XI. Of sons and mothers

Initially Ian thought that avoiding units stationing on West Bank would be hard. But it happened to be very easy task. All forces that left on right side of Reindeer Creek were at full alert, but looking on dangers from right side. Flame decided simply to enter the camp, greeting few wolves she know and smiling to other soldiers. The sureness makes for perfect cover – mother and son proved that rule right.

Of course they had to go a bit aside to cross frozen river, but that they put to the next day. After talk with general Tenu they feared almost nothing. They ask for food and place in Third Unit’s Cave – and so they get both. When they laid to sleep in corner of cavern, Ian asked.

“You want to hear it all now? It’s bit dangerous, because so many ears to hear…”

“No. On the other bank.” Replied Flame. She felt that something was wrong, but she wanted to – maybe for last time – savour with unspoiled joy of love of her regained son. All hard questions could be asked on the other side.

*

Maya was sleeping peacefully. After being dig out and warmed up, she regained awareness for short and when she was assured that January was basically unhurt and Tan was heavily bruised, but with no injure endangering life, she fell again into slumber.

Malawolf hobbled to her just before dawn, after being treated by Murtaan, new medicine wolf of unit. Darkfurred wolf, who helped hybrid day earlier, was killed by Stardusters. Post factum January learned he was called Suoj and was Murtaan’s friend. They both were Uniea whom parents gave up to Aleu. But sons joined Tenu’s forces, unable to fully integrate with the clan.

After massage of stretched muscles, Murtaan guided January to snow den with Maya inside. wolfdog managed to laid down to beloved and even fall asleep, but Tenu came just after. Gathering all his kindness and gentleness, mercenary woke only Packer, leaving Maya asleep.

“Hey, you… We must talk.” Said hoaryfurred, biting hybrid’s ear.

“At this time, if you want to talk, I’m good as pine to do that.” Murmured January, with muzzle on Maya’s head.

“No pine would be in charge of the Pack in nearest time.” Replied general. “Get out.”

He didn’t want to, but he followed. They sat down just in front of den’s entrance. It was still dark, but January spotted Fida and Ama, waiting in near junipers. Tenu wanted to give his guest discretion, yet he was ready for everything, so he kept his guards by side. If hybrid knew hoaryfurred better, he had to admit that was very kind of him.

“If you kill me now, Maya will take a living flesh out of you.” Said January, looking on hidden wolfesses.

“You are really distrustful. I like you also because of that.” Said mercenary. “But now understand that you will walk away from here and return to Pack’s Dominion at your will. No one is hurrying you, but no one stops. However, I advice get back home, take full power and return here to finish the job.”

“Job…” murmured malawolf. “You wouldn’t believe how similar was plan of my mother.”

“Well… great minds think alike.” Smiled Tenu. “Face it – I’m the best canine military commander walking the Earth. But I admit that in case of plots lady Ea has similar talents. And soon we two will combine our powers - as the one, great family. She, as your closest advisor and I, as commander of your legions.”

“Any place here for Maya?” asked hybrid with angry voice.

“I’m talking exactly about her. She is the guarantee and the key of alliance. Power of the Pack and Talbourne clan in one. No one would stop us.”

“Maya said few things about you.” Replied wolfdog. “But I didn’t believe, until I saw you. You took all this Aniu-stuff even harder than Talbourne themselves!”

“I took it better. In rational and secular way.” Smiled mercenary. “But my motivation is secondary to our plan. So, the drill is easy. Go back to your Haven take the Pack over. Then come to me. Without army, because I will be your army. Two units under my command and you will stand on the lead. We will return to Home Cave, discipline all who tried to kill Maya or who could endanger her power. Then you two will be proclaimed mates and alphas of new, perfect wolf society, the Unity!”

“Are you mental!?” yelled malawolf. “I, son of Steele, on lead of Talbourne wolves?”

“They will love you.” Assured general, then added quieter. “Or I will make them love you!”

“That’s is against all I swore to fight for. That’s against of last will of my father!” growled January.

“I know it would be hard from the start.” Tenu smiled and came to the den. He just took away some snow from above the hole, to uncover Maya partially. He put a paw on her head and started to stroke her. “But she will help you, I’m sure of that.” January made a step further, then stopped with opened mouth and silent stare of indecisiveness. “Why do you resist?” asked Tenu with unexpectedly soft voice. “I bet she is in pain, thinking about you, who still is choosing between her, so beautiful and alive and some dead dog you never actually knew.” He moved pad of his paw to Maya’s nose. Wolfess opened her eyes. “Easy, my dear.” Said Tenu. “I’m just talking with January about your common, bright future. There is nothing to worry about.”

“No!” called malawolf. “Stop it! I swore… And my mother…”

“That’s exactly what is your mother hoping for.” Said mercenary. “Her son on the throne of whole Alaska. You can’t please her more… or you can, giving her grandpups, but that’s a topic to discuss with Maya.”

“You could kill me here, I don’t care.” Growled January and Maya stood up with confused stare. “Decide now. But whatever you do, I won’t give you any promise.”

“I’m not expecting a promise.” Replied hoary furred. “I expect you just to be reasonable.”

“I’m going home.” Said January.

“No, stay!” cried Maya. Seeing that Tenu wanted to add something, she said with decisive voice. “Leave him alone!”

“Easy, my princess.” Said general with proud smile. “I’m just catalysing what is inside of him. He has to accustom to his new situation… Maybe he seems to be resistant, but I believe he already made a decision. The one we want.”

“Go away!” gasped January.

“As you wish, my prince… my future alpha.” Said Tenu with smile and bowed his head. But in gesture of commander there was no obedience nor respect. “But remember. Came to me, I’ll be there with two divisions under my power. Take your sidekicks if you want, but don’t let them go through the river, because Talbourne won’t accept you as a conqueror, yet welcome as a peaceful mate of Maya. In case, I will go with you and those two divisions. We will crush any opposition and announce you as alphas.” Then he stood up and walked away. Fida and Ama followed.

“I didn’t promise!” called hybrid after him, but mercenary didn’t reply.

They stayed alone, in front of partially broken snow-den. Snow started to fall again, but that time it was a nice and light shower of soft flakes. Sun shone from eastern side of sky, painting gold all the whitened world. Reflection of morning light shone on Maya, making her even more beautiful. Malawolf closed his eyes, to cut the scene off. A while after he sensed a tongue of wolfess at his cheek. He opened eyes.

“I’m sorry for Tenu.” She whispered to his ears. “He didn’t want to offend you… just to help me in his, weird way. Please, do what he proposed. That way we will avoid the war.”

“So, I became a peacemaker.” Said January slowly. “But yesterday we spoke about love.”

“You silly…” smiled Maya. “Of course I love you. I prayed to Aniu for such perfect outcome. We will be together, no one will die in battle. All you have to do is to say <yes>. Please, cast aside all old hurts and pride, as I did. We could be happy… we could make all them happy.”

“No! I promised!” called January with breaking voice. He jumped back, out of Maya and looked on her with mad eyes. “I won’t fail my father… Goodbye, I’m going home. I hope that after war we could…”

“You will be back.” She said. “You can’t fool me, I see it in your eyes. I love you… but I see I might expect you at my side. You follow Aniu in the same way I do… but you still don’t see it. I will help you to open your eyes.”

“Lies, lies, lies!” howled malawolf. “If I do come with you, I’ll prove we both are wrong. I won’t go this path.”

“You are already running it.” Smiled Maya. “Take care, January. I’m waiting for you in Home Cave.”

Hybrid gave a loud howl, expressing all at once – sorrow of leaving Maya, promise of returning some day and also desperate assurance he would never return. All those voices were true and false in the same time. Malawolf turned east and started to run and soon after he disappeared in white curtain of falling snow. Maya was still looking after him with smile at her muzzle, when Tan – that time hobbling on two paws – found her.

“He is gone.” Said with mixture of surprise and relief.

“He will be back.” Said Maya and nestled to side of her stepbrother. “He will be surely back.

*

Stardusters, tired, bruised and decimated, returned to Home Valley. Silent column was consisting only six wolves and maybe in general chaos no one took a notice, but who knew friends of Rose, surely understood that something was wrong.

“Black!” called surprised Sheik. He was out on patrol with squad of Second unit, given by Teele. Intelligence leaderess and temporal overseer of clan wanted to make sure both present claimants had something to do, so she sent Sheik and Tram on quite useless recons around home. Of course in different direction. “Black! What happened? Where is rest of crew? Lake… Snow?”

“Dead.” Replied darkfurred with follow voice. Seeing that Talbourne prince was looking on him with amazement, added with growling voice. “I won’t explain myself to you, Sheik! Only to Rose. It’s our business.”

“Wait!” called wolf, seeing as Starduster was slowly descending on slope of Valley. “Black, you must tell me few things!” Darkfurred didn’t reply, but stopped. “I know it sound stupid and weird…” He took a look around to make sure that none of his soldiers was listening. “Has Rose asked you…”

“We failed to killed her.” Said Black. “But in progress we lost Lake, Snow and Merik. Easy, we will get that blasted lead for you. If Rose decide that way.”

“God…” yelled Sheik. “You did try to kill Maya.”

“And we failed, Sheik.” Growled Black. “If you became an alpha, you will pay for blood of our brethrens, who died for you!” And he set off again.

“No…” whispered Aleu’s son. “Rose… it can’t…”

He didn’t let Black just go away. He went for his troops and said them he had return to home. Orders of Teele were important but strict family business was much more crucial. He joined sad column of Stardusters and marched with them. They exchanged no word, although Sheik wanted to know how exactly he was guilty.

*

Rose was in cave, with pups. It was evening already, so they were asleep, just mother stayed awaken. She was worrying about all the complicated matters around her. She not only had to take care about pups, but oversee the action of black-mouthing Maya and Tram and gaining support of undecided members of clan. She was exhausted after a long day, but anyway she smiled, seeing in doorstep of cave her mate and Black.

But her smile died, as she noticed expression of those two.

“What… what…” she asked with breaking voice.

“They are dead, Rose.” Said Black with mournful tone. “Lake, Snow and Merik.”

She stood up, gently licked all her pups. Then walked outside the cave and stopped on snowdrift on square. There she turned to friends and asked, still not understanding his words.

“But…how?”

“Lake was killed by that blasted Packer, January.” Replied Black. “Humans got Snow. Tenu’s wolves killed Merik.”

In that moment she actually believed it was right. Sending friends on assassination she didn’t even think about possibility of casualties. But then – three of her friends didn’t returned. And that was her fault – if she didn’t send them with mission, they would be there still, jesting together and playing with pups. Rose gave a short cry of pain.

“That… bitch!” she yelled.

Redfurred understood many things in short moment. One of them was the cost of all her plans. She wanted with all heart success of her mate but planning it, she didn’t thought about eventual price. But much more important was the feeling of loss. Rose used to scold and argue with her packmates. Used to, because she understood that should would scold no more on three of them. And that was unbearable. She loved her friends. Lake especially, who was always closest to her, like her little brother she hadn’t. he was always near, sometimes asking for help, sometimes coming with helping paw. But always, always there. And then he was dead.

“No…” she whispered and two tears left her eyes.

“Rose… is that true?” asked Sheik with tensed voice. “Did you ordered them to kill Maya?”

“Yes, I did!” cried redfurred. “It’s all my fault.” Sheik sighed with relief, thinking that his mate regretted her plan. But he couldn’t farther from truth – Rose did regret, but not about the plan, but it’s failure. “My fault! Because of me, they are dead!”

“No, wait!” gasped Sheik. “You must ask Maya for forgiveness.”

“I… must… kill her!” she growled. Black nodded his head.

“No! Stop this madness!” called Sheik. “Black, wake up!” he looked on darkfurred. “You are responsible for Rose’s safety the same as I am. Now we must make sure no one knows it and she is out of suspicions… and eventual charges.”

“There is only one way to make this happened.” Said wolf, smiling with bloodthirsty smile. “To finish the job!”

“No!” yelled Sheik. “You must cover it up!”

“Too late.” Replied darkfurred. “Everyone knows. Tenu, Tan… Teele will soon get to the truth.”

“Stay out of this, darling.” Said Rose. “If something goes wrong… you must take care about pups. Black…” she looked on old friends. “I know how great my fault is… but I must ask you for help again. Will we… finish the job?”

“No, it’s not real…” whispered Sheik.

“We will, sister.” Said blackfurred.

*

Not only Teele had her brains. Tram could think on his behalf too. As soon as he heard about detail of events on north, he went straight to inter-alphess and asked her for protection. Perhaps it was a little biting his male’s pride, but satisfying his reasonable mind.

“It’s your duty to protect me, as future alpha.” Said, looking into eyes of old agent.

“Who knows, if you are future alpha.”

“I am.” Gasped Saba’s son. “I will rule the clan with Maya at my side. Of course, if you fulfil your duties and eliminate the threat.”

“Good…” she said slowly. “I will sent some bodyguards after you, while Tenu is keeping his eye on Maya. But Sheik… I want to know, what he claims, before I would accuse him or Rose.”

“Those are murderers…”

“This is a liar.” Said Rose, entering Teele’s chamber.

Tram wanted to pounce on sister-in-law and make her beg for mercy, but then he noticed Black and Ram, standing at her side, ready to enforce some respect for claimant’s mate. So he just looked on Teele, waiting her to react.

“Good to see you, Rose.” Said intelligence commander. “I was going to ask you few question.”

“I’m listening.” Replied redfurred. “But are you sure that he should hear?”

“You are charged here.” Noticed Tram. “I advise you some carefulness.”

“He is a liar.” Said Rose. “Perhaps it would be indifferent for me, if he took his sister…”

“Cousin!” shouted Tram.

“…his cousin as a mate, they move away and inbreed happily for years somewhere else.” Spat redfurred. “But I thing he is up to kill Maya and rule on own behalf. I have no proof for that, just my words. You must admit that my words are surer that saliva of this coward and liar.”

“I’m not here to judge it.” Said carefully Teele.

