Above All Else

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

Prologue – Pawprints to follow

Milky light of afternoon was shining on delicate snowfall. Unnamed valley of Yu Range was white-covered and silent. No wind blew over snowed pines, making bottom of valley most tranquil place that one could imagine. Dusk was falling slowly, but dense clouds on the sky was a guarantee of not so frosty night. Very unusual weather as for December. Surely beautiful one. Apart of thinking about everything else, Steele judged that was a fine day to die.

Because that time there was no chance to get alive from chase. Staying and fighting both parts of Talbourne army meant simply defeat, while not all Pack’s forces were ready to run. Especially leader himself was unable. Saying straight – Steele, the mighty chief of Yukon Defensive Alliance, alpha of the Pack, commander of all forces fighting Talbourne Clan was too tired to run. Thirteen years old dog – in spite of his age – was still a powerful warrior. But even he couldn’t cheat the ways of nature. He could march no faster than most of his wounded soldiers.

Oh, wounded soldiers – it was obvious that malamute couldn’t leave his subordinates. In two years of being commander, he become totally different from dog he had been earlier. Once selfish, cold and extremely individual, in time learned how not only to lead but also live with all those who he guided. How to be a part of the pack.

So in the same time, he didn’t want to leave anyone, but hoped to save all those who could been saved. He hoped that at least three packs of his almost seventy wolves would reach Haven and join the defence of home. Although Steele’s sun was setting, his duty was to secure future of the Pack and future of his mate and son. Under care of Ea, one day January should take the leadership after Steele and finish quest that his father had started. That why Steele decided to act like every responsible commander should.

“Staff’s council!” He turned back and called to his officers. Soon after all of senior soldiers joined their leader and with curious stares tried to read next orders. “So, you are all here.” Smiled Steele.

All who survived. Just before that run, day earlier, that lost over a pack of warriors and Lena herself. Lena was accompanying the Pack almost since the beginning – she joined Steele with her unit of Uniea partisans and quickly became one of most trusted officers. Brownfurred female of many talents – sharp senses, bright intelligence and almost supernatural ability to predict Talbourne moves – for two years of the Pack’s struggle was near to Steele. Till her end. But even if she was dead, leader had there two more of his most trusted soldiers.

Darkfurred Velka was alpha-beta of paw of packs, that meant she usually was commanding sixty wolves. But those were mostly elite units, especially skilled in stealth combat and deep infiltration of enemy territory. That her charges had fought and died on that mission. Once she was from unit of her best friend – Aarre. Those two (or three – there was also Vamma and Kova – once simple Uniea soldiers, later officers of the Pack) met Steele two years earlier, just after failed strike of Avengers. With help of his first friends, malamute started to organize the Pack – strong military organization, resisting Talbourne Clan and countering new conquests of Aleu and Saba. And for two years they managed to establish a solid base for that strange alliance, who was bigger than any clan except of Talbourne, but it was doing all to destroy the way of clans organization. The sole purpose of Pack existence was to prevail Talbourne and… vanish itself, for not to became the empire of terror that it fought.

And two companions of that long struggle were waiting among rest of staff on side of Steele. Malamute was judging all “for” and “against” to rationalize saving at least on of his friends. Looking on Velka, dog learned she was done anyway. Her wounds were too deep to let her retreat. But Aarre was still strong and almost unhurt. Steele was sure he could give him the mission.

“Alfa-beta.” Called Steele. That was a military rank – more or less equivalent of Talbourne lieutenant. But alpha-alpha of the Pack forbade to use any ranks resembling non-wolfish vocabulary. However funny and absurd it sounded, the Pack was using only descriptive names of grades and units, where everything had to be similar to traditional organization of wolfkind. Steele was alpha-alpha, leader of alpha-betas, who were leading alpha-gammas, in charge of twelve numbered smallest units of alliance. The language was also a front of war with Taulborne. “It’s indeed sweet, we keep those formalities even in face of death.” Thought Steele.

“Yes, sir.” Called both Velka and Aarre, ranked in that way.

“Yes, orders for both of you.” Said Steele. “But different. Velka, we will lure Dash’s forces to nearest possible place of ambush. That is end-game stuff, you know?”

“Sure, boss.” In spite of pain, wolfess smiled with soldier’s passion. She was an artist in destructive disciplines and as every artist she was delighted to create.

“And I?” asked a bit confused Aarre.

“Aarre, are you loyal to me?” asked Steele with unexpectedly serious voice.

“E… you know, boss…”

“Yes, or no?”

“Yes, sir!” replied Aarre with decisive bark.

“So I give you the harder part. You have to lead all remaining forces to Haven and there organize eventual defence.” Light brownfurred wolf gasped, hearing that. “You are also temporally responsible for running the Pack. Now, you are appointed as a leader and beta-alpha of all our forces. But remember that all political power stays in paws of Ea, until January comes to proper age and he becomes the new alpha-alpha.”

“Well, cool.” Snorted Aarre. “But I’m not leaving you.”

“That’s an order.” Replied Steele. “Any discussion is pointless.”

New marshal of the Pack wanted to argue, but decisive stare of Steele told him that was really no point. Also Aarre was intelligent wolf and already experienced soldier – he knew that order was only logical and reasonable solution in that dire situation. He lowered his ears in gesture of submission.

“Yes, Steele.”

“So leave us with all who could pass through Eagle Pass now. And…” leader for short moment closed his eyes, trying to put all his minds in simple words. Of course he failed. “About Ea and January… just…”

“I will take care for them, I promise.” Assured greyfurred. “Do you want me to tell them something?”

“Just usual soldier’s stuff. I love them and so on.” Steele smiled to clichéness of that situation. “I bet that every death message sounds like that. But to be serious – tell them… I just believe in them. That I believe they will succeed.” Aarre nodded his head. “So go now. Gather your pack and head home.”

“That was… a great time with you.” Marshal said to both Steele and Valka.

“Just make sure it wasn’t wasted.” Said darkfurred wolfess. “We will try to cut down as many of them as we are able, but still Haven needs some serious preparations.”

“Yeah, sure.” Replied Aarre. In his voice some tone of emotion. That was rare for usually airy and dark-humoured commander. “Whatever would happen that strike was a success. We for the very first time hit them on their ground. And now, when boss has a heir and…” He paused, hearing his voice sounded touched already. “Anyway, I’m going. Good hunting, alpha!”

“Good hunting, alpha.” Replied Steele.

Velka and malamute was watching wolf gathering most of forces and setting off east. When he finally disappeared beyond the turn, darkfurred took a look around to check forces she still had in charge. Just four incomplete packs – forty one wolves, all too tired and bruised to follow Aarre in passing Eagle Pass. But still it was a solid force. Two units of chase, commanded by Dash and some other – unknown by name – Talbourne commander counted about one hundred and filthy soldiers – number much too much to stand in single fight. But if they were going separately…

“Do you think that Dash is on the lead?” asked Velka. Steele nodded his head.

“There is no other option. He had personal business with me and surely won’t let any other unit to kill me. He will be here soon, exhausted and winded. So find some cute place to slaughter them all.”

“All?” smiled wolfess. They knew that had no chances even with eighty of Dash’s subordinates.

“Aim at the sky, not lower.” Replied steel with grin. “Go, set our soldiers.” And preparations to ambush started.

*

Dash was running on lead of his unit, ignoring repetitive distant howls from Tenu’s division. Mercenary was calling to him, asking, begging and ordering his halt. But while Tenu was working according to military logic, Dash had his own judgment and different aims and wants. The elimination of Steele was the most urging quest of his life. The same stayed for Tan.

Young wolf was running at the side of his carer. Dark orangefurred youngster was just two years old, but as charge of Dash - who raised him after death of Tan’s parents – he was often companion of lieutenant, even in combat missions. His run was distorted by serious injure, inflicted to him in early puphood – wolfess called Muista bit his tension on right paw, made his limb partially immobile. But in that particular moment the fury was hurrying young wolf to chase as fast as healthy and older soldiers. And in the same way enraged.

“I sense him!” growled young Talbourne. “I always could smell that bastard!”

“Hold on, my boy.” Replied Dash. “Soon it all will be over.”

Tenu was still calling halt-signal, but none of Dash’s wolves followed it. After all Tenu wasn’t even Talbourne, just strange mercenary commander who volunteered to support clan’s cause. He had no personal issues to settle with Steele, so he was unable to understand first unit’s haze.

Meanwhile wolves commanded by Dash – almost whole Second Division of the clan – entered narrow pass in valley, where especially many track of runners were seen. Almost every reasonable soldier would notice something was wrong. But two avengers on front – orphaned son and his carer – paid no attention on clear signs of trap. And if any attention were present in their run, they lost it, seeing Steele and few of his wolves in narrowing of pass.

“You’re done, Steele!” growled Dash, running to his old enemy. Tan was following his steps just after.

“Most likely.” Nodded Steele. “I’m tired of this all.” Confused lieutenant stopped, but bended down, ready to pounce on hated dog. “We will finish at least our old matters.”

“So, you finally feel some pangs of conscience?”

“Yeah.” Smiled Steele and looked on Tan. “If I killed this lad, he would never become a soldier. By letting him go, I’m responsible for few more deaths.”

“You will pay for killing my mother!” growled young Talbourne.

“You will pay for breaking your oaths.” Replied Steele with poisonous voice. “If I recall properly, you swore to never fight against me.”

“Oaths given to criminals are just words.” Snorted Tan.

“I though it was opposite – oaths given by criminals…” started Steele but in the same moment he noticed a discreet signal, given by Velka, who already took her position with main forces. Also his joint in front left paw called with rheumatic wave of pain. “Hold on!” ordered dog his body. “Just one more effort and its all be painless.” Then added aloud. “Never mind. Shall we start?”

“You’re dead!” Growled Dash and pounced ahead.

“That’s only thing we have in common.” Smiled Steele and jumped ahead also, to greet enemy in the air.

They clashed in half of distance, to fell down just after. That was a signal for rest of Dash’s soldiers for attack. When dog and wolfdog were wresting in the snow, around then and over them few dozens of soldiers rushed to charge. Only Tan stayed in place, waiting for result of the duel.

When wave of Talbourne ran over Steele and Dash, showy dust went down, Tan noticed as Steele held Talbourne’s neck in iron grasp. With instinctive impulse, orangefurred jumped to assist his carer. He slammed into side of malamute, sending him aside. Dash stood up and called.

“Step back, that’s my turn!”

“Uncle, let me kill him!” called Tan, striking on side of dog.

In spite of all appearances, Steele wasn’t confused, tired nor bruised by blows of Dash. And surely dog wasn’t surprised. As if he expected exactly that move, he intercepted flying Tan, grabbing his motionless leg and pulling hard aside. Wolf made and arc and pushed by centrifugal force, he hit the rock wall of gorge. With fading senses he noticed Dash, calling to him and devilish smile of Steele.

“Tan, no!” yelled Dash and again pounced with fury on enemy.

Dog waited for such a erratic and improvised charge. He easily jumped to meet wolfdog in the air, grab his throat and clench his jaws. But in the same time Dash kicked his hind paws into body of Steele and then they both clashed the snow on ground. It took for both several seconds to stand up.

“Leave him to me!” called Dash, seeing as about dozen of his soldiers looked on him with question in their eyes. Talbourne and malamute were standing against each other in distance of jump. Dash felt a bit strange, noticing that stares of his subordinates were pointed at him, not on enemy. “I said, I will…”

And then he sensed something odd – a gentle touch of warmth on his front paws. With curiosity he turned his muzzle down to see red pool, around his limbs. He couldn’t focus his sight on that strange phenomenon, but after few seconds of observation, he finally found the source of that red liquid. It was his throat.

With remnants of his strengths, he raised his muzzle again to see Steele laughing with hysterical laughter. But he didn’t sound like lost maddog – in that laughter called a triumph, against all odds. Dash wanted to curse him one time more, but his paws disobeyed to support Talbourne and lieutenant fell to the dark well without bottom.

Seeing fall of their leader, Talbourne soldiers rushed on mass on lone malamute. But Steele, even overran by few dozens of enemies, didn’t stop his laughing cry. It’s muffled even silent attack of Velka’s group and yells of surprised Taulborne, being slaughtered from behind.

But nothing of this Earth lasts forever – as dominating number of Talbourne managed to pin down back attack of alpha-beta, also Dash’s guards managed finally to overturn and bite to death furious Steele. Malamute was still laughing when countless jaws tore his flesh into pieces. Even when he finally felt silent, the walls of gorge echoed that sound. Then all appeased. For all Packers, and over half of Dash’s unit.

Tan opened his eyes to find with surprise he was alive. No bone was broken, no serious wound inflicted to his body. He opened his muzzle in smile but in the next moment that smile died. He took a look around to see monstrous casualties. And few seconds after he howled with painful howl, seeing lifeless body of Dash.

“Uncle!” he yelled, running to fallen lieutenant.

*

Tenu ordered to howl in alert, but not to speed up. It was highly rational, because some other ambush would be near. But the truth was also that if on lead of Third Division was some of Talbourne, he would order to run with relief for fighting companions. However Tenu was acting according to cold calculation, not to emotions.

“Wait!” he gasped to one of Talbourne sergeants. “It’s all over.”

“We came too late!” yelled sergeant Fitch.

“No. They marched too fast.” Replied small, hoaryfurred wolf with cold voice. “That is their fault they entered an ambush. Lieutenant Dash acted irresponsible, endangering his wolves and breaking general HQ’s orders, to cause all that…” he paused, looking on battlefield in gorge. “…mess! God! What a massacre!”

“Sir!” reported one of Dash’s soldiers, who just ran to relief. “All enemies are neutralised.”

“I see than not only enemies.” Snorted Tenu. “But where is Dash?”

“He’s dead, sir!” reported Talbourne.

“WHAT!?” gasped lieutenant. “He was killed? How could he engaged enemy in person!” Then he added with quieter voice. “Well, lack of command explains those extreme high losses.” Then he came to Tan, crying over Dash’s body. “Corporal!” he addressed young Talbourne, but orangefurred ignored it. Tenu sighed. “Is that an army?” Then Turned to nearest soldier. “Take him away and let him rest. Give his something to eat. Tell all members of Third Division that I’m taking a command.”

“Shall we pursue?” asked one of Dash’s soldiers. He was severely wounded, barely standing on paws. But death of commander deluged him with adrenaline and crave for revenge. “The other group, about thirty wolves got away…”

“Of course not!” growled Tenu. “Thanks to your commander’s swansong we have no strength to enter enemy’s territory. Form your soldiers and get rest. Tomorrow we will return to Home Cave.”

