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HELLO TO ALL!
I hope you enjoy this latest work. This one follows up with my timeline of Fanfics as usual (not like Nightmare in Nome).
As always tell me what you think. I enjoy your comments, each and every one.
Hope you all enjoy!
- Rotramel the Writer
P.S.
(Thank you to Ninetalesuk for the idea that Jenna's reaction to what happened to Saba and Everest was wrong. It has changed... a lot!)
Balto: All Good Things…
Pages: 86 Words: 13,394
Started: 03/03/06
Finished: 04/16/06
Written By: Anthony E. Rotramel
Note: This story was inspired by Balto, (© 1995), Balto II: Wolf Quest (© 2000) and Balto III: Wings of Change (© 2005) by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. The characters Shadow, Dash, Melody, Timbre, June, Drake, Gemeni, Everest, Trina, James, Stripe, Tycha, Tim, Astarre, Asta and the events of this story are © 2005 by Anthony Rotramel. The other characters are © Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. The name Saba is the intellectual property of Juuchan 17.
© 2006 All Rights Reserved.
Prologue:
A hawk flew over the frozen landscape of a field just outside Frontier, Alaska. He was very hungry, for the snow hares that he usually hunted were hard to find this year for some reason.
His piercing eyes scanned the ground below for food as he rode the thermal air currents emanating from the ground.
His vision locked on a small bundle of golden fur down below. He gave serious thought to going after the small husky pup, but that thought vanished when two adults climbed over the hill behind the pup.
The hawk knew that the adults would be able to kill him before he could tear the young pup up enough to carry away.
He resumed his scanning of the ground, hoping for a rat or rabbit to poke its head out of its hole.
The young golden pup didn’t know how close she’d come to being dinner. The last thing she was thinking about was danger from the sky.
She ran over another hill, and threw herself over the top, rolling to the bottom, laughing as the freezing snow covered her.
The two adults reached the peak of the hill, and stopped. One of them was golden, just like her daughter, the other was a dark gray color.
“She’s so happy Sam.” The golden female said, nuzzling the gray dog.
Sam pulled away. “I’m still mad at you Asta.”
The female sighed and turned her head away. “I told you I was sorry. We didn’t do anything… and we weren’t going to.”
Sam laughed. “Yeah right.”
“Why can’t you trust me?” Asta asked. Hurt evident in her eyes.
Sam turned back to her. “You were in the basement alone with my best friend, and he was licking your head. I don’t know about you, but my imagination fills in the rest of what would’ve happened had I not walked in.”
Asta sighed, and looked at the ground. “How many times do I have to apologize to you? I said I was sorry. Let’s just put it behind us, for our daughter’s sake. Sam… please?”
Sam laughed and shook his head. “That’s easy for you to ask, isn’t it? You’re the one who got caught; of course you want me to put it behind me. If you’d found me, would you have put it behind you?”
Asta narrowed her eyes. “Well I sure wouldn’t have become as unapproachable and cold as you have. I’d want to work it out. I… I love you Sam.”
Sam laughed. “Sure you do Asta… sure you do.”
“The least you could do is be civil in front of your daughter.” Asta said. “What was with the screaming match this morning? You like to have scared her to death. You do what you want to me, but I swear if you ever touch her I will see you dead.”
Sam chuckled to himself, and then gritted his teeth, snarling and turning, bringing his paw up and smacking Asta in the face.
She rolled sideways in the air, and then fell to the snow.
She didn’t get up.
Sam walked over to her. There were tears in her eyes as she looked up at him. “Please Sam… not out here… not in front of her… please.”
Sam looked behind him and saw the small gold pup running through the snow, laughing.
“Just so you know, she can’t see.” Sam said, turning back to Asta.
“Please…” Asta said.
Her plea went unheard, as Sam raised his paw and brought it down on top of her head. Sam proceeded to beat Asta senseless, stopping when she finally stopped crying.
He knelt down beside her.
Asta was breathing, though it was a little ragged. Her face was busted up pretty bad, and a think line of blood ran from her mouth.
Sam leaned near Asta’s ear. “If you ever… EVER! Threaten me again, I will kill you… do you understand?”
Asta tried to stop crying enough to talk, but was unable, so she nodded.
Sam stood up. “Now stand up, come on. We’d better head back into town.”
Asta didn’t move, but Sam could hear her crying again.
“You hear me Asta? Get up!”
Asta still didn’t move, but she did speak. “Sam… you… you hurt me… I need to lay here for a minute… I don’t think I can get up yet.”
Sam gritted his teeth and walked over to her. “Get up!” He yelled, kicking her in the ribs. She yelped, and curled up in a ball. “I said get up!” Sam yelled again. This time he kicked her twice.
“Sam… please… please stop.” Asta said.
Sam just glared at her. “GET UP!” He put all his strength into a single kick that struck Asta in the center of the stomach.
She yelped again, and curled up a little tighter.
Sam pulled back his paw again. “I SAID…”
Asta’s voice stopped him. “Alright… alright… I’m… I’m going to get up.”
She took a deep breath, and stood up slowly.
“Now was that so hard?” Sam asked.
He walked over to her. “You know I hate to hurt you, right?”
Asta just hung her head and nodded. “Yeah…”
Sam smiled, and licked her on the head. “Come on, let’s go get the little one.”
Sam started walking down the hill.
Asta started to limp over the hill, but stopped as she realized that there was no way she was going to get down without falling.
Her entire body felt as if it were on fire. Pain filled every muscle and joint in her body.
“This has got to stop.” She thought as she wiped the tears away from her face with her paw. She felt more liquid than she expected, and looked at her paw.
It was covered in blood.
Asta shook her head. “How did I get here?” Asta thought. She didn’t’ really know the answer to that question. “…but I know when it’s going to end, and that’s tonight.”
Sam and the small gold pup started up the hill then.
“I’ve got to get away from him… I’m afraid of what will happen to her otherwise…”
Chapter 1:
(8 months later)
Saba walked up to Aleu’s chambers and scratched on the wall.
Presently Aleu appeared at the door, and smiled. “Hey Saba.”
“You said you wanted to see me?” Saba asked.
Aleu nodded. “Come in, make yourself comfortable.”
Saba followed Aleu back into the cave. It was late at night, and everyone else was asleep.
Aleu turned to her. “Let’s step out onto the ledge here so we don’t wake Shadow and the kids.”
Saba nodded, and followed Aleu through a small hole, that opened up onto a ledge about four feet wide, situated about one hundred feet up the outside of the mountain the cave was dug into.
“It’s a marvelous view isn’t it?” Aleu said, as she sat down on the ledge.
“Yes it is.” Saba replied. She paused and then added. “…so, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“Shadow tells me that you’re doing great at the training he’s giving you…” Aleu looked at her. “…but being a member of this clan is a lot more than just being a wolf.”
“What do you mean?” Saba asked.
“Well,” Aleu said. “We as the Talbourne have certain things that we believe, certain beings that we believe in. Have you ever heard of Aniu?”
“No.” Saba said. “I haven’t.”
Aleu smirked. “No, I suppose not, most dogs have forgotten about her.”
“Who is she?” Saba asked.
