A few words from Tony, who started this all with his monumental saga:

[Sometimes as readers we stumble upon a story that we really like and enjoy... but that we as the readers have a different vision for. This has happened to me. I read Juuchan 17's Confession series and in my mind came up with the idea to write "Balto: A Forbidden Love". I was always grateful to her for letting me change her idea around, and I always told myself that if an opportunity came to do that for someone else I would take it. ...and here it has. Taka_PL came to me and asked me for permission to use my characters and storyline in a Fanfic of his own. I agreed and he started work on the story before you now. I can tell you that when he asked I never thought that it would turn out as good as it has. Taka, you have impressed me, both with your storytelling and vision. My best wishes go out to you and your work as it continues and I will definitely be awaiting your next installment in this new series. You have truly crafted a work of art here and I am glad to have been an inspiration to you. ...enjoy!

- RTW]

Balto’s Boy

Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. - Leo Tolstoy, “Anna Karenina”

I. Hero of the Pack

Saying that situation looked dire, wasn’t actually truth. It would suggest that one of sides – wolfpack of bear was winning or at least going well in that battle. But actually all involved creatures were silently cursing the moment when Fort tripped and fell on that ledge. Even grizzly, just awaken from his seasonal slumber was not exactly furious but heavily scared and wishing to somehow escape from trap. After all confrontation with twelve wolves wasn’t a safe thing to do. Being honest – it meant death.

But wait a second – why the hell wolfpack attacked lone bear near his lair? Why the heck, in the middle of December grizzly was awake and ready to face numerous foes? All it happened by an accident. Beech Pack was just passing by on the Southern Path, trying to get down to Buck Valley before blizzard started. It was extreme misfortune that sleeping bear at that moment awoke to correct his slumber position. When giant creature sensed wolves scent, he made his second mistake – he exited his safe lair and came to centre of ledge. And that moment malicious Fortuna chose to make a surprise to Fort.

Pack was slowly stepping on narrow path down, seeing almost nothing, due to heavy snow falling and blowing with growing wind. They could had been already lost, but that time Glemt was on lead. That strange, odd element in pack sometimes proved to be much more useful than pure-blood wolves. Silverfurred husky – maybe not pure-breed, but mix of few spitz kinds – was leading his step family firmly and fast. In spite of blizzard, blowing in his muzzle, he managed to see at least outline of path edge. Glemt, at first sight different from his companions – with shorter and longer constitution, doglike shaped paws and muzzle – at that moment was integral part of team. His step-family was trusting him with every step, taking in unknown. It wasn’t dog’s fault that Fort tripped. Alpha of pack just slid on frozen stones and fell down to the ledge, three metres below them.

And that was the point – he hit snow in the middle of ledge. In that second grizzly was sniffing the air and standing… behind confused wolf. Greyfurred alpha was trapped – on left he had a dead-end: shallow cave and bear’s lair. The exit from ledge – place from where he could climb up back to path – was about five metres right from him. But between him and way out there was a surprised grizzly. Before unfortunate canine was about two hundred metres of almost vertical cliff. Behind him was just three metres of solid rock wall. But there was no base for wolf’s paws. Climbing was impossible.

“Werk!” cursed Tro, seeing her mate trapped.

To reach safe haven in cave, bear had to pass next to wolf on narrow ledge. To escape from platform Fort had to pass next to the grizzly. There was no room for negotiations – none of two trapped creature could entrust other. One of them had to die.

“Hold on!” called Tro. “We are coming down.”

“No, wait!” replied alpha, overscreaming the growing blizzard. “It’s too…”

“What we are doing now, bro?” asked greyish female to husky. She, as the daughter of Forer – previous leader - and chosen as a new chief, should make a decision. But in fact old-leader’s adopted son was almost as important in pack as pair of alphas. It was normal that charge of pack was… well… in charge.

“Go down!” commanded dog, letting rest of pack pass him by. “Go on entrance to that ledge… and keep bear engaged for a while. Just give me a minute…”

“For what!?” yelled Elske, beautiful brownfurred she-wolf, just coming to Tro and Glemt. “Don’t do that, whatever it…”

“It’s your brother down there.” Noticed alpha.

“Glemt, don’t do anything stupid…” sobbed wolfess.

“Just go!” hastened them dog. “Trust me, it will work.” He looked in her eyes, but just for a second, not to show his own fear. Elske’s eyes were deep blue, now narrowed due to freezing wind, but dog noticed anyway a spark of love and concern in her stare. “I love you…” he whispered. That words drowned in storm, but she read those from his muzzle. “I’ll be safe.”

“Come on, girl!” called Tro, nudging friend’s side. “We have a bear to fight.”

So both wolvesses followed the rest of pack. Tro gave just few words of orders to prepare companions for attack. They all were struggling to save their alpha. Tro was standing for her mate, Elske, for her brother. Losing of Fort was not an option.

“Losing of yourself is not an option too.” Murmured Glemt, searching for ideal position. “Sis and Elske would be a bit upset if I miss.”

Pack engaged grizzly. They just ran to entrance to ledge – narrow path down that lead to rock platform. Surprised bear failed to get there on time – he hadn’t spotted enemies from coming to his ground. If he had defend himself on the most narrow place of ledge he would had been laughing of whole pack. But he let them go close – so he had to fight.

Actually odds of grizzly were minimal. Giant creature could easily kill single wolf. In normal conditions he would deal even with six, maybe eight of smaller predators. But he had eleven against himself. Maybe attackers were in hard situation, because narrow platform allowed only three to fight in the same time. But one of four possible waves of wolves – sooner or later – would get grizzly down. However bear decided to sold his fur dearly.

Tro was crying. Partially due to blizzard, blowing into her face, but also thinking what would happened in next moments. It was almost sure they are able to kill grizzly, but the cost was terrifying. Most likely such a fight would take few lives. Bear was despaired and ready to stand until his last breath. Alpha didn’t know who she was going to lose from her pack, but some casualties were unavoidable. “Such a stupid way!” she sobbed in mind. “And it’s because of Fort!” She didn’t blame her mate for that situation – it was just an accident. But it happened that pack was paying blood tribute for alpha. “And it would be our fault – death of any of them!” In some corner of mind she hoped that she would be a victim of that fight too. “I would pay for our incompetence as a leaders.” She thought, sharing her responsibility with Fort. But even for shortest moment she didn’t think about leaving wolf to die. It wasn’t even about emotions – she loved her mate deeply, but it wasn’t a point. The point was the Law – if member of pack is in danger, packmates had to stand for him or her, doesn’t matter what it takes. If he or she is killed, packmates have to revenge him or her, doesn’t matter what is the cost.

“I hope You will find something fast, Glemt.” Thought Tro, looking up on her step-brother. Dog just froze on the edge of cliff, waiting for opportunity. Wolfess quickly discovered what he was about to perform. “Do not die in progress, bro.” She whispered in mind. “I can’t lose you both!”

“Get ready!” she ordered to pack’s beta, older, darkfurred male, called Annen. Wolf nodded his head, but asked.

“Could you stay in second line?” in his voice a pleading was heard, but with small dose of hope.

“No, I go with you and Venn in first wave.”

“Affirmative, chief.” Agreed Venn, young fast wolf of her pack. So avid to fight…

“…and die!” thought despaired Tro. “Glemt, whatever you are doing, do it quickly!”

*

Husky was observing that scene from path above. He was just crouching in snow, while his silver fur turned out to be almost invisible in blizzard. Glemt took a look on pack, engaging bear and Fort, hardly standing on his paws, growling on enemy. If grizzly decided to deal with lone wolf behind him, alpha would had been already dead. Fortunately giant creature knew that the real threat for him was an attack from the front.

“Keep him busy!” begged Glemt in mind. He was calculating his jump on enemy’s back. He had just one shot and in case of miss he was going to fall to death. If he hit, he still had a great chance to fall with bear, however at least that way he could fulfil his task. “But I will hit!” repeated dog, trying to convince himself.

Tro, Annen and Venn attacked. Well, they actually just sprang ahead, testing bear’s defence. But grizzly instantly waved with clawed paw and whole three attackers jumped back. Alpha was nearest the edge and if enemy pushed her even with part of his might, she would had been flying down to her death two hundred metres below. Fortunately, bear missed.

“Calm down!” ordered Glemt to himself. “You have just one try… You must push him away… and quickly jump back on ledge. You can’t blow this up!” But whole his body was urging him to go. Every strike of pack was endangering his sister and friends. “Just one second… just a moment…”

But then happened what he feared of. Fort attacked.

Seeing his opportunity, or just trying to solve a problem quickly, wounded alpha struck on bear’s back, biting him hard. Wolves of pack yelled with fear and grizzly growled with pain. He turned with unbelievable speed, trying to shake irritant away. But Fort always had a strong jaws – he endured that carousel much longer than enemy expected and instead of being thrown from the cliff, he just was hurled into rock wall. Then he fell on the ledge unconsciousness. There was no time to lose.

Glemt pounced from his place, aiming on bears head. After just two metres of flight, he hit body of foe. At the first sight the proportions of potential were dire – dog weighed about forty kilos, bear maybe even ten times that mass. But husky impacted on neck of standing enemy. Huge body of grizzly in that second became a lever, transforming limited energy of pouncing silverfurred into expected result. Giant lost his balance and with menacing slowness started to fall into the abyss. First part of Glemt’s plan worked. Then only that harder part left.

Instantly when dog sensed his success, he bounced on foe’s back and tried to jump back to the ledge. It wasn’t a hard operation, under condition that bear was passive. But giant – seeing he was already doomed – waved his paw with desperate anger, plunging his claws into husky’s side.

Glemt felt terrible pain in his body, but in the same time understood that possibly saved his life. Blow of grizzly added his impetus and dog was thrown away even with greater energy. He hit the rock wall and fell down. But still on the ledge. Shocked, wounded and stunned – but still alive.

Next thing he sensed were distant voices of his pack and warm touch of someone’s tongue. It took him over a minute to discover that one who was licking him was Elske. Then he managed to open his eyes and see pack gathered around two wounded ones.

“Fort?” asked dog with weary voice.

“Hush, it’s all right.” Whispered Elske. “Lay down. He is fine and a moment ago asked for you.” He nodded his head.

“I will be fine… sooner or later.” Said barely. “Just let me lay for a while… and if you could… hold me. You’re so warm…”

*

In the end Glemt wasn’t able to walk himself. Fort had no serious wound and after about hour he was ready to go. But in dog’s side there were four cuts, made by bear’s claws. Injuries fortunately missed any internal organ, but were bleeding, so Tro made a desperate decision to go further. After a short examination and thought, Annen took a lead, replacing disable Glemt. Then was going whole pack, closed by Fort, carrying half-awaken Glemt. Alpha was in condition good enough to carry his saviour but definitely not as good to lead others. So he was stepping on sure, checked part, serving as a transport. It wasn’t easy, nor safe, but possible.

“Pal, it’s one of those moments I don’t regret I’m such a skinny weakling.” Murmured dog. “You can carry me easily.”

“Definitely not a weakling.” Replied alpha. “You have just taken bear down.” He paused for a while, then added. “Thanks again… We made it safe. If not you, it would be a slaughter.” Husky just nodded his head, what wolf not saw, but sensed. “When we are back in cave, we must talk.”

“Yeah, when we are back in cave.” Replied Glemt and lost his consciousness.

*

Vis – old female, grey-hoary furred shaman of Beech Pack – took a short look on dog to get know he was going to survive.

“Nice scars.” She judged. “But he will be fine. Fortune loves fools.”

“He saved Fort.” Said Elske, putting her beloved in side-chamber of pack’s cave.

“Exactly!” smiled shamaness. “If he didn’t, he could be an alpha male now… and you would be an alpha female.”

“Don’t talk such a nonsense!” yelled young wolfess.

“Just kidding.” Replied Vis. “Don’t be huffed. After all I’ve done my job. Now he is yours.” She exited chamber to main part of cave.

Keep of Beech Pack was a moderate cavern in slope of Bear Mountain. It was in about middle of slope, where taiga forest was slowly turning into birch groves. Entrance to the keep was on south side of mountain, shielded from most of freezing winds and well hidden among trees. It was a safe haven for Beeches. However in winter in cave wasn’t too warm, so wounded patient would use some additional heating.

“Ow… Elske…” murmured awaken Glemt with sleepy voice.

“Sleep. I just came to warm you up.”

“I don’t want to sleep and miss it.” Smiled dog. He raised his head and licked female’s muzzle.

Elske was beautiful wolf, with white fur and perfectly shaped features. Only thing that somehow was spoiling that amazing view were nasty scars on her forehead and cheeks. She often cried about those, sobbing it made her ugly. But each time it happened, Glemt was assuring her she was beautiful and licked every single of her scar in their special caress. Dog knew exactly how those wounds were made. In fact he was the one who prevent cuts from being lethal. Over two years earlier, when they were just pups, left in pack sanctuary, they were attacked by lynx. In the moment when cat was literally biting Elske’s head (and reaching with claws to her throat) Glemt came and in one desperate attack bought a moment for his friend. All three – she, he and lynx fell on the grass confused. It took just few seconds to young canines to start their run, but extremely surprised cat gave them a moment of time. So when he finally started a pursue after his eventual dinner, wolfess and dog were speeding thought forest, howling with all their might. Lynx had a badluck – chief Forer and Annen were near, so they interrupted a hunt quickly. Cat died instantly, tore apart by fangs of alpha and his beta. However for Elske it would had been too late if not heroic charge of dog-pup. Since that time they become very close to each other. In two years a puppyish friendship turned to love. Wolfess didn’t care her beloved was a dog. All that mattered that he was her saviour. On his behalf Glemt honestly considered Elske as most beautiful being on the world. Even those scars couldn’t change it.

“You saved the day again.” Murmured Elske, nestling to husky’s side. Carefully and to right side, aware not to touch his wounds.

“I guess that’s a task of guarding dog.” Smiled silverfurred and licked his love again.

“I though you are more like sled dog.” Noticed Elske, then instantly added. “But it doesn’t matter. You are a wolf. My wolf, to be exact.”

“Yeah, doesn’t matter.” Agreed husky. “The point is that you are close.” Then nuzzled again, but in the same moment the chamber entered Fort and Tro. “My beloved family.” Murmured dog, faking irritation. “They know when to came to… be helpful.” But in fact he wasn’t angry on them. Simply – he wasn’t able to be angry on his step-sister. They were more concordant and loving maybe more than any real siblings.

“Ow, sorry…” murmured Fort. “But we must talk with Glemt. Elske, if you could…”

“Right, I’m leaving.” Instantly replied whitefurred, obedient to her brother.

“No, wait.” Said alpha. “It’s not necessary. In fact we want talk about something that might… well… most likely will be concerning you.” Tro nodded her head and laid down next to brother.

“It’s better?” asked, looking on his side.

“I think it could be worse.” Replied dog with smile.

“Worse!” snorted Fort, uneasily walking in chamber. Elske laid on the other side of husky, so all three were looking on leader, coming from one wall to another. “Worse!” repeated chief. “Yeah, it could have been, because of me!”

“Stop it!” called Tro and Glemt in the same time. In spite step-sibling had no common blood, somehow they were very similar, also with behaviour. Wolfess and husky reacted in exactly in the same way. “It wasn’t your fault!” continued alpha, looking on mate. “Just a bad luck.”

“So maybe it’s time to think for whom Ancestors are caring better.” Said leader with angry voice. “That one should be a chief.”

“What the heck you are talking about?” yelled Glemt. “Fort, is something wrong with you? I thought your wounds are just scratches, and you still easily perform alpha’s duties…”

“Yes, I could.” Said Beech leader. “But today I’m not sure if I should.”

A moment of silence came to side chamber where confused Elske and Glemt were looking on Tro and Fort. Finally alphess said with heavy voice.

“Bro… we were talking much about it with Fort, and we came to conclusion that…” she once again looked on mate then said, almost whispering. “It would be best if you take a control of Beech Pack.”

“WHAT?” yelled Elske.

“Calm down.” Said husky. “I doubt if they are serious.”

“We are serious.” Said Fort and stopped before his brother-in-law. “I will willingly step down. Tro agreed on that. Then you will became our leader with Elske on your side, if you still…” Glemt instinctively nestled to whitefurred’s side, to confirm his devotion, however he still was looking on leader with disbelief. “You deserved to be an alpha countless times. I mean not only that what happened on path, but many times before. You are the clearly chosen one. And after all, you are also male heir of great Forer.”

“But not his son…” replied husky, but instantly added. “I mean… I loved my step-father… I loved my step-mother as no one on this world. I’m proud to call myself their son, no doubt of that.” He took a quick look on Elske on his side and added with quieter voice. “But also I’m not a wolf. I’m just a stray dog that was raised by wonderful wolves. I’m their son in heart and mind… but not in blood. I can’t be an alpha!”

“Why not!?” asked Fort.

“I’m not a wolf!” repeated silverfurred. “Tro is true blood-heir of our parents and you are her mate. What is wrong with that? – you lead and let it be this way.”

“Bro, listen to me.” Said Tro softly. “You are part of this pack. Everyone considers you are Beech and no one would object if you take a heritage of our dad.”

“That’s not a point!” replied husky. “I know you are my truly family, but it doesn’t make me a wolf. Dog should not led the pack, period. Elske has already reconciled with that she won’t be an alpha female. I did it too.”

“Bro, it isn’t funny!” interrupted him Tro. “We came to conclusion…”

“No, listen to me!” almost shouted silverfurred. “I love you all and love the pack. That means that I also will be obedient to all laws and customs of yours… of ours. And the tradition of our people is that pure-wolf should lead us. I’m not a wolf and I won’t be a leader.”

Then some shadow moved in corridor. They herd a voice.

“Actually you are partially wolf. But it makes even worse candidate for being alpha.”

“Vis!” gasped Tro. “How long you are eavesdropping us?”

“Long enough to know what you are doing.” Replied shaman. She came out from the shadow, then they noticed that also Annen was there. “Forgive me, sir, forgive me ma’am, for that indiscretion, but we have no choice. We have to secure existence of pack.”