Soldier wanted to disobey, but his body was close to disobey him. His wounds were aching and heavy eyelids called to a sleep. So he replied unwillingly.

“Yes, sir!”

“So get away!” called Tenu. “To all: get away from the gorge. I must examine the bodies myself.”

Lieutenant waited until all soldiers – his and former Dash’s wolves – left the valley to search for some shelter in forest. Then he came close to bodies and stopped before Steele. He smiled, seeing enemy commander lifeless, but then he realised that it’s only reason he was glad. He came to Dash’s body and bended down to wolfdog.

“Your stupidity could be the banner of Talbourne Clan. Onward! Bury your dead and onward again. No thinking about your actions…” His eyed narrowed and lips curved in even more satisfied smile. “You would never think that your clan is merely a tool of someone’s actions… Mine, in particular.”

He left Dash’s body, to see other casualties, but he couldn’t hide his smile. He was watching on dozens of dead wolves and silently screaming from joy. Not that was glad about so many deaths – he could enjoy the fall of proud ones, but that wasn’t not a point.

“Dash!” he whispered to snowed dusk. “You helped me a lot! I can’t believe it’s going so easily. At this rate, soon Saba would have no other choice than give whole command to me… And then, I will show you all my dream!” He pressed his muzzle into the snow to stop mad laughter. But soon after raised his stare again and said to motionless body of lieutenant. “You are nothing like me or my friends. You could play in your little vendettas and feel happy about it. But we are beyond this. We are far beyond this!”

*

Steele was falling to some bottomless den for long time, until he noticed he actually was flying up. Then – without any sign of fear – he just focused his stare ahead. After his long and eventful life, after he killed much more creatures he could count, he wasn’t able to feel the fear of death. And additionally he was somehow sure that was merely beginning.

The end of his journey was sudden. He just sensed as he is still, standing in some dark chamber of space he couldn’t describe. In spite of darkness, his eyes could see some details of surrounding. For example – silhouette of blackfurred wolf.

“Shade, cut it off!” snorted malamute. “I’m not in mood to watch your sick aesthetics habits. I’ve just died. Give some more light!”

“Yes, indeed. You died.” Murmured silhouette from darkness.

But then chamber was lighted by white rays of unknown origin. Those were similar to sunrays, however evoked inside. Then Steele was able to see clearly the wolf of black fur, lying on flat floor of chamber. Malamute learned that room had no actual floor – on the ground he sensed glass-like plate, under which the world of living could be seen. He was straight above valley where he had fallen a moment earlier.

“Nice view!” smiled dog. “I bet that rent is terrible.”

“If I were two-legged, I would clap at you.” Snorted wolf. “But I’m walking on four paws. However your ending was touching… But this changes very little. You are dead!”

“I noticed that.” Replied Steele.

“So how suppose we are going to finish our plan?” yelled darkwolf.

“They will take care for that.” Said Steele, pointing down, more on east. Haven wasn’t visible from that perspective, however Shade well knew what malamute meant. After all he discretely helped the Pack to settle that fortress.

“Your family was to be our last resort!” called angry wolf. “They could fail us…”

“They will do what we failed.” Interrupted Steele. “Whatever is sounds, I sacrificed myself only to make their way easier. I trust them.”

“How touchy!” murmured Shade. “So all our plan is simply postponed?”

“You waited thousands of years to settle your argument with mother. Wait just few years more.” Advised Steele. “And meanwhile, make some focus on Haven. I want to see if they are all right.

*

January was eight months old. He was sleeping in main complex of Haven Cave, already in own chamber. Just next to was Ea’s and Steele’s room and both those chambers were strictly separated from main cave where Pack had first quarter. It was part of chief’s family. Of royal family, whom no one allowed to call royal. King forbade.

January was lying in deep slumber, but suddenly he opened his eyes in unclear impulse.

“Father?” he whispered into night. No one replied him, but chief’s son felt that something terrible had just happened.

I. War, sweet War

<two years later>

January exited the cave just after he woke up. However the time was late anyway – young wolfdog wasn’t especially lazy creature, but lack of duties allowed him to rest much longer than he used to. He knew that state was just temporally, so he was using maybe the last opportunity for adolescent idleness. In just few weeks, maybe even few days, he was about to be introduce as a mature member of the Pack.

It could sound strange, but after knowing Pack’s fresh, but strict rituals, it gained much sense. January was almost three years old wolfdog, whose appearance was a perfect mix between malamute father and greywolf mother. His constitution was wolfish in almost every way – long, thin paws, muscular, yet shapely body resembles line of his forest ancestors. But head of creature was marked with father’s genies – a bit too heavy (in wolves standards) muzzle and very pointed ears was accompanied with pair of blue eyes – odd view as for wild’s resident. Also fur of young canine was mostly black with inner coat of white, giving in result mix very unusual as for giant gathering of wolves there.

So adolescent hybrid already finished teachings that mother, Varjo and Aarre gave him. Most of his contemporaries were already involved in duties of the Pack. But Aarre – as his tutor and carer decided to a stretch a bit future leader’s youth. He aimed for particular time, to introduce January as Packmember as soon as Haven are reached by news of Shadow’s death. Old Talbourne leader was about to pass and Pack beta-alpha wanted to make a real spectacle with showing how winds of History blow.

“The hidden movers frown

our holy banners fly

Watching their stars go down

Our sun is rising high” he repeated, answering on January’s questions. Of course he meant setting Talbourne clan and raising power of the Pack. Whatever poetical it looked, it also was set to have serious ideological impact – when old and corrupted Empire of late Aleu was grieving its chief, the new leader was coming in father’s pawprints on the other side of mountains.

With introducing January as a mature Packmember he should become also alpha-alpha as his father once. That meant also unofficial “regency” of Ea and Aarre ends then. Ceremony was set on winter solstice – what was also a symbol for careful watchers. That day was a victory of the sun, from then on day was prevailing the night with raising higher and higher. Ea was gifted in such ideological matters. Mate of once and mother of future alpha-alpha took her duties to family line very serious.

And she made most of court to help her.

“Sir!” called Kaata – young, silverfurred and blue-eyed wolfess of January’s assist. “What woke you up so early?” she added with irony.

She was member of “Family Pack” – kind of unnamed court of leader. Ea and her son were officially living only with that family – group of closest advisors of Steele and regentess. However Kaata – most likely as a daughter of intelligence-commander – was in the same time companion of future chief. She was January’s pup-playing-mate, but later she become actual adjutant of wolfdog. And simply friend.

“And what I’ve done to deserve for your sweetest shots?” he asked.

He came closer and licked silverfurred’s cheek. She laughed, stepped back then playfully kick the snow, sending a portion directly on January’s forehead. Instinctively wolfdog snapped his jaw in her direction, of course without intention to hit her. She laughed again.

“Late waking doesn’t improve your reflex.”

“Early waking doesn’t improve your manners.” Noticed January. “So, what’s up today?”

“Oh, nothing.” She started to walk downhill, to Pack’s main meeting place on slope-clearing. “My father is praying to all ancestors he know, for Shadow to die before solstice. He hopes that old rascal would give you a gift on presentation. By the way, let’s go to him. He has a briefing for you.”

The day was a sunny one. Rays of daylight were reflecting on layer of snow, making wolves to squint their eyes. It was almost midday, so Pack was fully awaken and in middle of daily duties. Well designed machinery of wolves community was working perfectly. Soldiers were training, hunters were transporting freshly killed games – as far as January knew, the Pack was mirroring most of Talbourne traits – so huge gathering of creatures (over five hundreds that winter) was able to run only with hated ways of enemies. “But we are living in this unnatural state, only restore the proper order.” Thought wolfdog, passing by the group of practising soldiers under Kova’s command. Brownfurred alpha-beta nodded with greeting and young hybrid replied with the same gesture. “We will destroy Talbourne, as father planned. Then there will be no clans on Alaska, just packs, as it should be.”

“Hey, what are sublimed thoughts are keeping your head, my lord?” asked Kaata with sneering tone of voice. “Some chief’s matters, I guess. Maybe matrimonial? Are you thinking about some well connected marriage? I heard that Dash’s daughter of Talbourne is still available.”

“Very funny.” Snorted January. “You are speaking almost like my mother. She is thinking as we were actual clan and my power would be eternal. But we are running whole this thing to break any clan-organisation and let no authority bind our kind with unnatural bounds. By the way…” he added quieter, with half-ironic smile. “If we won with Talbourne tomorrow and the Pack dissolved, I guess you would be my mate, as only available female in my pack. Speak about marriage.”

“I just can’t wait for that, my love.” Replied wolfess with laughter. However some careful observer could noticed that airy and jesting reply was not so airy and jesting as it was intended to sound. Kaata was betrayed by few small gestures – quick eye-flash, raising ears for a second and defensive turning her stare to the ground. Deep in her heart she actually wanted it badly, however she had no courage to admit it, even silently – her mind.

“Don’t panic.” Snorted January. “Our war, sweet war is about to be waged for some time. Until that both you and that Talbourne princess are safe.”

They went to small cave on Haven’s slope. It was a quarter for so called RAIA – Reconnaissance and Intelligence Agency. Steele hated so artificial name, but after his death the new habit prevailed and recon unit was started to be called like that. For almost four years of Pack’s history that organisation was lead by its creator – Varjo. Old wolf looked similar to his daughter – he had the same silver coat and similar – yet very virile and scary looking muzzle features. In his character he also seemed to be real Kaata’s parent, because under appearances of warrior he was hiding trickster’s mind and black sense of humour. He was one of closest advisors of Ea, in actual hierarchy of pack second only to Aarre. That day he was leading a briefing for his leaderess, future chief and Pack marshal. There were also Apu and Tulo – two members of January’s personal security.

“Good day, mom, good day, alpha, good day you all.” Said wolfdog, entering the cave.

He came to Ea. She was still young female of stunning beauty – her snow-white fur was smooth as ice and deep blue eyes looking on word with tone of intelligence and softness. However five years old wolfess was hiding inside mind of responsible leader, who was – in rate that her sex allowed her – silently guiding future empire of her son. When Steele took her as a mate, she was just poor girl, orphaned and separated from her family pack, lost in cruel world, passionately loving her saviour and benefactor. But for three years of her “rule” – first by side of malamute, then as mother of future leader – she learned the ways of life and ways of war. Aarre had to admit that she kept much more power that she should simply as mother of Steele’s son.

Pack’s marshal – but was called rather: beta-alpha – was seven years old light greyfurred wolf of solid, soldier’s constitution and veteran’s look. He was in charge of all military operation of Haven Wolves, yet in political matters he was running the Pack along with Ea and Varjo. That triumvirate kept the Pack in unity since death of its founder.

So January came to mother, licked her cheek, then turned to two alpha-betas and they all give a bow at once. Commanders were saluting their future leader. Wolfdog was giving his respect to his tutors. When that was done, he simply nudged sides of Apu and Tulo, as his best friends.

“Good to see you, sir.” Said Varjo. “Hello, my dear.” He looked on Kaata. “But let’s go down to the business. Our sources in Home Cave are confirming all good news. Shadow will be dead in just few days. The presentation ceremony could be done on solstice.”

“Are you sure to be so hasty, sir?” asked January. “I must warn you – if you recognise me as ready to take my father’s heritage, I will do it. Seriously. I mean: I will be the real leader of the Pack. No more <strong suggestions>, I’m going to run this place seriously. However, I could wait, if you are not sure about me.”

“Of course, you are ready.” Said instantly Ea. “It’s high time you get a responsibility for what we are doing. Don’t worry, you will be real alpha… We – just good… advisors.”

January smiled sarcastically, as he didn’t believed his mother. He knew that Ea loved him the most on the world, but that meant she was able to do anything that motherly love says her. And that was a problem – January already learned that dreams of his parents varied. If Steele was honestly aiming in Pack’s initial goal – destroying Talbourne and restoring old order on Alaska - after his death the visions of Ea started to prevail. She dreamed not about wiping Talbourne, but taking it over. Of course, not literally – Ea wished that Pack win the war and introduce the new order to Seward Peninsula. But that way of things was very similar to regime of hated clan. The Pack was about to be simply better Talbourne and January better Shadow. Whitefurred regentess wanted her son to rule wolves on whole Alaska, whatever was the cost. That was tempting vision, yet completely opposite to what Steele hoped for. January prayed that he had a strength to overcome that temptation.

“Yeah, I heard that before.” Murmured wolfdog. “So, what’s on tap today? Any mission for my crew?”

“No…” Aarre shook his head. “After your last performance, we decided not to put you on the front anymore.”

“What!?” gasped January. “I need to fight with my pack. And you…”

“I’m still your commander, sir.” Noticed beta-alpha. “Lady Ea and I decided that your skirmishes are too dangerous.”

“Nonsense!” snorted January. “We were very efficient recently, right guys?” Apu and Tulo nodded quickly, but froze under Aarre’s look. “And I’m treaded softly already. You’ve never let me enter some real battle, just make some second-paw forays, while my pack is wasting its potential…”

“If you are not satisfied with your combat training, that’s good – there will be no more.” Said Aarre harshly.

“For two weeks.” Replied January, smiling.

“What?” asked Ea.

“To the day I’m introduced as new alpha.” Explained wolfdog. “As I say – when you give me a power, I will use it. Surely as the alpha-alpha I won’t be hiding in last rank.”

“Young master, you are…” started Aarre, but Ea hushed him with nod. Commander took a deeper breath and continued. “Whatever. For now we are sustaining whole combat activity, except of recons and keeping the line of Reindeer Creek.” That river was only place where the front between the Pack and Talbourne could be easily shown. On eastern side of iced creek was stationing strong Pack division, when the west bank was kept by clanners. None of sides was avid to make any sudden move. Natural border made any attack highly risky, turning war to positional stalemate.

“You’re commanding here…” murmured January. “Yet.” Added quieter, but then said aloud. “Right, but I will be there, on Eastern Bank. If I have to wage a war I must know it.”

“Anyway you like.” Said Varjo. “Just be back on solstice…”

“So, settled then.” Smiled January. He looked on his friends. “Tell our crew we will set out tomorrow.” They nodded. “Anything else?” he turned to his mother.

“No… just be here at dusk, Varjo will show you the newest front-reports.”

“Right, so I’m off… for now.” Said January, nodded on goodbye and started to exit.