Aleu laughed. “That’s a very complex question.” She paused. “I guess the best way to tell it would be to tell you the story that all wolves are told as pups, the legend that they grow up with… Aniu was the first wolf, and after there were more, she became the Alpha, of wolf in the world. This was back before the Earth was tainted by the humans, indeed, even before they existed. Long ago, when the Earth was young, the wolves ruled the animal world. It was because of Aniu, because of her ability to keep all the wolves under one clan, that this was possible. Aniu led the wolves of the world for quite a time. This was before there were continents and oceans, back when the Earth was whole. Eventually a wolf rose up against her. Fueled by jealousy of the power she wielded, a wolf named Shade decided to kill Aniu and take her power for his own. It was the first such event in our history. Aniu knew of the plot, but did nothing about it, simply because…”
Aleu paused. “Saba, this is a very little known fact, but I’ve been told you must know the truth, and I intend to convey it to you. If you pass on the story, leave out this fact, understand?”
Saba nodded, transfixed by the story.
“Shade was… is Aniu’s son. He was successful in his attempt, and killed the great leader Aniu, the first murder of a wolf by another wolf. It is said that this is when the Earth split, and the continents of today came to be, separating the wolves forever with vast bodies of water, now known as oceans.
When Aniu died, the wolves were uncertain as to who should take her place. Wars within the Clan started, and Shade was unable to control all of the wolves. So out of one Clan, many were spawned. Some stayed loyal to Aniu, some to Shade, but the majority of them chose their own leaders. The clan that stayed loyal to Aniu was called the Talbourne, and the one’s to Shadow, the Niju.
The leader of the Talbourne, Aniu’s mate, Ta’nee, swore to kill Shade, his son, for what he had done. The Talbourne began a campaign against the Niju.
Shade had learned how to tap into a very dangerous and volatile power, the power that comes from evil and darkness. He found a way to imprison the Talbourne clan, and lured them to an Island called IIl’aenna, which in the old language means “place of the tear”.
The Talbourne followed Shade, and eventually killed him, but not before he was able to imprison the last of the wolves who remained loyal to Aniu on IIl’aenna.
I must pause here and tell you that there are beings, unknown to us, but very powerful, who watch over all that is alive, every tree, animal and human. At this time these beings decided that Earth needed its own representatives of good and of evil. They chose Aniu for good, and Shade for evil.
The battle between these two for the souls of Earth continues to this day, and will continue forever. Shade burns for eternity as punishment for what he did to his mother, and all those that follow him burn with him.
Aniu on the other hand watches out for us. She is always with us, though we may not see her. She is there beside us when we are sad, when we are engaged in battle, and when we are full of joy. In all events of life Aniu is there, and watches over us.”
Aleu paused and smiled.
“For most the story ends there, however, the story goes on for you and I.
Aniu was constantly troubled by the fact that she was unable to help those that remained loyal to her. She was unable to free them from IIl’aenna.
So she devised a plan. She came back to Earth, and had children. Her intention was that one of her children, who was sensitive to the old arts, would be trained by her to rescue the Talbourne Clan, and free them from IIl’aenna.
Dad was that pup.”
Saba gasped.
“There’s more.” Aleu said. “when he was very small, dad got lost, and Aniu feared he had died, and that her plan had failed. Soon after this she was killed by a hunter, and it wasn’t until then that Aniu learned that her son, dad, had not only not died, but was living with the humans. .A small boy from a small town called Applegate had adopted him. A few months later the boy died, and dad set off for Anchorage, chasing after a dog he was in love with named Jamie.
He was caught in a horrible snow storm, and almost died, and would have, but Aniu saved him, by the means of a Russian Snow goose who was flying over.
Boris took Balto to Nome. Aniu always clung to the hope that her son would remember his calling in life, and rescue the Talbourne, but he did not, instead he fell in love with another husky, mom, and we were born.
Again Aniu thought her plan had failed, but it had not. I turned out to be more sensitive to her than dad had been, and so she groomed me away from my husky side, and eventually I journeyed to IIl’aenna, rescued the Talbourne, and brought them back here. Since then, we have grown two hundred fold, and are now the biggest Clan in Alaska. Aniu is real. Her story is real, and she herself is real. She will talk to you, she does to all of us in some manner. It may not be directly, but you will know when she does.”
Aleu paused, as she noticed for the first time the look on Saba’s face.
“What’s wrong?” Aleu asked.
“That sounds out there to me.” Saba said. “I’ve never seen anything to make me think that some long dead wolf is beside me at all times. That she watches out for me. I mean, come on, that’s crazy right?”
Aleu sighed. “It is your decision whether to believe in her or not, but I warn you, there are grave consequences if you do not, and follow Shade.”
Saba laughed. “Come on Aleu, you’re starting to scare me. You actually believe this hocus-pocus?”
Aleu sighed again. “Yes I do.”
“Well not me.” Saba said. “I’ll have to see that before I’ll believe it.”
“Just think about it.” Aleu said.
Saba shook her head. “Don’t need to, it’s all just a bunch of superstitious nonsense. I mean I think there probably was an Aniu, but she died a long time ago, and she stayed dead.”
“Believe what you wish Saba.” Aleu said. “… but promise me you’ll keep an open mind. As I said the consequences of you not believing her are more dire than you could possibly know.”
Saba smiled. “Okay, I’ll think about it.”
She yawned and it was silent for a few minutes..
“Well you look tired, and I know Shadow has you getting up pretty early.”
Saba nodded. “Now that I believe.”
“That’s all I had.” Aleu said. You’re dismissed Saba.”
Saba stood. “Have a good one Aleu.”
Aleu smiled. “You too.”
Aleu waited until Saba was out of earshot, and then looked up at the northern lights, dancing across the frigid artic night.
“Well I told her Aniu.” Aleu said. “I don’t think this plan of yours is going to work.”
Aleu shook her head, and walked back into the cave.
Chapter 2:
It was mid morning when the mail team finally made it back to Nome, Alaska. The team slid to a stop outside the post office.
The musher got off the back of the sled, and walked to the front of the team.
First he unhooked Kodi, his lead dog, and then the first string, followed by the second and finally the third.
Kodi loved running, but he was glad to be free of the sled. They’d been running for over three days now. Snow had closed off the pass the team usually took to White Mountain, so they had to go the long way.
Kodi was looking forward to seeing Dusty and the pups.
“I shouldn’t call them pups anymore.” Kodi corrected himself. “They’re over a year old now.”
Kodi started to walk away, but stopped when he heard a voice.
“Hey Kodi, wait up!”
Kodi looked behind him, just as his younger brother Blaize slid to a stop beside him.
“That was a good run.” Blaize said.
Kodi nodded. “Not too bad… we could still use a little fatigue training, but it’s not something I’m too worried about.”
The two of them started walking again.
“So…” Blaize asked. “What ya up to today?”
“I gotta go home and see Dusty.” Kodi said. “She’s going to be wondering where I am.”
Blaize sighed. “I wish I had someone to go home to…”
Kodi smiled. “Don’t worry kid, it’ll happen sooner than you think. It’s not something you want to rush.”
Blaize sighed again. “I know, but… I don’t really even have any friends.”
Kodi looked at him. “Well, that’s probably because you’re very quiet. You should talk more. Don’t be afraid that they’re not going to like you. Just be yourself. If they like you, great. If they don’t…. don’t let it get you down.”
Blaize nodded. “Thank you Kodi.”
Kodi smiled. “Any time kid.”
Blaize turned left down 2nd street while Kodi kept walking forward.
