VI. Balkanising the Alaska

Maybe it was coincidence, maybe not, but Ralph and Viin had no time to meet Ian. Istana wanted to see her brother but in the same time she was too scared about it. Finally after two days Flame dragged her mate and her children to Main Cave into prison section.

Ian wasn’t interrogated too hardly – although Teele wanted to get some information about how the heck he managed to guide his unit so deep into Talbourne territory, she was careful to treat prisoner well. After all soon after he was to be exchanged. And on on technical question Ian did answer.

“…all I’m allowed to tell you.” Started his routine statement POW, then suddenly looked in eyes of intelligence leader and added with a bit amused voice. “Ma’am, is so strange that I know the place where I was born? I simply knew where I was going.”

“Oh, that’s right.” Admitted Teele. And then came Flame and her family. “So, I’ll be going now.” Said old agent to prisoner. It might sound weird, but even she wasn’t sure how to treat him – as the enemy or as the prodigal son. So she exited the chamber, as well as two guards, who took places outside.

Meanwhile brownfurred wolfess, two troopers of Home Guard and scoutess entered the chamber. Family – finally reunited – stopped, looking on each other in awkward silence. Finally Flame broke that spell. She grunted and said:

“Hello, Ian. I brought us all here.”

“Hello, mom. Hello father, Viin. Hello… Istana.” He looked on sister he was seeing first time in his life.

“Are you treated well?” asked Ralph, unable to say anything else.

“So so.” Replied Ian. “I don’t complain.”

“So… son.” Continued wolf. “If you are ready to back to clan, I will use all my influence…”

“No.” interrupted him scout. “I mean, sorry father, I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m just… I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. I’m on mission, sir… I mean: father.”

“You’ve disgraced our family!” snorted Ralph.

“I’m no longer the family.” Replied Ian. “Aunt Teele understands it.”

“Oh, stop it!” cried Flame. “Viin, tell them something… to stop it.”

“But what, mom?” asked soldier. “If he wants to stick with them…”

“Reconsider it, son.” Said Ralph with stern voice. “When you are ready to make a right choice, tell me. Until then you are really from the Pack.”

“I am.” Smiled prisoner, then added. “Sir, I see now clearly that your son actually died Frosty Pass. Or maybe even earlier. I wasn’t meeting your expectations anyway.”

“Let’s go…” whispered Flame, trying to stop the scene before some graver words would be told.

She nudged Ralph and pushed him to exit. Viin followed them, only Istana waited a while, then came to Ian, bended down to laying soldier and licked his forehead. She said quietly: “Sorry, brother” and went after her family. Ian stayed alone and he was glad of that.

The stare of Viin, it was the same! Again sneering, again laughing at his weakness. Nothing had changed by those three years and Ian felt it in most aching way. But in the same time… “Viin… Father… if you knew, what it is all about… Most likely you would killed me, because of danger to your clan… But dad… you would be proud of me, knowing, how important is your son. How I will help to destroy Talbourne!”

*

Voice of Tan seemed for Maya as a lullaby. To be exact, oragnefurred wolf was scolding her in most severe way, at least as for Tan. He would never shout at his step-sister, but calm and quiet sentences of wolf were rebuking her behaviour in the most complex way. However she was completely ignoring it, simply glad to see and hear Tan.

“What you mean <duty to the clan>!? Clan can’t require from you such a ridiculous, suicidal acting. You can’t go behind Pack’s lines. They are enemies.”

“You are going there rather often.” Noticed Maya.

“I’m a soldier!” cried lieutenant. “And you are not. Additionally you are bitch and our possible future alpha. Putting yourself in such a danger is…”

“Tan…” she interrupted him gently. “Why are you shouting on me again? At least we could see each other and you want to argue.”

“Is it my fault that each time you are visiting me, you have such a ridicules ideas? But, yeah, you’re right. I’m really glad to see you again.” He licked her cheek.

Thankfully, no one heard that talk. Field commander took his stepsister outside the camp, to small gorge of Reindeer Creek inflow to chat far from his soldiers. Tan was commander of Third Unit, under general Tenu. Since two years he had been fighting the Pack mercilessly. That why he chose to serve with mercenary that station in home – he wanted to be as close to enemy as it was possible. His heart was always burning with vengeance. He was orphaned as a pup – first of all his father was killed by Uniea. Then his mother and sister were killed by wolves called themselves “Avengers Pack”. One of them was Steele and malamute hurt orangefurred one more time. He killed Dash – Maya’s father and Tan’s caretaker after death of Jack and Shiela. So since wolf was able to, he was carrying on his vengeance over hated Pack, the followers of Steele and in some way descendants of Uniea.

To sum it – Tan had a bad luck in his life. First he lost his biological parents. Then he lost his adoptive ones – Dash on war and June during the plague. So all the emotions he was feeling, he put in two being – clan as a whole, to become unquestionable grexot and his adopted sister – Maya. He was older than she and because of his service he was seeing her rather seldom, but in those moment he tried to be the best big brother he could. Maya was very glad about that, however she admitted that sometimes brotherly love of Tan was very tiring.

“Tan, I must go there.” She interrupted his another stream of warnings. “Your wolves are captured.”

“We could retake them by force.” Said lieutenant.

“I believe… but you would lost another soldiers.” She said. “Just let this time to do it my way. January is a honest wolf…”

“He’s dog, by the way…” interrupted Tan.

“I’m too!” noticed Maya. “My grandmother was purebred husky, what makes me wolfdog almost in the same grade that January…”

“January?” asked a bit shocked Tan. “You are talking about him as a friend. But he is the enemy! His father killed uncle Dash! He killed your father!”

“Yes, I know!” she replied. “But I’m struggling now to appease this war and secure that no pup here would became orphan because of useless war!”

“It always ends up with force.” Murmured Tan. “There is no peace, where is hatred. And they hate us, Maya.”

“But January doesn’t!” she exclaimed, somehow already enjoying the incoming meeting.

*

The weather was even worse that previous time. In falling snow the visibility dropped to twenty yards, so Maya even hardly found the spot. January was already waiting and she smiled seeing him. Snow covered him almost completely, hiding all of his black outer coat. So he looked like a big icedrift with two blue eyes, watching carefully for incoming guest.

“Good day…” said malawolf, trying to overscream the growing blizzard. “If that we could call day.”

“Nice to see you… January.” She said.

“What?” asked Packer. So she came closer, nestling to his side and bending to his ear.

“I just said <hallo!>” she called.

“Yes, we can go!” replied January. “To some shielded place. On which side?”

She smiled and nudged him to go in Talbourne bank direction. But then – as if some one asked God for this in particular – blizzard ceased. Wind stopped blowing and all the screams of storm turn silence. Snow as falling still, maybe even harder, but there was quiet enough to talk.

“Oh…” murmured January. “I guess we don’t have to hide anywhere.”

“You sound disappointed.” Noticed Maya with smile. “Do you always invite new-met girls to some warm den?”

“I definitely consider dens as more romantic that igloos.” Replied malawolf, shaking off the snow of his back.

They should have talk about the trade, but the talk sidetracked on many other topics, swaying their focus away from the main problem. In spite that January promised himself that would never happened, it happened – he completely lost his awareness, ignoring white world around. That why he simply ignored some silhouettes closing from Talbourne bank and going carefully in their direction.

“Remember the plan!” called Black to his unit. “We must take down Maya. We could kill January as well, but he is not our target. When mission is accomplished, we are running downcreek to pool and already then going on our side. Snow will cover our trails.”

“Sure thing!” smiled Lake, ready for action. “Poor girl, but Rose has right – she and Sheik would be the perfect leaders!” And they marched ahead, in direction of two princes.

*

“I know! I know!” exclaimed Maya, after having a new idea. “You will visit us! I mean: you will travel to Home Cave… Soon, to get Ian back. But you will also see how we live and that my clan isn’t a bunch of pupeaters, but a fine family.”

“Yes, but what…” tried to interrupt her January.

“Don’t worry, you will be under my protection… But if your mother is still uncertain, we will give some hostages to the Pack for time you are on our side of border.”

“We wanted to solve the hostage problem, not…”

“Come on!” called Maya, smiling. “Do you want it, or not, prince of the Pack?”

“Lady Maya.” Started malawolf, faking official voice. “I would like to, but there are some basic reasons that order me to say… NO!” He screamed, looking above her shoulder.

Because he was shielding her from western wind, he was going on her right side. He noticed some silhouettes emerging from snowy fog and understood that whatever caused that alarm, could finish with completely useless massacre and he would be in the middle. However he would be really scared, knowing that in fact no alert was made.

*

“See anything?” asked Kova for thousandth time.

“No, ma’am, not on ice.” Relied Viiv. “But I see their forces in forest on the other side. We will see if they are coming down.”
”I wish to have some wolves down there, in snow.” Said alpha-beta.

The surface of river was covered with snowy clouds and mist. Pack soldiers from Reindeer Hill could see movement of enemy, but didn’t see January and Maya. However they assumed that if regular forces of Talbourne were calm, there is no danger. Claners thought the same.

“We should have left a unit downthere…” murmured lieutenant Kimby.

“Too late for changing plans, boss.” Noticed sergeant Bill. “But at least we are sure they won’t budge.”

So as you probably figured out, the wolves January spotted were neither of Talbourne nor Pack front units.

*

“Oh, Lake!” called Maya, seeing friend of her sister-in-law. “What are you doing here?”

“Call them off! Call them off!” yelled January. “Quick, before my buddies react!”

“Lake, please, stop and…” started brownfurred, but then malawolf tripped her and overturned.

Lake pounced into air and flew on princess, but thanks to January he hit not her, but Packer. Those two rolled aside, trying to reach each other’s throats. Malawolf was shocked and confused, but training that Aarre had given him worked perfectly. They wanted to kill him, so the only way to survive was to kill in retaliation. But wrestling with redfurred Talbourne, he noticed in corner of his vision that in fact he wasn’t the target.

“Maya!” he yelled, seeing as three wolves pinned her down and immobilised on her back.

“What you’re doing!” cried brownfurred. “Black, what possessed you? That’s me, Maya!”

“Thanks ma’am, but I’ve already confirmed that.” Smiled blackfurred and bared his fangs, bending his head to her throat.

January put a desperate effort into hind paws thrust. He kicked Lake away and instantly stood up on paws. Then he pounced on mass of wolves, trying to stop the murder. He landed hard on Black, Snow and Maya, making them all yell with pain, but at least temporally saving the princess. Brownfurred was let loose and rolled away on the snow. But then January found himself in the middle of circle of five wolves, barring teeth on him.

“There was no order to kill him.” Said Snow. “But in the same time, there was no order to let him live…”

“Your logic is stunning.” Smiled Black, stepping further.

“Maya…” called January. “RUN!”

“Werk!” cursed Snow, seeing as princess started to run in milky way of snowfall.

In fact she was so confused that she chose the way up the creek, back to meeting spot, but not to any bank. Honestly speaking she wouldn’t know which bank she should choose, because on the east was enemy but from the west came friends that wanted to kill her. So she safely postpone that decision, escaping ahead.

But Lake was already on his paws and started to pursue. He quickly made up the distance and grabbed hind leg of brownfurred. Seeing that January howled with fear and charged. Because of so dense snowfall it was limited chance that anyone could hear that, but the charge was real movement and – what January had to admit, if he had a time – very stupid one. He simply jumped on back of Black and pounced on it as on trampoline. He should he stopped by Talbourne wolf and taken down. But thanks to unbelievable luck, Black was so surprised that he was late a second – with snap of his jaws he missed malawolf’s paw and Packer managed to get through.

Ha landed in deep snow, barely feeling the ice under it. He rushed ahead to help Maya, wresting with Lake. Redfurred was so focused on killing princess, he missed incoming danger. January hit him with all his mass, snatching him away. Unfortunately Lake’s jaws were still clenched on Maya’s hind paw, so malawolf heard a yelp of pain and saw as redfurred rolled aside, holding a piece of wolfess’s fur. Princess’s leg was red in blood. “Well.” Thought Packer. “I guess that’s all about possible escape.” He ran to Maya and grabbed her neck, trying to help her stand up.

He should had escaped and saved himself. But of course he stayed. That wasn’t caused by any large calculation, that for example he would be blamed of princess’s death and Ian would be killed because of that. He simply was unable to leave female in distress, especially that he gave her his word, she was safe.

“We must run!” he called. “Can you?”

“Why…” was whispering Maya. “They are my friends.”

“We must go!” screamed January, seeing that Lake was slowly standing up and rest of unit was already on chase.

He pulled her to run, praying she was able to jump on three paws. She was, but the speed they achieved was highly unsatisfying for them, yet excellent for the chase. Lake again was close, enraged and ready to kill. Malawolf pushed Maya ahead, slowing down and taking a position of her living shield. But it was just a one-time solution, shielding from first strike.

Then January understood with perfect clarity that there was no chance to run. Snowfall was so heavy that no one of his army noticed what happened. Playing on time was out of option, as well as fighting eight wolves. Creek was there quite narrow – but narrow comparing to wide pools. It had about hundred yards wide, what give fifty to one or the other bank. They were in the middle…

“Ice mark!” he called in wave of inspiration, but then he understood it was simply way of suicide. But it was too late.

He simply threw Maya on the snow and stopped over crack in ice that few days earlier both sides of conflict marked a middle of river. What was just a slight carving then, became a serious crack later. Because of frost, still gripping the land, ice was restlessly growing and that rift, pressed by glaciostatic forces, caused crushing more of frozen layer. At least January hoped that.