Kaata looked on her father, exchanging some silent mimics, then she followed wolfdog. Two young soldiers exited cavern too, but heading to plant-quarters. Aarre wanted to say something, but Ea did it first.

“Easy, nothing would happen. Just… get back to your work.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Said beta-alpha and bowed his head. Then went away two.

Only whitefurred and intelligence superior stayed. For a while they were silent, looking on each other, then Varjo said with quiet voice.

“So, my lady? Are you sure of that?”

“Of course I am.” Replied wolfess. “That was you who gave the idea.”

“Yes, but now…” started commander.

“Don’t listen to my son.” Interrupted whitefurred. “Some day he will become a real leader, but for now he needs some guidance, not necessary the visible one. I want him to think he is fully in charge, while we are discretely watching his steps. I’m trust him, but I also know that youth has it’s habits. We have to persuade him the most reasonable way of ending this war.”

“So you want me to start the plan <Spring>?” asked for the hundredth time RAIA’s leader.

“Yes, call your agent… Are you sure he is going willingly?”

“I’m.” replied Varjo. “He is very avid to serve the Pack and no one could question his loyalty. Maybe he is the outsider by blood, but in heart he is one of us.”

*

January and Kaata went to centre of Haven. Pack’s residence was the sector of forest on Yu Range’s slope, stretching on about two miles wide. The capitol was a fortress but very comfortable fortress in fact. For most time all pack united in the Pack was living outside in forests of Yukon Valley. Haven was meant to be real home only in case of siege. But for a while Talbourne offensive stuck on Reindeer Creek, so seventy miles distant (in straight line – actual shortest way was about thirty miles longer) keep was perfectly safe from enemies. For a while.

“So, what now, my future dear leader?” asked Kaata.

“I don’t know…” replied hybrid. “I guess I don’t need you as a adjutant for now.”

“Good, because I need you not as commander, sir.” Said wolfess and nudged side of friend. “Tag, you’re it!” Then run to the forest.

*

Home Cave was silent, as well as whole valley. News about Shadow’s illness – most likely terminal illness – spread wide and there was no single wolf who was not aware of crisis that clan suffered. As the mate of Aleu, brownfurred alpha was unquestioned leader. But when it came to choose an heir… it turned out that Shadow was not as strong ruler as he thought.

Tenu was in cave since morning. Dying leader was giving his last commands to clan’s general, whispering with weak voice. Mercenary was really tired and aware of pointlessness of that briefing. Tenu knew ten times better how the war should have been waged.

“That epidemic hit us hard.” Was whispering sick alpha. “Not only claimed Everest and ruined my health, but killed many of our brethren…” saying <our>, he meant his and family’s. Hoaryfurred general felt no bound with clan and he would even say: your brethren. “It weakened our forces…”

“Cut it, sir.” He interrupted Shadow’s monologue. “First of all, you are wrong. The epidemic, doesn’t matter how he grieve death of so many friends, made us even stronger. Only elder and weaker ones died. We suffer no famine this winter and that’s allow us to better prepare summer campaign against the Pack. If we survive to April – and believe me, I will make sure we will - there is no danger. But the second thing is – just… leave it!” snorted with reproach. “Sir, you are dying. If you don’t feel any urge to say goodbye to your family, at least think about the succession. That is a problem you are fully responsible. I could win the war for you, but not when this place is torn apart by civil war. Just tell me, whom I should support, Goddammit!”

Shadow slowly and carefully turned his stare on mercenary. He had to manage his strengths carefully, because he felt death so close. Most likely it was the last evening on this Earth for old alpha. He focused his vision of muzzle of Tenu, for the hundredth time thinking that in spite of three years of common fight he failed to understand the strange outsider. Hoaryfurred wanderer simply came three winters earlier to Home Cave and said he wanted to join clan’s military. He didn’t wish to officially join the Talbourne, the same as group of vagabonds that came with him. Because weak and fragile-built wolf happened to be brilliant commander and strategist, he quickly was promoted to newly invited rank of general and field commander of all clan forces. For those years he was leading conquests of Talbourne and fighting with Pack, managing perfectly. But he never told what he wanted from peninsula clan. Shadow prayed that was not a political power. If Tenu wanted to, he could easily become “an alpha-maker”, supporting one of claimants and ruling from behind.

“So… will you obey my will?” asked Shadow with hope in his voice.

“Depends on what it would be.” Replied Tenu honestly. “If you are going to appoint some weak or incompetent successor, I won’t put my paw into destruction of clan’s power.” Shadow sighed, not surprised by that answer. General was logically frank. Because dying alpha was no longer an important player, hoaryfurred was waiting for him to leave the board.

“Maya… she is the only way to keep our clan together.” General smiled, so alpha asked with fear in his voice. “What? What you…”

“Good shot.” Said commander. “All right, I will secure your sweet Maya on the lead… I was afraid that you would appoint your son, or that dandy, your nephew…”

“Sheik is a good wolf...” Said Shadow quietly. “But he can’t be the leader. Simply, not everyone would accept him and a tension among us would start. Tram? No, he’s not a material for a leader too. I’m sorry, but only Maya is proper on this place. You will have to guide her, but remember…”

“If I wanted the power for me, I would have taken it already.” Said Tenu straight. “I would have kill you here and now, then say you let the regency on me. And later… I would found some way to secure it.” But then smiled again. “Don’t worry, I will clean the mess you’re leaving.”

“Wait!” gasped Shadow, then burst in coughs. After over minute of fit, he breathed deeply and continue. “Sheik is my son! Tram is my nephew! I forbid you to hurt them…”

”Oh, you could have died already!” Sighed Tenu. “You perfectly know that I will do anything that is necessary. I would have slaughter your kins with smile on my face if that would help us to win. Fortunately, it won’t so I don’t have to be violent. However…”

“Please…” whispered alpha.

“The war soon will be over. Maya soon will be in charge.” Said general. “I could promise you only those two things.”

“Just… take care about her.” Panted Shadow with resigned voice. “She is so pure… so innocent.”

“Uncle?” sounded shivering voice from corridor.

“Lupus in fabula.” Smiled Tenu and stood up. “I will leave you, old wolf. Have a nice agony.” He turned to doorstep of chamber.

To alpha’s lair was going Maya. Young, brownfurred wolfess, who just came to the age to consider herself as mature female, was canine-shaped goddess of beauty. She inherited almost pure wolfish appearance of mother, yet small dose of doggish blood made her paws and muzzle a little thinner and seemingly more fragile. She seemed to be made of gently snow of that winter, yet from her muzzle radiated warm wave of emotions. She ran to her carer and sat down just next to alpha. With carefulness she licked Shadow’s forehead.

“I’m so sorry, uncle!” she sobbed. “I returned to Home Cave as soon as I heard…”

“With your permission I shall leave.” Said Tenu and bowed his head. Alpha was too tired to look carefully, but he expected that nod of general was just a courtesy mask on severe muzzle. Mercenary exited the chamber.

“Hush, my dear.” Sighed Shadow. “It’s good you are here.”

“They say… they say…” started Maya, but then she burst with tears.

“It’s true, my dear. I won’t last long.” Admitted alpha. “But Maya, you must listen me carefully.” He again coughed loudly.

“Don’t die, uncle… please…”

“For everything there is a season.” Replied Shadow with weary voice. “And everyone’s time must come. Soon I will join your aunt… also your mother and father. That’s a natural way of things. Do not oppose the glacier – just learn his route.”

“I love you, uncle…”

“I know, my dear. But the tears are useless now. However I need you to listen to me and promise me something.”

“Whatever you wish, uncle.” Sobbed wolfess.

“Maya, Sheik won’t the next alpha.” Said dying leader. Seeing surprise on niece’s muzzle, he added. “I love him, he is my son. And I know, you love him too. He is like a brother to you. But I can’t make him a chief. I wish you to take a lead.”

“But… but…”

“Hush, let me finish.” Said Shadow. “There are reasons I made this decision. I still haven’t told it Sheik, but soon I will. Yet, I doubt if he accept it.”

“Uncle…”

“You have to use any possible means to fulfil my last will and take a lead in our clan. Just… get the support of elders of clan, gain fondness of our wolves. I know that rivalry in family is bad thing, but you have to.”

“But… why?” whispered wolfess.

“Only you are able to keep our clan in unity.” Said Shadow slowly. “I hate to say, but both Sheik and Tram are too egocentric to be good and devoted leaders. You have to be my heir. Please, now swear that you won’t our clan to split. We are the followers of Aniu and Mother of Wolfkind is hoping for our clan to fulfil her dreams of unity. You must not fail!”

“Yes, uncle.” Said Maya with tears freely flowing from her eyes.

“Right…” smiled Shadow, but then burst in coughs once again. “Now it’s easier to leave… Please, call Sheik here. I must say goodbye also to him. And ask Tram too. I must…” His eyes narrowed and he breathed very heavily. “Quick! I have no strength…”

Maya ran out from chamber to almost his her cousin in doorstep. She looked on Sheik with scared stare and called.

“Quick. Go to him!”

Shadow’s son entered chamber and kneeled next to father, while crying wolfess exited the cave to meet crowd of her kins outside. They were waiting and Maya with terror noticed that on some muzzles that waiting was mixed with hope. “God! They wish uncle is dead already!” she sobbed silently. Her eyes turned to Tram, whose grieving appearance was clearly shallow as summer pool. Just next waited Rose – redfurred mate of Sheik with their pups, Max, Cher and Nina. Wolfess was barely repressing smile of pride, as if she already thought about herself as mate of new alpha. Maya turned her stare down with disgust and walked to the brink of forest. Tram caught her there.

“Maya, wait…” said Saba’s son. Wolfess stopped.

“It just…” started greyfurred wolf. “I understand what you are feeling… but let me help you.” He came closer. “I love uncle the same as you do.” Continued, putting much emotions in his words. In eyes of Maya old, cynical Tram disappeared. She heard real pain in his ask. “Just remember that I’m always here… We should stick together in times like this and…”

“He is dying, Tram.” Sobbed Maya and needled to cousin’s side.

“I know… but we must be strong.” Replied greyfurred.

And because she couldn’t see it then, he allow himself for a smile. In normal conditions, he had no chances for succession – group of his supporters was smaller than Sheik’s one and most of his allies was very passing lot. So only way for him to became an alpha… was to became a mate of alpha. “She is my cousin.” He thought. “Yet still… this is not so bad as was with mom and dad…” he added silently and smiled even wider. The future was laying at his paws.

Meanwhile in alpha’s chamber Sheik was crying. Last words of Shadow were melting his son’s heart with unspeakable grief. Wolf was barely responding to what he was hearing.

“I love you, my son.” Continued alpha. “And I know you love me. That’s why I have to ask you for something hard, but necessary.”

“Whatever you wish.” Answered his son. To his cry came a sweet awareness what was about to happen. Sheik was really crying over passing of his father, but the view of soon succession made those tears less burning.

“Sheik… I’m so sorry for asking you for that… but please, let Maya take my place.”

“Of course, father… FATHER!?” yelled shocked wolf. His expectation had been completely opposite.

“I’m sorry.” Said alpha and coughed again.

“But why… dad… I’m your oldest son and I was always loyal to you!”

“Please, Sheik, promise you won’t take a lead instead…”

“Dad, no! You are wrong!” said younger wolf with tensed voice. Suddenly he understood that grieving over deceased father is much easier than grieving over lost patrimony. “I will be your perfect successor…”

“Promise…” uttered Shadow, but that word was his last. Heart of old leader stopped.

“Dad… Dad!” called Sheik, both crying from sorrow and confusion. “No one heard it.” He though, nestling his muzzle in lifeless side of father’s body. “No one will know. I will say, I’m the new leader.”

But someone knew. Teele sent Istana just in case, but it happened to be quite a case. After Lightning’s death, old scout took a intelligence unit under her supervision and tried to continue her predecessor’s job – to watch over the clan. She send her best agent, subordinate most gifted in eavesdropping, young wolfess called Istana. However she didn’t know that Istana was not just her most trusted soldier, but also very good friend of Tram. And a secret that was meant to be known only by intelligence commander, could quickly became known widely.

Talbourne clan was at the peak of its power, yet never in its history it was also so close to fall.

II. Of Puppets and Puppeteers

January completed his combat-pack and set off on next morning. Well – for most residences of Haven it wasn’t morning anymore, but sun had just raised. In mid December day started late, almost as late as future alpha used to wake up. But no one was hurrying him – it was a simple mission, in waiting for presentation.

Kaata was going too, what was heavily worrying January. First – presence of beautiful female was definitely spoiling the battle spirit of unit, or boost it, but in least valuable way – encouraging to stupid bravado, instead of rational acting. And of course there was also the second reason – whatever feelings wolfess had towards future alpha, she was still Varjo’s daughter. Not that January didn’t trust his intelligence commander, but he thought that if you allow your specops to search freely, they will get know everything.

On the contrary, wolfdog’s pack was enjoying Kaata’s company. Eleven soldiers of private January’s unit was marching along with wolfess flooding her with usual small-talk that young males flood young females in winter. But Kaata was more concerned about hybrid’s silence.

“Hey, alpha-gamma, what’s up?” she asked, nudging side of malawolf. “What kind of victorious campaign are you planning now?”

“Nearest talk with my mother.” Replied January.

Day was again quite sunny, yet frosty. Fierce frosts of December started last night – sky was cloudless and during dark hours temperature dropped to minus forty. Wolfdog imagines how hard was a duty of soldier on Reindeer Creek Line. Except of time when one was on hunting for companions, the main task of Packers was to guard the ford (ford was not exact term, when river was iced, but it meant the narrowest place between two areas of wide pools – there crossing creek was easiest and safest) and wait on such a frost for long weeks. And January willingly decided to join that duty.

“Mother?” asked surprised Kaata. “What do you mean?”

“She let me go too easily.” Explained malawolf. “As if she had something smart on mind, but I’m too stupid to get what it is.”

“Oh, no!” protested Kaata and licked January’s forehead. “Sir, you are not stupid…” she paused and finished with laughter. “And even if, you have advisor staff proper for intellectual work!”

January pushed Kaata with side and giggling wolfess hobbled to hit the side of Apu, walking just next to them. Whole unit replied with carefree laughter. January didn’t resist and smiled too, but then he noticed another Pack unit, walking in forest almost parallel to them.

“And they… who are them?” asked himself. Kaata had to hear that and replied instantly.

“Don’t recognise? It’s Ian’s lot.” She called louder. “You, secret agent, come here!”