“Have a good one Kodi.” Blaize called over his shoulder.
Kodi smiled. “Alright, you too.”
Blaize had been walking down the sidewalk for about ten minutes, thinking about what Kodi had told him
Suddenly he stopped, and his thoughts came to a screeching halt.
Across the street from him a dog sat outside a run-down looking house. He’d never seen her before. “She must be new…” Blaize thought. “…she’s… she’s beautiful…”
The dog was a husky, predominantly golden in color with a light gray face and paws.
It looked like she was crying.
Blaize unconsciously stepped off the sidewalk and headed across the street.
A car horn blared, as the vehicle he’d just stepped out in front of swerved to miss Blaize.
He didn’t even notice.
The dog did, standing up as he neared her.
“Are you insane?” She asked.
“What?” Blaize responded.
“You just about got smeared by a car a few seconds ago.” The dog said.
“I did?” Blaize responded. “I guess I didn’t notice. Are you okay?”
The dog sighed. “Yeah… I guess so.”
Blaize noticed she had a cut above her left eye, and it was bleeding. “Are you sure?” Blaize asked. “What happened to you?”
The dog sighed again. “I… uh.. I stepped out of the house this morning and the porch was slick… I slipped and hit my head.”
“Oh…” Blaize said. “I’ll bet that hurt.”
The dog nodded. “Yeah…”
“So I haven’t seen you around here,” Blaize said. “Are you new?”
The dog nodded. “We got in last night.”
Blaize smiled. “Well it’s nice to meet you, my name’s Blaize. What’s yours?”
The dog smiled. “Astarre.” She said. “Thank you.”
Blaize smiled again. “Well, have you seen much of Nome yet?”
Astarre shook her head. “No, my father… he doesn’t really like me to leave. I usually just stay near home. We move a lot.”
“Well you want me to show you around? I could introduce you to the other dogs.”
Astarre sighed. “Thank you, but like I said, my dad doesn’t like me to stray too far from home. He’s gone right now anyway.”
“Oh come on.” Blaize said. “How upset could he be that you’re getting to know your new home? Walking around with me can’t be as bad as sitting here crying all alone can it?”
Astarre laughed. “Alright, I’ll go with you, but I have to be back real soon. If I get back before he does, I suppose he won’t even know that I left.”
Blaize smiled. “Come on then. I’ll introduce you to my dad first. That’s where I was headed. Then, once I check in with him and let him know that I’m back I’ll walk around with you and show you the town.”
Astarre smiled. “I’d like that Blaize, thank you.”
“No problem.” Blaize said.
Astarre stood and walked over beside him. “Lead the way.”
Blaize smiled and the two began to walk down the sidewalk together, side by side. “Man, Kodi was right.” Blaize thought. “That wasn’t so hard.”
Blaize and Astarre had been walking for about ten minutes now. Blaize found he really liked talking to her.
He stopped in front of a log cabin near the outskirts of Nome. “This is it.” He said. “I’m going to go inside and talk to him for a minute or so, then I’ll bring him out here and introduce you to him.”
“What’s his name?” Astarre asked.
“Balto.” Blaize said.
Astarre’s face lit up. “Balto!” She exclaimed. “You should have told me!”
Blaize smiled.
“…all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was just a pup was be on his team!” Astarre continued. “I used to pretend like we’d go on adventures together when I was younger!”
“He gets that a lot.” Blaize said.
“I’ll bet!” Astarre said. “He’s only the most famous dog in all of Alaska!”
Blaize laughed. “Well, I’ll introduce you to him as soon as I get done talking. You just hang out here for a minute.” Blaize turned and walked into the cabin.
“Hey Dad, you here?” Blaize called as he stepped through the doggy door Luke had just installed.
Balto walked into the living room. “Yeah, I’m here. How ya doin’ Blaize? I guess the mail team got back alright?”
Blaize nodded. “I’m doing great dad, and yes, the team made it back just fine.” Balto smiled and walked over to his son. “That’s good to hear son. So what ya up to now?”
“Actually I have someone to introduce you to.” Blaize said.
“Who is that?” Balto asked.
“Her name’s Astarre and she was real excited to meet you.”
Balto smiled. “Her?”
Blaize smiled and nodded. “Yeah, she and her father just got here last night. I’m showing her around town.”
Balto smiled. “That’s good to hear as well son.” He raised his paw and rubbed Blaizes’ head. ”I was beginning to worry about you.”
Blaize smiled, embarrassed. “Dad… please promise me you won’t say anything like that in front of her.”
Balto laughed. “So it’s serious huh? I’ll try not to embarrass you too badly.”
Balto and Blaize walked out of the cabin.
Astarre was sitting on the sidewalk staring at the ground when Balto and Blaize stepped out on the porch.
“Astarre.” Blaize said. “I’d like you to meet my father, Balto.”
Astarre jerked her head up, a grin plastered on her face. Then she froze and shrunk back.
“Astarre?” Blaize asked.
Astarre looked extremely frightened. “You… you’re… You’re a… a wolf… wolf dog.” She started shaking, and stopped backing up, as her back legs contacted the fence at the edge of the yard.
“Astarre?” Blaize asked again, frowning.
Balto looked shocked.
Astarre suddenly whirled around and took off down the street.
Blaize watched her.
“Dad…” He said slowly. “I’m… I’m sorry about that… if you’ll excuse me…”
Blaize walked down off the porch, and out of the yard, following Astarre.
“The more things change, the more they stay the same…” Balto thought.
He sighed and turned, walking back into the cabin.
Blaize caught up with Astarre about five minutes later. He almost ran right past her, as she had laid down in an alley to the side of the road.
Blaize stopped running, and walked over to her. “Astarre?”
She sighed. “I’m… Blaize, I’m sorry for running away like that… I… I just didn’t know that he was… was part wolf.”
“What does it matter?” Blaize asked. “He’s a good guy. I promise he’d never hurt you.”
Astarre sighed. “I… I’ve had some bad experiences with wolf dogs… it’s really hard for me to trust them.”
Blaize sat next to her. “What happened Astarre?”
She sighed again and looked away from him. “I’d really rather not talk about it.”
Neither of them said anything for a few minutes.
Astarre stood up. “Look… thank you for trying to make me feel welcome and all Blaize, but… but I think it’s best if I just go home.” Astarre turned, and started to walk away.
Blaize stood and ran out in front of her, barring her way. “Astarre… wait.” Blaize said. “While it is true that you did embarrass me in front of my dad… I really enjoy your company. I understand your inhibitions about him too. You’re not the first to feel afraid around him. You just have to get to know him, and then you’ll see what I’m trying to tell you.”
Astarre sighed. “Blaize…”
“Please Astarre.” Blaize said. “Come with me to the old mill. I can introduce you to a lot of the dogs that live here there, and… and like I said… I enjoy walking and talking with you.”
Astarre smiled. “Alright Blaize… I thought you’d be angry with me. That’s why I was going to leave.”
“So you’re going to come with me then?” Blaize asked.
Astarre nodded. “Yes Blaize I’ll come with you.”
Blaize smiled. “Great. Follow me then.”
The two of them started walking again, headed towards the old mill at the edge of town.
Chapter 3:
Saba was walking through the forest. She was crouched down low, hiding from her quarry.
The last few weeks had been some of the harshest that Saba had ever endured, and had pushed her to the very limits of what she believed was possible.
