I knew that coming here. Please, don’t blame yourself… Just… don’t hate the Pack. We wanted good… and it went as usual.”
“No, Jan… it can’t be!” she whispered.
But then she felt an urge to go to the centre of pillar. She spread her front paws a little and gently crouched, taking a classical combat-posture. She bared her fangs, in spite she didn’t want to. She tensed her muscles, but then felt there is some outer force to command her limbs. Her pupils extended and vision became sharper. Her adrenal glands deluged veins with adrenaline. Ears erected to catch any slightest impulse. She – who had been never taught to fight, became a killing machine.
“No, Aniu, please!” called brownfurred, but she was given with no response.
“You see?” asked January, smiling and barely repressing own tears. “I love you, just remember that. And remember one thing more. I don’t do it for any idea. Only thing I want is to follow the way of my father.”
Maya was crying and making circles to find the best position. January wasn’t sure if it was Aniu’s influence, or brownfurred was trying to play on time. But she was only postponing the unavoidable. Immortal almost totally possessed body of her great granddaughter, leaving just tiny space for her will. From that crack floated tears.
But suddenly Maya stopped and inclined her head aside. She clenched her jaws, and narrowed eyes. The fight she was fighting with outer will was easily visible.
“I love you too, Jan.” she whispered. “And you are right, we can’t blame ourselves what we had to do. I won’t be angry on you… and your fangs won’t hurt… I hope.”
“Maya, what…”
“I hope you to have good life.” She continued. “At side of Kaata, I guess… She is a good wolfess, good for you. I hope you will fulfil your father’s dream. If that is your dream, it’s mine too.”
“Maya, what you are talking about?” asked confused malawolf.
“Jan… I love you. And I’m not doing it for any stupid idea. I’m doing it for you.” She gasped, inclining her head even more and exposing her neck. “KILL ME! QUICK! I CAN’T HOLD HER ANY LONGER!”
“Surprised?” asked Steele, looking on Shade.
“What is the meaning of this?” asked dark wolf, floating over the pillar.
“Guess!” smiled dead dog and pounced on Shade.
*
Tenu was running like hell, cursing his weak body, cursing his parents to conceive so weak pup, cursing his pack for not to make him tough. But then he understood that he found his strength to change the world only because he was weak and lost and that he was fighting for weak and lost ones.
“Go… GO!” he ordered his paws, but they are indifferent for commands. He, who was leading Talbourne army couldn’t fasten his own limbs to quicker run. “Too weak! Always too weak!” He thought, but he clenched his jaws and swallowed the bloody saliva. “Yet, I must go! I survived in my pack, I won with my brother, I gathered my Brotherhood. I will win this battle!”
Small wolf was running to Home Valley in fastest chase he ever moved. Yet, it still was too slow.
*
“What the crack!” yelled Tan, seeing very suspicious moves on the pillar. “Did that ******* challenged her?”
“Most likely…” nodded Teele.
“So… take him down!” yelled orangefurred. “He could kill her.”
“I guess it’s all in duels about.” Noticed old agent. “When she saw as few soldiers set off to path on pillar, she growled. “Stop! That’s a law of our clan.”
“Are you mad?” yelled Tan. “He will kill her!” and he jumped ahead to help his step-sister.
But soldiers were waiting. Istana, Mary, Michael, Josh and Yupik were loyal to alpha of the clan. But duels were to determinate who was an alpha of the clan. For young scouts whole world seemed to fell apart, but if anything stayed still in that mayhem, that was a sacred law of Wolves Code. And in desperate impulse they were ready to defend it with their lives.
They pinned Tan down, immobilising him. Istana didn’t dare to bite officer, but she was holding him tightly. She looked on Teele and old wolfess nodded her head. To be honest, we must say that intelligence commander was as lost as her subordinate and she also took a asylum in solid cave of clan’s tradition. The law was the law.
“Let them fight!” called Teele louder.
If wolf (male of female) enters territory of other’s pack and she or he doesn’t ask for hospitality nor bow before local alpha, he is not the guest of pack. She or he has right to challenge leader for leadership. Usually such fights were fought just to surrender of one side, but that time situation was different.
*
January was desperate, knowing that his actions are last chance for the Pack’s army. But Aniu was also aware of stake she was gambling. She learned that Steele told his son about her bound with Maya and young hybrid knew that killing Maya would doom whole clan.
Steele was wrestling with Shade. As “freshly” deceased, malamute hadn’t even a quarter of power that dark wolf had. But both combatants were immortal and were fighting not to kill each other. Dog wanted to keep wolf busy and wolf tried just to help his mother in killing January – you must admit that Shade had much harder task. Steele was countless times thrown down to the ground (what ground!?), but he stood up and again harassed immortal. Shade couldn’t make any serious action.
Meanwhile Aniu was deeply in Maya’s body, guiding her actions. But she met the resistance from least expected source. Her great granddaughter was disobeying her orders.
*
Fortunately, January was acting faster than thinking. Before he analysed situation, he pounced ahead on Maya and tripped her. She fell on the frozen rock, still exposing her neck. Malawolf bended down to finish the duel, but then he was stopped. At once few factor took effect. I assure you, that biting throat of your girlfriend isn’t an easy task, and definitely wasn’t for hybrid. Additionally January seemed to be unable to hurt any female. He just froze half of inch to Maya’s throat and waited a second, when wolfess’s paw – guided by Aniu – painfully slapped him in muzzle. Then she slammed his side, sending him back.
