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I know you've been waiting a while for this one, (sorry for the wait) so I'll make the introduction short. This is my 23rd FanFic,
"Balto: Though We Be Apart".

ENJOY!

P.S.

In the interest of getting this to you as soon as possible, I have not proof read it yet. (I will before I send it in to the site though) Please escuse any grammar errors you may find.

Balto: Though We Be Apart

Written by: Anthony E. Rotramel

Started: 05/11/06
Finished: 04/04/06
Pages: 142
Words: 23,521


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, Jason, Stripe, Astarre, Saeidifar, Saba, Everest, Dolo, Jade, Connal, Slate, Slag, Granite, Ramsey, Jack, Shep, and the events of this story are © 2006 by Anthony Rotramel. The other characters are © Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. The name Saba is © 2000 by Universal Pictures and Amblim Entertainment.






© 2006 All Rights Reserved.



Prologue:
Previously in Balto: …Must Come to an End

The last day had gone by far too fast for Balto. He and Jenna were walking to the old mill.
He could see a large crowd near the old mill.
Jenna looked up at him.
“It’ll be over soon Jen.” Balto said.
She looked back to the front and the two walked around the side of the old mill, toward the crowd of dogs, which parted to allow them to pass through.
Balto walked, Jenna by his side to Drake, who stood near the edge of town, just beyond the old mill.
Balto stopped.
“Jenna.” Drake said.
Jenna looked up at Balto.
He sighed and the two of them walked forward, stopping next to Drake.
“Jenna, you were tried and by your own admission, have been found guilty of kidnapping and attempted murder. As punishment for these crimes I have sentenced you to be banished from the town of Nome, Alaska and all of its members and affiliations. Today we are here to carry out the sentence. I will remind you once more that if you ever return to Nome, you will be killed on sight. These are the terms of your sentence. Do you understand?”
Jenna nodded. “Yes.”
“Then go.” Drake said.
Jenna sighed and turned, walking back toward the group.
“Jenna…” Drake started, but fell silent. Jenna stopped in front of Gemeni. “I’m sorry.” She said. “I truly am.”
Jenna turned and walked out of town.
Balto watched her become smaller and smaller as she walked toward the horizon.
Balto suddenly bolted past Drake and ran to Jenna. “Jenna!”
Drake sighed.
Jenna stopped and Balto caught up to her.
“Jenna!” He lowered his voice so that the others would not hear. “We are still on, right? You’re coming back?”
Jenna smiled and nodded.
A tear slid out of her eye.
“I said I do anything for you Jenna.” Balto said. “...and I will. I promise.”
Jenna nodded. “I love you Balto… and I will return.”
Drake’s voice cut off Balto’s response before he had the chance to make it.
“Balto…”
Balto looked back.
“I… I have to go back.”
Jenna nodded.
“I love you Jen.” Balto said.
“I love you too Balto.” Jenna said.
Balto raised his paw to her face.
A tear slid out of his eye. Even though he knew that he’d soon be with her again, it hurt him to see her walking away from him, knowing that she could not return.
Jenna turned, walking away from Balto, his paw slid off her muzzle and she walked away. Balto stood there and watched as she slowly disappeared from view.













Chapter 1:
Two weeks later…

A brightly covered fish swam through the crystal clear waters of the Yukon River. Its world was a blurry one, filled with blots of different shades of black and white.
They had swum quite a distance, from the rivers of Canada, to return to this river, where they had been born, and where their children would be born. Some had not made the journey, becoming food for bears and other predators, as the system of life continued it’s never ending circle.
One particular salmon couldn’t possibly have known that it was in danger of being the next to fall to this circle as it swam against the strong current of the river.
Suddenly, the water exploded in a cloud of bubbles, and the salmon darted to the right into the open water, narrowly escaping the sharp jaws of the creature that had intended to make the salmon its dinner.
The creature was a red dog, and she was fast becoming irritated with the work that was involved in acquiring food now. You see, she wasn’t used to the wiles of the wild. This young husky had been raised in a home with humans that cared after her every need. She’d had a warm home, a bed, food… she’d had it all.
Now though, she had to scrounge for food, and she was still learning the tricks of this trade.
She snapped at the water again and again, taking out her frustration on the crystal water, hoping to get lucky and snag one of the fish, but all this action got her was soaked and weary.
She snapped again, and lost her balance, plunging into the freezing water.
The husky stood up in the shallow water and walked to the bank of the river, shivering as the breeze blew and chilled her wet coat.
Jenna finally got up on the bank and fell on the snow covered ground, shivering.
“This isn’t as easy as I thought it’d be.” She thought.
Jenna shivered again, and decided that, if she didn’t want to freeze to death, she’d better head back to the small cave she’d found and made her home.
She stood up and started walking toward it. The sun was dipping below the horizon, shedding its orange light over the clearing in a beautiful glow.
It took Jenna about fifteen minutes to make it to the cave, and she crawled inside, exhausted from her attempts to find some food.
She curled up in a ball and shivered.
It would be some time before her coat dried, and she could fall asleep.
“Falling into the river wasn’t very smart.” Jenna thought. “I need to be more careful; mistakes like that can kill out here.”
By this time, the weary sun had fallen below the darkened horizon, and the ivory moon had appeared in the obsidian night sky.
Jenna stood up and walked to the narrow entrance of her small cave, and looked out at the moon.
“I wonder if Balto is looking at the same moon.” Jenna thought.
She sighed and turned, walking back into the cave.
“Balto…” She thought. “I’ve tried to not think of you these two weeks, but… everything I see reminds me of you…”
Jenna fell to the rock floor of the cave a few feet from the entrance.
“I miss you so much…” She thought.
Jenna put her head on her paws and a tear rolled down her face, spattering on the rocks.
She sniffled and closed her eyes.
Even if she was cold and wet, she had to go to sleep. She’d have to be up early tomorrow if she wanted to find breakfast.
Jenna’s stomach growled and she sighed.
She’d have to go to sleep hungry again tonight. Out here, no one was there to feed you, you had to feed yourself and if you didn’t.... or couldn’t?
Jenna sighed and closed her eyes again.
“…better not to think of that,” she thought. “I’ll find something tomorrow… I’ve got to.”
Soon, Jenna drifted to sleep.

Though Jenna didn’t know it, Balto was looking at the same moon she had.
He sat at the entrance to the boiler room, a certain red husky had filled his thoughts of late.
He sighed. “Jenna…” He thought.
Balto turned and walked into the boiler room, pausing there a moment, as his thoughts drifted back to the past, to the many times throughout the years that he and Jenna had sought refuge from the cold in this very room.
After lingering there a moment, Balto walked over to a small hole in the far wall of the boiler room, and slipped inside it.
The small tunnel was dark and the moisture from the snow above had seeped though into the access tunnel, making it slightly damp.
He ducked through a maze of timbers which crisscrossed through the small crawlspace.
Eventually Balto came to an open space, and stopped, glancing around.
Golden light streamed down from a vent in the ceiling, which was also the floor of the hospital above.
Balto walked slowly over to a dusty pile of broken bottles of various colors.
“I’m surprised they’re still here after all these years.” Balto thought.
He carefully pushed them into the light and sighed. Then he stepped to the side, and the light hit the broken glass, flashing a multi-colored ribbon of light across the far wall.
Balto sighed again and a tear rolled out of his eye as he thought of Jenna.
Balto suddenly felt very tired, and curled up next to the pile of glass.
“I promise Jenna, I will find you… I will.”
He sighed and continued looking at he lights, transfixed by the memories that they provoked into his mind.
Suddenly the light from above was cut off, as Doc put out the lanterns in the room above, preparing to retire for the night.
The small area that Balto laid in fell into darkness once more.
Balto couldn’t help but think that, as the room had turned dark and featureless with the absence of the light, so he had with the absence of the light in his life… and so he would remain.
He sighed again and laid his head on his paws. “Jenna.” He thought. “I wonder where you are right now; if you’re cold… wet… or even still alive… it’s been two weeks and you still haven’t come… I fear for you my love… I truly do. You know nothing of surviving on your own. I wish I could be there for you… I should be… but I’m not…”
Balto turned his eyes toward the ceiling of the room. “Please be with her Aniu… take care of her for me… for I cannot.”
He sighed again and closed his eyes.
Though his heart was troubled and his thoughts clouded, Balto felt a comforting presence, his fears and doubts evaporated, his spirit calmed and Balto fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning Jenna was again standing at the side of the river, watching the agile salmon as they darted through the water.
Not wanting to repeat the events of the previous day, she hung back from the edge, simply watching them move, analyzing their erratic movements, trying to find a way to predict where one might go so she could snag it.
Jenna snapped at one of the fish, and missed the fish, getting a mouth full of water instead.
She shook the water off her face and looked back into the water at the agile fish, as they continued their struggle against the river’s current.
Jenna started watching them again. She was very hungry; she had to find something to eat, and soon.
She’d just have to try again.

A dark gray wolf with black markings walked quietly through the forest.
He was trying to be quiet, as he was supposed to be hunting.
He heard a splash from nearby, and turned to the right, heading to the river to investigate.
He stopped in his tracks as he saw her.
There was a reddish wolf, of a type the gray wolf had never seen, standing there near the bank of the river.
“She’s… she’s beautiful.” The wolf thought.

Jenna snapped at another salmon, and once again got nothing but water.
The salmon swam to the surface and batted Jenna’s muzzle with its tail as it dove down into the river once more.
A laugh erupted from the bushes behind her, and Jenna whirled around.
A gray wolf stepped out of the bushes.
The sight of the wolf spooked Jenna, and she jumped back, forgetting how close she was to the edge of the river.
With a loud SploosH, Jenna fell into the water.
The wolf ran to the edge as Jenna stood up.
“Are you alright?” He asked.
Jenna growled at him.
“Hey, take it easy.” He said. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
Jenna stopped growling, but an angry look still showed on her face.
“You know,” the gray wolf said. “You really should get out of that water before you freeze to death.”
Jenna looked around her. Then she sighed and walked over to the bank, crawling up it once more.
“What’s your name?” The gray wolf asked.
“I could ask you the same question.” Jenna said.
“Very well.” The wolf said, smiling and stepping back. “The name’s Dolo.” He bowed his head to her. “…and you are?”
Jenna smiled. “Jenna.” She said.
“You’re not from around here, are you Jenna.” Dolo said.
Jenna sighed and shook her head. “Close to here though.”
“Where’s that?” Dolo asked.
“Nome.” Jenna responded.
“Nome!” Dolo asked, stepping back. “Then… then you’re not a wolf?”
Jenna smiled and shook her head. “I’m a husky… a dog.”
“What are you doing here?” Dolo asked. “Are there humans nearby?”
“No, there are no humans, not that I know of,” Jenna said. “…and I… I was banished from Nome. That’s why I live here now.”
“Oh.” Dolo said.
“I was hoping to catch some fish but…” Jenna sighed. “I guess that’s easier said than done.”
“How long’s it been since you’ve eaten?” Dolo asked.
“Almost three days.” Jenna answered.
“Wow, you must be hungry,” Dolo said, “would you like to come with me, to my clan?”
“Well…” Jenna said. “I… I wouldn’t want to impose, I mean…”
“We have food.” Dolo said.
“Food?” Jenna thought. “Alright, I’ll come with you.”
Dolo smiled. “Cool. Follow me.”
Dolo turned and walked back into the bushes, Jenna followed him.














Chapter 2:

Dolo led Jenna to a small cave not too far from the river, but almost a day’s journey from Nome.
Outside the cave was a brown wolf. He smiled as Dolo and Jenna made their way toward him.
“Hey there Dolo.” The wolf said. “Any luck?”
Dolo shook his head. “Not like we really need it though. We’re doing pretty well.”
The brown wolf nodded, then he noticed Jenna.
“Who’s this?” The wolf asked.
Dolo smiled. “Jenna, I’d like you to meet Basalt.” He turned back to look at the brown wolf. “Basalt, I found her at the bend in the river, trying to fish. She fell in the river, and is still soaked. She’s going to get sick if we don’t help her out.”
Basalt nodded. “Let’s take her inside.”
Dolo turned to Jenna. “Come on in.”
The three of them walked into the small cave.
There were four other wolves sitting in the single chamber of the cave, which was barely three feet tall. It didn’t leave much room above their heads, and Jenna had to weave around a few stalactites that hung from the ceiling.
Finally the three of them stopped in front of the clan of wolves.
Dolo turned to a dull golden colored wolf sitting beside a beautiful white one that was speckled black and gray.
“Connal, I found this Husky at the bend in the river. She was banished from Nome and does not know how to care for herself out here. I request that we help her out for a bit, until she gets on her feet.”
Connal nodded silently. “Okay.” He said. “I think we can do that.” He turned to Jenna. “What’s your name?”
Jenna smiled. “Jenna.”
“Well Jenna,” Connal said. “You’re welcome to stay here if you like. Let me introduce you to the others.
He walked back over to the white wolf, who stood. “This is my mate Jade.”
“Nice to meet you.” Jenna said.
Jade smiled. “I think you’ll like it here.”
Connal turned to her. “Jade, you want to show Jenna around?”
“Sure.” She said.
She walked over to three gray wolves. “This is Slate, Granite and Slag.”
“Hello.” Jenna said.
“Hi.” Slate said standing.
“Of course you already know Dolo, we’re the Lorelei Clan.”
Dolo stepped up next to her. “We may be small, but we take care of our own. I think you’ll like it here. ”
Jenna smiled.
“Thank you, I really appreciate it.”
Connal walked up to the group then. “So Jenna, now that we’re all family, why don’t you tell us how you came to be out here all alone. I can tell just by looking at you that you’re not usually forced to survive on your own out here.”
Jenna sighed. “I… I was banished from Nome.”
“Why?” Jade asked.
“I… I lost someone very close to me… my son, and… and I tried to take the life of the killer’s child to repay him.”
“Oh…” Jade said.
Jenna smiled. “Don’t worry.” She said. “Unless you harm one of my children, I’m not dangerous.”
Connal smiled. “Actually Jenna, I understand you much more than you probably know.”
“You do?” Jenna said.
Connal nodded. “Jade and I had a pup not to long ago… a month ago, she was killed by a rival clan that found her on their territory.”
“I’m sorry.” Jenna said.
“We killed every one of them.” Connal said.
Dolo nodded. “Crystal’s loss touched us all.”
“My son wasn’t even dead though…” Jenna said. “It was all a big misunderstanding.”
A tear came to her eye. “…and I almost killed that poor kid… I ruined my life…”
Connal shook his head. “Not necessarily. Maybe you were meant to be here for some reason.”
Jenna sighed. “I guess…”
Slate stepped forward. “Sometimes Aniu works in strange ways.”
“Aniu?” Jenna said. “You know about her?”
“What wolf doesn’t.” Slate said. “I’m surprised you do. Most dogs have forgotten about her.”
“My daughter Aleu leads a wolf pack, and she taught us.” Jenna said.
“Aleu is your daughter?” Connal asked.
Jenna nodded.
“How is it that she came to lead the Talbourne then?” He responded
Jenna sighed. “My mate… Balto is half wolf. She embraced that side of her.”
Connal nodded. “Wise choice.”
Jenna sighed. “I just… I wish I could go back, knowing what I do now. I wish I could redo it.”
Jade stepped forward and put her paw on Jenna’s shoulder. “Dwelling on the past won’t make the present any better, and it will most certainly taint the future.”
Connal smiled. “My mate is right…” He looked at her and smiled. “…as she always is.”
He looked back at Jenna.
We all have things in our life we regret, but if we think on them now, then we are prone to repeating those mistakes, or making new ones.”
Jenna nodded.
“Besides,” Dolo said, stepping next to her. “You’re with us now, a part of the Lorelei Clan. It is better to embrace the things we have to teach you, things that will prolong your life out here. It is better to forget the past… your past life.”
Jenna nodded.
He was right of course.
“…but can I do that?” Jenna thought. “Can I forget about Nome…about Balto?”
She didn’t know.
Dolo smiled at her. “Come Jenna, your training will begin at once, your survival is important after all.”
Jenna nodded.
“We’ll be gone for a few days Connal.” Dolo said, walking toward the entrance to the small cave.
Connal nodded. “Take care of her Dolo. She hasn’t grown in this environment, and doesn’t know much about the dangers that exist out here.”
Dolo nodded. “I’ll watch her.”
He turned to Jenna. “Follow me.”
Jenna turned and followed Dolo out of the cave,