Her training had begun the day after she and her family had been accepted into the Talbourne Clan. Shadow was a very good, and very thorough teacher.
Saba tried hard to emulate everything she saw him do, as well as what he was teaching her. She was doing well, she knew it, but Shadow had yet to say it.
She was sneaking up on him now.
Saba had decided that maybe if she could sneak up on him, without him knowing it, that maybe she could impress him.
She came over the top of the hill she’d seen Shadow go over, and peeked through the bushes in front of her.
Shadow was nowhere to be seen.
“Where’d he go?” Saba thought to herself.
“Not bad Saba.”
The voice startled her, and she jumped up, got tangled up in the bushes, and rolled down the hill.
“Saba!” Shadow said, running down the hill. “Are you alright?”
Saba stood and shook the snow from her body. “Yeah, I think so.”
Shadow laughed. “I figured you’d try to sneak up on me, so I doubled back on you. In this, you’ve learned another lesson. Do you know what it is?”
Saba shook her head.
“When you are pursuing something, be it food or foe, watch your back, and if you suspect that you may be being stalked, double back on your opponent. Just be sure not to let them see you of course. You will usually take them by surprise, as I did you, but with a drastically different result. If I was attacking you instead of training you, you wouldn’t have rolled down the hill, you just would’ve died.”
Saba nodded.
“Good initiative though.” Shadow said. “I like the way you’re thinking.”
Saba smiled. “Here it comes…” She thought.
“Now let’s go.” Shadow said. “Our next lesson is going to be help you out with fighting. That way you can defend yourself if the need arises.”
Saba nodded, and followed Shadow back up the hill, and back toward the cave.
“Why can’t he just say it?” Saba thought. “Why can’t he just tell me I’m doing good?”
Back in Nome, Astarre and Blaize were nearing the old mill. Blaize was in the middle of trying to explain to his friend who some of the other dogs were, and what they were like.
“… and then of course their’s Drake and his mate Gemeni. Drake is our keeper of the law.”
“What’s that?” Astarre asked.
“The keeper of the law is the judge of our town, of Nome. He makes sure everyone follows the system of laws we have set up.”
“What’s a law?” Astarre asked.
Blaize stopped walking. “What?”
“What’s a law?” Astarre repeated.
“You don’t know what a law is?” Blaize asked.
A confused look came over Astarre’s face. “No, should I?”
“Well… yeah, you should. I mean… where are you from?”
“”A little town called Frontier.” Astarre said. “It’s about Twenty-five miles outside Applegate.”
“And there are no laws there?” Blaize asked.
“I guess not.” Astarre said. “I’ve never heard that word… what does it mean?”
“A law is a rule that everyone has to follow. Laws keep us safe.” Blaize said.
“How?” Astarre asked.
“Well… like murder for instance, murder is against the law.”
“What is murder?” Astarre asked.
“Murder is when someone takes another’s life, kills someone else.”
“Oh,” Astarre said. “So… what if that dog was trying to hurt you, or your family? Would you be breaking the law if you killed them? That doesn’t seem right.”
“No,” Blaize responded. “That would b self defense. Murder is… malicious, it’s killing someone for selfish reasons, or personal gain.”
“Oh,” Astarre said. “So there are exceptions to the law.”
“Sometimes,” Blaize said, “but it has to be a really good reason.”
“What’s another law?” Astarre asked.
“Stealing is another big one around here.” Blaize said.
“That’s against the law?” Astarre asked.
Blaize nodded. “Of course it is. You’re taking something from someone that is not your own.”
“Is necessity an exception to that law?” Astarre asked.
“No.” Blaize said. “Stealing is wrong just about anyway you slice it.”
“… but my father and I have stolen things before, but it was food, and it was because we didn’t have any.”
Blaize sighed. “That is a problem, even here in Nome, but it’s still stealing.”
“… but what are we supposed to do without food?” Astarre asked. “Starve?”
“No.” Blaize said. “We as a community try to help out anyone who comes to us. Drake won’t tolerate thieves though, as long as you’re here, you shouldn’t steal things.”
“I won’t now that I know that it’s wrong.” Astarre said. She paused for a moment, and when she resumed talking her voice was quiet. “Blaize… when you were talking about Murder earlier… what if you don’t kill someone? What if you just hurt them?”
“That’s against the law also.” Blaize said. “It’s called assault.”
“Oh… I see…” Astarre said.
“Why do you want to know that?” Blaize asked.
“I’m just wondering, that’s all.” Astarre said. “So what happens if you break the law?” Astarre asked.
“If you break the law then you have to go to a hearing in front of Drake. He decides if you did actually commit the crime…”
Astarre interrupted him. “Crime?” She asked.
“A crime is a violation of the law.” Blaize answered.
“Oh.” Astarre said. “You were saying?”
“Yes, well… .you go before Drake, and he decides whether you committed the crime.”
“How does he know?” Astarre asked.
“He uses other dogs who saw the violation, called witnesses, and evidence at the scene of the crime, such as blood or a collar or something like that, to make his decision.”
“So then what?” Astarre asked.
“Then he hands out your punishment, basically what you owe our society for the commission of your crimes. That can be as small as not being able to go near a certain dog, or area, or as big as death.”
“He can kill you!?” Astarre asked, surprised.
“Yes,” Blaize said. “… but only for something really bad, like murder or something.”
“Oh…”Astarre said.
“You really didn’t’ know what a law was?” Blaize asked.”
Astarre shook her head. “I do now though. I should talk to this Drake fellow once we get inside so I can learn what the other laws are.” She paused. “Blaize, what’s the punishment for Assault?”
Blaize sighed. “Well, depending on the circumstances, the other dog could be barred from seeing you, he could be banished, which means that he can never again come into Nome. Why are you so interested in assault?”
“”I was just wondering,” Astarre said. “Come on, let’s go to the old mill. I’m really anxious to talk to this Drake.”
Astarre and Blaize started walking toward the Old Mill.
Chapter 4:
Saba was alert.
She knew that Shadow was testing her again. Periodically throughout the day he’d disappear, and then he’d sneak up on her, testing her ability to detect him. Shadow and Saba had just finished up some fighting skills training, and then he’d disappeared without a word.
The forest was veiled in the inky blackness of night, and the snow glowed a deep blue, as if lit from within, as the moonbeams danced across it.
Saba never once imagined she was in actual danger.
A sharp SnaP echoed through the silent night, and Saba turned around, just as a dark shape lunged at her from a rock above. Time seemed to slow as the shape fell toward her. Saba could see white fangs shining as it fell.
“That’s strange,” Saba thought. “Shadow hasn’t attacked me yet…”
Then time resumed its usual speed, and the shape, which Saba could now tell was a wolf, landed on top of her, and the two went rolling. At first Saba thought that this was Shadow who was attacking her, and that maybe this was just some kind of more realistic training, but then she noticed that this wolf was black.
Saba threw the wolf off of her, and stood up.
She watched as the wolf regained his feet and growled at her, his ears laid flat against his skull in a sign of disrespect, and aggression. His muzzle was pulled back to reveal a gleaming set of fangs that Saba was sure the wolf wouldn’t hesitate to use.
Strangely enough though, even though she was confronted by this enraged wolf, she didn’t feel the fear that she thought she would. Instead she felt… well, angry, annoyed that this wolf picked her to attack. It felt strange, but she felt strong in a way she’d never experienced before.