Soon to January’s column joined six more wolves from RAIA. They were leading by lightfurred wolf of light constitution and strange walk. Four years old scout was hobbling a little, what was a remembrance after general injuries he suffered two years earlier. Born as Talbourne, he was – that detail was never fully explained – captured or saved by Steele and his reconnaissance unit, when they were scouting Home Valley Region. Taken to Haven, he managed to recover and joined to Pack’s military, from that time on serving faithfully to his new family. Because wolf was in some sense charge of Steele and after leader’s death he came under care of Ea, January treated him like a brother. However they didn’t see each other too much recently – as very good scout, Ian was still busy in RAIA.

“Good to see you, ma’am!” he greeted daughter of his supervisor. “Hi, Jan.”

Most likely only Ian used that diminutive – because it was so similar to scout’s name, if someone else call like that, no one about which Ian/Jan was about. Malawolf nodded on reply to friend.

“Again some secret op?” asked January, involuntary putting in that irony tone of real envy. He wished to join the heat of battle – it didn’t matter if as front-soldier or scout in deep recon. “Shadow’s assassination or what?”

“I’m terribly sorry, Jan, but I can’t talk about it.” Replied Ian honestly. “All I could say, is that we are to verify rumours about Shadow’s death. Perhaps it’s a bit too late for assassination.”

Both units – future alpha’s group and scouts – burst in laughter. Yet hybrid felt a bitter taste of defeat – he just missed an opportunity, as would never kill Talbourne alpha. Shadow was considered as a strong leader and whatever would come after him, he or she would be much less honourable adversary to cope with.

“Whatever, good luck anyway. To where you will accompany with us.”

“To further than Reindeer Creek. We cross it and go into peninsula.” January nodded.

Lightfurred scout saw all the thoughts displayed on muzzle of his friend. He know January too long for not to read some wants he wasn’t able to express in words. Somehow Ian felt even worse, as he couldn’t tell to stepbrother what was actual goal for his mission. “I promised it to aunt Ea and I will keep it. Sorry, Jan.” He thought and speeded up his hobbling steps.

*

Tenu was lying on main square in front of Home Cave. The world around him was flowing with dangerous speed, but general was relaxed. He knew wolves souls well enough to predict future chain of events. He understood on that moment he had not too much to do. He would be necessary later, but much depended on how Maya would do her job.

Fida and Ama were close as usual. Twin sisters, always ready bodyguards of general laid on his both sides, taking half-aware naps. If any sign of danger appeared, they would in seconds stand up and stand for their commander. It was their duty and reason to live.

They were almost mirror reflections of themselves – the same shapes and features, varied only by colour of coat. As Fida was all black, Ama’s fur shone with whiteness. Two beautiful females were four and almost since birth lived with and server Tenu. They were saved by his group of wanderers, before hoaryfurred joined Talbourne, in by this time they become most deadly guardians that general could desire. If something went wrong, Tenu estimated that Fida and Ama would match at least ten common soldiers of clan. Of course, it was just a distant possibility and commander preferred to avoid any conflict. He was really counting that Talbourne would be used to his quest.

“Are you sleeping?” asked hoary leader. They were, but on the quietest utter from Tenu’s mouth they always woke up not to lose any of his words.

“Sir!” reported twins at once.

“Easy, I’m just observing. Take a look, if you wish.”

He turned his muzzle to several uneasy groups of Talbourne wolves. Careful observer would notice in that – on first glance usual chats of clanners – possible cores of future claimants parties.

Day before it was a memorial after Shadow. The main speaker was – of course – Sheik, but it was meaningfully that he said nothing about succession. Alpha’s son felt too weak to announce his power – at least too weak yet. Fortunately for him, Maya made no action. She was really crushed by death of her uncle and she disappeared on almost full day, to came on memorial in last moment. What Tenu didn’t see - but he had sense of – she spent that night, crying by side of Tram. Saba’s son was whispering his cousin words of sympathy, but also words of fondness, carefully sensing possibilities of relationship with Maya. However Tram in person couldn’t plot, his followers were active. Rumour about Shadow disowning Sheik was already on the run, strongly extending group of Tram’s acolytes. Meanwhile Rose and her most trusted wolves tried to counter that story, but unexpected gossip suddenly levelled balance of claimants parties. All undecided clanners – Tenu estimated their number on about half of Home Valley population – were ready to support Maya, but that agitation had to be done very carefully. Hoaryfurred doubted if innocent wolfess was ready to enter the political battlefield.

“And what would we do, sir?” asked Ama, after Tenu finished his briefing.

“Not too much for now.” Answered general. “Just wait… in fact it’s would be better if the question is open for longer time…” He took a look around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. They were lying on open air and in noise of countless wolves words, it was unlike for anyone to hear what commander was about to say. “Girls, I’m hoping for a war.”

“You have one, sir.” Noticed Fida.

“I mean the real war!” snorted Tenu. “And I’m suspecting we will have the enemy at the gates soon.”

“Sir…”

“But it’s perfect.” Smiled wolf. “When the Pack hear about Shadow’s death and succession tensions, Aarre would be a moron if he not use the opportunity. They will strike the full scale assault, hoping that before that some of Talbourne would kill each other in civil war.”

“It sounds reasonable, sir.” Noticed Fida. “For them. But we…”

“Only with clear outside threat, we would be able to secure Maya’s succession… and my leadership in military matters. For failures on the front we will blame Teele and the stronger claimant. Then we will make some deal with Packers…” he involuntary tuned down his voice. After all he was talking about aims completely different from clan’s expectation. He wasn’t traitor – because he never swore to be loyal – but he understood that guiding Talbourne by deceit was the easiest way to achieve the score. The score known only by him and his friends. His real brethrens, so different from pride wolves of old regime. He, Tenu was a morningstar of the new world order!

Maya exited the pine-plant after hard night. He woke up in snow, alone. Tram went away earlier, leaving <sorry> mark on snow. She understood he was busy, yet she felt very wrong again finding herself alone. On evening Tram came to her, as earlier with soothing words and soothing touch. She needed his proximity, so he laid in snow, nestling to her side, recalling all the good days they had with uncle Shadow in the past. And that way she fell asleep.

On morning she woke up and with uncertain steps (she felt as if she froze that night) walked to main cave. She passed by several loud groups of wolves, chatting with tensed voice. She noticed as all order failed there. Only Teele, as long intelligence commander and Ami as respected field commander who happened to be in home on Shadow’s funeral, tried to somehow guide confused clan. Those two females organised hunts, extinguished several bursting quarrels, and generally tried to make and impression that somehow was still in place among Followers of Aniu. But it wasn’t. Maya was looking on two commanders with gratitude, yet she still felt no strength to help them in any way. Then she passed by Tanu.

“Good day, princess!” called general.

“Good… what?” asked a bit confused wolfess.

“Day.” Replied hoaryfurred. “That is lapse of time when we observe sun-originated source of light. Of course, above the Arctic Circle definition is a bit more complicated, but…”

“How did you called me?” asked Maya, tired by black sense of general’s humour.

“Princess.” Repeated Tenu. “I hope I didn’t offend you. I could call you emperoress, but only after conquering the Pack’s land. That term is reserved to ruler who had in his or her power many once independent and sovereign domains.”

“Cut this, sir.” Said brownfurred and came to wolf. She was tired and she sat in snow involuntary. Tenu smiled.

“Why? Can’t I call you my princess?”

“Please…”

“Don’t worry.” He interrupted. “I made my promises to your uncle. I will help you to get this lot’s respect. But not now. There are still possibilities…”

“I’m tired of that!” cried Maya. “I wish I were somewhere away from here. In Nome with grandparents… or anywhere else. But it’s… disgusting!” she pointed on another quarrel among Tram’s and Sheik’s acolytes. “Uncle is dead and they are… for what they are arguing?”

“Right, go rest.” Advised Tenu. He stood up and gently helped her to stand. Then pushed her into cave’s direction. “I let you know, when you are needed… to your clan, of course.” Maya went away with uncertain steps and general sighed. “What a pity… she is so innocent and sweet.”

Maya actually wanted to get to Alpha Cave, but she came across Sheik, Rose and their pups. She initially smiled, seeing stepbrother and trio of his children, but then she noticed harsh stare of Rose. Redfurred wolfess was looking on Maya as on rival and no courtesy talk would cover it.

“Oh, my God!” gasped Sheik, with genuine fear. “You look terrible… I mean… You look beautiful, but You seem to…”

“I slept outside.” Said brownfurred. “Just… happened.”

“Come one, go with us.” Ordered Sheik.

Maya for in that moment smiled. She always knew it! Her Sheik, best friend, cousin and stepbrother was whom he always had been. So was so caring and protective… When he nudged side of Maya guiding her to Main Caves Complex, she had no doubts about him. “Those are only stupid sidekicks, who say nonsense about him. He would never be envy about leadership. He cares about family… he cares about me.”

“Sweetheart, take her and pups home.” Said Rose. “I have few things to do. I will join you soon.”

“As you wish.” Replied Sheik, always listening to his mate. “Kids, let’s go.” And all five went to cavern’s entrance.

Rose stayed in place for the while, until pups, Sheik and her sister-in-law entered the chambers. Then she turned back and headed to Second Division Quarters. What was called so proudly, was simple a pine-plant with several dens and rock-cracks and was serving as a residence for Ami’s soldiers. Rose had no interest to Ami, but she wanted to talk with Black.

It happened that Black, Snow, Lake and other her friends from old pack were in the one unit of Second Division. Partially it was a coincidence, but Rose and her friends helped the fate. They all were from Stardust Pack, that two years earlier voluntary joined Talbourne. That way they got – instead of eradication – the new home and Rose herself also a mate, who happened to be son of Aleu. Redfurred wolfess loved her new family, yet she also loved the old one and trusted former packmates more than any other. And then – when she had a quest for trusted friends – it was obvious she picked her old companions.

“Hi, boss.” Said blackfurred wolf, called simply Black. He was a sergeant of Ami’s forces. “Hey, guys, Rose is here.” He called into deeper plant for rest of old Stardusters.

“Yeah, hello all.” Replied redfurred.

“So, are you big-boss already?” asked Snow with smile on his face. “When Sheik will be announced as a new alpha?”

“That is a difficulty.” Replied Rose. “He is not only one to the office. Tram is drooling to jump there too and Maya… eh, we have a problem with that two. But if something happens to Maya…” She quickly reported about all rumours and tension among clanners. They were listening and finally Black – most likely the brightest of them all – said.

“So… hypothetically… if Maya dies, that is almost certain that Sheik takes power… and you with him.”

“Exactly.” Nodded wolfess. “That is not only matter of me and our wolves… it about whole clan. Sheik will be the perfect leader…”

“But only with you by his side.” Threw in Lake, light redfurred male. Rose instantly hit him in forehead with paw.

“Shut up!” she gasped. “Maybe I’m helping my mate in some decisions, but after all he will be ten times better leader than Maya and million times better than Tram. And those two seem to plot with each other…”

“What?” murmured Snow. “They are cousins! Have Tram inherited… aaa… such inclinations after his parents?”

“I know they are in forth grade of consanguity…” said redfurred, then added louder. “Or actually in third and half… it’s really gross… but never mind. I will take care about unfriendly gossip about that degenerate. But you must take care of Maya.”

“E… permanently?” asked a bit shocked Lake.

“Lake, my friend.” Said Rose, nestling to side of wolf. “You know that Sheik loves his family. Whatever happened, however Maya would be a weak leader – she is Sheik’s cousin and actually she is like younger sister to him. They grew up together and they are very good family. He simply can’t order to kill her.”

“What a pity…” murmured Snow.

“However I can!” smiled Rose. “Sheik doesn’t have to know anything. Simply… you must find the way to lure Maya outside the Home Valley. The best would be a visit on the front. There you could easily simulate some accident, for example Pack’s attack or even premeditated assassination.”

“Wow! You’re really smart!” admitted Black.

“Perhaps that’s why I’m mate of future alpha.” She replied.

But it was not true. Rose genuine loved her mate and pups. She would do anything to secure they future and she was doing right that. She knew that Sheik would be too weak to run that plot, so she decided to help him out.

When she was returning to Alpha Cave, she was smiling and thinking only about Sheik in alpha’s office and about her pups, most likely Max, who would some day inherit the power after his father. She was ion those dreams too – but always aside, only in shade, however always with helping paw, ready to discretely push things in right direction.

“What a pity, Maya.” She thought. “You are such a nice girl… But life's not fair, is it?”

*

On the first glance pawprints on the snow are simply cold marks on white surface. But Istana was so skilled scout that she could read countless things out of trails. After terrifying night when Shadow died and scout heard leader’s last orders, Teele was really scared about life of her subordinate. She sent her to duties around Home Valley, to keep her away from the heat of political arguments. So young soldier was performing her safe, yet almost pointless new assignment, when she noticed something unbelievable.

Pack’s scout was infiltrating Talbourne land.

She followed the trail. In light of dying day it was hard to follow, but sharp eyes of Istana were helping her nose to read the story. And story was very interesting – chased enemy was running in strange way. He was hobbling, most likely because of some permanent paw damage, yet he was moving quite fast. He left small amount of traces, because he tried to miss his tail. But he was in too much hurry to do it properly.

Then Istana heard voices behind her. She turned back to see in light of raising moon a pack of guards from First Unit. She recognise some known-muzzles, so she waited for soldiers.

“Oh, you are from Teele’s division?” asked sergeant, looking on her. “You’ve noticed him too.”

“What does it mean? A scout so close to home?” she asked.

“We are chasing him almost from Buckland.” Replied sergeant. He waged his tail and his subordinates sat down, using the moment of break. “It was a unit of six, that we spotted near Bear Mountain. We almost got them… but they separated!” snorted soldier. “Their commander tricked us, and all five of scouts somehow escaped. We were chasing just leader, when those five most likely returned to the border. At least he battue him here, where he has no chances to escape.” Scout smiled. “Yes, he will see the Home Cave. From inside.”

Then Istana looked again on pawprints to see new, very enriched image. She recalled earlier memories and imagine the runaway. He was going with remnants of his strength. He was doing all he was able to give more time to his companions. They most likely ran straight to the border, while chief was luring chase deeper into it’s territory. He was marching restlessly, ignoring pain (Istana noticed a red mark of blood on the snow) and hopelessness of own situation. There was nowhere to run, or at least the direction of running should be opposite. But still – scout was going in wide arc, closing to Home Valley. He wanted to make sure his unit would escape.