“Use you head, son!” he repeated what father always told him and hit with forehead into cracked surface. To his surprise, it broke. He found himself with head among ice-shards, and with Lake just behind him. Acting with impulse, he grabbed in mouth one of shards and turned back. His head made a semicircle and guided by a cosmic luck hit the head of redfurred. Ice fragment, still held in jaws, plunged into Talbourne’s neck. Lake coughed with blood-flood, stepped back and fell to the ground.

“Come on!” yelled January, grabbing Maya’s neck. He lifted her and pushed to ice hole.

“We are going there?” she asked, confused. Then she noticed Lake, shivering in agony and bleeding from wounded throat. “He’s dead!”

“Take a deep breath or you will be as well.” Said malawolf and pushed her into the hole. Then – praying that water-surface was low and there was some space between it and ice – jumped himself.

When he hit the freeing water (somehow it was on low level, making some airfilled space to surface of ice – he instantly grabbed Maya’s paw, to not let her drown. He was afraid that he might let it loose, but then wave of frost came to him, his muscles tensed so much, that he barely was repressing his jaws from biting Maya’s limb out.

Malawolf tried to move his paws, to stay emerged, but coldness quickly drained his strength and son of Steele sank into unconsciousness.

*

“God… NO!” screamed Black, seeing motionless body of Lake, with icicle coming out of his neck. “Lake… Lake!”

But redfurred didn’t hear it. There was still some spark of life in him, but it faded in next moment, with another wave of blood flowing out of his throat. Talbourne unit was watching dead friend with shock. Finally Snow gasped.

“Those bastards!” and ran to the ice hole.

Inside he saw just a water, flowing about foot under ice. She growled inside and turned back to his companions.

“They could be alive… GET THEM!” and set off to run down stream.

His companions looked on dead friend, then turned north too. Soon the unit – shorter of one member – was pursuing runaways down river. Seven wolves were boiling with rage of revenge.

*

Kova – because she was calm and experienced commander – endured two hours, before the showed any signs of uneasiness. But then she simply burst with fury. She called all forces from second camp and was ready to send them down on ice, but Viiv stopped her.

“Maybe… maybe we ask them first?” he proposed.

“About what?” she snorted. They should have return us January long ago…”

“Maybe… you know. That Maya is hot chick after all…” started alpha-gamma, but under stare of Kova stopped. “But still we could howl to them and…”

But then howl sounded on the other side of creek. It was barely hearable, but Viiv – who had very sharp senses – read it anyway. When transmission was over, he stayed motionless, still looking on the milky wall of could before him.

“What?” asked Kova with breaking voice. “What did they say?”

“They claim that lady Maya haven’t returned and accuse us for taking her.” Said Kimby slowly.

“We will rip them…”

“They give us an hour, then sent strike team.”

“So we have a thirty minutes.” Smiled Viiv, hearing that. Then Kova looked on her soldiers.

“That’s it – January is in danger. Let’s go!”

*

Viiv managed to persuade Kova that only recon team should go. So alpha-beta joined her subordinate’s group and quickly came to the meeting point. They instantly noticed a dead body – commander yelled with fear, but soon after noticed that killed wolf had light-red coat. She ran there and looked carefully on scene.

The history of fight was unable to reconstruct – snow already covered all trails. But few elements were sure – there was a dead wolf, surely not the Pack soldier and a ice hole. There was no January at sight.

“Ma’am…” said Viiv, grabbing with jaws fur of alpha-beta and pulling her back. “We must leave, before Talbourne come. He might be still alive…”

“I will rip their throats apart!” growled Kova with bloodthirsty tone in her voice. But in fact she was shivering inside. She had to forward news to lady Ea.

*

Kimby halted his soldiers over dead Lake’s body. He sighed with relief, seeing that was not Maya, but then yelled with amaze, recognising wolf of Talbourne. He dug the body out and noticed icicle in neck of victim. He looked on his soldiers.

“Ladies and gentlemen… we screw it!” she said with grave voice.

“Boss… does that mean lady Maya is…”

“Prepare the strike!” called lieutenant.

“Wait!” they heard a voice from the other side. From clouds of falling snow emerged Viiv. “I heard you… and I believe that isn’t your fault… At least you didn’t know…”

“That’s Packer!” called one of soldier. “Get him!”

“No, wait!” ordered Kimby. “Let him speak.” He looked on enemy. “So, you claim you have nothing to do with that?” Viin nodded his head. “How could we believe you?”

“If you don’t, there will be a battle, where no one would win, but we will hurt ourselves surely… By the way – my commander thinks you killed January. She wants the fight.”

“And she will get it!” growled one of Talbourne, but Kimby hushed him with wag of his tail.

“Well… let’s assume that is not your deed… and not your for sure. So where the heck they went?”

“I don’t know.” Replied Viin. “But if we send teams… you take your bank, we will search here…”

“You want to weaken our defence here?” asked Kimby suspiciously.

“Six jaws each.” Said Viin and Talbourne nodded his head. “But promise me… if You encounter January on your side… Let him go! You promised his safety.”

“All right… I’ll give you my word, as the follower of Aniu. I will not attack January, except of self defence. I hope for the same with lady Maya.”

“Be sure we don’t want her dead.” Assured Viin. “So, let’s go. My wolves are ready.”

“Mine…” Kimby looked on his units.

But in the same moment on the ice entered Tan and his division. He was running at full speed in Packers direction, baring his teeth and growling. Hopefully Kimby stopped his rage.

“Where is she!” howled orangefurred.

“No, sir, wait!” he cried. Then looked on Viin. “We will soon explain that misunderstanding. Then – most likely - lieutenant Ten will lead the searching team.”

*

News struck down like a lighting. Ea, Kaata and Varjo exchanged no word, but it was obvious whet they would say. Their plan failed and it was possible that cost life of January. They set off north with all available force that Aarre could prepare in such short time.

Ea was going on lead, just next to beta-alpha of her army. She was crying. Aarre made no questions, knowing that she was unable to answer, but also he already understood some of what happened.

“My lady, that is not your fault.” He assured.

“God… Aarre… that is my fault! I sent my son to die!”

“You didn’t and you still don’t know what happened. If he is alive, we will find him!” assured and stepped closer to whitefurred. They didn’t slowed down, but in march she nestled to his side. Beta-alpha turned his stare down, to cover his smile. He was terribly sorry about January’s missing and worried about Ea’s grief. But he admitted honestly that death of Steele’s son would open completely new perspectives for him.

Kaata was marching at side of her father, sobbing still. Varjo had no good words to comfort her, mainly because he was aware that they all were guilty. It was Ea’s plan, but they helped her to carry it on. Kaata wasn’t an exception.

“I was so stupid!” she cried. “I’ve never wanted it… I should have stopped you! Tell him, about…”

“Now I regret you haven’t.” admitted RAIA’s commander. “But it’s already done…”

“Dad… I could have… God! It all could be on my way, but I failed it!” she cried.

VII. Melting the Ice

Tenu was a weak wolf. That meant his body was weak, because his mind transgressed almost every barrier it approached. One of those barriers was the distance – mercenary created perfectly working system of communications via howling, that soon became a common procedure in Talbourne. But general and his trusted soldiers had additional codes and procedures that allowed Tenu to communicate safely even from Teele’s wolves.

Mercenary got known the events on Reindeer Creek just several hours after those happened. With limited information he had, he had to think and plan carefully. After few minutes of consideration and about twenty minutes of his pacing he decided to go there, leaving Home Cave alone in its arguments. The real problem was about to be settled where were Maya and that mysterious Pack prince. Tenu called Heik and Alam.

They were two of his most trusted companions, even from times before Talbourne. They came there with him and were with him for good and bad. Giving his orders Tenu hoped that for good. When two officers stood before him in Third Cave, he said.

“I’m going there to find Maya. Heik, you will have an eye on the mess here.”

“Just one, but it’ll be enough.” Replied greyfurred wolf.

He had just one eye, while the second he lost in puphood. He never told about that accident, but Tenu established that it happened in quarrel with siblings, perhaps in hierarchy-match among them. The existing eye of Heik was also impaired – wolf generally saw not too much, being almost blind in night time, yet mercenary knew that in fact his sergeant could see much more than others. It was the sharp mind that observed the word carefully.

Second of his subordinates was blackfurred male of small built, but if one took lightly his abilities, could quickly regret it. Alam was master on mêlée combat and teacher of Fida and Ama. Of course not always was that. When Tenu found and took him to his pack, darkfurred was weak and scared pup, maybe rejected by his pack. The mastery in martial arts came later, but was unavoidable process. Only those hurt and envying strength of others have real strength to master themselves and Tenu knew it well.

“Alam, you are going now to creek, I will join you when I manage.” Wolf saluted with lowering his ears. “Gather your team, small enough to travel quickly, but strong enough to match with twelve front soldiers. Understood?”

“And the mission is…” said Alam, who had a strange manner of never using question marks in his questions.

“To find Maya, of course.” Said general. “And that January… with him, the completely new options open for our cause…”

“He and Maya?” asked Heik. Tenu nodded his head. Brownfurred looked with his barely reading eyen on dark friend. “So, you have to be nice for that Packer.”

“Just… judge him yourself.” Added Tenu. “If he is appropriate for our plans, encourage him.”

“But if he’s not…” started Alam.

“Kill him, of course.” Finished general.

Then turned back to Fida and Ama to exit the cave. Two officers stayed in place for a while, looking after the commander. When he vanished behind the corner, Alam turned to Heik and said.

“I sense… that’s it! Our fight is nearly finished.”

“Well… if I were boss, I would take out that bitch who wants kill Maya first…” started half-blind wolf, but then continued. “However I’m not boss and I guess he knows better. But yes – I’m so glad we are so close. The time of revenge will come!”

*

Guardians simply get used to presence of Flame. As mother of three soldiers and mate of one, she was respected in the clan and had relatively a few duties. She hunted three times a week, two times a week had a service in orphanage, but nothing more than that. So almost all free moment she spent in prison, next to her son.

Teele had nothing against it, even was glad – after all the persuasion of mother increased the probability of defection for prisoner. But Flame wasn’t thinking like that and had no ambitions to recruit a double-agent. She had much more ambitious quest – to regain her child.

Ian was still kept in Main Cave Complex. The try of escape at the first day made all be convinced that he was able to do such a bold thing, so his freedom was strictly limited to inner cave and two walks in wood daily (with accompanying unit of four sentries). Teele (sometimes with Istana) visited prisoner usually once a day, trying to talk about subject at least close to military matters, but when Ian heard anything about that he replied with his usual “I’m sergeant Ian of scout unit, serving in RAIA under sir Varjo. That’s all I’m allowed to tell you.” For the rest of day he was with mother.

Flame persuaded guards that she could participate in walk of prisoner. So they were walking in Home Cave vicinity, as mother and her young pup. Paw of Ian was still aching, still recovering after injure, so wolf needed guidance and his mother was helping him. They were walking to gorge of Talbourne Creek, to Training Plant, Star Clearing and all those places where Flame used to guide her pups four years earlier.

“Do you remember?” asked wolfess. “You used to play here with Viin.” They reached the Star Clearing.

“Yes, I remember.” Replied POW. “But mom…” he said. “I don’t have the best memories from here…” admitted honestly.

“You mean, you scorn everything before Pack?” she asked with sad voice.

“No, of course not…” Ian shook his head. “But here… I’m just remember as Viin used to beat me up and win in every competition and you, praising him…”

“For beating you?” gasped surprised Flame.

“Not directly.” Said prisoner. “For being better.”

“I… I see, I wasn’t good mother for you.” Said Flame after a while of silence.

“No, that’s not a point.” Replied Ian. “I wasn’t good pup enough. I couldn’t be…”

“Ian…” said Flame, nestling to side of son. “You have a great grudge in your heart. Grudge on us… Please, tell me, how we could fix it.”

“Mother… that’s past… there is nothing to fix…” said aloud and then added quieter. “Some thing are unfixable. You did leave me to die. The death is not to reverse.”

She was silent for a while, licking his forehead. But then he said. “Oh, sorry. Of course I didn’t mean it. It just… happened. Don’t back there.”

“But I must back there.” Whispered Flame. “How else I could persuade you to be my son again if not recalling times where you loved me.”

“I’m still your son.” Said Ian. “And I still love you. I am from the Pack and I love my packmates. I love aunt Ea I loved uncle Steele. But nothing could change I’m your son.”

The decision was made. Flame was amazed that took her so long. After all the choice was hard but unavoidable. She looked on son’s paw.

“Does it hurt? When you expect to be all right?”

“I don’t know…” murmured Ian. “In ten days maybe…”

Flame closed her eyes and thought. “That won’t be a betrayal. That will be payment for a betrayal. Fixing of it!”

*

For the very first time January wasn’t a small pup. He was just January, almost three years old wolf and was dreaming being completely aware of it. That time father was much closer and – what was the most important – malawolf could understand him. It wasn’t easy – hybrid felt no strength to answer his parent, but he was able to hear and comprehend and that was enough.

“Welcome, son.” Said Steele. His silhouette was radiating with both black and white (is light could be black too?) on… well, January preferred not to think what the background was and where exactly that talk was taking place. He recognised some landscape marks, but they suggested that father and son were somewhere… high above the ground. That brought January not too optimistic connotations.

“No, not quite.” Said Steele. “You are not dead, but I would lie, telling you are far from it. You almost killed yourself in extraordinary stupid way.”

“I’m sorry, father.” Whispered January and surprisingly that thought was audible.