“Jan!” she yelled. “You must kill me, before she takes me totally.”
”But how?!” gasped malawolf. “I love you!”
“I love you too!” sobbed Maya and pounced on him.
She overturned him and grabbed his right-front paw in jaws. Hybrid managed to take it back in last moment, because a grasp that came just after would have crushed his bone easily. Wolfdog pushed female away – she stopped on the other edge of pillar. Of course Aniu instantly ordered her descendant to stand up and prudently step away from the bluff. Then she (they?) pounced on January.
Hybrid gasped from amazement, seeing as brownfurred made ten yards in one jump. He concluded that supernatural support of Aniu was far beyond his skills. He tried to think it over, but again muscles acted faster than brain and January shunned landing wolfess. He rolled aside and hearing that Maya/Aniu didn’t left it up, he crawled ahead. Brownfurred who again jumped just second later, hit a spot where used to be malawolf’s rear paws.
“Jan!” was calling Maya, however her voice became guttural and muffled, as if Aniu tried to suppress it too. “My hind leg still hurts! Attack me from behind!”
It was easy to say (or not? Wolfdog suspected that brownfurred put some real effort to utter that), but harder to do. Aniu was seeing much more than wolf should – thanks to astral point of view she was every, even smallest move of enemy. So each time malawolf prepared some unexpected manoeuvre, she countered it instantly.
“Dad!” thought January. “Your help would be nice.”
“I know that!” yelled Steele, being again sent to the floor by Shade. “I’m working on it!”
*
Tan was still pinned down and trying to break free. He was shouting commands, but in general chaos no one listen to him. Stardusters tried to stay in one group, but pressing crowd of frantic wolves, that was cheering the fight, simply rammed the pack and mixed with it. Rose and Black were taken out from rest of crew, but somehow also pushed closer to Sheik.
Aleu’s son tried to get to Fighting Pillar, to assist Maya, but soon learned that was useless. If Teele would even let him go, chaotic mass of watchers would squeezed him in process. So mates met.
“Where are pups!?” asked shocked Rose.
“There!” Sheik pointed a hummock with muzzle, because he was unable to raise his paw. “They are safe… until they are in place.” Then he looked on Black. “Hey… thanks for that.”
“We are pack, after all.” Replied darkfurred. “Whatever happens.”
And then Tenu entered the scene.
He slid down from slope of valley and stopped but before creek. Then continued his run, panting heavily. In that condition, he didn’t look as dreadful commander, but simply weak wolf who tried to run fast and failed. However panting voice of mercenary was still powerful.
“Stop it! Stop that fight!” Unfortunately almost no one heard him, so he decide to do the job himself. He started to pierce through crowd to the pillar.
Aarre and his vanguards entered clearing about two miles east from Main Cave. Old commander and Ea looked ahead to see not prepared ranks of enemies, but unexpected gathering, swirling and bursting in chaos.
“Are all wars looking like that?” asked whitefurred wolfess.
“I don’t know.” Replied Aarre. “For the very first time I see one from some distance.”
And then two shaped entered clearing too. All black and second – all white wolfess ran through Pack’s rank. No one identified their as friends, so few wolves rushed to stop enemy, but they were too fast to get caught. Soon they disappeared after gorge’s bend.
“And who the heck was that?” asked confused Flame.
“I have no idea.” Murmured Ian. “And if we didn’t have to retrieve Jan, I would advice sir Aarre to wait until they finish… Whatever they are doing now.”
*
Tenu managed to move inside the crowd just thanks to unbelievable luck. No one recognised him as general and even if few creature did, it was much too less to make him a way. So furious mercenary started to bite at random encountered Talbourne.
“Crack off, buddy!” growled some brownfurred wolf, bitten in paw.
“Stop that duel, you morons!” was screaming Tenu. “Maya can’t die!”
“Calm down, pal!” growled another wolf. “You shut off my view!”
“***** you!” snorted general and hit side of sergeant Cayce.
“And where do you think you’re going!?” asked soldier with irritated tone.
“Up! To stop them!” panted Tenu. “They can’t fight! No wolves should! Now we are far beyond it!”
“He’s mental.” Judged brownfurred watcher. “Throw him to last row.”
“Let he thought!” screamed Tenu and when Cayce didn’t move, he bit his paw, reaching the bone.
“Holy crap!” yelled Cayce, looking on his wounded limb.
“Hey, he bit sarge!” called private Mike and pounced on intruder.
Tenu never knew what happened. Suddenly several wolves standing and crowding there turned to him and started to bite him at random. He fought back, hitting few of them. Finally they let him go and hoaryfurred moved on. His muzzle was dripping with blood and whole body was overcome by weakness.
“No…” he panted, entering the spiral path up. “Stop them! They can’t fight! It will ruin everything.
Blood of wound he inflicted dropped to the ground. General was running, taking another and another serpentine, but still some warm liquid was dripping on the rock. Hoaryfurred didn’t looked down and didn’t see the torrent of red, floating down from him. To be exact – from his bitten throat.
“No!” he called, coughing with blood. However he felt no pain and was looking ahead, to the top of pillar. “You must not fight! Unite! Let’s stand together and win!”
His step became slower and slower, while more blood was running down to his paws. His hoary fur slowly turned to red on chest and front paws. But general was running still.
“Weak, always too weak!” he thought, making another step and trying to focus his sight. Yet, the world slowly was fading to black.
“No! don’t fight!” howled with desperate might. “We are beyond it! We are far beyond it.”