The wolf suddenly charged Saba, and she side stepped, and as the wolf ran past, belted him in the side of the head.
The wolf shook his head, and lunged at Saba. He hit her once before she pushed him up off of her, and hit him again, this time square in the face.
The wolf backed off, and Saba pushed forward. She hit the wolf numerous times as he tried in vain to defend himself. Saba was driven by something, or rather someone, she couldn’t see, and indeed, did not even know existed.
Had she turned around, Saba would have seen a cloud of snow dust, that had been kicked up by the fight, as it coalesced and formed the visage of a white wolf, but the dust resumed it’s original form much too soon for Saba to notice, as she hit the wolf again, and sent him over the top of the hill she’d been on.
The black wolf stood, looked at her, shook his head, and ran off into the night.
Saba was short of breath. She couldn’t believe what she’d just done. It was impossible, and yet… it happened.
I fought a wolf, and I won!” Saba thought.
She had come a long way from cowering in front of Stripe.
Shadow ran around the corner then. “What happened?” He asked.
Saba smiled. “A wolf attacked me, but I won!”
“That’s great.” Shadow said, “but those wolves won’t stop there. I think I know who they are, and if I’m right, they’re bad news. We need to get back to the clan, and soon!”
Saba nodded. “I’m ready.”
“Then let’s go!” Shadow said.
The two of them ran off into the night.
Saba was leading Shadow back to the cave. He’d asked if she knew the way, and she did, so he let her lead the way.
A fierce snowstorm had started in the mountains through which she and Shadow now traveled.
Saba turned down a narrow pass, and was now running into the wind. The frozen snow bit into her face, and penetrated the thick layer of hair that covered her body. It felt as if she was being stuck by a thousand small needles.
Suddenly, Saba skidded to a stop.
She stood on the edge of a drop off, a very long drop off.
A bridge made of Ice spanned the thirty some foot gap.
Saba’s eyes went wide as she saw the drop off. It had to be at least three hundred feet to the bottom.
She stepped back from the drop until her back paws touched a rock, and she almost climbed on top of it.
Shadow came around the corner then, and saw the look on Saba’s face.
“What’s wrong?” He asked.
Saba just stared forward, and Shadow walked to the drop.
“There’s a bridge.” Shadow said. “We’re going to have to cross it.”
Saba looked at him. “Are you insane!” She said.
Shadow sighed. “I’ll go across first and make sure it’s safe, if it is, then you can follow.”
“Uh… Shadow…” Saba said. “…I don’t like heights.”
Shadow sighed again, and stepped out on the bridge.
It held.
Shadow walked across it, and jumped to the other side.
“Come on Saba!” He yelled.
“Shadow, I mean I really don’t like heights.”
“Just look at me, don’t look down.” Shadow said.
Saba raised her head, and looked at Shadow.
“Okay Saba,” she said to herself, “You can to this…”
Saba took a few steps forward, and felt her paws brush ice.
She shivered, but didn’t glance down, instead she took a step forward, keeping her eyes on Shadow.
“Come on Saba,” Shadow said. “You can do this! Just don’t look down, keep looking at me.”
Saba was beginning to make some progress, and was about three quarters of the way down the bridge, when it cracked.
Saba froze.
Shadow could see the damage, where Saba could not. A long crack ran down the side of the ice bridge. Its integrity wouldn’t last for long.
“Saba hurry!” Shadow yelled. But Saba didn’t hear him, she was frozen by her fear.
“Saba the bridge is breaking, you can make it, but you have to do it now!”
Saba glanced down then.
She almost jumped in the air, but stopped herself; instead, she fell on the bridge, clawing into it as if clinging to the ice would save her from the collapse that the crack had precipitated.
“Saba come on, now!” Shadow yelled, as the bridge cracked again, and the fracture got longer.
“I can’t!” She yelled. “I… I can’t move.”
“Yes you can!” Shadow yelled. “Come on Saba, jump, hurry!”
Saba took a deep breath, and stood up very shakily.
“Good,” Shadow said, “you’re doing fine Saba, now, just walk to the end, come on hurry!”
The bridge cracked again, but instead of going down the side of the bridge, the fracture spiraled around and beneath it.
Saba was vaguely aware of the ground shifting under her paws, and then she jumped. The bridge split in half beneath her, and a great rumble filled the canyon, as the tons of ice plunged downward.
Saba’s leap fell a little short. Her paws slid on the ice, stopping her, but leaving her half hanging off the cliff.
“Saba!” Shadow yelled. He started to climb down the ledge, and it was only a few seconds before he reached her.
“Can you pull yourself up?” Shadow asked.
Saba gritted her teeth, and shook her head.
“I’m going to help you up then.” Shadow said.
He knelt down beside her, and started to pull Saba up the steep ledge.
Getting down had definitely been easier than getting back up was going to be.
Shadow struggled against not only Saba’s weight and the incline, but also the vicious storm that was still raging.
They’d gotten about half way to the top, when Shadow felt Saba start to slip.
“Saba, you’re slipping!” Shadow said.
Saba opened her mouth to reply, but she lost her footing, and fell, then she slid back down the hill.
Shadow watched in horror as Saba reached the edge of the cliff…
…and flew off the edge, disappearing from view.
Saba was falling.
It seemed to take forever. In reality it was no more than three seconds.
In those three seconds she had time to reflect upon her new family, and how much they would miss her, and she them.
Then she hit the ground. A cloud of snow was kicked up into the air by the impact, and her vision exploded red.
Saba was in pain!
Her perception of pain was different now though. Instead of a sharp insistent real feeling pain, this felt distant, almost as if she were watching it, not feeling it. At the same time though, it hurt!
Her mouth was full of blood, and she could feel a vast puddle of it… or something else, spreading through the cool snow beneath her.
Saba’s last thought was of Everest and her small family.
Then, Saba drifted away to a comforting darkness.
Shadow was stunned, and stared out at the open chasm, almost unable to believe what had just happened.
“Saba!” He yelled.
His voice echoing off the canyon walls and the shrieking wind were his only answer.
Shadow climbed down to the edge of the cliff.
Once he was in a good position, sure he wasn’t going to fall off himself, Shadow peered over the edge.
He gasped.
Far below, Saba lay splayed out on the ground, her dark red fur a stark contrast to the snow that surrounded her..
More shocking than that however, was the bright red stain that had spread out from under her.
Shadow couldn’t make out many details because of the height difference, but he could see enough to tell that Saba hadn’t made it… or at least wouldn’t.
Shadow sighed, and cautiously turned, climbing back up the steep hill.
When he reached the top, he almost fell. “I can’t believe it…” Shadow thought. “It happened so fast… I didn’t have time to do anything…”
Shadow sighed.
After reflecting on the news he now bore, Shadow turned, and ran off into the distance. He quickly disappeared into the blinding snow…
Chapter 5:
Back in Nome, the storm had just started to hit. Strong winds buffeted the small town, and snow fell in a seemingly never ending torrent from the dark clouds.
Astarre and Blaize were walking back from the old mill.
“So did Drake explain things for you?” Blaize asked.
Astarre nodded. “Yeah, I think I understand now.”
Blaize shivered. “Brr, we need to get inside, it’s getting really cold out.”
Astarre nodded. “I really should be getting home. My father is going to be worried about me.”
Blaize nodded back at her. “We’re headed there now.”