“Explain yourself.” Ordered Fort.

Shaman and beta came to young wolves. Vis was old, grey-hoary furred female, serving as advisor and priest from times before Tro’s birth. Annen seemed to be in pack from always. Although young pair of alphas was reigning the pack, elders were always discretely running things from behind. Not because of power-hunger. It was just right thing to do. Wisdom of old age is always needed to hot-headed leaders.

“Yes, sir.” Said Annen officially. “We knew what you are going to do… and we had to interfere. There are serious reasons for Glemt not to take a lead and you know something about, ma’am.” Said old warrior, looking on alphess.

“Ha?” sighed confused dog.

“It’s just a legend… It’s not even prophecy, but product of your imagination!” replied wolfess quickly.

“What prophecy?” asked Glemt conspicuously.

“Never mind, it’s nothing.” Said Tro quickly.

“Mind it, sir.” Whispered Vis with grave tone. “Forgive me, Glemt. You know that I love you as you were my son. Since day of lady Bry’s death, I tried to take care over you as mother would. Somehow I dreamed for you to be leader. But also I know reasons that make this impossible.”

“What she is talking about?” asked husky, looking on his step-sister.

“I… We all, parents and I decided not to tell you.” She replied with regret in her voice. “It’s very bad that you get know about it.” Elske nestled closer to her beloved’s side, as he was listening to alpha’s words. “Bro… it’s just about some vision that Vis once had. I’m sure that is nothing more than a dream…”

“No, it’s much more serious.” Disagreed shaman. “It’s also about his actual heritage.” She looked in husky’s eyes. “You have been never told abut whole your story. Your parents… those who raised you decided that you don’t have to know all about your blood-relatives. But know, I must reveal it all in order to tell you about prophecy.”

“What prophecy?” asked in the same time Glemt, Elske and Fort.

“Annen… Will you tell them?” asked Vis.

“There is no need…” interrupted Tro.

“Sorry, ma’am, he should know about it.” Said old beta. “Listen, Glemt, it all started in

February three years ago…”

II. Feral Pup

Beech Pack left its usual hunting areas to hide from blizzard. Wolves were hungry, very hungry, because most of meat was meant for pregnant Bry. Alpha of pack was waiting in sanctuary for her packmates to get more food. So Beeches was wandering on Seward Range, and desperately trying to get their preys. But on that evening those attempts had to be stopped – wind and snowfall became too hard.

Leader led his companions from slopes down to the valley. Blizzard was too fierce to get back to sanctuary immediately – pack decided to stay a night in safe pan, shielded by pine forest. And on next morning they intended to get back on range. After all they were still hungry.

“Sir!” Vis whispered to alpha’s ear. “Maybe we choose another valley…”

“What’s wrong with you?” called chief so loud that even Annen, guiding the pack, took a look back. “No, it’s nothing.” Assured him Forer. “Go ahead.” Then again he looked on shaman. “So, why don’t you want to stay here?”

“My dreams…”

“Dreams!” snorted leader. “Cease it. Those are just… dreams. We can’t let imagination scare us.”

“But sir…” yelled Vis. “I recognise this forest. I recognise this path. We are going to the place that I dreamed of. There we will meet pup who would doom our pack.”

“You recognise?” smiled Forer with irony. “In my opinion every snowed forest looks the same way. Just calm down and leave that nonsense. There is no…”

“SIR!” called Annen from lead. Whole group instantly stopped. “There is…”

Forer quickly came on lead of pack. They entered a quiet pan, just below vertical slope of cliff. On snow drift next to the stone wall there was some darker shape in white snow. When alpha came closer he understood that he was looking on greyfurred husky. Female was lying in weird position and moaning quietly. Chief understood immediately – she just had fallen from the cliff.

Pack surrounded wounded dog. Some of them yelled with pain and compassion – it was clear that husky had many broken bones and damaged spine. It was just a matter of time when she was going to pass away. Forer came closer to stranger.

“Do you read me?” asked with gentle voice.

No, female was barely aware of world around. She was still moaning, even not because of pain, but general shock. Alpha noticed that most of her body was paralysed by spine damage. “At least she feels no pain.” Thought chief.

“My puppies…” whispered husky in malign. “It’s all lost now… Balto… Balto left us!”

“Sir, I think there is little we could do for her.” Said Annen, looking on alpha. “Except of…” He bared his teeth to show in what way he could end dog’s suffering. But Forer stopped him with growl.

“No, we won’t do this that way.” Said. “No killing. Let God take the life He gave her. I… oh my God!” she suddenly screamed. “She is pregnant!”

All wolves carefully looked on wounded one’s belly. She was in advanced pregnancy, just before labour. Of course after that fall…

“She is… bearing!” whispered Annen.

“Vis, can we help her?” asked alpha.

“Sir, this is not our con…” but Forer pierced her with decisive stare, so she added. “She is done already… And pups most likely too. Those are clearly prematurely ones. And that fall…” shaman looked up to see that cliff was more than fifty metres high.

“Do what you could. Maybe some will make it.” Decided alpha.

“But sir!” gasped Annen. “Soon we will have your children to take care.”

“I beg you sir, leave this place.” Pleaded Vis. “It’s all just like in my dream.”

“Do it!” growled alpha. He turned to the pack. “All of you – dig a den in the snow. Give them some shelter.”

Meanwhile Vis closed to dying husky, carefully examining her body. All that she want was to run, or maybe even kill wounded dog, before any of pups would reach this world. She was shaking on whole body, recalling terrible nightmare, that had been haunting her since few weeks. “A feral pup, stray dog will come // If pack save him, itself is done // The dog of doom will lead to death // From long dead womb to pack's last breath...” was repeating the chant that appeared in her dreams. But order of chief was clear and additionally seeing her patient muzzle to muzzle Vis awoke in herself a great dose of compassion. She was afraid, but after all she didn’t want to see that dog’s suffering. Meanwhile rest of pack was digging an improvised lair.

“How it’s going?” asked Forer, still standing over lying husky.

“Give us few more minutes, sir.” Replied Annen, working with team. “And how is she?”

“She is giving birth… I see the first pup.”

Leader bended down to she-husky, trying to calm her with touch and easy words. Meanwhile Vis was ready to receive incoming pups. They both were carefully listening to half-consciousness whispers of mother.

“It’s all lost… Balto scorned my pups…” was moaning dog. “Kill… it’s all happened so fast! I didn’t want it, but… Balto, why did you do it?”

“I guess that Balto is father of her litter.” Said Vis. “Maybe he is somewhere here too.”

“No…” suddenly replied greyfurred. “He is here…” he pointed with muzzle up on the cliff. Or at least she wanted to. Forer noticed that her head froze in half of motion, probably due to paralyse. “With her…” added bitch with gloomy voice.

“I don’t like it.” Murmured Forer. “I sense something terrible here.” Then he asked husky. “What is your name?”

“First is coming!” called Vis. “I see her… it’s a girl…” Then shaman panted with mixture of sorrow and relief. “But… she is dead.”

That was true – small pup was already done when she reached the world. Fall from cliff had crushed her body. Light-grey, almost white fur of stillborn was stained with blood. In that second Vis felt a pang of remorse. She was actually glad that pup was dead and was no threat for a pack. But it was so cruel – to cheer someone’s death. Especially death of innocent child…

“Trinea…” whispered dog. “Will you take care for my babies? Balto doesn’t want us…”

“Has he… done it to you?” asked Forer with breaking voice. He was a tough wolf, but thought that some canine would reject his mate and pups… or actually – try to kill them, seemed inconceivable for him. Or better to say: incomprehensible – totally out of moral order he knew.

“No, no…” whispered Trinea. “It’s just I… I was too weak for him.” In his simple heart alpha took it as kind of confirmation and shivered inside. “He chose Jenna.”

“Second… boy I guess.” Said Vis, bending down to husky’s side. “But he also…”

She cut this out, carefully putting dead body of stillborn on snow, next to his sister. Something broke inside her. Her head was still filled with dreadful words of prophecy, but she could no longer look on that drama indifferently. She gasped with sorrow over stiff body of child. All she wanted then was that next cub was alive.

“We could only pray.” Said Forer. “Maybe at least one of them survive.” Then he again looked on dog. “Yes, I promise you that we will take care of them…” said and added in mind: “If any survives”.

“Third…” called Vis. “Boy again. And again…”

Alpha clenched his jaws. He was a witness of a dying, assumable also a witness of a terrible crime. In that moment he imagined that dog, Balto, standing somewhere on top of bluff and smiling with cruel smile. “Murderer!” thought wolf. “I hope that at least on of your children will survive and thank you for what you’ve done!”

“Fourth.” Called Vis. “I’m sorry…” she burst with tears. “She didn’t make it.”

“Please… keep them and raise them.” Asked Trinea, clearly not aware of what was happening. “I beg you… Ow, Balto, why did you do it?”

“It’s over, sir.” Said shaman. “All four are gone.”

“No…” gasped Forer looking on passing Trinea.

“Take care of them and…” whispered dog with last breath. “Balto, you would have been perfect father…” Then she froze and finally freed from her mortal coil.

Forer was silent for few seconds, finally said with hollow voice. “I guess that your prophecy was wrong, Vis.”

“Sir… I wanted them live…” sobbed shaman.

“Sir!” called Annen, backing from digging team. “We have a basic hole. I’m sure they…”

“It’s too late, friend.” Interrupted him alpha. “She is gone, as well as all four pups.”

“And that fifth?” asked beta.

Then they looked again on still Trinea’s body and Vis yelled with surprise and emotion. They saw another shape between husky’s legs – a fifth cub, clearly alive and breathing, because it was trying to get away itself.

“He alive!” called shaman, grabbing gently tiny pup in her jaws. Last one, silverfurred (but in that moment heavily stained with blood) child was breathing heavily, yelping quietly.

“Get him to the lair!” ordered Forer. “And warm him. Then we go to sanctuary… We need Bry to feed him.”

So shaman of Beech Pack took barely living pup into snow shelter. When part of emotions were gone, she again recalled a prophecy. “A feral pup, stray dog will come // If pack save him, itself is done // The dog of doom will lead to death // From long dead womb to pack's last breath...” She was afraid as never in her life. But she also felt that leader did what he had to. Leaving that child, a victim of terrible crime, was not an option. “Maybe it’s just a stupid dream?” asked herself Vis.

*

Spring came to Bear Mountain, bringing life with it. Bry gave birth to litter of four pubs, but unfortunately only one survived. It was no one’s fault – just some mysterious illness that took three pups. So in may it turned out that Bry and Forer were blessed only with two children – daughter Tro and adopted son, they called Glemt. The Forgotten One in ancient language of pack, because they almost forgot about him during his dramatic birth. But this was mainly a good name – uncle of chief Forer was named that and Glemt senior was strong and noble warrior before previous winter claimed him.

But future of pack seemed to be secured. Alphas of Beeches allow two pair of other wolves to raise a litter with help of pack. So several other pups, including Elske, Fort and Venn was growing with alphas heirs.

Beech Pack was one, concordant family. They found themselves a small area of hunting, right between territories of huge clans: Uniea and Talbourne. Not provoking them small group of wolves managed to settle a peaceful haven where children of pack was growing in peace.

Strange, but true – although Glemt was pup from outside, actually even not a wolf, he was quickly accepted by companions. He was easily growing among his wolfish colleagues and moreover quickly attached himself to his step-sister. Siblings were inseparable. Even if Tro and Glemt were spending much time with Elske, Fort and other cubs, that two was loving and unanimous team. The different in blood was recompensed by unity in spirit. Wolfess was actually consider dog as her brother. The same thought husky.

Foster parents loved they miraculously gained child as own. Glemt very quickly understood that he was different from wolves among whose he was living. But in the same time he learned that his difference should be a reason to shame. He was not like them, but was one of them.

“God, you are growing so fast…” said Bry, licking his son’s fur to clean it up. It was some summer morning when most of pack was hunting, but alphess was keeping group’s children in their sanctuary.

“Well maybe.” Said Glemt. “But Tro is taller. And… mom, she looks so different.” Then he stopped, took a deep breath and added. “Or maybe I look different. Unlike she, unlike Fort or rest… Not even like you or dad.”

“Yes, that’s correct.” Agreed Bry, still bathing her son. “But it’s just like your father and I told you. I haven’t born you. We got you as a gift. You look different from us, but still you are our child. Nothing could change it.”

“I know… I love you mom.” Replied dog and licked her carer back. But then said with queter voice. “But still Tro is stronger than me and runs faster…”

“But you have better sight and when you grow up, you will be far more better winter wanderer than she. It’s all equal – you have some gifts that other lacks and in the same time you depend on our abilities if you are not so gifted in some. We are family… a pack. We need each other.”

“You said I’m a dog.” Said Glemt. “That I descent from creatures that lives with humans.”

“Yes, you are.” Nodded alphess. “But now you are wolf. You want be a wolf?”

“I want be as you, dad and Tro.”

“So you are a wolf. Forget about all else.”

*

“You still persist with your superstitions?” asked one day Forer. He and Vis were looking down the valley on sparring of young members of pack. All one-year-ones, that meant Tro, Elske, Fort, Venn, Vind, Hviske and Glemt were wresting on green grass of newborn spring. The youngest pups were looking on older compactions with half-aware stares of just opened eyes. The new year for Beeches started perfectly. Alpha male wanted to check his shaman’s mind.

“That were not a…” started Vis, but then she burst in laughter. “You are right, sir. I was totally out of my mind then. Glemt is one of us, there is no doubt about that.”

“So no more talking about that stupid dream?” asked alpha. Shaman was silent for a while, so Forer insisted. “Well?”

“Sir…” said Vis quietly. “Just listen me for the last time. We will forget about it, but just hear that prophecy again.”

“Ow, you are really…” murmured alpha and laid on the grass.

“Please!” pleaded shaman. When she noticed that her leader closed his eyes – with irritation but also with resignation, she started to talk. “So I had a dream about Glemt. I’m sure it was about him – I recall his face from that visions. And how he came to us… As I said – one who lead our pack to death will be dog, born of dying mother. I also dreamed about blood. This child was a victim of terrible crime. Murder I sensed.”

“You know what?” asked Forer. “We aren’t even sure what happened there. Theory that Balto killed Trinea is just a theory… The result of our conclusions, with no proof behind it.”

“But with many circumstantial evidences.” Replied Vis. When leader examined her with careful stare, she added. “Forgive, chief, but I was inquiring… I asked Annen for help and some… intelligence.”

“Has he so much to share?” smiled Forer.

“I meant: espionage. He made a reconnaissance in Nome area and found out many important… yet a bit shocking facts. About Trinea and Balto.”

“So, enlighten me!” demanded alpha.

“What we found about Balto is that he is sled dog, a local hero of human community in Nome. He was leader of sled that brought town vaccine on some human disease. But whatever – the point is that Balto have a mate, called Jenna and several pups with her. But over year ago there was a case that concerned whole town. Balto was accused of seducing young bitch, called Trinea.”

“Glemt’s mother!” gasped Forer.

“Most likely.” Nodded shaman. “We found out that Balto was found guilty of adultery, forced to separate from his mate and… And then we have a gap in our information, but what we established is that few weeks later Jenna forgave Balto, they became mates again and Trinea just disappeared for not to be seen again. No one confirmed she was pregnant, but…”

“God!” yelled Forer. “Is that true? It means that Balto… that monster killed Trinea to cover his adultery. He… removed proofs of his guilt.”

“I know it sound shocking sir, but it is most logical assumption.” Said shaman. “I also felt in my dreams something terrible about Glemt. Like his birth was… stained in blood. I know, it was literally, but I mean the sense of violence. I felt his aura and sensed violence… killing.”

“Killing.” Repeated Forer. “I would gladly rip that bastard apart. Murdered of own mate and pups!”

“I suggest you not to try.” Said shaman with grave voice. “One of Balto’s children is now the alpha of whole Talbourne clan.” Forer gasped, hearing that. “I’m serious. She had over five hundreds wolves in command.”

“So I guess the strength-solutions are quite popular in that family!” murmured chief. “I just can’t believe that Glemt is one of them… He is so unlike…”

“Sir, you won’t do anything stupid?” asked shaman.

“Avenging on Balto? I’m not suicide!” snorted leader. “I think that Balto deserves to die. But I won’t endanger our pack for some personal vendetta.”

“Although you want to…”

“But I must take care about future… also for Glemt.”

“Future.” Sighed shaman. 

Alpha turned his stare down and was silent for a longer while. Then he said with heavy voice. “So it somehow is true. His real father killed his real mother. So tell me more – how that poor child could endanger our pack?”

“I can’t say it with certainty, I have just premonitions.” Explained Vis. “I know that he wouldn’t do it purposely. In my vision it was said that he would <lead us> to end. There was nothing about his will nor intention, only that he was a cause.”

“Of course he couldn’t do it purposely!” snorted alpha. “He will be loyal to family, I’m sure of that.”

“Still, he would be a cause. There is only one way to solve this.”

“He will stay in the pack!” growled leader decisively. “I won’t banish my own son!”

“I never meant that sir.” Replied Vis with tensed voice. “My vision said that he <leads> to doom. I know that he is your male heir… but promise me that he won’t be an alpha after you. Choose Tro and her eventual mate as successor.”

“That’s…” sighed leader, but then added. “No, you are right. We can’t play with our destiny. I will speak with Bry, then make my final decision.”

“Than you, sir.” Replied shaman with relief.

*

Although summer was beautiful, Forer was dying. Wolf was strong, but old – his time had to come sooner or later. He just was about to follow his mate – Bry, who had died in winter. But circle of life was ready to make it’s turn – almost mature children of leader seemed to be ready for a change.

“No.” Glemt interrupted father’s speech. “I mean, yes! I mean… Dad, I don’t want to hear it, because you won’t die.”

“Everyone someday does.” Noticed ill leader.

“Someday doesn’t mean today.”

“But could means tomorrow.” Said Forer. That talk took place in pack’s cave, where dying chief was lying on brushy bedding. He asked only for silverfurred husky to accompany him. He had some father-to-son business.