“But after all you used your head.” Smiled malamute. “I’m proud of you, son.” He came closer and nuzzled his muzzle to muzzle of lying January. Malawolf felt mixture of heat and cold.

“I was missing you, dad.” Said uncertainly.

“That was stupid too.” Replied Steele. “I was always so close to you and your mother… But yes, you’re right. It bad you grew up without father. That’s one of sacrifices you made on the altar of my fight. I felt like a tyrant, involving you all in it.”

“What is your fight, is mine too!” called January with sudden emotion in his voice. Flood of untold forces, hidden in his soul deluged his throat and made it clenched. He couldn’t speak anymore, just felt how he always missed a voice of father, praising him for his efforts.

“I saw it all from here.” Said Steele. “And I am proud… But you told that you will do anything. It’s easy to say it now… but soon you will stand against trials beyond your imagination where every choice will be a bad one.”

“Trust me, I won’t fail you!” sobbed January, failing to control his voice.

“Not, the problem is for you not to fail yourself. To stay honest with your spirit and judgement. I simply hope that my dreams are your dreams too.”

“They will, father!”

“Listen to me.” Said Steele with decisive voice. “You are on the doorstep of great choices. They could mean something wonderful, but are also the great danger. Whatever happen, remember my words: your faith, your heart, your family are always first and most important. All sublime ideas are just to serve those three. If your dream are betraying what you have deepest in your heart, leave those dreams. The closest treasure you have, matters most. Remember it… Your family. And don’t be surprised that others think that way. And don’t judge them – they are doing what they think is best and most noble. Right, son?”

“Right…” whispered a bit lost January.

“Good…” smiled Steele. “Soon you will wake up… eventually and you won’t be sure if that all was just a dream. Perhaps it is a dream, but still you could remember my words. So now…” he looked down with concern in his stare. “We will have to think, how to get you out of that blasted river.”

Vision of father was cut away and the piercing frost returned. January again felt well-known feeling of drowning.

*

“WERK!” yelled – or better to say – gurgled January.

Water was assaulting his muzzle from every side, including the upper side, so malawolf made a desperate attempt, and kicked with hind legs to reach the surface. He succeeded and he his a ice-layer with his forehead. Thankfully, he was too confused to panic. But then he recalled about something important.

“Maya!” he screamed, looking around for brownfurred.

Somehow she managed to stay on the surface. She was drifting with current just next to hybrid, unconsciousness, but what January checked in one tough, still alive. Steele’s son grabbed her into his jaws and lifted her muzzle above the water. She started to cough, what sounded for hybrid as the most beautiful music.

“Come on!” he called. “Hang on, we will…”

But saying that he opened his mouth and let her loose. She fell down to raging river and January again dived to grabbed her fur. When he emerged with her in tight grasp, he could finally think the situation over. And then he panicked.

There ware taken by current into pools of Reindeer Creek. Wide backwaters were going for miles north, but it was even good, because the normal run of river would drown them in minute. But still they were trapped under ice and quickly freezing. January consider himself as solid built and very resistant canine. Yet he was feeling how low temperature was consequently draining strength from his muscles. If he was about to faint, the question <how long would stand Maya?> was highly inappropriate. They were dying.

“Maya, wake up!” he murmured, clenching still fur oh nape in jaws. “Wake up, God dammit! We’re drowning!” sensing she was still motionless, he bit. Just plunged his teeth into her neck, hopping that pain with bring any response. He was right.

“No!” yelled Maya. “Lake, why?” but then she looked around and noticed where she was. A loud scream sounded under ice.

“Calm down!” gasped January. “I’m thinking how get up from here…”

“Jan… what… what…”

“Listen to me.” Said malawolf carefully. “We will try to pierce that ice… You will. I will push you up and you’ll break the surface, when we find some thinner place. Then… listen! Don’t fall asleep! When you break the ice, you grab the edge and keep it. Understand? If you have a good grab, I will climb up by your back… But if not, I will let you loose. In that way, simply… go on my bank, you will be safe. They won’t blame you for my death, because you will tell them password… or something like that. You will tell my mother, lady Ea that <Tro had grey fur>. Just that and she will know I sent you there. Ok?”

“No, wait!” she sobbed. “Don’t leave me… or I mean: don’t make me leave you here.”

“Do you think I had a heroic death in my schedule today?” smirked January. “Just go… Become the alpha and make your dreams real. I doubt if they are right, but at least it makes you happy.”

“January…”

“Here… be prepared… Three… two… one…” malawolf submerged and swam under Maya.

Then he summoned all the power he had and pushed his body up. Talbourne princess instinctively let him press on her underbelly. Then they both sprang up and hybrid pushed even stronger, prepared for resistance. But for what he was prepared, she wasn’t and brownfurred his the ice with her forehead. Frozen layer broke, letting her go higher. But it didn’t change a fact that impact hurt.

Hurt as hell.

Maya was screaming from pain, feeling burning volcano on her forehead. But words of January were still echoing in her mind, so she awkwardly grabbed edge of ice and kept her grasp. After a second she recalled about January, holding her paws. She remembered mainly because the additional weight was slowly taking her back down. She forced herself not to shake her saviour off. She grabbed the ice harder but that didn’t stop her sliding down. She understood she was going to die.

But then a miracle happened. Maybe it was just an impression, but she felt a warm tough of tongue of her rear paw, as January put a kiss on it. A second alter the weight was away. Maya understood that malawolf let her loose.

She stood up barely, trying to overcome the nauseating dizziness and pain in her head. She made few steps in shore’s direction, but then cried with all her might.

“January!”

She turned back to see newly made ice hole, then ran there and looked back. There was no malawolf, but two holes – after hitting ice with head she must had a real concussion, because her vision split in two and that double image was freely dancing before her – from almost merging in one to move aside by more than ten degrees. It wasn’t nice way to see the world and definitely wasn’t helping in saving January. But then a rescue came.

Crying from pain and because of confusing vision, she set to zigzag run to nearer bank. Some voice in her ear was repeating <Log! Log!> so she speeded where some log could be found. She entered frozen canes and fortunately found some heavy branch, not iced too deep in layer. She pulled it our and ran back to backwater.

She had no idea where January could had been taken, so she had to guess. She looked on ice hole, then drew in mind a line of eventual route for malawolf. She could only speculate where he was at that time exactly, but those voices in her mind suggested a point on ice. She ran there, still hobbling in confusion and barely holding the log.

Finally she stopped, lifted log as high as she could and hit with it into ice. Cracks appeared on white surface but it was still not enough. She again made attempt with branch, striking the same place. Finally ice cracked, opening a gap before her. She put a log into that hole.

“God!” she prayed. “Let he be conscious! Let he manage to grab the log!”

Her prayers were granted – she felt a weight on the other side of branch. She was too weak to lift it up – she just tensed all muscles, holding with all her might and waiting for him to come out. January managed to climb to the edge, then he let branch loose and grabbed ice. Maya dropped the log and grabbed nape of wolf, pulling him on surface. Malawolf fell on ice, panting heavily and then Talbourne princess sensed that her visions became again one, but in the same time it started to become darker and darker.

“So… we… live…” moaned hybrid. “But still… the best… before us… We could freeze to death…”

Maya fell to the ground, losing all awareness. She just felt that January grabbed her fur and – being too weak to put her on his back – he was dragging her on the ice to bank direction. Yet she didn’t hear as hybrid murmured with shivering voice.

“My father was the best puller in Alaska… I have it in genes… Mush!”

*

Even if January looked, he wouldn’t noticed three blurred silhouettes, floating over the river. It was snow-white wolfess, pitch-black wolf and malamute of bicoloured coat. They were looking on wolfdog carrying Talbourne princess to the bank. Three was silent, finally dark wolf said with a bit embarrassed voice.

“Thanks, mom…”

“Yeah.” Added malamute. “It was a pleasure to cooperate with you, ma’am.”

“Oh.” Smirked white wolf. “Don’t imagine too much. I’ve helped you only because of my sweet Maya.” But then she added with softer voice. “But I’m really grateful to your son that he saved her.”

“You know… father’s genies.” Said dog and smiled.

“No problem, mom.” Said dark wolf, whom mortals call Shade.

*

Black’s unit found the icehole about one hour later. Maybe they would ignore that, but Snow noticed the log and some marks on the snow. Trail stopped about fifty yards farther, because of falling snow, but they had a proof that runaways survived and knew general direction on their escape. Targets were going still north, but on the Pack bank. Somehow it was very favourable for pursuers, because there was smaller probability of help for Maya from Talbourne side. The Pack was a problem, but not so great there, because with every mile north they were closer to human seats and Pack soldiers – the same as Talbourne – avoided to go there. So for wolves humans were the main danger, but Black hoped that they would be lucky.

“And Maya and January got shot by hunters.” He murmured and set off north-east. “Form a tyraliere!” he called to his companions. “They most likely hid somewhere here. They are exhausted and frozen. They want get rest in some den. Find that den!” seven affirmative growls answered him.

*

Aarre wasn’t strategist, but he was a hunter. He treated the rescue mission as a hunt, so he acted as wolf on lead of his pack. He left centre region of search to Ea and Varjo, while he directed more north, almost to humans seats. He wanted to find January before anyone else… and check what would happen. For his mission he picked up ten wolves, only most trusted ones, from old Uniea military or children of his brothers-in-arms. He was absolutely sure of loyalty of those soldiers and whatever order he would give, it would be fulfilled. But he hoped that he didn’t have to give any order. Maybe Talbourne would be quicker.

To his companions he had a perfect explanation. January, although he was a good and brave wolf, unwillingly betrayed. Because he didn’t want to resurrect the glory of Uniea clan. He simply followed crazy idea of Steele, what was noble and sublime, but crazy indeed. In times of trial, when fate of reborn Uniea clan is about to decide, responsible wolves have to make a serious decision.

“I’m so sorry January.” Thought Aarre. “But I really wish that Talbourne finds you first. You simply shouldn’t be back. And… sorry, my brothers… I am Uniea… but I don’t care about it anymore. I have my own quest to do.”

“Faster!” he called to his unit. However he was aware that most likely, when he found January, he would have to wait.

*

Maya was too weak to open her eyes, so she just enjoyed a warmth. She felt the pleasant feeling all over her body. Even pain – that in paw and that in head – was small and insignificant, comparing to overwhelming caress of warm touch. After immeasurable time, when she partially quenched her thirsts for heat, she started to think from where that pleasure came from. Then she opened her eyes.

She didn’t see too much. The den was small and dark. Thought snow that cover entrance was dripping a little of milky light, but enough only for Maya to see the lair under fallen tree-roots and January, nestled to her side. Wolfdog was busy with licking her rear paw – she almost forgot about injure that Lake inflicted her.

“Lake…” she sobbed, recalling all what had happened. “God… That’s not real! That’s hasn’t happened!”

“I will gladly nod in agree, but first I have to take care about your leg.” Said January. That most likely supposed to sound ironical, but because his voice was shivering with cold, it gave rather pitiful expression.

“January…” she sobbed. “Why…”

“I would ask myself, why we survived.” He replied. “In all those circumstances we should have died at least three times.”

“Oh, yes…” she murmured. “You saved me… Thank you.” she turned to him and licked his cheek. He froze for the while, then give another few lick to her injure. And then raised his head to look in her eyes.

“And you saved me.” Said with soft voice. But then temperature of his voice dropped lower than frost outside. “I told you to go! Why the heck you came back!?”

“But… but… I saved you that way.” She murmured, confused.

“Yes, you are right and I’m alive only thanks to you. But next time, when I say something, you do it, okay?” he paused his voice, then added. “I mean… not forever, of course, but when you are under my protection. Right?” She impulsively nodded her head. “Oh… I’m sorry.” Continued with quieter voice. “I didn’t meant to shout on you… I just… still can’t believe we made it alive.”

“All pleasure is all mine.” She said, smiling.

“No, maybe not all.” Said January. “Maybe you give me a half?”

“So…” she smiled even wider. “I saved you too, right?” he nodded. “So you have to thank me in the same way.”

“As you wish…” murmured malawolf and bended down to her muzzle. But he stopped just before it. “Oh, my God!” he gasped, looking on giant bump on her forehead. “I did it?”

“Oh, Jan… only that way I was able to break the ice.”

“I’m terribly sorry…” said hybrid with embarrassed voice. “Stay low, it might help.”

And he started to lick her forehead, but what had to be a caress, become a medical treatment. January gently remover the blood clot, then slowly sucked blood and pus, to finally clean it with tongue. That was all about <thank you>.

“You are very caring.” Noticed Maya.

“Father taught me much about medicine, when I was a pup. He knew much about it, from times he was living with humans.” Said malawolf. Then added in mind. “And later - as a soldier - he had to know much about wounds and traumas inflicting many.” But aloud he asked just. “How are you… I meant in the first place leg and forehead.”

“Barely feel the paw at all.” She confesses. “And about head… After you took care about it, it is much better… But I still see two of you… a little.”

“Damn it!” gasped hybrid. “And I was thinking about running just now…” He looked again on Maya’s leg. “Well, we have not much to do for now. Let me rest a bit, dry up, then I will go for recon, perhaps I’ll bring something to eat. But now…” He moved closer to her. “May I? It’s just to warm up…”

“Of course.” She said and nestled to malawolf even closer. She desperately needed some touch and warmth – not even physical one, but one that floats from other being. After a while of silence, the sad thoughts returned to her. She closed her eyes to see Lake with blooded neck, giving his last breaths at her feet.