“Tram, I challenge you for life and death duel on Fighting Pillar, in five days from now!” she said with decisive voice.

“Cool!” smiled son of Saba.

“She is female.” Noticed intelligence commander. “She will choose a champion to fight in her name.”

“I guess it will be me.” Smiled Black.

“Werk!” cursed Tram and his will to fight reduced significantly.

“That’s only solution, as for we have no proofs.” Decided Teele. “I give you permission on duel, to decide who is talking truth. Who could withdraw, but it will have an impact on eventual judgement as circumstantial evidence against side that gives up.”

“If you consider yourself as a female, you could always find a champion too.” Smiled Rose and turned back. She exited Teele’s chamber, trying to look cheeky and calm. In fact she was silently repeating words of desperate relief. “We have five days! Five days of time!”

*

On the morning January was still running like a mad, indifferent to his location. He was still at the enemy’s territory, but if he accidentally encountered Talbourne patrol, we should had pity for the patrol. Malawolf was ready to tear apart any creature at sight who upset him, ask how he was doing, mention about Maya, war, father or being alpha. However he wasn’t prepared for simple.

“It’s good to see you, Jan.” He stopped and noticed Ian, standing on his way with brownfurred wolfess at his side.

“Ian…” said confused hybrid.

“Are you escaping?” asked scout. “There will be a chase.”

“I… I actually don’t care.” Murmured Steele’s son with confusion. Reasonable words of old friend put him back on the earth and made him think calmly. “And you… are you running away?”

“Who knows?” smiled Ian. “I can’t explain it, but Tenu let us free… Oh…” then scout recalled all the context of situation. “You know already?”

“Yes, I know.” Nodded January. “Although I still don’t know what exactly.”

“Come on, let’s go on the other side.” The entered the iced surface of river. Then malawolf stopped.

“No, wait. I have to check if I could return.”

Before scout managed to ask for details, hybrid gave howl in cipher that knew only two creatures: he and Kaata. It was theirs puppyish play. Silverfurred from her earliest days had unique mind and talents. She was so gifted to secrets and tricks as her father, so she invented a code that she used only to communicate with January. They were sure that no one had broken the cipher before – so many secrets came that way that if Varjo was aware of rules of that code, Kaata would had been smacked up countless times after setting many naughty pranks with Steele’s son.

The reply came quickly. Kaata assure that Aarre was harmless and if January didn’t believe her, she was able to instantly call for twenty soldiers, chosen for no bounds with Uniea clan. Malawolf howled that was not necessary and entered ice.

“Sorry for that.” Said to Ian. “But I have my secrets too. By the way, who is your companion?”

“I’m Flame of Talbourne.” Said brownfurred female. “Ian’s mother.”

“Oh… Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Said wolfdofg and lowered his ears in polite gesture. Then came closer to wolfess and asked he quietly. “Were you aware why all this was started?”

“No and I’m still afraid to ask.” She replied. “But I’ve already left my clan for my son. Maybe I don’t want to know too much.”

“Good thing.” Replied January. “Not know too much. Unfortunately, I have to.”

“Mother… Jan… I will explain you all.” Said Ian, hearing scraps of that talk. “But please, at least let’s enter the safe site.”

Aarre was waiting on the shore. Malawolf noticed Kaata, laying about hundred yards further and nodding her head. Old Uniea was there not to kill him, just to talk. Steele’s son turned to beta-alpha.

“Go ahead. I will join you soon.” Said to Flame and Ian. They nodded and walked further.

January entered frozen beach and stopped before Aarre. Old wolf lowered his ears in gesture of total submission, as if he was an omega of pack. His stare was pointed into the ground. Hybrid hoped for him to say something first, but after a minute of silence, started himself.

“You were always an enigma to me, teacher.” Said Pack’s prince. “You was teaching me, still encouraging to solve given problems. But this time I give up, I just don’t know. Why do you want me dead?”

“Is this so hard to guess?” asked Aarre. His voice was full of sorrow, but January didn’t hear any regret. He steeped back, ready to defend himself, but he felt it was unnecessary. If old Uniea wanted to kill him then, he would had already done it and no efforts of hybrid to defend himself would helped. When silence became too long, beta-alpha said. “Your mother.”

“What? I don’t get it!” but he got it well.

“She… she is the regent now. Mother of Steele’s son, ruler of the Pack. She is not Ea right now… at least not for me.”

“Are you sure that killing a son is the best way of courts to the girl?” asked hybrid with irony. “You… fool! I’m sorry to say it, teacher, but apart of tactic skills there is not much more in your head… She does love you! I saw it long time ago.”

“I always hoped for that.” Replied Aarre. “But as long as she is mother of alpha-alpha, we can’t be together.”

“Haven’t you thought that when we win, the Pack will be gone, and she would do anything she like?”

“But when Pack is gone, Uniea clan would be never restored and…” Then beta-alpha paused, as if he was amazed by own words. “But I don’t care about Uniea. I actually was a fool.”

“Don’t worry, we all are learning on our errors.” Said January with soft voice. But then added, shouting. “God dammit! I could have been killed there!”

“That’s why my life is in your paws.” Said Aarre quietly.

“Because of what?” snorted malawolf. “Do you really believe that I would kill my best commander just before the crucial campaign of war?”

“You don’t have to.” Said old wolf. “If you said your mother about this, I will be good as dead.”

January sighed and came closer to his tutor. He had a want to bite him painfully, but then suddenly felt urge to laugh. He burst with airy giggling.

“You… rascal!” he called with choking laughter. “You know I won’t do it! You always knew it!”

“Thank you, my alpha.” Said Aarre with shivering voice.

“Tell me just one thing.” Ordered January. “Did you know about Ian’s mission?”

“What mission?” asked confused Uniea. Malawolf was sure that his teacher wasn’t lying. On honest muzzle of wolf lies had no space. He could kill, but not cheat. Like all soldiers. Hybrid laughed again.

“Aarre, perhaps you won’t believe me, but you are not the creature who pissed me the most recently.” Said and ran in forest direction.

And old wolf stayed in place, still couldn’t believe how close he was to total failure. And how stupid he was before. But most important – how happy he still could be.

*

They found lady Ea on the brink of forest, waiting for her son. Seeing that January had some business with Aarre, whitefurred was waiting patiently for unavoidable consequences of her actions. She was already imagining wrath of her child and shivering inside. But ostensible she stayed calm and decisive leaderess.

“Ma’am…” said Ian. “Aunt… I’m back.” She raised her stare on her charge.

“Good you are safe.” She said. “But he knows already. We screwed it, Ian.” Brownfurred nodded his head. “And who is wolfess with you?” She looked on Flame.

“Her name is Flame. She is my mother.” Said scout. Ea gasped with amaze. “She helped me to escape from Home Valley.”

“Oh, my God!” yelled whitefurred. “What we’ve done!?”

“Aunt… please, tell her!” said Ian, barely repressing his tears. “I can’t!” And he ran away in forest.

Ea looked on newcomer, at first a bit uncertain what to say. Fortunately, she started.

“So… I figured out that all was set up. Ian’s raid to Home Cave and his capture.” She took a deeper breath and continued. “Understand me, ma’am. I came here not knowing about it, but I don’t want go back. I wronged to my son in heaviest possible way and I have to repent that thus. However… I hoped that he loved me, not only used as tool to accomplish your plan.”

“You are totally wrong, Flame.” Said Ea. “Ask any of my soldiers.”

“What?” murmured confused brownfurred.

“Stop random wolf, to be sure I didn’t set it up.” Ordered whitefurred. Flame still didn’t understand, but she pointed on some scout, walking with report to Varjo. Soldier came, called by Ea.

“Private Irim, await for orders!” called milyfurred wolf.

“Private, tell our guest about our prison policy in case of strike of Home Cave.”

“But ma’am… that’s classified.”

“Tell it!” ordered Ea. And Irim took a deep breath and said.

“Let live everyone who surrender, except of cases mentioned by field commander. In any case make sure that Objects one, two and three survive, doesn’t matter on their acting.”

“Describe the Objects!”

“One: wolf male, about eight years old, dark-grey fur, amber eyes, possibly visible scar on left side of forehead. Two: wolf male, about four years, dark-grey fur, blue eyes, no special sings, but similar to object one. Son of object one. Three: wolf female, about eight years, brown fur, blue eyes, morphological traits similar to object two and sergeant Ian of RAIA.”

“That’s…” gasped Flame.

“Names of Objects!” ordered Ea.

“Ralph, Viin, Flame.” Replied soldier. Brownfurred gasped with amazement.

“You could go.” Said Ea to Irim. The she turned to Flame. “Do you understand? Every wolf of the Pack knows those descriptions. That was Ian’s price. He wanted to help me… but he wanted a favour… to make sure that his family would be taken alive in eventual combat. That was not an easy task, but he insisted.”

“I can’t…”

“He always loved you.” Said Ea. “Away from you, but thinking about you. Please, forgive him.”

“I? Forgive…” cried Flame. “He is ten times better son than I was mother!” then she ran to the forest, after Ian.

Ea was looking on that with smile, but then she felt fear again. Now it was her turn and she had no excuse before January. She had to face his rage.

Flame found scout in cluster of junipers, waiting in improvised snow-den. He was coiled there like a tiny pup, scared and shocked. She laid next to him, licking his forehead.

“My son… I know everything.” She whispered. “Just tell me one thing… You didn’t see me three years… so you can’t actually love person you are so far away from. But now? And tell me also: have you – coming there – been thinking about how would you feel, seeing us?”

“Some things of that were faked.” Replied Ian with shivering voice. “But I swear, not so many as I thought. Mom…” he added. “Two years back, I was on training with my squad… We got lost, were trapped in blizzard, then were wandering for days, dying from hunger. Someone had to find some food, and I was the leader… We came to frozen lake… there was no use to get food from elsewhere… So I enter the ice, jumped up and break it. They somehow put me out and caught fishes… Only because of that we survived.”

“Well, sweet.” Replied confused Flame. “But why do you tell me that?”

“To answer two questions.” He smiled. “First – why I risked that faked jump to Talbourne Creek. Because I had some practice with freezing water.”

”And the second thing?”

“That coming on that ice… I wanted to catch a fish… But it didn’t change the result – I get wet. And the same… Coming there I wanted to help aunt Ea… but it didn’t change the fact that I regained you. And I love you, mom.”

“Oh, Ian…” whispered Flame and licked her son’s forehead. But then added with severe voice. “You won’t never, ever swim in frozen rivers nor lakes again!”

 *

“I heard that.” Said malawolf. He came to mother and stopped just next to her. “Heard that Ian was actually doing good thing.”

“Son…” cried Ea, lowering her ears before January. “All I wanted was your good.”

“Yeah, sure.” Smiled wolfdog “Fortunately I survived your steps…”

“I’m so sorry!” she burst in tears.

“Mother…” said January with serious voice. “I could answer you in only one way. To invert words that you told me most often when I was young. Do you know, what were those words?”

“He hates me.” Thought Ea. “He hate me, because I manipulate him. Those words are <I love you>. And he want invert hem. He despises me!”

“And if you don’t recall, those words were…” January cleared his throat, driving Ea almost to madness, as she was waiting for the sentence. “Those words were: <January, don’t do it again!>” said hybrid and smiled. “I wish to invert it and say: Mom, don’t do it again. Right?” He put his head on her shoulder and licked her ear. “And it’s good to see you. Those were just few days, but I missed you.”

XII. Of sons and fathers

Maya was ready to go on the next morning. Her bruises of past few days were still present and not helping in march, but she wanted to get back to cave as soon as it was possible. There were several reasons – she wanted to be there, hoping that January would return directly to her home, but also he wanted to appease tensions in family. For even a moment she didn’t believed that Sheik had anything to do with Black’s attack, but she wanted to look in into eyes and confirmed that she had still a loving brother. “God!” she thought, feeling a growing irritation. “If he simply asked me to not claim for uncle’s legacy, I would seriously consider it. Uncle Shadow wanted different, but Sheik is my big brother after all. But… but now it’s all different. I have to become an alpha… to be with January and with him appease that useless war.” And she smiled to herself. Malawolf was gone, but she knew he was about to return. “Whatever he tells, he loves me. I saw it in his eyes.” Then she stopped and Tenu walking just after her, involuntary hit with head her back.

“Sorry, general.” She said. “But please, stop for a while.”

“Stop? You are tired, my princess?”

“Not quite, but give me a minute…” She laughed. “I forgot to do something very important that I should have done long time ago.”

Mercenary stopped his squad. It was just ten chosen best fighters, while rest of his forces waited on the West Bank. Tan picked nine of most trusted wolves to escort Maya back home. Tenu himself decided soon return on front to wait for January there, but he made sure his princess was safe. After all Black was still somewhere there. However brownfurred seemed to be calm about that.

“Here.” She said and climbed on small hummock over the forest road. She looked east to sun, slowly raising on the sky and called, not too loud, but Tenu heard all perfectly. “O, great Aniu, Mother of Wolfkind. Thank You for your care and protection, thank You for generosity, all graces You give us.” She smiled, narrowing her eyes against sunrays. “Thank You for January, thank You for my love. And thank You, you give us chance to finish the war with enemy, whom we should love, not hate.” She bowed her head and started to go down from hummock.

“Any incense required?” asked Tenu with irony in his voice.

“Oh, you understood nothing.” Said Maya, but she was still smiling. “However soon you will see Aniu’s grace on your own eyes.”

“Indeed.” Smiled Aniu. Living wolves couldn’t see immortal spirit, but she saw them well.

Snow-white canine watched as her followers moved on west and she couldn’t stop her smile. After all those years, centuries, ages all was going in right direction. Thanks to her beloved great granddaughter Maya, her plan of Unity was just at paw.

“We all be together soon.” She whispered and her voice turned to gentle wind, blowing snow-dust over the forest. “There is only one thing to complete our family reunion.”
*

January ordered to call all wolves from Haven on East Bank, prepare for “Plan Omega” and wake him up when they were ready. Then he went to sleep. Over five days of constant emotions, effort and danger drained almost all his strength and will for life. He had to take a long nap, far from everyone.