“Poor rascal.” Whispered Istana, standing from snow. “And now we have to take him down…” She looked on securers. “Are you ready?”

They set off and found him just two hours later – there was no use that exhausted scout would outrun fresh unit of guardians. Istana was going with them and she as the first noticed lone silhouette under the starlit sky of winter night. Enemy was running, or better to say: marching on ice field of Northern Valley. Even from distance of over mile, his moves looked odd and desperate. It seemed that runaway perfectly know that enemies are just behind.

In wave that even she failed to understand, Istana rushed ahead. Some voice ordered her to catch that scout before guardians. “He will die.” Thought wolfess. “But at least I’ll make sure that brave rascal will die painlessly.” She outran security soldiers and entered the field.

Packer slowed down, but not because he heard his chase. He was simply out of his breath and Istana noticed more red dots on the snowlayer. She quickly made the distance and without slowing down pounced on brownfurred male. He fell down instantly, having no might to stand up against in mêlée combat. Both wolves rolled in snow few times, then Istana stood on paws and got to enemy. He stopped, lying on back – so he was exposing his throat, belly and all vulnerable parts she could sink her teeth into. “That’s good!” she smiled, but then runaway called.

“Wait!” his voice was shivering from exhaustion. “I give up!”

She didn’t understand the message. She still was coming with bared fangs, looking for neck of enemy. Meanwhile guardians got there too, marching just after Istana. Packer was looking on this with muzzle burning with emotions. He repeated, that time louder and more decisively.

“Wait! I surrender.”

Istana wasn’t especially bloodthirsty wolfess. Simply that message is very seldom heard on battlefield. During Pack-Talbourne War it was actuality never heard. So scoutess put her teeth on enemy’s neck and closed her eyes, clenching jaws. Then came an impact from left side. One of guardians simply threw her away.

“Stop it!” ordered sergeant Michael. “He surrendered!”

And then a icy wall broke and Istana understood what had happened. She stoop up from the snow and looked on runaway, who was encircled by six guardians. They stares met, but she turned it down with shame in her eyes.

“I… I…” she started.

“Crap! I’m a bit surprised to.” Said Michael. “But if he gave up, we won’t just slaughter him now. Let’s take him to lady Teele. That will be her problem.”

Prisoner was taken on sergeant’s back and with assistance of two guardians carrier set off in Home Valley direction. Istana stayed in place a moment longer, breathing heavily. Her adrenaline shock passed and she regained full control. Moon ceased to look red and just shove above her. Stars stopped to blink. All was normal so she ran to taken Packer.

“Hey, you… I’m sorry…” she called to exhausted wolf. It was impossible to say if he heard that, because his eyes were closed and in the same time he was panting loudly, maybe in own ears muffling all other sounds. From his mouth was dripping a streak of blood.

“All right, all right.” Replied guardian. “Let him go. I bet he will understand… when he is able too. For now he seems to be out of any consciousness.”

Prisoner moaned louder when Michael accidentally shook him harder. But except of that he made no other sound. So, perhaps for the very fist time on that war, Talbourne had a Pack’s prisoner.

And no idea what to do about it.

III. Prodigal Son

Not every family deserved on cavern on its own, but some more meritorious ones were given with smaller parts of Main Cave Complex. Flame and Ralph were one of those families, however she thought that after moving of their children, living in solid shelter was a great waste of clan’s space. But residing just next to HQ had the same number of advantages and disadvantages. Quick hearing of bad new was one of those second.

Ralph was commissioned once again. Flame considered it as highly unfair, however she said nothing about it to her mate. Ralph was a real grexot and re-entry to military he greeted with genuine satisfaction. In spite of his age – he was eight – he was considered as qualified to defensive duty. It was a cause of pride for brownfurred wolf.

But Flame looked on that from completely different perspective. She believed that her family had already contributed to the clan much more than it should. Mates had totally six pups. Aneke died in infancy, Ian had accident during Defence Team Qualification. Only Viin survived. From second litter one pup was born already dead (that was most likely caused by hunger that burst just after Bear Clan War), Boran made it, but died year before in battle with the Pack. Istana grew up to be strong and beautiful wolfess – yet she was serving in Intelligence – mother saw her daughter maybe twice a month and each time she was saying goodbye to her, she was almost sure it was a last time. Flame paid her tribute to Talbourne in most valuable currency – the blood. Then she had enough of that.

It happened that Ralph was sent to the same unit that Viin, so father and son were serving together. However it was a slight relief for Flame. Knowing the restless ambition of her mate and of her son, she knew they both with first opportunity would try to show their valour in the most dangerous way. Unit was already at full training routine, so Ralph was for the most time in military quarters.

Each time Flame was falling asleep – so often, alone – she was hearing voices of young soldiers from Alpha Cave sentries. In almost every such a utter she heard her poor Ian, who gave his life in attempt to enter Defence Team. Those wolves… - God! those were just a bit grown up puppies! – were the same. So avid to fight and so unaware of life’s fragility. Flame was crying often. Both over her lost children and those half-lost – on distance missions or ready to march away with spring offensive.

That night she awoke about two hour after midnight, hearing strange voices from behind the way. Someone was arguing, but doing it in whispers and careful utters, like it was a clan’s secret. They were talking something about wounded and prisoner. Each time Flame heard “wounded” she turned herself into one, great ear, trying to determine if that was about Ralph, Istana or Viin. That time when she learned that none of her family was hurt, she simply laid to sleep. Yet arguments from Main Cave didn’t stop.

“Crap!” gasped Mike, sergeant of first Unit, temporally appointed as sentry commander in Cave. “What the heck I should do with him?”

“Just wait for Teele.” Advised Michael. “I guess she would be interested with some real POW.”

“Lady Teele won’t be here in eight hours.” Replied sergeant. “After those crazy days she got a fever and she was taken to strict healing. I’m not authorized to wake her nor…”

“So call general!” snorted senior guardian.

That was odd suggestion, caused most likely only by Michael’s weariness and want to rid off the problem fast. In whole clan’s military was a great divide between Home Forces, including First and Second Unit, as well as Teele’s intelligence and Tenu’s Strike Force, including old Third and Fourth division with new formed units of general. Before Shadow’s death the system was running smoothly – First and Second Unit under Henry and Ami were focused on guarding the cave, occasionally giving some teams to Strike Force. Tenu was commanding about two hundred wolves in front line and using help of some guardians. All tensions in chain of command – and there were some, because mercenary was widely mistrusted by Talbourne wolves – were cooled by alpha himself. But when alpha was gone… actually no one knew if Tenu took over the whole authority over Talbourne Military or he maintained just command over his two Divisions. However when Teele was unavailable and case serious, wolves in Main Cave saw no other option except calling the foreign commander.

“No! wait!” Said Cayce – old, whitefurred sergeant of First Unit. “We will manage it. Just… Teele will decide, yet for now we will make sure he survive. Put them on those bedding and prepare something to eat.”

Guardians willingly subdued to their colleague. In spite there were two more sergeants – Mike and Michael, they both had nothing against being commanded by older wolf. Cayce was veteran of Uniea War, long-cadence sergeant, perhaps candidate for lieutenant soon. He was definitely ten times more trusted than mercenary general.

“Let me see him…” said whitefurred, coming closer to prisoner. Enemy scout was put on brushy bedding and two guardians laid next to, to warm him up. He started to show some signs of conscience and finally opened his eyes.

“Hey, you!” said Cayce, mixing in voice harshness with sympathy. “You are the prisoner of Talbourne Clan. Don’t do anything stupid, so we won’t hurt you, all right?”

“What… what?” whispered prisoner.

“It’s over.” Said Michael. “We caught you few miles north from here. You are in Home Cave.”

One of guardians put a piece of meat in front of scout. He started to eat fast, trying to make up for long time of fasting and enormous effort he had made. It took few minutes before he swallowed his portion then he looked on his keepers.

“Oh…” murmured brownfurred. “Wait!” he gasped with spark of fear. “And others?”

“Well. It seems that your trick worked.” Said Cayce. “We failed to intercept your unit. But we have you. Tell me, what is your name.”

“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo.” Replied prisoner with just one breath.

“What was your mission?” asked Cayce.

“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo.” Repeated Ian. “That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.”

“Crap!” gasped Mike. “We might have killed him and he still plays a hero! Let me…” started sergeant, coming closer to prisoner.

Ian covered his muzzle with paws, as if he was expecting a hit. Then he repeated. “I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” Cayce sighed heavily.

“Oh, you’re a stubborn boy…”

“Sir, let me soften him!” called one of guardians, but old sergeant just waged his tail with decline.

“Right, show me your muzzle.” Ordered whitefurred. “Go on, I won’t hit you… at least this time. So… put away your paws… God, are your muzzle is classified too?” Finally Ian uncovered his head and Cayce looked at him once again. Then sighed with amaze. “E... e… what was your name, again?”

“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” Introduced himself Ian.

“Ian, Ian…” repeated Cayce. “I swear I know you… but how? From where you are from?”

“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” Stated prisoner firmly, however he was ready to shield his muzzle again.

“Oh, never mind…” murmured Cayce and turned to exit. “We will talk with him when lady Teele is here. For now, just keep him in place.” He started to walk outside.

“Sir!” called Ian after him. Whitefurred stopped. “May I have one question for you?”

“You can question me whatever you want.” Replied Cayce angrily. “But don’t be surprised, if I reply you that I’m sergeant Cayce of First Unit.”

“Sir… are Flame and Ralph of Talbourne all right?”

Cayce gulped. He turned back to see the prisoner again. He looked carefully on his muzzle and in next moment he closed his eyes, recalling some ghost of the past. It was the same wolf – the same cadet that was killed during qualification round three years earlier. Son of Flame and Ralph. Ian of Talbourne.

“Will… get here mrs Flame. She lives in side cave, next to main exit.” Said slowly. Then he replied Ian. “Yes, they are fine. Are you our wolf? Son of Flame and Ralph?”

“I’m terribly sorry, sir.” Replied Ian with genuine expression of sorrow. “I’m not authorized to tell so much details to enemy. No offence, I mean.”

“Mike, let him go.” Ordered Cayce. Mike was still holding prisoner, pressing him to the ground. “I said: let him loose!” growled sergeant and younger wolf obeyed. Ian stood up, but he was still very weak. His paws were shaking and his sight was still dimmed with weakness. But he was able to stand by himself. “So… Ian.” Said Cayce. “I have many questions for you… but now I have to say: welcome home, lad.”

“I didn’t defect.” Noticed brownfurred. “I was taken here by a force.”

“You were taken, where you belong.” Said Cayce. Seeing that some confused soldiers, were still ready to tear prisoner apart, he added. “At ease! He is Talbourne wolf! We will soon explain how it happened he was in their army. Let him walk freely.”

“Sir!” said Ian decisively. “I gave no word that I won’t escape. I said I give up, but with possibility of interrogation, I would…”

“So what, my lad…” asked Cayce. “Will you escape?”

“E…” murmured brownfurred. “Actually… YES!” he called and slammed into Cayce’s side.

Perhaps his weary appearance was a trick, perhaps seeing the route of escape wolf regained his strength. But the result was simple – he pounced on whitefurred and overturned him, then jumped among guardians and using their total surprise, he made his way through. He pushed two soldiers aside and started to speed to the exit. It took over three seconds for Cayce to react.

“ALARM!” he howled. Then all guardians ran out from chamber.

Ian was in his hardest moment of life. He had to use all his muscles, but also all his brains. He was bruised, sleepy and starved (that small piece of meat, given by guardians was just slowly being digested), but he had to ran faster than fresh sentries of cave. Additionally, he was putting all possible mental effort to recall memories of Home Cave and it’s vicinity. If he wanted to escape, he had to know any route of his run.

He easily mixed with loose group of wolves on square, but then he heard Cayce, calling an order to stop hobbling runaway. He turned aside, leaving the open plain and entered the forest. He knew – or at least expected – that route was a dead end. Behind grove once were quarters of Second Unit, where alert had to get too. So Ian decided to choose the only possible way out – to freedom or to death.

He ran down, closer to gorge. One of Talbourne Creek’s tributaries was a fast mountain torrent, embraced with deep ravine. It was in that place about three metres wide – Ian hoped that detail hadn’t changed since his last visit… - a distance hard to jump over by crippled wolf. And then scout was also wounded and weak – the quest seemed to be impossible. The same as most tasks in RAIA-service.

He bounced from ledge and pounced into air. Giving whole might he could in hind-legs thrust and flew perfectly over five metres depth, aiming at snow-hang on the other side. It was unbelievable, but he made it. However, the snow under his paws did not.

Ian sensed that his ground quaked and ran down. For short while wolf was staying in the air and desperately trying to reach with front paws to solid rock. Then gravity claimed her beloved child and Ian set off to meet the cold surface of torrent.

*

Ian and Viin were almost two, what make them consider themselves as mature wolves. Father of course repeated that was too early, but brothers felt that under his denies there was a pride of his sons. So they volunteered to Shadow’s Team in secret, however sensing that Ralph was expecting that. That was just after Bear Clan War, so military was craving the fresh blood to replace casualties.

Mother was crying, hearing they sons applied. But father didn’t protest. So on appointed day brothers came to main square, as many of young wolves from clan. They hadn’t fixed that, but brothers split in crowd. They were brothers… and that’s why they had reasons not to be in one team while qualification started. They had been always competing – since early puphood. Even in so small family, where just two cubs survived, some hierarchy must be done. Ian was on the lower step of ladder and he hoped that qualification would change that and show parent he was simply better than his litter-brother. Yet neither Ian nor Viin wanted to stand against each other so early, and surely didn’t want to eliminate themselves by some initial fight. So they picked different teams…

That was a frosty day – blizzard was so severe that the Pack’s forces might come unseen to the Valley – under condition that Steele was so mad to set off in such a messy time. It was good moment for qualifications – for sure it was ready to eliminate all weaklings.

The quest of qualification was simple – to reach the set point before next evening and there win in skirmish-fights with other teams that made it too. But the main problem was to get to finish. The route was about fifty miles long, what made quite a run as for such weather conditions.

Ian took over his small-pack and lead them straight to he aim. Because he was especially motivated, he chose the hardest way, via Frosty Pass. What surprised and shocked him what that two more teams did the same and when they got to mountain passage, they discovered three lifeless bodies on the bottom of gorge. Ian gulped, but quiet enough for no one to hear.

“Crew! Onward!” he said and entered the frozen path.