And then he fell down on path, dead and late.
*
January hit the rock after another Maya’s/Aniu’s throw. He felt several bruises on him that only miraculously hadn’t turned to fractures. He was bleeding with five of six deeper cuts and knew that at that rate he would faint due to haemorrhage. But he still couldn’t deliver the final blow. Each time he was watching on Maya, he saw her eyes, sparking with love and devotion. That was the strongest shield that Aniu could use.
“Jan… please… faster!” whispered brownfurred.
She was bleeding too. Wolfess was generally weaker and more fragile, but power of Aniu made her almost invincible. For every blow that January delivered to his love, she returned five. With every second of duel, dire state of malawolf was clearer.
“Why do you resist?” asked guttural voice that surely didn’t belong to Maya. “It’s never too late to give up.”
“Leave her!” cried January. “I don’t want her die!”
“I don’t want it too!” replied immortal. “So just give up!”
But in those words both Maya and January heard fear. Wolf-spirit was actually scared about her great granddaughter. When brownfurred sensed that, she made her head to bow slightly. Malawolf read the signal and pounced ahead, hitting her back.
They overturned and rolled aside. But Maya overestimated her might. Aniu quickly regained almost full control and pressed January down. She grabbed his neck and only to tension of muscles didn’t squash the spine. Aniu smiled with Maya’s lips, what clenched jaws even harder.
But hybrid resisted. He was holding with remnants of his strength, but holding still. He hoped that overusing of Maya body’s abilities would finally effect with some pulling or sprain. Aniu knew it to, so she changed her tactic. She started to pushing malawolf to the edge of pillar. Maya’s eyes blinked, as she understood what immortal wanted to do, but she couldn’t give any warning – her mouth was filled with January’s neck.
They reached the edge, in spite that hybrid tried to stop. Maya was looking into his eyes, or to be exact into his one eye – because her jaws were locked on his neck, their brows were almost touching. In wolfess’s eye she saw fear and determination. He read her soul.
“Jan…” heard hybrid. “She can’t hear it… I’m so sorry, that I failed… Forgive me, Jan. I love you so much… I knew we are destined to be together from the very beginning. When you saved my life. Took me out from river… Carried me on and…”
“Carry!” shouted January in mind. He was choking, so his thought started to fade too, but that one burst brightly. “Honey… you are at least ten pounds lighter than me.”
“I fend for myself… just for you.” Smiled Maya in heart.
“We must… stop Aniu.” Called January with his thoughts. “Are you ready for a trip? Down?”
Her thoughts came the same way and she knew what planned malawolf. To jump down with her, killing themselves. That was still cutting Aniu out of her earthly agent and still giving a chance for the Pack. And finishing their problem in the easiest way.
“I’m ready, my love.” She replied. “But this way I will make alone.”
January shook his body and threw Maya’s up. Two tangled bodies moved to the edge to meet the certain death. They were still looking in each other’s eye so malawolf saw as Maya is bursting with sheer power of her will. In spite that was impossible in earthly logic, Maya’s body was lifted up on January, but in spite to fell down the edge, it stopped and changed direction. Just a blink of an eye later it was falling back on the plateau and hit it hard.
Aniu ordered Maya’s jaws to clench even more, but it was not malawolf’s neck that broke first. In air sounded a crack of breaking bone and it was Maya’s spine. Brownfurred hit the ground, and slamming with backbone into sticking out rock. The kinetic energy of collapse, directed in that one point was much more that spine of wolfess could take.
And in that second the spell was broken – Aniu was pushed away from brownfurred’s body. She managed just to hold in rear part, behind the fracture. And when back of dying mortal coil was kicking hind paws with desperate hatred, front of Maya returned to her born-nature, to the nature of love.
“Jan…” she whispered, letting wolf loose out of her paralysed paws. “It doesn’t hurt… because I love you! Just be happy… and try to remember me! My love… my alpha…”
January joined with her in passionate kill, but just after he touched her lips, he felt as she was already away. He draw back.
“This is not, as it should be…” he uttered with breaking voice.
But then – with rest of his strength, both physical and mental – he stood up. He turned to the edge of pillar and looked down on Talbourne wolves and – what he noticed then – Pack’s army, waiting about half a mile east.
“Wolves!” called with shivering voice. “As a winner of duel… I killed your alpha…” he took a deeper breath and added. “And from now on, I am the alpha.”
That was a moment when all was to be decided. Crowd of wolves would run to him and tear him apart. Of course that would be followed by attack of Aarre’s army, however it wasn’t the best consolation for killed claimant. But it didn’t happened.
Teele lowered her ears as the first. Then came Istana and her unit. Fortunately Tan couldn’t spoil it – he fainted down, after one of Istana’s hits. More and more wolves bowed their heads in confirmation of the new leader. Furious and crying Sheik was held on the ground by Black. Tram was too weak even to raise his head and see what happened.
“January, alpha of Talbourne.” Called Teele.
“January, alpha of Talbourne.” Replied choir of wolves and then a collective howl reached the midnight sky.
Malawolf waited as they finished, then raised his muzzle again and called. “As an alpha of Talbourne Clan, I announce… the dissolution of Talbourne Clan.” Because silence that fell than was stunning, he added. “We are clan no more. Go back to your packs.”
And then he collapsed to the ground.