He also hoped to see father. January never knew if dream he had were real or were just vision of missing mind, fuelled with hope and yearning, however he decided to act as if words of dreamy father were real. He fell asleep and indeed – quickly saw inside of his mind image of Steele.

And of some other, blackfurred wolf.

“What a shame.” Murmured darkwolf. “Dog will save the day!”

“Watch your words.” Growled Steele. “You are immortal, yet not immune for pain.”

“Easy…” smiled second canine. “Let’s talk with your boy.”

“Dad?” asked malawolf, slowly focusing on dreamy landscape around him. Two spirits greeted him in quite unique scenery – high on the sky, from where whole Seward Peninsula and greater part of Yukon Valley were seen. There was no visible ground, just transparent layer, similar to ice, but warm. “Dad? Is this… real?”

“I’m afraid more than I wished to.” Replied Steele. “Son, meet my staff – Shade, rightful alpha of Talbourne clan.”

“Maya would be disappointed.” Smiled January, but then his smiled died. “Dad… I’m not sure if you saw it, but…”

“You picked up the very wrong girl.” Said malamute. “However it’s to late for reproaches. For now the matter is: what we will do with Talbourne and Aniu.”

“We?”

“Listen.” Said Steele. “Shadow is Aniu’s son. He had own business with mother and he is helping our cause. Don’t ask about too much, you won’t understand it, as I don’t, in spite of being dead over two years. Just accept few things – we, Spirits of the Sky – are watching you all closely. We can’t interfere directly, but your power to advice, guide and strengthen you downthere is quite significant. We used to have a draw here, before I died. Aniu and Shade were fighting for centuries, but they powers were balanced. I’m just fresh aide of this rascal, but there is possibility that I could change the fate of war. Thanks to you. It will be your agency.”

“Dad… but this all… is this really necessary?” asked January, hardly believing he could oppose father’s will. “Can’t I… make a peace with Talbourne? Unite Pack with clan?”

“But it’s exactly Aniu’s plan!” called Steele. “That puts all of our efforts in vain.”

“Yet, it gives us peace.”

“Look at the price, boy!” exclaimed malamute. He came to son and nudged his side. He pointed with muzzle world below their paws. “Look down there… Talbourne and the Pack are abominations of Way of Nature. I spent… sacrificed my life to fight it… The same goes for you mother and you too. What you were doing in past few years.”

“I don’t care about Way of Nature” called January. “I was doing what I was doing only to be your son… to make you proud of me… I don’t know why your idea is good, I simply know it is good, because it’s your… As you asked me – I forgave everyone. Kaata, Aarre, mom… Because I imagined you, forgiving them. But I’m tired, dad… I’m putting all my might to follow your pawprints and I can’t see the end of road.”

Steele awkwardly hugged his son, having limited experience in hugging as an astral body. But the touch was as real as it could be in sky-world. January swallow tears that were about to flow then nestled to father’s side. They stayed silent for a while, then malamute said.

“You are right… I’m demanding too much of you… I guess much more that I should. So I will understand if you decided to go your way. You have a right to be happy… Because I fell into vicious circle. I wish no one sacrifice himself, but to achieve that we need a sacrifice now… But want you to be just happy. You will decide, when time comes.”

“You want he angry on me?” asked January with tensed voice.

“I guess not.” Replied Steele. “At least you will please your mother, what is generally a hard task and the success is remarkable thing.” Said, smiling. “But just in case, if you decide to help our cause, I will tell you, how I see this.” January nodded his head. “Call the Pack, order them to approve you as alpha-alpha. Then go with all forces you could gather to Home Cave. You have to squash military resistance of Talbourne and you have great chances now. In summer Tenu will come with his offensive. That war would kill you, as Tenu is brilliant commander and there will be many factors supporting him. But you could decide it all now. Just outmaneuver Third and Fourth Unit, as they are still on West Bank. Come to Home Cave and announce yourself as Talbourne alpha. Alone! Maya can’t have anything to do with it. You have to be sole leader… to order them to dissolve. Announce the apoliteia.”

“And you think that’s it? They would obey me, just to leave their clan?”

“You will have an army with you, to assure that.” Replied Steele. “Perhaps you would have to threat or even kill all eventual claimants.”

“You’re talking about Maya!” yelled January. “I want to be with her, not fighting her!”

“Uh… well… try to persuade her. You know… that she would be your princess anyway, doesn’t matter how many wolves follows her.”

“You requests are heavy, father.”

“I know.” Replied malamute. “Only my son could bear them.”

“Sir…” January looked on Shade. “And what you would say?”

“I would say your papa is out of him mind.” said darkfurred. “But still he is good guy in this story.”

“I don’t…” started malawolf.

“Just go back.” Said Steele. “And take what is your – succession after me. Whatever you choose to do later, remember that I love you anyway.”

“Yeah, I love you too, dad…” said hybrid, but then he learned that he was back on Earth, awake, lying in Reindeer Cave.

He stood up and noticed Kaata, sleeping at doorstep of cavern. He came to her with anger locked at his muzzle, being convinced she was eavesdropped his sleep, as he was talking in slumber. “Whatever it was real or not, she had no right to invigilate my dreams.” He thought, but then noticed that silverfurred was actually awake and listening.

And crying.

In second all anger at her ceased and wolfdog laid down nest to his friend. He licked her muzzle to wipe out the tears and she nestled to his side, still sobbing.

“I can’t comfort you, unless I know what I did to make you sad.” He said a bit embarrassed. Kaata cried much too often in last days. In fact he saw her crying recently earlier that for previous three years. “Or it has nothing to do with me?”

“It has, my alpha.” She sobbed. “Unfortunately, it has. I heard it all.”

“All right, Kaata, I’m not angry on you.” Said malawolf. But then added with inquiring tone. “You heard what!?”

“You was talking aloud in your sleep.” She said. “As if you were talking to someone… To father, most likely. But I heard you spoke about Maya…”

“Kaata, understand me.” Said slowly hybrid. “I’m not born-intelligence-analyst. I’m rather dumb creature, I can’t think as fast as you do. What do you mean exactly?”

“I love you, my alpha.” She sobbed. “I always did… and I always will. It doesn’t matter you will be with her… as Talbourne alpha… But it’s so hard to stand.”

“Werk!” cursed January. “There is no step to make that you don’t stomp on someone…” Then added with shivering voice. “Kaata… I had no idea! I thought we are friends... and all that scolds you used to flame me with sounded not so romantic, I guess.” But then added, seeing her still crying. “I’m sorry. But in fact I do love Maya.”

“I know.” She said. “And I accepted it already. I wish you to be happy. Be with her… don’t risk the war and own prosperity to follow father’s will. It’s your life.”

“As I said, I’m not born-intelligence-analyst…” started January. “But according to all what I know about game theory, you should encourage me to fight and execute dad’s plan, because there is a probability, I would mess so much that my relationship with Maya would be impossible.”

“That’s a logic’s way.” She said, dripping with tears on his shoulder. “I’m walking the path of love. I love you and really want you to be happy.”

“I didn’t deserve for it…” murmured malawolf.

“You deserved for better mate than that cry-baby puppy with…” she exclaimed, but then added with quieter voice. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to offend Maya. She has to be special, if you chose her.”

“Werk!” yelled January. “Whatever I do, I will fail someone! Kaata… please, help me! As my intelligence commander… tell me, what to do.”

“I’m happy to serve you in that way.” She smiled. She shook her tears out, looked in his eyes and said, already with calm voice. “Now, the thing you should do first, is to announce yourself as alpha-alpha. I’ve already made some preparation and…”

January smiled with relief. In spite the world was falling down, he could count on old, good Kaata.

*

At dawn of coming day, almost all wolves involved in Pack and Defensive Coalition gathered on fields of East Bank. Of course not all wolves supporting the fight with Talbourne were there. It was principle of the Pack to involve not more creature that it was necessary. At Presentation came military wolves, leaving their families in dens. Maybe some curious youngsters, but most of audience were combatants, ready to set off on real combat mission just after. And that was January’s idea.

He was standing on rocks, above glade. The meeting place was placed on plateau over valley, so if malawolf turned back, he would see Reindeer Creek and further forests of Talbourne Dominion. But he was looking against the raising sun and watching over three hundred wolves, soon to be over his command.

The spectacle had it’s directors – among many there was Ea, Varjo, Aarre and Kaata, overseeing that all was going smoothly. January thought about silverfurred once again. He felt awful about her. If hybrid could be considered as some kind of prize, Kaata worked perfectly to gain it. She done her best and even more to help malawolf get where he was standing there. “She is a wonderful girl.” Thought future alpha. “Beautiful, intelligent and loving. Extremely cheeky, but no one is perfect… If not Maya, I would felt so happy to be with her… but my heart is simply already given… I hope I will have some means to somehow make it all up to her.”

“I’m so proud of you, my son.” Said Ea. She was quietly crying from emotions, however in the same time carefully overseeing the event, ready to leave role of proud mother and became lady Ea again. When she noticed a bit irritated stare of her son, she added quickly. “Of course, I’m aware that was not my merit…”

“It was, mom.” Replied hybrid. “But now, leave it all to me.”

Kaata gave a signal and all wolves bowed down to hear the new alpha. January gave a triumphal howl and when he finished, looked on his new subjects (“Subjects? I’m fighting for no wolf would be subjected… Or I’m not?”) and called.

“Wolves of Alaska… wolves gathered here… in the Pack! Listen to me, as I’m your new alpha!” A wave of cheering howls burst. When they stopped, January continued. “I’m your leader… but only at the time of war. Because we are fighting not to gain power, not glory… We fight for the liberation of Wolfkind! To free our brethrens, yelling in tyrant captivity of Talbourne Clan. I will lead you to put that to end!” Another wave of calls sounded and January had a while to ask himself, if he was really up to do, what he promised? Because he seemed to be decided to betray thing he had sworn. “That’s right.” He thought. “I’m stomping on someone with every step.” But it was too late – he was already alpha-alpha.

“Wolves of Pack!” he called. “We are going west! To crush our enemies and fulfil our destiny. We fight for return of old laws… We are the future… we are the past… we are the Eternity!”

Thankfully the third wave of howls managed to muffle even hybrid’s thoughts.

*

Varjo caught him, as he was going to vanguards units. RAIA commander was going with Kaata – who seemed to recover almost completely – but it was obvious that he had a ask for alpha-alpha. Seeing father and daughter, January left the road and waited.

“Sir…” started silverfurred male.

“Leave it, gamma-alpha.” Said leader. “Didn’t my mother tell you? I hold no grudge for the plan you made and…”

“I think I deserve the punishment anyway.” Said intelligence leader. “Assignment in front line would be just fine.”

“There is no need.” said January.

“So, let’s try another way… Sir!” called Varjo with decisive voice. “For reward for my long time service… except of last month I must say: perfect service, I ask you for new assignment. I wish to join front line of our forces.”

“What he is up to?” asked malawolf, looking on Kaata. “I know he is plotting something, but what exactly, I have no idea.”

“It’s not like that, my alpha.” Said wolfess. “I tried to persuade him to stop, but he is already decided… He really want to fight in first line.”

“You are an intelligence officer!” yelled January. “Why the heck I should risk your life like that?”

“Because I need my life to risk… for the very first time in my life.”

“I’m lost.” Admitted hybrid. “Hint, please.”

“You know that I was from the pack of Peninsula.” Started Varjo. “From day of my birth I was considered as smart and intelligent, however that my brother was meant to be future alpha… but then Talbourne came. We wanted to defend our soil in alliance with Stardust Pack… but they gave up and we was left totally alone. My father wanted to fight… Girin wanted to fight… But I persuaded all to give up.”

“One pack against the power of Talbourne?” asked January. “I guess that was rational decision to surrender.”

“Perhaps.” Replied Varjo. “But it doesn’t make me less guilty.” He sighed and continued. “I persuaded all pack… except of my father and my brother. They didn’t let Shadow enter our home cave. And he ordered to kill them, as I was standing and watching.”

“Sorry to hear that.” Said January. “I know the case only thanks to your words, but I believe that you had a reason to give up. No pride should demand sacrificing of whole family.”

“I was repeating that for years.” Said Varjo with quiet voice. “But on those almost four years I failed to convince myself.”
”Is risking now would be proper atonement? God dammit! You have a daughter to carry about.”

“That is what I was repeating that for three years.” Smiled RAIA commander with bitter smile. “But no I ran out of pretext. Kaata could take care for herself.”

“Don’t you think, you should interfere now?” January looked on silverfurred wolfess.

“I tried, but there was no use.” Said Kaata. “He actually want it.”

“All right…” murmured January after a while of consideration. “You will replace alpha-gamma Ian of RAIA in charge of his combat pack. That’s still recon unit, but in this mission I guess that we all would see some real action.”

“Thank you, my alpha.” Said Varjo and bowed his head.

“But what about Ian?” asked Kaata. “Won’t he fight?”

“I need him at my side.” Said malawolf. “I have a plan of making our all’s mission a bit less <action>. By the way, Kaata, as you father resigned from his office, the RAIA is up to you.”

“What?” gasped wolfess but in next second she added with humble voice. “Yes, my alpha.”

“So… let’s go!” ordered hybrid and they all stood up from the snow.

Steele’s son let them pass and he waited for another subordinates. He had still few orders to give and few decisions to make. Finally he noticed ones he was expecting. Ian and Flame were marching in soldier’s tempo, in spite that neither Aarre nor January wanted them to go. Scout was in theory able to action, but his freshly injuries were still far from being fully healed. “But whose are?” asked himself wolfdog. “I’m quite beaten up too, not to speak about Kaata. Yet we all are going… And I still am not sure, for what.”

“Ian, madam Flame… come here!” mother and son joined alpha-alpha in his easy walk. No other unit was in sight, so they were marching alone on forest route, just before Reindeer Creek.