The two dogs rounded the corner just then, and Astarre could see her home.
She trotted up to the door.
Blaize followed. “So, you want to hang out together tomorrow too?”
She turned at the door. “Blaize… it was nice to spend the day with you today… but I can’t do it anymore.”
“What?” Blaize asked.
“I’m sorry, I really like you.” Astarre said. “… but I think it’s best if we don’t see one another again.”
“I don’t understand.” Blaize said.
Astarre looked like she was going to start crying. “Please understand.” She said. “Just believe me, it’s better for both of us.”
With that, Astarre ducked through the doggy door, leaving a very stunned and confused Blaize on the porch… alone.
Shadow returned to the cave almost an hour after Saba’s fatal fall.
He wasted no time, but went straight to Aleu’s chamber.
“Aleu?” He said.
Momentarily, Aleu stuck her head into the entryway. “Oh Shadow!” She said. “It’s you! How’d things go with Saba?”
Shadow sighed, and Aleu thought he might break out crying.
“What’s wrong?” She asked, stepping up next to him.
“There… there was an accident Aleu.” Shadow said. “… Saba’s dead.”
“What?” Aleu said. “How?”
“We were attacked…” Shadow said. Aleu interrupted him. “Attacked?!”
Shadow nodded. “She did well then though, it wasn’t until… until we came on an ice bridge, it broke and… and she fell, but she jumped, and was hanging onto the ledge… she slid right past me. I couldn’t do a thing, not a ***** thing.”
Aleu hung her head and sighed. “When was this?”
“About an hour ago.” Shadow said. “I came straight back here.”
Aleu nodded. “Don’t feel responsible for this one Shadow.” Aleu said. “I can tell you do… there was nothing you could have done.”
Shadow shook his head. “I had her though… I… I dropped her… and she… she died.”
Aleu sighed. “Shadow, you look like you could use some rest. Lay down here for a bit, I’m going to go tell Everest what happened. When I get back I want to know about this attack.”
Shadow nodded.
“Shadow.” Aleu said. “This is an order. Get some rest.”
Shadow nodded again. “I will Aleu… thanks.”
Aleu smiled. “I’m sure you did everything you could for Saba… now… I’ve got to go tell Everest, get some rest.”
Shadow stood and walked into the chamber.
Aleu continued out of the chamber and turned left, climbing down to the fifth shelf, where Everest’s chambers were.
Everest stopped at the entrance to his chambers, and turned, watching Aleu’s retreating form.
Everest raised his paw and wiped a tear from his face, reflecting on the sad news which Aleu had brought tonight.
He looked up, and walked into the chamber, where, in the middle of the small room, three small pups slept.
Everest sighed, and nudged the smallest of the three, a gray female, awake.
When all of the pups had been woken up, Everest sat down in front of them.
The small gray one yawned. “Dad, what’s wrong?”
“Yeah,” one of the others said. “Why’d you wake us up so late?”
Everest thought about the news he had to share with them.
“How can I do this?” He thought. “How can I tell them…?”
Everest sighed and began.
“Kids… your… your mother…”
“Gosh,” Everest thought, “this is even harder than I thought.”
Everest couldn’t hold it in any longer, and as much as he wanted to appear strong in front of the kids, he broke down into tears, and lowered his head.
The children may have been young, but they knew enough to know that something was seriously wrong, and that that something involved their mother.
Sunny, the youngest and smallest of the three walked to her father’s side.
“What’s wrong dad?” She asked. “What happened to mom?”
Everest sighed and laid down beside Sunny, as the other two children came forward and joined the small family.
For a long while they just laid there, listening to their father’s soft sobs.
Finally, Everest raised his head and gathered his children in close.
“Your mother….”
He sighed.
“… your mother won’t be coming home.”
“What?” One of the children asked.
“Why not? Sunny added.
“Your mother… she... she’s dead.”
“No!” Sunny said. “No, that’s not true!”
Everest sighed. “I’m sorry kids… but it is… she… she was killed training with Shadow today.”
“I want to see mommy!” one of the children cried.
Everest pulled them in very close to him, as the implications of the fact he’d just spoken sank in.
The small family huddled against one another and grieved for its lost member.
Saba was quite surprised to open her eyes. She was blinked a few times and looked around her.
She was in a cave. The ceiling rose forever and disappeared in a gray mist.
Saba stood uneasily and looked herself over. She was surprised to find that she was uninjured.
“Am I dead?” Saba asked herself aloud.
A voice from behind answered her. “In a word, yes.”
Saba whirled around.
There was a red dog standing there.
“I… I don’t believe it…” Saba whispered.
The red dog smiled and stepped forward. “What? Didn’t expect to see your old brother again?”
Saba stared at him, open mouthed as he continued forward, stopping just in front of her.
“Well?” He said, chuckling to himself. “Are you just going to stare or do you remember how to speak?”
“I’m sorry Dingo.” Saba said, still clearly awestruck. “It’s just that… Mom and Dad told me that… that you were killed… by Steel.”
Dingo sighed and the smile disappeared from his face. “That is true.”
“Then how…” Saba’s voice trailed off for a moment, then she looked up at him. “Oh my god…”
Dingo nodded. “Yeah Saba, you’re dead too.”
Saba hung her head. “I… I remember now…”
A warm voice, different than Dingo’s, reached her ears. “All things do happen for a reason however my child.”
Saba looked up.
Dingo was gone.
The voice had come from behind her.
“Go ahead and turn around my child.” The voice said.
The voice sent a chill throughout Saba’s body, but as it faded, most of Saba’s fears and doubts… her problems, did as well.
Saba turned around and saw beautiful white wolf.
Saba’s mouth dropped open in surprise again. “It’s… it’s impossible…” Saba murmured.
The white wolf chuckled at Saba’s reaction. “You will soon learn that nothing is impossible.” The wolf said.
“Are… are you Aniu?” Saba asked.
The white wolf nodded her head, once.
“I didn’t think it was possible… I mean…” Saba’s voice trailed off as she was truly unsure of what to say.
Aniu smiled. “Your disbelief is understandable my child.” She said. “You were not brought up as the wolves are, weren’t groomed in the teachings of wolves such as Nava or Aleu, who have seen me firsthand. Your disbelief is forgiven you.”
Saba smiled sheepishly. “Th.. thank-you.” She said.
“Now we must talk.” Aniu said with a sigh. She looked at the floor for a moment, and then back up at Saba, locking her eyes which seemed almost hypnotizing. “You have much to learn and unfortunately we do not have much time…”
Chapter 6:
Jenna sighed to herself as she made her way down the sidewalk, near her home in Nome Alaska.
The source of her concern was her son, Everest.
More than a few weeks had passed since he and her daughter, Saba, had been banished from Nome because of the relationship the two had. Everest and Saba were mates.
At first Jenna had fought this, it was wrong, and Jenna knew that, had been taught that her entire life, but… they were still her children. In the weeks following the trial Jenna had come to accept the fact that Everest and Saba loved one another. Now she was worried about what had happened to them.
The thing that had finally brought Everest and Saba’s feelings to light was Saba’s unexpected pregnancy. Drake, the local keeper of the law, had allowed Everest and Saba to remain together until the pups were born, out of concern for Saba’s well being, and then had entrusted them to Jenna.