Back in Nome, Balto was walking down the street when he saw Drake walking toward him.
“It couldn’t hurt to ask. After all, Drake and I have been friends for a long time.” Balto thought. “Maybe he’ll listen to me.”
He walked up to Drake.
“Hello Balto.” Drake said. “How are you doing?”
Balto sighed. “I’ve definitely been better.”
He sighed.
“Is there any way that I could convince you to revisit your decision on Jenna’s case?”
Drake sighed. “Balto please don’t do this, you know how this works. Why would even ask?”
Balto felt himself growing angry.
“Well excuse me for having a little hope here Drake. You just took away the one thing that meant something to me in my life. I can’t live without her.”
Drake shook his head. “Do you think I don’t miss her too?”
“You exiled her.” Balto said.
“You think that was easy?” Drake asked. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
Drake too felt anger bubble to the surface of his emotions at Balto’s ignorance of his own feelings.
“You forget that Jenna was mine at one time.”
“At one time.” Balto said. “…not now.”
“Listen.” Drake said. “I still love her. She made the decision regarding us, not me.”
“Yeah Drake.” Balto retorted. “You love her. You forget, she’d be dead if it had been up to you… or worse!”
Balto started walking a series of circles around Drake.
“You left her there with Steele! didn’t even try to fight him. Drake you’re a coward, don’t talk of love to me! I love Jenna! I would kill for her, would give my life for her! What did you give? Nothing! At the first sign of trouble, of danger, you fled like a newborn pup!
Drake was extremely angry by this point and tried to interject, however, Balto cut him off.
“Shut up!” He yelled. “Listen up, now! I tried talking to you, appealing to your freaking sense of dignity, of this “love” you speak of, but obviously that didn’t work, so I want you to know this. I will do anything it takes to get Jenna back, whatever it takes Drake… if you don’t have a sudden change of heart it won’t be a good thing for you.”
Balto turned and walked off.
“Is that a threat Balto?” Drake asked.
Balto stopped and turned.
“…after all these years, you’re threatening me, your friend?”
“You’re no friend of mine.” Balto said.
He turned and left Drake standing on the sidewalk.




Chapter 3:

Drake walked straight home after his confrontation with Balto.
What his friend had said had scared him, and he felt he had to talk to Gemeni right away.
As he walked into the old mill, Gemeni stood up. “Hey Drake, you alright? You don’t look so good.”
“Balto talked to me today.” Drake said. “He’s mad at me.”
Gemeni sighed. “I figured he would be.”
“I’m afraid he’s going to do something stupid.” Drake said. “I want you to be careful around him.”
“Around Balto?” Gemeni asked, laughing
softly.
She stopped as she saw the look on her mate’s face. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am.” Drake said. “Just do it for me okay?”
Gemeni nodded. “I’ll watch for him.”
Drake nodded back at her and sighed. “I have to investigate some thieving that’s been going on at the butcher’s the past few nights.”
Gemeni sighed. “So it’s another late night, huh?”
Drake nodded. “Prob’ly early morning… I’m sorry.”
Gemeni smiled. “Don’t be. It’s your job, and it’s important… I just wish you could be around more.”
“I know,” Drake said. “…and I know I told you I’d be home tonight, but… you know how the butcher is, if he finds whoever’s doing it before I do, they’ll wind up dead.”
Gemeni nodded.
“I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” Drake said. “Now, I’ve really got to get going.”
He nuzzled her.
“I love you.”
Gemeni smiled.
“I love you too Drake.”
He turned and walked out of the old mill.
“Who was that?” Jason said, walking into the room.
Gemeni sighed. “Your father.”
“Out on the job again?” Jason asked.
Gemeni nodded.
“So much for family night then, eh?” Jason said.
“Guess so.” Gemeni said. “You know how important you father’s job is.”
Jason nodded. “If I don’t have to be here tonight, is it all right if I go across town and see Ramsey?”
“That’s the German Shepard, right?” Gemeni said.
“No Mom,” Jason said, rolling his eyes. “The “German Shepard” is Jack, Ramsey is the Corgi.”
“Oh.” Gemeni said, “I’m sorry… yeah, it’s all right, just make sure you’re home by ten, you know how your father feels about you guys being that far away from home when it’s that late.”
“Alright,” Jason said.
“I mean it young man,” Gemeni said. “Ten o’clock.”
“I’ll be here Mom.” Jason said, walking toward the door.
“…be safe, don’t play near the road and stay out of the outskirts.” Gemeni said.
Jason stuck his head back in the door.
“Mom, you really worry too much.”
Then he walked away.
Gemeni laughed to herself. “Wait till you have children of your own kid,” she thought, “you’ll learn to worry too.”

It was around one o’clock in the morning when Drake finally made it home.
The stakeout hadn’t produced any leads; apparently the thief hadn’t been hungry tonight.
He sighed and walked into the old mill. He was tired, and very ready to go to sleep.
It had been a long day.
All his weariness left him however when he saw Gemeni.
She was crying.
“What’s wrong?” Drake said, walking up to her.
“Oh Drake, you’re home!” She said through her tears. “I… Jason, he’s… he’s…”
A great sense of dread filled Drake then.
“Take it easy dear, calm down.” He said. “What’s wrong with Jason?”
“He didn’t come home.” Gemeni said. “I just know something has happened to him.”
“He’s not here?” Drake asked.
“No,” Gemeni said. “He went to see one of his friends, a… Ramsey I think was his name.”
“Ramsey!” Drake said. “Isn’t that the Corgi who lives across town?”
Gemeni nodded. “I told him to be back by ten.”
“Then he’s very late.” Drake said.
Gemeni nodded. “I just know something has happened to him. We should go look for him.”
“I think I know where to find him.” Drake said.
“Where?” Gemeni asked.
“I told you to be careful and you laughed at me remember?” he sighed and felt a wave of hot anger flood his system, clouding his thoughts.
“I think Balto may have taken him.”
“What?” Gemeni said. “You… you can’t be serious.”
“I’m going to get him.” Drake said. “Wait here.”
Drake turned and walked toward the door.
“Drake stop.” Gemeni said.
Drake stopped and turned.
“What… what if he’s just late?” Gemeni asked. “Maybe we should look for him at Ramsey’s first.”
“That will take too long.” Drake said. “Speed of action may be important now. If Jason said he’d be home by ten, he would’ve been. He’s never just outright disobeyed us. Now, I’m going to talk to Balto.”
Drake walked out of the old mill.
“This isn’t good.” Gemeni thought. “This isn’t good at all…”






Chapter 4:

Balto was awakened from his sleep by a crash in the other room.
He stood up quickly, instantly awake.
“Wonder what that was?” Balto thought, walking toward the door. “Better check it out.”
Balto was surprised to see Drake standing in the kitchen, shattered glass that had until a moment before, been the kitchen window scattered around him.
“What are you doing Drake!” Balto yelled.
“Where is he.” Drake asked, a look of steady determination on his face.
“Who?” Balto asked.
“You know who.” Drake said. “Don’t be stupid with me Balto, now is not the time.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Balto said. “You just broke into my home and start demanding things, what’s wrong with you!”
Drake stared at Balto a moment before he responded. “I’ll ask you one more time, and then this is going to get ugly, where is he?”
Balto growled at Drake. “I don’t know who you’re talking about, but I think you should leave, now Drake.”
“Alright, I’ll humor you.” Drake said. “Jason, where is he?”
“Jason?” Balto said. “I haven’t seen him.”
“No?” Drake said. “Then where else could he be.”
“I don’t know.” Balto said. “Is he missing?”
“Balto, I told you not to play dumb with me.” Drake said, growling back at him. “Jenna tried to kill him and couldn’t finish it. You said then that you weren’t involved, but I am beginning to question that now. I think you knew.”
“Drake, you are making no sense whatsoever.” Balto said. “Now, I’ll ask you one more time, leave my home.”
Drake shook his head. “Not without my son.”
Balto laughed. “Then you’re going to be waiting here a long time. He’s not freakin here!”
“That’s it Balto.” Drake said. “I tried to do this nicely, now I’m not going to be so nice.”
“Is this about Jenna?” Balto asked, anger beginning to creep into his voice. “What are you trying to prove?”
“I’m not trying to prove anything Balto, but I think the time has come for us to settle this, I am through talking. Jason could be hurt, for all I know, you killed him already.”
“You want to fight, is that what this is about?” Balto asked.
“You’ve left me no choice Balto.” Drake said.
“I’m not going to fight you Drake.” Balto said.
“Then you’re going to die.” Drake said. Then he leapt at Balto.
Balto was surprised at his attack, and
Drake knocked him to the ground.
Balto stood up and growled. “Fine then Drake, if it’s a fight you want, you’ve got it.”
He ran at Drake, and the husky hit him in the side of the head, throwing him into the table, breaking one of the chairs.
Balto was barely back to his paws when Drake tackled him, and the two went rolling across the floor, slashing, biting, growling and barking.”
Drake rolled Balto into the wall and Balto felt the world start to spin.
Drake jumped on top of him and bit the back of his neck, drawing a yip from Balto as his teeth penetrated Balto’s skin.
Balto threw drake off him, but Drake jumped him again.
This time, Balto was much weaker, and his legs folded, as he dropped to the floor.
Drake stood over him, and Balto knew it was over. Drake had won. It would all be over soon.
“What did I do?” Balto thought. “What happened to Jason?”
Bap!
Balto felt Drake lifted off him, and turned, puzzled at the source of the sound that had saved his life.
Luke stood half-way down the stairs, the still smoking .45 held steadily in his hands.
Balto looked over at Drake to see a rapidly spreading puddle of dark red blood spreading across the wooden floor.
Drake’s eyes were open wide, shocked at this sudden turn of events. He looked at Balto, and then sagged to the floor, motionless.
“He’s dead.” Balto thought.
Luke walked slowly down the stairs to Balto’s side. Once there, he knelt down and patted Balto on the head.
“Rough night eh boy?” Luke said. “Wonder what prompted him to jump through the window like that.”
Balto sighed and looked at Drake, lying on the floor.
“I might’ve been mad at him,” Balto thought. “...but I didn’t want him to die.”
He sighed.
“Gemeni… how am I going to explain this to her?”
“You alright boy?” Luke asked, as he noticed the blood oozing from the back of his neck, where Drake had bit him. “We need to go see Doc?” Luke asked.
Balto whined.
Luke laughed. “Alright boy, I suppose you know if you’re hurt or not. I’ll let you be.”
He patted Balto on the head. “I’m proud of you boy. You did your best to defend our home, me, you did good.”
Balto licked his hand.
“Alright boy.” Luke said, standing. “I think it’s time for both of us to get back to sleep.”
Luke yawned and scratched Balto behind the ears. “If that bite looks bad in the morning, I’m taking you to see Doc.”
Luke stood and walked back up stairs.
Balto looked over at the body of Drake, which still lay in the kitchen floor.
“I have to be the one to tell her…” Balto thought.
He stood and walked slowly toward the door.

It didn’t take Balto long to make it to the old mill. He walked up and scratched on the door.
There was no answer.
“Probably asleep.” Balto thought. “It is late after all.”
Balto looked up and spotted an open window near a rusty old fire escape.
He climbed the stairs and jumped through the window, then walked down another set of stairs, these inside, to the cutting floor below.
Gemeni was asleep near one of the large machines.
Balto walked over to her.
“How can I tell her this?” Balto thought.
He nudged her with his nose, and Gemeni’s eyes fluttered open.
She yawned. “Balto?”
Balto nodded, and Gemeni sat up. “Do you have any idea what time it is?”
Balto nodded again.
“Have you seen Drake?” Gemeni asked. “He left for your home almost an hour ago.”
Balto nodded again.
“Balto, is there something wrong?” Gemeni asked. “You don’t look so good.”
Balto nodded again. “Gemeni, Drake is… he’s… he’s dead.”
Gemeni’s eyes widened. “Then he was right! You are going to hurt me!”
“What?” Balto asked. “I’d never hurt you. Drake showed up at my house, broke through a window and challenged me to a fight. At first I tried to refuse, but he just kept at me… eventually I fought back. He had me, would’ve probably killed me, but… Luke came down the stairs then, and shot him.”
Gemeni inhaled sharply.
Balto hung his head. “I’m sorry.”
A tear welled up in Gemeni’s eye and dripped down her face, falling to the hard wooden floor below. “It’s… It’s not your fault.” She responded. “Drake left hot headed… God, I should have stopped him.”
Balto sighed. “If it makes it any easier, it was very fast. He probably didn’t even feel it.”
Gemeni nodded.
“Are you alright?” Balto asked.
“I don’t think so.” Gemeni said. “…but I’d like to be alone right now… if you don’t mind Balto?”
Balto nodded and stepped back.
As he was leaving, Gemeni’s soft voice stopped him.
“Balto?”
“What is it Gemeni?” Balto asked.
Gemeni sighed. “Balto, lets keep the cause of his death a secret, let’s say he was killed while trying to track down that thief or something. Otherwise… otherwise Jason might go through his life feeling responsible for his father’s death, and I don’t want that.”
Balto nodded. “I can do that.”
“Thank you Balto.” Gemeni said.
“Is there anything I can do?” Balto asked.
Gemeni shook her head. “I’d rather just be alone right now Balto.”
Balto nodded and turned, walking out of the old shed. As he exited the shed he heard Gemeni start sobbing, finally losing control of the emotions she’d been letting pile up inside her during their conversation.
Balto sighed.
“Drake, what were you thinking?”
He shook his head and walked out of the Old Mill.