“Yes, my alpha?” asked scout. He said it with airy and playful tone. After all he was still like a big brother to his leader. In his voice January could hear a joy and relief. Ian fully reconciled with his mother. And moreover he made Aarre to teach all Pack’s soldiers Istana’s traits. Then Pack’a Prisoner Policy secured safety of whole family.

“Oh, madam Flame…” murmured alpha-alpha. “I have some mission for Ian, but I guess you should stay with the army… or somewhere else. We set with Ian, that you will wait outside the Home Valley and reunite with whatever party wins, giving appropriate story…”

“O, no!” laughed Flame. “You won’t rid off old lady so easily. What is that mission? I could help my son. I march as fast as he do.”

“Ian, judge yourself.” Said January. “I need to be guided to Home Cave… discretely, with no alarm and before our army arrive.”

“Werk!” snorted scout. “That’s hard. Do you have some plan?”

“I prefer not to say it right now, but perhaps we will win this war without a single battle.”

Ian grinned and looked on mother. “I knew it! Actually he did seduce Talbourne princess!”

“No!” called malawolf. “That means… actually: yes, but it doesn’t…”

“Youngsters.” Smiled Flame. “But what we should do? Just to guide you to Home Valley?”

“Yes.” Nodded alpha-alpha. “I will give my orders to Aarre, Kaata and mother. They will manage. In the same time we will infiltrate Talbourne and finish this conflict before it starts”

“Sounds good to me!” exclaimed Flame, hearing that even Pack’s Prisoners Policy wasn’t required to save her family from war-mayhem.

*

And they entered the ice. About five miles south from place that was usual outpost of the Pack. In normal conditions on the other bank there should be some Talbourne patrols, watching for possible assault. But January assured his army that all enemies were standing in old place, waiting for support that would never come. Malawolf didn’t intend to meet with Tenu again. Instead of that, he guided his forces via frozen backwaters and entered Talbourne Dominion not harassed by any threat.

Before he went ahead, he came for the last time to Aarre to give last orders and make sure all was going as they had planned. At least at first glance it was. Old Uniea looked on hybrid and asked.

“How long it would take, before they notice.”

“I guess that some time… but be quick, if you are able. We don’t have to risk.” Beta-alpha nodded his head. “And remember – don’t say a word to my mother before I go far enough. Then carry out your orders. I know you will obey all her wishes, but she doesn’t have to know. Right?”

“That is kind of your vengeance, my alpha?”

“No, that’s kind of my thanks. She will understand.”

”If you survive this trip…” murmured commander.

“Cheer up!” smiled January. “Recently you wanted me dead, remember?”

“You have the same sense of humour that your father had.” Said Aarre.

“Let’s assume that was a compliment.” Replied malawolf. “I’m going. We will meet in Home Cave. Until then, take care of my soldiers.”

“It will be done, alpha-alpha.”

*

In fact it took some time before they noticed. Tenu was sure that January would be just a bit late, stopped by some pack’s issues. But those “pack issues” could take a day or two. But three? Maybe January returned to Haven and there announced his leadership. But all heard wolf howls just on the other side of Reindeer Creek. At morning of third day general started to revise his assumptions.

He was a bright wolf, rational to the core and that was his main weakness. If he decided that January had an interest to deal with him, he acted as if that was a irrefutable dogma. But after seventy two hours of waiting mercenary started to doubt in his own infallibility.

“Check the bank.” Ordered lieutenant Kimby. He already regretted that he sent Tan with Maya. Orangefurred was Talbourne, but trusted one. After two years of perfect service he had nothing to do with cry-pup that Tenu remembered from his earlier days.

“Yes sir!” replied Kimby. “I’m going now.”

He was back in just half an hour. And even before that he howled on alarm. He ran to main outpost, to meet Tenu ordering a fall of troops. He was exhausted after long run, so he fell down in front of general.

“Report!” ordered mercenary. “What the hell happened?”

“They… came through… about ten hours ago.”

“WHAT!?” yelled Tenu. But before he fell in rage, he gave the required commands. “Setting off now! Direction: Home Cave. Maximum possible tempo of march in perspective of three days… Ten hours!” called to the sky. “He lied to me!”

“Sir, he actually gave no word.” Noticed Fida. General slapped blackfurred wolfess with his paw. He was too weak to hurt her, but it was obvious that any sign of discontentment was worse torture for female than tearing her fur apart.

“Shut up!” yelled mercenary. “You two go with me. We must run faster and warn the Home Cave. Howl to Home Cave…” commanded to nearest liaison. “Tell them that most likely whole Pack’s army is on the way!”

Of course Packers heard that warning howls and Aarre ordered to speed up. How ironical was that in Home Cave alert gone unnoticed. Simply all wolves there were so wrapped up with boiling conflict inside the clan that they forgot about war with someone outside.

And January just ignored series of communication howls. He was running, guided by Flame and Ian and not thinking about anything. It was so simple – to speed ahead and take no heavy thoughts into mind. He was running away from decisions, and with every step he felt lighter. He was closer and closer to Maya.

*

Steele was looking on it from the sky making no comments. Not that no one would hear him – he would always call for Shade to chat, but in last… days, or whatever was the measure of time in afterworld, dark wolf became rather silent and secretive. And that was not good – after all he was the basis of the plan.

“Hey, Shade!” called Steele. Noticing that his companion was not replying, he moved. In land of dead space matters not, so malamute just focused his will and found himself just in front of dark wolf. But also in front of second immortal. Aniu.

“Shade, what the heck…” Then Steele noticed white wolfess. “Oh, lady Snow-white. What a surprise. May we help you?” asked with irony.

“No, you cannot help it.” Said Aniu with tone of such sureness that Steele felt fear. That’s not common in afterworld.

“Shade, what is going on?”

“I’m so sorry, Steele.” said dark wolf. He stood up from transparent sky-floor and came closer to his mother. “Don’t take it personally… but you know… Alliances change, the family does not.”

“Tip, please!” asked with confused voice.

“I guess you already know.” Said Shade. “I really did want to help you… but I had my own goals from the start. And recently I learned that those could be accomplished in different way. After all, just a heart to heart talk could help.”

“Still no idea.” Murmured Steele. “Don’t you tell me, you give up! So, you mommy beat you?”

“Our long argument wasn’t a zero-sum game. It was a tragedy that hurts us both.” Said Aniu with soft voice. “It took me centuries to understand that… and for my son it took the same. But we finally learned that all we need is to forgive and forget.”

“You don’t say, that you…”

“I wronged my mother.” Said Shade. “I was proud and selfish. And then I gone crazy to do what I did. But I asked her for forgiveness.” Steele’s jaws dropped.

“Shade killed me.” Said Aniu. “But that was I, who hurt him earlier. I inflicted him wounds that no mother has right to. I failed my son as a mother and I finally understood that. And he forgave me.”

“That means… means…”

“Call your son off, Steele.” said Shade. “There is no more reason for him to fight.”

“Do it, Steele.” added Aniu. “If he even think about hurting my sweet great-granddaughter, I… we will kill him!”

For the first time in both his life and afterlife, malamute felt he was really trapped.

XIII. Battle, holy Battle

Aarre felt unsure, but it was obvious – after all his venture depended on intelligence data not on careful strategic plan. Simple assault to Home Valley was always an option that tempted him, but due to numerous reasons he always postpone that to future. Before that trip he had to be sure that Talbourne military was split, because maybe better trained, but for sure smaller army of the Pack was unable to strike enemy fortress that was fully wolvved. Old commander knew that possibility of catching clan out of garde, with part of forces still on West Bank and some in home was perfect option, making chances greater and casualties of Packer lesser, but still – that all depended on proper judge of January. Aarre trusted his alpha, but was aware that malawolf was in fact very young alpha.

But for two days it was going all smoothly. Scouts reported about pursuing army of Tenu, but although one wolf could move much faster and catch Packers in several hours, whole army, two divisions of almost hundred wolves each could march with certain speed, unable to increase it drastically. And even if general would ordered frenzy run for his soldiers (Aarre knew that hoaryfurred wouldn’t), wolves of the Pack could speed up too. That was a vicious circle – faster Tenu moved, more exhausted and consequently less efficient his wolves would be. Aarre had even an idea to wait for pursue and gave Tenu a real battle. Perhaps Talbourne were on own territory, but attackers had still numerous advantage. Before mercenary joined his forces with defenders of Home Valley, Aarre could dictate the terms. But he was – as January told him – still going ahead, to reach capital of foes quickly. Young alpha-alpha promised them victory without bloodshed.

That was a cheeky declaration and old commander didn’t believed in that. So he was going to do his job. It was a beautiful moment – he was on lead of his troops, doing what he could do the best and wolfess he loved walked by his side. Ea was silent for the last days, still scared about her son. She needed a helping paw, a care of trusted friend. Aarre also in that field performed his duties gladly.

And Uniea… old commander didn’t believe that January was actually ready to fulfil Steele’s last will. Aarre never fully shared dreams of malamute and expected that his son would make an update, changing and cutting the aims to present times. Whatever would emerge from clash of Talbourne and the Pack wouldn’t be neither Talbourne nor the Pack. But Aarre and his old companions believed it would be renovated clan of Uniea. Old clanes or their children were over a half of army and consisted the biggest grexist group in whole Coalition. Many Uniea wolves were marching along with beta-alpha, connected with him by the same dream. That was their sacred battle of resurrection.

“The march of future troopers

It's leading us on stage

It takes us into future

It takes us to new age” seemed to sing wolves of deceased clan.

“Aarre…” Ea whispered to ear of beta-alpha. “You seemed to be so calm… But I can’t stop fear about January…”

“Well, that’s a soldier’s trait.” Replied greyfurred. “We are uneasy, when you – politicians – have your games, but we instantly calm down when the outcome is about to be settled by well known and measurable means of force. January has a soul of soldier. He prefer to do thing my way!” But in fact Aarre couldn’t be more wrong.

*

January was running with Flame and Ian. They easily avoided any Talbourne patrols, thanks to Ian’s skills, but also due to wolfesses’s knowledge. She new much about sentries, from Istana. Scoutess was never fully initiated to the plan, but she had to see what was her mother up to. And she willingly told clan’s secrets. But the way itself was just a beginning.

They reached outskirts of Home Valley exactly at he dawn of old year’s last day. No one planned so showy entrance, but it just happened. January ordered his guides to rest, before final infiltration. He needed a break himself. A rest and some consideration.

“As I said – Ian should join our military, but you, madam, are not a soldier. I strongly advice you to stay aside.”

“I wish to witness it.” She said. “And besides… I must make sure my family survive this. I know that the order is to spare lives of Istana, Viin and Ralph… but I want to make sure… they would allow you to spare them. I want convince them to give up, if the battle broke out.”

“Ma’am!” smiled January. “Have you ever thought that we could still lose?”

“In that case I must watch if Ian gives up.” She replied. “Sorry, my alpha… I admire your involvement and zeal, but for my long life I learned that only one thing that matters is the ones you love. Your family.”

“Easy to say.” Said malawolf. “My beloved ones are split into opposite parties.”

”And mine not?” asked Flame. “I had to make a cold-logic calculation, to protect them all. But I did it, because I love them all. I pray I’m right.”

“So… what would you advise me?” asked January with shivering voice. “There is an alternative – I am loyal to what I swore to my father, or I follow what my beloved asked me to do.”

“You are sure, that there is no other way?” she asked and he nodded his head. “So… I’m sure that in right moment your heart would tell you, what to do. Think, for what you are loved… and keep it up.”

“Yeah… but I will have a seconds to make a decision, most likely.” Said malawolf. “And if I choose wrong, many could die. I’m so scared about error.”

“Only dead ones make no errors.” Noticed Flame.

“That a vote for my father’s commands?” asked January with grim voice.

“Not, that a vote for your own judgement. I don’t know, whom you will choose… but I believe that the others will understand it.”

“Thanks, madam.” Replied January. “I guess you give me no answer, but it’s now somehow clearer anyway.”

They chose a small pan to take a nap. Malawolf wanted to enter the valley just before the dusk, to use the cover of darkness. He regretted that Ian was about to return to main forces – he wished to have experienced friend at his side. “But in fact it’s useless.” Thought hybrid. “I’m poor scout and presence of soundless Ian won’t make me any quieter.”

“Good night… or good day, whatever.” Said January. “Wake me up about hour before the sunset, all right?”

Perhaps sleeping so close to enemy is usually rather a poor choice, but in that particular moment they were safe as in Haven. In Home Valley almost all wolves were wrapped up by something different than searching for enemy’s scouts. If January looked carefully, he would noticed Maya returning home.

Brownfurred made her way rather slow, partially due to still aching paw, partially to Tan’s paranoia. Orangefurred lieutenant seemed to see Black and his sidekicks behind the every tree. He cleared all sentry outposts between Reindeer Creek and Home Valley from soldiers, to strengthen Maya’s retinue. After all everybody seemed to glad because of that – Tan, because Maya was safer and Aarre, because he encounter no guards whom he had to bother with killing.

Since five days Talbourne capitol was enflamed with growing argument. The division was clear – two parties emerged from indecisiveness. Tram was supported by his followers, but also those who wished Maya on lead generally believed in news about future relationship between cousins. Just few wolves replied Rose’s taunts about inbreeding perverts, while rest of “Mayalites” without zeal, but with calm determination went on southern side of Talbourne Creek where Tram was gathering his supporters.

At the first glance party of Sheik was in deep troubles. Serious group of wolves supported Aleu’s son, but that was still less that joined acolytes of Maya and Tram. Yet many undecided claners, who didn’t want to show any affiliation before, levered the balance. After all Sheik was a child of previous alpha. Most of traditionalists gave their conditional support to Aleu’s son.

There were rumour about Black’s involvement in Maya’s failed assassination. But Rose countered those with her own gossips, sounding no less unlikely. After Teele gave her agree on official duel instead of juridical trial, no one cared about the truth, but just hoped for a good show. And Tram realistically estimated that he stood no chance against Black. So he hoped that Maya would be back in time and then fix everything.