Jenna herself had been unable to attend either the trial or the sentence of her children, but she knew that they’d both been banished, and told never to see one another again. A day or so later however, the pups had disappeared from Jenna’s home. Then an alarm had been raised throughout town that those who had been banished had returned.
Jenna was scared for her children, for the punishment if they were caught was death.
Indeed, this was the probable fate of Everest, and the reason Jenna was so worried this morning. Her son had been tracked to a barn near the old mill, and it was there that his pursuers had caught up to him. A follow up meeting was being held by Drake today to relay the exact facts to the dogs of Nome. Drake believed this would set aside the rash of rumors that had been running through the small town like wildfire.
Some said that he’d been killed trying to escape, other’s said he’d made a hero’s last stand in the barn… but the one thing that seemed the same in almost all the accounts was that Everest had been killed.
Jenna did not know if her son was alive or dead… no one did.
…or so it seemed until a few days ago when Drake had announced this mornings meeting.
Jenna was secretly intensely proud of her children. Everest and Saba had taken their responsibility as parents, and one another, so far as to risk death to steal their children away in the dark of night.
No one had yet mentioned Saba, so, since the pups hadn’t been found, it was probable that she was still alive… somewhere, and that she had retained the care of her children.
Jenna wished her daughter and her small family well, and hoped that, one day, their paths would cross once again, so that she could tell Saba how proud of her she was.
Jenna could see the old mill now. That was where the meeting was supposed to be taking place shortly.
Jenna walked up to it, and pushed open the doors.
There were already many dogs in the large building, and they had been talking to themselves, but as Jenna nudged the door open they stopped.
Jenna could feel all the eyes in the room on her as she walked to the front of the room where she could see Balto.
A hint of a smile crossed her face as she walked up to him. “Hey Balto.”
He smiled and nuzzled her. “Hey Jen. You alright?”
She nodded. “I just want to get this over with.” She sighed and looked back up at him. “He’s dead… isn’t he?”
Balto sighed. “I don’t know Jen… I don’t know.”
Drake walked up to the platform in front of the mass of dogs then and looked around. “It looks as if everyone is here now.” He said. “This meeting has been called to order by the Keeper of the Law, myself, and is now in session. The meetings purpose is to disseminate information pertaining to the events of two weeks past, when Everest and Saba, who had been banished from Nome by myself, returned to Nome.”
Drake’s eyes slowly scanned the room as he continued. “As you all know Everest and Saba, children of Balto and Jenna, were tried and banished from Nome by myself on the basis of the fact that they had engaged in unduly familiar relations with one another, and were in fact siblings. Two days after being banished and told to never come in contact with one another again, both Saba and Everest returned to Nome together in blatant disobedience of my orders, and stole their three children from their residence at Jenna’s home. I witnessed them there, Saba, Everest, and three puppies were on Jenna’s porch. Then they ran. I sounded the alarm and a search was conducted for the fugitives.”
Drake paused and then continued. “Neither Saba, nor the puppies were seen again that night by me or anyone else that was involved. Therefore it is probable and for the purposes of this dissemination a fact, that Saba escaped further detection and escaped with her children. Everest however was tracked throughout the town for some time. Eventually when he was cornered, he ran into a barn just across the street from this very building. His pursuers caught up with him there. He then turned, having no other recourse, and tried to fight off his pursuers. At the time he was, however, outnumbered by at least 20 to 1 or more.”
Drake paused and his gaze caught Jenna’s, holding it as he continued. “Everest fought, but it was a losing battle in the first place. Eventually one of the attackers, it is not clear who, dealt Everest a serious wound to his neck.”
Jenna’s eyes clouded with tears and she broke Drake’s stare, burying her face in Balto’s shoulder as Drake continued. “He was then knocked out of the window. He fell four stories to the icy street below.”
Drake paused and the entire room could hear the silence shattered as Jenna began to sob.
“I investigated the scene, and found a large pool of blood, more than, I think, Everest could have stood to have lost at that point in time. Therefore, though no body was recovered, it shall be an accepted fact that two weeks ago, Everest, son of Balto and Jenna, was killed for violating a sentence of banishment.”
Drake paused and sighed. “If no one else has anything?”
He looked around the room, but no one spoke. “Then this meeting is hereby adjourned. Please be careful returning to your homes.”
The dogs began to talk amongst themselves and soon the old mill was filled with an indistinguishable chatter.
Balto and Jenna turned to leave, but Drake stopped them. “Jenna?”
He walked down the floor to them, and stopped as Jenna turned, looking at the floor, not wanting to meet his gaze.
“For what it’s worth… I’m sorry.” He said.
Jenna looked up at him.
Drake expected to find grief and sadness in her eyes, but what he found in addition to that surprised him.
Jenna’s eyes blazed with anger.
She gritted her teeth and smacked him in the side of the head with her paw. The blow carried with it all the force Jenna could muster and nearly knocked Drake off his feet.
His expression was one of shock, as he glanced at Balto.
Balto sighed and turned to Jenna. “Jen… that’s enough… let’s go.” His voice was soft and consoling.
Jenna nodded and the two walked slowly out the door.
Drake put his paw to his face and looked at it as if trying to decide whether he had just imagined the events of the past few minutes.
The tingling in his jaw reminded him that indeed he hadn’t, and he shook his head slowly. Then he turned and walked out the back entrance.
Darkness was closing in on the small town of Nome Alaska as a brown dog ran down the snow covered streets.
“I’m dead.” He thought. “I’ve always been so careful… how could I have spent the entire day with her! Now Tycha’s sure to know something is up.”
Tim stopped running and slowed to a walk. “I’ve got to think of a good excuse, but what?”
Tim’s thoughts shifted then, and he began to criticize himself. “If only you hadn’t gotten involved with Trina…. why’d you do it in the first place… why did you keep doing it…”
Tim noticed he was running again, slowed to a trot, and then walked into a nearby alley to gather his thoughts.
“How could you do this to her? Don’t you still love her?”
Tim was at a loss. He realized now that… he didn’t.
It wasn’t that he hated her, goodness no, not anything like that. Tycha was like his best friend… but…
…Tycha had changed since that day when they’d met in Anchorage so long ago.
“Maybe it’s not her who’s changed…” Tim thought. He sighed. “…maybe it’s you.”
In any case all this self pity wasn’t helping him any and he realized it was getting later and later as he sat here.
“I… I can’t tell her.” Tim thought. “I just can’t… but what do I tell her?”
Tim walked out of the alley and looked to the west. There, near the edge of town, he could see the dark shadow of the old trawler that he and Tycha called home.
“I’ll think of something…” Tim thought. “I have to.
Tim crept quietly up the ramp to the beached boat, careful of the creaking beams.
The boat looked deserted. Nothing moved on deck.
“I’ll just tell her I decided to sleep out here.” Tim thought. “Then she won’t know just how late I was.”
He walked toward the wheel well.
“Hey Tim.” A familiar voice said.
Tim cursed silently to himself as he turned and saw Tycha step out of the cabin she’d been sitting in and into the light.
“What are you doing coming home so late?” Tycha asked.
Tim could hear the suspicion in her voice. “Great,” he thought, “she suspects.”
“I mean… you’ve been gone for a day now.” Tycha said. “What took you so long?”
“I uh… ran into Balto in town.” Tim said quickly.
Tycha frowned. “Really.”
Tim smiled and nodded. “Yeah… haven’t seen him in a while, so… you know… we… uh… hung out.”