“January…” she whispered with sad voice. “Help me… I can’t stand it… I don’t understand it! Those wolves you fought with… They are from my clan. I thought they were my friends…”

“So, they must be better friends of some other claimant to Talbourne lead.” Said hybrid, but then added with softer tone. “Sorry, Maya. I don’t want to be rude and upset you even more… You just seem to be so innocent… but also so naïve. You don’t understand how politic works and what wolves are able to do, to reach the power.”

“But I don’t want to be that way.”

“It will be, as long as Talbourne and Pack exist. But someday it will cease. Both our clans will cease. That’s what were fighting for. To return to peace of traditional pack…” He paused and laughed with embarrassment. “Sorry, I was talking like a politician too. Forget it. I’ll try to forget…”

“But who…” she sobbed.

“According to date of my intelligence, the other serious claimants are Tram and Sheik. I suspect Sheik, because he has more influence… at least sir Vajro thinks that.”

“But he is my brother… my cousin in fact, but we grew up together.”

“Maybe he doesn’t know about that attempt. But some of his hot-headed acolyte misunderstood his will and…”

“I don’t want anyone to hate me!” she cried.

“I don’t hate you…” said January carefully. “I mean, you are from Talbourne… but… I want to forget about it, right? Do you believe me?”

He licked bump on her forehead, but he did it then in non-medical way.

VIII. Leave no one behind…

In normal circumstances Black and his team would had found runaways in less than hour. But what earlier was the curse of runners, later became a blessing – because of heavy frost scents were almost insensible and still falling snow was covering any track in minutes. Unit of Stardusters started to methodically search over the forest. Black decided that after seeing the farther route north – in dense plant pawprints would stayed much longer and because they didn’t, wolf thought that Maya and January were still in grove next to backwaters.

Darkfurred was enraged after death of Lake, so almost two days activity didn’t cause his sleepiness. However it affected his alertness. January was weak after hypothermia and his sensed turned out to be dimmed too. Moreover he additionally tired himself during the hunt. Two canines collided, hitting with foreheads and falling down to the snow. Both were so confused that it took several long seconds, before they reacted. Black gave a war cry and pounced on malawolf.

Steele’s son wasn’t a coward and considered himself as well trained in fight. And that was why he decided to run. He simply estimated chances of combatants – he knew almost nothing about Black, while he was well aware that he was tired, bruised and hungry. Enemy had just to wait for some reinforcements – malawolf had to survive the combat. Generally – retreat was very reasonable solution.

January intercepted Black in air, sending him few yards aside. Then he turned at random direction and speeded ahead. Because of still falling snow, after few minutes he had sure that he lost his second tail. Then he turned east to den where Maya was sleeping. He carried a rabbit, miraculously found just before meeting Black. But there was not too much time to have a breakfast.

He entered lair and nudged Maya. She just smiled in her sleep, so hybrid repeated his move, that time stronger. She gave a quiet yelp of pain and opened her eyes, looking on wolfdog.

“Sorry, but we must go. Eat and come with me.”

“Oh, thanks.” She grabbed rabbit and bit a first bit. Then stopped and asked.

“And you?”

“I’ve already eaten.” Lied January. “But be quick, they are coming.” He stood in entrance to den, ready to block it.

Maya ate extremely quick, most likely overwhelming hunger she felt. After about five minutes the rabbit was cleaned to bones and she gently nudged back of her guardian. January’s nerves were so tensed, then he jumped in place, turning back instantly. He froze just in front of smiling and blood-red lips of wolfess.

“Clear your muzzle.” Said malawolf instinctively. “And then go.”

In fact setting off from hiding was the hardest part of plan. When they were still inside, risk of finding them was serious, yet not so great. However after leaving den even pawprints staying half an hour on snow made a calling evidence of their presence. January estimated they have not more than hour of easy march then they have to run.

“How’s your paw?”

“Better! Now I feel it.” Said Maya with airy voice. But then she must stomped on wounded limp, because she gasped with pain. “And actually it hurts as hell!”

“Right…” murmured malawolf. “Listen, when I say <run>, we run. If you can’t, just climb on my back. But please, don’t do it too hasty. I won’t carry you with satisfying speed.”

“But… have we run?” she asked and he stopped, turned to her and looking right in her eyes said with freezing voice.

“You think that it’s so funny to flee with cowed tail? Lady, I usually show more bravery, but it happened that I haven’t eaten since two days, I’m hypothermed and additionally I’m guiding wounded female. Just… let me be rational this time, not heroic. My father always repeated that good commander knows which battle he cannot win.”

“Sorry…” whispered Maya, turning her stare down. “I actually meant to try negotiate with them.”

“How?” snorted January. “My safety for giving them you?” But then he noticed that on her face appeared two tears. “Damn it!” he murmured. “I did it again. Sorry, Maya I didn’t mean to be rude… just… let me do it in my way. From us two I have a bit more combat and survival experience.”

“Dad taught you?” asked wolfess, still with tensed voice, but trying to start a chat.

“Well… yes… But let’s go.” They moved on.

“You really loved your father.” She said after few minutes of march. “And you miss him.” He just nodded his head. “I’m too. I mean – uncle Shadow always carried about me, but I miss my dad anyway… He died two years ago.” January laughed nervously.

“Yeah, I know that. He died the same day that my father. There is possibility that they killed each other.”

“You blame me?” she asked.

“And you blame me for Dash’s death? If not my father, that war would never broke out.”

“It happened very bad, but you are not guilty of it.”

“Still, I’m fighting under my father’s banner.”

“I believe that’s only because you had no chance to see that my clan is good actually.” Replied Maya. “We… we talk, stay with each other. Perhaps we could mend the split between our parents.”

“You really want it?” asked January, turning his head back to Maya. She nodded, but then sight of malawolf pointed somewhere above her shoulder. “The hunt is on. RUN!”

He showed direction, then waited as she came on lead. But then noticed as she barely going in deep snow, so he outran her again and started to mark a path. For every minute he turned back too see how she was going. She was going awful.

It was about midday, snow almost ceased to fall and sun shone from above dense - yet leaky - layer of clouds. They didn’t see the chase, but heard it – Stardust wolves were calling themselves with hunting signals. The terrain became easier for both battue and game – forest of Alaska interior started to come down to the sea and Buckland Area. It was easy to run, at least ahead – January judged that try to leave valley of river was doom to be failure – in simple run ahead and down Maya’s imparity was significant, but not disqualifying. But climbing up with wounded paw on east slope of valley would allow Stardusters to catch them instantly. The going on western slope, to Talbourne area was then out of option – on that point river became wider and ice less stabile. Coming on the other bank was dangerous. However January kept that idea as a last resort.

“I’m sorry…” sobbed Maya at his six. “I can’t…”

“Well…” replied malawolf, trying to sound calmly. “You manage to go at your own extremely far anyway. So, come to me.” Be kneeled down, allowing her to climb on his back. “Hold on, but try not to choke me, right?”

January stood up and in next second almost fell down. Dizziness burst in his head and stomach violently reminded him about his biological needs, rumbling loud. He took a deep breath and made first step ahead. It was herder than he thought, yet it happened. “And then, what?” he asked himself in mind. “Are we going north to Buckland, waiting for hunters to shot Maya and capture me to be a sleddog?”

“Hey, you!” sounded a call from behind. “Stop if you want to live!”

“It’s extremely cheap talk in hunting situation.” Murmured January to Maya, marching still.

“January!” Talbourne wolfess recognised Black’s voice. “We don’t want you dead! Just drop her here and go home. That is not your business!”

Maya instinctively hugged closer to hybrid’s neck. Under all circumstances January had no interest in saving her. They had talked nice, exchanged few jests and had generally a good time, but then it became a matter of life and death. Packer had to choose between his safety and – in consequence – safety of Pack’s heir and… Well, Maya wasn’t sure what was on the other paw.

“Come on!” murmured wolfdog. “You really think I could leave you here?”

“I don’t understand why you are doing this.” She whispered. When she noticed that he wanted to reply in his usual way, added quickly. “But I don’t complain.”

“Damn it! Damn it!” January snorted. “If I die, mom is going to kill me! Crap! That’s all in vain…” Suddenly he stopped and looked on the river. “Maya, are you ready for another batch?”

“In hot spring? Yes, please!” she replied, smiling, but then he followed his stare. “No…”

“So I’m sorry, you will swim unprepared.” Said January and entered the ice.

Layer was cracked and fragmented – under mass of two canines more break appeared. Wolfdog chose a solid float, put Maya on it and pushed them from ice-mass. They floated with current freely. Their improvise raft was highly unstable, so malawolf carefully backed to the centre of five yards float and nestled to Maya. “Stay still.” He ordered.

“And that’s it?” she called. “It seems to be safe.”

“It is.” Nodded Packer. “Until we want to land or even make a turn. By the way, do you know, where is nearest waterfall here?”

She gasped with fear, but then her cry turned to laughter. January didn’t resist too and soon after both canines were laughing airily. Malawolf had to counter shivers they make by carefully moving on float, but it didn’t stop him from merry giggling. They were dying, but who said that one can’t laugh for the last time.

“What the crack!?” called Black from the bank. “How the heck you’ve got a sunstroke in such a blizzard? Or I hit you in the head? You are dead already!”

“What a shame…” laughed January back. “So I guess I took a bad path. You promised to let me go freely.”

“After them!” murmured Black to his packmates. “We will go on the bank. They can’t float faster than we run. Maybe they will drown in first river bend. But maybe not. We will try to convince that Packer to leave Maya for his life.”

“And we let him go?” asked a bit shocked Snow.

“Of course, not!” growled darkfurred. “He got Lake, don’t you remember? But don’t threat him now. Perhaps he will do out job for us.”

*

To kill Maya, January had just to push her away from drift. It was highly improbable that wolfess would swam to bank with wounded paw and in that general condition. To be honest, we could add that malawolf also wasn’t sure if he was able to reach the shore. But he was ready to jump after Maya to water if some force threw her away.

They were sailing in silence for long minutes, looking on Black’s unit, running on eastern bank. Initially they thought that idea with icefloat was excellent way to outran persecutors, but after some time two runaways noticed that chase was moving with almost the same speed that game. However that was good for Maya and January anyway – floating with ice they could rest a bit, while pursuers were tiring themselves.

“And… what now?” Asked wolfess. “Where are we going?”

“We are not going.” Replied hybrid. “We’re just resting. When you are ready to run, we will try to reach the bank and get to Pack’s territory. We can’t enter human’s seats. They will shot Black and his sidekicks, but you will be shot too.”

“You could survive… as a half dog.”

“If wanted to be a sledpuller, I would have gone there earlier.” Murmured January. “Oh, don’t be afraid. I won’t leave you.”

“Yes, I know.” Said Maya and nestled to his side closer.

“By the way… on the first glance you could be glad that we die.” Said January. “The Pack loses it’s leader, while the stronger claimant for Talbourne alpha gets the score…” She wanted to say <I never thought like that!>, but he continued. “But it doesn’t work like that. If I’m down… Aarre becomes the leader. He is our beta-alpha… marshal in your words, I guess. So someone like Tenu. The funny point is that my family won’t suffer so much, because Aarre will still be obedient to my mother… But his aim – as well as aim of all Uniea survivors and their children – is to restore the glory of Uniea Clan. And they will attack Talbourne for sure – as revenge for war four years ago.”

“It’s horrible…”

“Well, remember that Tenu was planning offensive against us in nearest summer. So, now the question is just: Who whom?”

“We must survive and stop it!” she whispered.

“Why do you assume I wish to stop it?” asked malawolf. “I’m trying to fulfil my father’s dream, that’s all. Ultimate quest is different than Aarre’s, but means are the same. War.”

“No…” she sobbed. “You are not like that!”

“Like what?” he asked. “Like your parents? Like Aleu and Shadow? They all were fighting.” He noticed.

“We can change it!” assured Maya, putting her head on January’s side.

*

Good motivation can’t replace food and sleep, but could reduce need of those to very small dose. Both teams – Tan’s and Aarre’s had motivation and they were going with unbelievable speed. Thirty miles in such terrain and with such a weather was an achievement, if was done in less than eight hours.

Aarre as the first noticed tracks of runaways and chase – after all most of that race was done on his bank. Old hunter read from pawprints and other marks well. He saw the hole made by Maya (and the second, made by Maya too, yet intentionally) to more or less discover what happened. His head was full of theories about mysterious assassins but he tended to choose the right one – that was inner-Talbourne game, where January was not the main target. In the same time he felt relived and he was very angry on that circumstance.

“Werk!” he gasped, seeing edge of ice-layer and freely drifting floats. “Did he…”

“Boss’s son is amazing!” yelled Tomu – one of most trusted Aarre’s soldier. “They were eight and he managed to outwit them!”

“I doubt if he is able to outwit the river.” Said Aarre. “Anyway, we must go ahead.” His unit followed down the stream.

*

She gathered family in her cave. It wasn’t easy – she had to persuade lieutenants Ami that her “family business” was more important that another drill in Icy Valley, but she managed to do it. Istana found her time easily, because Teele was still in Home Cave, postponing most of recon operations.

“So, what’s up, mom?” asked Vin, entering as the last to cave.

“We must all talk about Ian.” She said. Ralph wanted to express his discontentment, but she froze him with her stare. “We must.”

“If you say so…” murmured wolf. Then asked with hope. “Have you convinced him to return to the clan?”

“No.” said wolfess. “And I don’t plan it. Or later. But first of all we must ask him for forgiveness for what we did to him when we was with us. Or for what we didn’t…” She looked on Istana. “Of course I don’t mean you, my dear, but I ask you to accompany us.”