And Maya returned. She entered the main ledge and then all wolves turned they stares to her. Sheik and Tram ran to her, but Tan – seemingly ignoring all family-connections – stopped them about twenty yards from princess, as well as all wolves who were trying to get to brownfurred.

“Maya!” called Sheik. “I’m so happy that you are safe…”

“…in spite of his efforts.” Added Tram with poisonous voice.

“Lady Maya!” called Teele, pushing crowd of wolf aside and getting to her. Tan eventually let her go. “It’s so good to see you… Please, tell us, what happened at Reindeer Creek?”

In the same time a wave of whispers and gasped of amazement sounded among Talbourne. Four guardians of Home Guard were guiding young Ram. Lightfurred wolf was scared and severely beaten up. Sentries were almost dragging him to square and wolf seemed to follow only because of not full awareness. It was clear he was held as a prisoner.

“He is the one, who wanted to kill you.” Said sergeant Will. “He was hidden on Eastern Route, preparing to throw avalanche down.”

“He… is from Stardust Pack!” called Maya.

“Lady, is that true that he and his companions tried to kill you?” She nodded her head and all stared pointed not on her nor Ram, but on Rose, standing with her pups on Northern Ledge. But soon after that whole attention came to Sheik.

“That’s… that’s a misunderstanding!” started Aleu’s son. “I had nothing to do with that! Maya, tell them, please!”

“Do with what, sir?” asked Teele with polite voice, but it was obvious that Sheik ceased to be claimant and became a suspect.

“Teele.” Said Maya. “Thank you for your concern, but as a future alpha, I will solve it myself.”

I was done. Brownfurred for the very first time declared that she wanted to lead and no one protested. Just a whisper of confusion but also of agreement came among wolves and in next second Talbourne clan was looking on Maya as alpha-to-be. But few question were still open – was that true she mate with Tram? And what would happen with Stardusters, Rose… and Sheik.

“Leave him alone!” called voice from the crowd. It was Black.

Wolves dispersed form that area, showing darkfurred, slowly going to the centre of gathering. In almost combat rank, five wolves steeped to inside of audience circle and stopped in front of guardians. Tan gave a tail-wag and all sentries formed a wall before Maya. Just for sure.

“Let him go.” Said Black. “As temporally alpha of Stardust Pack I’m fully responsible for actions of my packmates.

Hearing that Rose gasped with fear. She closed her eyes, fighting the vision of imprisoned friends, most likely destined to be trailed and sentenced. She had a duty to help them… But Sheik… pups… in the same time she couldn’t. So she stood alone, praying for Aniu for any help.

Aniu had a bit different problems - overall lot on her head that moment - but let’s focus on clan’s issues. For a while all wolves in Home Valley were thinking what Black was up to. He entered the circle of audience and soldiers, in fact allowing guardians to catch him any moment. And he indirectly confessed his guilt.

“I must not involve Rose in this.” Thought darkfurred. “She is only of us, who could gone uncharged…”

“Black.” Said Maya with sad, yet decisive voice. “Why did you wanted my death?”

“That you wouldn’t became an alpha.” Said wolf. “And not mate with Tram, repeating the disgusting sin of his parents!” Actually he invented it just moment before, but it was a way to sidetrack any suspicions out of Rose.

“Wasn’t there any other motif?” she asked, looking in his eyes.

And there she found something she didn’t expected. A plead. He was silently begging her, not to dig that case. It was obvious for many that Black was just a scapegoat, he was taking Rose’s guilt. But if Maya accepted his sacrifice, redfurred and consequently Sheik were safe. Both sides wanted that – Black for Rose and Maya for Sheik.

“Why do you do it?” asked brownfurred with quiet voice, that only Starduster heard it. But for her own loss, Rose opened her eyes ion that moment. She read from lips of packmates. She made a step ahead, but Sheik stopped her with sudden nudge.

“Stay still!” he gasped. “God, we have pups! You can’t help him, just drown yourself.”

“Right, Black.” Said Maya aloud. “I don’t share you beliefs, but understand them. I’ll try to be benevolent for you all.”

“Let Ram free.” Ordered Black. “It’s me whom you want.”

“Don’t push it, Black!” said Maya with sudden decisiveness.

And then all happened at once. All Stardusters, who set thing up, pounced at Maya. Only Black and Garm reached her, while rest was stopped and pinned down by guardians. But Garm grabbed Maya and Black froze with jaws put on her nape. Guardians recoiled at once.

“Move and dig her grave!” gasped darkfurred to soldiers. Then whispered to brownfurred. “Sorry, girl, but it must be that way. Believe, I’m in the same deep swamp as you are.”

“I know.” She replied. “I admire your devotion. But… Christ’s sake, you can’t kill me now!”

“Any reason?”

“Well…” she murmured, giving one and only reason she wanted to live. “I have a date soon.”

“Coagulations.” Snorted Black. “I’ll do what I could.” Then he called aloud. “Wolves of Talbourne… We were unrightfully accused and we need to show our innocence. There is just one way to do that. I demand a Trial of Aniu, against liars that accused us. Against Tram.”

“That was a suggestion?” asked Teele, looking on Maya, in grasp of Garm. “All right, I guess we have limited choice… However remember: if you challenge Tram in case about whole clan, he could take a champion to fight instead of him.”

“But if Stardusters will come to the trial as whole pack, he could pick as many champions as are Stardusters… but minus one. He had to fight.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Nodded Teele and Tram gulped.

“Is that our law?” he asked Teele quietly and when she nodded again, cursed. “Werk! I should have hired a lawyer!”

“Are you ready, coward?” called Black.

“But all your pack have to fight.” Said Teele. “Even him.” She pointed on wounded Ram. Black cursed badly. “And Tram could pick any five champions he wish. Even elite soldiers.”

“Sorry, pal!” called darkfurred to Ram. “We have a duty.” Bruised prisoner nodded his head.

“NO!” called Rose. All eyes turned to her. “As mate of Sheik I have no bounds with former stardust Pack.” She declared. “But still, I could fight in name of Ram.”

“No, wait!” called Black with desperate voice. “Rose, we have all in control and…”

“I won’t let you die.” She said. Then she turned to her mate and whispered. “I don’t know, how it would end. So if… it goes wrong, take care of kids… And find them better mother than I was.” Before Sheik  managed to stop her, she entered circle of guardians.

Trials by combat - iudicum Aniu - should been fight on the Fighting Pillar, but due to extraordinary conditions, it was about to take place on main ledge, before entrance to Home Cave. Rose joined her pack and nestled to Black’s side.

“Why, Rose…” he whispered. “We could have done it alone… And now… you could die.”

“My pups are still of our pack.” She said. “And I couldn’t stand as you doing my job for me.”

And then Maya understood she was about to die. Plan of Black was desperate, but quite logical. To kill in team deathmatch Tram and then kill Maya, who was still captured. Then via facti Sheik became the one and only claimant and no one judges the winners. New appointed alpha would acquit charged ones, whatever they did. That was only Black’s hope. But to do that both Tram and Maya had to die.

“Thanks, sister.” Said darkfurred to Rose. “I love you.” In his voice sounded Maya’s sure death.

“January!” thought princess desperately. “It was so close… but somehow I blew it. Forgive me.” She felt an overwhelming yearning for malawolf, that even muffled fear of death.

Tram chose five best soldiers that he could find there and entered the improvised arena. Maya was pushed to the edge of ledge. There was no way for her to escape unnoticed by Black and even she tried, she had to cross the area of duel. Starduster thought about almost everything. Almost.

Maya choke the scream in last moment, seeing with amazement that just next to her was standing January. Hybrid was partially transparent, as if he was not a living one, but a ghost. But he was substantial for sure – he nudged princess’s side and Maya noticed as she herself started to blur. In the same time just next to them appeared a phantom, looking exactly as brownfurred wolfess.

“Just follow me!” ordered January with decisive whisper.

Her head was full of questions, but she was in the same time scared to ask them. However one observation came before all next: as a saviour, January had an impeccable timing.

*

It happened just hour before. January felt father’s presence in his sleep. He opened his eyes, to notice he had actually no eyes, at least not in material sense of that word. He was outside of his body, floating above Talbourne Home Cave. Was saw scene on ledge before Home Cave, but also what happened on east from there. Aarre was leading his army, he was just few miles away, while Tenu chased him. But it was obvious that main part of mercenary’s forces would be much too late. January smiled.

“And that’s the last good news today.” Said Steele.

“Father…” whispered malawolf and bowed his head in greeting. “So… this is real.”

“I hate to say, but yes.” Replied dog. “And I must tell you know the worst order I could. Or no, but…”

“Father… what happened?”

He didn’t replied, just showed. January saw Aniu and Shade at her side. Mother and son were looking on scene below with concern and even with some uneasiness, but that was common emotion. They didn’t look like enemies and they weren’t.

“They reconciled.” Said Steele and put to son’s mind single set of all necessary information. In time shorter than blink of an eye, malawolf learned about ancient conflict between Mother of Wolfkind and her son. About appointing Light the successor after Aniu and wrath of Shade. About fight, when Shade killed his parent. About Light, who died from despair leaving his Pack orphaned and starting the Great Dispersion of Wolfkind. And about centuries and ages when Shade was fighting with his mother in afterworld to settle old hurt. And then last days, when Aniu and her dakrfurred son reconciled. Steele wasn’t sure if Shade’s plan to destroy Talbourne was a fake from the start, opportunity to show his good will to mother, by stopping it, or it was real, but darkwolf left it. But the outcome was the same. Steele was alone.

“I’m here just two years.” He said. “And they are immortal spirits since ages. I’m no match for joined might of those two. I can’t win this war.”

“War…” Whispered January.

“Yes.” Nodded Steele. “Whole my life I was a murderer and sinner. But at autumn of my road on Earth, I changed. I met your mother, fathered you… and settled Pack to fight the only idea I thought worthy to fight for. Talbourne reign will be a catastrophe and there is so little to do with it.”

“But Aarre… our army…” started January.

“You know, why Shadow chose Maya as the future alpha?” asked dog and his son shook his head. “Because only by her agency Aniu could help her clan. In every generation there is a Champion of Aniu, wolf capable to take his power from powers of Wolfkind’s Mother. Once that was Balto. After him the gift inherited Aleu… I’m not sure why, but after Aleu’s death, that trait came to Maya. Thanks to her, Aniu could boost Talbourne army with might that even Aarre’s soldiers couldn’t stand.”

“So why…”

“Shade told me that he could transmit his powers on me and I could give them to you. But Shade betrayed us!”

“And what now?” asked January and seeing Steele’s muzzlial expression, he gulped.

“All the Pack will die… As long as Maya lives - whatever she likes it or not - Aniu could make Talbourne invincible warriors by Maya’s agency.”

“No, I will ask her…”

“To what?” asked Steele. “To have mercy on them? Spare their lives? But still, Talbourne will win. Still wolves will be imprisoned in tyranny of that abomination.”

“So… there is no chance to win it?” asked January.

“There is always a chance.” Said Steele. “But it requires a sacrifice I can’t demand.”

“Tell me!”

“If you kill Maya… but no, Aniu won’t let you… But if you wound her… even tire her, there is possibility I would disrupt Aniu’s protection over Talbourne and that would give our army chance to… retreat alive.”

“Mom…” whispered January. “Kaata… Ian!”

“They are trapped between Home Guards and Tenu.” Said malamute. “Maya would let them go, but Aniu won’t. She know, what danger for her children the Pack is.”

“I won’t survive the duel with Maya, if she is boosted by immortal… or two.” Said January.

“I could take out Shade.” Replied Steele.  “But Aniu herself would be acting still. There is no chance to win… but if you somehow tire Maya’s body, Aniu will have harder task to do with killing our family.”

“I guess it’s a Banzai charge.” Smiled January. “Just like your Expedition of Avengers… Dad, I loved this story.”

“Son, I’m sorry to ask you about it, but…”

“Make a room for me here.” Replied January. “I will join you soon.” He turned back, but then stopped and added. “But know one thing. I don’t do it for saving the World, the Ways of Nature, nor for the Pack. I’m doing it for you!” And he woke up, on the snow, next to Ian and Flame. He had a job to do – to die wisely.

*

Tenu was running at full speed, but weak body of general couldn’t gave him proper tempo. He had to make breaks often, yet was still faster than his army. “Just to get there.” Thought. “I would defend Home Valley for a while even with those Home Divisions…” He called to Fida and Ama, running by his sides.

“We split up! I’m going to Home Cave and you take all military personnel you spot here. Understood?”

“You are going alone?” asked darkfurred sister.

“I have no other option. Go now, you have an order.”

“But sir…” started white wolfess. “You could…”

“I wont die.” Snorted mercenary. “I’m far beyond this!”

*

Steele was weaker than Aniu and Shade, however he wasn’t helpless. He equipped January with all powers he could spare. Malawolf didn’t become invisible, but supernatural coat that covered him absorbed most of light shining on. Because it was a dusk, hybrid was very hard to spot.

Few thing in his body changed. He instantly stopped to produce any sweat nor hormones and just in minutes his scent was reduced just to slight aroma, easy to miss even by skilled sentries. He still made sounds while moving, but spell of Steele’s power slowed down his breath, to make him almost inaudible in careful sneaking.

That was why he simply walked among gathered wolves, paying limited attention of Rose’s drama and came to Maya. As soon he toughed her, similar effects affected her. Those two withdrew from ledge, leaving visual phantom of brownfurred.

“Where we’re going?” asked Maya, still confused with so many improbable events.

“Far from those madwolves.” Replied January. “Just… follow me, right?”

She followed, asking no more questions and tempering her curiosity. But when they reached the Fighting Pillar, she smiled in mind, slowly understanding, what he was about to do. “He will announce himself Talbourne Alpha.” She cried in mind, barely repressing joy. “And then we become mates!”