“Nevermind, just don’t talk about death.” Asked Glemt. “But in second case, you are right. I know well that wolf should lead our pack. I promise you I won’t ever challenge Tro for leadership. She is my sister, I love her. You all are my pack, I love you. I care about our future.”

“I’m proud of you, son.” Whispered alpha. “You would be great leader… But for a price.”

“Tro and Ford will take your place… But not soon. You will be all right, dad.”

“I’m tired, Glemt.” Replied Forer. “But happy. I’m leaving peacefully, sure about future.” Dog wanted to interrupted him, but he continued. “I’m not your father by a blood, by I always considered you as my son. Your mother was thinking the same. I really glad that fate gave us you that night, three years ago.”

“I love you.” Said Glemt. “And I miss mom. I’m proud to call myself your child.” The silence covered air in the cave. Dog was about to burst in tears, repressing himself only due to male’s pride. He understood what his father was on the end of his path.

“Right… cut down this pathos.” Smiled Forer. “I lived a good life as a wolf and I could die as a wolf. Now call your sister. We must announce her she will be the next alpha…”

Mighty chief of Beech Pack died following night.

*

“Briefly, that’s all.” Finished Annen.

“So you all… My parents and you… knew about the prophecy and said me nothing?”

“For what?” asked Vis with ironic smile. “What would you do?”

“Make sure that I won’t endanger my family!” said dog firmly.

“Cut that, brother!” interrupted Tro. “It’s just a dream. Somehow you haven’t killed us all in all those years and I doubt if you will in future.”

“But not certainly!” noticed Glemt.

“What the heck you are talking about?” asked Fort. During all Annen’s tale he was still marching from one to other corner of chamber, struggling with his emotions. The day after he decided to make a desperate step – to step down from leadership. Somehow decline of Glemt would had sounded for him appealing… if it wasn’t explained in such absurd way. “You don’t want to lead because of that prophecy. But if that prophecy is true… - what in my opinion is doubtful – it will be fulfilled anyway. It’s not an simple instruction, just… writ of fate.”

“Ow, that’s comforting.” Snorted Vis, but then she returned to her grave pose.

“I should leave the pack.” Said Glemt.

“No way!” called Tro.

“Not without me!” called Elske.

“You are out of your mind.” added Fort.

“Listen to me… all of you.” Said dog. “I know it sounds strange, but I feel that answer on our question lies in my past. I must confront it. Maybe the prophecy is true, maybe not. It better not to risk. I will just travel to Nome and see my biological father on my own eyes…” Seeing confused stare of Tro, added. “Don’t worry, I will never forget who is my real family. I just have to cut all bounds that keeps me between two words – our pack and town. When I make sure I break that family curse… I will return to you. That just a short trip.” He saw as Vis nodded her head.

“You lie.” Thought shaman. “You will never return, until you will sure that nothing would endanger Beeches.”

“Stay!” sobbed Elske, nestling to Glemt’s side. “Don’t you love me?”

“I love you.” Replied husky. “And that’s why I have to go.”

“I hope it won’t take much time.” Said Fort.

“Surely won’t.” replied dog.

III. New Dog in Town

Glemt set off almost instantly after making his decision. He rested two days to cure his cuts (gained in fight with bear), then just turn south and started to run. What should had alerted him was that resistance of Tro and Elske was relative weak. Just like two bitches already had reconciled with loss of loved one. Of course, alpha was repeating that he should leave enigmatic and very unsure prophecy and his mate was pleading him to stay or at least to let her go too. But those protests were cut after decisive announcement of Glemt.

“I will go. You won’t stop me.” Then both wolfesses just gave up. Apparently.

“It makes whole thing harder.” Sighed Tro, after leaving resting husky in cave. “Now we have to just follow him, to make sure if he is all right.”

“You mean: whole pack?” asked Elske with uncertain, yet happy stare.

“Of course!” snorted alpha. “Did you really think I would let him go alone? That’s a thin ice. He is going among humans… and most likely will cross some of Talbourne’s territories.”

“Yeah, we have to guard him. But in town it would be impossible.”

“We won’t enter the town, of course.” Replied Tro. “Just wait on outskirts and wait for call. Maybe some liaison would be needed…” Scarred wolfess smiled. “Yes, I mean you. You are the best in scouting stuff of us all.”

“We will do our best… and prove that Vis is wrong.” Said Elske. “Glemt would never harm our pack. Never.”

And day after that talk, husky set off. On the morning, without saying goodbye. He didn’t want to make it any harder. He just left wolf-message, by scratching tree’s bark. [I’ll be back, as soon I will challenge my past. I love you] and that was all. Pack waited until midday to follow him.

“It’s a bit risky.” Said Venn. In his voice was no suggestion to give up, just a noticing a fact. “We have never come so close to humans seats so far.”

“Come on, we will stay on northern outskirts of Nome.” Replied Fort instantly, however he also was a bit nervous about whole action.

“Yes, but aren’t those Talbourne’s areas?”

“Those are no one’s areas!” snorted Tro. “Talbourne can’t be ruling whole Alaska. We can’t cower our tails every time they extend their grasp. That clan is an abomination against all laws of our kind. I bet it is just remnants of countless pack beaten and subdued by line of greedy, tyrant leaders.”

“So far they are going quite well in that.” Noticed Venn. “Under leadership of Aleu they almost wiped out Uniea. Not that I’m crying for Uniea, but…”

“All right, cease that.” Interrupted Elske. “It’s time to go. If we wait, his trails would be covered by snow.”

Snow was falling lightly – nothing that could be compared to blizzard from few days before. However without that precipitation way would be much easier. Glemt was going straight due south, crossing smaller mountain ranges and snowed valleys. He could have chosen longer but much easier way, however he wanted to calm himself and think a while. He was in hurry, but he also understood that to hurry not always means to run as fast as possible. He tried to order his feelings and make sure what he was intending to do.

Leaving the pack was hard, leaving Tro and Elske even harder, but Glemt knew that thinking over it would make his decision much more difficult. He had followed first impulse – after sensing that threat from prophecy was real, he just decided for good of pack. As in hunting, when he was standing for his packmates, as few days earlier, when he saved his leader. It was better not to think over at all – just act.

“But what then?” asked dog himself, shaking his head to dispel images of sister and mate. “What for I’m going to Nome? What would change seeing my real father. Do I want to… kill him?” He stopped, shocked by that thought. Balto was a killer of his mother. But also a father. Many on this world had right to judge that crime, but definitely not a son. “He is my father…” cried in mind, still running uphill. “I’m almost sure he did terrible thing… But I can’t raise my paw against parent. But he is a killer… He murdered my mother to cover his cheats… All I could do to find evidence of that and make him confess.” Then he suddenly laughed. “Mother, father… Why do I care so much? It was Bry and Forer who raised me. I’m a wolf in every way except of my blood.” But that thought took him back to gloomy dilemmas. “And I’m keeping the Law of our kind. There is only one punishment for premeditated murder: death. And if he did it as I think, it was cold-blood premeditated act. He killed my mother… and siblings to cover his adultery. So I should kill him… and in the same time I just can’t!”

Dog was so absent-minded that he managed to perfectly hit the trunk of pine on top of range. He stopped, a bit shocked by blow, then sat down. Pain reminded him a need to rest.

“It’s also a border.” He thought. “Farther are areas that Talbourne claims as own. I’m far from sharing this megalomaniac’s greed, but I have to be careful.”

*

Aleu slept much longer that she should. Or she slept the same as usual, but fell asleep much later. At least she had some time to spend alone with Shadow, without kids, without burning matters of clan. She was sure about it and was wrong. Lightning managed only postpone some of urging decisions for a day, but alpha was grateful to him anyway.

“Aleu…” said wolf, carefully entering alpha’s private chamber. “It’s almost midday.” Not true, he exaggerated a bit, there was still about two hour to sun’s zenith, but leaders advisor and friend wanted to wake her up before he would be forced to make a decision he would have to explain himself. “Aleu!” repeated louder, irritated a bit.

Then Shadow awoke and in well-taught impulse pounced on wolf on doorstep of chamber. In spite of his years, leader of security team was still fast and strong. Before he realised whom he attacked, he pinned Lightning to the ground and froze with jaws put on his throat.

“Well done…” gasped immobilised wolf. “You’ve just killed your room-service, warrior!”

“Lightning…” whispered a bit confused Shadow. “I’m sorry…” he added, standing up.

“Yeah, no offence taken. But…” he looked of friend and just waking up Aleu. “Few years ago you would killed me as soon as I entered the chamber. Now I was trying to alert you over a minute.” Leader turned his stare down. “But I’m not talking about that thing… or no, about that too. Aleu, are you ready to read me?”
”Hallo, Lightning.” Said alpha. “You right, we lowered our guard shamefully. But I’m so tired…”

“Exactly.” Nodded greyfurred. “Tired, but somehow relaxed. I don’t mean that you overslept today. You are still sleeping since the end of war.”

“To the point, Light!” hastened him Shadow.

“We squashed Uniea two months ago.” Started Lightning. “Since that time it seems that no one in Seward Peninsula is danger to us, right?” Aleu instinctively nodded her head. “No!” called greyfurred a bit too loud. “Fact we won the war doesn’t mean we could idle.”

“I’m not idling!” disagreed alpha. “For that time I’m desperately trying to join our pows to the clan, to turn our old enemies into comrades… Do you think that is so easy?”

“I have no idea.” Confessed Lightning. “I have my own duties and in plat field I see how much is to be done. We aren’t normal pack now. We are a clan. Leading over eight hundred wolves now is not the same as running tiny pack of twenty.”

“As I said, to the point.” Growled Shadow, very displeased that his mate was disturbed by such a problems, especially on such early morning.

“When you both listened to my fully report last time?” asked Lightning. “Don’t guess, I’ll tell you. Since death of… e… Talkeet…” it wasn’t a pleasant thing to do to remind how it war had ended. But death of self proclaimed leader of Uniea, once lieutenant of Talbourne, in private – nephew of alpha… it was a turning point of conflict. From that day pushing back Uniea was just a mere formality. In following month most of remaining forces of enemy clan subdued to Aleu’s power, but… “Since that day you even didn’t bother to hear intelligence news, like it all was done.”

“So what is wrong, Lightning?” asked Aleu.

“Simply – almost everything.” Seeing enraged stare of Shadow, he added. “I’m just kidding. But you must face the truth – there are numerous renegade groups that refuse to surrender. Those are some units we never prevailed… some of them left the clan in day when… Talkeet claimed leadership. They stayed loyal to Daie and his presumably son, called Merig.”

“Wow!” Aleu whistled. “They found a hobby!”

“Daie’s line was in charge of Uniea Pack, that few generations ago started to form Uniea Clan. We should understand their loyalty in order to understand their acting. But…” seeing hasting stare of Shadow he said it himself. “To the point. Those groups are operating almost in whole peninsula from Cape to Nome Valley…”

“Nome Valley!?” yelled Aleu. “Why haven’t you told me? My family there is in danger if some of those fanatics get know that I’m Balto’s daughter!” Lightning nodded. “So what you are going to do with that?”

“Ow… that’s the leader I know well.” Smiled greyfurred. “I estimated chances of possible attack on your family. I ordered my scouts to seek for enemy in Nome region and found only few eventual units. I think that team of few my scouts and about ten warriors from Shadow would keep Nome safe until rest of the forced wipe out remaining resistance. Just I need…”

“I’m going there too.” Said Aleu.

“What?” yelled both Lightning and Shadow at the same time.

“Darling, choose my escort according to Lightning’s advices. We will leave as soon as possible.”

“Ow… chief… You’ve just said that you are flooded with work here…” said uncertainly greyfurred.

“Shadow, Dash and Timbre will keep things running properly.” Judged alpha. “I also need a break… Visiting mom and dad is my idea for that.”

“Werk!” silently cursed Lightning, but he had a little satisfaction that Shadow was even more irritated about that.

*

Mid-November, northern outskirts of Nome.

The weather was mild as that season – snow was lying in thick layer, but no new falling was coming. Also frost seemed to be moderate on that time – only minus twenty Celsius degrees. Glemt – of course – was unable to measure that, but he thought it was really nice downthere.

He came to brink of forest about midday, but spent more than three hours on observing human seats. He was mostly sniffing, slowly using to new scents. Fear of humans slowly faded as he understood that he looked as domestic creature.

“And actually no one knows who I am.” He thought. “If I were looking like wolf, my arrival would be quite a news for both dogs and men. But I could just walk into town, pretend a lost dog and take a look around. I even don’t have to lie – I bet there are many dogs who want to see great Balto, the saviour of Nome.”

So about dusk he started to come down along slope. He passed a wide field, used as a runaway for local pilot, then came next to lone house with hangar nearby. He didn’t know that it was actual residence of Balto. Well, he was new there and had to learn much things.

Streets were rather empty. Most of dogs there were in save and warm interiors, along their human owners. Majority of most tough and bored youngsters, usually filling the streets on such time, was on sled-courses. Team of Kodi, team of Jack and others were on mail routes. But on main street of town Glemt noticed a single silhouette of dog. He hesitated a while, not sure if he should initiate contact with locals so fast. “But what has to come, will come.” Decided husky and moved ahead.

Saba was there… again. It became kind of her habit – to wander in full moon nights on streets, sometimes even outside the town and just look into the sky. “A melancholic soul.” Would said most of Nomers. True, but her melancholy wasn’t just any aesthetical manner, but actual mourning. He even couldn’t admit it in own mind, but still, although it over two years had passed, she was crying for Everest. In time tears became silent and dry, however still sad. Everest was her brother, but – what she also wasn’t able to admit – she mourned for him not only as sibling. It was… “No!” cut her thoughts Saba. “It doesn’t mattered now. He is dead.” Moon silently agreed.

But then she noticed a silvefurred husky, walking the street in her direction. She sighed quietly, ready for another tiring conversation. Saba was indeed beautiful bitch, with many adorers around. Many, many, especially that she was not only just charming female, but also a daughter of famous Balto. A tempting match for many.

But somehow she never was really interested in any serious relationship. She knew that, but many young dogs from vicinity did not. So quite often she was harassed by new adorer. It was simply boring to say <no> for hundredth time.

“Hallo.” Said silverfurred. “Are you local?”

“O… yes.” Replied Saba, a bit surprised by that opener. Additionally she didn’t recognize that particular dog.

“I’m new here… Could you help me?”

“It’s most cliché possible way of picking girl up or he is actually in trouble.” thought Balto’s daughter. “What do you need?” she asked, trying to sound nice. It wasn’t as hard as she initially thought – stranger made a good impression on her. He was definitely handsome, not only be features of his body. She sensed something odd, almost exotic in his moves and way of speaking. There was something odd and in the same time well known in his behaviour. Something… wolfish? The first Saba’s association came to Aleu.

“I’ve just reached the town… Is there a custom to… well… report that to… any elder council?” He almost said <to alpha>, but in last moment he repressed that lycomorphism. “I have to think in dog’s way.” He ordered himself. “God, I am dog, and I should be able to act like one!”

“As far as I know, there is no such necessarily nor even possibility. We haven’t any council here.”

“No authorities… maybe it means also no laws?” thought Glemt, but then he understood that he was just biased against domestic kinds. “They live in dogs ways. I won’t judge those, without understanding.”

“Could I camp freely on your terr… I mean: in borders of town?”

Saba burst in laughter and replied.

“From where you come, stranger? You say so funny things…”

Glemt made a decision. There was no point in pretending he is domestic dog – he just wasn’t able to keep that illusion for too long. It was better to admit he was civilised… that meant: feral in their sense of that word.

“Well… I’m coming from forest.” Said honestly husky, carefully dosing the truth he could reveal. “I was raised by a wolfpack.” Saba’s eyes sparked with surprise and wave of interest. “Opposite to many false rumours that could be spread here, I’m not eating dogs.” Added just in case.

She replied with burst of laughter, even more airy than before. She had to sit down on snow of street and then in moment of clarity she asked herself with simple question: “How many times I laughed since Everest is gone? I don’t know, but he made me smile twice as we talk few minutes.”

“Don’t you?” asked, still giggling. “Nice to hear that. Believe me, I know something about wolves… and dogs living in wild. My sister is…” then she stopped and looked on him with serious stare. “O, my God, where are my manners. My name is Saba, daughter of Balto and Jenna.”

Strange. Usually she wanted to hide that fact from any encountered dogs. But that time she unwillingly said it at once. To catch attention of stranger? She was to scared to ask herself about that.

“Balto!” thought Glemt in the same seconds. He had to put much effort not to show his confusion. “Hit in the first shot. She is… my sister!” Cutting the further thoughts, he replied aloud.

“Nice to meet you… I’m Glemt from Bear Mountain.” Said dog and with long-taught habit, lowered his ear and bended down his head, expressing friendly intentions. Saba could knew many about wolves ways, but town thinking was much stronger in her. She took it gesture as something completely different and raised her front-right paw. A bit confused Glemt was ready for everything, so he improvised – licked her paw with gentle lick, hoping he just performed some commonly accepted action, not offending bitch.

“So Glemt…” said Saba, a bit confused too. But suddenly she reacted on his address. “Bear Mountain? That’s near of my sister’s territories!”

“Those are no one’s land. Aleu just claimed it as the strongest.” Wanted to reply husky, but he repressed his mouth in last moment. Then he thought it was dangerous to tell anything more about him. “They could know more than I expect.” He said aloud. “It’s a small world after all.”

“So, what brought you here?” asked Saba. Glemt was thinking for about second, but decided to play his dangerous game further.

“Your father.” Said quickly, then faked he regret those words. “I mean… I was a wild dog for many years… And I never tasted a life among humans. I was raised by wolves, but I’m domestic one because of my blood. I need to taste the life in town… And I wish to start it where is the famous Balto, hero of Alaska.”

“Ow, cut it.” Replied Saba, however she was glad husky was flattering her parent. It meant – at least she thought that – stranger was somehow interested also with her. “My father is really a modest guy. I bet he would feel a bit embarrassed, hearing that.”

“I won’t repeat it.” Said dog. “I just want to see him.”