Gemeni was laying in the floor of the old mill, thinking of what Balto had told her. It was unreal, Drake… dead? It didn’t seem possible.
She’d spoken to her mate only hours before, and it seemed impossible to her that she would never speak to him again.
A stream of fresh tears coursed down her cheeks, joining many others in the fur of her face as she sighed and closed her eyes.
“Mom?” A voice said.
Gemeni opened her eyes and stared in shock at what she saw.
“Jason!” She said.
Jason had a worried look on his face and he stepped forward. “Mom, what’s wrong?”
Gemeni stood and walked slowly over to her son. “Where were you?” She asked.
Jason sighed. “I went to Ramsey’s, but on the way home I met this girl… I only meant to talk to her for a minute, but…”
He sighed.
“… I… I lost track of time… I’m sorry if I worried you.”
Gemeni would have been furious at her son had this been under normal circumstances… the circumstances, however, were anything but normal.
“Is that what you’re upset about?” Jason asked.
Gemeni shook her head. “Jason… come here son.”
The young husky walked over to his mother.
“Sit here beside me.” She said.
He did.
“How do I tell him this?” Gemeni thought to herself.
“You know your father went out to look for that thief at the butcher’s…”
Jason nodded, but remained silent.
Gemeni felt more tears come to her eyes, but resolved to hold them off until she was finished speaking.
“Your father found him, and tracked him to an old cabin at the edge of the town… Balto saw him… when your father tried to arrest the dog, he resisted and started a fight.
Your father was winning, but… but then the dog’s owner stepped out of the cabin, and he… he… he shot him.”
Jason’s mouth dropped open. “Well… is he alright?”
Gemeni shook her head slowly.
She couldn’t help it any longer, and her eyes began to fill with tears. Her next sentence was hardly necessary, for Jason already knew in his heart what had happened.
“Jason… he’s… he’s dead.”
Though he had known in his heart, actually hearing it was enough shock to Jason that he stood and backpedaled a few times.
“…dead?” he said.
He looked at the floor, tears coming to his own eyes now.
“Son… come… come here.” Gemeni said.
Jason walked slowly over to his mother and she laid her head on his shoulder.
At first, Jason had thought that she meant to comfort him, but as she sagged against him, Jason realized that it was she who was seeking support.
He’d always thought of his mother as a strong dog, both spiritually and physically, but now, she felt frail and vulnerable.
Jason laid his head on his mother’s shoulder.
“Something about this doesn’t sound right…” Jason thought. “…but… but why would mom lie to me?”










Chapter 5:

A small gray rabbit made its way through the forest.
The trees towered over the small rabbit.
He knew nothing of the world beyond the forest floor. He’d never seen a town, never even seen a human before.
The rabbit hopped up a small, snow-covered hill. As it reached the top, a large red wolf, of a type the dog had never seen before, leapt on top of him.
The wolf rolled over on top of the rabbit, and within seconds, had the much smaller creature’s throat in its jaws.
The rabbit’s heart was beating so fast that he was sure it would burst out of his chest.
The red wolf sighed and let go of the rabbit. “No!” a new voice said, as the rabbit quickly righted itself and started to spring away.
In less time than it took the rabbit to blink, the other wolf was on top of him. This one didn’t relent, and soon, Dolo stood, the now dead rabbit hanging from his jaws.
He walked over to the red wolf.
“Jenna, you’re getting good at tracking them, but we’ve got to get you past this inability to follow through and kill them. You don’t kill, you don’t eat, and if you don’t eat, you starve.
Jenna sighed. “I know; I’m sorry.”
Dolo smiled. “It’s alright. We’ve got three rabbits now, one more and we’ll have a descent dinner, you’ve still got one more chance today, and as many as it takes afterward.”
Jenna laid down next to the spruce tree she had been standing under.
She sighed.
“I don’t know Dolo, maybe I’m just not cut out for life out here in the wild. Maybe… maybe you should just leave me here. I’m being far too much trouble.”
Dolo walked over to her. “I’ll not let you give up on this. You can overcome, come on, we’ll do it together, I promise.”
Jenna nodded and stood up.
The two started walking down the hill.
“You remember where the cave is?” Dolo asked.
Jenna nodded.
“Show me.” Dolo said.
Jenna stopped, a confused look on her face.
Dolo turned and walked behind her.
“Go on, lead the way. I’ll follow you. Keep an eye out for the signs I told you about, we still need one more rabbit, else one of us will go to bed a little hungry tonight.”
Jenna sighed. Tracking the rabbit wouldn’t be too bad, after all, she’d found this one hadn’t she? The part that worried her was actually being able to find the cave.
“I hope I can remember where it is.” Jenna thought. “I’d hate to get us lost…”
Almost as if he had been reading her thoughts, Dolo smiled. “You know where it is, just follow your instincts. Even though you are a dog, you have them, the same as me, you’ve just learned to ignore them, embrace them. The wind and rocks will talk to you, they will lead the way, you have only to smell, to listen and follow their directions.”
Jenna nodded, turned and sighed. “Listen to my instincts.” She thought.
Jenna closed her eyes and sniffed the air.
To her great surprise, the smells that filled her sensory system yielded information like they never had before.
She naturally had a great sense of smell, all dogs do, but this was different, she could smell the miniscule hairs that they had dropped from their bodies hours before as they’d journeyed out here in the forest, among many other things that told her that the cave was to the west, how far she didn’t know, but at least she had a direction.
Jenna looked back at Dolo and smiled, then jerked her head over her shoulder.
She turned around, and headed off to the right, toward a small lake.
Dolo smiled and followed.

That same afternoon all the dogs were gathered in the old mill. Balto had called an impromptu town meeting.
All of the dogs were talking amongst themselves. The topic of conversation was what exactly the meeting was about.
Presently, Balto stood from his place at the front of the crowd and walked up in front of them.
“If I could have your attention please.” Balto said.
He waited a few moments for the talking to die down, and then continued. “I’m sure you’re all wondering what exactly you’re doing here today. I know this meeting was unplanned, and appreciate everyone’s attendance.”
He sighed. “The purpose of this meeting is two fold, first, to pass on some bad news that may not have circulated throughout the town yet.
Last night, Drake pursued a thief from the butcher’s to it’s home. There, I saw him, as he tried to apprehend the thief, and the dog resisted.
Moments after the fight began, the thief’s owner stepped outside, and seeing his dog in trouble, shot Drake once, killing him instantly.”
A sudden gasp ran throughout the room as the death of one of their closest friends hit home.
“I know that Drake and I weren’t exactly on good terms of late, but rest assured that I feel his loss the same as all of you… he was my friend.”
Balto paused. “ …of course…” He said, turning to Gemeni, who was seated in the front row. “…our thoughts and sympathies go out to Gemeni, and his children. Know that we do not take for granted his sacrifice. Drake died making sure we were all safe. It is because of his sacrifice, and other’s before him, that Nome has been a safe place to live, and to raise our families. You have our eternal thanks for his service to us as a community.”
Gemeni nodded. “Thank-you Balto.”
Balto nodded at her and turned. “This brings us to the second part of the reason for this meeting… with Drake gone, we need to select a new keeper of the law. This volunteer will journey to Applegate to meet and train with their keeper of the law, Shep. Once that is complete, they will come back here and assume their duties. Do I have any volunteers?”
No one stepped forward.
“Come on guys.” Balto said. “This is a rather important job in our community.”
Astarre stepped forward.
“I nominate Blaize.” She said, turning to him and smiling. “I think he would make a fine Keeper of the Law.”
Blaize looked shocked.
“Anyone else?” Balto said, looking around.
No one else spoke.
“Well then Blaize.” Balto said, turning. “Do you want to accept this nomination?”
Blaize looked at Astarre and smiled. “Yes I do.” He said.
“Very well.” Balto said. “Blaize, you will complete your training with Shep, and come back here to me. At that time you will accept and take over your duties as Keeper of the Law for Nome, Alaska.”
Blaize nodded.
Balto looked around. “Anything else we need to bring up while we’re all still out here?”
Not a word was said.
“Very well,” Balto said, “If there are no other issues, you are all dismissed. Take care returning to your homes.”
The dogs began to trickle out of the old mill, talking softly.
One dog remained in the old mill, watching as Balto walked down to his son and the two began talking.
Jason was friends with Balto’s son Blaize. The two had grown up playing together, and were one month shy of the same age.
This afternoon was the second time Jason had heard the story of his father’s death, and the more he thought about it, the less sense it made.
“…but why would anyone want to lie to me about the circumstances surrounding my own father’s death?” Jason thought. “…especially Balto, he’s like an uncle to me, and my own mother?”
That possibility made little sense to him as well, in fact, as of now, nothing made sense.
“…but I will get to the bottom of it.” Jason thought. “…and I think Balto knows more than he’s letting on. I’ll start with him… but how to go about it…”
Jason resolved to figure out the answers to his many questions tomorrow, for now, he was tired. He hadn’t gotten any sleep last night. He ‘d had the time, just not the ability.
Blaize and Balto began to walk out of the old mill together with an unfamiliar golden husky, a female.
Jason followed them with his eyes, his gaze especially focused on Balto.
“My father meant everything to me.” Jason thought. “I swear by the very blood that runs in my veins that I will get to the bottom of his death, and to whomever did it… may God have mercy on your soul, because I sure as hell won’t.”
Balto and his small band exited the old mill and Jason stepped toward the front of the room from his place in the back.
“I promise you dad,” he said aloud. “…whoever did this, they’ll pay, I’ll make sure of that!”

Balto and his son walked, together with Astarre, out of the old mill.
Balto turned to Blaize. “I need to speak to you son.”
Astarre seemed to sense that Balto wanted to speak to his son alone, and smiled.
“Hey Blaize, I’ll see you later, back at the shed, alright?”
Blaize nodded.
“She seems like a nice girl.” Balto said.
Blaize nodded. “She is.”
Balto smiled.
“So what is it you needed to talk to me about?” Blaize asked.
Balto sighed. “Son, when you go to Applegate, I want you to talk to Shep about your mother.”
Blaize nodded.
“Find out if there’s any way to reverse what Drake did, or some other way he could’ve done it, alright?”
Blaize nodded. “Sure thing dad.”
Balto smiled. “I think you’re going to turn out to be a great keeper of the law son. This is a very important position, treat it as such.”
Blaize noddded. “I will.”
“Good.” Balto said. “I think someone is waiting on you, so I guess I’ll let you go now.”
Blaize nodded and smiled. “Thanks dad.”
Then he turned and left.










Chapter 6:

Saidifar stepped into Saba’s chambers.
He’d been told by Everest, that the newly appointed Alpha wanted to speak to him, and he’d wanted to speak with her, so he’d come straight away.
Saba turned and smiled as he stepped into the chambers. “Hey Saidifar, how’re you?”
“Good.” Saidifar said, returning her smile. “…and you?”
“I’m alright.” Saba said. “Busy though.”
“I’ll bet.” Saidifar responded. “Being the new Alpha and all, I’ll bet you have a lot to do.”
Saba laughed softly. “You have no idea.”
“So, Everest said you wanted to speak with me?” Saidifar said.
Saba nodded. “I just wanted to thank you. It’s come to my attention that had you not been here, there probably wouldn’t be much of a clan left now for me to lead.”
Saidifar smiled. “I just did my job.”
“I’d like it very much if you’d stick around and lead the second unit.” Saba said. “…with Lightning’s death, the unit has no leader. From what I hear, you’re quite the fighter, and you’ve proven yourself to them. They’d listen.”
Saidifar smiled. “I’d love to do nothing else, unfortunatly, I have some business to take care of first.”
“Oh?” Saba said. “…and what’s that?”
Saidifar sighed. “My mate and daughter were captured from my home in Persia almost three months ago. I came here looking for them, hoping to find them. I must continue my search, though if and when I do locate them, I would like to come back. I’ve grown attached to quite a few of the wolves of this clan. You’re a good bunch.”
Saba smiled. “Thank you. We try to offer every wolf a home.”
“You sure did a good job with me.” Saidifar said.
“Well, do you have any idea where your family is?” Saba asked.
Saidifar sighed. “No. I don’t have any leads yet…”
“Well, you helped us, I’d be glad to help you.”
“That’s not necessary.” Saidifar said.
“Well, we’ve got to do something.” Saba said. “You came to our aid during one of the toughest times in our history, and helped us to survive. Consider this our repayment. I’ll send one or two of our wolves out to the north. We’re allies with the Mountain Clan up there. I’ll see if they’ve heard anything. What are their names and what do they look like?”
Saidifar smiled. “My mate’s name is Charniece and my daughter is Neriah. Charniece is a golden wolf, about half my size. She has the brightest green eyes I’ve ever seen. Neriah is only about eight months old, but looks like a miniature of her mother, only she inherited my blue eyes.”
Saba nodded. “…and you say they were taken by humans?”
Saidifar nodded. “Trappers… yeah.”
“Well, like I said, I’ll send a messenger to the Mountain Clan and relay this info, see if they know something.”
“I appreciate that.” Saidifar said. “I’ve never had anyone care for me before, it’s a good feeling.”
Saba smiled. “Well, until I get word back from the Mountain Clan, you’re going to have to stay close, in case they do know something… how about staying with us? We’d be glad to have you.”
Saidifar smiled. “I think that would be great.”
Saba nodded. “Okay, I’ll get that messenger out soon. For now, would you lead the second unit?”
Saidifar nodded. “I don’t know much about leading a fighting unit, but I’ll do my best.”
“You’ll do fine.” Saba said. “When we get some news about your family, we’ll send some wolves with you. You can’t expect to rescue them all alone.”
“I’d appreciate it.” Saidifar said.
He yawned.
“Tired?” Saba asked.
Saidifar nodded. “Everest caught me coming off of guard duty. I haven’t slept in almost twenty-four hours.”
Saba smiled. “Well, I’m sorry for keeping you. You go get some rest. We’ll talk more later, and make your appointment of leader of the second unit official with the rest of the clan.”
Saidifar nodded. “Alright. Have a good day Saba.”
“You too.” Saba replied.
Saidifar turned and walked from the room.

It was late at night and Balto was sleeping, was, because he’d just been awoken by a scratching at the kitchen window.
Balto yawned and walked into the kitchen. “I wonder who it could be at this time of night?” Balto thought.
He was quite surprised to see Astarre’s familiar face in the window.
He hopped up on a chair, and then to the table in front of the window. Balto pushed the widow open and Astarre stepped in on top of the table.
“Hello Astarre.” Balto said. “How are you doing.”
“Cold.” Astarre said. “It’s freezing tonight.”
“Yeah it is.” Balto said. “What brings you out here?”
Astarre sighed. “I just… I’m sorry for coming by so late, but I just needed to talk to you.”
“What about?” Balto said, sitting beside her.
“Well, about the other day… I didn’t react very well to you, and I didn’t want you to feel offended. I just wanted to explain myself.”
“That’s really not necessary.” Balto said. “I understand.”
“I don’t think you really do.” Astarre said. “My father was a wolf dog, and… and he abused me… quite often.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Balto said. He sighed. “Unfortunately wolf dogs seem to have a penchant for that sort of thing.”
Astarre nodded. “So you could imagine my feelings when I found out my childhood hero… my first crush, was a wolf dog.”
“What did you say?” Balto said.
“So you could imagine my…” Balto cut her off. “No, not that, after you said I was your childhood hero.”
“Oh, I… I said you were my first crush.”
“Really?” Balto said. “Why? You’d never even met me.”
Astarre smiled. “Everyone I knew wanted to be with you. You’re a hero, females tend to like that sort of thing, especially younger ones.”
“I never thought of that.” Balto said.
Nothing was said for a few moments.
“Anyway, I just wanted to appolagize.” Astarre said… and to talk to you about one other thing.”
“Well, I accept your appolgy.” Balto said. “What else?”
“I… uh… I really like Blaize.” Astarre said.
Balto smiled.
“…as in like, like?” Astarre continued.
“I think I know where this is going.” Balto said.
Astarre got a little embarrased. “Yeah… well, he uh… he saved my life. My… my father was going to kill me. Blaize saved my life and… well, he killed my father doing it.”
“Blaize did?” Balto asked.
Astarre nodded. “He didn’t tell you?”
Balto shook his head. “No, he never mentioned that.”
“Oh…” Astarre said.
Balto smiled. “So this is serious, huh?”
Astarre smiled and blushed slightly. “Well, neither of us have said so… but I really hope it is. I just wanted to let you know.”
Balto nodded. “I think you and Blaize will make a fine couple, I’ll support that decision.”
Astarre smiled. “I’m glad… I really hope Blaize feels the same way. That’s actually what I wanted to ask you about.”
“Oh I think he does.” Balto said.
“Really?” Astarre said. “I know we’re really good friends, but beyond that…”
“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.” Balto said.
“Good.” Astarre said.
She yawned.
“You tired?” Balto asked.
Astarre nodded.
“Got anywhere to sleep?” Balto asked.
Astarre shook her head. “Not with Blaize gone to Applegate.”
“Well, you can sleep here if you want.” Balto said. “I can on the rug by the fire, and you can have my bed.”
“No,” Astarre said, “I’d hate to impose, and to kick you out of your bed? No, I’ll be fine. I’ll find somewhere.”
“It’s fine.” Balto said. “I don’t mind.”
“Really?” Astarre asked.
“Really.” Balto said. “You’re the one that said you were cold, stay here. You’ll keep warm.”
Astarre smiled. “Thank you Balto.”
Balto smiled. “Anytime.”
The two walked into the living room.
True to his word, Balto slept on the rug by the fire, and Astarre laid in his bed, on the other side of the room. Soon, they were both asleep.