Wind was blowing from north-east what was in the same time beneficial and dangerous. Path was going on north-west, so wind was simply pushing competitors to the rock-wall, somehow securing them from fall. But sooner or later wolves would cross surface sloped or slippery enough that even windy support was not enough. In that case unprepared youngster was just sliding down to the edge of ledge and then lower – to three dead bodies. Needless to say – that happened to Ian.

He never knew when he made a mistake. Simply he found himself sliding down, with no control about own moves. He just managed to think “I’m dying!” and imagine smiling muzzle of Viin who once again turned out to be the better one. Then all his misery was cut by meeting with frozen surface of snow and firn. He lost his senses.

His team passed that place with no future accidents. They reached Sunny Valley and there met Viin’s team. Second of brothers quickly took over orphaned unit and increased his forces to fifteen jaws. He got to the finish as the last, but thanks to superior wolfpower he beat all opponents and got first grade from qualifications. Meanwhile his brother was dying.

Ian awoke about three hours later, when blizzard was still raging on. He felt that his paw was broken and saw his companions left him to die. He tried to stand up, but he based on damaged limb. Pain was so rapid, that wolf again lost his consciousness.

When he awoke once again, he knew he was dying. Frost and hunger were quickly stripping his life-forces and there was no way to stop that. Unless… Ian crawled to body of nearest competitor and started to eat. He vomited three times, but finally ate enough to survive the sleep. Somehow he was still alive when the Pack came.

Steele noticed four bodies and decided to dine too. Perhaps not all of his soldiers shared that inclination to canine food, but commander was thinking rationally – if he feasted on carcasses of enemies, he could leave more hunted game to his subordinates. So he came to nearest body.

Body yelped with fear.

“Wow!” smiled malamute. “Talk about hot meat!” But then he looked in terrified eyes of Talbourne. “Oh… you are a reject of qualification? You prefer to finished off or saved?”

Ian didn’t believe that he would be saved. From all war-logic he knew it came to: kill or be killed. He was unable to kill Packer, so he should be eliminated. The same as he had been eliminated from Shadow’s Team. Crying with dry tears and cowed in coil, trying to gain at least some time, before enemy would tear his throat.

“Aarre!” called Steele. “We are actually done with recon. Tell me – would we be able to get this lad out of gorge.”

“Sir?” gasped S.I.C.

“I don’t want to know your feeling about it, but estimation of odds.” Said commander. “Would we?”

“Perhaps… fifty-fifty I would say.”

“So: go! Put him on my back.” Before Ian would asked why he was saved by enemy after being sentenced for death by his brethrens, he lost consciousness again.

*

He awoke some time later in small rock-crack. Giant malamute was lying next to him and portioning meat. Ready pieces he was putting just in front of wolf. Ian recalled how he was hungry. He looked on his saviour.

“Yes, that is for you.” So brownfurred started to eat.

After few more minutes he also stared to think. What was that all about? What happened? And most important: “Why?” he whispered with weary voice.

“Good question, boy.” Said malamute. Ian recalled that dog was called Steele and he was the commander of mysterious Pack with which Talborne was wagging the war. “By the way: what’s your name?”

“Ian…” sighed wolf.

“So, Ian… I guess you were rated as useless for you military. And to be honest – now you are. The paw will never fully recover.”

“Sir, you are…”

“I’m fighting Aleu, not some her impaired sidekicks.” Replied dog.

“What will be with me?” asked wolf.

“In fact Home Valley is about twenty miles from here.” Said Steele. “We must go back, but we could left you some meat. You would stay here, rest for few days and when blizzard is over – safely return home. But…”

“I’m dead there.” Noticed Ian. “They left me, because I failed. I’m cripple. I can’t go back.”

“So what!?” asked Steele in incomprehensible impulse. “Should I take you with us?”

Wolf turned his eyes to muzzle dog and was looking in his blue pupils for long while. Malamute read many of thought that were flowing under face of youngster and was almost hearing cry of broken heart. Ian lost his home and old life.

“Should I take you with us?” repeated Steele automatically.

“Would you, sir?” asked Talbourne wolf.

*

Cayce was determined to catch the runaway for the second time and first time on his own behalf. He saw as scout was speeding in plant, then he followed his logic and quickly discovered his plan. He ordered to guardians.

“Follow me! To the creek!” and ran ahead.

If prisoner jumped across gorge he was out of the inner sentries range. Of course outer guardian would most likely intercept him, but whitefurred sergeant wanted to do it himself. But Cayce was almost sure that Ian was too weak even to exit the Home Valley.

He had right – they found scout, knocked down and floating in creek. Whitefurred curse and entered water. He wished to wait for some younger soldier to do that job, but he noticed that Ian was in the middle of drowning and hurry was rather suggested behaviour. He grabbed runaway with his jaws and took him to the bank. Brownfurred coughed with wet breath, showing all he was still alive and interrogate-able.

“Oh hell!” thought sergeant, carrying prisoner back to cave on his back. “That incident won’t come unnoticed. We have to report it to Tenu.”

Soon he put his load back on bedding on Main Cave Hall and ordered two soldiers to warm POW up. Then he was out of ideas. “Ian, Ian… what I should do with you?” he asked himself. Then he looked on Will with hope in his eyes. “Hey, have you told it to mrs Flame?”

“Well, I didn’t tell her who it is, but I asked her here.” Said young guardian. “She will be any minute.”

“Good, that’s good.” Said Cayce, while thinking intensively.

How it could happened? Ian died almost three years earlier in qualification to Shadow’s Team. There was  really small probability that he survived and even if the product with odds that he join the Pack was unbelievable small. However it happened. Cayce was just a sergeant, so he knew he couldn’t understand it himself. But then he recalled one thing. That day, after competition three years earlier, some of scouts asked him:

“Sir, we have over ten M.I.A.s. Shall we send a searching team?”

He looked on cloudy sky and replied. “No, useless. And besides… what for?”

With that memory he was sitting next to Ian with no idea what to think.

*

Flame entered the chamber about quarter later and looked on motionless body on brushy bedding. It took just one second for her to recognise features of unconsciousness prisoner. She ran to him and kneeled just before. She cried with purest amaze and overwhelming sense of guilt.

“My son!”

IV. Forgotten Past

January was again small pup.

At least he thought he was, because he was seeing father. Steele was standing over his lying son and telling his about something that malawolf couldn’t understand. In those times January was totally lost – he wasn’t sure if father was praising him, cheering him up to his mission or his speeches are full of reproach and disappointment. Each time he heard his voice, he tried to focus of those words, but always failed.

That time was similar, however January thought he was closer than anytime to understand Steele. He observer lips of father, trying to read from its moves. There was something about danger, but January guessed that was a common theme in wartime. Then was something about prisoner and warning. And then…

And then the dream was over. Malawolf awoke in plant next to Raindeer Creek, aside of his combat pack. Apu and others were still asleep – and it was quite natural, because it was still dark. But when future alpha noticed that Kaata was not there, he stood up and set off to Kova.

Kova was commanding the forces of Creek Division. She was an old Steele’s companion from earlier times of the Pack. Then she became a alpha-beta and in fact second in command after Aarre. When greyfurred was directing the war from strategic perspective in Haven, brown female was main field commander. That morning – or it was still late night – she was sitting just on small hummock over Raindeer Creek bank, observing it’s frozen surface with her staff.

There was also Kaata, telling something to officers, but also… January sighed with surprise. He recognised Toima, Kunto and three others soldiers of Ian’s pack, but there were no Ian in person. January ran on the hummock, stopping before gathered wolves.

“Hello, aunt!” greeted Kova. “Hi, Kaata.” Then looked on Toima. “Hey, are you back already? Where is Ian?”

“Sir…” started scout. Then January noticed that soldier was exhausted, had a nasty scratch of his side and swollen paws. Malawolf felt a freezing wave on his back, when Toima looked with uncertain stare on Kova.

“January…” said commander with unexpected softness in voice. “Ian… hasn’t returned. They split…”

“What!?” cried malawolf and jumped to Toima. He almost bite her in side, yet stopped just in front of her wound. “What do mean by…”

“Sir…” she sobbed with sorrowful voice. “It was an order! We didn’t want to leave him, but he told us to… We were surrounded and traced… And Ian said it was the only way… He ordered us to wait, while he went further, making a false trail…” January steeped back, seeing as scout was genuinely touched and feeling guilt. He wanted to say something to stop that confession, but she continued. “So he went… We waited few hours and set off to border as he ordered us.”

“All right, don’t cry.” Said January. “I believe you did exactly what he wanted you to do. But tell me, where he went as a decoy? We must find him and…”

“To Talbourne Creek Valley.” Said Toima and again burst with tears.

“Oh, my God!” gasped January. “Show me on the map!”

On hill over creek there was a map-model in snow. Steele taught his soldiers to use many of human ideas and maps were one of them. So – especially in winter, when snow allow to make such a craving easier – Packers used that way to set battle plans and indicate enemy’s presence. One of best and most detailed maps was on the peak of Reindeer Hill, from where enemy’s forces on the other bank could be seen and required changes on model made quickly.

“There.” Pointed Kuinto, darkfurred member of Ian’s team. He showed a point deep in enemy’s territory, in foot of Seward Range, about hundred miles from Reindeer Creek and about sixty miles east from Talbourne Home Cave. “He said, he would try to breach further, to give us more time.” Added Kuinto.

“Deer’s drooping!” cursed January. “Why the hell have you gone that far!?”

“Oh, sorry, sir.” Replied scout automatically. “You still aren’t alpha-alpha, so without permission of sir Varjo I can’t…”

“Never mind.” Snorted January, but he looked on Kaata. “You father will have to have a word with me… But not now: Apu, prepare our pack. We’re coming there. Kaata, pick some not-so-suicidal route for us, to the last point that Ian was seen. Try to avoid human seats and…”

“SIR!” called Kova with harsh voice. “January, what the heck are you doing?”

“Isn’t that obvious?” asked malawolf. “I’m going to find him… or retake him.” Then he turned his stare down. “Or confirm he is…”

“January!” repeated Kova forcefully. “I won’t let you go on such ridicules trip. It’s almost hundred miles into Talbourne and…”

“I don’t ask you for permission, aunt.” Interrupted her malawolf. “I’m simply going, because the Pack leaves no one behind.”

“Sure, I won’t let you stay behind.” Said brownfurred commander. She wagged her tail and two her soldiers stepped closer to wolfdog with clear intention to stop him in place.

“Apu! Tulo!” called Januray, when he noticed that. Two wolves stood up, baring their teeth. “Toima, Kunto.” Added future alpha, knowing that scouts would do anything to free their commander. Two Kova’s soldiers looked on alpha-beta with uncertain stares. “Are we going to bid, aunt?” he smiled with bitter smile. Then ordered top everyone. “We are going to search for Ian. Don’t report it neither to Aarro nor to my mother and…”

“Too late.” Said Kaata. “I’ve forwarded to lady Ea.”

“What?” gasped January. “And you, Kaata…”

“Sorry, January, but I had to.” Replied silverfurred.

“You mother has already replied.” Threw Kova in. “She strictly forbade you to go with rescue mission.”

“I don’t believe in that!” growled January. “Ian grew up with us. She loves my mother as if she was his actual parent and I can’t believe she would allow us to leave him.”

“She forbade to search him behind the enemy’s lines, but…” said alpha-beta. January looked on her carefully. “She gave her conditional permission to check if there is any possibility for POW-transfer.”

“What?” yelled Apu. “We do not negotiate with Talbourne!”

“We haven’t done that yet… but this is emergency.” Said Kova calmly. “Lady Ea want Ian back and is ready to pay the price of retaking him.”

“But it’s unthinkable!” snorted Apu. “We don’t negotiate with Talbourne because of very basic reasons! If we admit they are clan, not just a gathering of wolves, we gives them field in diplomacy! Our recent doctrine of not acknowledging existence of Talbourne as organization…”

“…is right.” Interrupted Kova. “But at this moment unfortunately impossible to carry on. If you want Ian back, we must talk with them.”

“Bastards…” whispered Tulo.

“If that is the only way to get him back…” said January. He looked on Kaata and she nodded. “Right, so what mother said?”

“She allowed on negotiations, but under few conditions.” Said silverfurred. “She want it to be dealt on the highest possible level. I mean we will talk with alpha or someone in temporally charge of alpha.”

“They have a problem with that.” Noticed Apu.

“So we will accept any children of Aleu, Dash or Saba that is appointed by their HQ. But we can’t aim lower. We must talk with some real authority.”

“Right.” Nodded January. “But I guess if they put their big-heads into case, they also could expect us to send someone important. Haven’t my mother thought about that?”

“She want you to do it.” Explained silverfurred

“Wow.” Smiled January. “I feel flattered and flooded with trust.”

“I guess when you are negotiating you are not fighting.” Noticed Kaata. “That was probably one of main reasons for lady Ea.”

It was, but not only. Kaata was an intelligent wolfess, used to fast and large political thinking. She knew that if January entered the diplomacy pacting with enemy it would be meaningful for both sides. For four years of war – in times of Steele and after his death – the Pack refused to have any negotiations with Talbourne clan. Simply – it never admitted that Talbourne was one organization. Steele created the Pack as defenders of Old Order, the institutions of pack and family. Malamute used to say that Talbourne didn’t exist – it was not being, but a crack of being – pure gathering of absurd and impossibility. He simply denied Talbourne and considered it as ill even in most basic, ontological sense. That had a serious consequences – no diplomacy dealings between sides of conflict. Also it caused that almost never prisoners were taken. There was simply no way to trade with them. Those unfortunate soldiers who were caught, were killed or quickly retaken by their companions before execution.

But changing that meant much.  Somehow the Pack was softening its course – talks with enemy was indirect admitting that the other side had a right to existence. But there was other, perhaps even greater consequence of that, in the Pack itself. January was to became de iure head of his clan. He was about to speak in name of whole Pack, what was unthinkable earlier. Steele’s principle of denying any form of wolf-state was seriously twisted. And Kaata knew something more – Ea never fully shared dreams of her mate. She preferred to see her son as a head of clan-like empire over whole Alaska, as of the Pack became simply the new and better Talbourne. Making January – even temporally – officially political (not only military) head of coalition in fact was making her desires closer to come true.

“Dad wouldn’t do it.” Murmured January. He wasn’t aware of all consequences of own decision, however he sensed some dangers. “But still, we have to save Ian. Right, I will carry out those negotiations. So, pack! Let’s go!”