“That’s not a problem.” Smiled Saba. “By the way – do you have a place to sleep? And something to eat?” He shook his head. “As I thought. For a moment I could take you to Tycha and Tim. They live in old keep of my father, so they will surely host you.”

Glemt was no longer listening, just thinking quickly about his new situation. He had to have a plan. Coming to the town he didn’t think over most of details. Just to get there and confront Balto. But that could be much more complicated that seemed initially.

“Thank you, Saba.” Said when she finish her speech and followed her in shore direction.

*

“Are you jealous?” asked Tro with a playful voice.

“It isn’t funny.” Snorted Elske. “He is there now, out of our range. And answering your question: not at all. Do you think he could…”

“No, I’m sorry.” Replied alpha. “Just a poor joke. But don’t worry, he will be all right.”

“That’s not all he is all right.” Said scarred wolfess. “He also had to challenge his past, to return to us.” Not waiting for friend’s answer she stood up and commanded to pack. “We are returning to forest on night. Night guard as usual.” Maybe Tro was an alpha and Glemt’s sister, but Elske was his mate. It’s nothing strange she felt personally responsible for operation.

*

Special Team organised by Aleu was containing four scouts of Lightning’s Intelligence and Reconnaissance Unit, ten best warriors chosen by Shadow, and alpha herself. The last element of group was Lightning, guiding his charges and his leader. He was furious.

It was something completely different to organise a one-time expedition in Nome Area, to clear Uniea partisans. They could encounter one or two shattered units of enemy, tired of war and sick of defeat. But going there with alpha herself changed whole operation into… something nasty. They were strong, well trained and deadly, but also were a giant beacon, calling all enemies of clan with tempting offer: track us! Attack us! We have Aleu of Talbourne Clan, protected just by dozen of guards and one of her closest advisors. Kill us and decapitate the clan.

“We should stay here for a night.” Said Lightning, with limited hope that alpha would listen to him.

“Come on, I could go still.” She replied. “We are over ten miles from Nome…”

“And that why we should spend a night here.” Said Lightning. “I know that you love that town, but we are wolves after all. There are many hunters in area who will be shot us down if we close to human seats.”

“Are you sure?” asked Aleu.

He wanted to confirmed, but in the same moment his nose was struck by a new scent. Group of wolves. From ten to fifteen, unfamiliar to him. Not any renegade Uniea he knew. Not any pack that Talbourne was in alliance with. Some unexpected factor. But he didn’t tell about it to his leader. “To less information to judge.” He thought.

“I am.” He replied. “Let’s rest, there is almost a dusk.” Seeing that Aleu is still un certain, added. “Come one, one night won’t change too much. Tomorrow we will check how is your father going.”

IV. One, happy family

Next twelve hours passed to Glemt on observing. Going outside town, to old Balto’s boat, he was looking on streets of Nome, then on outskirts of locality. He saw no other dogs, just few of humans (He was proud that he restrained his fear and temper going so close to unknown creatures. Perfect calmness of Saba helped in that too.) to get quickly to his temporally home. He was greeted by surprised, however still kind hosts, then put to sleep in – at least in his eyes – strange conditions.

“Why didn’t I choose to sleep in forest? Is having a solid roof above your head so important?” he thought, but then instantly answered on own question. “I have to use to town’s rules and customs. They just… live that way.”

“Thank you very much.” Said to Tycha, who even brought him some old human blanket for a sleep. “I’ll be fine, really.”

Then he closed his eyes, but didn’t fall sleep. For about hours he tried to hear some scraps of talks of his hosts (he was laying in lower deck, so it was hard). When he failed to learn anything useful, just instantly turn off his awareness and woke up exactly on time he wanted to – just before the dawn.

Then carefully not to disturb still sleeping Tycha and Tim, exited the boat and jump down to snowed beach. He was a bit hungry – maybe not as hungry to feel urge of immediate hunt, but seeing open area, quite wild on Nome Area conditions, he decided to get some game on his own. Because neither Saba nor Tim said about rules of hunting there, he assumed it was free for all. Quickly he also understood why.

Catching five of gulls took him almost an hour. Birds were unexpectedly fast and alert, so usual forest skills seemed be not enough for hunter. But after some practise, Glemt managed to work out own technique that was based on sneaking as close to edge of low beach cliff and jumping on ledge below. It was easy and efficient tactic, however the failure of such a attack meant unpleasant fall from two metres or sometimes even batch in cold water. When husky grabbed his sixth prey and also miscalculated his pounce – consequently being washed by incoming wave – Saba came. She stopped, seeing unusual try of stranger and burst in laughter, when she saw him wet.

“My God… come here, or you will get cold.” She called. “There are many easiest ways to get them.”

“Maybe.” Said Glemt, when he climbed on cliff and put sixth gull next to previously caught. “But the best lessons are those you learn yourself.”

“Get back to the boat.” She ordered. “Tim will catch more food for you. Now you have to dry up.”

“No, no, I’m really fine.” Said husky, shaking off the water. “I could go to the town now.”

“As you wish.” Agreed Saba and led him back to Nome.

*

In way to town, they were mostly silent, finally Saba asked carefully.

“Glemt… say something more about you.”

“You don’t trust me, because you don’t know me?” replied with question dog.

“No, it’s not that.” Contradicted Saba. “I’m just curious.”

“If that is not a problem, I wish to keep it untold.” Said Glemt. “I had some reasons to leave my pack immediately, but I don’t want speak about those.”

They were walking side to side, but Saba hearing that instinctively came closer to husky and rubbed his side in gesture of compassion. In first impulse Glemt was genuine amused by then, but he tried to look as sad as he could.

“But it doesn’t matter right now.” Said, faking he suddenly overcame inner reverie. “Now I’m starting life in town.”

“You know…” said Saba. She backed a bit, but still was walking close to silverfurred. “It isn’t as easy as might it looks. You have to find human owner or team what take you as sled puller.”

“I know that.” Nodded Glemt. “But I think that pulling stuff I have in blood.” Last sentence he said with hidden anger. “Just help me to meet your father, tell me a bit about laws of your place and I will surely manage to settle here.” He paused, then added with quieter voice. “By the way, I’m really grateful for what you are doing. I didn’t expect such a warm welcome.”

“You are… welcome.” Replied Saba awkwardly. “I want to show that Nomers are really hospitable.”

Soon they reached town square and Saba asked Glemt to wait a while. Dog sat down in snow of street and started to carefully observe all wonders around.

*

Aleu went to Nome to see parents, leaving her unit on outskirts. Using that opportunity to act freely, Lightning sent his scouts for careful reconnaissance around. Vicinity of town was mostly open area, easy to watch, but the real danger was hiding in the forest. Nome was placed near seashore in valley of torrent called Dorothy Creek. Where valley was slowly ascending into hills, forest started. The conventional border of human’s and wild’s zone was wide backwater of river. Then frozen – pool was landmark of last man’s space before mountains. Also it was another border – on east there were free lands, where few wolfpacks were hunting and dwelling. On west started a territories that Talbourne clan claimed. Some said that was  just a temporally line and biggest clan of Alaska would move further just after subduing remnants of Uniea. But on that moment it was the edge of Taulborne’s influence. Lightning was very unhappy to go further.

“They are there.” Reported Jack, one of senior scouts. “A small, eleven if I counted properly…” Sure, he counted properly – he was the best in his job. “But there is a problem – they already know about us. They drew back to deeper forest, but are ready to strike. We don’t know what is their aim, but rather not we, at least not directly.”

“Of course, not we.” Snorted master scout, as sometimes Lightning was called. “With eleven warriors - even very skilled - they won’t risk an open battle. But if they know that Aleu is there, they would prepare some sudden assassination.”

“It’s strange, sir, but until now they haven’t cross the river. Even single scout! Just as they respect our territory.”

“Or are so careful.” Noticed greyfurred. Then he added. “Not tell about it to Securers. Will and rest would be surely want to strike at once, what is stupid and risky. If we lose some jaws here, we will be more vulnerable in way back.”

“I understand it, sir.” Agreed Jack and turned back to get back to his duties.

Lightning went on the shore of backwater. It was about two hundred metres wide area, covered with ice. The layer had to be thick, but fragile, due to fierce frosts week earlier and much higher temperature then. And under it dark waters of pool were flowing slowly.

“It looks scary.” Thought greyfurred, coming on the ice. “To fall down there means death.”

Some malicious voice in his head whispered to him that current operations somehow reminded that backwater – easy on first sight and deadly in possible outcome.

*

Glemt was waiting on square, thinking how much he looked as odd one. Many humans and dogs were passing him by without word nor reaction, but husky’s alienation most likely was clear. After about quarter through main street went sled with dog team, then it stopped in front of big house near centre. Musher quickly unharnessed his pullers and seven of spitzes laid down on snow with visible fatigue. Only one of them – black and white husky from lead of team, didn’t laid to rest, but came straight to stranger on the square.

“I don’t recognise you.” Started straight.

“That is no shame, I’m new here.” Replied Glemt, trying to sound nice. It was something strange about that dog… Something familiar. “This scent!” thought silverfurred. “Just like Saba. If it could be another child of Balto? I sense it! I wonder if he senses something unusual about me.”

“New…” snorted leader.

“Yes, that’s correct. But I mean no troubles. Just… looking for something.”

“For what?” inquired dog.

“Do you think that another puller would be needed here?” asked Glemt.

“I doubt.” Replied black and white. “We have over ten full teams here.”

“Any reserve?”

“Hey!” called a bit irritated dog. “When I say: no it means: no, you got it?”

“Kodi!” they heard voice behind them. It was Saba, leading few other dogs. Glemt took a look back to see brownish furred wolfdog (“That could be Balto? My father?” thought instantly), gentle redfurred bitch, then some… wolf. “It can’t be.” Snorted husky in mind. “If my nose is right and I was told the truth, it should be Aleu of Talbourne! Whole <family> in place!”

“Kodi!” repeated Saba. “What’s wrong with you? This is our guest!”

“He is… weird.” Said leader then came closer to sister and parents. “I sense something strange in him.”

Glemt heard that, due to his sharp, wolflike senses. “Damn, you should!” thought with hidden smile. “You should, brother!” Then he added aloud. “I’m terribly sorry, if I offended someone. I new here and don’t know customs of your place. I just…”

“Calm down buddy.” Said Balto. “Walking here is not a crime.”

“Strange voice.” Thought Glemt. “So… gentle and somehow weak. Not like voice of murderer. Curious.”

“So… Glemt…” said redfurred bitch. From scraps of information he had got from Annen he knew her name was Jenna. “Why have come here?”

“I’m looking for new home.” Replied husky, a bit uncertainly. “Maybe here I succeed.” In well prepared gesture, he glimpsed on Kodi. “If you allow me.”

“Kodi, come on.” Sounded some voice from kennels. Young she-husky was calling her mate and leader.

“I have to go.” Said puller awkwardly, still looking on Glemt with suspicious stare. Then he turned back.

“Forgive my son.” Said Balto. “He is just tired after a trip. Let me introduce us: that angry one is Kodi, my son and leader of team. Here is my mate, Jenna and daughter: Aleu. Saba is already familiar to you, I guess.” Dog nodded his head, murmuring something that sounded like: Glemt, but nothing more. “So, boy, we could go inside. My master’s hangar is a warmer place.” Silverfurred thought that mild weather of that sunny day wasn’t unpleasant, but followed wolfdog without a word.

All five – newcomer, Balto, Jenna, Saba and Aleu went to big shed, proudly called “hangar”. If not a plane inside it would be nothing more than ordinary cote, but the purpose was really matter. Entering inside and sniffing aroma of meat, Glemt recalled that he actually ate none of caught gull, just had left them to hosts. So unwillingly he looked on bowl filled with food and barely repressed hungry call of his stomach.

“Please, suit yourself.” Said Balto, noticing need of his guest. “Luke will surely give second helping.”

“Thanks, sir.” Replied Glemt and sat down in front of bowl.

“So… Saba said you were raised by wolves…” started Balto, but in the same moment his daughter snorted meaningly. Aleu raised her eyes hearing that.

“Yes, that’s true.” Said silverfurred, swallowing portion of meat.

“May I ask which clan?” instantly threw Talbourne’s alpha.

“Not likely if you know it.” Replied Glemt. “Small pack from slopes of Bear Mountain.

“Aleu!” gasped Jenna. “This is our guest. Why you…”

“I could only say I have nothing to do with Uniea clan, however it’s a bit hard to prove it.” Said instantly silverfurred, trying to turn whole dialogue into joke and leave dangerous topic quickly.

“Yeah, sorry.” Said alpha. “It’s just… habits of war. I’m still learning to trust others again.”

Whatever politeness towards guest meant Jenna in next quarter Glemt was interrogated. Not directly – just both Aleu and Balto asked so many courtesy questions that Lightning and his intelligence unit would be proud. Fortunately husky had already consistent version of answers. Those were as close to the true as possible – smaller lie is always easier to maintain than big one.

“I want to test myself in pulling stuff.” Said finally. “Who knows, maybe that is the thing I’m destined too.”

“But why you so badly wanted to see Balto?” Asked Jenna.

“Honestly speaking he is the reason I made my decision to came here.” Replied Glemt, somehow savouring how they misunderstood him. “I heard that story of serum run and many later of his adventures.” Then added in mind. “Especially one. Deadly interesting.”

“I don’t know how we could arrange that.” Said finally Balto. It was clear that however wolfdog pretended it was nothing, story of Glemt flattered him deeply. He just like to feel again as a saviour of town, in spite that almost five years passed from that moment. “You have to attract one of our mushers to test you. But until that you have to have a place to sleep.”

“I could camp in forest.” Said silverfurred. “I used to.”

“Yeah, I almost forgot from where you are.” Smiled Balto. “But I think you could stay in hangar for time being. At least until you get to the kennels.”

“If I get.” Added husky. “I don’t intend to eat my eat for free. I hope to prove myself worthy. But now, I have to learn more about your town. Is there any person that could teach me that?”

“I guess Saba has already volunteered.” Noticed Jenna, looking on daughter. Since death of Everest, Saba was very lone. She took this loos deeply and Jenna took an impression since that day she raised some barrier from world outside her. But that stranger had something special – he seemed to break that wall, or at least make a small gap in it. Redfurred knew nothing about stranger, but somehow already liked him for making her daughter smile.

“I can’t impose myself so much.” Replied Glemt.

“That’s not a problem.” Assured Saba.

And that way it came – Glemt was located in Luke’s hangar then most of that day and all following one he spent with Saba on seeing the vicinity of town and get knowing to dogs there. Newcomer was surrounded by a serious interest of locals from two reasons – wolf-raised one was not so often event in Nome. Additionally every dog that was possible boy-friend of Saba was popular, not always in good sense of that word.

*

“Tell me about your home, Glemt.” Said Saba, when they are resting on hill surrounding Nome. “How is there… Ow, I mean tell me, if you don’t mind. If those are some hard memories, I understand.”

They were lying in fresh snow on west side of town, not far from Dorothy’s Backwater. It was a moderate hill with small grove of pines and junipers. In normal conditions Glemt should be seriously uneasy – they were easily seen from great distance. But for those three days he used to airy way of life among humans. He had no idea that he was carefully observed by many eyes. Some friendly, some suspicious.

“Home…” repeated husky. “I had no home in normal sense of that word. I guess that clan of your sister is special, but ordinary pack has just a keep used mostly as a pups haven and territory where it wanders, looking for food. I do not long for any particular place. More for persons, family and friends.”

“So… they haven’t kicked you out?” asked Saba, in next second regretting that question. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

“No, it’s ok.” Replied dog. “But my departure was a bit more complicated. I left by my own will, however I had no choice.”

“You plan to return there someday?”

“I wish to… but I have no idea if I have a chance.” Said Glemt honestly.

“So you will stay here?”

“For a while.”

Saba moved closer to him and licked his forehead with compassion. Or not – it was something more intimate. She hoped to comfort silverfurred… in more complex way. Inside of dog two forced instantly stretched his muscles. Whatever he was doing, he had a mate. Any step further would be something he didn’t intend to do Elske. And besides… “God, she is my sister!” thought, mixing confusion and amusement. “Let’s cut it!”

“Egh…” murmured Glemt, gently moving away from bitch.

“Something is wrong?” asked Saba, little disappointed.

“You said today about dog called Drake, a local marshal, or someone like that.”

“Well, yes.” She nodded completely confused. “But why you say about him?”

“I need to ask him for few things.”

“E… now?”

“It is too late? Should I visit him tomorrow?” asked silverfurred.

“No, you could go today, but… for what?”

“I just understood that I know almost nothing about your laws here.” Replied husky. “If you could take me to him, I would be grateful.” Then, seeing her clear disappointment, added. “Don’t get me wrong. I had a wonderful day with you and I’m very grateful for that. I just… have to do few things in order to… have clean conscience.” Then he licked Saba’s forehead, carefully both to keep that gesture unobliging… and proper for brother and sister.

“Ugh! It will be harder than I thought.” Yelled Glemt in mind. “Thanks to all I saw in those days. Balto… my father did a crime, but you all, his family, will pay for it. I’m really feel terrible, breaking that peace on mind of you, Jenna and others.”

*

Seeing that from hill about kilometre away, Tro smiled and said with playful voice.

“All right, I must admit my brother is decent guy. He restrained that chick as he should.”

“I never had doubt in him.” Replied scarred wolfess. Then he turned to her sister in law and added. “But if there is any good of that, we must make him back. To deal with Balto quickly and leave this damned town.”

“Yeah, the sooner, the better.” Agreed Annen. “Most likely that patrol of Talbourne already spotted us.”

Pack was resting on brink of forest, next to Dorothy’s Backwater. Annen hadn’t sent scouts on the other side, but he knew exactly the strength and location of claners. That why he was so in hurry. As old hunter and skilled warrior knew that in eventual battle pack didn’t stand a chance. It was eleven to sixteen, moreover that sixteen were young soldiers from specialised war unit. Against they have ordinary wolf family. That’s why beta strongly suggest to respect border with clan didn’t matter what they thought about legality of Talbourne’s previous conquers.

“Vis, why are you so silent?” asked Tro, looking on shaman, lying still in snow.