Chapter 7:

Blaize arrived in Applegate the next morning. He’d made good time, but the journey had made him very tired.
He had contemplated finding somewhere to catch some sleep, after all, Shep wasn’t expecting him until tomorrow, but, the sooner the sooner he learned what Shep had to teach him, the sooner he could return home.
He’d been having a thought here recently that scared him somewhat, but made him happy at the same time.
He really liked Astarre, and was pretty sure she liked him too. Since she had no home now, he thought that it was the prime time for him to ask her to come live with him.
He’d have to find somewhere else to live though, it just wouldn’t do for the two of them to live with his father.
Now, don’t take that wrong, Blaize loved his father very much, but… he was still his father. There came a time when a young dog had to split from his parents, to set out on his own life, and for Blaize, that time seemed to be now.
It was for this reason that Blaize had spent the last hour trying to track down the older police dog that was to train him, and that search had led him to the dog barn he now stood in front of.
Blaize walked into the barn and saw three dogs, one German Sheppard, and two huskies. They were talking to one another. Blaize heard the tail end of the conversation as he walked in.
“… and go to the doc, talk to Jason, see if any dogs have been through there recently. If there have, find out what they look like and where they live. I may want to talk to them later.”
One of the husky’s nodded and turned to the other. “Let’s go.” He said.
The other husky nodded as well, and the two dogs walked toward the entrance of the shed, eyeing Blaize suspiciously as they walked past him.
“Sir?” Blaize asked.
The German Sheppard sighed, but didn’t turn around. “Dotty, I thought I told you to leave. I don’t have any facts yet, and I’m not about to have you spreading your useless gossip all over town.”
“Sir?” Blaize repeated, stepping forward. “I don’t know who this Dotty is, but my name is Blaize, and I’m from Nome.”
The German Sheppard turned around. “Oh! I’m sorry.” He said, walking over to Blaize. “I thought you were our resident gossip, Dotty. I spoke to her earlier. No, you’re the dog from Nome, the one that’s replacing Drake?”
Blaize nodded.
“My name is Shep. Nice to meet you.” The German Sheppard said.
“Likewise.” Blaize answered. “Look, did I catch you at a bad time, I can come back…”
The German Sheppard cut him off. “No, actually, the timing is pretty good, follow me kid.”
Shep walked toward a door at the back of the shed. Blaize followed.
When he stepped into the door he gasped.
“Never seen a dead one before, eh?” Shep said.
Blaize shook his head. “No, I have, just not…”
“I know kid.” Shep said. “This was a bad one.”
Three husky’s laid on the straw that covered the floor of the shed. A black male, a white female, and a gray pup.
The male’s throat had been torn out, and the female had been gutted. Their crimson blood soaked the yellowish straw and stained the floor beneath. The young pup’s head had been crushed.
“What happened?” Blaize asked, swallowing the bile that had risen in his throat at the sight.
Shep sighed. “Don’t know yet kid. One thing’s for sure though, whoever killed them was seriously pissed at the male. I think the female and child were killed first, probably as he watched.”
“How awful.” Blaize said. “How could anyone kill a child like that?”
“It happens.” Shep said.
He sighed. “A lot of the things you’ll see in this job will surprise you, well, at first anyway. I’ve been doing it for so long I don’t think anything really shocks me anymore.”
Nothing was said for a long while, and Blaize just stood there, staring at the slaughtered family.
“Anyway, I’m done here.” Shep said. Let’s get out of here kid.”
Blaize nodded and followed the German Shepard out of the room.

As they walked out of the shed, Shep started asking Blaize a few questions.
“So, how old are you kid?”
“I’m almost two.” Blaize answered.
Shep laughed.
“What’s funny?” Blaize asked. “I can hold my own.”
“I’m sure you can kid.” Shep said. “It’s just that… almost two years old, that’s real young to take on a responsibility like this.”
“Like I said, I can take care of myself.”
“Got a family yet kid?” Shep asked.
“No…” Blaize said. “…least, not yet.”
“Sounds like there’s a prospect.” Shep said.
“Somewhat…” Blaize answered.
“Well, take it from me kid, I know this from experience, don’t let her get involved with your job, in fact, keep her in the dark about it as much as possible.”
“Why?” Blaize asked. “I wouldn’t want to lie to her.”
“For her safety.” Shep said.
”There are dogs out there that will take advatage of your feelings for her, use it as leverage against you. Just take your feelings for her and hide them, deep inside. You can’t let the bad guys know about how much you care about her. I mean, there’re mates, and then there’s the one, you know what I mean kid?”
Blaize nodded.
It was quiet for a while, as the two walked.
After a few minutes had passed, Shep finally broke the silence.
“So, I guess I should tell you a bit about the job you’ve undertaken, huh?”
Blaize remained silent.
“Okay, how do I put this…” Shep said. “Kid, you’ve taken on the most important job you could possibly take on as a dog. You’ve chosen to protect your family, and the other families of the town from the ones that would harm them. That is our ultimate purpose as keepers of the law. To safe guard the public. Now, I’m going to start with the basics. What do you think about freedom kid?”
Blaize hesitated before answering, trying to gauge the correct response to the older dog’s question.
“Um… it’s a good thing.” Blaize said.
“Right.” Shep said. “Freedom is a good thing, however, complete and total freedom is complete and total chaos. A state of society called Anarchy. Basically in an Anarchist State, you are free to do whatever you want to do. There is no right, there is no wrong. Can you see how that would cause problems kid?”
Blaize nodded. “Of course, anyone can.”
“Right.” Shep said. “We as dogs existed as an Anarchist State for quite some time, every dog did as he felt was right to him, and there was no one that dog had to answer to but himself. Eventually we realized, as did the humans, that this was not a good way to live, and since they caught on sooner than we did, we mimicked them. We created laws. Rules that the dogs that had decided to live in a given area had to follow, or else there would be consequences. At first, even this was flawed. Every dog could enforce the law, which seemed like a good idea, until the dogs started interpreting the laws for themselves. That caused problems. That, and the dogs tended to bend the law in their own favor, and that of their friends’. This negated the result of having laws In the first place. Eventually, we decided to choose one dog to interpret the laws for them. With this act, the office of Keeper of the Law was created. At first, we only interpreted the law for others, who then carried out our recommendations, but even this caused problems, so, over time, we became not only the interpreter’s of the law, but the enforcers of it as well. There are many laws, and many punishments for their breaking, that you will have to learn, and you must learn fast. Think you’re up to it kid?”
Blaize nodded. “I’m ready sir.”
The German Sheppard laughed. “It’s Shep kid, just Shep. Been a long time since anyone called me sir.”
“Oh.” Blaize said. “Well, okay, I’m ready Shep. Teach me everything you know.”
Shep laughed again. “Kid you have no idea what you just asked for.”
He paused.
“You hungry kid?”
“Yeah,” Blaize said. “Actually I am.”
“Let’s swing by the butcher’s then, he usually gives me his scraps. I’ll share them with you so you can get something to eat.”
“I’d appreciate that Shep.” Blaize said.
The two of them crossed the street and headed toward a big white building in the distance.

Saba was walking to her chambers.
It had taken some time, but she’d managed to find time in her busy schedule to talk to Everest.
She had something fairly important to ask him about.
She stepped into their chambers and smiled as she saw Everest sitting in the center.
“Hey.” She said.
“So,” Everest said, walking over to her. “The great Alpha of the Talbourne managed to find the time to speak to lowly ole me?”
Saba smiled again and nuzzled him.
“So what’s the occasion?” Everest asked.
Saba hesitated before replying.
“Well, I’m kind of thinking about doing something, but I know you’re not going to like it.”
“What is that?” Everest asked.
“Well…” Saba began. “I’m kind of thinking of going back to Nome for a few days.”
Everest frowned. “You’re right, I don’t like it. What are you thinking…” Saba sighed. “…you know what almost happened to us last time we went back.” Everest finished.
“Yeah I do. That’s why I have to go alone.” Saba said. “I don’t look the same as I did then. Drake won’t recognize me.”
“Neither will anyone else.” Everest said.
Saba sighed. “I know, I just… I just want to talk to mom, I want to let her know that I’m okay. Word of my “death” must have reached her by now… I just want her to know that I’m alright.”
The look of disapproval didn’t waiver from Everest’s features, but he remained silent.
Saba sighed and hung her head.
“Look…” She said. “…I won’t go if you don’t want me to.”
An uneasy silence passed between the two.
“You’re going to have to be very careful.” Everest said finally.
A smile crossed Saba’s face,
“I mean it Saba.” Everest continued. “You don’t look like a husky anymore, you look like a wolf. You know what people think of wolves… what they do to them?”
Saba nodded.
“The only ones that will know you’re even around are mom and dad.”
Saba nodded again. “…of course.”
Everest stepped up next to her.
“I mean it Saba. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
He nuzzled her.
“I’ve got to go find Aleu.” Saba said, as they parted.
“Why?” Everest asked.
Saba smiled.
“She said she’d watch over the clan for me while I’m gone.”
Saba couldn’t help but notice the questioning look in her mate’s eye.
“I knew you’d let me go.” Saba said.
Everest smiled. “Just be careful.
Saba nodded. “I will.”
She turned and ran down the corridor and into the main chamber, then down toward Aleu’s chambers.

Balto was still sleeping by the fire early the next morning, until he was awoken by a scratching at the door.
He got up and walked over to the door, pushing his head out the doggy entrance.
Jason stood on the porch.
“Hello Jason.” Balto said.
“Hey Balto.” Jason said.
Balto stepped out onto the porch.
“So… how’re you doing?” He asked.
Jason sighed. “Alright I guess… considering.”
Balto nodded. “Listen… Jason…. I know that your father and I hadn’t been on very good terms of late, but… but he was still my friend.”
Jason nodded. “I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
Balto nodded back at him and sighed. “Yeah…”
“I know that you were the last one to see him…” Jason said, his voice cracking a bit at the end.
“Dammit!” He thought. “I told myself I wouldn’t do this…”
Jason took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “Can… can you tell me what happened?”
Balto sighed. “Well Jason… I was actually on my way to talk to him about Jenna’s situation… anyway, I saw him headed out of town, and he didn’t look normal. It was then that I spotted a grayish looking dog about one hundred yards in front of him. Drake followed the dog all the way to the outskirts, where the dog stopped and challenged him as to why he was being followed. Drake then told the dog that he was suspected of committing larceny at the butcher’s and that the gray dog had to come with him so he could ask the dog some questions. The dog said nothing, just attacked… all of a sudden. After the fight went on for a while, it was clear that Drake was going to win it, then… then the door to one of the cabins out there opened up, and a man stepped out with a rifle… he shot your father.
The gray dog ran inside the cabin and the man shut the door. I ran over to Drake’s side, but it was too late, he was probably dead before he even hit the ground.”
Jason nodded and sighed. “Thank you Balto.”
Balto nodded and sighed as well. “Like I said… I’m really sorry kid.”
Jason nodded again. “Well, I should be getting back to my home. Mom’s going to be looking for me before too long. She’s… She’s taken dad’s death really hard, harder than the rest of us anyway.”

“You know of course that if you need anything, anything at all, all you have to do is let me know. I’ll see what I can do.” Balto said.
Jason grinned. “Thanks.”
“That goes for the rest of your family as well.” Balto said. “It’s… it’s the least I can do.”
Jason nodded. “Alright, I’ll pass on the message. See ya Balto.”
“Have a good day kid.” Balto replied.
Jason turned and walked away.
“Something isn’t right, and now I’m sure it involves Balto somehow.” He thought. “Now to talk to mom…”


Chapter 8:

Blaize had learned alot in the first day he’d spent in Applegate. Shep was a good teacher, and Blaize was being a good student. They were going through the information at a pretty good pace, though a few times Blaize’d had to stop Shep and have the old dog reiterate what he’d just said, that was expected though. They were now sitting outside the dog barn, watching the sun set.
“Shep?” Blaize asked, breaking the silence that had enveloped the two for almost fifteen minutes.
“What is it kid?” Shep asked.
“Is there a way to… I don’t really know how to put this, but to give someone who did something wrong a second chance, without following through with the accepted punishment?
Shep sighed. “Kid, there’s a way to do just about everything in this job, but that doesn’t mean you should… why do you ask?”
Blaize sighed. “About a month ago my mother was banished.”
“Banished?” Shep asked. “Must’ve been something fairly serious.”
Blaize nodded.
“What were her charges?” Shep asked.
Blaize sighed again. “Attempted Murder, Kidnapping and Assault.”
Shep whistled. “Those are serious indeed.”
Blaize nodded. “So is there a way that I can use my new position to bring her back to Nome?”
Shep sighed. “Kid, I know she’s your mother, and that you want her back, but now, with the position you hold, you have to put those feelings behind you, you have to put the law first. Did she violate the law? Was there significant evidence?”
Blaize sighed. “Somewhat… okay, yes, there was evidence, eyewitnesses to parts of it even, but… but no one was hurt, not seriously anyway. I mean, after learning the different laws and their punishments, I think she was guilty of the assault, but the others? That’s a stretch.”
Shep nodded. “Hmm so, this is what you’re saying. You think she was guilty of the assault, but not the kidnapping or attempted murder?”
Blaize nodded.
“Who was the victim?” Shep asked.
“Drake’s son, Jason.” Blaize answered.
“Drake’s son?” Shep asked. “Really. Well, I’d bring up the case that Drake was being biased against her because of his own son’s involvement in the case, but still…”
Shep sighed. “Kid, what you’re talking about is called a pardon, and yes, you, as keeper of the law, can issue a pardon, however, it’s hardly ever in the best interests of the town to do so, especially in your case.”
“Why is that?” Blaize asked.
Shep sighed again. “Look kid, this is what you’ve got to understand, the law functions not because everyone thinks it’s right, or even agrees with it. The law functions because everyone is afraid of the consequence of not following it. So if you pardon people, they’re basically getting away with it. Now, you can put them on probation, or a suspended sentence, both of which we’ve talked about, but even that may seem light in the town’s eyes. What makes your case especially tricky is the fact that the one you want to pardon is your mother. As I said before, you can’t play favorites with the law. The law is indiscriminate, it is an absolute, and it will be followed. If not there are consequences. Some dogs may think you are using your position to let your mother off the hook. They’ll lose respect for you, and when that happens they lose respect for the law as well.”
Blaize nodded. “I see your point…” He paused. “What if… What if I could get the approval of Drake’s mate, Gemeni? She and my mother were really good friends at one time.”
“If you could do that, then I’d say it’d be alright, though you’d still have to do something to let the others know that she didn’t get off scott-free.”
“You mean like probation or something?” Blaize asked.
Shep nodded.
Blaize nodded back at him and remained silent.
The sun had dipped below the horizon as the two dogs had been talking, and now the moon was up, a blazing white orb in the sky.
Shep yawned. “Well kid, it’s about time to hit the sack, don’t you think?”
Blaize nodded. “For some reason I’m really tired right now.”
“Let’s go inside the barn here. We’ve got a lot of work still yet.”
Blaize nodded and followed Shep, as the old dog stood and walked toward the door of the dog shed.