“Wait!” yelled Kova. “You said that you…”

“I will talk with them.” Interrupted malawolf. “My mother forbade me to search for Ian, but she ordered me to organize a prisoner-trade. So I’m doing it now.”

“But where…”

“How many POW we have in stock?” asked January smiling. “I must collect few in order to have any stake to gamble. Mom said she doesn’t agree on trek to Home Cave. But I’m sure she has nothing against a small foray.” Then son of Steele turned back and set off to prepare his pack.

Officers and Kaata were looking after him for some time, then alpha-gamma Wiker waged to scouts to go to sleeping quarters. On peak of hill soon stayed only Kova and Kaata. They were looking on January as he was preparing his wolves to march out.

“We aren’t prepared for that.” Noticed Kaata. “Father hadn’t given me any forced to watch over him and…”
”Kaata, my child.” Interrupted her Kova. “He is warrior himself. He doesn’t need a pupsitting anymore. He will be fine.”

“I hope…” murmured silvefurred with uncertainness in her voice. “But except of that problem all else is going unexpectedly smoothly. Exactly as lady Ea and my father have predicted.” She smiled with pride, but after several seconds her merry expression died. She was well aware what that meant for her.

*

Maya was walking thought square in front of Main Cave, passing countless wolves waiting there. Tram was at her side, as for the most time in last few days. Her cousin stayed always close to her, giving her at least some partial comfort and self-confidence. But she also was hearing strange voices and strange sentences, always told with whisper and often cut in half.

“That degenerate… inbreed.” Was whispering crowd, discretely looking on Tram. Of course when Saba’s son turned his stare on it, whisper stopped, but soon after it sounded again. “And he want to take his cousin as a mate, to carry on that wicked habit of his parents.”

But in nameless gathering of wolves she also heard another utters, about Sheik and that he was rejected by father. It was partially true, because Shadow didn’t wanted his son to take a lead after him. But in core that was a lie, because old alpha died, assuring his child he loved him. Maya was sick of those mistaken rumours and couldn’t understand that Tram smiled many times, hearing about Sheik’s argument with father.

“Just ignore it.” Said to Maya, although he was listening himself carefully. “They always talk like that.” It was early afternoon after strange alarm in Valley, when ones said that guardians caught a spy in Home Region.

That “spy” was still guarded in side chamber of Main Cave. Teele was yet unable to take him over, so she just sent there four intelligence wolves to guard over him. Tenu got known about strange guest and announced he would interrogate himself. No one was happy about that, but mercenary’s will couldn’t be ignored. But for a while Ian was still unconscious, lying in cave. Just next to him was waiting Flame.

First sign of awareness prisoner gave just before the dusk. He moaned heavily, most likely after pressing damaged joint. It wasn’t any actual fracture, but fall to river wasn’t the best caress for brownfurred. He hit in one of boulders in creek’s bed with front-right paw, that damaged one. It held, but knee-joint was swollen. That pleased Cayce, because then POW had no strength to escape.

When Flame heard her son’s moan she raised he head and gently licked his ear. Wolf was slowly awaking and finally whispered with dreamy voice. “Mother…” then he opened his eyes.

“Ian, my dear…” uttered wolfess with voice shivering with emotions.

“Mother…” said scout, slowly coming back to senses. Then he seemed to recall what had happened. “I… I…” he muttered and recoiled back from mother’s hug. „Mother...” said with rigid, official voice. “I’m a prisoner.”

“Son… I… can’t believe I’m seeing you.” She said, looking on his surprised. “Aren’t you happy to see me?”

“I am, mother…” said POW with voice that was suggesting something opposite. “But I’m a Pack’s soldier.”

“You are my son…” said Flame.

“Sorry, mother.” Replied scout. “Your son died that day in Team’s Qualifications.”

Flame closed her eyes, then two tears escaped from under her eyelids. She crawled closed to Ian and in spite he stayed tensed, he she hugged him again. She started to whisper with shivering voice.

“I’m so sorry, my dear… We thought you were dead. If we had a slightest idea that you may have survived we would looked for you day and night. But it was miracle. Miracle that you survived and returned to us.”

“Mother…” said Ian with embarrassed tone. “You don’t understand… I’m a Pack’s soldier. I was captured while I was on mission here. I’m… the enemy.”

“But how?” she exclaimed. “How did you survived… and why haven’t you return earlier?”

“Mother…” started Ian. “You must understand that… that your son is dead. He died three years ago. I’m from the Pack.”

“But… what are talking about… You are my son!” she cried.

“I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” Said scout, trying to stand up. But his wounded paw kept him down. However he again backed from his mother’s embrace.

“How it happened?” sobbed Flame, and even she wasn’t sure if she asked how Ian survived or how he had changed on that way.

“I’m terribly sorry, mother.” He replied. “I can’t tell you. The Pack is at the state of war with Talbourne. You are Talbourne.”

“Am I enemy? Your enemy?” she asked with breaking voice.

“Well… no.” replied Ian with hesitation. “Yet still you are Talbourne. I’ve made my oaths to keep any information that Talbourne could use against us in secret.”

Cayce was listening to that conversation form doorstep of chamber, so he missed some details, but heard main part. He came to wolfess and prisoner and looked on them. He had no idea what to say, but started anyway.

“Ian… that’s your mother here.”

“I know that, sir. Yet she still should remember I’m from Pack.”

“You are Talbourne!” cried Flame.

“Why can’t you tell her, what she is asking about?”

“She could forward it to some militarywolves. Like you, sir.” Noticed Ian. Then seeing uncertainness on muzzle of sergeant, he asked. “But if you could promise me you won’t use my mother in interrogation… and you, mother, promise you keep this knowledge to you… of course, I will speak freely.”

“Cayce, please…” whispered Flame.

“I don’t know if I could…” started whitefurred, but seeing quivering lips of wolfess he added. “Right, I’ll be in next chamber. I won’t force your mother to tell anything.” He turned to Teele’s guards. “May we wait outside?”

“Sir, lady Teele could be furious about that deal.” Noticed Missi, one of scouts.

“She doesn’t have to know.” Said Cayce, leaving the room.

Flame stayed alone with her son. Ian was still heavily sleepy after his injure, but yet aware of all around him. He was looking on exiting soldiers with surprise, then turned the same amazed stare on mother. He said slowly.

“I’m terribly sorry, to behave like that. I beg you to understand that now I have my duties to the Pack.”

“Son, you are home now.” Said Flame. “You can drop it.” He shook his head, so she changed the topic. “How it happened? How you survived.”

“I was rescued by sir Steele.” Flame gasped, hearing name of Talbourne arch-enemy. Even dead, malamute was invoking emotions. “I fell from ledge, while we were passing. Sir Steele was on recon nearby, so when our qualifications teams went away, he took me east.”

“No one helped you?” asked shocked Flame.

“No… mother… you know how it works. To eliminate the weak ones. I was… eliminated.” Said Ian. She just touched his muzzle with paw, stroking gently. “You should remember that you are speaking with death one.”

“You are still my son.”

“Ask dad and Viin… what they think about Pack prisoner.” Said scout. Flame narrowed her eyes and he continued. “As far as I know, they are in front unit. And my sister I never know is already in intelligence. Oh, sorry.” He smiled. “I know I’m asking many questions. But it’s a habit of serving in recon. By the way… I heard about my two brothers too, Boran and Sean. I never knew them too… but I’m sorry mother.”

“Ian, please… return to us…” whispered Flame.

“That’s not so easy, mother.” Said carefully prisoner. “First of all I’m capture and I guess that vast majority of clan treats me as the enemy. The second think is I don’t want to… I was living with the Pack… I’ve made friends… no, more than friends. Sir Steele died soon, but lady Ea… aunt Ea raised me along his her son, January. I love the Pack, I love my friends – Kaata, Tulo… in fact there is even one girl…” he smiled to himself. “Her name is Toima… God!” he gasped. “I guess all they survived, but them must be scared to death about me!”

“Son… you said you are from the Pack… you have a family there…” started Flame quietly. “And you love them.” He nodded his head. “But does it mean you… don’t want to have anything to do with us?”

“I don’t want to have anything to do with Talbourne, that’s sure.” Said Ian. But then he noticed as Flame was crying. “But mom… you are… mom… I love you. I always loved you…” Said and gently licked her forehead.

Cayce gave his word. However Teele did not. She was waiting in next chamber with four guards and Istana, listening to what scoutess said, repeating eavesdropped talk. She wanted to get know everything about strange prisoner and keep it for her exclusively. However that was impossible, because what old agent didn’t know was that one of her soldiers was Rose’s cousin, the second was supporting Tram and third one was subordinate of general Tenu, sent to spy on Teele. Fourth scout was loyal and trusted, but in fact it was moderate consolation after high probability that Teele’s secret was about to become everyone’s secret.

“What? What he said?” asked old agent with inquiring voice.

“Ma’am…” sobbed shocked Istana. “It’s my brother and…”

“Does that affinity makes any problem for you to understand him?” asked Lighting’s pupil.

“No, ma’am, but…”

“We must know what’s going on here.”

She was very wise wolfess. She knew that as an adversary she had a mastermind of Varjo and is on war happened something odd, most likely the answer was simple, yet covered by RAIA’s commander. She sniffed a trap there – it was so unlike that Ian was captured by accident. Sharp mind of brownfurred commander was building countless hypothesis “what if” scout of Pack let to capture him willingly.

*

On the next dawn her suspicions were fuelled by the new fuel.

On Reindeer Creek just another silent day of two hours before midday lone wolf from Pack’s side entered the ice and howled.

“Shut up!” called some voice from Talbourne bank.

“Hey, you!” shouted Apu. “Bring here your commander!” For a while the second side was silent, then the same voice answered.

“Are you nuts?” asked private Hilik from Third Unit. “What for? Are going to defect?”

“No, but we are going to kill you, if you don’t bring someone important here.” Replied Packer. “We have an offer for your HQ.”

Hilik wanted to return taunt, but what he heard really puzzled him. He looked on two guards keeping sentry with him, then he set off to find lieutenant Taivot, in charge on that outpost. The first thread of contact was plaited.

V. Princess of Alaska

In week after Shadow’s death the situation became a bit clearer. Of course – not easier, but at least almost everyone knew on what swamp the clan was stomping on. Divisions among wolves were already set. About one fourth of Talbournes wanted Sheik as the new alpha. About that, maybe a little less, preferred Maya to lead the clan. Tram had shorter base of followers, not more than sixth part of clanners, but if that group was joined to Maya’s supporters… Rose shook her head, trying to rid off the mournful thoughts. The point was that over one third of Talbourne was waiting, without showing any affiliation. Those could be eventual upholders of Sheik, however the case had to be played wisely.

Rose left her pups with mate as soon as she heard about Pack’s ultimatum. Enemy took five prisoners and – instead of killing them, as they used to – they simply offered exchange for Pack’s scout called Ian. Redfurred sensed something wrong with that idea, however she couldn’t sniff for plots among enemies, because she already found several among allies. January, son of Steele, demanded a meeting with alpha or temporally wolf-in-charge of clan. And Rose got late for few minutes. Tenu already proposed Maya, as “compromise candidate”. He argued that daughter of Dash would go not as future alpha, but the “lady of trust”. Initially Rose was furious about that, because whatever Tenu was saying, Maya’s service in clan’s diplomacy was meaningful anyway, but then she was enlightened. Maya will go on mission. And Maya will not return.

Redfurred came to Second Unit’s quarters, but she met Lake already on path. Wolf and wolfess weren’t related, although they look similar. Lake’s fur was lighter, yet tone of red was painting it in akin way. And judging of behaviour, soldier was acting like younger brother of Rose. Seeing her wagged his tail with joy, ran to her, bowed his head, but then backed to serious expression of muzzle and said quickly.

“Did you hear the news?”

“Maya and prisoners?” asked Rose and instantly nodded.

“So… is that it?” whispered soldier. Wolfess understood that her packmate already learned of her intentions.

“Could you do it?” she inquired. “But in way that all will take it as the Pack’s work.”

“If something happens on the front it is the Pack’s work.” Replied Lake. “Just… trust us. Soon Sheik will be the sole claimant.”

“Right… sure…” said Rose. “Lake… I’m… I’m go grateful for what you are doing…”

“I bet.” Smiled wolf. “We are pack, after all. Soon the banner of Stardust will fly again!”

“You bet, bro!” laughed Rose. She came closer to soldier and licked his forehead. “But… you know… be careful. You know, no one must know…”

“I know the drill.” Replied Lake. “If something goes wrong, we won’t say a word about you nor Sheik.”

“What?” she gasped. ”Don’t even say like that. It’s easy job, but just… be careful.” Then she added with quiet voice. “But if something goes wrong, be sure I won’t leave you. We are pack, after all. Raise together or fall… But it won’t happened.”

Lake wagged his tail and turned back to run to quarters. Rose stayed a while on path, calculating all circumstances. She really was uneasy about her packmates on assassination mission, however that was a risk she couldn’t avoid. She always was thinking two steps ahead, so she even had a emergency way of getting her friends out of trouble. Tenu was the most dangerous adversary in run for power, but in some way he was the one easiest to eliminate. He was the alien, outcast, mercenary after all. Rose knew the way to turn clan’s anger against general, however it was just a last resort. She needed the genius commander later, when Sheik took his power. In spite of everything, there was a war to win and Rose – aware of her talents in many fields – admitted that military strategy was not her sharpest fang.

*

Tenu was excited and happy. He was unable to express it on his muzzle, so he must show those feeling with whole body. His face seemed to be carved in granite, always sharp, suspicious and bright, deadly focused. Even when he was smiling, simple barring his teeth could be took rather as threat than sign of contentment.

So he was pacing in front of Maya, coming three metres ahead and going back. In the same time Fida and Ama had to walk twice the distance, to constantly be at sides of general, slightly before him in best bodyguarding position. Maya was looking on it with amazement.

“Must you going with him that way?” she asked, but was ignored.

“I didn’t ordered them. It’s just a habit.” Said Tanu.

“Sir, I’m asking Fida and Ama.” Noticed Talbourne princess.

“Good luck!” smiled Tenu, however – as we already noticed – his smile was hard to describe as a friendly one. When for another minute wolvesses didn’t answered, brownfurred sighed and said.

“All right, general. So you tell me: why they are walking with you that way?”

“As I explained. That’s a habit. But don’t worry, in case of emergency Ama’s priority is to protect you.”

“Could you… sent them aside for a while?” asked Maya. Two guardians looked on princess with disbelief in their eyes. “Just for a while. I want to talk.”