XV. Filiokratia (of Sons and Mothers – reprise, of Sons and Fathers - reprise, of Bellowed Enemies of all kinds – reprise: generally - about family above all else)

“Yes, yes, yes! We killed me!” exclaimed Maya, floating above her fallen body. But in the same moment he understood some other consequences of that fact. “So that means… I’m dead.”
Steele was waiting. Because on astral body none of injuries could be seen, his recent fight with Shade left no trace. As soon as Maya’s body was killed and Aniu pushed away from it, dark wolf ran to his mother, thrown to higher firmament. Dead malamute left alone and he could safely welcome his dead almost-daughter-in-law.
“Well… yes.” He said, standing before brownfurred. They were just above the Fighting Pillar, of course out the edge of material world, yet close. “But don’t worry so much. I discovered that being dead has some advantages.”
“You are January’s father…” whispered Maya and he nodded her head. “Nice to finally meet you sir.” But then she looked down. “January!” she exclaimed.
“Calm down!” smiled Steele. “He will manage.”
*
Apu, Tulo, Toima, Ian and others scouts from Ian’s unit surrounded malawolf with tight circle, ready to stand for self-deposed alpha. No one could predict how would act the crowd and if January’s command would be obeyed or just ignite clan’s wrath. But at least for several minutes no thing happened.
“January!” called Ea from below. She, Aarre and some bodyguards made the way through almost to the foot of pillar. “What happened?”
“I’m alive, mom.” Replied malawolf. “I’m going down to you…”
He stood up with heavy effort, but just snorted with irritation, when one of scouts wanted to support him. He walked to lifeless body of Maya, knelt down and kissed her motionless lips. Then looked on his companions.
“But… if you’re so kind… Take her down. We must find some nice place…” then he stopped, for to not burst in tears.
Apu – with Toma’s help – took dead alpha on his back and sad retinue moved to path down. There they met Kaata. Wolfess was also running to the pillar, but still aching wound on thigh made her slower. She stopped, seeing her beloved with mournful muzzle and body of Maya, carried just after him.
“Oh, January…” she whispered.
“Just… don’t say anything for while.” He replied. “I must… somehow explain it all to myself.”
He walked next to her, still down and by that accidentally pushing Tenu’s body of the ledge. Hoaryfurred wolf felt down to gorge. Meanwhile Kaata waited several hybrid’s steps, turned back and followed him without a word. In that order they got down to the foot of pillar.
“January!” called Ea and ran to her son. She nestled to his side, crying quietly.
“That’s me, mom.” Replied wolfdog. “I guess…”
Then to them came old sergeant Cayce, hobbling due to wound on his front paw. He stopped before January and bowed his head. Malawolf missed that gesture, because he was watching as Apu put Maya down on the snow.
“Ekhem…” grunted sergeant and alpha-alpha raised his stare.
“You are going to kill me or what?” asked with voice completely washed out from emotions.
“I’m waiting for orders, my alpha.”
“Are you from Beech Pack?” asked January. He shook his head. “So I’m not a proper creature to give you any commands. Where is your alpha?”
But in the same time the uneasy silence of Home Valley was pierced by a twin screams. Fida and Ama finally breached through the crown and got to lifeless Tenu’s bodies. Sisters stopped over dead wolf and gave bone chilling calls. On that sound life seemed to return to January, at least his combat routine.
“Apu, Tulo!” he gasped, gathering all will to thing he could. “Call our troops. Watch out those two, there could be a problem. Circle them and…” But then Fida called with yelling scream.
“Who did it!?”
“Easy, my ladies.” Said January, coming on shivering paws into sister’s direction.
“He is dead…” cried Ama with unexpectedly soft voice.
“Yes, he is dead.” Agreed malawolf. “But I bet he didn’t want you to do anything stupid because of that.”
White and black wolfesses looked on each other and gently nodded their heads.
“It’s over, sis.” She whisperer. “How we could life, if we let him die?”
“But… at least we were with him… and it never fell us out. I love you, sister.”
“May we talk about it?” asked January nervously, but it was too late.
Twins pounced ahead in banzai charge, biting, slashing and hitting at random in crowd of wolves that had a badluck to stand in their way. That was even not an actual revenge on anyone, just furious run against all who lived. As Tenu was dead, twin considered themselves dead too.
There were wolves of Talbourne, random watchers of duel. Fida and Ama killed five in initial rush, but then self-preservation instinct – as due to crowd they had nowhere to run – ordered them to defend themselves. Sisters were exhausted after a long run, panicked and furious, and contrary to popular beliefs such a berserk rarely make fighter more efficient. If twins wanted to break away and run, they would have done that easily. But they stayed in sea of wolves fangs and claws, quickly being overran with that flood. Just after two minutes white and black wolfesses were killed.
“Sir, are you all right?” called Toima, who made way to alpha-alpha.
“Yeah…” murmured January. “Thanks God I’m not their leader anymore. That was not my fault… But I tried.”
“Of course, you tried, sir.” Replied scout. “But now, come with me… to lady Ea.”
But malawolf ignored her and started to climb the path on main ledge. He was walking in chaotic crowd of Talbourne wolves and if anyone wanted to kill him, he could do it. But it seemed that shock of Maya’s death was so hard that claners were too lost to feel any anger. So hybrid came to cave’s entrance, where he noticed inner circle of Talbourne wolves – Sheik with Rose and pups, Teele with her scouts and some wolves examining Tram’s wounds.
“Teele!” called January. “Have you any idea how to send them away without any massacre?”
“I guess that your sidekicks are better disciplined.” Replied old agent. “If some one starts massacre, it would be you.”
“No, no more.” Said wolfdog, coming closer to cave. “Order… no, just tell them to find their packs… for every wolf to find a pack or go at her or his own if that fits better…”
“Steele!” murmured Teele. “So… you really did what Steele wished to.”
“I did!” gasped malawolf. “I doubt if I ever forgive myself…” He shook his head and looked on the other wolves. “But anyway… persuade who you know to leave Home Cave. From now on they have whole peninsula to live.”
“And you?” asked Teele with bitter voice. “The Pack is still one… You rule over Yukon Valley with iron paw and could subordinate us easily.”
“Yes, I could.” Smiled January. “But I will surprise you, I hope – I’m going to dissolve the Pack, as soon as we get back to Haven.”
“So you want to gain some practise?” asked old agent, but malawolf ignored that caustic.
“Rose!” called hybrid, coming closer to redfurred. “Was it you, who wanted to kill me?”
“Yes, so what?” asked wolfess, baring her fangs and stepping ahead to shield her pups.
“So I guess you have some brains here.” Grinned malawolf. “Just… some wolves here could want you bad… get your mate and pups… get your pack and get out of here.”
“I thought you would have some grudge.” Replied a bit confused Rose.
“I thought the same too.” Said hybrid. “But it passed away. So, will you be all right? You and… Stardust Pack.”
“I guess…” seeing that malawolf was turning in other direction, she called after him.
“And what will be the name of your pack?” she asked. “You know… to someday tell my grandpups about this mess.”
“Beech Pack.” Replied hybrid. “I’m reviving my father’s pack. And if we ever meet… I hope that would be in better times. I’m sorry for Lake. It was really unplanned. You should know a little about messing the plans.”
And then he walked to wolves, surrounding Tram. He gently pushed two of them away and stopped over wounded male.
“Hey, I see you will be most likely all right.” Tram nodded his head. “I guess that due to chain of strange events, you are alpha of Talbourne. But Talbourne Pack, not the clan. Remember about it.”
“You… killed Maya.” Whispered Tram.
“Yes. And that will be something for me to remember.” Said January and walked away.
He had still lot on his mind – to withdraw Pack’s army to the Haven, perhaps also dissolve Tenu’s divisions in progress. And there, in home, somehow made his subjects not to follow him anymore. The work seemed hard. But he smiled anyway, knowing that mother and Kaata would help him.