Chapter 9:

It was dark by the time that Jenna finally made it back to the cave where Dolo had temporarily made their home.
They had eaten the rabbits they’d caught for a decent dinner, and were now sitting outside the cave.
It had been silent for some time before Jenna spoke.
“The night sky sure is beautiful tonight, isn’t it?”
Dolo nodded.
Jenna sighed. “You know, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen the sky like this. The lights from the city block out most of the starlight these days.”
Dolo nodded again. “Jenna, I… I need to tell you something.”
“What’s that?” Jenna asked.
“Jenna, I feel… strange, I’ve never felt like this before… I’ve never been attracted to someone this way before.”
Jenna sighed.
“Jenna…” Dolo paused a moment. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
He smiled at her, and then noticed the look on her face. “What’s wrong?”
“I…” Jenna sighed. “Dolo, back in Nome, I… I have a mate.”
“… but you can’t go back to Nome.” Dolo said.
“I told him I would.” Jenna responded.
“… but you’ll be killed.” Dolo said. “Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
Jenna shook her head. “Dolo, Balto and I… we’re inseperable. Drake can’t keep us apart. I’m only stalling, trying to think of a way to see him that won’t get us both killed.”
“Oh…” Dolo said, hanging his head. “I see…”
“I’m sorry Dolo.” Jenna responded, stepping next to him and putting her paw on his shoulder. “You’re a really nice wolf, and you’ve taken really good care of me. I appreciate it very much.”
Dolo nodded and sighed. “Well, I’m kind of tired. I’ll meet you inside when you’re done out here.”
Jenna nodded and Dolo walked inside the cave.
Jenna turned to face south, the direction she thought Nome was in.
“Balto.” She said softly.
The wind picked up slightly and blew thin curls of snow through the air, swirling around Jenna’s still form, wrapping her in its cold embrace.
“I wonder if you’ve given up on me yet.” Jenna continued. “I hope not my love, for I have not forgotten you.”
Jenna turned and walked into the cave.
It was late and she had to be up early in the morning.

Jason walked into the old mill, the place he’d called home for so long.
His mind was clouded now. He didn’t know what to think, what to believe…
He was beginning to think that his father hadd been murdered, but not as everyone seemed to believe.
It seemed impossible, but the evidence was piling up on Balto being the culprit.
Jason saw his mother asleep next to the wall, the familiar form of his father absent from her side.
Jason walked over and was about to nudge his mother awake, but stopped.
“You need your rest.” Jason thought. “I’ll ask you in the morning.”
He yawned.
“…guess I could use some sleep too.”
Jason stretched and started to walk to the familiar door that led to the room where his siblings were most likely already sound asleep.
Then he stopped.
He heard voices, and the crunch of snow that signaled footsteps.
“Odd.” James thought. “Hardly anyone comes around here anymore, especially at this time of night…”
His curiosity overrid his need to sleep, and Jason walked as quietly as possible to an old grate in the corner near the floor.
He pushed it in, and the grate snapped inward, giving Jason access to the tunnels below.
Once cooling vents for the massive machinery above, the narrow tunnels were now Jason’s private passageways. His sisters were too scared to go down into the dark recesses of their home, and his brothers didn’t know about them.
He walked down into the tunnels, and soon was in the midst of pitch blackness.
Jason had grown up navigating these tunnels however, and he could have gotten to his intended destination blindfolded, which in effect, he was.
Jason instinctively took a left and walked forward another hundred yards. The tunnel started to slope upward, and Jason could see glowing starlight at the end of it.
As Jason grew closer to the grate, he could see two men walking into the shelter of the shed that adjoined the left side of the old mill.
One of the men Jason recognized as Luke, the other, Jason didn’t know.
Luke laughed and said something which Jason couldn’t really make out.
The other man smiled. “Yeah, it sure is. Haven’t seen it this cold in almost two years.”
Luke nodded and rubbed his gloved hands together.
Luke’s hands went into the pockets of his jacket, and came out with a slim metal case and a book of matches.
Luke opened the case, withdrew a small cigarette, and struck one of the matches.
He pulled in a small amount of the smoke, and exhaled it into the cool night air.
“You got dogs, right Charles?”
The man nodded. “Yeah, why?”
Jason gently pushed the grate open and stuck his head through the opening in the wall, as the two men sat down on the bench above him.
Luke exhaled some more smoke and took the cigarette from his lips.
“The strangest thing happened the other night, never seen anything like it.”
Luke replaced his cigarette. “I was sleeping, it was real late, and I heard something crash in the kitchen. I was getting up, when I heard all this growling and barking, and then more crashes, sounded like the ***** walls was getting tore down.”
“My goodness.” Charles said. “What the devil was it?”
“It was a dog.” Luke said, exhaling some more of the smoke. “A dog had broken through my kitchen window and attacked Balto.”
“Good heavens.” Charles said. “Well, what did you do?”
“I shot the ***** thing.” Luke said. “Hit it pretty decent, though with a forty-five, just about any hit on a dog is a kill.”
Luke exhaled some more of the smoke. “He was dead before he hit the floor anyway.”
‘Balto alright?” Charles asked.
Luke nodded. “He was a little bummed up, but he’ll be alright.”
Luke exhaled more of the smoke and noticed that the bright orange end of the cigarette was dangerously close to burning his gloved finger.
He flicked the cigarette away and it hissed as the snow extinguished the flame.
“Strange thing is I could’ve sworn I’d seen that dog somewhere before.” Luke said.
“What did he look like?” Charles asked.
“He was brown and… and kind of looked like Balto, but he didn’t have the rough wolf look about ‘im.”
“Sounds like the dog that used to hang around here.” Charles said. “Used to see him come and go with this golden dog and some pups. Haven’t seen ‘im the past few days, but… but I don’t think that was him, my kids have played with him before, he never seemed violent.”
Jason gasped and pulled his head quickly inside.
He didn’t stay to hear the rest of the two men’s conversation.
Jason walked quickly back through the tunnels, and emerged back into the room in which his mother still slept soundly.
As he looked at her, Jason became increasingly more and more angry.
“Why did you lie to me?” Jason thought.
Jason turned and ran from the room, toward the forest.
He didn’t think, didn’t stop, didn’t even slow up, just ran. He ran harder than he had even run before, trying desperately to outrun the possibilities that were racing through his mind.




Chapter 10:

As Saba walked into Nome, she saw a brown dog hightailing it out of town.
“Wonder what’s wrong with him.” Saba thought.
She continued walking until she had entered the outskirts.
She used to feel scared when she even came close to these abandoned buildings, but now she carried herself with the confidence that she could take care of herself if trouble reared it’s ugly head.
“Hey there.”
The voice stopped Saba cold.
She turned and saw a gray dog standing in the middle of the street.
Saba shook her head and laughed.
“Believe me, you don’t want to even try.”
The dog smiled and started toward her.
Something about the confidence he had, even though he was alone, made Saba uneasy.
“What’s your name.” he said.
“None of your business.” Saba said.
The dog grinned. “Oh I’m making you my business.”
Saba fought down the urge to tear out the dog’s throat and gritted her teeth.
“Just try it buddy.” She said. “I can take you.
“Oh yeah?” The dog said.
Saba stared straight into the dog’s gray eyes. “Yeah.”
The dog smiled.
Saba heard growling behind her and turned.
“Stupid me.” She thought. “I focused too much on the central threat. I let him get behind me. That’s basic hunting strategy.”
There was a black dog pacing the street behind her, growling loudly.
“How about us?” The gray dog said.
Saba narrowed her eyes, but remained confident in her ability to defend herself.
“Why don’t you come play with us?” The gray dog said. “I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”
Two more dogs, a brown one on her left and a golden one on her right, came out from under the run down buildings to either side of Saba.
Saba counted her aggressors mentally.
“…four.” She thought. “Can I take four?”
The dogs started to circle her, and the gray dog got nearer to her with each step until he was almost touching her.
“What do you say?” He asked putting his paw on Saba’s face.
Saba knew that this was the best time to act, that there wouldn’t be any other time.
She hit the gray dog in the side of the head and sent him sprawling.
She heard a bark from behind her and spun around just as the black dog collided with her.
The two rolled around on the ground and Saba managed to come up on top.
She hit the dog in the face, but he snapped out and closed his jaws over her left foreleg, pulling it out from under her.
Saba fell on top of him, and he tried to bite her neck, but Saba reared up and his teeth snapped shut inches from her white fur.
The gray dog had recovered by this time and walked up behind her.
Saba had a pretty good idea of what his intentions were.
“Oh hell no…” Saba thought.
She hit the black dog in the face and spun around, snapping at the blur that was the gray dog.
She heard a yelp and tasted a salty liquid in her mouth. “YES!” She thought.
Then her spin brought her nose to nose with the black dog, who hit her in the face.
Saba fell backwards and just lay there.
The black dog had hit her hard, and her vision was spinning.
The black dog walked slowly over to her.
“I’ve got to get up.” Saba thought. “GET UP!”
She spun around and came up on her paws, surprising the black dog, who caught a paw to the face, then another, and another.
Saba walked him across the street and finally her last hit through him threw the basement window of one of the houses.
From the crashes that resonated out of the broken window, the black dog wouldn’t be hurting her anytime soon.
The brown dog ran at her and jumped on her back.
Saba kicked him off and reared up on her back legs, dropping her paw, with all her weight, on the dog’s exposed throat.
Saba heard a dull snap and the dog tried to yelp, but it came out as more of a gurgle.
Knowing he was finished, Saba turned to see the golden dog running away.
“That’s right.” She thought jubilantly. “The new Saba’s in town!”
She heard a whimpering behind her and turned to see the gray dog rubbing his face in the snow.
Anger consumed Saba and she walked over to him.
“Hey buddy.” Saba said.
The gray dog looked up and Saba hit him. She hit him, and hit him, and hit him.
Finally the gray dog raised his paw and blocked Saba’s strike.
He looked into Saba’s eyes.
“Please…” He said.
Saba’s anger slowly evaporated and she dropped her paw.
The gray dog stood with some effort. His face was a mess, and he had a fairly bad limp on his right foreleg.
Saba stepped in front of him, and he cowered. “Don’t ever harm another female again, or so help me…” She paused. “What’s your name?”
“Dilan.” The dog replied.
“…or so help me Dilan I will break every bone in your freakin’ body. Understand?”
Dilan nodded and, as quickly as he could, made his way away from Saba.
Saba felt a stinging in her foreleg and looked down at it.
There was a pretty good amount of blood on her leg, coming from five small punctures about mid-way down it.
She could feel a trickle of blood running down her face and could taste it in her mouth.
“What a way to be welcomed back.” Saba thought.
She walked carefully out of the outskirts and headed for Kelly’s house.

It didn’t take long for Saba to reach the small wooded area behind Kelly’s house.
The route was still familiar to her, even after all this time. It was where she’d grown up.
Saba could’ve found her way to the familiar red bricked house in the dark if she’d had to.
Saba made her way carefully through the bushes and trees, headed for the safety of the darkened alleyways in front of her old home.
Saba was careful to conceal her presence as much as possible; being very careful about her white fur which shone like a lantern beam in the darkness of the artic night.
Saba felt a tear come to her eyes as she gazed at her old home… her old life.
She missed Kelly.
The girl meant far more to Saba than she probably knew. Saba and Kelly had grown up together. Kelly was only three when Saba had been adopted by her parents. As Kelly grew, so did Saba. Now, at three years old, Saba had looked on the six year old girl as her best friend, someone who would stand by her no matter what.
Saba sighed and turned to walk away. She knew that it was dangerous to even be near here.
A sound stopped her.
It was sobbing.
It was someone sobbing coming from across the white fence, in the tree line beyond.
Saba walked through the dense trees ducking below the low hanging branches and following the sound.
She emerged into a clearing and saw a familiar young girl sitting against a tree near the edge of it, she had drawn her knees up to her chest and was crying.
Saba strained her ears, trying to hear what the young girl was saying. When she finally made it out it was faint, almost indistinguishable.
“Where… where are you Saba?”
Saba crept forward.
“I’m right here.” She thought.
Saba barked and Kelly jerked her head up.
Saba ran at her.
Kelly screamed.
Saba followed behind her as Kelly ran out of the clearing.
“Help!” The girl screamed. “Daddy, daddy, HELP!”
Saba skidded to a stop in the wet snow as Kelly’s father stepped out on the porch, shepparding his daughter inside.
“***** wolf…” he muttered as he raised his gun and put the stock of the shotgun in his arm.