“Why can’t we talk with them here?” asked Tenu. “I guarantee theirs discretion.”

“But… maybe I want talk about a private matters?”

“Private? To promote?” asked mercenary. But after second thought he added. “Oh, private matters… well, sure if I have any of my own.” Finished with smile. “And if you want ask me about your problems, there is limited probability I would help. Sorry.”

“And that’s your problem.” Murmured Maya, then added louder. “I insist.”

Tenu said nothing, just wagged his tail, hushing all protests of bodyguards. They went out from Maya’s chamber, leaving her and mercenary alone. Brownfurred was looking on general for longer while in silence, then said.

“I have many question about you. But first one is most important for me. Why are you doing it?”

“As I said: I didn’t ordered them. They wanted to perform that funny parade themselves.”

“Why are you helping me? Why are you executing my uncle’s last will? Why are you fighting with us against the Pack?”

“My lady.” Smiled Tenu. “Those were three separated questions. The answers are totally different. However connected.”

“First one, please.”

“I’m helping you, because that was request of your uncle.” Seeing she wanted interrupt him, he added. “And I’m fulfilling that request, because it is the best for the clan’s purpose.”

“So, now tell me, why have you joined our fight?” she asked.

“Perhaps that you were who joined me.” Smiled general. Then he sat down in front of Maya and started to talk. “Many times I heard that your clan follows Aniu. Of course… numerous pack of the North are following that deity, but you consider yourself as some kind of chosen nation, clan of her beloved children. I think that belief has countless advantages. It encourage you to action, keeps clan in unity and above all else it creates the wolf society I really admire, the gathering of equals and solidary. However your religion had one, yet quite a flaw. It’s fake.” Maya gasped with anger. “Simply – Aniu does not exist. If she were real, I would be the first to bow to her and her laws. However she is just a myth, as well as Shade, Light, Ancient Homeland, White Wolves in the blizzard, Altar of Origin and such a fairytales. But one things in that load of sweet lies is true, even truest than you expect.”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Said Maya.

“It’s the Aim.” Continued Tenu. “I mean the idea that you calls <the Peace of Aniu>, when all wolves of Alaska, maybe all wolves of the world would be united in one clan, with no war, arguments and exploitation of wolf over wolf. The paradise. However I believe… yes, there is one thing I believe. We could be saved this way not someday and somewhere in heaven, but here and now. And if now – tomorrow and not too far. I have a dream where all wolves of world are living in peace. But not peace forced by tyranny of packs, hierarchy and submission, but real peace, based on equality and brotherhood. With no big brothers, of course. In my heaven we all are twins!”

“Sir…” whispered Maya, looking on him with extended pupils. “But… but… you are follower of Aniu. You just repeated in what we all believe.”

“So, you have your answer.” Smiled mercenary. “I want to achieve Talbourne’s dream. I don’t care about Aniu and all the rest of dead ghosts, so I haven’t joined the clan. But I’m faithful to the Aim and that I will give my best to guide you all at least few steps closer.”

“Oh… sir…” whispered brownfurred.

“And there are serious reasons for me to consider you as the best possible leader of clan. Now you know all you wanted.”

“No, not yet.” Protested Maya. “May I have a private question?”

“Of course you may, my princess.” Said Tenu, smiling. “But because I have no private answers, my reply will most likely not satisfying you.”

“Why haven’t you a mate?” she asked. “Or maybe you once have one and…”

“Look on me.” Smiled mercenary, coming closer to her. He stopped just before and looked in her eyes. They were of the same height, however body of general was even more fragile and slim than silhouette of young bitch. “What do you see?”

“You, sir.”

“But what kind of me?” he asked, but seeing she wasn’t following, explained. “I was born in litter of six. I wasn’t the weakest one, of course. Three of my weaker siblings simply died. But I was most impaired from the outliving three. Somehow it happened that my sister died of illness in our pup’s days, so there was just two of us. Strong, handsome and always victorious Solakk and me, as you see – weak, puny and helpless. And it stayed that way. I was just created as one who serve not rule and one who obey and is not obeyed. It took me half a life to change it.”

“That was not an answer on my question.” Noticed Maya.

“It was.” Replied Tenu. “Someday you will understand it.”

“So… let’s try from the other side. Fida and Ama… I guess they love you.”

“O! I’m surprised.” Smiled general.

“You… see it and doing nothing about it?” asked a bit shocked wolfess.

“And what I should do? Order them to love someone else?”

“No…” sighed Maya. “But… for example choose one of them, making at least one happy.”

“And making the second twice unhappy.” Noticed Tenu. “They are twin sisters. Although I have a limited respect for any institution that resembles family, I think that making sisters hate each other is a bit above the rights of simple general.”

“You are cruel.” Said Maya with breaking voice.

“Of course, I am.” Nodded Tenu. “I was raised in a cruel world, you know? It was technically the same Earth that you know, but in the same time it was different, so different from sunny world you grew up in. Our common Aim is to give the world of wolves like you to wolves of my kind. However I learned few things that you still are unaware. I already know that leveling to upper level is impossible. The only solution it to level the life to the poorest and most neglected creature here. Perhaps that world won’t be as sunny as your, but just for sure.”

“You are talking incomprehensible things.” Said Maya finally. “But I believe that except of that slight logic disorder you are good wolf.”

“I have no idea if I’m good or evil. I’m just required.” Smiled Tenu. “So, may I call girls back?” she nodded and Tenu called. “Fida, Ama, you may resume your parade!” When wolvesses entered the chamber, general looked on Maya again. “So, you are going to negotiate with that Steele’s son.” She nodded again. “Good luck. I’m really curious what Ea and Aarre are trying to gain by that.”

“Maybe they really care about the prisoner?” asked Maya. “Whatever the pretences are, creatures sometimes happen to be simply noble.”

“Yeah, I’ll try to remember that.” Smiled Tenu. “But on this particular case I have really promising thoughts…” He paused and continued, looking on sisters. “I’m sorry, but I can’t give you my special guards. You will have to trust my front line soldiers.”

“Do you think that lady Ea prepared it as a trap?” murmured Maya.

“There is so many unknowns.” said mercenary. “Even if the Pack’s HQ really tries to talk, there are many hard-headed fanatics… on both sides. I will order a team to keep an eye on you all the time by the Creek.”

“Thanks sir. I should be going now.” Replied princess.

“…but first you want to say goodbye to Tram?” asked general.

“Well… yes.” Admitted Maya and fur on her neck slightly erected. That is a rough equivalent of flushes among humans.

“Oh, that’s not a problem.” Said Tenu. “At least his plots exclude killing you, so you are quite safe with him.” He didn’t explained what he had on mind, even when Maya insisted.

*

“I’m going on the front.” Said brownfurred, standing before Tram. They were on road down the valley, waiting for Maya’s escort. The morning was clear, yet frosty one.

“God, what a joke!” Said Saba’s son. “In old, good times, guys were going on war and girls staying in home, waiting for them. But you know… the modern times… equality of rights…” he was jesting, yet under those jokes was sounding a tone of disappointment. He hoped to go and negotiate with the Pack.

“I’m not going to fight.” She answered. “I hope those talks will open the possibility of real peace.

“I believe you will do your best.” Said Tram. “But be careful. It’s a front line, after all.”

He bended to net and licked her cheek. It wasn’t a kiss actually, but gesture as close to it as possible. Wolf was observing any motion of Maya’s body, reading if she greeted that with any resistance. There was no resistance, yet no encouragement. So he stepped back, pretending he hadn’t counted on anything else.

“Take care.” He said. She nodded and turned back.

Sheik caught her already on route. He ran to his stepsister, calling to unit of Tenu’s soldiers to stop. When they actually stopped, son of Aleu came to Maya.

“Oh… you’re…” he panted.

“Calm down, Sheik, you are winded.” Said princess. He made several more breaths then continued.

“Sorry, about that. I just wanted to say you goodbye.” She hugged her cousin.

“Yeah, that’s sweet.”

“And tell you… that you mustn’t cross the creek.” Added Sheik. With regaining of breath, he again sounded as worrying, older brother. “Talk with them only on ice and not farther than lieutenants allow you, right?”

“Sheik, I know that!” she smiled. “Just trust me – it will be fine.”

“Yeah, that’s good.” Smiled wolf. “And one thing more. Rose insisted me to catch you, because she didn’t find you, she asked me to say goodbye from her.”

“Oh, that nice of her.” Said a bit surprised Maya.

Meanwhile, just two miles south on the other slope of valley, unit of and Black, Snow and Lake was running at full speed. Wolves were making their way, hoping to outrun the column on the Northern Way and get to Reindeer Creek before them. All Stardust packers were there and although no one was hurrying them, all were giving their best to be fast.

“So good that Rose sent Sheik to slow them down.” Panted Lake to Snow, running next to them. “That way we will outrun them and have some time to prepare an ambush.”

*

Kova set her troops in forest, hidden on the edge. From exercises they made day earlier on near frozen lake, they know that rescue team was able to get to January in just twenty seconds. But future alpha had to survive those twenty seconds and that was keeping commander in constant fear.

“He is coming!” whispered wolfess, looking on January, entering the ice.

It was a dusk and snow started to fall slowly. It wasn’t so cold, but Kova preferred that it was fifty minus, but visibility was better. Future alpha was about to almost disappear into grey clouds of fall.

“We should halt the action.” Snorted Kova.

“Come on, boss.” Murmured Viiv – sergeant of her unit. “It’s all set up…”

“I sense an ambush too.” Nodded alpha-beta.

“No, I meant it all was set up… settled with Talbourne. That Maya is already here. Scouts saw her.”

“I really don’t like it.”

Meanwhile January was marching on snowed ice to the middle of river. In surface was even indicated the point of middle, accepted by both sides (Packers and Clanners spent about two days in measuring it and arguing that the other’s measure is farther, but finally the compromise was accepted). He stopped before that place, marked with gently cracked ice – enough to show where was the axis mundi, but still much too delicate to endanger two wolves on ice. However if all the forces from both sides would have entered the layer, it could broke. Kova was shivering, thinking about that.

She came out of nowhere. Simply emerged from clouds of falling snow, almost indiffering from the aura. Her light brown fur and blue eyes seemed to be made of snow itself, but not of its coldness but softness. Her steps were gently and carefully, that January could have thought that innocent creature simply can’t have anything to do with any plot.

January could have thought about beauty of newcomer, but he didn’t. He was too confused to do that.

“I am January, son of Steele and Ea. Speaker of the Pack.” He said uncertainly. “And you are…”

“Maya, daughter of Dash and June, heir of Shadow and Aleu.” She said what Tenu told her to stress. “It’s nice to meet you, sir January.”

“You…” gasped malawolf. “You will be Talbourne alpha?”

“You sound disappointment.” Said beautiful wolfess. “I’m sorry to miss your expectations.”

“I’m delighted to meet you.” Said January and came closer. He lowered his ears, but being careful to show not submission, but just respect towards female. Then he bended down his head and licked her paw. More snow dimmed the scene around. “But… are you able to negotiate the fate of prisoners?”

“I’m.” she said. “You must believe me, as I believe you. But of course I recognised the son of famous Steele…” she tried to say that calmly, but some tones of tension left her lips. After all Steele was the enemy. Steele’s soldiers killed her father. January noticed that.

“I’m sorry to meet your expectations.” Said coldly.

“I didn’t mean it… just… Let’s go on walk.”

A bit surprised malawolf turned right and took a lead, guiding his negotiation partner. He sensed that Maya was totally lost and is trying to play on time or to give him initiative. So he tried to carry on the talk.

“The weather isn’t the best… I mean, I like it, but my companions from my shore are a bit nervous.”

“Yes…” nodded Maya. “My friends probably can’t see me too. So I hope you don’t plan to kill me.”

“We are not on battlefield.” Replied January and she smiled. But then she learned that sentence could be read on more than one way. “So… I could say that all five prisoners are alive. No permanent injuries, although I must say they are bruised.”

“You were so interested in fate of prisoners yourself?” asked Maya with friendly curiosity.

“Well… actually that was I, who bruised two of them.” Confessed malawolf. “We haven’t POWs before. Just we had to get some when I heard that Ian was caught…”

“That’s your friend?” she asked. He stopped and looked in her eyes. “Come on, I guess that’s a not classified subject.”

“Perhaps it is.” Said January. “If you know how much I care about Ian, you could bid the price…” Then he sighed. “I could say a friend, but actually he’s like a brother to me. We grew up together.”

“He’s an orphan?” she asked.

“It’s a bit more complicated.” Replied Packer. “Just… my mother loves him as if he were her son. Only that’s why she agreed on that trade… But let’s back to the meeting point. I guess they are mad on us already.”

Maya smiled and went after malawolf. He slowed down and matched with her, to shield her from wind. Even without knowing it, two young canines moved closer, gently touching each other’s side. They were going for few minutes in silence.

“So…” she started. “You will be an alpha of the Pack?”

“For a while.” He replied. “When the war is over and your clan prevailed, we will dissolve as the Pack. From then on there will be no leader, except of packs alphas…”

“You are so strange…” she whispered. “You oppose our beautiful dream with so high spirit. What makes you so hostile towards the Path of Aniu?”

“I guess that both: the path and Aniu.” Replied January. “But I think we shouldn’t talk about politics. You know… we will exchange prisoners and say goodbye and then we could even meet on battlefield and…”

“I don’t want to fight with you.” Said Maya forcefully. “I will became an alpha and thanks to that I will make a peace with you. Will you help me?”

“I wish to… but… Maya…” he replied automatically. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“It’s all right.” She said. “Call me Maya. All right, January?”

“Yeah, great…” smiled malawolf. “But I wanted to say that first of all we should settle down that hostile trade, right?” she nodded her head. “Are you ready to go and see prisoners, or I should go with you first.”

“Oh…” Maya hoped that moment would come not so fast. “Actually your friend is not here… but in Home Cave.” He was silent for a while, then answered.

“So… that way we will make just partial exchange – two prisoners before and three after we see Ian.”

Maya should have told: “Three before and two after.” But she replied just: “As you wish, January.”

“Christ sake!” gasped malawolf. “Won’t you negotiate about that? How the hell you conquered whole peninsula with such naivety!”

“Maybe it wasn’t a conquest.” Said Maya. “Today we’ve made a first step. I believe that soon we learn that not so much is dividing us.”

“Right.” Nodded January. “Enough for today. It was nice anyway… So until tomorrow…” He again bended down and licked her paw.

“Have a peaceful night.” She said and turned to her bank.