“Because if I was talking, you would have ordered me to be quiet.” Replied old wolfess. Seeing surprised stare of leaderess, she added. “We didn’t let Glemt go to endanger pack in such stupid way. Maybe we avoided announced doom, but playing with biggest clan of Alaska that just has exterminated or subdued wolves of second biggest clan here is idiotic. If we have die anyway, it’s much better to at least have Glemt with us.”

“We can’t leave him alone.” Replied both Tro and Elske.

“Don’t you see what he is intending?” asked shaman. “He is gathering more data, going around Balto to get a proof of murder. It could take much time… and when he finally gain certainty, he will most likely try to force him to confess. There the hell will burst here.”

“And we are in that case.” Said Elske with decisive voice. “We will help him.”

“I bet he wouldn’t do it, knowing we are here.” Replied shaman. “He left pack to save it, not involve in his business.”

“Cut it!” snorted Tro. “There is only way to drive us from here – explain it to Fort.”

“Fort will do what you two want.” Noticed Vis. “So I’m talking not with a head but with neck that moves it.”

“We will stay.” Said Tro.

“We will stay.” Nodded Elske.

*

Glemt was introduced to Drake by Saba. Then bitch got back to her home and husky stayed with marshal on longer heart-to-heart talk. Old peacekeeper was a bit surprised about curiosity of newcomer. He was glad to tell about Nome laws (in fact no one - even Gemini! – didn’t listen to him, when he said something about law) so he asked no inquiring questions. But soon that lecture went in very unexpected way.

“So instant execution is the punishment for premeditated murder.” Summed Glemt. “Yeah, that’s logical. So tell me about adultery. Is secular law has anything to do with that?”

“Well…” said a bit confused Drake. “Usually not, but theory, if one of mates reports that to me… But in fact recently we had only one such a case, and – thanks God – it was a great misunderstanding.”

“Tell me about it.” Asked husky.

“But… but it’s about Jenna and Balto.” Said marshal with a bit shaking voice. “It’s old case and it turned out to be nothing important.”

“First grade murder I would call something quite important.” Thought Glemt coldly but said kindly. “But it was public case. You can tell me about it.”

“If you insist…” sighed Drake and started to recall events from three years earlier.

Meanwhile husky was listening and thinking. All pieces of puzzle seemed to be fitting perfectly. Only putting them together was a problem. “I must force him to acknowledge me as son.” Thought silverfurred. “Then I will become a living proof of his crimes!”

V. Shadows of the Past

Next day Glemt went to kennels. Or to be exact – he was taken to kennels by Saba. She guided him there, then solely ordered Kodi (silverfurred didn’t hear it, although he expected something like that) to behave properly. Do black and white husky, not fully willingly, become a temporally guide dog.

“All right.” Said sled leader. “Most of crew is not here, just idling in town. But by most time we all sleep here, next to master Kaasen’s house.” Glemt nodded his head, but not answered. “Those day we have not so much work – mail routes twice a month and some other occasional jobs. Also master Kaasen is participating in most of races here.”

“Yeah, cool.” Said husky instinctively.

“Are you listening to me?” asked Kodi, not hiding his irritation. He just didn’t like stranger and didn’t like to pretend it was different.

“Yes, I do, but… show me the harnesses.” Asked newcomer.

So they entered building of kennels. Only Dusty and Bart were resting there, most of dogs just went to their foster houses or were running freely in town. Kodi’s mate nodded Glemt with moderate kindness, Bart even didn’t raised his head. Day after long route to Nenana sled crew was just tired.

“Here it is.” Said Kodi, coming to one of harnesses, hanging on wall of building.

“May I try on it?”

“E… you could have some trouble with putting on… wait, I will help you.” Said leader. He jumped to grab leather belts, then landed next to silverfurred with harness in his jaws.

then they mounted belts on Glemt’s back – not without an effort, but after few minutes of tries they succeeded. Feeling touch of leather husky felt strange. For the very first time in his life he had something artificial on his back. Belts seemed to scratch him every second he was wearing them. It was terribly uncomfortable. “How the heck they would run hundreds of miles in such a thing?!” the asked himself silently.

“Good, now find me something I could pull.” Asked Glemt. Kodi looked on him with surprise.

“I see you was really wrapped up.” He thought for a while, then added. “All right, come with me.”

They exited kennels and climbed on nearby hill. It looked strange as one of dogs was wearing harness belts without purpose, but fortunately no one from humans noticed it. When leader and his new gained apprentice reached the top, Kodi grabbed belts in his jaws.

“Pull me!” ordered.

So Glemt pulled. It wasn’t too hard after all – snow was fresh, bit not too deep, slippery and easy to go. Kodi could weighted not more than forty kilos. However for silverfurred it was totally new experience. His first steps were awkward and unsure, it took him about five minutes to find a way proper to pull.

“I feel like an idiot.” Said Kodi, lying on his side and still holding belts of harness. “But if there would be some profit from this, you must sweat a little. Take me down, then back uphill.” After next ten minutes Glemt started to tire, however he wanted to hide it.

“Not bad as a first time.” Said Kodi. Whatever he thought about silverfurred, he already entered the tutor mode. From the moment he become a teacher for young husky, a deep distrust and aversion towards him was covered with kind of neutral indulgence. “But now we should find some real cargo.”

They went closer to forest, when Kodi chose a tree trunk’s fragment, weighting about twice his mass. After several minutes of tries, he managed to tangled belts so hard, that Glemt was bound also to wood.

“As far as I know it weights more that average cargo for single dog.” Noticed Glemt.

“Yes, that’s true.” Replied Kodi. “But I want to test your limits.”

“If you say so…” murmured dog and pulled.

It wasn’t easy. Almost hundred kilo, additionally cargo was a big trunk, that was carving in snow, making serious resistance. But suddenly Glemt felt enlightened. He couldn’t pull, because he still was a wolf! His paws were shorter than wolves were, but with pose of his body dog tried to make up for that imparity. However it wasn’t imparity! Just a dog’s trait. He had to keep his centre of gravity as low as he could. He lowered his body and in one second rushed ahead. “It isn’t so hard!” yelled Glemt in mind. Way ahead was very tiring, however possible. Belts were burning his back, but somehow he could drag them. “I’m pulling.” He thought with unexpected pride.

“Wow, you’re pulling!” called Kodi. “Are you sure that you have never done that things?”

“No, today I have harness for the very first time.” He said. But then recalled for what he was there. “But it’s most likely blood-matter. I’m a son of a sled-puller.” Added with hidden poison in his voice.

“Curious.” Murmured leader. “You said that you was raised by wolfpack.”

“Both those things are true.” Replied Glemt. Then measured Kodi with careful stare. “Perhaps it’s too early for that move…” he thought. “But according what Drake told me… there is a chance that Kodi will help me… as a loving brother.” Smiled inside. “Boss, could we make a break now?” asked with flattering and ingratiating voice.

“Yeah, sure.” Replied black and white husky. In his words there was no longer bias towards student.

“Kodi, may I ask you a bit personal question?”

“Hm? What question?” surprised leader, when they sat down in snow on the brink of forest.

“I wanted to know everything about Balto… but it happened I learned also about some troubling case that taken place three years ago. I mean case of Trinea.”

“How do you know…” snorted Kodi, then narrowed his eyes and added. “It’s an old event. There is no point of recalling that.”

“But I heard that you was one who believed in Balto’s guilt. Isn’t that true?”

“Even if, so what?” replied leader with nervous voice. “I settled that case. I understood my mistake and apologised my father…” Then he seemed to wake up from inner reverie and growled with anger. “What the heck you want from me? None of your business. Those are matters of my family.”

“Yes I know.” Smiled Glemt with bitter smile. “And because of that, this is also my business.” He stood up, came to confused Kodi and whispered him to ear. “I’m the living and talking proof that you had right then… brother!”

“Werk!” cursed Kodiak.

*

Aleu returned to her unit just for few hours, so Lightning remained actual commander. It was very awkward situation for him – most of fighters from Shadow’s forces mistrusted alpha’s advisor. Maybe Lighting and Shadow were friends, but it was a very harsh friendship. Additionally units of they charge were natural rivals. It wasn’t a secret that senior scout Jack and senior guardian Wemer just hated each other. Lighting heard some rumours it was about some wolfess, but the reason wasn’t important, opposite to outcome.

Every day of they stay on shore of Dorothy’s Backwater he had to appease hot-headed warriors from doing stupid things. For most of time Wemer and his charges argued that they should seek and kill two renegade Uniea units, then check for that mysterious pack on the other side of river. They ignored reports of Lightning’s scouts and wanted to fight instead of think.

“How the hell we won that war?” asked himself master scout. “The only possible answer is that Uniea guys were even worse.”

“We must go!” said for the hundredth time Wemer. His arguing activity raised instantly after leaving of Aleu. “We could just go for a while on the other side to check those strangers.”

“With all forces?” asked tired Lightning.

“Yeah, we crush them quickly…”

“You just said that you want to check… Scouting by mass offensive?” asked master scout with irony, but he was taken seriously.

“Shadow would has already done it!” snorted warrior.

“So thanks God he isn’t here!” called Lightning. Argument burst again.

*

Elske was very careful not to be detected and in the same time not to enter possible enemy territory. So for whole this talk she was lying on backwater’s ice, praying silently that layer hold that. With her white fur and stunning abilities she was able to sneak close to enemies. With her sharp senses she could eavesdrop most of council. But what was real trial for her was a slow withdraw to the pack, carrying so grave news.

“God, save my Glemt.” She prayed. “It’s Aleu’s escort and they are here for a reason… And until they are here my love isn’t safe. What ever he wants to do with Balto, the consequences would be terrible.”

*

Situation changed a bit – with very little effort Glemt gained an ally. Of course he didn’t say Kodi everything. Just a prologue to that story. He said nothing about death of his mother, nor about his accusation of Balto. The point of story was that Kodi once had right – his father was a liar.

Version told by Glemt was brief and cut. So Balto presumably seduced Trinea. She conceived a litter of pups and when she understood it, she started to urge Balto to take care about her. Wolfdog refused, so desperate Trinea revealed it in public. Balto was judged, divorce with Jenna was announced, giving Trinea a hope to gain a mate. But Balto disappeared, saying he was looking for witness of whole situation. There both Glemt and Kodi had a gap in story (they judged that official explanation of  Balto was rather improbable), until suddenly Balto returned to Nome, somehow made Jenna believe in his innocence and end whole case. Trinea disappeared.

“She just lost her hope.” Said Glemt. “When she understood that your father won’t take care about her and litter, she just set off to the wild… To meet my pack.”

“Ow… that’s…” whispered shocked Kodi. “Glemt… I don’t know what to say… I’m so sorry and I’m so ashamed by acting of my father… I mean…” he looked on silverfurred. “…our father.”

“I’m sorry too…” Said Glemt uncertainly, but sight of leader encouraged him to say that word. “…brother. I know it would be very hard for you and our family… but…”

“The truth should be revealed.” Said Kodi with decisive voice. “I can’t blame you for delivering the grave news. There is an other guilty in this. He happened to be our father.”

“Will you help me?” asked Glemt. “I need to make him to recognise me as son. Believe me, it’s not just a my pride… I need to undo what was wrong in past.”
”I will help you, bro.” Decided leader. Then whispered. “God, why we all were so blind…”

“All right, Kodi. So I need your assistance.” Said quickly silverfurred. “I must gather more information… But you, as local, have to organize whole thing. Could you ask Drake and gathering of dogs in Nome. Tomorrow morning, dawn the best, on Dorothy’s Backwater.”

“Yeah, sure.” Agreed leader, then asked a bit surprised. “Why there? Couldn’t we call them just to Boiler Room or on town square?”

“Please, believe I have a reason to ask for that.” Replied dog.

“If you insist…”

“And one thing more…” said Glemt. “For the time being do not tell your… our family about that. You know… if that information reaches father…”

“It will be hard for them all.” Sighed Kodi. “But I understand what have to be done.”

“Good, thank you.” Smiled silverfurred. “I think you should somehow prepare your mother… but without telling what it is all about.” Leader nodded. “So remember – tomorrow morning on ice of Dorothy’s Backwater. Good luck, brother.”

In impulse he steeped ahead and rubbed his cheek on Kodi’s cheek. Then turned back and went away with quick steps. Still wearing his harness, because he needed it.

*

But in the hills of Nome there was another witness of that talk. Lightning decided to make that reconnaissance himself and it turned out to be very fortunate. However master scout was cursing fate for involving him in such dirty stuff.

“And what should I do?” thought greyfurred. “I can’t repeat whole of that to Aleu. She wouldn’t believe me, besides I don’t want to disturb her. Maybe I should…”

He heard some murmurs, coming from path down. Wolf carefully stood up and started to follow Glemt. Husky was so drown in own thoughts that he ignored signals of second tail. And because he was burned by nervous force, he was still murmuring quietly.

“Balto… father… Now mom will get her revenge. I can’t kill you, but they could… Poor Kodi, my poor brother… we are killing our dad…”

“HOLY CRAP!” yelled Lightening, fortunately only in mind. He stopped, shocked and froze in place. Breathing so loud he was unable to follow his target anymore without risk of detection. “Calm down, calm down…” His mind was working on highest rate. “You must think… If that possible those wolves on the other side are… assassination unit? To draw Balto to Dorothy’s Backwater then to strike… Dammit! We must take Aleu back then prepare escort for Balto!”

Master scout waited for several more minutes, then carefully turned back. Started to walk slowly, then faster and faster to run few minutes later. There was little time. “Not only Aleu got soft after that war. We all overslept! Thanks God at least I woke up on time!”

*

Kodi was also returning to the town. His steps were slow and uncertain. He was again through the same hell. Once he believed his father cheated his mother and he was spiritus movens of Balto’s case. But then he heard testimonies relieving Balto from charges… Jenna forgave him, so Kodi did the same. And he forgot about case with genuine relief. Discovering that his father lied was a blow for him, learning that he was honest was balsam on his uneasy heart. That version of history was so… comfortable, so easy. Looking back, Kodi understood that possibly they all believed Balto not because they were convinced, but they wanted to believe.

“It will be very hard for mom.” Kodiak thought. “But I can’t hesitate because of that. I think I would forget about whole case if there is no consequences of dad’s adultery. But Glemt… He is alive and real.” Then some disturbing question came to his mind. “Wait, I even didn’t ask him for his mother… and other pups of that litter. I even don’t know if I have more siblings.” But that possibility only strengthen his determination. “What ever it takes, we will reach the truth. And even there are more of my brothers and sisters… I will find them later. Glemt will help me.” Then he entered the main street of town. After a while of meditation he turned to Drake’s house. “First things first.” He decided. “I will ask Drake for gathering. Then I will talk with mom.” But perspective of that talk was burdening him hard.

*

Aleu was still in father’s house. Balto noticed that his daughter, alpha of biggest pack on Alaska in those days somehow returned to times of her puphood.  She just needed a break from pressing matters of leadership, she expressed that in rather unexpected way. Lot of time she spent playing with Drake’s son, Jason, or pranking around like one-year youngster.

“Well, she really needs holiday.” thought wolfdog.

But in next second he was a witness of amazing change. A wolf howl sounded in evening air over Nome. As far as Balto new it was alert call of Talbourne clan. Aleu instantly put Jason on floor, raised her ears and froze in place. Call was repeated.

“Not good.” She whispered. Then she turned to Balto. “Dad I must go immediately. I don’t know what happened, but if Lightning calls me with open code, there something important.”

“Should I go…”

“Dad!” interrupted him alphess. “Maybe you missed it, I’m on my own since some time. Just… take care of yourself. I will be back, as soon I discover what is going on.” Then she ran away from Luke’s hangar.

“Darling?” asked confused Jenna, who just entered the shed. “Where she went so fast?”

“To the pack.” Replied wolfdog. “They called her, I’m not sure what for.”

“Are you sure it’s all right?” asked redfurred. “Somehow I have very bad feeling about this.”

*

Beech Pack froze, hearing Talbourne cry. In next seconds, automatically without order, group formed a combat rank, ready to defence. But then call was repeated and Elske (as most gifted with senses) estimated it was shouted from distance over five kilometres, Fort gave a sing <at ease>.

“All right, don’t panic, crew.” Said alpha. “They call some kind of alert, but not about us.”

“Maybe about Glemt…” whispered Tro.

“Don’t be silly, what for they…” But seeing terrified stares of sister and mate he added. “All right, we will guard on shore tonight. If in twenty four hours nothing change, we will send for Glemt. Is that calms down you?”
”No, but it’s best thing to do now.” Said Elske.

*

And Glemt, still murmuring half-mad words of his future revenge just failed to hear that call. He walked down to town, still dragging long belts of his harness. It took him about an hour to calm down and start to think rationally.

“I must sleep a while, at least few hours. Then I will get for Balto… and take him to place of judgement.” He stopped and repeated. “Judgement… God, I’m sending him to death! If I prove he killed mom, they will kill him. Not that he didn’t deserve, but he… is my father after all. Kodi would surely stopped me, knowing in what direction it comes.” Then another wave of emotions deluged his face. “Too bad brother, you don’t know. We will bring him to the justice and finish this lie once for all!”

He entered abandoned shed on outskirts of Nome then laid on pile of old furs. Then forced his body to rest. Because of heavy training with Kodi, it wasn’t so hard. Adrenaline slowly started to be washed out from his blood. Heart beat slower and slower then poor and restless dog finally fell to the deep slumber. He never slept so easy since the day he heard about prophecy. Then all was already set. The judgement was above him and his father. He could left fate in paws of others.

*

Kodi entered house of miss Rossy. Because he was often guest there, he went without hesitation nor fear. Rossy’s family knew the new leader of Gunnar Kaasen’s sled, remembered him from times of puphood. To dog hatch was open for him as well as for other children of Jenna.

Redfurred wasn’t sleeping yet, she just had returned from Balto’s house. Kodi noticed she was every excited. It was hard to judge it was fear of hope, however mood of his mother was unusual.

“Kodiak!” smiled bitch. “Come here…” Sled dog laid in hall of house, where Jenna had her bedding. “So… did you heard the news?”