“What!?” gasped Ralph. “We have to apologies him? He is a traitor, not us!”

“Mom…” added Viin with quieter voice. “It’s cool that Ian is alive… but it’s not my fault that he lost the qualification round…”

“I see you never learn.” Said Flame, looking on them with sad eyes. “Very well, let it be.” In that moment she made the final decision.

Two wolves – father and son – left the cave. Only Istana stayed. Flame sighed again and said to her daughter.

“And you? At least you’ve done nothing wrong.”

“But it’s my brother…”

“And my son.” Added Flame. “Please remember it, when… well, you will see when it will be worth to recall.”

*

Mother’s acting was strange, what Ian – taught by Varjo – noticed quickly. She made nothing especially strange, but all her person was sparkling with some mystery. She started to came there less frequent and talked less too. However Ian had enough brains to wait with question to the moment they were alone.

“Mom… what is going on?” She took a look around and smiled.

“Isn’t that obvious?” she asked.

“Wait…” gasped scout. “You don’t mean that…”

“Soon you will be free.” Said Flame. “I’ve already hid enough food to have a real meal before we go and acquired a route, where we could rest and dine in progress.”

“What!?” yelled Ian. Then he turned his voice lower. “Mother, I’m extremely grateful for that… but what means <we>? You want to escort me to the border?”

“You said you know lady Ea and January in person. I guess fixing the Pack’s asylum for me won’t be so hard.”

“But… to the Pack…” whispered scout. “You want to go with me… there? You can’t leave your home.”

“Tell me something, mister!” said Flame with faked harshness. “Do you still claim that you Pack is the finest one in Alaska?”

“Yes, but it…”

“So, don’t you want your mother to be on the right side, huh?”

“I want that you are with Pack… but… dad? Istana and Viin?”

“Sorry, Ian.” Said Flame with tensed voice. “They simply don’t see it.”

“See what?” asked scout. He was shocked, maybe in very pleasant way, but he also didn’t like someone was taking his fate in her or his paws.

“We failed you, Ian.” Replied wolfess. “You father and brother too, but mine fault is the greatest one. I failed as a mother.”

“But I didn’t ask you to defect because of that.”

“Wait, mister!” snorted Flame. “Do you want to return home, or not?”

“I want, but… aren’t you afraid that that help me in my mission and consequently help the Pack’s cause.”

“Soon that will be my cause as well.” Said wolfess. “Seeing uncertainness of her son, she added. “I wished that we all go. But if they can’t see that they should. However it doesn’t relieve my from my duties.”

“Wait! There is something you should know! About my mission…” yelled Ian.

“No, I don’t. In fact, I don’t care.” She replied. “I just want to deliver you there… and live there with you. You will show me your home… introduce me to your girl… Will you?”

“Of course, I will.” Said Ian with decisiveness. “But still we must go there.”

“Don’t worry!” smiled Flame. “I’ll show you, that you survival skill you got with genies!”

*

Varjo was highly reasonable wolf, that’s why he was wrong. He assumed that January was worrying about his own survival and interest of the Pack. That’s why he assumed that Steele’s son simply with the first possible opportunity left Reindeer Creek and hid in forest, waiting for rescue team. It was optimal option for heir, who was responsible for future of the
Pack. However it was bad tactic for young January, who was caring about Talbourne princess.

Kaata persuaded her father to give her six wolves and let her go south. Of course RAIA’s commander forbade daughter to get close to Buckland, but she was determined to visit even Anchorage, if that was a place where possible January was. She ran downriver at her full speed, but of course she was unable to make up to Aarre.

“Don’t worry, we will find him.” Assured Varjo, when he was looking with Ea on outgoing Kaata.

“I am worrying about it too.” She replied. “How we would explain it to him.”

*

“Sir! Fresh trail!” called Tomu to Aarre.

“Good, continue.” Replied beta-alpha.

“But sir… those are enemy’s trails.” Added sergeant. “Seven wolves of Talbourne. We can’t locate master January.”

“So… that changes nothing.” Replied Pack’s marshal. “Or no… let’s go a bit slower.”

“Sir?”

“We can’t let those Talbourne to spot us, right?”

“Right.” Nodded Tomu, not knowing that his commander had something different on mind.

*

The night had come and they had to land. January was barely standing on his paws, felt nausea attacks because of exhaustion and hunger, while Maya’s paw was still no good for run. Their only hope was weakness of enemy – after all pursuers also had to rest eventually. And there was a second reason for a stop – they almost reached human’s territory. Malawolf would do almost anything to avoid entering it, but he understood there was no other choice. Chase was restless and slope of valley seemed to be still too steep for Talbourne princess. Moreover January hoped that Black would scare of humans. That was a weak hope, however, because the damage was already done – Maya saw muzzles of assassins and leaving her alive was very unwise options for them.

“Be prepared.” Said hybrid to wolfess. “When I see good place, we swim to the shore. Then we will have to find some den and instantly dry up. Any minute of walking with wet fur will drain us. Too long time will kill us.”

“Do you know any hot source here?” asked Maya with sleepy voice.

“No, no! don’t sleep!” yelled January. “This time I simply can faint, saving you!”

“As you wish, Jan.” she replied with tone suggesting she was already away.

The threshold of unpleasant sensations is limited. They were so frozen already that another cold bath seemed just a breeze for them. However hybrid knew that was just a pretence – their bodies were on the edge of hypothermia and any error on that way would kill them.

Heavens had to watch over them – two canines reached the bank and shaking as trapped mouse entered random den just next to the river. Instantly they coiled inside, nestling to each other in way more strict than any passionate lovers would. Coldness didn’t let them sleep, what was at least good effect, because January felt that sleep would cut them to icecubes instantly.

“Yeah… now we must stay awake.” Said January. Actually it sounded like <W… we… must…shtai… aw… ak!> , because his voice was trembling. “Right?”

“I will try.” Replied Maya.

“No, no tries!” murmured hybrid. “You must not sleep! Talk to me! Don’t stop!”

She reached his neck and their throats met. Maybe it seemed absurdly, but most of warmth is lost via neck, where hot aortas are running just below the fur. So they stayed in that intimate, yet extremely odd position with muzzles almost joined.

“Jan…” January smiled. “What’s wrong? You don’t want to be called like that?”

“No, it’s nice.” Replied wolfdog. “But no one calls me that, even mother. You know… I have a friend, Ian, so calling me simply <Jan> could be confusing. But if you want… go on.”

“Ian…” murmured Maya. “That scout we captured?” He nodded his head. “If we survive this, I will meet with him… and of course, I will make sure he is treated well.”

“Thanks.” Said wolfdog.

“By the way…” asked Maya with a bit tensed voice . “Have you… special someone?”

“To cry for me, when I don’t returned?” smiled January. “Thanks God, no!” laughed nervously. “And you?” She shook her head, when hybrid sensed it clearly on hi own neck. “So, after all we are not so afraid to die, huh?”

“By the matter of fact, you would be wolf of my life.” She said with playful tone. “I will die at your side.”

“Wow, how nice.” January laughed back. “I always wanted to live and die with just the one, special girl, but previously I planned to get old before that!” They were silent for a while, but then Maya again started a quiet chat.

“Tell me more about your Pack. I want to understand why you are so loyal to it.”

“Are you really want to hear that? We could argue about that.”

“I guess that just one argument during our relationship will be acceptable.” She giggled.

“Right…” murmured wolfdog. “I’m sure you know the basis of our doctrine. That we want restore the traditional order of wolves communities, with no clans over pack and family structures… That is completely opposite to what teaches your Path of Aniu, that tells to create an utopian wolf-state all over the world, if possible. Sorry, to call it in so simplified way, but I really thought it’s absurd and dangerous. My father always told me…”

“So, it’s all about father.” Interrupted Maya.

“Well… yes, most likely yes.” Agreed January. “But look at this from the other side. Our world-views are usually based on personnel bounds and inspirations. If some idea is colliding with your personal happiness, are you really ready to disown your friends and family? If that’s true, all ideas, utopias and revolutions are done by highly unhappy persons. That way every result of such action will be corrupted with unhappiness and despair too. Am I wrong?”

“Tenu.” Whispered Maya. “Now, when you tell me that, I see that you are right, at least about one wolf. General Tenu of our military. He is unhappy… or something terrible happened to him in the past. He seems to support our cause, the cause of Aniu, but he is as you described him. Somehow corrupted. He has good intentions, but them drive him to so merciless actions that I’m scared of him.”

“It is always like that.” Smiled January. “We wanted good, but it happened as usually.  So imagine that for us, your clan is one, collective general Tenu – corrupted by ideology and with good intentions twisted by soulless body of aggressive organisation. I wish to show you, we have right, but if I fail, at last try to see by our eyes for a while.”

“You are wrong.” Protested Maya. “Only some of us are like Tenu. Most is really believing in Aniu’s Path. That keeps us from doing bad things.”

“You are so naïve.” Said January. “Sorry so say it, but no one could deny war atrocities of Talbourne. Also no one could deny similar acts on our side, because it’s a nature of total war. But we are fighting to cease that and allow no wolf community to wage war so cruel that our…” He paused for a moment and added with quieter voice. “And I’m praying that at least some would survive our <War for Peace>.”

“But why the war at all?” asked Maya. “Can’t we live in peace? Coexist. Imagine the Alaska where Talbourne Clan is living on Seward Peninsula and the Pack oversees Yukon Valley. That’s a compromise. We still serve Aniu, but let you follow whomever you want!” January smiled with bitter smile, hearing that.

“Maya, understand that is just fooling yourself. We can’t coexist in peace, because existence is not a aim of the Pack. We want the return of old times… And even if… even if Talbourne stays here with the Pack or restored Uniea as a neighbour… Do you really expect see those two organisations maintaining a peace?”

“Of course!”

“But Maya… you said you follow the Path of Aniu, because you consider it as true. But allowing the Pack to exist, you deny it! Allowing two opposites to be, you don’t prove them both right. You prove them both wrong! If we are right, what right to exist Talbourne has? And if your way is the better one, why should we uphold our errors?”

“Because we don’t know, which one is right.”

“You know… I know… Only time could tell.”

“So…” asked Maya with breaking voice. “Is there no world where we are not enemies? Where we could live… together?”

“I’ll make everything to prove there is such a world and it’s my world that might be your as well. But honestly speaking… Today I can’t give you any guarantee.” When he noticed she was crying, she gently started to lick her muzzle to dry salty drop. But after a while he froze in place, raising his ears.

“I’m terribly sorry, Maya.” He whispered. “But we must go!”

IX. …alive!

It was not that Black represses his anger and acted with cold logic. He was simply too tired to howl with rage. He and his companions came silently to den on plain, guided by trails in snow. Because snowfall had ceased previous evening and January didn’t notice it, he did nothing to cover his and Maya’s pawprints. Stardusters had clear way to hideout of runaways.

Talbourne princess and future alpha fled in last possible moment – when enemies were less that hundred yards from den. Already she was on his back, because hybrid understood that running at own paws wouldn’t made her any faster. January had no further tactic, because of previous events he assumed it was useless to think if he even didn’t know where they were. Then – at milky dawn – he already knew and that was filling him with both hope and despair.

The field was a pasture – maybe not fenced then, but for sure used by humans. Needles to say – humans seats were close, much closer that wolfdog expected to. And chase was still going on. In spite of general anger, January admired his persecutors for determination and bravery. Or for unbelievable stupidity. Maya moaned at his back, so he just clenched his jaws and made another jump ahead.

*

“There they are!” called Alam to his unit. “Faster!”

“Sir!” yelled Kaup, soldier running closer to commander. “There are humans there!”

“I bet you prefer to face humans, than fury of general!” replied sergeant and speeded on.

Of course that was not the only team who get so far. Aarre was standing on the hill and looking on scene below. His subordinates were growling quietly, ready for action, but no command was given. Finally Tomu asked with emotion in his voice.

“Boss… what are waiting for?”

“For the end.” Said beta-alpha with frozen tone.

“W… what?” whispered soldier. And Aarre turned to his most trusted wolves.

“Listen!” he called. “I hate to say it… but now you are not in service of the Pack. You are again Uniea soldiers!” Silence cut all murmurs of soldiers, stared focused on commander, expressing shock but also interest. “You are all from Uniea clan… or you are children of claners. I chose you, because of loyalty to our cause. For long years I thought that banner of our clan is long lost, but now…” He took a deep breath and continued. “January is a fine wolf and a fine leader. But he won’t return us Uniea.”

“So… we leave him there?” asked one of younger recruits. Miekkan - son of Velka.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“So… we went so far…” whispered Tomu. For one second Aarre suspected treason, but then alpha-gamma added. “Sir, should we go farther in this?”

“What you mean?” asked Uniea.

“I mean… should we stop Kaata’s wolves?”

Silverfurred was running in valley, more than hundred yards before her soldiers. It seemed impossible for fragile wolfess to move with such a speed, manage to stick with scout unit and even outrun it, but it happened. With every pulse of her heart a howling pangs of conscience were slamming her head from inside and making her to run. For past two days she was imagining January torn apart by Talbourne soldiers, eventually – while she came closer to Buckland – shot down by hunters. “Jan…” she was repeating. “I’m so sorry… But God witnesses – I wanted it for your good!”

Fourth group uninvited, yet present on party was squad of Alam. They came from western bank, looking for appropriate way to cross wide backwater of river. Finally commander decided to do it in most cheeky way, because he turned to human bridge. Eight wolves entered the wooden stricture and in just moment were on the other side. But it was no longer Pack’s territory – it was Humans Land.