Path up was a serpentine, coming on sides of pillar. Those seven coils took them up to snowed roof of rock. There instantly magic coats disappeared – after all Steele had to save his strength for harder battle. Maya could see January, who came to edge of pillar. She came after him and kissed him passionately. However she sensed as his muzzle was tensed.

“Maya…” he said with soft voice. “Whatever would happen, be aware that I love you. I love you as no one on this world. Remember it. And know, that I will forgive you everything.”

“Jan, what you are talking about?” she asked with confused tone. “We will be together, right?”

“Maya, please, announce you are taking over your clan.”

“But Jan… shouldn’t we do it together.”

“No, it must be that way.” He said and two tears escaped his eyes. “Maya, I’m so sorry it came to this!”

*

Shade and Aniu were looking on scene with confusion. Finally white-furred wolfess turned to Steele and said with calm voice.

“Thank you with saving Maya again… But believe me, we would deal with it ourselves. My son and me. Why did you do it?”

“Soon, you will see.” Replied dog. He gently crouched down, being ready to pounce on Shade. “Let’s the party started!”

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

Chaos is usually beautiful, but most creatures who are in chaos have much too much on their heads to marvel at it. Those creatures usually are desperately fighting to stay alive and thus all beauty of the unpredictable escapes them. But sometimes chaos manifests itself in such amazing way that it has a power to freeze all life in admire.

Tram chose five soldiers he knew of being skilled. He didn’t remember their names, just recalled they were serving in First Unit in old times when his father Everest was sergeant there and later was in Alpha’s Own Guard, when Saba was on lead of whole clan. Those picked wolves didn’t protest, however they seemed not to be very avid to fight against Stardusters.

“Sir.” Said silverfurred male, who’s mane was – if Tram recalled right – Brian. “Just… let us do our job. Stay in centre of line and do not charge before we do.”

“Yeah, sure.” Smiled Tram, who had no will to step before the rank.

They formed a line and stopped against Stradusters. Pack ordered in strange formation, where Rose was behind arc of friends. But seeing her, Brian felt some uneasiness – it seemed that accused group knew how to fight. Rose was not shielded, but simply put back to pounce behind the enemy’s line. Perhaps it was a suicidal plan to win the fight, to order fragile female attack in the hardest charge, but Brian learned that Stardusters didn’t want to win the fight. They wanted just to kill Tram.

“Sir, take cover!” called Talbourne and in the same moment two lines of combatants clashed.

Tram was pushed back by Black and Rose fell on them, aiming on his nape. Those two rolled aside and stronger, yet completely surprised male was being chocked by desperate female.

“Mom!” called Max and started a scared howl with his two sisters.

Presence of pup was noticed and wolves, who just moment before wanted Rose dead, then reconsidered their cheers. After all lost of Stardusters meant a family tragedy. Then stares came down to Sheik, who was running to Teele.

“Stop it! I order you to stop it!” yelled Aleu’s son.

“Sorry, boy.” Replied inter-alphess. “But it’s the law.”

“Screw the law!” growled Sheik and jumped ahead to assist his mate. He was stopped by two scouts. “Let me go, God dammit!” he yelled. “Can’t you see they kill her?”

Istana thought just a time of blinking eye and stepped back. “Sir, I could help you to stop them.” she said.

But in fact Rose was going quite well. She pressed Tram to the ground, locked her jaws on his nape and clenched them. Saba’s son tensed his muscles and prevented sister-in-law from killing him in one blow, but just for time. He got weaker and weaker with every second and he would be most likely done for, if not Brian’s relief.

Soldier ran to Rose, grabbed fur of her back and in one decisive move tore her away from Tram. She flew back, holding a patch of male’s fur in her jaws, fell on the snow and slid farther on slippery snow. And then chaos broke out.

Rose slid into Maya. And in the same moment silhouette of brownfurred disappeared, leaving just a cloud of snow and confused redfurred in that place. Deathmatch instantly died, as combatants turned their stared to spot where just seconds earlier had been hostage. And then was no hostage.

Black was rational wolf and thinking what exactly happened there was beyond his reach. But he instantly calculated what meant loss of prisoner. He turned to his packmates and yelled with ultimate despair the only command he could give.

“ALL PAWS ON DECK! GET TRAM!”

All six of Stardusters – because Rose stood up too – rushed on Tram. Wolf hadn’t manage even budge, before wave of enemies deluged him, pressing down and pinning into the snow. Brian and his companions jumped just after, but Saba’s son was already trapped.

“No!” gasped Sheik.

“NO!” called a voice from the Fighting Pillar. It was so decisive that everyone stopped. Even Stardusters, just tearing Tram’s fur apart. Above gathered Talbourne felt dead silence. “Stop it.” Added Maya.

She was standing on the edge of pillar, looking on clan in front of her. The plateau of pillar was almost at the same altitude that main ledge of Main Cave, but brownfurred was looking with so unhesitating self-assurance that it seemed she was miles above. Her voice was chilling to the bone in such amazing way that many didn’t recognise young, charming girl they knew before.

“As the new alpha of Talbourne Clan I forbid you to fight! Step aside now!”

Rose seemed to indifferent to that charm, but Black nodded to her with clear instruction of obedience. The situation got dire, so darkfurred was looking for any chance to shun the death. He, Stardusters and Tram’s soldiers stepped back. Only Tram himself stayed on the snow. He was severely wounded, but loud moans he gave assured the audience he was still alive.

“Somebody help my cousin!” ordered Maya. Then she looked back on January standing just behind her.

“Good.” Malawolf nodded his head. “Now, again announce you are the leader of your clan.”

“As you wish, my love.” Replied wolfess with soft voice. The difference between her commands give to Talbourne and sad tone she was speaking with hybrid was stunning. Thankfully no one heard that and no one asked why was that way.

“Wolves of Talbourne.” Called Maya. “Being asked for it by Shadow, my uncle and previous alpha of the clan, I taking an office of alpha. I’m not asking you, what you think about it, I just do it, to save our clan from war and split. If anyone has anything against, I’m waiting for the official challenge.”

In Home Valley silence broke out. Over seven hundreds of wolves were looking on new-acclaimed leader with no response. Of course no one dared to reply. Rose wanted to, but decisive stare of Black stopped her. Sheik also wanted to react, but he simply couldn’t pressed by pangs of consciences and fear about Rose’s fate. Tram wished to say something too, but pain was keeping him silent, or allowing just to cry quietly. But there sounded one voice.

“I challenge you.” Said January, putting all his might to utter it calmly.

Maya turned to him and looked deep into his eyes. She was in tears already, what wolves downthere couldn’t see, but malawolf watched just in front of him. She was breaching fast, gathering her strength to reply. Moment lasted long seconds, making hybrid almost to cry too.

“Why… January?” She asked simply.

“I’m so sorry…” said Steele’s son. “But fortunately I will be punished for that soon. Maya… I love you and I know what must be done. Just do it and know I understand you have to.”

“Jan…” she whispered, stepping aside, away from the edge. “What are you talking about… I’m the alpha! Don’t you understand? Talbourne is under power of wolfess who loves you… I won’t let Tenu nor anyone to hurt your friends and family.”

“Are you sure?” smiled malawolf. “Aniu will be here in moment.”

“Aniu…” uttered brownfurred and then she saw her. “ANIU!” she bowed her head.

“Yes, my child.” The voice of immortal sounded not in the air, but in mind of wolfess. In the same time it sounded also in head of January. But malawolf made no gesture suggesting a respect or fear. “That is me.”

“Aniu… I’m your loyal servant and follower.” Whispered Maya. “I will lead your clan according to teachings you left us… But I’m begging you to forgive and spare family of my future mate. I love January and I don’t want him to suffer… nor to suffer any of his friends.”

“My child.” Said white wolfess, coming to her great granddaughter. She stopped before her and snow, that was gently falling from the sky started to falling through her body, discretely reminding that guest was out of this world. “January is son of Steele, who killed your father. I don’t hold any grudge against him, and you shouldn’t hold too. But he and his pack are danger for our clan. There is no way you could live together, if young January doesn’t bow to me and enter my path.”

“Only prints I could follow are my father’s.” said January.

“See? He persists in his errors.” Added immortal. “It’s up to you, to correct him. And for his companions…” sighed Aniu. “I’m afraid that we can’t do too much.”

“Of course, you can’t!” growled January. “We are free creatures, who live as we are meant to live. We won’t bow our heads to your sick utopia. We deny your path is true… that even it’s real. I’m ready to die for this.”

“I think that my Maya isn’t ready to let you.” Smiled Aniu. “Maya… tell him, please.”

“Jan… I beg you.” Sobbed wolfess. “Leave it! Be with me, become an alpha at my side… I will protect your Pack.”

“I’m sorry, Maya.” Replied malawolf. “It is happening for too long. Talbourne Clan hurt too many wolves to uphold it’s existence any day longer…”

“You won’t stand a chance against us.” Said Aniu with bored tone. “I will stand for my great granddaughter and kill you, if you don’t give up. Then, thanks to my blood in her veins I will lead her against the Pack. This is your last chance to surrender.”

Silhouette of Aniu started to blur. But it didn’t disappeared totally, but became a half-transparent cloud that flew to Maya and entered brownfurred’s body. Maya yelled with fear mixed with excitement. Suddenly she felt unbelievable power floating her veins. She smiled and looked on January.

“My love… I’m one with Aniu! Together, you, her and I could do anything.”

“Soon we will see, if you could kiss me, without biting my throat.” Smiled malawolf with bitter smile. “Maya… open you eyes… I can’t bow to your ancestor.”

“But it’s a suicide!” yelled wolfess.

“No. It’s a sacrifice.” Replied January.

And in that moment they hearts met. Silent talk was done without words, without even thoughts, just by simple emotions. In time shorter than a heartbeat, January cried aloud all he was feeling. That he loved Maya and that he wanted to stay with her with all his might. But he couldn’t. Brownfurred read what was in hybrid’s mind. His and Steele’s plan to stop Aniu. And that father and son had right – there was no other way. Aniu was ready to wipe out any threat for her children. And if not her alone, there was Shade to assist.

“You see?” asked wolfdog. “I can’t stay with me… We must fight. I guess I have no chances to hurt you, but I must try, at least to buy some time for mom and our army. Soon you will lose control over your body… and kill me. I know that, I knew that coming here. Please, don’t blame yourself… Just… don’t hate the Pack. We wanted good… and it went as usual.”

“No, Jan… it can’t be!” she whispered.

But then she felt an urge to go to the centre of pillar. She spread her front paws a little and gently crouched, taking a classical combat-posture. She bared her fangs, in spite she didn’t want to. She tensed her muscles, but then felt there is some outer force to command her limbs. Her pupils extended and vision became sharper. Her adrenal glands deluged veins with adrenaline. Ears erected to catch any slightest impulse. She – who had been never taught to fight, became a killing machine.

“No, Aniu, please!” called brownfurred, but she was given with no response.

“You see?” asked January, smiling and barely repressing own tears. “I love you, just remember that. And remember one thing more. I don’t do it for any idea. Only thing I want is to follow the way of my father.”

Maya was crying and making circles to find the best position. January wasn’t sure if it was Aniu’s influence, or brownfurred was trying to play on time. But she was only postponing the unavoidable. Immortal almost totally possessed body of her great granddaughter, leaving just tiny space for her will. From that crack floated tears.

But suddenly Maya stopped and inclined her head aside. She clenched her jaws, and narrowed eyes. The fight she was fighting with outer will was easily visible.

“I love you too, Jan.” she whispered. “And you are right, we can’t blame ourselves what we had to do. I won’t be angry on you… and your fangs won’t hurt… I hope.”

“Maya, what…”

“I hope you to have good life.” She continued. “At side of Kaata, I guess… She is a good wolfess, good for you. I hope you will fulfil your father’s dream. If that is your dream, it’s mine too.”

“Maya, what you are talking about?” asked confused malawolf.

“Jan… I love you. And I’m not doing it for any stupid idea. I’m doing it for you.” She gasped, inclining her head even more and exposing her neck. “KILL ME! QUICK! I CAN’T HOLD HER ANY LONGER!”

“Surprised?” asked Steele, looking on Shade.

“What is the meaning of this?” asked dark wolf, floating over the pillar.

“Guess!” smiled dead dog and pounced on Shade.

*

Tenu was running like hell, cursing his weak body, cursing his parents to conceive so weak pup, cursing his pack for not to make him tough. But then he understood that he found his strength to change the world only because he was weak and lost and that he was fighting for weak and lost ones.

“Go… GO!” he ordered his paws, but they are indifferent for commands. He, who was leading Talbourne army couldn’t fasten his own limbs to quicker run. “Too weak! Always too weak!” He thought, but he clenched his jaws and swallowed the bloody saliva. “Yet, I must go! I survived in my pack, I won with my brother, I gathered my Brotherhood. I will win this battle!”

Small wolf was running to Home Valley in fastest chase he ever moved. Yet, it still was too slow.

*

“What the crack!” yelled Tan, seeing very suspicious moves on the pillar. “Did that bastard challenged her?”

“Most likely…” nodded Teele.

“So… take him down!” yelled orangefurred. “He could kill her.”

“I guess it’s all in duels about.” Noticed old agent. “When she saw as few soldiers set off to path on pillar, she growled. “Stop! That’s a law of our clan.”

“Are you mad?” yelled Tan. “He will kill her!” and he jumped ahead to help his step-sister.

But soldiers were waiting. Istana, Mary, Michael, Josh and Yupik were loyal to alpha of the clan. But duels were to determinate who was an alpha of the clan. For young scouts whole world seemed to fell apart, but if anything stayed still in that mayhem, that was a sacred law of Wolves Code. And in desperate impulse they were ready to defend it with their lives.

They pinned Tan down, immobilising him. Istana didn’t dare to bite officer, but she was holding him tightly. She looked on Teele and old wolfess nodded her head. To be honest, we must say that intelligence commander was as lost as her subordinate and she also took a asylum in solid cave of clan’s tradition. The law was the law.

“Let them fight!” called Teele louder.