*
But there was someone else to assist - maybe not in our world, but close. Steele and Maya were watching malawolf, as he was leading army back and announcing dissolution of the Pack. What was quite surprising, wolves took that news quite well.
“They are tired too.” Said Steele, looking on the scene below. It was sunny, January day - frosty yet clear. About midday, just after his son ordered his Pack cease to exist. “They were living for four long years in something… odd. The same odd as was Talbourne.”
“I see.” Replied Maya. “Now I see it clearly. I’m glad that you two succeeded – you and January.”
“With such an assist he was bound to win.”
He saw tears in her eyes and hugged dead wolfess. Of course those were not actual tears. Of course that hug was not what we could name like that. In sky-world all is different, but somehow similar. Steele tried to comfort Maya.
“Look, I know that…”
“No, it’s not about me.” She sobbed. “I’m just happy. Happy that all ended good and all live happily…”
“Except of those who died.” Noticed malamute.
“Yes, but it’s a price I would pay again and again.” She added. “It all is going in good direction. Surely not to utopia, surely it won’t be ideal, but if world someday was perfect? Now I know that our… and nature’s way if in the end much better than dreams of Aniu and Tenu.”
“Sure.” Smiled Steele. “Look, they downthere seem to be rather satisfied.”
*
In case of the Pack it all went smoothly. Because coalition was already divided into packs, wolves just joined their families and started to walk away. Soon on the square in front of Main Haven Cave stayed just small group of those who were meant to live near Yu Range. And some creatures most dear to January.
“Your speech was so touching, that I really regret it was the last one.” Said Kaata and laughed with her cheeky laughter.
She came to January and gave him a short kiss in his lips. Quickly after events in Home Valley silverfurred became old Kaata – her charming insolence and black sense of humour returned. All her fears died with Maya – she had no longer a rival and in the same time she had clear conscience. After all she stepped down, seeing as January really loved Maya. Brownfurred’s death wasn’t a tragedy for silverfurred, but as Kaata thought – God witness! – she should hadn’t died, if she wanted to be with January.
“I still feel strange, keeping the Pack’s cave.” Murmured malawolf. “That could be taken as a sign I’m still a ruler of some kind. We should have gone from here, leaving it free.”
“Leave it, if you wish, comrade.” Replied Kaata. “I’m staying here.”
“I wonder what would you do, if I really went away.” Murmured hybrid.
“I don’t know… maybe biting your tendons to keep you in place?” She laughed.
Then Ea and Aarre came. Together with heavy dose of shyness, as if they were two years juveniles. They stopped in front of hybrid.
“Oh, mom…” said January. “Kaata still wished to stay here. Perhaps she is right, because our pack will be rather big. With Varjo and Toma…”
“Son… are you looking for two betas?”
“Mom, of course…” started Beech Pack’s alpha then looked on Aarre. “Two?”
“Well…” she turned her stare into the ground. But her son looked on Aarre and smile.
“That was what we planned before. Aarre, this is my vengeance.” And two wolves burst with airy laughter, recalling their talk on East Bank just few weeks earlier.
“I’m not sure what they are up to.” Said Kaata. “But I guess they laughing at you.”
“Let them laugh.” Replied Ea. “Do not analyse. The war is over and you could stop to be intelligence-agent.”
“And what I should become?” asked silvefurred.
“It would be extremely embarrassing, if I gave January siblings, before you gave him children.” Noticed Ea.
“That’s kind of blackmail, I could be subjected willingly.” Smiled Kaata.
Ea stopped Aarre giggling by kissing him. Then she looked east where some Uniea wolves are going in Yukon direction. No, wrong – those were not <some> Uniea wolves, but all of them. Uniea Pack that Kova revived (her son was an alpha, but she kept the power in fact) consisted just twenty jaws and that was perfect number for an ancient family. Uniea Clan was lost and already mourned. The Uniea Pack was alive and will be, I guess as long as there are wolves and forests in Alaska.
Rest of day Beeches spent on saying goodbye to various pack that were leaving Haven. None of wolves of those families was longer subdued to January, but due to old sentiment, all former members of Defensive Coalition just for one time wanted to bow before old leader.
January was watching his former subordinates with care, checking if forming of packs was going smoothly. Of course, they were some tensions, alpha-duels, but just in case malawolf kept two combat packs of mist trusted soldiers to appease any conflicts. It was no longer his concern and those two units were freelancers (were they?), but malawolf knew that nothing was so hard to plan and run as spontaneous and enthusiastic events. Dissolving the Pack was no different.
Of course January – after advises of mother, Varjo, Kaata and Aarre – kept some emergency procedures. For one year Pack’s military was to be ready to came to Haven on January’s call. Just in case if some overambitious member of late Talbourne clan would try to rebuild power of dissolved organisation. However January was almost sure it wouldn’t happen. Nature took her turn and life of Alaskan wolves seemed to returning to traditional path.
January hoped Nature took. Not because he was sure it was the best way, but he knew that was what his father wished.
Ian, Flame and Toima came to say goodbye, but it was just a symbolical one. <Frosty Pack>, named that after <Frosty Pass>, as kind of humoristic memento for Ian, consisted of whole scout’s family with brownfurred as an alpha and Toima as an alpha female. They wanted to take some cavern about ten miles north from Haven, to stay in neighbourly terms with Beeches.
“I guess it can’t be helped.” Judged Ian. “The Pack will be some kind of unity for some time. We will visit each other, support each other… but until it is accompanied by some authority over, I guess it’s all ok.”
“He made some buddies even on Talbourne side.” Laughed Kaata, looking on malawolf, but then stopped, somehow scared not to pull a nerve. “Sorry…”
“Never mind.” snorted January. “Have a good trip… whatever short it is. See you!” He looked on his mate, mother and new gained step-father. “Are you going?”
They all turned to Main Haven Cave that then become just a Beech Cave. Perhaps as it was almost empty, without hundreds of Pack’s wolves it could seem a bit scary, but in fact January considered it as more comfortable then.
*
“Sweet endings.” Murmured Steele. “Few more kisses and I’m gonna puke!”
“Due to place where we are, you should be extremely careful.” Said Maya and they both burst in laughter.
“Holy smokes!” smiled malamute. “I like your talks. You would fit my family perfectly… or maybe you will? After all, when January mated with Kaata, you are still available.” added malamute.
“We are dead, Steele.” replied Maya. “Just in case you haven’t noticed…”
“Well, yes, but for some time we will be here, in-between the Sky and the Earth.” He looked down. “Listen… I really appreciate that you are with me here, helping me out… But you know – if you are really missing your kins, you could go higher… to meet them.”
“No way!” smiled wolfess. “I mean, I miss them… but they won’t escape. We will all meet in few years. And meanwhile I could watch January, help him and protect him. That is what I want. I guess that is also why you are here too. Am I right?”
“Sure, I still have to rear that lad.” Laughed malamute. “But see… there are also some other reasons we are put here in charge. You know… previous arbiters of the sky took a holidays. A short - not longer than few centuries - holidays to make up for lost time. To again say <sorry> and explain all misunderstandings.” He looked up.
There, many miles upper, maybe so high that no earthly measure could express that distance, on the highest firmament were lying two wolves – mother and son. They were nestled to each other, talking quietly, perhaps she was singing a lullaby to her pup. Both parent and child were centuries old but mother will always be the mother and son will always be the son. Some things would never change.
After a long and completely useless argument, Aniu and Shadow were loving family once again.