*

January fell down without warning. His body gave him no signal that was so bad. Of course – his body was giving him such a signals since two days, but malawolf didn’t know that end of those was the ultimate call of despair. He was running in deep snow of field, continuously submerging and emerging paws from white mass. But one time some barrier in him failed – after his step/jump ahead he lost his balance and fell down. Maya was thrown into snow and malawolf drown in mass of whiteness. He barely raised his head to see above snow surface and his stare met with eyes of Aarre. Old commander was five hundred yards farther, on the slope of valley, but somehow they saw each other clearly. In moment of clarity January understood that help would not come.

“Sorry, boy.” Seemed to tell Aarre. Fro  that distance it was imposable to read from lips, but hybrid read it from the soul. He was left on his own. Instead of panic or thinking it over, he made quick and ultimate decision.

“Maya…” he gasped. “Are you… alive?”

“Unfortunately… yes!” she replied. “But it hurts!”
”We must go to the humans.” Said malawolf. “I can’t carry you anymore!”

“I’ll try.” Said brownfurred. “But Jan… where exactly we are going?”

Hybrid stood up and started to hobble in her direction. He gave a quick look back to see that was too late – Black and Stardusters ran just after them, forming a fan formation. “As if we were able to run from them!” snorted wolfdog with anger. Then he supported Maya side and they started to hobble north.

*

Alam was focused on mission, what partially decreased his awareness. But after some time he couldn’t ignore the human silhouette, skiing in their direction with nasty looking, long and narrow object on his back. Wolf cursed badly.

“We must do our mission and get out of here.” He said, looking on man on skies. “Get
Maya and go to the forest. Any forest, closest one.”

“Pack’s territory!” noticed Kaup.

“Screw it! That human has some real gun!”

*

Arashi Tazaku was a bit tired, yet morning ski–runs were necessary. As a doctor, he understood exigency of movement at his age and knew that staying in place could mean death long before heart stops. So he decided to keep his condition for all cost.

Old, hoary Japanese was almost seventy years old, yet as only physician in Buckland he had to stay healthy – to help his patients efficiently. He used to be a great marksman, but age claimed sharpness of his sight and then Arashi wasn’t so sure of his skills as few years earlier. That’s why to defend himself he had no ordinary rifle, but gun he didn’t have to aim too closely. In his late sixties Arashi Tazaku used to miss his single shot of hunting rifle. But on twenty rounds that produced his Browning Assault Rifle in single burst at least one was always a score.

“What a…” he finished with Japanese curse which meaning unknown in Alaska. He had sight problems, but no so severe to see phantoms. And he spotted several wolf silhouettes, running in deep snow right in his direction. That was highly odd behaviour, even for starved predators. Arashi suspected rabies, so he grabbed his weapon and pointed barrel at the closest creatures.

*

“Kill them!” yelled Black and pounced on running two.

He hit Maya’s back, sending her three yards away. Then he attacked January. Malawolf was too tired to defend himself properly. He shunned Black’s jaws and grabbed his nape in his own. But then he had no strength to clench them. Darkfurred easily shook adversary away, preparing another charge.

“Maya! Run!” called January, but it was said in wrong time.

Seven Stardust wolves got all over Talbourne princess. Hybrid rushed to help her, but when he was in the air, Black hit his back. Both canines slammed into mass of fighting wolves. Most likely that saved Maya, because in few seconds of chaos January managed to got to wolfess and pushed her away from the crowd. But it would be taken in vain anyway, if not Kaata’s squad.

Six wolves hit in tight formation, pushing Talbourne away. Kaata instantly pounced on Black – still holding January’s nape. Soon whole situation returned to previous state – that meant: to chaos – but with one slight difference: Maya was already outside circle of wolves. But she got her share anyway.

Arashi Tazaku hated wolves. Forest predators killed few years back his favourite dog – wolfbitch Sky and since that time he had no scrupled from shooting encountered creatures out. He pressed the trigger and in one rapid burst twenty O point three bullets left the barrel. From distance of hundred yards eventual hit were more the matter of coincidence than aiming, but they were anyway.

Snow’s head almost exploded as projectile hit his forehead. That was only instant casualty, but few more canines were wounded. When shooting sounded, all quarrels among wolves ceased and creatures – joined by primal fear - recoiled in shock. Not waiting for human to change the clip, everyone who was able to, set off to mad run to the nearest forest. On the blooded snow stayed just four silhouettes – lifeless Snow, Kaata, Maya and January.

“Run!” cried malawolf. He got to Maya, somehow managed to put her back on paws (or at least three of them), then jumped to Kaata. Silverfurred was lying in snowhole, spraying red from pierced thigh.  “No…” gasped hybrid.

“January…” smiled wolfess, focusing her sight on future alpha. “I’m so sorry.”

“No wait…” he called. Then he heard a soft clap, as Maya fell to the snow. He turned to her, then back to Kaata, to finally say with weary voice. “Whatever gallant I look, I won’t carry you both at once! Maya, GET UP!”

He knelt down and dived in soft snow to get Kaata over his back. Then he stood up, shivering on whole body. Took a look around then ordered with decisive voice.

“Maya, slowly stand up and check where is human and where we could go.”

“Yes… Jan.” she answered with fainting voice, but obeyed. She gave a quick glance over the surface of snow, then crouched again. “He is there…” pointed north direction. “I see no cover… except that human-made thing. That cottage.”

“Lead the way!” said malawolf and they started to march in snow.

That was possible only because layer was thin and Kaata’s fur silver. Wounded and unconscious wolfess was above the surface, but in sunrays of midday, sparkling on whiteness, she was almost invisible. Strange human gave no other shot from his gun and January soon after sniffed that he was gone. “But he’ll be back.” Thought bitterly.

They reached empty cottage about quarter later. Maya didn’t want to batter down the door, she just tripped and hit it, making old wooden plate break. So the human house was open. January put motionless Kaata on pile of furs in corner of chamber, then took a look around. It was abandoned cottage, where perhaps some hunters lived in summer time. But then there was just silence and emptiness.

“Search for something to eat…” ordered January to Maya. “We will eat, then think how to get out from here.” In that moment sounded a howling of Alam.

*

“They are alive.” Said Tenu’s sergeant to his soldiers, after finished talk. “As you most likely heard, they are in human cottage, there, next to bank. They are trapped.” Wolves looked on building and quickly understood situation. House was standing almost on bank, so one direction of escape was blocked by water element. On east was a plain – wide space of flat snow layer and if any wolf entered it in daylight, he was easy to shot by good hunter. Alam knew nothing about skills of Arashi Tazaku, but assumed the worst. Human took his place in hunter’s ambo, on brink of the forest. He had a cleat shot on whole clearing.

“Well…” continued Alam. “Enemies… wait, we don’t know exactly who is our enemy… I mean: Stardusters drew back to forest and they surely won’t make a move, because of hunter. Pack’s squad got to slope and united with… another Pack’s squad that was inactive previously due to unknown reasons. So we are the closest ones to do the job.”

“Yeah, sure.” Nodded Kaup. “But what is our job, again?”

“To retake Maya for all cost and January if that’s possible.” Replied sergeant. “And if she is dead… our secondary mission is to take out January. Without Maya he is no good for general.”

*

Aarre understood that situation went out of his paw. So, instead of riding off Ea’s son, he endangered Kaata. Awareness of failure was burning in his skull, driving him crazy. He had no good words for soldiers – his Uniea ones and scouts of RAIA squad.

But then sounded a howl from the bridge. In short message Talbourne commander, calling himself sergeant Alam, promised to save the day. He declared that his mission was to retrieve Maya back and he had no interest in killing January. He asked just for safe passage back, if situation forced him to enter Pack’s territory. Aarre gave his agree and they announced to move out at evening.

“What is going on, sir?” asked Tomu.

“Most likely, it’s all going fine.” Replied beta-alpha. “It’s just me who lost.”

*

In fact cottage contained tons of food, but that was humans food. Coffee, flour, even some biscuits – perhaps tasty for omnivore homo sapiens but not for canis lupus. Finally Maya found big bag of sugar and January judged that was thing closest to acceptable diet there. They ate solid portions of white powder, then vomited most of it – but malawolf was convinced that was because of stomach exhaustion, not awful taste of nauseating sweet mass. Then they went back to corned and laid down next to unconscious Kaata.

“And what now?” asked Talbourne princess.

“We must wait for the dusk.” Said hybrid. “Then we will try to run away. But…” He looked on silverfurred. “I simply have no idea how.”

“You will find something.” Assured Maya. “As long I know you, you always have some idea. By the way…” she looked on Kaata too. “Who is she?”

“Best friend…” said January. “But also daughter of RAIA’s commander. I bet that some plot of her father put her into all that.” He bended down to see wound of her thing. He gently touched it with tongue. Kaata shivered from pain, still not regaining awareness. January narrowed his eyes. “Clean hit, the bullet came out… Yet, still it made a mess with muscles. There is no chance she could walk by herself in predictable future…”

“But you won’t leave her.” Said Maya, just noticing obvious fact.

“Sorry, Maya, but I can’t.”

“That doesn’t make us chances greater…” she murmured. “Anyway, you saved me so many times in last few days that you have God given right to focus on someone else now.” They were silent for a while, then she asked. “How you estimate our odds?”

“I prefer not to estimate.” He replied.

“And if you have to?”

“I’m born-optimist.” He said. “Fifty-fifty.”

“Not bad, after all.” She smiled.

“I mean – from that human.” Added malawolf. “We still don’t know, if your Talbourne friends are still there. One is down, but seven… Crap! We steeped in all that completely in vain!”

“I don’t regret anything.” Said Maya with sudden rally. She moved to January, putting her muzzle on his shoulder. It looked a bit weir, seen from side, because between them was still knocked down Kaata. “If not that, I how else I could meet you?”

“If Aarre attacks first, that would be done. If Tenu is faster, you could have only done it by assisting coroner.” Smiled malawolf. “Sorry by that, I’m tired of war too. Oh, by the way, have I told you, that my Aarre seems to strike me off the list. He just stood and watched, as we were attacked…”

“Peace…” whispered Maya. “Jan… I don’t expect you to accept any of my principles… but there still is a way to stop the war.”

“In next six hours?” smirked hybrid with irony. “We must be quick, before we’re dead.”

“You will lead my clan according to vision of your father.” Said wolfess with shivering voice.

“Oh, and how’s that?” asked amused hybrid. “I challenge you for leadership and became alpha after you?”

“Yes, that’s possible.” She said with quiet voice. “But there is always an alternative.”

“Yeah, of course…” laughed January. “We could…” then he stopped, looking on her with eyes wide opened. “Don’t tell me, you meant that.”

“I lov…”

“Stop!” gasped malawolf. “Don’t say a word. Just…”

“But I do!”

“Shut up!” shouted January, loosing his temper. “No, it all was to be not like this!” growled into dark room then fell silent. Took a few deeper breaths and understood that Maya was crying. “I’m sorry… I not angry on you… You should be angry on me… But it just won’t work.”

“I love you, Jan.” she sobbed. “And I thought that you…”

“Of course, I love you too. But it doesn’t matter, when…” he stopped, feeling he said few words too much.

“You… do?” asked Maya through her tears.

“Well… actually yes.” Admitted malawolf. “But it changes nothing!” added forcefully. “There is no way I could be with you in present political state… Or, wait… if you leave the clan… No! no!” stopped second after. “Don’t listen to me. It’s just impossible.”

“You said it, remember?” she licked his cheek. “You warned me from creatures who follow their ideas, being corrupted by unhappiness. Don’t let yourself become that way. Don’t fight your real, good and noble wants.”

“I’m almost happy, we won’t survive this.” Murmured January, but then she locked his lips with kiss.

He wanted to pull back, but he failed. Perhaps he was too tired, perhaps he didn’t want to stop. But it just happened. They were joined for long while and then carefully put their heads on each other’s shoulder. Maya was smiling – looked especially strange, because her beautiful muzzle was still covered with tear.

“You cast a spell on me.” Said hybrid. “It’s not fair.”

“Life's not fair, is it?” she noticed.

“So… what were are going to do now? I mean next few hours. There is no use to make any plans further than that.”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure it won’t be boring.” She kissed him once again.

“Thanks God we have a chaperone!” murmured January, looking on unconscious Kaata.

*

Cousins met at the Fighting Pillar. Not to fight, of course (“Right? For not to fight?” assured himself Tram), but to talk. It was a rocky column of over twenty yards of diameter and over thirty yards high, standing in Talbourne Gorge. Bluffs of gorge from both sides were almost exactly on altitude of Pillar’s plateau, so when duel was going on, watchers could follow it in two ledges. In old times that was the place where duels for leadership took place. In spite that custom was dropped since Nava’s reign, the place was still important and became a natural spot for all crucial events in clan. Alphas used to speak from pillar and announce their will, recall heroes of clan or acclaim war and peace. From that place Aleu and Saba were watching homages of subdued packs and from there they were listening for voice of clanmates.

That day it was to be just simple talk-spot. Tram insisted to pick it – it was transparent location and there was very hard to arrange any accident on Saba’s son. Tram was really scared, after he heard about Maya’s disappearance.

“So… why have you brought me here?” asked Sheik to cousin.

“Don’t tell me, you have no idea!” said Tram harshly. Presence of over ten his supporters, looking from nearby ledge cheered him up and gave necessary courage. “You tried to kill her!”

“What!?” yelled Sheik. “What are you talking about.”

“If you hurt Maya, you are good as dead.” Growled claimant. “Call off your sidekicks and I will let you live.”