Tycha looked down and nodded. “Oh…”
“Look Tycha… I’m really tired.” Tim said. “It’s been a long day and I’d really like to get some sleep.”
Tycha looked up. “Tim… is there… is there something you need to tell me?”
“No!” Tim said. “… no… why?”
Tycha managed a smile, and shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Tim started to walk into the wheel well.
“You not going below with me?” She asked.
Tim stopped. “I… uh… feel a little hot.” Tim said. “I’d rather sleep up here tonight… that is, if it’s okay with you?”
Tycha waited a while before nodding her head.
Tim walked into the wheel well and laid down on the old blue blanket that Balto had left there.
“Tim?” Tycha said.
He opened his eyes and yawned. “Yeah?”
Tycha sighed. “Tim I… I love you.”
Tim rolled over “Yeah… good-night Tycha.”
Tycha turned away from Tim and walked toward the hatch that led below decks. She paused at the door and looked back at him. A pair of single tears welled up in her eyes and trickled slowly down her face.
Then Tycha turned away from him and walked below decks.
Chapter 7
Today was a sad day.
Aleu was standing on a rock overlooking the entire clan.
Everyone in the chamber fell silent as she stepped forward. “My friends… and family… we have gathered today in memory of a fellow friend… sister and family member. Unfortunately Saba was killed during a training exercise early this week, when an ice bridge she was crossing collapsed. Shadow did everything he could to save her… but he could not.”
Aleu paused and sighed.
“… but though it hurts to lose her, we should not be sad, but rather glad for her. She is with Aniu now, and with this cruel world no longer. She knows an eternal happiness of which we cannot imagine, and I am sure that one day… we’ll see her again.”
Aleu paused again and tried to keep from breaking out into tears. This was her sister she was talking about this was Saba.”
“I… I think Shadow has something he’d like to say.” Aleu said, quickly losing the battle with her emotions.
Shadow stepped forward. “I do.”
He paused and looked over the crowd of wolves until his gaze came to rest on Everest and his small family. “Though she wasn’t here long, I felt as if I lost a sister that day. Saba was a kind and gentle creature, but could be razor sharp if provoked. I was in charge of her training for a short time and I must tell you that she was one of the best students I have ever had. Saba was always eager to learn, to take on new responsibilities with the pack. She viewed her duty, not as work, but as her obligation. I have no doubt that Aleu would have been safe if in her charge and would have trusted her completely with this task. Before we crossed the bridge we fell under attack by a group of black wolves. We were separated at the time, and I feared for her safety. When I rushed to her aid however I found that she had not only defeated her foe, but done so soundly, and these were well trained fighters.”
Shadow paused. “I want it to be known to Saba’s family, and to all of you gathered here, that I had planned to ask Saba to join my Security Teams. This would have been a first in the history of the teams. Never before has a female proven themselves the way that Saba did.
I know that words are little consolation in times such as these, but it is all I have to offer. I hope you accept them, because they are sincere in everyway.”
Shadow looked at Aleu, who nodded and stepped forward. “Oh great Aniu, grant us the peace of mind that our most recently departed member, Saba, is in your care. We know that in your presence she is much better off than she was here on this Earth and for this we thank you. I would ask for your strength upon Saba’s family, especially her children who suddenly find themselves without a mother, and Everest, who now finds himself missing the one that meant so much to his life.
Oh Aniu, I cannot imagine losing Shadow, and know that you will put your guidance and direction upon Everest, so that he may get past this tragic day in his life. Please be with all of us, keep us strong, keep us on the right path, and may we forever be known as the Talbourne Clan your clan.”
Aleu looked up.
“That concludes this memorial, if you’d like to say something to Everest or the children, they would most assuredly appreciate your concern for them.”
Aleu looked at Shadow. “You are dismissed.”
The wolves began to chatter amongst themselves, and milled around the chamber.
Some made it over to Everest, some didn’t, unsure of what they would say if they did… what they could say.”
One thing was evident throughout the entire chamber though…
During her short time with them, Saba had made a deep impression upon the clan and almost everyone in it.
She would be sorely missed.
Everest was walking through the silent forest. There were three other wolves on his flank, keeping watch for prey, for food.
As he was walking, Everest took the time to reflect back upon the events of the last week.
Slowly but surely Everest was adapting to life without Saba in his life. She’d been gone for so long that he hardly remembered her before, but now… the two had gotten so close… if it hadn’t been for the pups, her death may have been enough to make him give up, just find the nearest cliff and… but the kids were a factor. They relied on him now more than ever, and he intended to provide for them.
Everest’s thoughts were shattered as he heard a sharp snap resound through the forest.
He stopped.
The woods were silent.
Everest glanced over to see that the other three wolves had stopped as well.
Suddenly a crash filled the air, and the wolf to Everest’s left fell, a fountain of blood spraying from his shoulder.
Everest turned as another crack sounded and another wolf fell… dead.
Everest looked behind him just as he prepared to run, and saw the attackers.
They were humans, but of a type that Everest had never seen.
Another crack sounded, and the tree just beside Everest splintered.
Everest and the last remaining wolf began to run, and it seemed as if they would make it… but then a new sound, unlike any Everest had ever heard filled the air.
TAT-AT-AT-AT-AT-AT!
Everest heard the wolf beside him fall and roll down the hill to his left. Everest jumped off the top of the hill and slid through the sow to the bottom.
The wolf was there, lying in the snow, a dark red puddle spreading out from him.
Everest walked over to him and then jumped back.
Everest had seen gun-shot wounds before, but… not like this.
“Who are these people?” Everest thought. “...and why are they killing us?”
Everest turned and ran.
“Aleu I’m serious.” Everest said. “I know it seems impossible, but… Teesha had at least five holes in him in the space of maybe a second.”
Aleu shook her head. “We’ve never seen a weapon that fast before though.”
“I’m telling you Aleu these weren’t the normal hunters.” Everest continued. “These guys were wearing all green, and had some kind of helmet… and there was a lot of them… we may be in serious danger.”
“I still find it hard to believe” Aleu said. “Are you sure you’re not exaggerating?”
Everest sighed. “Yes Aleu… those wolves are dead for Aniu’s sake.”
Aleu nodded. “I’ll have Shadow and the teams check it out.”
“Tell them to be careful.” Everest said.
Aleu nodded again. “… of course.”
Silence filled the chamber.
“You’re dismissed Everest.” Aleu said.
Everest nodded, and walked out of the chamber.
Aleu sighed and looked up at the ceiling of the chamber. “First we lose Saba, now this? Aniu, what else could happen to us?”
Morning had broken over the small town of Nome, Alaska.
Tim and Tycha sat on top of an old boat at the edge of town.
“Hey Tycha,” Tim said. “I’m going into town for a while.”
He stood up and walked toward the wooden plank that led to the ground.
“Tim…” Tycha said.
Tim stopped. “What is it Tycha?”
“When will you be back?” Tycha asked.
“Probably late afternoon.” Tim said.
“Tim?” Tycha asked again, taking a step toward him. “Why does it take you so long in town now?”
Tim sighed. “Look Tycha, I’m going alright.” He started walking down the plank to the snow covered ground below.
Tycha walked to the edge of the boat. “Tim?”
Tim stopped half-way down the plank and turned. “Yeah Tycha?”
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You are amazing. Such a cliffhanger, so many plots, so many emotions.