If wolf (male of female) enters territory of other’s pack and she or he doesn’t ask for hospitality nor bow before local alpha, he is not the guest of pack. She or he has right to challenge leader for leadership. Usually such fights were fought just to surrender of one side, but that time situation was different.

*

January was desperate, knowing that his actions are last chance for the Pack’s army. But Aniu was also aware of stake she was gambling. She learned that Steele told his son about her bound with Maya and young hybrid knew that killing Maya would doom whole clan.

Steele was wrestling with Shade. As “freshly” deceased, malamute hadn’t even a quarter of power that dark wolf had. But both combatants were immortal and were fighting not to kill each other. Dog wanted to keep wolf busy and wolf tried just to help his mother in killing January – you must admit that Shade had much harder task. Steele was countless times thrown down to the ground (what ground!?), but he stood up and again harassed immortal. Shade couldn’t make any serious action.

Meanwhile Aniu was deeply in Maya’s body, guiding her actions. But she met the resistance from least expected source. Her great granddaughter was disobeying her orders.

*

Fortunately, January was acting faster than thinking. Before he analysed situation, he pounced ahead on Maya and tripped her. She fell on the frozen rock, still exposing her neck. Malawolf bended down to finish the duel, but then he was stopped. At once few factor took effect. I assure you, that biting throat of your girlfriend isn’t an easy task, and definitely wasn’t for hybrid. Additionally January seemed to be unable to hurt any female. He just froze half of inch to Maya’s throat and waited a second, when wolfess’s paw – guided by Aniu – painfully slapped him in muzzle. Then she slammed his side, sending him back.

“Jan!” she yelled. “You must kill me, before she takes me totally.”

”But how?!” gasped malawolf. “I love you!”

“I love you too!” sobbed Maya and pounced on him.

She overturned him and grabbed his right-front paw in jaws. Hybrid managed to take it back in last moment, because a grasp that came just after would have crushed his bone easily. Wolfdog pushed female away – she stopped on the other edge of pillar. Of course Aniu instantly ordered her descendant to stand up and prudently step away from the bluff. Then she (they?) pounced on January.

Hybrid gasped from amazement, seeing as brownfurred made ten yards in one jump. He concluded that supernatural support of Aniu was far beyond his skills. He tried to think it over, but again muscles acted faster than brain and January shunned landing wolfess. He rolled aside and hearing that Maya/Aniu didn’t left it up, he crawled ahead. Brownfurred who again jumped just second later, hit a spot where used to be malawolf’s rear paws.

“Jan!” was calling Maya, however her voice became guttural and muffled, as if Aniu tried to suppress it too. “My hind leg still hurts! Attack me from behind!”

It was easy to say (or not? Wolfdog suspected that brownfurred put some real effort to utter that), but harder to do. Aniu was seeing much more than wolf should – thanks to astral point of view she was every, even smallest move of enemy. So each time malawolf prepared some unexpected manoeuvre, she countered it instantly.

“Dad!” thought January. “Your help would be nice.”

“I know that!” yelled Steele, being again sent to the floor by Shade. “I’m working on it!”

*

Tan was still pinned down and trying to break free. He was shouting commands, but in general chaos no one listen to him. Stardusters tried to stay in one group, but pressing crowd of frantic wolves, that was cheering the fight, simply rammed the pack and mixed with it. Rose and Black were taken out from rest of crew, but somehow also pushed closer to Sheik.

Aleu’s son tried to get to Fighting Pillar, to assist Maya, but soon learned that was useless. If Teele would even let him go, chaotic mass of watchers would squeezed him in process. So mates met.

“Where are pups!?” asked shocked Rose.

“There!” Sheik pointed a hummock with muzzle, because he was unable to raise his paw. “They are safe… until they are in place.” Then he looked on Black. “Hey… thanks for that.”

“We are pack, after all.” Replied darkfurred. “Whatever happens.”

And then Tenu entered the scene.

He slid down from slope of valley and stopped but before creek. Then continued his run, panting heavily. In that condition, he didn’t look as dreadful commander, but simply weak wolf who tried to run fast and failed. However panting voice of mercenary was still powerful.

“Stop it! Stop that fight!” Unfortunately almost no one heard him, so he decide to do the job himself. He started to pierce through crowd to the pillar.

Aarre and his vanguards entered clearing about two miles east from Main Cave. Old commander and Ea looked ahead to see not prepared ranks of enemies, but unexpected gathering, swirling and bursting in chaos.

“Are all wars looking like that?” asked whitefurred wolfess.

“I don’t know.” Replied Aarre. “For the very first time I see one from some distance.”

And then two shaped entered clearing too. All black and second – all white wolfess ran through Pack’s rank. No one identified their as friends, so few wolves rushed to stop enemy, but they were too fast to get caught. Soon they disappeared after gorge’s bend.

“And who the heck was that?” asked confused Flame.

“I have no idea.” Murmured Ian. “And if we didn’t have to retrieve Jan, I would advice sir Aarre to wait until they finish… Whatever they are doing now.”

*

Tenu managed to move inside the crowd just thanks to unbelievable luck. No one recognised him as general and even if few creature did, it was much too less to make him a way. So furious mercenary started to bite at random encountered Talbourne.

“Crack off, buddy!” growled some brownfurred wolf, bitten in paw.

“Stop that duel, you morons!” was screaming Tenu. “Maya can’t die!”

“Calm down, pal!” growled another wolf. “You shut off my view!”

“Damn you!” snorted general and hit side of sergeant Cayce.

“And where do you think you’re going!?” asked soldier with irritated tone.

“Up! To stop them!” panted Tenu. “They can’t fight! No wolves should! Now we are far beyond it!”

“He’s mental.” Judged brownfurred watcher. “Throw him to last row.”

“Let he thought!” screamed Tenu and when Cayce didn’t move, he bit his paw, reaching the bone.

“Holy crap!” yelled Cayce, looking on his wounded limb.

“Hey, he bit sarge!” called private Mike and pounced on intruder.

Tenu never knew what happened. Suddenly several wolves standing and crowding there turned to him and started to bite him at random. He fought back, hitting few of them. Finally they let him go and hoaryfurred moved on. His muzzle was dripping with blood and whole body was overcome by weakness.

“No…” he panted, entering the spiral path up. “Stop them! They can’t fight! It will ruin everything.

Blood of wound he inflicted dropped to the ground. General was running, taking another and another serpentine, but still some warm liquid was dripping on the rock. Hoaryfurred didn’t looked down and didn’t see the torrent of red, floating down from him. To be exact – from his bitten throat.

“No!” he called, coughing with blood. However he felt no pain and was looking ahead, to the top of pillar. “You must not fight! Unite! Let’s stand together and win!”

His step became slower and slower, while more blood was running down to his paws. His hoary fur slowly turned to red on chest and front paws. But general was running still.

“Weak, always too weak!” he thought, making another step and trying to focus his sight. Yet, the world slowly was fading to black.

“No! don’t fight!” howled with desperate might. “We are beyond it! We are far beyond it.”

And then he fell down on path, dead and late.

*

January hit the rock after another Maya’s/Aniu’s throw. He felt several bruises on him that only miraculously hadn’t turned to fractures. He was bleeding with five of six deeper cuts and knew that at that rate he would faint due to haemorrhage. But he still couldn’t deliver the final blow. Each time he was watching on Maya, he saw her eyes, sparking with love and devotion. That was the strongest shield that Aniu could use.

“Jan… please… faster!” whispered brownfurred.

She was bleeding too. Wolfess was generally weaker and more fragile, but power of Aniu made her almost invincible. For every blow that January delivered to his love, she returned five. With every second of duel, dire state of malawolf was clearer.

“Why do you resist?” asked guttural voice that surely didn’t belong to Maya. “It’s never too late to give up.”

“Leave her!” cried January. “I don’t want her die!”

“I don’t want it too!” replied immortal. “So just give up!”

But in those words both Maya and January heard fear. Wolf-spirit was actually scared about her great granddaughter. When brownfurred sensed that, she made her head to bow slightly. Malawolf read the signal and pounced ahead, hitting her back.

They overturned and rolled aside. But Maya overestimated her might. Aniu quickly regained almost full control and pressed January down. She grabbed his neck and only to tension of muscles didn’t squash the spine. Aniu smiled with Maya’s lips, what clenched jaws even harder.

But hybrid resisted. He was holding with remnants of his strength, but holding still. He hoped that overusing of Maya body’s abilities would finally effect with some pulling or sprain. Aniu knew it to, so she changed her tactic. She started to pushing malawolf to the edge of pillar. Maya’s eyes blinked, as she understood what immortal wanted to do, but she couldn’t give any warning – her mouth was filled with January’s neck.

They reached the edge, in spite that hybrid tried to stop. Maya was looking into his eyes, or to be exact into his one eye – because her jaws were locked on his neck, their brows were almost touching. In wolfess’s eye she saw fear and determination. He read her soul.

“Jan…” heard hybrid. “She can’t hear it… I’m so sorry, that I failed… Forgive me, Jan. I love you so much… I knew we are destined to be together from the very beginning. When you saved my life. Took me out from river… Carried me on and…”

“Carry!” shouted January in mind. He was choking, so his thought started to fade too, but that one burst brightly. “Honey… you are at least ten pounds lighter than me.”

“I fend for myself… just for you.” Smiled Maya in heart.

“We must… stop Aniu.” Called January with his thoughts. “Are you ready for a trip? Down?”

Her thoughts came the same way and she knew what planned malawolf. To jump down with her, killing themselves. That was still cutting Aniu out of her earthly agent and still giving a chance for the Pack. And finishing their problem in the easiest way.

“I’m ready, my love.” She replied. “But this way I will make alone.”

January shook his body and threw Maya’s up. Two tangled bodies moved to the edge to meet the certain death. They were still looking in each other’s eye so malawolf saw as Maya is bursting with sheer power of her will. In spite that was impossible in earthly logic, Maya’s body was lifted up on January, but in spite to fell down the edge, it stopped and changed direction. Just a blink of an eye later it was falling back on the plateau and hit it hard.

Aniu ordered Maya’s jaws to clench even more, but it was not malawolf’s neck that broke first. In air sounded a crack of breaking bone and it was Maya’s spine. Brownfurred hit the ground, and slamming with backbone into sticking out rock. The kinetic energy of collapse, directed in that one point was much more that spine of wolfess could take.

And in that second the spell was broken – Aniu was pushed away from brownfurred’s body. She managed just to hold in rear part, behind the fracture. And when back of dying mortal coil was kicking hind paws with desperate hatred, front of Maya returned to her born-nature, to the nature of love.

“Jan…” she whispered, letting wolf loose out of her paralysed paws. “It doesn’t hurt… because I love you! Just be happy… and try to remember me! My love… my alpha…”

January joined with her in passionate kill, but just after he touched her lips, he felt as she was already away. He draw back.

“This is not, as it should be…” he uttered with breaking voice.

But then – with rest of his strength, both physical and mental – he stood up. He turned to the edge of pillar and looked down on Talbourne wolves and – what he noticed then – Pack’s army, waiting about half a mile east.

“Wolves!” called with shivering voice. “As a winner of duel… I killed your alpha…” he took a deeper breath and added. “And from now on, I am the alpha.”

That was a moment when all was to be decided. Crowd of wolves would run to him and tear him apart. Of course that would be followed by attack of Aarre’s army, however it wasn’t the best consolation for killed claimant. But it didn’t happened.

Teele lowered her ears as the first. Then came Istana and her unit. Fortunately Tan couldn’t spoil it – he fainted down, after one of Istana’s hits. More and more wolves bowed their heads in confirmation of the new leader. Furious and crying Sheik was held on the ground by Black. Tram was too weak even to raise his head and see what happened.

“January, alpha of Talbourne.” Called Teele.

“January, alpha of Talbourne.” Replied choir of wolves and then a collective howl reached the midnight sky.

Malawolf waited as they finished, then raised his muzzle again and called. “As an alpha of Talbourne Clan, I announce… the dissolution of Talbourne Clan.” Because silence that fell than was stunning, he added. “We are clan no more. Go back to your packs.”

And then he collapsed to the ground.

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

“Yes, yes, yes! We killed me!” exclaimed Maya, floating above her fallen body. But in the same moment he understood some other consequences of that fact. “So that means… I’m dead.”

Steele was waiting. Because on astral body none of injuries could be seen, his recent fight with Shade left no trace. As soon as Maya’s body was killed and Aniu pushed away from it, dark wolf ran to his mother, thrown to higher firmament. Dead malamute left alone and he could safely welcome his dead almost-daughter-in-law.

“Well… yes.” He said, standing before brownfurred. They were just above the Fighting Pillar, of course out the edge of material world, yet close. “But don’t worry so much. I discovered that being dead has some advantages.”

“You are January’s father…” whispered Maya and he nodded her head. “Nice to finally meet you sir.” But then she looked down. “January!” she exclaimed.

“Calm down!” smiled Steele. “He will manage.”

*

Apu, Tulo, Toima, Ian and others scouts from Ian’s unit surrounded malawolf with tight circle, ready to stand for self-deposed alpha. No one could predict how would act the crowd and if January’s command would be obeyed or just ignite clan’s wrath. But at least for several minutes no thing happened.

“January!” called Ea from below. She, Aarre and some bodyguards made the way through almost to the foot of pillar. “What happened?”

“I’m alive, mom.” Replied malawolf. “I’m going down to you…”

He stood up with heavy effort, but just snorted with irritation, when one of scouts wanted to support him. He walked to lifeless body of Maya, knelt down and kissed her motionless lips. Then looked on his companions.

“But… if you’re so kind… Take her down. We must find some nice place…” then he stopped, for to not burst in tears.

Apu – with Toma’s help – took dead alpha on his back and sad retinue moved to path down. There they met Kaata. Wolfess was also running to the pillar, but still aching wound on thigh made her slower. She stopped, seeing her beloved with mournful muzzle and body of Maya, carried just after him.

“Oh, January…” she whispered.