The End

Taka_PL - November 2007/February 2008
All characters are protected with copyright and belong to their creators
Original Balto Trilogy characters (just Steele?) belong(s) to Universal Studio
Characters taken from “RTW Saga” belong to Anthony Rotramel
All new characters belong to Taka_PL

Additional Notes:
Motto of the story is taken from Nicolas Gomez Davila (1913-1994)
Inner text quotes are taken from Josef Maria Klumb’s lyrics “Adoration to Europa” (ch I.) and “Bellum, sacrum Bellum” (ch. XIII) performed by Von Thronstahl. “Bellum, sacrum Bellum” excerpt is rough translation of German lyrics made by author. Original text is as follows.

„…Bellum sacrum bellum…

Die Truppen von morgen
Sie geben uns Geleit
Marschieren auf die Zukunft
In eine neue Zeit.“

Sorry for poor translation – I’m poor German-speaker.

Well... sorry for not having been an actual follower of this story... but the material that I have to read before this one is so much that it's simple length scares me. Sorry. But good luck on your future projects!

If anyone interested: I’m publishing TLK story (or co-story rather) in TLK topic. Look there for more details.

viewtopic.php?f=44&t=19916&p=654964#p654964

OK, it’s been a while. As I wrote no new Balto stuff since about six month, I decided to remind You about my existence, using old stuff, once marked as too retarded to display. Sorry.
Here is a Balto vs. Monty Python. To enjoy this story You must be at least aware about MP sketches and like this kind of humour. I know I’m copying this style poorly, but as far as I know, it’s the best Balto vs. Monty Python sketch up to date (as it’s the only one).

Monty Python sledding circus

Act 1:
Scene 1:
[Voice from off screen]:
“Alaska, Seward Peninsula, Nome area. December 1929.”
[We see Google Earth, that is focusing on Seward Peninsula, zoom in to Nome. Again, voice from off screen]
“I SAID: 1929!”
[Then we see, we are watching on computer screen. From off screen coming a hand with hammer, hits the monitor and breaks it. Broken monitor is thrown away and the same hand puts very old map on table. Narrator continues.]
“Alaska, Seward Peninsula, Nome area. December 1929. Remote town of Alaskan North, still rebuilding itself after plague of diphtheria four years earlier. Traditional community, based on ways of old…”
[cut to series of black-and-white pictures: 1) Gunnar Kaasen with his sled and dogs. 2) Duke next to his plane 3) Duke running away from town, numerous citizens throws tomatoes on him. In the background plane is burning.]
“…is lazily spending its winter among snowed mountains.”
[Cut to black and white picture: several Nome citizens around the campfire on snowed plain. They are roasting hunted caribou on spit]
“Far from the rush of south states, isolated from usual Americans activities of that time, like surviving the Great Crisis…”
[Cut to black and white pictures: poor town of one of south states (less snow and more urban landscape). Numerous citizens of that town around a campfire. The campfire is fueled by valueless shares. On spit a sled dog (some husky resembling Kodi) is being roasted. Citizens are looking on it with hunger in their eyes.]
“…They are living their calm lives. However the shades of past are about to return.”
[Again picture of several Nome citizens around the campfire on snowed plain. Then next pictures, where we see those people coughing and holding their bellies with painful stares.]
“The plague is back!” [Dramatic music, like from MP’s sketch “Spanish Inquisition”.
[Cut to snowed landscape. In whiteout weather we barely see the sea shore and Balto’s boat. On screen we see inscription in some futuristic looking font, like “Courier” or “Verdana”]
“64°30’36’’ North, 165°20’08’’ West”
[Voice from off screen]: “1929, God dammit!”
[hand from off screen writes new inscription with quill; the font looks very anachronistic, like “old English”]: “All right, all right.”
“Alaska. We have no bloody idea where exactly”
[Zoom in to boat. We see Jenna entering the boat and looking for Balto. She steps on snow on board. In snow lay many empty vials. On one vial we could read [Diphtheria Serum]. There are also used syringes. Jenna enters boat’s cabin.
Balto is lying on pile of furs with eyes wide open and vacant stare, pupils of his eyes are unnaturally extended. From his lips saliva is dropping. It seems he is high on some psychoactive substance. More used syringes. Jenna seems not to notice it.]
J: “Balto, Balto, wake up!” [Balto is half-awaken, but doesn’t react. Jenna hits wolfdog with paw. He just smiles wider and more saliva drops from his mouth.] “It’s not funny! We’re in really need.”
[Balto closes his mouth, narrows his eyes and slowly turning his head down to see empty vials. His jaws drop down.]
B (slowly and very quiet): “I guess I’m in need too.”
J: “Balto, I’m serious. Another plague is coming and someone broke to Doc’s house and stole serums!”
B (still quietly, he seems not comprehend everything): “That’s terrible!”
J: “You must go to Nenana, my love.”
B: “Yeah, sure.”
J: “Now!”
B: “Oh, right… Give me a sec.”
[Balto slowly overcomes his dizziness and set off to door out. He misses the door and hits with head in wall. Jenna gently guides him out.]