“What news?” asked surprised Kodi.

“It’s Saba.” Smiled redfurred. “She was seen with that newcomer, called Glemt. I know how strange it sounds… but I think she has a boyfriend…”

“What!?” yelled leader. “I mean, it great but…”

“No, it’s not great.” Thought. “It’s our brother after all. All he wanted was to get closer to our family and learn more. It just got so awkwardly… or I understand even less than I thought.”

“Yeah, it’s very good news.” Said Jenna. “You know… I thought that she would never find someone…” She noticed confused stare of her son. “What’s wrong? You seemed don’t trust that boy. But I could assure you he is very nice.”

“Dammit!” yelled Kodi silently. “Now how should I explain her that all?” Then he added aloud. “Nevermind, leave those matters to Saba. But you seemed to be a bit nervous. What happened?”

“Ow, it’s nothing. Just… Aleu had to go back to pack. She will came here again soon, but something happened in Talbourne scouting party.”

“Will she be here tomorrow morning?” asked leader.

“I have no idea. Why do you ask?”

“E… Drake asked all dogs that could to came at dawn to Dorothy’s Backwater.”

“Ow? For what?” asked Jenna with interest.

“It’s much harder that I could imagine.” Yelled Kodi in mind. so he tried carefully. “It’s about some old case he judged, but new evidence and witnesses were discovered recently.” When Jenna expressed no more excitement, leader pushed a bit further. “Mom… please don’t be angry for what I say… but are you sure it won’t be about… dad’s past?”

“Ha? What do you mean?” asked with genuine confusion Jenna.

“A… Trinea’s case.”

“Why you talk such a nonsense? We already proved that your father was completely innocent on that affaire.”

“Yeah, we did.” Nodded Kodi, but in the same time he asked himself. “Did we? Is mom’s belief makes an evidence?”

“Let’s forget about it.” Added Jenna. “You know… The best proof that your father was innocent is that Trinea never harassed us again. Don’t you think that she should give up so easily and just go away?”

In that second for the very first time Kodi was struck with some amorphous, but terrible premonition. “Brother?” he asked in mind. “What we are exactly doing?”

VI. Of Father and Son

Glemt awoke just past to midnight, exactly as he wanted too. He raised his head, yawned aloud and waited for few minutes, as slumber left his body. It was the time for which he was preparing since long. God had no proof that dealing with crime of his father would change anything about prophecy. But somehow he felt that was a turning point.

“I just sense like it’s day of trial. If those dreams were true or wrong.”

Then in place of sleepiness came excitement. Adrenaline rushed silverfurred’s veins, urging him to stand up and go. The hardest part of venture was before him, but he felt like it was already set and done, need only to reveal the final outcome.

“It’s not a point I make him confess.” He thought. “He was already doomed when someone decided to make this question. And now we are two – I and my brother Kodi.” Husky came to harness, lying on ground and carefully started to putting it on. Alone it was hard task, however possible. Besides he had no need to pull a sled, just much lighter cargo.

Then we exited shed and turned in Balto’s house direction. He was anxious about some details, especially one. He had to use some force, violence most likely. “I must be extremely careful.” He thought. “I’m not a judge. I can’t let my anger to consume. I can’t hurt him… I shouldn’t use more force that I have too.”

Passing building of sawmill, he noticed thing he was looking for. A thin log, about metre long that dog could easily grab in jaws. “Perfect.” He thought, carrying his tool. Belt of his harness were quietly scrubbing on the snow. That night was frosty one – snowlayer became hard and crispy. Dog often broke it, falling few inches below. “That is what I hoped for.” He smiled. “I bet that ice of Dorothy’s Backwater is fragile too…”

House of Luke was dark and silent. Glemt left his log at the doorstep of hangar and entered. As he thought – Balto ignored a nightly visit. “Life in town spoiled him. But… as a murdered he had an easy sleep.” Snorted dog silently. Wolfdog awoke when silverfiurred came almost to him.

“Hallo?” asked confused Balto. “Who is here?”

“It’s just me, Glemt.” Replied husky. “I must talk with you.”

“Ow, Glemt, hi.” Murmured hybrid with sleepy voice. “Talk? Now? Can’t it wait till morning?”

“Sorry, but in morning we will both have a lot of work to do.” Said silverfurred.

“I’m afraid I don’t get it.” Confessed Balto, then noticed Glemt’s silhouette. “E… why the heck are you in harness?”

“I was practising all day with Kodi.” Replied husky. “I’m still using to it.”

“Is it a reason to wear it during the night?” Balto laughed with surprised, yet friendly laughter. “Ow Glemt, you are really weird one.”

“You have no idea…” murmured silverfurred, then added silently. “Maybe I inherited it after my father.”

“But come, sit down. And tell me, what’s up.”

“Wait a second.” Asked Glemt and backed to the doorstep. He grabbed again the log and returned to Balto. Wolfdog was looking on it with confusion, however not sensing anything dangerous. “Now, we must talk. I heard much stories about you, sir.”

“Just Balto.” Corrected him wolfdog.

“I wish to stay with <sir>.” Said silverfurred. “But nevermind. I heard stories about you… in every such a tale I was hearing about noble and brave dog, always honest and constant.”

“I feel really weird hearing that too.” Said Balto. “Is he trying to tell me something?” wondered Glemt. “But you probably know those are just stories. No one is perfect, at least I know I am not. I have – as always – some flaws, hidden at the first sight, but real.”

“Secrets.” Added Glemt.

“Yes, secrets too.” Nodded Balto.

“So, do you feel all right with that?” asked silverfurred. “I mean with all your legend, although you know the truth is different.”

“It seems I have a little choice.” Replied Balto. “It’s is stronger than me. I became a legend in the day I return with medicine to Nome. Since that time most of creatures I know are focused more than on hero I am seen as, than on real dog behind it.”

In Glemt’s mind awoke a spark of hope. “Confess!” he yelled in mind. “I never thought I would want that, but now I wish your salvation. Confess me all about my mother… maybe in that case I wont do what I intend… but you must show me the clear regret.”

“So maybe it’s time to end it?” asked silverfurred. “Tell them all about… all. I know it hard, but…”

“E… boy?” asked surprised Balto. “What are talking about in particular?”

“I feel you already know.” Replied dog. “I hoped you wouldn’t pretend it different.” Sighed with regret. “Ow, sir… you are making it all much harder!”

“What?” murmured Balto with amazement. “I think we are deeply misunderstood.”

“Let’s check it.” Smiled Glemt with bitter smile. “So, what do you think I’m talking about?”

“I think…” started Balto carefully. “That you are trying to start a talk about Saba, but somehow you went in very wrong way.”

“Saba… Saba?” Glemt barely repressed himself from bursting in laughter. “Not sir, definitely that is not my point.”

“E… so what is?” asked hybrid, totally confused.

“Do not play fool on me, or…” then dog stopped, and thought a while. “I’m terribly sorry, sir. I just assumed that you are living with that every day. But I see we must dig deep to awake your conscience.”

In that moment Balto for the very first time asked himself if Glemt is sane. “Harness, such nonsense… Poor Saba, she chose a wrong person…”

“My conscience? About what?”

“About whom.” Corrected him Glemt. “About my mom… father!” he finished with growl.

“Yeah, he has a problem.” Thought Balto, but in the same time he felt extremely curious about madness of Glemt.

“Mom? Father?” asked. “What does it mean?”

“Please, do not enrage me. I really don’t want to hurt you.” Replied god with growing irritation. “I just can’t, for you are my parent. But if you offence memory of mom, I can’t guaranty my manners!”

“But who the hell you mean?” yelled Balto.

“Trinea!” called Glemt much louder than he wanted to. “My mother, dad. The one whom you seduced, left alone and finally killed, when you found out she was pregnant.”

Balto wanted to sigh just: WHAT?, but he was so shocked that just opened his lips.

“Yes, I know about it all.” Smiled Glemt with half-mad smile. “And they all will learn about you soon. I’m a living proof for your crimes. I’m the proof you seduced my mother. I can’t find the direct evidence you killed her, but I hope you will confess.”

“No, Glemt, you are totally wrong!” said quickly Balto.

“Drop it, dad.” Replied silverfurred. “Let’s talk hear to heart, like father and son!” he looked in Balto’s eyes, to see just amazement. So he sighed and stepped back few steps. “No!” he growled. “So you persist in your lies… Believe me father, I didn’t want this.” Then he bended down for some shape on the floor.

“You are totally wrong, boy!” repeated hybrid. “I don’t know who told you that nonsense but I have never slept with your mother and for surely I didn’t hurt her. It’s just some cosmic misunderstanding…” seeing that dog was still bended down, hastened him. “Glemt, say something!” But Glemt just couldn’t reply, because he had full jaws.

Dog made a quick turn-back. Log made an arc in the air and hit with precise blow in neck of hybrid. Balto managed just to sigh with more surprise than pain, to hobble on paws and fell down on the floor of hangar. Seeing that Glemt put the log on the ground, understanding that any replay wasn’t required.

“I’m so sorry, dad.” He said with honest sorrow in his voice. “I really wanted that you confess without force. But you left me no choice. Now others will judge you.”

“What!?” tried to call wolfdog, but he was half-stunned. His mouth rebelled and just sounded with amorphous yell of pain. Meanwhile Glemt started to put off his harness.

“You know…” she said to barely aware wolfdog. “Just for sure… I must bind you and take you on the place of judgement. Do not resist it will be less painful.”

Be lowered to Balto and started to tie him up. As for a dog, he was going extremely well. The technique was simple – because he was to clumsy to use his paws, he just turn Balto on one or other side, keeping him tangling in belts. Glemt could button up any buckle, so he relied on simple ties, that he could clench with wish jaws and paws. Whatever strange and funny it looked, in quarter Balto was tied up. Maybe not professionally, but in efficient way. Even if wolfdog would overcome the effects of beating, he would be trapped anyway.

Glemt had to take a break. Whole scene – sneaking to hanger, talk with Balto and finally manual effort, existed him hard. He sat down in front of his prisoner, panting heavily. He looked in confused eyes of wolfdog.

“We have plenty of time. Kodi called the meeting on sundawn. All what we need is to get to backwater.” Then he smiled with irony. “I will pull you. Isn’t it a proper way of travelling for a sled dog?” Hybrid wanted to say something, but Glemt added. “Hush, dad. Don’t tire yourself. You will talk tomorrow and you will talk much. Only thing you should think over now is what you did three years ago. I almost pity you.” Added with anger. “But now, pretending you forgot about it all, you striped yourself with all sympathy I thought you deserved. You are just a killer, or even something worse!” his voice came to hissing. “The life of my mother meant nothing to you. Only thing you cared was your fame… your fame as a hero and a saint. It’s so uncreauresus… you killed her and my sibling just to remove a nuisance of your life! To make sure that truth will never reach the light… But you failed! You should have make sure she is dead… and all her pups too. As you see, I survived to testimony how it was. I…” He stopped for a while then added. „You have no idea how dear it cost me. To leave my family, real family I love and came here, to clean the mess you’ve done. I thought I would never care about my blood relatives… but now I do. I feel so terrible shame, that I’m a son of such a monster.” Balto shook his head, but Glemt took is as try to bite his bounds. “Do not fight with it.” He added. “You got from fate much more that you deserved – few years of peace. I hope it wasn’t peace of mind. Haven’t you any pangs of remorse!?” But then he fell silent, hearing some noise outside the hanger. “Dammit!” he whispered. “They can’t find you… not yet.” So he lifted log again and delivered another blow into Balto’s head. “Forgive, father.” He whispered. “I must just make sure.” Then he turned to the door. Balto, know out for good, couldn’t comment that.

*

Saba had no precise hope of success, but some intuition drove her to father’s house. It was about three hours after midnight, late even for her solitary walks. But she wasn’t on a walk, she desperately tried to find Glemt. Alone, not in rush, easy to make him some definite decisions. She was scared of that, but also she knew she needed to know.

“It’s almost two years…” she thought. “Everest, I miss you so much… But I can’t go ahead alone. Glemt is someone who could help me. I think I love him. It’s something different that between us, but also… you know… less troubling.” She smiled with bitter smile. “I hope you won’t be angry on, wherever you are. But now I must find Glemt.”

And then, just as if it was a magic wish, silverfurred appeared on doorstep of Luke’s hangar. He noticed Saba and froze in place, a bit uncertain what to do. Then moved to her, trying to prevent her from looking inside the shed.

“Glemt…” said Saba with mix of relief and fear. “I was looking for you.”

“Me?” asked husky and for one second thought about the worse possibility. Kodi would told them all about their plans… But, no. Seeing special expression on her face, he understood that was not a point. He relaxed. “So I am here, but what…”

“You were talking with my father?”

“Our father.” Corrected Glemt in mind. Aloud he replied. “I wanted to, but now he… well… he is asleep.” Said. “More or less.” Added silently.

“Glemt, we need to talk.” Whispered Saba with emotional voice.

“Yeah, sure.” Nodded dog. “But let’s go somewhere farther.” In the same time he desperately hoped that he would be able to cut of this talk before Balto awake. Hybrid was tied up, however he also could alert whole town if he was conscious.

So then went not far from Luke’s buildings. There was a lone cluster of junipers, shielded from wind and frost, quite comfortable to rest in. Saba took a place (she used to play there with Aleu… and Everest in puphood) and waited for Glemt to sit next to her. But he – clearly excited and nervous, just stopped on front of her and asked.

“So… what for you were looking for me?”

“Ow, don’t say do don’t know.” Snorted she. “Glemt… You have to notice that something with me is… wrong? Or better to say: wonderful.”

“I don’t know you good enough to judge that.” Replied carefully. She sighed.

“Ow, you guys always make it so hard…” said quietly, then pointed her stare into his eyes and said with decisive voice. “We know each other just several days… But as far I could be sure, I am sure. I love you.” Then added quieter. “I’m waiting for you to tell me – it is wrong or wonderful.”

Glemt split into two separate being – one struck by that declaration, desperately finding for way out. The second one was just smiling inside, sure that Saba won’t be a slightest obstacle for his quest. That second, steel-logic Glemt also was seriously amused by unexpected turn of situation.

“E…” replied, not too brightly. “I think it’s even worse than wrong. Saba, I’m terribly sorry, but it’s just impossible.”

silence. She said nothing, just turned her stare to the ground. Silverfurred calmed down his reasonable alter ego and felt genuine sympathy towards bitch. “If she only knew… But could I tell her? I guess I will hurt her twice in just one day. It’s bad, very bad. It shouldn’t went like this.”

“So…” said Saba and silverfurred heard that her voice was shivering on the edge of sobbing. “May I hear the reasons of this sentence? Why not?”

“Saba… it’s very hard to explain, at least for me.” Said husky carefully. “You showed me lot of heart and I think you are wonderful person. But…” then he just ran out of his eloquence.

“I just don’t appeal to you?”

“You are definitely beautiful female.” Said Glemt.

“But I’m too old for you.”

“No!” snorted dog. “That is not a point, I just…”

“What <just>?” asked Saba, already crying. “You just came here to town, ready to settle down here. I thought you were interest in me. I hoped that…”

“As I said, it is impossible.” Repeated silverfurred. “I think you don’t want to know why.”

“I need to know why!” urged Saba. Then she sighed and asked. “That pack you grew with… You have someone there. Am I right?”

“Yes, you are right.” Nodded Glemt. “I have a mate. Beautiful and noble-hearted wolfess called Elske. I left her, but only to secure the future. I’m still constant to her.”

Saba instantly replied. “But you said, you can’t return to pack. You said that.”

“Maybe I will never return there. But it changes nothing. I just… love her.”

She nodded her head, but was waiting for more answers. Meanwhile Glemt was desperately thinking if a strange sound coming from shed was just an imagination or Balto was already waking up. “Cut it, cut it, cut it!” he yelled in thoughts. “I can’t risk by involving you into a plan! Just go away!” But he remained silent, waiting for her next question.

“But there is something more.” Said Saba. “Some other reason.”

“Please, don’t make me to tell you that.” Replied silverfurred. “I want you to have at least those few more hours of peace of mind…”

“I don’t know what you meant by <peace of mind>, but I can assure you it’s rather hard to achieve after being rejected by dog you love.” She said, mixing irony and sorrow. “How strange!” thought Glemt. “In those words… in that black sense of humour… she is actually so alike to me. Sister, after all.”

“Are you sure you want to know this?” he asked and when she nodded, took a deep breath. It was endangering of whole plan, but Saba had right to know. “If it is family matter, so let’s make it family matter, dammit!” decided in mind. “So, Saba… Actually I didn’t say I don’t love you.” She looked on him with new wave of confusion. “Believe I do… but in way don’t expect. I have to… for I am your brother.”

One, two, three… ten. It took her over ten second to understand what he said.

“What!?” she yelled and that was a cosmic fortune for Glemt. In the same moment awaking Balto sighed painfully in hangar. “What did you say?”

“Listen to me.” ordered silverfurred. “I know that it sound weird and hard to you, but it’s true. I’m the son of Balto and Trinea… you know who Trinea was?”

“Yes, but dad…”

“I’m sorry, he actually lied to you all.” Said Glemt with sad voice. “I’m offspring of his adultery.”

“it’s impossible.” Saba shook her head.

“I am possible.” Said Glemt. “Look at me and tell if I’m real. And I’m son of Trinea.”

“But it means…”

“It means we are siblings. I’m sorry…”

She burst in tears, instantly stood up and ran into town direction. In first impulse Glemt wanted to run after her, but he stopped after few steps. He recalled that he had some another quest to do. “It’s my sister… “ thought. “I’m so sorry to hurt her, but I had no choice.” In next second from inside of hangar sounded Balto. Hybrid was still barely awake, not fully aware of his situation, however Glemt ran fast to his prisoner. He had to move before Balto started to make some troubles. Leaving the town was his priority.

“All right, dad.” Said Glemt. “Please, don’t upset me more. I just had hard talk with my sister. I’m really angry.” He started to harness himself. It took him about twenty minutes to do it properly. Then he noticed that Balto was looking on him with more and more sober stare. “Sorry dad. I must make sure you will behave.”