Saba saw what was in his hands and ice ran through her veins.
BooM…

Jenna and Dolo were walking through the forest. It was early morning, and the two were again on the move, hoping to get lucky and catch some breakfast.
Suddenly Dolo stopped.
“What is it Dolo?” Jenna asked.
“Shh.” Dolo said.
He looked around, and saw a shadow flit between the trees to the front; a large shadow.
“Jenna, stay here.” Dolo said.
“What is it?” Jenna asked, a slight fear entering her voice. “Is there something out there?”
“I don’t know.” Dolo said, walking forward. “Just stay there.”
Jenna stayed put as Dolo continued to walk forward.
About twenty yards from the spot where Jenna stood, Dolo stopped.
He couldn’t see anything, maybe he’d imagined it.
Suddenly, the snow came to life in front of him, as a huge white bear rose from the ground.
Dolo’s eyes widened. “Holy…”
He never finished the thought.
The bear hit him, and Dolo flew into a rock bluff almost ten feet away.
“Dolo!” Jenna yelled.
Dolo slid to the ground.
The bear roared and charged at Jenna. She was frozen in fear. Jenna knew she should move, but she was unable to get her legs to work.
Dolo picked his head up and saw the bear charging at Jenna.
He scrambled to his feet and ran at Jenna as the bear leapt in the air, intending to shatter Jenna’s body with it’s own.
Dolo hit the bear in mid jump, knocking him to the side.
Jenna watched, still unable to move, as the bear’s massive paw flew by her head, missing her by less than a half inch.
Dolo and the bear rolled.
The bear came up on top.
The bear slammed it’s paw down and hit Dolo in the ribs.
He could feel something crack in his chest, and an intese burning spread across his body.
The bear stood him up, and hit him again.
This time Dolo flew in the other direction, crashed into the snow, rolled, hit a rock, and flew over the side of the hill to the left.
“Dolo!” Jenna yelled again.
There was no answer.
Jenna turned back to the bear, an intense fire in her eyes.
She ran at he bear and jumped, clamping her jaws on it’s left foreleg.
The bear roared and stood on it’s hind legs, then it knocked jenna off it’s arm with it’s other paw.
Jenna crashed to the snow, scrambled to her paws and ran back at the bear, this time landing on its back.
She punctured the skin at the back of the bear’s massive neck with her needle sharp teeth.
The bear roared and threw her to the ground beneath him.
The impact effectively knocked the wind out of Jenna, and she found it hard to breathe.
She shook her head, and rolled to the side, just as the bear’s massive paw slammed down, attempting to crush her.
The bear roared and Jenna rolled, again dodging the paw, as it slammed downward, impacting the snow where she’d just laid.
Jenna realized that she was going to die if she didn’t get out from under the bear soon, so she flipped over, and leapt onto its back again.
The bear howled in pain as Jenna tore into its shoulder blade.
The bear reached behind him, wrapping its paws around her.
“Uh oh…” Jenna thought.
Then the bear threw her.
Jenna was upside down, flying through the air, then she felt an intense burst of pain as hr back slammed into a small tree, breaking though it, and impacting the massive pine behind it.
This one didn’t give.
Jenna found herself on the snow, a red stain spreading around her.
The bear growled and lumbered toward her.
Jenna looked behind her and found salvation.
She struggled to her paws and limped over to a small out cropping of rocks, which she crawled under.
Jenna pressed herself against the back of the rocks and hoped to Aniu that the bear couldn’t reach her.
It growled and slammed it’s head into the hole, it’s gleaming jaws snapping shut just inches from Jenna, who tried to push further into the outcropping.
The bear’s head withdrew, and Jenna relaxed somewhat, waiting to see if it would re-appear.
She jumped and hit her head on the rock ceiling of the outcropping, as the bear slammed into the opening again, dislodging a few of the rocks, and pressing deeper into it.
The bear snapped its jaws shut, and Jenna could feel the gleaming jaws slide through the fur of her neck, missing her by mere centimeters.
The bear withdrew again, and Jenna heard the thud of its footsteps, then, silence.
“Is it gone?” Jenna thought.
She tentatively walked to the opening and stuck her head out, looking around.
“He’s gone.” Jenna thought.
She walked slowly out of the outcropping.
“Dolo?” She called, limping over to the hill which the wolf had rolled over.
She gasped.
On the other side of the hill was a shear drop of over three hundred feet. A small ledge stuck out of it about six feet down…
…but there was no Dolo.
Tears came to Jenna’s eyes.
“He was right.” She thought. “I can’t go back to Nome, not and put Balto and I in danger, to truly love him is to let him live, to not put him in danger.”
She sighed.
“Now I’m truly alone.”
“Jenna?”
The voice had come from behind her, and she turned.
“You alright?” He asked.
More tears filled Jenna’s eyes and a disbelieving look came over Jenna’s face.
“How…”
Dolo smiled and limped over to her.
“I landed on that ledge. While he was busy trying to get at you under those rocks, I was able to get back up here.”
Jenna smiled. “I’m glad you’re alright.”
“So am I.” Dolo said, returning her smile. “Look… Dolo…” Jenna said. “I’m… I’m not sure quite how to put this, but… well, I was thinking about what you were talking about last night, and you’re… you’re right… I can’t go back. If I brought harm to Balto… I’d never forgive myself, and… well, if I can’t be with him… I’d like to be with you.”
Dolo smiled.
Jenna stepped forward.
“I mean, you’ve taken care of me, from day one, at the river. You’ve taught me how to survive out here, how to be a wolf, and… and I think I love you too.”
She nuzzled him.
Dolo smiled again and kissed her on the side of the head.
Then he fell to the snow.
Jenna opened her eyes. “You’re hurt!”
Dolo smiled. “No worse than you are. I just bummed up my leg a bit.”
Jenna looked worried.
“Come on, let’s go back to the cave, I need to take a look at that.”
“I’ll be fine.” Dolo said. “We need food.’
“I’ll take care of that later.” Jenna said. “Right now you are priority, now move.”
Dolo smiled. “Yes ma’am.”
The two began to limp out of the clearing, headed back to the cave.



Chapter 11:

Jason was still running.
He bounded up another hill, feeling an intense burning in his legs.
A snow storm had kicked up not long ago, making his journey much more difficult.
It had been many hours since Luke had indirectly revealed to Jason the true account of his father’s murder, and his worst fears had been proven true.
Balto was responsible for his father’s death, and most likely his mother knew this.
The blowing snow stung Jason’s face, and as he reached the top of the hill, he fell on his face, unable to run any further.
He closed his eyes.
“I’m going to freeze to death out here.” Jason thought.
He covered his face with his paws, shielding himself from the blowing snow.
A tear came to his eye.
“Mom… why didn’t you tell me?” He said to himself.
“Are you lost kid?”
Jason’s head snapped up and he turned.
A black and gray wolf stood behind him.
Jason nodded. “Somewhat.”
“Where are you from?” The wolf asked.
“Nome.” Jason said.
“Nome?” The wolf responded. “That’s quite a ways away, isn’t it?”
Jason sighed and nodded.
“What brings you all the way out here?” The wolf asked.
Jason hung his head and sighed. “My… my father was murdered.”
“Oh, I’m sorry kid.” The wolf said.
Jason nodded. “…and I think one of my friends is responsible.”
“Who is that?” The wolf asked.
“You probably wouldn’t know him.” Jason said.
A strange look came over the wolf’s face. “Try me.”
“His name is Balto.” Jason said.
“Balto huh?” The wolf said. “So what do you plan to do?”
“I don’t know.” Jason said.
The wolf stepped closer to Jason. “Well kid, I’ll tell you what I’d do.”
“What is that?” Jason asked.
The dark wolf fixed him with a steady stare. “I’d avenge my father.”
“You mean kill Balto?” Jason asked.
The wolf nodded. “Precisely.”
“I don’t know if I could do that.” Jason said. “Balto’s like family to me.”
“Was your father family to you?” the wolf asked.
Jason hesitated. “Yeah, but…”
“…but what?” The wolf asked. “Balto killed your father didn’t he?”
“Well…” Jason said. “He was responsible, I don’t think he actually killed him.”
The wolf held his gaze and Jason looked away. “Before you said that Balto killed your father, now you’re not sure. Which is it kid?”
“I… I don’t know.” Jason said. “I don’t know.”
The wolf stepped next to him. “I don’t know how things work in the dog world, but as a wolf, we avenge one another, blood for blood. You kill mine, I kill yours.”
“…but that’s murder.” Jason said.
“That’s justice.” The wolf replied.
“How is killing Balto justice?” Jason asked.
“Look kid, sometimes the law doesn’t have the answers, sometimes you have to be an adult and take things into your own paws. Killing Balto would be justice because he killed your father; blood for blood, remember? Will the law do that for you?”
Jason sighed and hung his head.
“I think not.” The wolf scoffed. “Your precious law will let him off scott-free.”
Jason remained silent for a moment.
“Okay, even if I wanted to kill Balto, which I’m not sure I do, how do you suppose that I should do it. He’s a much better fighter than I am.”
“I am quite a fighter myself.” The wolf said. “I can help you get good enough to defeat Balto and avenge your father.”
He paused.
“So, how about it?”
Jason sighed. “What choice do I have? You’re offering me a home, which I don’t feel like I have anymore, and a chance to avenge my father, though it’s hard to imagine hurting Balto.”
The wolf smiled. “The name’s Fairbourne kid. Now, come on, I’ll take you to the cave. We have a lot of work to do.”
Jason nodded, and followed Fairbourne through the blowing snow.
“The first thing you’ve got to learn is not to just give up and cry when a problem presents itself. The next time I see you do that it’s your tail, got it?”
Jason nodded.
“Kid, you’ve got to stand up and take charge of your life. No one, and I do mean no one has control over you. You do what you want when you want and if anyone has a problem with that you make them understand your point of view.”
As Fairbourne continued talking, they disappeared into the blowing snow.

Back in Nome, Saba was limping slowly down the sidewalk.
She thought back to the events of the past hour.
“Stupid.” She thought. “I was stupid to go back there… I must have lost my mind.”
She looked down and saw her shoulder.
It was matted red with blood that flowed from a wound where several of the pellets from the shotgun’s blast had caught it. The blood ran down her leg and to the snow, where it pooled beneath her.
“I may need some help with this…”
She winced and continued limping toward Luke’s home, where she knew her father would be waiting.

At that same time, Blaize walked back into Nome.
He’d spent the last few days learning everything he could about the law and how to enforce it.
Over the course of his training he and Shep had gotten to be good friends. Blaize was looking forward to working with him.
Blaize had been almost overwhelmed by the enormous job facing him when he’d left only three days ago. Now though, thanks to the teaching of the kind, old German Sheppard, he felt ready to serve Nome and the many dogs that lived within its boundaries.
Though he had enjoyed his time with Shep, he was really glad to be home.
He was looking forward to seeing Astarre.
The time that the two had spent apart was more than enough to convince him that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with the beautiful golden husky.
He only hoped she felt the same way about him.
Blaize turned right on Main Street and headed for Luke’s house, where he knew his father would be waiting. Blaize had some exciting news to tell him.

Blaize entered the gate to the bare yard that surrounded Luke’s small cabin.
It was late, and the place seemed to be deserted.
Blaize walked up the steps to the raised porch and leaned against the windowsill trying to see something through the windows, but the house was shrouded in darkness.
Blaize got off the windowsill.
“Maybe I should just come back tomorrow.” He thought.
“Blaize?”
The voice surprised him. It was familiar somehow.
Blaize turned and saw a shadowy figure standing below the stairs. The figure stepped forward and Blaize immediately took several steps backwards.
It was a wolf!
The creature was completely white, except for a black line that crisscrossed behind her eyes and went down her back to join a black and gray triangle that ran the length of her back, the apex of which rested at the base of her tail, where another triangle started, and ran down to the end of her full tail, which was capped in a ring of gray on black.
“Who are you!?” Blaize said.
The wolf smiled. “Blaize, it’s me, Saba.”
“What?” Blaize asked. “My sister Saba is dead.”
Saba smiled again and took a step toward her brother. “Don’t ask me how, but Aniu brought me back. It’s really me.”
“Saba?” Blaize asked, relenting a little. Then he drew back and came to his senses. “How could it be you? Tell me something, something that only Saba would know.”
Saba smiled. “Blaize, you were afraid of the dark for a long time. You thought it would hurt you because you had these dreams where the darkness killed you, and you used to run back to the light, crying for mom.”
Blaize took a step forward. “Saba?”
Saba smiled again. “Yes Blaize. It’s really me!”
Blaize smiled. “Well, no one else would know that, I never told anyone what I thought of the dark… about my dreams… but… wow! I thought you were dead. What brings you back here?”
“Well,” Saba started. “I knew Drake wouldn’t recognize me, so I decided to come let Mom and Dad know I was alright.”
“It wouldn’t matter.” Blaize said. “If Drake would’ve recognized you I mean.”
“Why is that?” Saba said.
“Drake’s dead.” Blaize said.
“What?!” Saba cried.
Blaize nodded.
“How?” Saba asked.
“He was trying to arrest a dog for stealing and the owner shot him… near the outskirts… dad was with him.”
“Is dad alright!?” Saba asked.
Blaize smiled. “Yeah, apparently the guy didn’t even see him. Dad said Drake was dead before he hit the ground.”
“I’m sorry.” Saba said. “Poor Gemeni…”
“Yeah.” Blaize said.
“Who’s the new Keeper of the Law then?” Saba asked.
“I am.” Blaize said.
“You?” Saba asked.
Blaize smiled and nodded.
“Astarre nominated me, and I actually liked the idea.”
Saba looked confused. “Astarre?”
“Oh that’s right,” Blaize said. “You don’t know her. Astarre is a dog I met not long ago.”
“Is it a girl?” Saba asked with a smile, having already guessed the truth.
“Yeah…” Blaize said.
Saba smiled. “You wouldn’t happen to know where dad is, would you?”
Blaize shook his head. “No, I don’t. I want to find him though. I’ve got some good news about Mom’s situation.”
Saba looked confused again. “Situation?” “You don’t know about that either, do you?” Blaize said. “Well, Mom got banished about three weeks ago.”
“What!?” Saba cried. “Why!?”
“Believe it or not, she tried to kill Jason.” Blaize said.
“Why would she do that?” Saba asked.
Blaize sighed. “She was trying to repay Drake for Everest.”
“Everest is fine though.” Saba said.
“We thought he’d been killed.” Blaize explained.
“Well what good news do you have?” Saba asked.
“Well,” Blaize said. “It’s kind of complicated, but I can pardon her.”
“So she’ll be able to come back?” Saba asked.
Blaize nodded.
Saba remained silent for a moment.
“I think I may know where dad is.” She said finally.
“Where?” Blaize asked.
“He showed me this place, under the hospital, where he and mom first realized that they loved one another… I think he may be there.”
“Do you know the way?” Blaize asked.
Saba nodded. “I have to keep out of sight though, so it might take a while for me to get there.
Blaize noticed for the first time then that his sister was bleeding badly. “Saba, you’re hurt!”
She winced. “Somewhat.”
“How did that happen?” Blaize asked.
Saba thought it best not to tell anyone about her stupidity involving Kelly and her old home.
“I got attacked in the outskirts.” She said. “There were four of them. Now there’s three, and they’re hurting worse than I am.”
Blaize shook his head. “One of my goals as Keeper of the Law is going to be to clean that area up. It’s too dangerous and too close to town.”
He paused. “Are you going to be alright?”
Saba smiled and nodded. “I’ll be fine.”
“In that case,” Blaize said. “Would you mind taking me to this place you think dad might be?”
Saba smiled. “Not at all; follow me.”
With that, brother and sister walked out of the yard, slipping into the trees bordering the walk.