“Just… don’t say anything for while.” He replied. “I must… somehow explain it all to myself.”

He walked next to her, still down and by that accidentally pushing Tenu’s body of the ledge. Hoaryfurred wolf felt down to gorge. Meanwhile Kaata waited several hybrid’s steps, turned back and followed him without a word. In that order they got down to the foot of pillar.

“January!” called Ea and ran to her son. She nestled to his side, crying quietly.

“That’s me, mom.” Replied wolfdog. “I guess…”

Then to them came old sergeant Cayce, hobbling due to wound on his front paw. He stopped before January and bowed his head. Malawolf missed that gesture, because he was watching as Apu put Maya down on the snow.

“Ekhem…” grunted sergeant and alpha-alpha raised his stare.

“You are going to kill me or what?” asked with voice completely washed out from emotions.

“I’m waiting for orders, my alpha.”

“Are you from Beech Pack?” asked January. He shook his head. “So I’m not a proper creature to give you any commands. Where is your alpha?”

But in the same time the uneasy silence of Home Valley was pierced by a twin screams. Fida and Ama finally breached through the crown and got to lifeless Tenu’s bodies. Sisters stopped over dead wolf and gave bone chilling calls. On that sound life seemed to return to January, at least his combat routine.

“Apu, Tulo!” he gasped, gathering all will to thing he could. “Call our troops. Watch out those two, there could be a problem. Circle them and…” But then Fida called with yelling scream.

“Who did it!?”

“Easy, my ladies.” Said January, coming on shivering paws into sister’s direction.

“He is dead…” cried Ama with unexpectedly soft voice.

“Yes, he is dead.” Agreed malawolf. “But I bet he didn’t want you to do anything stupid because of that.”

White and black wolfesses looked on each other and gently nodded their heads.

“It’s over, sis.” She whisperer. “How we could life, if we let him die?”

“But… at least we were with him… and it never fell us out. I love you, sister.”

“May we talk about it?” asked January nervously, but it was too late.

Twins pounced ahead in banzai charge, biting, slashing and hitting at random in crowd of wolves that had a badluck to stand in their way. That was even not an actual revenge on anyone, just furious run against all who lived. As Tenu was dead, twin considered themselves dead too.

There were wolves of Talbourne, random watchers of duel. Fida and Ama killed five in initial rush, but then self-preservation instinct – as due to crowd they had nowhere to run – ordered them to defend themselves. Sisters were exhausted after a long run, panicked and furious, and contrary to popular beliefs such a berserk rarely make fighter more efficient. If twins wanted to break away and run, they would have done that easily. But they stayed in sea of wolves fangs and claws, quickly being overran with that flood. Just after two minutes white and black wolfesses were killed.

“Sir, are you all right?” called Toima, who made way to alpha-alpha.

“Yeah…” murmured January. “Thanks God I’m not their leader anymore. That was not my fault… But I tried.”

“Of course, you tried, sir.” Replied scout. “But now, come with me… to lady Ea.”

But malawolf ignored her and started to climb the path on main ledge. He was walking in chaotic crowd of Talbourne wolves and if anyone wanted to kill him, he could do it. But it seemed that shock of Maya’s death was so hard that claners were too lost to feel any anger. So hybrid came to cave’s entrance, where he noticed inner circle of Talbourne wolves – Sheik with Rose and pups, Teele with her scouts and some wolves examining Tram’s wounds.

“Teele!” called January. “Have you any idea how to send them away without any massacre?”

“I guess that your sidekicks are better disciplined.” Replied old agent. “If some one starts massacre, it would be you.”

“No, no more.” Said wolfdog, coming closer to cave. “Order… no, just tell them to find their packs… for every wolf to find a pack or go at her or his own if that fits better…”

“Steele!” murmured Teele. “So… you really did what Steele wished to.”

“I did!” gasped malawolf. “I doubt if I ever forgive myself…” He shook his head and looked on the other wolves. “But anyway… persuade who you know to leave Home Cave. From now on they have whole peninsula to live.”

“And you?” asked Teele with bitter voice. “The Pack is still one… You rule over Yukon Valley with iron paw and could subordinate us easily.”

“Yes, I could.” Smiled January. “But I will surprise you, I hope – I’m going to dissolve the Pack, as soon as we get back to Haven.”

“So you want to gain some practise?” asked old agent, but malawolf ignored that caustic.

“Rose!” called hybrid, coming closer to redfurred. “Was it you, who wanted to kill me?”

“Yes, so what?” asked wolfess, baring her fangs and stepping ahead to shield her pups.

“So I guess you have some brains here.” Grinned malawolf. “Just… some wolves here could want you bad… get your mate and pups… get your pack and get out of here.”

“I thought you would have some grudge.” Replied a bit confused Rose.

“I thought the same too.” Said hybrid. “But it passed away. So, will you be all right? You and… Stardust Pack.”

“I guess…” seeing that malawolf was turning in other direction, she called after him.

“And what will be the name of your pack?” she asked. “You know… to someday tell my grandpups about this mess.”

“Beech Pack.” Replied hybrid. “I’m reviving my father’s pack. And if we ever meet… I hope that would be in better times. I’m sorry for Lake. It was really unplanned. You should know a little about messing the plans.”

And then he walked to wolves, surrounding Tram. He gently pushed two of them away and stopped over wounded male.

“Hey, I see you will be most likely all right.” Tram nodded his head. “I guess that due to chain of strange events, you are alpha of Talbourne. But Talbourne Pack, not the clan. Remember about it.”

“You… killed Maya.” Whispered Tram.

“Yes. And that will be something for me to remember.” Said January and walked away.

He had still lot on his mind – to withdraw Pack’s army to the Haven, perhaps also dissolve Tenu’s divisions in progress. And there, in home, somehow made his subjects not to follow him anymore. The work seemed hard. But he smiled anyway, knowing that mother and Kaata would help him.

*

But there was someone else to assist - maybe not in our world, but close. Steele and Maya were watching malawolf, as he was leading army back and announcing dissolution of the Pack. What was quite surprising, wolves took that news quite well.

“They are tired too.” Said Steele, looking on the scene below. It was sunny, January day - frosty yet clear. About midday, just after his son ordered his Pack cease to exist. “They were living for four long years in something… odd. The same odd as was Talbourne.”

“I see.” Replied Maya. “Now I see it clearly. I’m glad that you two succeeded – you and January.”

“With such an assist he was bound to win.”

He saw tears in her eyes and hugged dead wolfess. Of course those were not actual tears. Of course that hug was not what we could name like that. In sky-world all is different, but somehow similar. Steele tried to comfort Maya.

“Look, I know that…”

“No, it’s not about me.” She sobbed. “I’m just happy. Happy that all ended good and all live happily…”

“Except of those who died.” Noticed malamute.

“Yes, but it’s a price I would pay again and again.” She added. “It all is going in good direction. Surely not to utopia, surely it won’t be ideal, but if world someday was perfect? Now I know that our… and nature’s way if in the end much better than dreams of Aniu and Tenu.”

“Sure.” Smiled Steele. “Look, they downthere seem to be rather satisfied.”

*

In case of the Pack it all went smoothly. Because coalition was already divided into packs, wolves just joined their families and started to walk away. Soon on the square in front of Main Haven Cave stayed just small group of those who were meant to live near Yu Range. And some creatures most dear to January.

“Your speech was so touching, that I really regret it was the last one.” Said Kaata and laughed with her cheeky laughter.

She came to January and gave him a short kiss in his lips. Quickly after events in Home Valley silverfurred became old Kaata – her charming insolence and black sense of humour returned. All her fears died with Maya – she had no longer a rival and in the same time she had clear conscience. After all she stepped down, seeing as January really loved Maya. Brownfurred’s death wasn’t a tragedy for silverfurred, but as Kaata thought – God witness! – she should hadn’t died, if she wanted to be with January.

“I still feel strange, keeping the Pack’s cave.” Murmured malawolf. “That could be taken as a sign I’m still a ruler of some kind. We should have gone from here, leaving it free.”

“Leave it, if you wish, comrade.” Replied Kaata. “I’m staying here.”

“I wonder what would you do, if I really went away.” Murmured hybrid.

“I don’t know… maybe biting your tendons to keep you in place?” She laughed.

Then Ea and Aarre came. Together with heavy dose of shyness, as if they were two years juveniles. They stopped in front of hybrid.

“Oh, mom…” said January. “Kaata still wished to stay here. Perhaps she is right, because our pack will be rather big. With Varjo and Toma…”

“Son… are you looking for two betas?”

“Mom, of course…” started Beech Pack’s alpha then looked on Aarre. “Two?”

“Well…” she turned her stare into the ground. But her son looked on Aarre and smile.

“That was what we planned before. Aarre, this is my vengeance.” And two wolves burst with airy laughter, recalling their talk on East Bank just few weeks earlier.

“I’m not sure what they are up to.” Said Kaata. “But I guess they laughing at you.”

“Let them laugh.” Replied Ea. “Do not analyse. The war is over and you could stop to be intelligence-agent.”

“And what I should become?” asked silvefurred.

“It would be extremely embarrassing, if I gave January siblings, before you gave him children.” Noticed Ea.

“That’s kind of blackmail, I could be subjected willingly.” Smiled Kaata.

Ea stopped Aarre giggling by kissing him. Then she looked east where some Uniea wolves are going in Yukon direction. No, wrong – those were not <some> Uniea wolves, but all of them. Uniea Pack that Kova revived (her son was an alpha, but she kept the power in fact) consisted just twenty jaws and that was perfect number for an ancient family. Uniea Clan was lost and already mourned. The Uniea Pack was alive and will be, I guess as long as there are wolves and forests in Alaska.

Rest of day Beeches spent on saying goodbye to various pack that were leaving Haven. None of wolves of those families was longer subdued to January, but due to old sentiment, all former members of Defensive Coalition just for one time wanted to bow before old leader.

January was watching his former subordinates with care, checking if forming of packs was going smoothly. Of course, they were some tensions, alpha-duels, but just in case malawolf kept two combat packs of mist trusted soldiers to appease any conflicts. It was no longer his concern and those two units were freelancers (were they?), but malawolf knew that nothing was so hard to plan and run as spontaneous and enthusiastic events. Dissolving the Pack was no different.

Of course January – after advises of mother, Varjo, Kaata and Aarre – kept some emergency procedures. For one year Pack’s military was to be ready to came to Haven on January’s call. Just in case if some overambitious member of late Talbourne clan would try to rebuild power of dissolved organisation. However January was almost sure it wouldn’t happen. Nature took her turn and life of Alaskan wolves seemed to returning to traditional path.

January hoped Nature took. Not because he was sure it was the best way, but he knew that was what his father wished.

Ian, Flame and Toima came to say goodbye, but it was just a symbolical one. <Frosty Pack>, named that after <Frosty Pass>, as kind of humoristic memento for Ian, consisted of whole scout’s family with brownfurred as an alpha and Toima as an alpha female. They wanted to take some cavern about ten miles north from Haven, to stay in neighbourly terms with Beeches.

“I guess it can’t be helped.” Judged Ian. “The Pack will be some kind of unity for some time. We will visit each other, support each other… but until it is accompanied by some authority over, I guess it’s all ok.”

“He made some buddies even on Talbourne side.” Laughed Kaata, looking on malawolf, but then stopped, somehow scared not to pull a nerve. “Sorry…”

“Never mind.” snorted January. “Have a good trip… whatever short it is. See you!” He looked on his mate, mother and new gained step-father. “Are you going?”

They all turned to Main Haven Cave that then become just a Beech Cave. Perhaps as it was almost empty, without hundreds of Pack’s wolves it could seem a bit scary, but in fact January considered it as more comfortable then.

*

“Sweet endings.” Murmured Steele. “Few more kisses and I’m gonna puke!”

“Due to place where we are, you should be extremely careful.” Said Maya and they both burst in laughter.

“Holy smokes!” smiled malamute. “I like your talks. You would fit my family perfectly… or maybe you will? After all, when January mated with Kaata, you are still available.” added malamute.

“We are dead, Steele.” replied Maya. “Just in case you haven’t noticed…”

“Well, yes, but for some time we will be here, in-between the Sky and the Earth.” He looked down. “Listen… I really appreciate that you are with me here, helping me out… But you know – if you are really missing your kins, you could go higher… to meet them.”

“No way!” smiled wolfess. “I mean, I miss them… but they won’t escape. We will all meet in few years. And meanwhile I could watch January, help him and protect him. That is what I want. I guess that is also why you are here too. Am I right?”

“Sure, I still have to rear that lad.” Laughed malamute. “But see… there are also some other reasons we are put here in charge. You know… previous arbiters of the sky took a holidays. A short - not longer than few centuries - holidays to make up for lost time. To again say <sorry> and explain all misunderstandings.” He looked up.

There, many miles upper, maybe so high that no earthly measure could express that distance, on the highest firmament were lying two wolves – mother and son. They were nestled to each other, talking quietly, perhaps she was singing a lullaby to her pup. Both parent and child were centuries old but mother will always be the mother and son will always be the son. Some things would never change.

After a long and completely useless argument, Aniu and Shadow were loving family once again.

The End

Taka_PL - November 2007/February 2008

All characters are protected with copyright and belong to their creators

Original Balto Trilogy characters (just Steele?) belong(s) to Universal Studio

Characters taken from “RTW Saga” belong to Anthony Rotramel

All new characters belong to Taka_PL

Additional Notes:

Motto of the story is taken from Nicolas Gomez Davila (1913-1994)

Inner text quotes are taken from Josef Maria Klumb’s lyrics “Adoration to Europa” (ch I.) and  “Bellum, sacrum Bellum” (ch. XIII)  performed by Von Thronstahl. “Bellum, sacrum Bellum” excerpt is rough translation of German lyrics made by author. Original text is as follows.

„…Bellum sacrum bellum…

Die Truppen von morgen

Sie geben uns Geleit

Marschieren auf die Zukunft

In eine neue Zeit.“

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