He bended down and pressed hybrid’s neck. He found neck arteries and keep pressing until Balto flew away once again. Then husky started to drag his cargo. With hurry, however carefully.

“It’s my father, I’m pulling.” He thought in the same time amused and scared. “I must be careful, not scratch him.” So he tired to choose the easiest way outside the city.

About four he passed next to last Nome’s building. He had still few kilometres before him, but he already used to puller’s work. It was easy, doesn’t matter what cargo one have. In fact Balto was easy to drag, because his body made rather small resistance. Once for about half an hour Glemt made a stop. Then laid himself next to wolfdog in order to warm him up.

“You are unconscious, father.” He murmured. “I can’t let you get cold because of that. I must take care about my parent. It’s a basic requirement of every ethic. Doesn’t matter what I think about you… Dad… murderer!”

After every stop he stood up, made few deeper breathes and pull ahead. Straight to river’s backwater.

*

Aleu was sleepy, hungry and cold, but she wanted her paws to fly. She also wanted to kill Lightning, however she know that greyfurred did what he should. Master scout call all the unit together, but said nothing about possible danger, until last wolf was in place. For several hours alpha was pleading him and threading him to tell what had happened, but Lightning reported only after he had full force of unit in his charge.

“All tight, we are all in place.” Said, seeing junior guardian Gerth coming to they place. “So I assume that with full escort Aleu is secure…” he looked on leader and added. “Now we could think about your parents.”

“WHAT!?” cried alpha. “My parents are in danger and you waited…”

“I have my duties.” Snorted master scout. “Nursing you is more important for me than nursing Balto and…” in the same time she pounced on him and overturned him into snow. “Wait! Aleu! There is not time for that!” he sighed, being chocked intensively. “We must go for Balto…” She let him go instantly.

“I’m terribly sorry, Light....” Said alpha, understanding what she tried to do. “But… NOW GET TO MY MOM AND DAD!”

“Affirmative, ma’am!” said master scout and wagged his tail as a sight to set off. Unit of sixteen wolves started to run down from quarter on hill. To the backwater they had about eight kilometres of step path down and thick forest to cross, so the hurry was in expectation.

Especially by Aleu.

VII. Original Sins

Just before the morning, Kodi was leading his family to the place of gathering. That meant: he went with mother, Saba and Dusty. They left all younger members of clan in homes, warned by Drake that case was about to be proceeded was a important and serious. Definitely not for pups. Balto was not there – Glemt said that he would take care for that.

It was a silent procession. Black and white husky was drowned in thoughts, very uneasy about coming events. He feared Jenna’s reaction. He remembered how it had been three years earlier – him mother believed in his father’s guilt, but took it hard. When situation allowed on that, she just forgot. It was obvious – she didn’t want to beck to that.

Saba was only sounding element of family, because she was quietly crying. Shadow of unslept night was visible on her muzzle and trails of tears showed too. Kodi didn’t ask. He suspected that Glemt told her about Balto and that was the main reason of sobs. Jenna tried make her talk about it, but she just replied.

“Later, mom. Now we have another problems.”

“What the heck is with you?” asked redfurred. She looked on Dusty. “Maybe at least you tell me, what has happened.” But in weak light of predawn she noticed that her daughter in law was confused too.

“I have no idea.” Replied she-husky. “Kodi said me nothing.”

“Please.” Said sled leader. “Soon it all will be clear.”

“Is that has something to do, with those strange things you told me yesterday?” asked Jenna, touched by sudden premonition.

“You wasn’t listening yesterday, mom.” Relied Kodi. “I assumed you wouldn’t believe me. So now you have to believe Drake… and your own eyes.”

“Kodiak, what do you…”

“Here is Drake, mom.” Said Dusty, pointing on silhouette in darkness.

They met marshal on outskirts. He was going with Gemini and few others dog of Nome. Some others were already in place. Some still waking up. But Kodi understood that almost nothing would left indifferent on that morning. Both groups mixed, then going on road north. Drake came closer to Kodi and asked quietly for Jenna not to hear.

“I did what you wanted... however I still hardly believe in that. But where is Balto? How do you know he will come.”

“Glemt… my brother told he would take him there.”

“Somehow I don’t like it all.” Murmured marshal.

“Believe me, sir.” Replied sled leader. “Me neither! But we both have to do what we are meant to.”

“Drake?” asked Jenna. “Could you tell me what is all about?”

“About law.” Replied dog. “Only that I could say for now.”

*

Aleu just panicked. Lightning noticed that instantly and took charge over the unit. Instead of running strictly to Balto’s house, he ordered his wolves to form line and search all the way between Nome and Dorothy’s Backwater. It took not long they caught hybrid’s smell.

“He was here.” Said Jack, sniffing. “Judging on trails on snow… he was dragged, while being unconsciousness. I know it sounds stupid, but I also see here clearly tracks of some belts… Like a single dog was pulling harness… with Balto.” He raised his muzzle up, but Lightning gasped.

“Don’t you dare report it!” Aleu was going about kilometre ahead, closer to town. She was nervous and accompanied by Shadow’s guardians. It was probable that just missed that trail. “First of all, let me think, what to do…” added master scout, but then sounded voice of junior scout Yuppal. She was going almost straight to the backwater and if she called in open code, aloud and alerting everyone nearby, the situation was really hard. “WERK!” growled Lighting. “Call for Aleu and we run!”

It was no need to repeat that. Howl of Jack reached alpha instantly and she ordered her charges to speed north. Lightning and his scouts were outran quickly, because Aleu seemed to find totally new reserve of strength, hearing that her father was in danger. But they all stopped on a hill, next to Yuppal, who was looking down on valley and backwater. They looked too and Aleu yelled.

“Oh, no!”

“I think that humans call it <hostage situation>.” Said Jack. “And that guy clearly have a hostage.”

“And we have hostile.” Added Wemer with growl. “That pack of eleven… on eleven o’clock.”

So, few words about what they saw. Range of hill that Aleu and her unit reached was a barrier of valley, where Dorothy’s Backwater was. Pool was iced with thick layer, however last frost made it very fragile and unstable. On frozen surface, about four hundred metres wide and over kilometre long, there were two shapes. In spite of almost complete darkness – late night was very slowly turning into day – on white snow everyone noticed dog, harnessed with leather belts and dragging… another dog. Second examination showed that were Glemt and Balto.

But much closer, next to mouth of backwater, where Dorothy’s Creek floated to it, there was another group of guests – Beech Pack. They were standing next to ford, intentionally or not, blocking further way for Aleu’s wolves.

Talbourne alpha wanted to ignore encountered group and called all her charges to run in Balto’s direction. Gasp of Lightning stopped her, as well as rest.

“No!” called greyfurred. “We will break the ice.” Aleu froze and senior scout continued. “He chose that place purposely. He knew that if we… or any bigger group from town enter the icelayer, it would just break.” He murmured quieter. “Whoever is that guy, he has a brains!”

“So…” hastened him alpha. “What we could do?”

“Get closer.” replied her friend, but then noticed that if they wanted to get a headland, coming closer to two dogs, they would have passed next to other pack. And Beeches didn’t seem to be friendly nor helpful. “Or… maybe we negotiate.”

“Hey, you!” called Aleu, before Lightning and Wemer managed to stop her. “We need to get to that dog, before he hurts Balto. So step aside…”

“Cross this river and die!” replied the other alphess with angry voice.

“That’s what I call direct negotiations.” Sighed senior scout. Aleu understood that she made a mistake and looked on friend, waiting for support. “Sorry, it’s  to late.” He replied. “And we can’t just strike them, leaving you unguarded.”

“You will not. I come too.” Said alpha and set off to run ahead. Lightning pounced on her and press to the ground.

“No! Do not freak now!”

“Let me go, dammit!” cried wolfess. “I’m your leader.”

“You are my leader and I won’t let you kill yourself so easily.” Growled Lightning.

He feared that Wemer and his soldiers would support crazy alpha’s idea. But senior guardian nodded his head and one of secures – Gerth, ran to help greyfurred. Both wolves immobilised their leaderess.

“I’m terribly sorry, ma’am.” Said soldier. “But we must keep you safe.”

“Help him!” yelped Aleu and burst in tears.

*

“All right, I’m lost.” Said Fort, observing that situation from the other bank. Beeches were still standing in place, just next to river fort, ready to welcome enemies while they were coming out from water. It was only defensive position of pack where outnumbered Beeches had some odds against unit of well trained soldiers. But that stalemate couldn’t last forever. “If any of you have some idea, I’m listening!”

“Get Glemt out of here!” yelled Elske.

“No, wait!” replied her Annen. “We can’t do that because the very same reason that they…” he pointed on Talbournes. “…don’t move. Ice is too fragile.”

“I will…” sobbed scarred wolfess.

“Wait!” stopped her Tro. “I want be there as well as you… But we must be careful and not endanger him. He know what he is doing. Besides it’s his quest. Until we see that something goes wrong, we should not interfere. For a while we must keep those Talbournes calm.”

“Ma’am?” Vis came to her alpha and whispered to her ear. “I’m sorry, but I have very bad feelings… Call him off… let’s run while we still can. This is the doom I dreamed about!”

“So let it be!” snorted alpha. “We will cover Glemt until he do what he have to. Let’s finish it all today!”

“Watch your space!” called Venn. “They want to get through!”

Beech Pack turned as if it was one body to the river, growling decisively. Four Aleu’s guardians, trying to pass river unnoticed, stopped in water, uncertain what to do.

“Get them!” ordered Talbourne’s alpha.

“Stay where you are!” shouted both Lightning and Wemer. Soldiers stopped, uncertain what to do.

“At least not only we have such a dilemma.” Murmured Fort, looking on enemies.

*

Glemt missed events behind him – he was looking on southern shore of backwater where crowd of Nome dogs grew with every minute. Most of creatures just stopped on beach, uncertain what to do. But suddenly redfurred husky reached the shore, looked on two dogs and called with fear.

“BALTO!”

“Dammit!” gasped Kodi. That wasn’t the way he set up with Glemt.

“Stop, you all!” called silverfurred with strong, however shivering – probably due to emotions – voice. “You can’t get to me, because any greater mass with just break the icelayer. So wait a while, until I reveal you reasons of today’s meeting.”

In that moment eastern side of horizon was enlightened by first day’s light. Sun was still unseen, but it was flaming the rim of sight with milky-light aura. To the real dawn remained about hour, but then more and more details was visible for gathered dogs. In predawn aura, Glemt noticed local law-keeper, Drake.

“Glemt!” called dog with angry voice. “What is the meaning of that? Did you take Balto against his will?”

“He did not protest, due to lack of consciousness.” Replied husky and hearing angry barks among dogs, added. “Wait a while. Soon you will learn, why I was forced to use violence.”

“That isn’t a deal we made!” called Kodi. “You promised you he would go with you willingly!”

“You were involved in this?” asked shocked Jenna, looking on son.

“Forgive, mother…” replied leader. “But he…”

“Kodi!” called Glemt. “And all Balto’s family. I’m very sorry to do that, but I have to. I don’t want to hurt you… but I have no choice.”

“Cut it.” Shouted Drake. “Just release him and tell what you want. We know what you claim.” Because most of dogs didn’t know, just heard some rumours, they turned theirs stared on marshal. “I was said that you have proof of old Balto’s crime. I mean that he actually seduced bitch call Trinea, three years ago.” Crowd around lawkeeper gasped with amaze.

“Drake?” asked Jenna. “Why are we listening to that stranger? Don’t say you believe him?”

Meanwhile Balto opened his eyes to learn he was tied up and beaten hard. It took about minute for him to understand where and why he was. Hybrid tried to move his paws, but belts were binding him tight. So he just rolled helplessly on the other side.

Ice sounded with dreadful creak. Some cracks showed on layer, next to Balto and Glemt. Wolfdog gulped aloud, but that threat seemed not attract silverfurred. He just smiled with mad smile and called.

“So you know the rules. Enter the backwater and kill us both.”

“Please, let him go!” yelled Jenna.

“Ma’am.” Said Glemt. “Why are you so soft-hearted on him. After all he cheated you.”

“I don’t believe you!” cried Jenna. “My Balto never lied to me!”

“Mom…” whispered Kodi to mother’s ear. “I’m hate to say it… but he is right.”

“He has been lying to you all for years!” shouted Glemt. “He said he never touched Trinea? So sow you explain my existence? I am son of Trinea and Balto!” That cry cut every talk in dogs crown and attracted every stare to two dogs on ice. “That’s right, I’m proof on his adultery.”

“Drake…” asked Star, standing next to marshal. “Could you really call this proof? I could have said I’m Balto’s son too, if I were a little younger.”

“That’s what you said!” said lawkeeper to Glemt. “I heard you was raised by wolfpack. How do you know who is really your father?”

“I mother was sure of that.” Replied husky.

“But why she doesn’t witness?” inquired Drake. “Why we have to believe your words.”

“You have no choice.” Replied husky. “My mother is dead.”

“Don’t do it, Glemt.” Whispered Balto, trying to stand up. “You will make a terrible mistake… I swear I didn’t hurt your mother in any way that…”

“Dad…” interrupted him husky. “Just shut up!” He came closer to hybrid and overturned him on ice once again. White layer crunched again and more cracks appeared nearby.

“Glemt, we are all sorry about that.” Replied Drake from shore. “But that your mother is dead…”

“He killed her!” cried silverfurred with powerful and enraged voice. “He killed my mother to cover his crime.” Crowd of dogs froze in silence. Only Kodi dropped his jaws and cursed badly. “When he discovered my mother was pregnant, she lured her outside the town and threw away from cliff.” Was calling still Glemt. “She died… but first managed to bore a litter of pups. I, as one and only, survived this and was saved by my pack. But mom and my siblings are victims of cold-blood-plotted murder!” He bended down to Balto and whispered with poisonous voice. “I will give you a last chance, dad. Confess!” Then ice sounded with another crack.

“Ice…” murmured terrified hybrid.

“So, you are afraid to die, aren’t you?” smiled Glemt. “No remorse, just a fear… All right, I will unknot you.” He grabbed belts and with decisive move freed hybrid. “After all I can’t kill you. You are my father.” Then added with completely different voice. Balto heard tones of actual care and fear. “If ice breaks, just swim. You could stay on surface for a while, then I will help you and…” he paused for a moment to whisper. “I’m so sorry to do it, dad. But you have to pay. That’s all.”

“No wait…” yelled Balto, standing on his paws.

“Liar!” called voice from shore it was Jenna. “Balto would never…”

“She is dead!” called Glemt.

“Mom, I swear I know nothing about that!” whispered Kodi. He was lost. In first impulse he thought silverfurred was just mad, but… If Balto lied about Trinea, it was possible that… “No!” thought leader. “It can’t be.”

“That is grave accusation.” said Drake. “Do you have any proof for that?”

“Proof?” yelled Glemt. “How could I have? He did it perfectly, choosing place with no witnesses, so far from town that my mother had no chance to return even if she survived the fall. It was a heavenly miracle that Beech Pack was nearby.”

“Did any of your packmates saw Balto pushing Trinea?” asked Drake with serious voice.

“Drake!” called Jenna. “Cut it! He is mad!” But marshal was looking on silverfurred, waiting on answer.

“No. None of them.” Replied husky. He came few steps further and climbed on dead tree-trunk, partially standing over surface. From that <tribune> he continued. “They were too busy with saving her… and her litter to chase the murdered. If that helps you, I could added that was told all events took place on twentieth March 1927.”

“So, you can’t say you have a proof.” Concluded lawkeeper. He noticed that Balto was already standing on his paws, trying to overcome confusion. Marshal noticed a chance for friend to get free.

“He must run himself.” Thought. “I could play on time to make it easier.”

“I can’t.” Nodded Glemt. “But I guess you call that one: chain circumstantial evidences. If that doesn’t appeal to you, even if my mother appeared here from dead, you would be sceptical!”

“That is how law works.” Murmured Drake and added. “I must admit those are really strong circumstantial evidences, but not strong enough to judge.”

“You believe him?” yelled Jenna.

“I… have to be sure.” Replied Drake, but in his eyes one could see cold stare. He completed the puzzle in his head and understood that Glemt’s theory was so logical and simple. “Jenna, I hate to ask for that, but do remember where was Balto on twentieth March 1927?”

“No, Drake…” whispered redfurred.

“Balto, do you read me?” asked lawkeeper. “What did you do on night twentieth March 1927?”

Hybrid stopped in place and crouched down, pretending he was still stunned. He replied with weary voice, not sure if Drake was asking seriously, or it was still part of game that could help him get free.

“I… can’t remember… I guess I was in my boat…”

“Any witnesses?”

“Boris I guess… no, he was not there…” Then wolfdog learned that Drake was not playing. He was actually asking, doing his job of marshal. “It’s a madness!” thought Balto. “It can’t be!” He added aloud. “I can’t, but I didn’t do it! Stop it. That is some terrible mistake.”

“He was with me!” instantly Jenna. In my mistress Rossy’s house.

“No, Jenna.” Replied Drake with serious voice. “Now I remember that night. Blazie and Jadze were with Gemini, while you was out for those days… and you came for them that night. I recall that I asked you where is Balto and you said he went to master Luke.”

“I was with Luke!” cried Balto.

“Yeah, ask the human to witness us.” Growled Glemt. “I sense some lies, father!”

“Glemt, listen to me!” called Drake. “Right, we will take a look on this case once again. But not now. We must gather evidence and witnesses, ask any dogs here… It will take it’s time. So for now you should just go away from that ice and for few days…”

“You lie!” cried silverfurred. “You want just to stonewall whole case. Judge my father now…”

“Or what?” asked Drake with cold voice. “You will judge him? Kill him?”

“I have no right to judge over my own parent.” Said Glemt. “I can’t kill my own father. But mother’s blood calls to me, to bring justice back. I need you! You judge him, according to your laws. Then judge me, if you wish, I won’t run. But do not leave this one. It about life…” his voice shivered. Mature and brave dog was on the edge of cry. “…and death. I… never cared about my real parents, while I had wonderful carers that raised me… But they raised me to be a wolf… a dog I am now. Forer, creature I used to call <father>, everyday of his life was teaching me that obeying laws and customs is making us who we are. And that for I can’t let it go. Judge him! Let me finish what I have to do.”