Chapter 12:

It took a little time for Saba to lead Dolo to the boiler room behind the hospital.
The two stepped inside.
“I knew this was here; this is the boiler room.” Blaize said. “I thought you said it was under the hospital.”
“I did.” Saba said, walking alongside the right wall, her head bent low to the floor. “I know it’s here somewhere…”
“What are you looking for?” Blaize asked.
“Wait a minute.” Saba said.
After a few moments she stood. “Here it is.”
She poked her head into the corner and through a small cloth that covered a hole in the wall.
“Okay,” Blaize said. “I didn’t know that this was here.”
Saba walked into the tunnel, then looked back at Blaize. “Stick close.”
Blaize followed her tentatively.
He didn’t want to tell her, but he was still somewhat afraid of the dark. His dreams had never stopped, in fact, if anything, they’d intensified.
“No problem there.” Blaize said.
The two walked through the dark tunnel for about fifty yards, ducking low hanging beams and trash that had accumulated over the years, slipping through the cracks in the wooden floor above.
Soon, they saw a bright light, and then saw Balto, staring at a beautiful display of colored light, as the lantern light from the hospital above struck the broken glass bottles on the ground. Balto didn’t seem to notice their presence.
Saba stepped forward, but Blaize walked up beside her and put his paw on her shoulder.
She looked back at her brother.
“Let me go first.” He whispered. “You might startle him.”
Saba nodded and Blaize went in front of her.
“Hey dad.” Blaize said.
Balto turned and stepped back quickly, looking around for a place to run.
“Dad, it’s me.” Blaize said, stepping into the light that filtered from the ceiling above.
“Blaize?” Balto said.
Blaize nodded.
Balto let out a sigh of relief, but still looked somewhat uneasy. “Who’s your friend?”
“Dad this is…” Blaize stopped, not quite sure how to go about explaining it.
Saba stepped forward. “It’s me dad. It’s Saba.”
A questioning look crossed Balto’s features for a moment, then he smiled. “Aniu.”
Saba nodded.
“Why?” Balto asked.
“Aleu isn’t the leader of the Talbourne anymore.” Saba said.
“Is she alright!?” Balto said, clearly alarmed.
Saba smiled and nodded. “Yeah, she’s fine. She just didn’t want to lead anymore. She wants to take time to be a mother. She talked to Aniu… and here I am.”
Balto smiled and shook his head. “I’ll never understand what exactly goes through her mind.”
Then he sighed and his ears drooped. It was quite possibly the saddest Saba had ever seen her father.
“Saba… your mother…”
He stopped, unable to continue, on the verge of breaking into tears.
Saba sighed and stepped next to her father. “I know.” She said softly. “Blaize told me.”
Balto nodded, then turned to his son. “Blaize, did you learn anything?”
Blaize nodded. “I did dad.”
Balto smiled. “What is it?”
“I can pardon mom and allow her to return,” Blaize said, “but there’s a catch.”
“What’s that?” Balto asked.
Blaize sighed. “I have to get Gemeni’s approval.”
Balto nodded. “Then let’s go talk to her.”
Blaize smiled. “Dad, it’s kind of late right now. She’s probably asleep. We can go tomorrow morning though.”
Balto sighed. “Yeah… yeah I guess so.” It was then that Balto noticed the blood that was still oozing steadily from his daughter’s shoulder.
“My gosh,” Balto said. “Are you alright Saba? What happened to you?”
Saba sighed. “I’ll be fine.” She said. “I was attacked in the outskirts.”
Balto shook his head. “Something really needs to be done about that place.”
Blaize nodded in agreement.
“Well Saba, do you have a place to stay?” Balto asked.
“No dad.” Saba said. “I really need to be getting back to the pack. I can’t let anyone see me now.”
“Please stay with me for just a little while Saba.” Balto said. “Luke won’t mind.”
Saba looked at her father.
He looked a lot older than she remembered.
She smiled. “Alright.”
Balto smiled and walked over to her. “I never thought I’d see you again Saba.”
He kissed her on the cheek.
“Dad…” Saba said, smiling.
“Well come on then.” Balto said, starting to head for the tunnel that led back to the surface.
After a few moments they emerged into the boiler room and walked out the open door.
Balto paused outside. “Hey Blaize, you coming?”
Blaize smiled. “I would dad, but I have someone I have to see.”
Balto smiled and nodded. “Alright.”
Saba smiled at him as well. “Go get her tiger.” She added.
Blaize laughed. “You guys.”
After a moment of silence passed Blaize took a step backward. “Well, I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Balto nodded. “Meet us at the house.”
Blaize nodded, then turned and walked out away from the pair.

Blaize ran across the street toward the rundown shack that had been Astarre’s home.
He hoped she’d still be here.
He walked up the rickety porch and nosed open the aging wooden door.
To his delight, he saw a familiar golden furred form against the left wall of the one room building.
Blaize walked toward her.
The floorboards creaked beneath him and he stopped.
Astarre groaned and rolled over, then resumed her peaceful sleep.
Blaize carefully walked the rest of the way over to her side and laid beside her.
He watched her sleeping for a moment and smiled, then he kissed the side of her head.
Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled.
“Blaize?” She yawned. “You’re back.”
Blaize nodded. “Yeah, I’m back.”
He put his paw on the side of her face. There were still four dull red lines that tracked across her face about an inch below her left eye and ran back to the base of her ear.
“Why anyone would want to hurt someone so beautiful is far beyond me.” Blaize thought. Blaize kept staring into her blue eyes.
She smiled. “What?”
“You’re beautiful.” Blaize said.
Astarre smiled and broke his gaze.
A few moments of silence ensued.
“Astarre,” Blaize finally said. “The time that I was away from you, though it was short, it was enough for me to know that I never want to leave your side again.”
Asttare smiled.
Blaize put his paws above and below hers and raised it off the ground a little.
“I’m serious Astarre…” A tear came to her eye. “…I want to spend the rest of my life here on this earth with you.”
She smiled again and nodded, unable to speak for a moment.
“I do too.” She said finally. “I love you too Blaize.”
The two said nothing for a few minutes, not sure what to say to one another now. Blaize tried first.
“Astarre I…” She cut him off by looking up and kissing him.
Blaize’s eyes were wide as Astarre pulled away from him, a grin on her face.
“I, I, I have no idea what I was just going to say.” Blaize said, stuttering a bit at the beginning.
Astarre just smiled and laid her head on her paws.
Blaize smiled back at her and laid his head on top of hers.
The two closed their eyes and tried to go to sleep, for it was late, and they were both tired…
…but they didn’t get much sleep that night.


Chapter 13:

The next morning, Blaize walked to Luke’s house, met his father, and together they walked toward the Old Mill.
It didn’t take too long for the pair to make it to the familiar old building.
Balto started up the steps.
“Dad…” Blaize said.
Balto paused and looked back at his son.
“…maybe it would be better if I went alone.”
Balto nodded and walked down from the steps.
Blaize sighed and walked up them, and nudged open the door.
Sunlight speared through cracks in the wooden walls, creating beams of light that split the darkness of the interior of the Old Mill. “Gemeni?” Blaize called softly, not seeing her anywhere nearby.
“Blaize?”
The voice came from behind him and Blaize turned.
Gemeni stood behind him. “How was your trip?”
Blaize smiled. “It was good, thanks.”
“So what brings you out here?” Gemeni asked.
“I have something to ask you.” Blaize said. “I learned about something while I was in Applegate.”
Blaize paused.
“I… I want to reverse the decision Drake made in my mother’s case. I think it was too harsh, probably because of his emotional proximity to the victim. I want to bring her back, and I can… but only with your agreement.”
“What?” Gemeni asked. “Why me?”
“Your son was the victim.” Blaize explained. “If I can get your permission to pardon her, then I can let her come back home with the understanding that if she violates the law again, the sentence is reinstated and she gets banished again.”
“Would you be here were it not your mother?” Gemeni asked.
Blaize nodded. “Yes. Haven’t you seen dad? He’s incredibly depressed. I don’t think he can live without her. This is punishing him. Is that right? What has my father done to be punished?”
Gemeni sighed.
“So can you do this… for him?” Blaize asked.
Gemeni nodded. “Yeah. Jenna was my friend. Yeah, she can come back. Just one thing.”
“What’s that?” Blaize asked.
“What if she tries to kill Jason again?” Gemeni asked. “I already lost…”
A tear came to her eye and she sighed.
“I already lost Drake… to lose my son would be unbearable.”
“I can guarantee that won’t happen.” Blaize said.
“How?” Gemeni asked.
“My mother tried to kill your son because she believed Drake killed Everest… my brother.”
Blaize paused for a moment, then continued.
“We found out shortly after the incident that Everest wasn’t killed. He and my sister Saba both live with my sister Aleu in her wolf clan.”
Gemeni sighed.
“So it’s alright with you?” Blaize asked.
Gemeni nodded.
Blaize smiled. “I’m going to set up a town meeting tonight to make the decision public. May I use this building, since everyone is already familiar with it?”
Gemeni nodded. “I’m going to be moving out of here soon. I’ve just got to tell the kids. Everywhere I look in this place I see him…”
Everest didn’t know quite what to say to this, so he remained silent.
“Anyway, as keeper of the law I guess you can move in if you’d like.” Gemeni said.
Blaize nodded. “I may.”
An uneasy silence passed between the two.
Finally, Blaize spoke.
“The meeting will be held at six o’clock. I’m going to need you present.”
Gemeni nodded, but remained silent, staring at the wall behind Blaize.
“Well,” Blaize said. “I need to get to work spreading the word and all. I’ll come by at twenty after to work with you on what you need to say.”
Gemeni still remained silent.
“Bye Gemeni.” Blaize said.
He stood there for a moment longer, then turned and walked out of the Old Mill.

Balto stood outside the old mill, awaiting Blaize’s exit.
A screeching sound emanated from the rusty hinges of the old mill’s aging wooden door and it swung open.
Balto looked up at his son, a hopeful expression on his face.
“How’d it go.”
Blaize walked down the steps to his father’s side.
“She’s going to do it.” Blaize said. “I’m going to make the announcement at a town meeting tonight.”
He paused and put his paw on his father’s shoulder.
“Mom’s coming home.”

Jenna and Dolo were laying on a hill overlooking a small pond, at the rear of which a cascading waterfall rose some thirty feet above them. Thanks to the hot spring that fed it, the pond water was nice and warm, and Jenna was seriously thinking about going for a swim.
“Jenna,” Dolo said, “there’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“What’s that?” Jenna asked.
“It’s that red thing around your neck.” Dolo said.
“My bandanna?” Jenna asked.
“Whatever it’s called you should lose it.” Dolo said.
“I’ve had It my whole life…” Jenna said. “I… I don’t know…”
She stopped.
“Jenna,” Dolo said. “I know you may be attached to it, but it’s brightly colored and noticeable. It makes you stand out. Out here it’s not a good idea to stand out.”
Jenna sighed. “Yeah… yeah, I guess you’re right.”
She slid the bandanna off her neck and laid it on the snow covered ground.
“You know, Jenna said, looking at the folded red cloth. “My mother gave this to me. She wanted me to remember her by it, because I was separated from her when I was young.”
She smiled. “I’ve worn it ever since…”
She looked up at Dolo.
He smiled.
“Jenna, you’re with me now.” He said, putting his paw against the side of her face. “You don’t need some old cloth to remind you of your old life… of what you lost. Embrace the Future… and forget the past.”
Jenna nodded. “You’re right.”
She smiled. “You’re right Dolo… you always are.”
She kissed him and stood up.
“What are you doing?” Dolo asked.
“Forgetting my past life.” Jenna said.
She took the bandanna in her mouth and threw it into the pond below.”
Dolo smiled.
Jenna smiled back at him.
“Let’s go home.” Dolo said.
Jenna followed him as he started toward the cave that was home to her now.
In the pond, the red bandanna, which Jenna had worn so proudly, for so long, drifted slowly down stream.

At forty-five past five the Old Mill was packed with dogs, all awaited the announcement that Blaize was going to make.
None knew what that announcement was going to be, but they all knew it was big from the urgency with which the meeting had been called.
At six o’clock Blaize walked up on the raised portion of the floor and after a few tries, successfully quieted the excited crowd.
“Dogs of Nome.” Blaize said. “I have called this town meeting to announce a change of sentencing in the case of Nome vs. Jenna.”
Some dogs started talking again and Blaize had to call them to order before continuing.
“It is my opinion that Jenna’s sentencing was unjust in that Drake, the presiding Keeper of the Law of the case, was too close to the victim in the case, one Jason, his son. It is therefore my decision to repeal that finding, and to call for a re-sentencing, in which: I do hereby find Jenna of the town of Nome, Alaska, guilty of assault; of the crimes of kidnapping and attempted murder, she is hereby absolved of all culpability, based on the following facts: One, that the detention of the victim against his will was no more than ten minutes, an amount that I do not find lengthy enough to uphold the kidnapping charge; two, that the damage inflicted upon the victim by the accused was not significant enough to prove intent to kill, and therefore does not constitute attempted murder. The sentence, therefore, of banishment, the violation of which shall be punishable by death, is hereby repealed. The accused shall be allowed to assume her previous status in this town, with the knowledge that should she commit another crime against this town, or it’s inhabitants, in violation of our laws, she shall be banished once again, and that this banishment will never be rescinded.”
Blaize stopped.
“I have here with me Gemeni, the victim in this case’s mother.”
He looked at Gemeni, who was sitting near the front of the crowd of dogs.
“Gemeni, will you please come up here.”
Gemeni stood and walked up next to Blaize.
“Do you have something to say?” Blaize asked.
Gemeni nodded and turned to the gathering of dogs below.
“This decision was made with my approval. It is my opinion that my mate…”
Gemeni stopped as a tear came to her eye.
“I’m sorry…”
She took a moment to recompose herself, and continued..
“…that my mate, Drake, made a prejudiced decision in this case, because of the involvement of our son. It is my wish that the accused, Jenna, be allowed to return to Nome.”
Blaize turned to Gemeni.
“Thank you.”
He turned back to the crowd of dogs.
“That was the purpose of this meeting. If there is nothing further, you may all return to your homes. Please be safe, watch for cars and have a good night.”

Chapter 14

Balto spent the better part of two months after that searching for Jenna.
He was unrelenting in his search for his lost love.
Some thought that after a week he’d give up and move on, some two, but none thought he’d still be searching two months later.
Finally, Balto ran into a wolf near Nome that had seen her.
His name was Connal.
Balto was currently talking to him.
“…so have you seen her recently?”
The brown wolf shook his head. “No.”
He sighed.
“One of our own, his name is Dolo, he took her out to train her to be a wolf, to survive like us, and they never returned.”
At the horrified look on Balto’s face, the Alpha added. “They decided to stay out there, just the two of them. Last time I saw them was about three weeks after they left, almost three months ago now. They both looked happy.”
“Do you know where they live?” Balto asked.
The wolf nodded, but a suspicious look came over his face.
“Why do you need to find them again?”
“I have some news to pass on to Jenna.” Balto said. “I’m from Nome.”
Connal shrugged. “Alright, they live up by the pond just north of here. Big waterfall in the back… you can’t miss it.”
Balto smiled.
“Thanks!”
With that, he turned around and ran north.