“You are crazy!” snorted Sheik. “If you accuse me for attempt on Maya, you are really out of your mind. She is my cousin, and I…”

“She is your rival. As am I.” Interrupted him Tram. “I bet you got know that we are engaged.”

“You are what?” gasped Aleu’s son. Some amazed wolves on ledges gasped too. That was a surprise and also would be a little surprise for Maya herself, if she happened to hear it.

“You learned that and decided to kill us. She seemed to be weaker and…”

“Shut up!” called Sheik. “I didn’t even think about hurting Maya! You are lying! You use the situation, to accuse me. You can’t believe in it, because that’s impossible…” was calling Sheik, but in the same moment, he associated few facts. Rose, talking about his leadership. Disappearance of Black and his friends. His own words, encouraging Rose to <help him out>. “God!” he yelled in mind. “And what if I actually killed her?” He made a step back. Tram instantly steeped ahead.

“You will be charged in front of whole clan under charge of attempt of murdering Maya.” Sheik made another step back, closing to the edge. “And if we don’t save her… you will be sentenced as a murderer!”

“I didn’t do it!” yelled Aleu’s son.

“So who did in your behalf?” asked Tram and pressed ahead. Sheik found himself at the brink of plateau. “Tell us, for us to judge him according to the law of clan.”

“You don’t have any proof!” yelled the other claimant. “This is madness!” Tram pressed his cousin back.

“Madness? This… is… Talbou…”

Fida and Ama were quick. They overturned both wolves, pressing them to the ground, yet in safe distance from edge. In spite of tries, cousins were immobilised in steel grasps of warrioresses. They were just howling with anger and amazement. Tenu came about minute later.

Numerous wolves of clan were looking on hoaryfurred, small wolf entering plateau of pillar and coming closer to two cousins. He stopped, gave a sign to his body guards and two males were released. Yet Fida and Ama were ready to react, if anyone of them had any stupid idea.

“Wolves of Talbourne!” called Tenu. “You saw a troubling scene, yet it was unworthy of your attention. Two princes…” he looked on Sheik and Tram. “Are in extreme nervous state, after we heard that lady Maya is missing. Please, forgive them that burst of emotions.” He came closer to Tram. “Well, well, well.” He smiled, looking on shocked claimant. “Even few hours back I thought you are stupid, arrogant and irresponsible brat of no talents… But after seeing this show… and learning what are you up to… I still consider you as arrogant and irresponsible. Yet I can’t call you stupid anymore. But don’t mess with me. I’m better in this game. All right?” and he set off to path down the rock.

Sheik and Tram stayed there for some time, panting heavily and trying to rationalise own humiliation. Fida and Ama left them, assuming they wouldn’t kill each other then. They had right. Both claimants went down the pillar, saying no word.

*

Night was slowly coming, putting forests of Home Valley in deep shades. The gorge of river was still well illuminated by setting sun, but just after line of tree the kingdom of night was already present. That was a domain of spies, scouts and runaways. So if one happened to be all three of them at once, he or she felt there as in home.

Because the focus of most of wolves was pointed on Fighting Pillar, almost no one watched the Main Entrance. Flame asked Istana to find some pretext to call the sentries off for a while. She didn’t tell daughter what for, but bright scout had to suspect the reason. In spite of that she didn’t oppose. That was enough for plan to succeed.

Two wolves – older female and young, yet a bit hobbling male were running in shades of dense plants on Northern Slope. Flame was leading Ian there, far from heat of events. They became almost invisible in fading day, still going quickly and quietly. Scout believed that he got his talents by genies. From mother’s line.

They were satisfies, Ian was almost cured. Flame prepared the escape route with hidden meat and safe-dens all the way to Reindeer Creek. On the other bank Ian was to take initiative. All was going smoothly, carefully planned and perfectly executed. But it was not the point of success. There are many powers on this world but only few of them are mighty enough to oppose motherly love.

It seemed that Talbourne clan sentries were not one of those.

X. My Beloved Enemy

After all they slept. Bodies - exhausted with three days of extreme conditions - yelled for a break. So they put their heads on each other’s shoulders and fell asleep. Only January woke up few times, to check if Kaata was ok. During one of such inspection he discovered she was awake.

“January… I’m so sorry…” she sobbed.

“Shouldn’t I say that?” asked malawolf, licking her would. “After all you saved my back today…”

“But it was me who put you in danger.” She said. Hybrid stopped his work and looked on friend with surprised stare. “I shouldn’t tell it to you… but I must. Most likely, I won’t make it, so I need your forgiveness. But please… don’t judge us hard.”

“Judge? For what?” whispered confused hybrid.

“For the plan.” She said with shivering voice. “That was you mother’s idea in general, but my father decided to use prisoners-trade to that.”

“U… use?” uttered Steele’s son. “But Ian...”

“He volunteered. It was all set up.” Explained Kaata. “He was meant to be captured… he had order to give up. Then we knew You wanted to help him, even for the cost of breaking our diplomacy policy. That was the first stage – make You a real leader in eyes of Talbourne.”

“No… I can’t believe it…” whispered January. “That means – I do believe mom would intend something like that, but why Ian agreed on such stupid plan.”

“Because it was not so stupid. Listen then.” Continued Kaata. “That was just a stage one. By forcing Talbourne to negotiate, we hoped to enflame conflicts over succession after Shadow. And that partially was done. But now the third stage, possible to accomplish, if Maya was chosen to negotiate. Your mother hoped… she still hopes…” her voice trebled and she finished almost crying. “And I hope for it too… for you…”

“What exactly?”

“That you mate with Maya and become Pack’s and Talbourne alpha.” Finished silverfurred and burst with quiet sobbing.

“…” replied speechless January. It took a while of his consideration and her sobs, for him to say a word. “So it was planned? Oh, freedom… I bet that every falling drop of rain thinks it is flying…” murmured, then added with angry voice. “But it’s totally against last will of my father!”

“That’s why you wasn’t told.” Said Kaata, still crying. “Forgive me, that I had my share in this.”

“All right, please, stop it.” Said malawolf, awkwardly stroking her head. “I don’t blame you… I don’t blame mother… I guess it’s natural that females of some intelligence try to manipulate males… and I guess it’s not a bad thing… usually. God! I know you wanted good, but it happened as usual! There is still possibility that such a deluge of good intentions will fruit with remarkable death toll.” Then he looked on sleeping Maya and clenched his jaws. “All prepared… all planned! Have you names for our pups?”

“Name one <Kaata>, please!” in spite of tears asked silverfurred.

“Christ sake!” gasped hybrid. “What I’ve done!? I actually… fell in love with her.”

“I know… I heard it all…” said Kaata. January looked on her with confusion. “Father always told me, not to show that you are awake.”

“Talk about chaperone…” snorted wolfdog. “Kaata, is there any thing you haven’t in control?”

“Many.” She said. “And that one most important completely out of my reach…”

“Oh, yeah.” Murmured January. “We must get away alive… Listen, Kaata. Perhaps it’s all in vain, because we will die… But we must establish few things. I dreamed about father recently. He really puts hopes in me… if that dream was real. I don’t want to fail him.”

“So, you won’t became Talbourne alpha and you mate with her?” asked silverfurred. Careful listener would read in her voice a spark of hope. However malawolf was too tired to do that.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.” He said. “Honestly, I have no idea. But listen to me… from now on you… listen to me, right? I am your alpha and I’m ordering you. Not your father, not my mother. I, January, son of Steele!”

“Yes, my alpha.” Said Kaata and lowered her ears. Then she smiled and in that expression old, cheeky and playful wolfess returned. “That was my plan. To make you my alpha. Don’t be angry on me, that I succeeded.”

“Thanks… Kaata. If we survive, I’ll think of some way to return that favour… but now we will wake Maya and try to not get killed.” He looked on window to see that sun already set. “Maya, wake up! It’s time to practise bullet dodging.”

“But maybe you practise swimming?” sounded voice from behind the wall.

“Alam?” asked Maya with sleepy voice. “What are you doing here?”

“Assisting, your highness.” Replied Tenu’s sergeant. “Sir January is saving you, but technically I’m playing the close combat support.”

“We won’t swim the river.” Said January with reasonable tone. “We are three. Girls are wounded, I’m exhausted.”

“Don’t worry, I have seven wolves with me. We will assist you. On the other side we have prepared food and shelter.”

“God dammit!” laughed malawolf. “Can’t I do anything by myself?”

“You will sir, you will.” Replied Alam. “General Tenu will explain you everything. But for now you must leave that thing discretely. Are there any holes in walls?”

“Perhaps it’s time to make one.” Smiled malawolf.

Just few minutes after three runaways were dragged after strong and unhurt wolves of Alam’s unit on the other side of Reaindeer Creek. January was almost disappointed that rescue came so easily and solved so many problems with so easy way. But then he recalled that he had many others problems and those couldn’t be fixed even with strongest paws and sharpest fangs.

*

Tenu didn’t give such an order, but in fact he put Talbourne clan in martial law mode. He made sure that Teele supported no claimant, then he made her interalphess to the time of Maya’s acclamation. Of course, he didn’t tell her that Maya was to be leader. Not only because of carefulness, but also he was uncertain how it could be done. He didn’t know if Maya was going to be acclaimed alone or with mate.

His mind read the plan of lady Ea – all circumstantial evidences led him to conclusion that widow of Steele planned to make peace with for the price of January on lead of both clans. That was acceptable price, because Tenu was sure, he was able to manipulate both Maya and January and make them tools of his plan. Or not tools, but followers. Tenu knew he wasn’t immortal and had to think large, leaving his legacy in good paws. He wanted to make sure if son of Steele was the right creature. Then help him or eliminate him, it all depended on his decision.

But he had to be sure. All his theories, built on rational basis, required empirical verification. He could be wrong, reading Ea’s and Varjo’s plans in way he wanted to read. However general Tenu felt he was able to judge young January and make proper decision.

“Soon…” he thought, marching on east with escort squad. They hoped to meet Alam and see if sergeant succeeded. Home Cave was been run by Teele, but Teele was discretely overseen by Heik. All was under control. “Soon… my dream will come true.” General smiled to his own thoughts. “With joining Talbourne and the Pack in one that would be started. Yes, I’ll introduce the New Order here to show all the world that age of tyranny is finished. And we – no more the clan, no more the pack… the Unity will march further and free all who are oppressed by the power and authority. There will be no omegas. We all will be alphas! The age of equality is just in front of us!”

“Is something wrong, sir?” asked one of his soldiers, seeing reverie of commander.

“No.” Tenu shook his head. “Get back to line.”

*

January managed to hear howling, when Alam was informing Aarre that all hostages are safe. Malawolf wondered what would his tutor do. In normal conditions he would demand returning future alpha and Kaata instantly, but then? “Why did you stayed, Aarre?” asked for thousandth time hybrid. “Are you really want me dead? But why?”

Then exhaustion cut him down. He was put in den with Maya. Kaata was taken aside, because one of Alam’s troops was skilled with basic treatment and wanted to see silverfurred’s wound. January made no questions. He (as well as Kaata) was treated not like an enemy, but beloved guest. Maybe as for good ware, but extremely valuable ware. He was a bit afraid that Tenu’s subordinates would think about another exchanges, but he was too tired to worry for long.

He put his muzzle on shoulder of Maya and closed her eyes. From tension of her muzzle – he sensed it under her fur – he read she smiled. They stayed without world for a while, then she asked.

“So… we survived. I’ll make sure that Alam let you free, if you wish. So tell me, what now.”

“I don’t know, Maya.” Replied malawolf. “It’s all so tangled… Don’t think about it, right? Whatever will happen tomorrow and day after tomorrow… let’s be silent tonight. Let… just be here and be close… that all what matters now.”

“Yes, that’s all what matters.” Replied Maya. However she was planning dreams of bright future. She simply couldn’t resist.

*

When Ea and Varjo joined Aarre’s unit, the messages were already delivered. Beta-alpha saw whitefurred wolfess, emerging from darkness with scared expression of her beautiful muzzle. In that moment he felt he wished to be dead and not looking on that. Guilt was burning his chest, yet he was repeating silently. “For you… I tried to do it for you!” Then he said aloud.

“They are safe. Those Talbourne took her from human’s trap and hold on the other side. But they said that lady Maya is ready to give us January and Kaata without any terms of admission.”

“I fear Talbourne, even if they bring meat.” Said RAIA commander and Aarre noticed with some surprise that he was shaking on whole body. Calm and cold-blooded intelligence leader was dying with fear about his daughter.

“Lady, if you wish, I could prepare strike team… just in case. But I dissuade any combat action before we have any recon.”

“Prepare.” Ordered Ea. “And wait.”

“Lady…” said beta-alpha with quieter voice. “I’m so…”

“You did, what you was able to.” She said. “No one could predicted that. If you only knew how we failed…” she turned her stare down and Aarre sighed with confusion.

“She… she also has something to do with that mess? January… boy, you have an extremely bad week.”

“Anyway.” Said Pack’s commander. “We could only wait. They are wounded and for now unable to move. Let’s rest a bit.”

*

In forest of Talbourne dominium were countless creatures. Some of them sleepless that night. Many because their way of life, but others because of want. Seven tired, yet still furious wolves were sitting around hunted elk and easing still warm meat. No one dared to speak – all waited for Black to be first.

Darkfurred male satisfied his hunger, looked on companions and uttered with hateful voice.

“We must rest. From tomorrow on we are on new mission. We still have to kill Maya… but not only for Rose. We have two friends to avenge.”

“Black… don’t you think that count could increase because of this?” asked Merik, youngest Starduster.