Scene 2:
[Pompous music, Balto is going thought snow in Nome direction. In background we see half-sheer shapes of map (like in old adventure-films). But Balto and Jenna are coming and coming, while map of Nome area (scaled about 1:100 000) is still. Voices from off screen.]
A: “Why they don’t move on map?”
B: “It’s too small distance. Just wait.”
[Jenna and Balto reach town. On main street there is already prepared sled-team. We see Star, Kaltag and Nikki, already harnessed in. They welcome Balto with cheering barks.]
S: “Look, it’s boss! That it the smartest, the fastest, the bravest…” [Kaltag is attempting to hit Star as always, but in last second smaller dog put on bowl-like looking British Army helmet. Kaltag hit the steel and yells with pain.] “…dog on this latitude!”
B: “Nice too see you guys!” [To the screen: “Although I barely see a thing.”]
[He stops before Gunnar Kaasen and musher harnesses him. Balto still looks loaded and not too sober.]
J: “Take care, Balto! You must get that serum!”
B [looking on empty vial with craving stare and face of druggist]: “I know, my love!”
Gunnar Kaasen: “Mush!”
[Team starts. Balto is leading with very uncertain steps. He hobbles few times, but then regain his pace. Sled enters the road and soon disappears behind hills.
Kodi comes to his mother. Jenna turns to him.]
J: “So they are out. But he will back. He always returns.”
K: “Yeah, but mostly after midnight.”
[Cut to map-view. We see old map of Seward Peninsula. From Nome starts a dot representing Balto’s sled. It runs directly… west. After several seconds/kilometers:]
S (Quietly and uncertainly): “E… boss… are you sure we are going right way?”
B (indistinctly): “What?”
S: “Nenana. It is on east… Or at least was when I was going there last time.”
B: “Aren’t we running east?”
S: “No, boss.”
B: “Crap!”
[Dot stops, then starts to go east. It returns to Nome.]
J (very surprised): “Balto… you are back! So quick… Do you have serum!?”
B (shameful voice): “No, it’s nothing. Just a simple navigational error…”
[Cut to map of Kenya. We hear voice from off screen that belongs to Zazu of The Lion King (voiced by Rowan Atkinson)]
Z: “That is my quote, you half-hyena!”
[Cut back to map of Alaska]
B (angrily): “Shut up! Besides I have nothing to do with hyenas. Those are not canines, but felines!”
[Cut back to map of Kenya. Voice of Simba of TLK (Matthew Broderick)]
S: “I beg your pardon?”
[Cut back to map of Alaska]
B: “All right, right. I’m sorry. And I must go. Bye Jenna!”
[Dot starts again, now in Nenana direction.]

Scene 3:
[Slope of snowed mountain. Hand from off screen (“A-Hand”) starts to write coordinates, but another hand (B-Hand) hit the first one then they disappears both. But after few more second A-Hand writes in “old English” font.
“Bear Mountain Range. Still no bloody idea what our coordinates are.”
[Zoom in to brink of forest. Lower is sloppy clearing where Balto’s team is running. On brink of forest stands Steele and is watching on sled with hateful stare.]
S (with his usual devilish voice): “So, we meet again. Time for my vengeance came. Balto, I will repay you this time.” [He looks into screen and continues to audience.] “Of course, under condition that author of this sketch have some realistic approach to the plot. Because if he is following typical “heroic scheme”, I – as the main villain – have no chance to kill Balto.” [His voice changes to be softer and more reproachful.] “I have tried countless times! Fight muzzle to muzzle, ambush, luring him to swamps and to hunting areas. Once I even almost lured him to Al Gore, who tried to save his species by locking him in zoo. But all have failed. Each time something disturbed me, some blasting deus ex machina action that had to prove I’m bad guy and Balto is good. Do you thing it’s fair?”
[Cut to map of Kenya. Voice of Scar of TLK (Jeremy Irons).]
Sc (with usual perfect English accent of villain): “You are right, my friend! It’s bloody unfair.” [Cut back to mountain.]
S: “So, I got an idea. If all my efforts failed, doesn’t matter how long I plan it, I decided to improvise. I will attack Balto with easiest method I could imagine and see what would happen. If author make me fail again, he is real dork!” [Steele laughs evilly.] “Now, die Balto!”
[He forms small snowball and throws it down. It starts to roll and cause an avalanche.]
S: “So, it’s already started. Now, we will see. Tell me, stupid author – what error I’ve done today? What stupid mistake? What I neglected?” [Avalanche becomes stronger. Snow starts to slide down.] “”Ha! I thought about everything!”
[Suddenly snow around Steele, moved by trembling of avalanche, starts to slide down too.]
S: “Finally I succeeded my villainy! I’m the first animated hero in history who did his revenge and get away…”
[Wave of snow takes Steele away. Camera is still pointed on place where he has been standing. Voice from off screen: “Crap!”. Fade to black.]

Act 2
Scene 1:
[Streets of Nome, three days later. Kodi, Dusty, Kirby, Bart and Ralph are standing on town square, some citizens walk in background. Jenna comes with grave stare and coming closer to Kodi.]
J (sad voice): Haven’t they return?
K: No yet, mom. But Morse is listening to any transition from Nenana. He will tell us, when he hear something important.
[Cut to Morse, lying inside post office, under desk with telegraph. Some Morse-code transmission is heard in background. Dog lays still.
Cut to black-and-white move. Shot of German WW2 Uboot from distance. Zoon in, cut to inside, to kiosk of submarine. We see Uboot captain with long beard and in old jumper. He looks like Jürgen Prochnow in “Das Boot”. Next to him stands scary looking like Gestapo officer that is giving captain an “Enigma” code-machine.
Gestapo Officer: Captain, please broadcast the report. [captain receives machine and waits for message] The eagle has landed. Repeat: the eagle has landed.
[Cut back to post office. Morse is still lying without any motion. Cut to dark, obscure room where numerous maps are on wall. Several Korans are there, because of uniforms we see those are northern Koreans. One of them turns to be Kim Il-sung. He broadcast some Morse-code message.
Cut to some obscure cave. There are several people in Arabic cloths, Taliban looking like. One of them turns out to be Osama bin Laden. He listens the message.
Cut back to Nome post office. Morse is still lying calm, ignoring the message.
Cut to alien space ship. Aliens (X-files looking like “Greys”) are broadcasting their message too. Cut to view of Imperial Star Destroyer. Zoom in on bridge. Darth Vader is receiving signal, panting dreadfully.
Cut back to Nome postoffice. Morse is still lying indifferently.
Cut to similar post office in Nenana. Nenana postman is broadcasting his message. “No sled reached Nenana in past 48 hours. Stop. No sled…” Cut to Nome post office. Morse is raising his ears and opens his eyes with excitation. He barks and runs out to dogs outside.]
M: We’re doomed! They’re lost!
[Cut to tropical landscape of desolated island. Modern crashed airplane is in background. On beach Balto and Steele are sitting in front of campfire. Cut back to Nome.]
M: No, I mean they are really lost. Their team hasn’t reached Nenana yet.
[Kodi, Dusty, Kirby, Bart and Ralph sigh with fear.]
K: Oh, my God! We must save them!
Ki: And save our humans! The plague is harvesting it’s crops. For now over twenty people died due to diphtheria! [In upper right corner of screen appears the inscription with number “20”] 20 nor now and it’s still growing. [In the background one of walking citizens falls on the ground, shivers in tremor. Then dies with painful expression on face. Number in upper-right window changes to 21.] We must to and find them!
Random man in background: Ueeeegh! [falls down and dies. Number changes to 22]
K: Yeah, we could do it! Neither snow, nor rain, nor sleet nor hail will stop the US mail. [He looks on Dusty, Bart and Ralph. They seem not to be fully convinced.] Come on, we must save my dad. [Still no response.] Think about profits… [Spark of interest on muzzles of dogs] We will be famous. The world will be side open before us… No girl would resist us. [Bart and Ralph smile, but Dusty is still indifferent.] And no boy of course too. [Dusty sighs with relief.] So, are you with me? [Weak cheers] Guy, we are their only hope! [cheering is louder.]
[Voice form off screen.]
V: Indeed, they were only hope for lost sled. Nome transport was still based on sled dogs and that tradition seems to be unchangeable. Tries of improvement and progress were always failures. [Cut to shot of Duke, entering his plane. Pilot is covered with tomato juice. He starts the engine and takes off.] Tradition can defend oneself. [Cut to Kodi and Dusty, wearing British Army helmets and running 40 mm Bofors AA twin-cannon. They aim to the sky and open fire. Cut to black-and-white WW2 film – airplane is being hit with burst of shots, starts to smoke and explode in the air. Cut back to Kodi and Dusty. Dusty salutes Kodi.]
[Back to street of Nome. Musher is harnessing his dogs.]
K: So we’re going? [dogs nod their heads. Random man in background dies and number in window grows to 23]. So better we will be going quick. [More and more people dies around. Scared Kodi hastens his companions.]