Balto found the pond easy enough; it wasn’t hard to spot, as the large waterfall was visible from over ten miles away.
Balto was now thirty-seven miles away from Nome.
He walked slowly toward a small cave at the base of the waterfall.
He glimpsed a red wolf outside the cave.
“That must be this Dolo…” Balto thought.
Then he looked a little harder.
“It can’t be…” Balto said. “Jenna?”
His pace sped to a fast walk, then a flat out run toward the red furred figure.
Sure enough, though she was quite a bit rougher than Balto could ever recall seeing her and she was missing the red bandanna that she’d held on to so dearly for nearly her entire life, here she was.
He’d finally found her.
“Jen?” Balto said.
Jenna turned around and froze.
“Balto?” She asked slowly.
Balto tried to answer, but the tears flooding his eyes choked it out.
There were tears in Jenna’s eyes as well now, and she walked slowly over to him. “I… I don’t believe it…”
She stuck her paw out and brushed his face.
He smiled and stepped forward, nuzzling her.
Jenna felt weak and she fell to the ground. She rolled over and Balto laid beside her.
“How did you know?” Jenna asked.
Balto smiled I ran into a wolf near Nome, his name was Connal, he gave me directions.
Jenna nodded. “Connal, huh?”
“Jen,” Balto said. “Where have you been?”
“What?” Jenna asked.
“You said you were going to come back,” Balto said. “I waited on you, but… you never came.”
Jenna sighed and looked at the snow. “Balto, If I had returned, it would have put both of us in danger. I could have been killed, but more importantly you could’ve been hurt.”
She looked back up at him, at his golden eyes in which she could see hurt and abandonment reflected within.
“I couldn’t bear to be responsible for causing you to suffer.”
She looked away.
“That’s why I didn’t come back… I… I loved you too much to return.”
Balto smiled and put his paw on her shoulder.
“Jenna, I have some wonderful news… you don’t have to worry about that anymore. You’ve been pardoned.”
“How?” Jenna asked.
“Drake is dead.” Balto said.
“What!?” Jenna cried.
Balto sighed. “He was killed trying to apprehend a thief near the outskirts.”
“Oh no!” Jena said, tears coming to her eyes again. “When?!?”
“It happened almost three months ago.” Balto said. “I’ve… I’ve been looking for you for quite a long time.”
“So how does that pardon me?” Jenna asked.
“Blaize is the new Keeper of the Law.” Balto answered. “He made the decision and Gemeni agreed.”
He leaned over and nuzzled her.
“You can come home now.”
Jenna stood up.
“It’s… It’s not that simple Balto.” Jenna said.
Balto looked confused and stood. “What do you mean?”
“Balto I have…” Jenna sighed. “…there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
Just then, a brown wolf walked over the hill in front of the cave.
“Hey Jenna!” He said, smiling. “Who’s that with you.”
Jenna walked over to the brown wolf’s side. “Balto, I’d like you to meet Dolo. Dolo, this is Balto.”
Dolo smiled. “Nice to meet you.”
Balto nodded.
Jenna looked up at Dolo.
“Dear, would you mind giving us some time?”
Dolo nodded and nuzzled her, then turned and walked toward the cave.
Balto stood in shock.
“Jen, who is this Dolo?”
Jenna sighed. “Balto, I… I thought I’d never be able to be with you again… you have to understand… I was alone and…”
Balto hung his head. “I understand now.”
Jenna sighed and walked over to him. “Balto, please don’t be upset. Please try to understand.”
“I do.” Balto said. “…doesn’t make it any easier to take in, but I understand.”
He sighed.
“…but now I am here, and now you can go back. So let’s go.”
“Balto…” Jenna said.
“Jenna please.” Balto said. “Now let’s go. You have no idea how hard I’ve worked to find you, how worried everyone is about you.”
“Balto, I can’t go.” Jenna said.
“what are you talking about?” Balto said. “…of course you can go.”
Jenna sighed. “Balto… I can’t do that to him.”
Balto sighed. “Jen… you can’t be serious… you’re going to stay?”
Jenna nodded.
“Balto, he took care of me when I was all alone, when I had no one else. He taught me how to survive out here. Without him I wouldn’t be able to talk to you right now… I’d be dead.”
Balto sighed.
“Balto, please, please try to understand.”
An angry look came into Balto’s eyes and Jenna stepped back.
“I understand Jenna, I understand just fine! I understand that while I spent every waking moment from the day you left thinking about you, worrying about you, wanting to be here with you, and trying to find a way to make that possible… that you just forgot all about me!”
Jenna shook her head, tears coming to her eyes once more. “Balto, I never forgot you, never.”
“Looks like it to me.” Balto said. “Only thing that’s missing is a couple a pups and you could just replace our entire freakin’ family!”
“Balto…” Jenna said, trying to cut him off.
“Oh wait!” Balto continued. “I may have spoken too soon, perhaps they’re on the way! That would fit the pattern of things so far! I mean, you’ve certainly had the time to…”
“Balto shut up!” Jenna screamed.
Balto stopped.
He was breathing hard.
Tears coursed down Jenna’s face.
“I’ll never forget you.” Jenna said. “The times we spent together will always be in my heart, but… I can’t just abandon Dolo because things are all hunky-dory back home now… I can’t use him like that.”
Balto sighed.
“You know what Jenna, that’s fine.” He said. “Never mind that I felt like killing myself the entire time you’ve been gone, never mind that I’ve searched for you every waking moment for over two months, never mind that my love for you never stopped, never wavered… you know what, screw you.”
Balto turned and walked slowly away.
“Balto?” Jenna said.
He kept walking.
“Balto, please don’t do this.” Jenna said, taking a step forward.
Balto kept walking.
“Balto!” She cried.
Balto started running then, and soon disappeared into the trees.
Jenna stood there, tears coursing down her face, blinding her.
Dolo walked up behind her.
She turned and looked at him for a long while.
Then she buried her face in Dolo’s fur and cried.

Balto made it to Nome almost two hours later.
He walked straight toward his home.
As Balto neared it, he saw Blaize standing by the gate.
“Hey dad,” Blaize said slowly. “Any luck this time?”
Balto sighed and walked by his son. “Yeah… I found her.”
“What’s the matter then?” Blaize said.
Balto stopped on the porch.
“She’s staying there.”
“What?” Blaize asked.
Balto sighed and walked into his house.

Jenna didn’t feel very good.
It wasn’t that she was physically sick, she was in good health, but her mind was spinning.
“Did I do the right thing?” Jenna thought. “I do love Balto, but… but I couldn’t just leave Dolo like that, could I?”
She sighed and yawned.
She was tired.
It was late afternoon. Dolo had left almost two hours ago to find them something to eat. Jenna had wanted to help, but Dolo had told get to stay behind.
She knew she should eat, but she just wasn’t hungry. Something about what Balto had said bothered her deeply.
“He’s never spoken to me like that.” Jenna thought. “He was so… hateful.”
She sighed.
“Then again, he had been searching for me for the last two months, only to find me unwilling to leave.”
She sighed again.
“What was I thinking? No wonder he was mad at me. If only Dolo and I hadn’t…”
Jenna covered her face with her paws.
“I’m so sorry Balto.” She said aloud. “I want to be with you, I really do…”
Suddenly Jenna sensed someone in front of her.
She opened her eyes.
Dolo stood there.
“Jenna, we need to talk.”
She sighed. “Dolo, if you heard that I…”
“Jenna, I heard a whole lot more than that, I heard you talking to Balto earlier… you should go back to him.”
“What?” Jenna asked.
“Jenna, I love you, but you don’t belong out here. You weren’t meant to be a wolf, to live this kind of life… you need to be back in town.”
Jenna smiled at him.
“I already talked to Connal,” he continued. “He says that I can come back to the clan… I am going back to the clan Jenna.”
Jenna stood and nuzzled him. “I’ll never forget you Dolo. Thank you.”
Dolo smiled.
“Jenna, I’ll always treasure the time that we spent together, you’ll always be in my heart, and my mind.”
She smiled.
Dolo walked a little ways into the cave and rolled over a small rock near the entrance.
“Oh, and if you’re going to be going back, you might need this.”
He stuck his head into a shallow hole and pulled out a brilliant, though somewhat soiled red cloth.
Jenna’s eyes lit up.
“My bandanna!”
Dolo smiled and nodded.
“You have no idea how long it took to find this thing.”
Jenna walked up to him. “…but why…”
“Jenna, I talked to Connal a few days ago… I knew that Balto was looking for you… and I guessed why.”
“I expected you to just leave with him. It really surprised me when you took up for me and decided to stay.”
Jenna smiled.
“Dolo, I couldn’t do that to you, not after all we meant to one another.”
“Do you know how to get to Nome?” Dolo asked.
Jenna shook her head. “…but thanks to you and your training I can find it.”
“Do you mind if I walk along with you?” Dolo asked. “It’s kind of on the way to the Lorelei Clan’s cave.”
Jenna nodded, taking the bandanna from him and slipping it over her shoulders.
She looked at him and smiled.
“Let’s go.”

It took Jenna and Dolo almost three hours to reach the outskirts of Nome.
Dolo watched as Jenna started to walk away, then stopped and ran back to him.
“Jenna…” Dolo started.
She kissed him.
As Jenna pulled away she smiled.
“Thank you Dolo.”
He smiled at her.
“Go home Jenna.”
Jenna turned and ran across the open field of snow that lay in between the forest and the town of Nome Alaska, her home.

























Epilogue:

Balto was sleeping on the porch when he was violently shaken awake.
“What?” Balto said groggily.
Last night’s sleep had not been a good one.
“Open your eyes sleepyhead.” A familiar voice said.
Balto slowly opened his eyes.
“I must be dreaming…” He said. “…either that or I died and you’re an angel.”
Jenna smiled.
“You’re not dreaming Balto, and you’re very much alive. I’m really here.”
“…but you’ve… you’ve got your bandanna back… you… you look like… you.”
She smiled.
“I got caught up with Rosie and her family before I could get over here. They groomed me up and cleaned the bandanna… I guess they were real worried about me.”
“I was real worried about you.” Balto said, rolling over. “So why are you here?”
“I’m here because I’m home.” Jenna said.
“What about poor Dolo?” Balto asked.
“He’s the one that told me to come home. He overheard us when we were… uh… talking.”
Balto sighed.
“Listen, about that Jenna… I’m real sorry about what I said… I was out of line.”
Jenna smiled. “No, I needed that. Really, it woke me up…”
She sighed.
“Balto, I love you. I never stopped…”
She paused.
“I will never stop loving you.”
Balto nodded.
“I know.”
“Mom?”
Jenna turned to see Blaize standing on the ground in front of the porch.
“Hey Blaize. I hear you’re Keeper of the Law now.”
He nodded.
“Congratulations.” Jenna said.
“It’s good to see you Mom. Dad said you weren’t coming home.”
Jenna looked at Balto. “I had a change of heart.”
Balto smiled.
“Okay.” Blaize said. “Dad, I know you probably have a lot of… um… things planned with Mom, but I need a minute of your time.”
Balto looked at Jenna, smiled and nodded.
“Blaize!” Jenna said. “You shouldn’t be thinking like that.”
Blaize walked up the steps.
Mom, I understand these things. I’m an adult now.”
He paused and smiled.
“Now, I have to do this by our laws, so don’t take offense or try to ground me or anything.”
Jenna smiled. “What is it?”
“Jenna, of Nome, Alaska, you are hereby found innocent of the charges of kidnapping and attempted murder. I do however uphold the conviction in the charge of assault. As such, your punishment has been altered. Jenna, you are hereby placed on six months of probation. If you should commit any crime during the next six months, your previous punishment will be re-instated. Do you understand?”
Jenna smiled and nodded.
Blaize smiled back at her.
“Okay, well, I guess I’ll leave you two alone then.”
He turned and walked down the stairs.
“Blaize?”
He stopped and turned.
“What is it Mom?” Blaize asked.
“It’s good to see you son.”
Blaize smiled. “You too Mom. Oh and hey, you’re going to have to come meet Astarre later!”
“Alright.” Jenna said.
She turned to Balto as Blaize walked out of the yard.
“Who’s Astarre?”
Balto smiled. “Our little boy is growing up Jen. Astarre is a girl.”
“Oh really?” Jenna said. “…and when did this happen?”
“I’m not even sure of that yet.” Balto said.
“Is it serious?” Jenna asked.
“Oh yeah.” Balto said.
Jenna smiled. “Let’s talk about this later.”
Balto smiled back at her.
“Alright.”
Jenna kissed him.
“I love you Balto, I really did miss you.”
Balto smiled.
“I missed you too Jen. It’s good to have you back”
“It’s good to be back.” She said.
Jenna smiled.
“Let’s go inside.”
Balto returned her smile. “Oh come on Jen, it’s boring inside, there’s nothing to do.”
She batted her eyes at him. “I’m sure we can find something to occupy out time.”
The two laughed, and then walked through the doggy door into the cabin.



THE END

Holy snap. That was flipping awesome.
Never have I read something that kept me riveted to the screen, clutching the sides of my chair at some parts. You kept me guessing until the very last line, and for that, I commend you.
Congratulations on another story well done!
Everything's all good in Nome... Except Jason... Yikes.

Well, now there's that to...look forward to...I guess.

Write on! Or Else!
-LWf

Marvellous! But, could we ever expect any less from you ROT? All, and I mean all of your fics have kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was about to happen next with every twist in turn. You certainly shcoked me when you killed Drake off the way you did, one shot and BANG he's dead. No drawn out farewell or anything. And that's why your fics are such essential reading, cos you always manage to surprise the reader and keep them transfixed.

Please, please, please never stop writing Balto fics! You are an amazing writer!

Balto123

Spectacular Bravo give this guy a round of applause! *Applause* you hear that! If I was you I would publish these stories I mean how in the world dosen't enjoy reading these fabulous stories. Rotramel my good man I once again Thank You for such delightful sotries that are truly unforgettable! Once again a round of applause everyone! I mean truly fabulous you can never forget these stories It's like I'm watching your stories as amovie! Wonderful imagination you have in that cranium of ours keep them coming I'm just like awaiting as a movie or a video game! ^^

mmmm-HM very good story *applaudes*

keep up the good work :>

i Loved it Keep writing!!!!!! Super RTW to the Best Writer In The Universe office!!!!!!

This was another one of your best works Rotramel, you really surprised me when you killed Drake . I can't wait to here what your next one is going to be.

Universal needs to get off their butts and hire you as a writer

Do I really need to say it? Excellent as usual. I don't know how you do it, but you always do. You really had me scared there for a while. I REALLY hope you never stop writing. You're incredable. Can't wait for the next one!

Thank you for all your kind words guys!
You know, a writer is only as good as his readers, and you guys are the best!
I don't think I'd still be writing my Balto stories anymore if it wasn't for my readers here on Balto Source.

Now, I'd be in fear of my life if I stopped!

No, but really, you guys are always so supportive, and for that I thank you

*Raises shot glass*

Here's to the best readers on the best site on the web!

*Downs glass and proceeds to fill up again* (Sorry, it's been one of those days.)

As for my next Fanfic, # 24 is entitled "Balto: Two Hearts Racing".
It's going to be about the week following the events of Balto 1, from the night he returns to probably about two months afterward.
The story will explain why Balto is still living at the boat and why he's not a championship sled dog in BII. (Something I never really understood, but have come up with an idea to rationalize)
In the prologue Jenna and Balto are sitting on a hill overlooking Nome talking and watching the night sky. The subject of Dolo comes up and Jenna speaks very highly of him, but reconfirms her absolute devotion to Balto. (There is a secret there by the way, something that happened in 23 that u guys don't know about yet... can you guess what it is? PM me and I'll tell you if you're right!) Anyway, they turn to the subject of love and start talking about the events following the serum run... Enter the story!

It's going to be a good one I think, and I've already got the prologue WRITTEN! I wrote it the same night I posted #23. (See how commited I am to you guys? )

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

- Rotramel the Writer (Who shall henceforth also be known as RTW)

P.S.

I have now seen the worst spelling of my last name.
One of my Corporals spelled my name like this:
Ratremal.

That's absurd! I know it's hard to spell but come on!

Sorry for double posting, but this message is fairly important.

I know this is off topic, but I made this topic so I can do that!

No really though, this post is to let you all know we have an up and coming writer on the site (actually we have MANY of them, but this is one to watch for) his (or her I don't want to make that mistake again, but for now I'm just going to stick with he, if I'm wrong... shoot me. ) name is StarWarsisme, and he's a VERY good writer.
For those of you that haven't yet, you really should read Wreckage and Rescue, as it is BY FAR his best work.
I enjoyed it, and I'm sure you will as well.

Starwarsisme, keep up the great work, and I look forward to seeing more of your stuff soon!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

- Rotramel the Writer

I've been following Starwarsisme's work and I'm very impressed, esspecially by Wreckage and Rescue. The best part: He's writing a sequel.
He seems to like your work alot, too, but doesn't use the forums. Oh well.
Can't wait for your next work, and yes, you are very devoted to your readers. I commend you for that.
Me, I need to write more.
My latest one-shot, Seven Spanish Angels, should be up soon. It's short, but I think it's worth the read.
Speaking of reading, now I need to re-read this story and figure out this secret theme, although I'm PMing you with my first guess now.

Write on, my friend!
-LWf