“Silence!” gasped Black.

“But what we should do now?” yelled Merik. “Kill our Talbourne soldiers?”

“We are not Talbourne!” growled darkfurred. “We never were. Clan is a fake, it never existed. All what counts is your pack, Stardust Pack!”

“But Rose…”

“Listen to me!” He stood up and came to younger companion. “Lake was one of us, because he was of Stardust. Snow was one of us. Rose is one of us and her pups the same. Even Sheik is one of us, but only because he is father of new generation of Stardusters. Understood?”

“But…”

“The pack is what matters. Not some oppressive regime that enslaved us! If Sheik didn’t fall in love with Rose and old Birgy did decide to fight with Talbourne, we would be not their companions, but victims. Don’t forget about it!”

They both were silent for the while, finally Merik asked.

“But now they have advantage. How we would do it?”

“We could wait for proper moment.” Said Black. “And then they will all taste the wrath of Stardust Pack!”

*

Maya awoke, nestled to January’s side. She didn’t opened her eyes for longer while, enjoying the moment. Although all round her seemed to tremble down and fall, presence of malawolf just next to her was sure and soothing. She wished to freeze that minute into eternity. Her beloved was there, not going anywhere, not hurrying anywhere. At least while he was asleep.

But he eventually awoke too. Looked on Maya and she gave him a lick. He initially narrowed his eyes, wanting to say some rebuke, but then smile appeased him. After all, how he could criticise what he enjoyed. They stayed nestling for some time, none of them wished to count.

“I’m sorry, but we must stand up.” Said hybrid.

“I know and I’m not afraid of that.” She smiled. “It all will be good. We will find the way.”

“Yeah.” Smiled January with bitter smile. “After all I’m in your territory. You could dictate all terms you want.”

“Come on… you are guest here. My guest.” She smiled, but it was faked smile. She sensed in his voice some desperate determination and she didn’t like it. “Come…”

But then they heard growls and shout from outside. January stood up and stopped in entrance to den to take a look before he let Maya leave. Soon he found the source of uneasiness. It was orangefurred wolf with immobile front right paw.

“Where is she? And where is that bastard!?” growled lieutenant. Then he noticed January.

“Hi!” said future alpha. “We weren’t introduced to…”

But then Tan rushed on Packer. He crouched to pounce and bared his teeth, so Maya exited lair in last moment to prevent a brawl. She ran to her stepbrother and licked his forehead with joy.

“Maya…” said Tan, quickly restraining his temper. “You’re all right? God, you paw…”

“Hush, Tan, it’s nothing.” She said. “Jan took care about me.” They both looked on wolfdog. “Tan, meet January of the Pack. Jan, this is Tan, my bro.”

“Maya!” gasped orangefurred with amazement. “That’s enemy!”

“I think I should have been introduced to your family all at once.” Said malawolf. “The impact would be deadly, but at least single one.” Tan bared his fangs on Steele’s son.

“No, Tan, listen…” started Maya and stopped next to hybrid. “I know it looks bad… but you must find some friendly terms with him.”

“His father killed your father… uncle Dash!”

“But he is not Steele.”

“So…” Tan looked on newcomer. “You disown your daddy?”

“Maybe it not very elegant, but efficient.” Uttered January. “You want provoke me, to break given word of my safety?”

“Yes or no?” asked Tan with harsh voice.

“My father was the finest alpha in Alaska. Ever.” Said January. He stepped back and crouched, ready to fight.

“No, stop!” cried Maya. “Tan, you must accept him.”

“Why’s that?” asked orangefurred. And Maya nestled to malawolf’s side. Lieutenant gasped with amazement and rage. “No… it’s not true!”

“I love him, bro.” Said brownfurred quietly. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help it.”

“Sir?” asked one of sergeants of Third Unit. “Is this Packer any threat to us?” Tan breached deeply, but replied with calmer voice.

“No. At least not now.” Then added with harsh tone, looking on Maya. “Your father wouldn’t approved it.” He came again to stepsister. “But now you shouldn’t walk. Your paw has to recover.”

“Yes, sir!” smiled wolfess and parodied a soldiers salute.

“Faster I get out of here, the better.” Said January, guiding her back to den.

“That’s only beginning.” Replied brownfurred. Then added with quieter voice. “Please, you must speak with general Tenu. He want to make some truce with you. Would you go with us south? If Kaata is ready, we could return her. Some of our soldiers will take her at your side of river. She would explain everything…”

“Yes, that’s a good idea.” Said hybrid and walked to bush of junipers, where silvefurred was taken and overseen.

She raised her hear, seeing him and smiled. But then a pang of pain grabbed her body and she laid down again. January came closer, examining wound on her thigh. Some wolf of dark-brown coat came there and said to Packer.

“She was extremely lucky. No infection and bullet missed artery by an inch.”

“Kaata… how do you feel?”

“It happened to feel better, my alpha.” She replied with smile. “But also happened to feel worse.”

“She is unable to move at her own, but she is ready to be taken. If you want to send her back, sir…”

“You are very kind to the enemy.” Noticed January, looking in eyes of wolf.

“I’m a soldier, sir.” He replied with smile. “I’m to fight… sometimes to heal. But my commander is to point the enemy. And someday… maybe… he won’t point you.”

“Kaata.” Said wolfdog to silverfurred. “Talbourne will take you on the other side. There…” He took a look around and dark wolf steeped back, for not to hear the talk. “I have some quest for you.” She nodded her head. “Check our army and estimate on how many jaws I could count if… something funny happens.”

“What’s wrong!?” yelled wolfess. “You said you don’t hold the grudge to lady Ea and my father!”

“Of course I won’t hurt my mother!” snorted January. “And she wouldn’t hurt me… But Aarre… He left me there.” Pointed on the other said. “He just stayed and waited as I was beaten down. If not you and your squad, I would be good as dead.”

“So he…”

“I don’t know!” interrupted malawolf. “Just get back and check… discretely, why Aarre would want me dead. Don’t involve your father in it. You are my RAIA now. Right?”

“Right, my alpha.” She nodded her head. “And you?”

“Believe me, I’m not staying here for entertainment.” He lied. “I’m Pack’s alpha, remember? I must investigate if that split inside of Talbourne would help our cause. And moreover I want make sure that Ian is safe.”

“As you wish… my alpha.”

“Don’t make such a sad muzzle.” Said hybrid. “You are going home.”

“Yes, I am.” She said. But deep in heart she felt that her home is wherever January was going. And only there.

*

Runaways got to third point on route and that was their second night in way. Food was prepared, as Istana told them, no one asked inquiring questions. Only few wolves knew Flame, and those who did, esteemed her well, as mother of two soldiers and mate of clan’s hero. Ian was introduced as simply Ian, but wolfess in most cases suggested that he was a fiancé of Istana, but he was going to recover, after nasty paw injure. It all was going smoothly.

Too smoothly.

At the dawn they met Tenu. When they were almost ready to set off, unit of general appeared from nowhere. None of soldiers recognised two runaways, but mercenary himself was very perceptive.

“Bite me down!” smiled hoaryfurred. “A prisoner transfer? But where? To Haven?”

They met on clearing, where stationed one of feed-pack. It was place where Teele sent few families, as Home Cave started to run out from game. Those were civilians, but hey had obligation to help any military Talbourne. Ian took a look around to see that general’s soldiers were tired, but they possibly could run faster then he anyway. RAIA scout estimated his odds to flee as minimal.

“They will stop me.” Said brownfurred, coming to commander. “But I will kill you first.”

“I doubt it.” Smiled Tenu. Then Fida and Ama appeared. Flame bared her teeth. “But for what all those nerves… I won’t spoil you that family trip.”

“What!?” gasped wolfess amazed.

“I said that my soldiers won’t move even an inch to pursue your son. Because Ian and I aren’t enemies… We just happen to temporally play in different teams. Yet still…” He came to lame scout. “…we are both playing for the draw. Aren’t we?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about…” said confused Flame.

“But he knows.” Smiled Tenu, looking on Ian. “You mother is not aware of the plan?” asked. When scout gave no reply, added. “I don’t want to interrogate you. Just tell me <yes> or <no>. Was that all to join Maya and January?”

“And if that’s true?” asked Ian with tensed voice.

“If that is true, I will let you go and ask to forward message to Varjo. That I think he is a disgusting bastard, but I like him anyway. I’m for the project. And ask him, why he hasn’t asked me for help?”

“I will tell him that.” Nodded Ian. “Are we done?”

“Yes, you could go.” Said mercenary. “Have a nice trip.” And he simply walked away.

“Ian... what was that?” asked Flame. “Why he didn’t arrested us?”

“I will explain you later, mom.” Said scout with tensed voice. They moved on.

*

Trap was a simple one. Just to wait as Talbourne retinue enter the gorge and start the avalanche. And then check – if white deluge did it’s job, come down and finish off the rest. If not – to escape and choose another place for setup. The technique was obvious. But it’s context not.

On Talbourne wolves were waiting another Talbourne wolves. Stardusters to be exact, but due to Aleu policy there were no packs minorities in clan. Everyone who entered Talbourne became Talbourne and even talking about family pack was unwelcome. However old bound among some claners were fact and no edict could fix that. So Stardust Pack was striking Talbourne clan.

It was evening, almost time to stop for night. But Alam wanted to pick some solid shelter for rest and that killed him. Black ordered to induce avalanche as soon as avant-garde passed. He knew that Tenu’s soldiers were tough ones and focused on riding them out. Targets could wait.

A while.

White wave slid from the slope of valley. Three wolves coming on the lead avoided it, but main group was all hit. Maya and January were right in the middle, under strict supervision of Tan, walking nearby. Fortunately malawolf was walking on left side of his companion, so Maya was partially shielded. Body of wolfdog hit her, as mass of whiteness covered the road. January took a main impetus of avalanche and additionally managed to grab Maya in his paws. He rolled round her head, blocking further injuries. Then already he felt pain of hit side. He screamed, but didn’t hear own voice. He found out that he was already under the snow.

Silence came. Maya even wasn’t sure what happened, because in one second she was walking next to malawolf and in other someone turned the world off. There was dark and in the same time white, so wolfess learned that she was buried under the snow. January was at her side, moaning painfully.

“Jan!” she called.

“Alive, alive…” gasped wolfdog. “Unfortunately…” added. “My side hurts as hell. But don’t panic, that just an avalanche. We will…”

“Tan!” called Maya even louder.

“Easy!” ordered hybrid. “I’m sure he is all right. He was more on right side, so he perhaps is already on the surface. Let’s try to dig ourselves away.” In few moves he threw some snow from above and they saw moving hind paws of some Alam’s soldier. “You see? Everybody is okay!”

But then leg of soldier kicked in desperate attempt and snow above Maya’s and January’s head turned to red. Drop of moisture fell down on hybrid, who licked it just to be sure. It was blood.

“Well… that’s means… Black!” exclaimed malawolf, understanding what happened. Then he added with whisper. “Be quiet.”

He was right – when avalanche fell, all thought it was accident. Vanguards quickly turned back and ran to dig friends away. Stardusters used that moment, when surprised enemies were busy with help for others. They struck from back, taking excellent soldiers from surprise, not letting them to show their skills. Three of vanguards were down in minute, then Black ordered to finish the job. Stardusters started to dig for survivors. But instead of taking them away, they bit their throats, as victims had no place to shun, still covered with snow. That wasn’t a battle, but a massacre.

January suspected what would happened on the surface. That’s why he held Maya in place, thinking how to break the vicious circle. Try of escape would attract enemies. Staying on place would gave them more time to kill whole unit.

Finally malawolf said to brownfurred.

“Be careful! You promised me to obey me, next time I’m saving you, right? If something goes wrong, you’ll do exactly what I tell you. I’ll try to make a way to surface. If I call for you, you go, as fast as possible. If I’m dead, you wait here until the end of world. Maybe someone would find us, before they find you…”

“Jan…” she whispered. “That’s absurd. You can’t die now… Not after I know you love me…”

“I guess that dying in ignorance isn’t so different.” And he pushed himself up.

He quickly reached the surface and quickly reached the enemy. He met Merik, who was just finishing soldier nearby. January was still half-buried and young Starduster was free. That duel was handicapped from the very start.

Merik grabbed malwolf’s nape and in that position was killed by Ama. Again, the rescue had perfect, yet extremely dramatic timing.

Tenu guided his unit in last moment. Black and his wolves managed to took six soldiers already and Merik was on best way to kill January also. But when darkfurred avenger noticed than new division came and he had no idea what was the strength of rescue team, he ordered retreat.

Merik was dead, but all remaining six Stardusters left gorge before Tenu ordered to pursue. And general was focused more on searching survivors than killing assassins. Ama spat Merik’s blood and started to uncover January.

“No…” whispered Black, seeing lifeless body of friend. “Again…”

“Black…” said wolf of milky coat, called Ram. “That’s it. We must return to Rose and tell her.”

“No!” gasped darkfurred, but then he burst in tears. “We… failed! I failed. Our pack was hurt so deeply!”

“There is no time, Black!” called another Starduster. “Let’s get out of here!”

*

Maya was found soon after, scared almost to death, but alive. She fainted due to terror, taking Fida as one of Stardusters, so Tenu ordered to put her next to January and leave until morning. He walked with malawolf to brushy bedding where Packer laid down and Talbourne princess was brought. Hoaryfurred looked on young hybrid with esteem.

“We will talk tomorrow, now sleep.” He said. “Thanks for saving her and not dying in process. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

“Screw you!” whispered wolfdog and fainted down.