Scene 2 is cut from the story, due to its naughtiness and extreme lack of political correctness. It should not be read nor comment, however, if You ant to check it out, mail me.
[email protected]

Scene 3:
[Map of Alaska. In corner of screen counter is still counting with absurdly high death toll. Dot representing sled is moving on north – not in Nenena direction! Kodi’s voice from off screen]
K: There is no fun to be a hero, if there are no chicks around.
[Dot comes north, while on east there is pulsing red point with inscription (Here is Balto, trapped under an avalanche, you idiots!), but dogs ignore it.]

Act 3:
Scene 1:
[Young Bambi with his mother wanders in snowed forest. Merry music while roe is showing her son beautiful landscape. Finally Bambi’s mother starts to dig in snow to uncover some plants to feed her child. Bambi eat from holes, mother digs a new hole.
Music is still the same, but suddenly roe is taken down into the hole. We see only her rear legs, that kick in sudden pain then freeze. Bambi retreats crying, from snow comes Steele with blood-red muzzle.
Steele drags up roe’s body, then turns his stare down and calls]
S: Come out, Balto! (seeing that wolfdog doesn’t come) I won’t kill you! It’s no fun in fighting your enemy muzzle to muzzle, without ambush nor deceit. It’s not villain-like enough. (Balto comes out) Good, look on that mess! [he points on all snow mass around.]
B (replying with reproach) : You did it!
S: Yeah, that’s right! Look on all the mess I’ve done and tell me, why haven’t you died by a chance?
B: I guess that Aniu was watching over me. But what now?
[They both looks around, finally Balto finds something in snow. He pulls it up. That is body of musher.]
B: Look, it’s our musher!
S: He’s dead!
B: No, he is not. He is just resting…
S: He is definitely dead. [human actually looks as if he was frozen to death]
B: No, he’s not! He is just resting… [To prove that he nudges human, but then human’s neck breaks and head rolls aside on snow.] Oh, never mind. So, what would we do?
S: That’s your problem. While you are still bound with harness to cart buried several metres under snow, I’m free. I will leave you to death here! [Then another wave of avalanche falls on dogs, cutting them any way out of valley. Steele looks on it with anger.] Or, no. I’ve changed my mind. I will heroically stay with you and froze too.
B (patting Steele’s back): Thanks pal. I always knew you are nice guy. (they both laugh, but then Balto asks further) But so will happen now?
S: For few hours nothing special. (Steele points clouds on the sky) But then blizzard will come and we will freeze to death.
[On scene appears Charlie B. Barkin with aureole and angel-wings. He flies to Steele and Balto and say with amused voice.]
C.B.B.: Don’t worry guys, all dogs go to heaven.
S (pointing on Balto): He is a wolf-hybrid, actually.
C.B.B. (sighing heavily, he puts his paws on Balto shoulder): I’m terribly sorry, Balto. But don’t cry. I heard that hell is much warmer than this place.
[He flies away, accompanied by angels choirs]

Scene 2 “Nobody expects the happy ending”:
[After few hours. Night has come, there is all dark around. Steele and Balto sit in snow, clearly cold and tired. Blizzard slowly starts.]
B: So that’s it? It’s over now? (Steele nods his head) Steele, is there any chance they would find us?
S: Face it, mutt! We are professionally lost and avalanched. No one would find us! The probability of sudden rescue is not greater than unexpected appearing of Spanish Inquisition.
B: Oh, right. We don’t expect that.
[Cut to main Spanish Inquisition Main Quarter.
A modern, or even futuristic looking like room, filled with computers and terminals. Few dozens of priests and monks operating that machinery. In center of room, on special (very comfortable) chair is sitting cardinal Ximénez. His adjutant is standing next to nearest console and he is pressing to one of ears a headphone, listening to something.]
Ad: Cardinal! We have them! Signal is spotted and weak, however we could fix the coordinates! (He listens for several seconds, then looks on monitor) Those are: 64°33’40’’ North, 165°25’55’’ West. It’s Alaska, Your Excellency! Seward Peninsula.
c.X.: Ow, bless it! Alska! I bet there is sacred freezing there! Well, fortunately His Holiness sent us those new, polar chasubles. But don’t complain! It’s about life of those poor American heretics. We are playing for high stakes. (Cut to high stake, prepared for burning; witch is being guided to it) Come on, prepare our horses or reindeers if Congregatio de Propaganda Fide advises that means of transport on that latitude. (Cardinal stands up and going to door. Then stops and turns back to priest) And ask Santa Claus for air-recon!

The end (?!)

Well, I greatly enjoyed this piece of text. Congratulations! Your ideas are really original. I don't know if this is the end or not, but I hope it isn't, because I'd like very much to see more.