If before most of dogs were very sceptical towards Glemt’s revelations, a touching speech of newcomer shocked them all. Emotions, genuine emotions seen on muzzle of silverfurred, his words and opened question from the past brought many confusion among Nomes. Crowd started to whisper. More and more voices repeated the same question. “Did he…” Jenna couldn’t stand it.

“Kodi… save him!” she sobbed, nestling to son’s side.

“Kodi…” whispered Saba. They stares met and they both, in the same moment understood that there was some possibility that Glemt was right. However that changed nothing. They had to save Balto. “Do something!” she pleaded and then added quieter. “But… do not hurt Glemt! You can’t hurt him!”

“He is…” nodded Kodi. She knew what he wanted to say. “…our brother.”

In Saba’s heart a storm was raging on. She just couldn’t believe in many events around her. Night before she had made a final decision – she would try to forgot about Everest and take her chance to rebuild her life with Glemt. But then she learned about Glemt… and soon after came her father’s trial. She wasn’t aware what she felt towards silverfurred. All she know it was her brother and she had to protect him for all cost. The initial reason was not important then.

“You believed in that?” asked shocked Jenna.

“It doesn’t matter now, mom.” Replied Kodi. “We must try to save him now… but then we will ask him some questions!” added with anger. “Saba, are you going with me?” They made few steps, entering ice layer.

And Glemt was still looking on gathered dogs, waiting for any reaction. He sensed slow change in emotions and hoped that force Drake to further moves. He missed that Balto again stood up and started to sneak away from his captor.

“So… what do you say?” asked silverfurred. “Will you judge him?”

“Sorry, Glemt, you still have no ultimate proof.” Called Drake.

“Good… so you drove me to that.” Replied Glemt. “All right, you will hear a confession!” then he turned back to place where was Balto… once. “WAIT!” called enraged dog, seeing his prisoner running away. He pounced ahead in pursue after speeding hybrid. That was a thing that started whole avalanche of events.

*

Seeing that, Aleu screamed and freed herself from grasps of Lightning and Gerth. Surprised wolves let her go, but few seconds later senior scout howled in signal to stop his leader. Whole unit set off, running to river after escaping alpha.

That electricized Beeches. Ready wolves made no move, but just inside prepared themselves on welcoming striking enemies. When Aleu entered the other side of river, Fort was there. He pounced on foe, overturned her on snowy beach and immobilised easily. He didn’t want to kill, just cripple her and temporally eliminate from combat, but Wemer didn’t know that. Warrior struck on enemy’s alpha, jumping on his back and biting in his neck. Then chaotic battle burst.

Nine Beeches under command of Annen remained in line, keeping Talbournes from entering the shore. But Fort, Tro and Elske were fighting Aleu, Lightning and Wemer on rock of their side of stream.

“Keep them away!” called Fort. “We will finish those here.”

That was a bad move, because senior guardian, hearing his alpha was about to be killed, pressed his jaws, tearing Fort’s skin and fur. Wolf fell on the ground with rear paws hitting enemy’s side. It worked – guardian was pushed away and he hit Lightning, preparing to jump. That moment used Elske, charging on both wolves from behind and grabbing Lightning’s front-left paw. Then snow-dust, evoked from ground covered the battle. Rest of pack, still standing on shore, ceased to see their leaders.

“That way we are dying.” Whispered Vis to Annen, standing next to her.

Beta wanted to reply, but in the next second came another wave of Talbournes. Nine remaining Beeches stood in fierce resistance.

VII. Bounds of Blood

Glemt pounced on Balto and hit. Both canines fell on ice and slid several metres further. It was few metres away from nearest shore – to avoid being detected Balto chose way west. When they stopped on white layer a loud crack sounded and they noticed numerous cracks surrounding them. It was too late to regret – ice started to fall apart and breaking of whole layer due to tension and freed river current was just a matter of time. Glemt understood he had a little time. “If I don’t force him now, we will die.” Thought.

“CONFESS!” he growled and grabbed Balto’s neck.

Strong dog raised hybrid on his paws then threw him to ice again. Layer grinded again and one of cracks opened just before two dogs. It ran further in shore direction and soon even audience on beach noticed the deadly danger for ones on backwater.

“No!” called Saba to Kodi. Husky entered the ice and was running to father. But seeing break in ice, he stopped uncertain. “Kodi, back! We will kill them both!” yelled his sister.

Meanwhile Balto stood up and tried to resume his run. But he was hit in side and fell again, accompanied by more and more loud cracks. Glemt grabbed his front-right paw and pulled hard. Wofdog was dragged back few metres and silverfurred was still repeating his words.

“Confess! Tell them, before we both die!”

“Glemt, this is madness!” yelled Balto.

“I don’t want to kill you.” Replied dog. “Just tell the truth!”

“I already did!” Husky lost his temper. He stopped, grabbed Balto’s neck, again raised him and slammed into ground. “I haven’t done it!” repeated Balto, but he was muffled by sound of breaking ice. He rolled aside to save himself from falling into new crevice.

“Do not lie again!” shouted Glemt. “You killed her! Confess!”

He pounced on hybrid, almost falling into crack. Due to unbelievable agility he avoided a hole and hit wolfdog in side. They both slid several metres further, while husky got better grab on hybrid’s neck. Then he could kill him easily.

But he didn’t want to.

“Dad…” cried Glemt, holding Balto’s throat. “Tell them!”

“No, Glemt…”

“She loved you!” yelled dog. “Why…”

“She was a killer. She killed dog that witness to my innocence and…”

“Don’t you dare to say that!” growled silverfurred and raised his head, lifting also Balto.

Hybrid’s head was over ice, but rear leg were still on the ground. He noticed his chance in that. Gathering all strength he had, he threw his leg, tripping dog. Glemt fathered and fell down on Balto and ice. Balto took it with slight pain, but for ice it was much too much.

In one second bruised, however still integral layer turned into shattered mass of floats. Under-current tore it’s roof to pieces and in moment Balto and Glemt found themselves drifting on one of icefloats. Moreover that white island moved rapidly, throwing away it’s passengers.

Silverfurred took an instant look around. To the still layer he had about ten metres – easy to make in three or four jumps. He had just to pounce on float… overthrowing it and sending Balto to the water.

“Father!” he yelled unwillingly.

Instead of jumping away, he grabbed falling wolfdog and pulled hard. He almost lost his balance, but somehow managed to lift hybrid over brink of float. But whole floe started to overturning, and two canines started to submerge into freezing water. Glemt did only thing he could.

“Dad, jump!” screamed.

Seeing that still a bit confused and weak Balto is pouncing too slow, the again grabbed his neck and jumped himself. It was hard to lift additional mass, so pounce of husky was much shorter that was required. They didn’t made it to another float. Seeing that, Glemt pounced on side of floe. He pushed Balto further into trunk, still partially based in solid icelayer.

“Grab it!” ordered husky.

Balto grabbed trunk with front paws, but he submerged into water. “It’s over.” He thought, when frost instantly drained his strength and pulled down. But then he sensed some basis under his body. That Glemt was lifting the hybrid up.

“Grab it!” cried silverfurred, spitting with water. Balto cowed his rear paws and reached the edge. Another push from Glemt moved him further on safe float.

“Glemt…” he whispered, seeing silvefurred, desperately struggling with unexpectedly strong current from below ice.

“Dad…” gasped dog and in the same moment he was sucked underwater.

*

“Run!” called Fort to Elske and Tro. He was wrestling with Aleu and been chocking by steel grip of Wemer. Both bitches were holding Lightning on the ground. Nearby laid lifeless body of Gerth who had a misfortune of reaching place of battle and met Tro’s fangs, while he was going to Aleu.

“Stand up, bro!” cried Elske.

It was almost impossible, but alpha managed to do that. He just let Aleu go and lifted on his paws. Wemer was still hanging on his neck, but Fort gathered all his strength and suddenly turned aside. Warrior made an arc in the air and been threw away due to centrifugal force. Senior guardian hit the rock on the shore then – unconsciousness – fell down to the river. Frosty water and strong – just freed due to backwater ice’s breakdown – sucked him under. That was the end of one of the most faithful Aleu’s soldiers.

But it didn’t save Fort. Meanwhile Talbourne alpha managed to stand up too and bite exposed throat of enemy. It was clear blow – Fort’s neck exploded in burning blood and surprised wolf fell down.

“NO!” cried both Tro and Elske, but it was too late to change anything. Both females left Lightning and pounced on Aleu. Guardian Mark came in last second.

Talbourne wolf hit Elske, throwing her few metres away, then pressed Tro into the ground. Not waiting the further outcome, Aleu stood again and ran to the shore, where she saw rest of her forces. Mark wanted to follow her, but in the next second Tro’s jaws tore his throat.

Meanwhile Elske pounced on enemy alpha again. But in the air she collided with Jack, jumping with assistance. They rolled away, wrestling and trying to find each other’s necks.

Tro had already give up this fight. She stopped over dying Fort’s body and bended down to lick her mate’s lips for the last time.

“Glemt… Save him…” whispered alpha male and passed away.

With new impulse Tro raised her stare and looked on backwater. Her terrified eyes caught the view of silverfurred falling to the crack and Balto, standing over him. “No… it’s not real…” she whispered and wave of tears deluged her eyes. But then came the rage. She turned back, looking on nearest Talbourne soldier.

*

Balto jumped from trunk on solid ice surface. Because of fight, that part of layer was almost cleared from snow. He saw silhouette of Glemt, submerging deeper and deeper into cold water. “He… saved me.” Thought wolfdog. “He gave his life… for fath… me?”

But silverfurred reached the bottom and bounced on it, trying to reach the surface. It water was still, he would had a great chance. But current took dog few metres downriver. He hit not the free space, but still intact icelayer. It cracked, covered with crannies, but held. Dog was again sucked down.

Balto started to hobble with desperate try to follow trapped under ice Glemt. He was watching on dog, gathering his strength to another try and jumping one again up, to reach for the light  and air. And observed as struggling body of husky moved again up, but then is stopped again by hard barrier of ice. Again new crannies appeared. Again, layer held.

“No…” gasped wolfdog.

And Glemt sunk once again, but with desperate attempt again bounced from bottom and sprang up. Bubbles of air that dog desperately tried to keep in mouth, slowly freed outside, surrounding the drowning one with white aura. He closed his eyes and then hit frozen roof. Balto prayed that this time ice just let go, letting diver to take breathe, but it was impossible to pierce so thick layer with so small mass of husky.

Muzzle of dog hit the ice and Glemt lost his breath. He opened his mouth, letting air go and water to deluge his lungs. In the last seconds he opened his eyes and looked up, exactly into Balto’s stare. Coming down he moved his lips. Hybrid was almost sure that dying silverfurred whispered his last word.

“Father…” Then he disappeared into darkness of water.

“GLEMT!” called Balto, hitting with paws into surface of ice. But it was much too late – layer just stopped desperate blow, filling wolfdog’s limbs with both cold and fire.

In next second Kodi finally got to his father. Without deliberating, he just grabbed his neck with jaws and pulled him back before new cracks reached that place.

“Get away!” he called. Then Balto seemed to awake up. He looked on Kodi with sober stare and replied.

“E… yes, run!” Both dogs speeded to the shore.

*

Tro failed to remember much from following moments. She just saw the aura of red, covering whole world and urging her to rage on. She slammed on random enemy with unbelievable luck breaking his paw in first attack. Then she jumped aside, scanning area for next opponent. She saw Aleu, being guided by Lightning on the other side of river.

“You are dead!” she growled. “I swear I will kill you and every single pawn of yours I encounter. Or I die trying… but not count on it!”

She rushed to pounce ahead, but then someone slammed in her side, stealing her breath and consciousness. That was the last thing she could recall from that fight. Then she just faded out.

Elske was fighting in similar haze, not feeling time nor exhaustion, nor even wounds on her side. Seeing her charging on three Talbournes, Annen understood that he was the leader then, only wolf capable of making reasonable decision. He was filled with anger too. In fact thing he wanted to do was to lose his temper, unleash all powers he had and die in that fight, biting throats of foes. That was a honourable end for a warrior… and proper vengeance for those who died.

He knew they lost – Glemt was dead, Fort was dead. Vis, still fighting along him was bleeding from wounds much to serious to cure them. They somehow managed to kill three of enemies, but ratio of combatants was even more unfavourable. Eight enraged, but still ordinary wolves against twelve professional soldiers. After Talbournes breached the shore, there was no real advantage of position on Beeches side. Further fight meant death. Annen wanted it, but he had no right to do such decision.

That why, seeing that enemies were slowly withdrawing to river, he ordered Venn and others not to pursue. He just ran to one of scouts, wrestling with Tro and rammed him, throwing away. Enemy didn’t repeat his attack, just followed Lightning’s signal to retreat. Then Annen called.

“Beech Pack! Stop!” and his packmates stopped.

Talbournes crossed river in hurry then surrounded half-stunned alpha and junior scout Yuppal, who had broken paw. Master scout was looking on creek, baring his teethes, but silently praying that enemies wouldn’t pursue. He saw how close Aleu was to death and he would do almost anything to cease that risky battle.

Talbourne alpha opened her eyes and cried with fear.

“Dad!”

“They took him ashore.” Replied Lightning. “He is alive.”

“So… ow, my God!” she yelled, seeing motionless body of Mark on the other side. “Get him back…”

“Ma’am…” said scout Iamak with soft voice. “He is dead.”

“Dead…” repeated alpha, as if it then came to her that her expedition could claim some lives of her soldiers. “And where is…”

“Wemer and Gerth are down too.” Added wolf. “I’m sorry, ma’am.”

“He apologises me?” thought Aleu. “It’s my fault from very start!” She made final decision. “We won’t continue that fight, it already cost us dear. Let’s go back to the mountains. There we will rest and sent some messenger to Nome.”

“Yes ma’am!” sighed Lightning with relief. Old, reasonable alpha was back. Aleu didn’t want to do anything stupid and emotional. “Unit, form in ranks!”

But then he noticed a move on the other side of river. Enemy alpha stood up and looked with hatred on them. She howled in angry way and called.

“YOU!” she growled in spite of crying. “You will pay for that.” Aleu raised her ears in angry gesture. She was furious about her three underlings. But Lightning calmed her with decisive stare. There was no time for taunting enemy. And no point at all.

“You!” repeated Tro. “I swear on fire, earth, wind and water that you will pay! I will kill every single Talbourne I see. And then kill you!” Then next to her stopped Elske. She was bleeding from numerous wounds and her old scars then looked to be new ones. But she was just scratched, ready to avenge her losses.

“Your father killed Glemt!” she hissed. “You could be sure, we won’t let it go. We will kill Balto, for what he has done to Trinea and her children. For what he today did to Glemt. Those murders will be punished!”

“Ma’am…” whispered Anned to Elske’s ear. “Stop it. We won’t do it today. Let’s go… Vis needs rest…” then he added in mind. “Or at least a calm place to die.”

Scarred wolfess looked on Tro. When alpha nodded her head, they both turned back to pack and gave orders to withdraw. Lightning, watching it from the other bank sighed with relief.

“But we will be back.” Cried Tro, walking away into forest.

“Ignore them, Aleu.” Said master scout. “Just get the hell away from here.”

Alpha stopped uncertain, but Lightning pushed her gently. She set off once again, trying not to turn back and see body of her guardian. Then she started to run, as if she was trying to outrun those vision. “It all came in wrong way!” she sobbed in mind. “I only wanted to save daddy… I didn’t mean to endanger them… How could I tell it to Mary?”

Mary was Wemer’s mate and mother to their four pups. Five more victims of that pointless small war. “Have Mark and Gerth any families?” asked herself Aleu. “I have to check it when I will be back. Just to…” But then she understood that there was no point of checking that. All her apologies wouldn’t raise a dead. Her guardians would be dead in the same degree, doesn’t matter how many tears she spilled over them.

“Mom… Dad… They will tell me what to do.” She thought and ordered aloud. “Stop here. I have to go to Nome.”

Whole unit looked on Lightning, but master scout nodded his head with approval.

“I hope you will be back soon.” Said greyfurred.

*

Kodi and Balto reached beach soon after, when firsts rays of sun shone reddish on snow. Wolfdog ran to Jenna and they nuzzled for a long while, without saying a word. It gave time for a crowd to surround saved one. Then dogs started to look on Balto, then on Drake, then on Kodi. A question arouse in the air.

“Bro…” whispered Saba. “I do not know what to think… Glemt.”

“He is dead.” Replied Kodi with tensed voice. He came closer to sister and whispered to her ear. “Saba, we have to forget about that happened here. It will be better for us all.”

“But he was our…”

“No.” replied sled leader. “He was just a mad dog who believed it.”

Saba turned her stare down, trying to answer herself. But her heart was silent, giving no answer. “Is that real… oh, Glemt… you are dead. But you were… I no longer know in what I could believe. And in whom.”

“Dogs of Nome…” said Drake with uncertain voice. All looked on him. “I see that case is closed. Glemt, who laid a charge against Balto is dead. I see no reason to continue that investigation…” Some naughty voice added in his mind. “Except that could be true and my friend is murderer.” But continued. “If no one want uphold Glemt’s charge, I propose to leave it and go back home. Any objections?”

Saba barely repressed he cry. “That’s all?” she wanted to shout. “He is dead and you have just that to say?” But she knew that saying anything could be very troubling for her father. “But how I could forget? I… I… I don’t know what I felt, but it was something I can’t just throw away.”

“Wait a sec…” called someone from crowd, but in next second he fell silent. Whatever he wanted to say, he gave up, letting it be. Gathering started to disperse.

“Let’s go home, Balto.” Said Jenna. Wolfdog was still shocked, but he instinctively followed his mate. The same did most of dogs there – set off to Nome. As one of last stayed Saba, still uncertain what to do. But life had to go on and she understood than asking any more question would cause pain instead of relief. So she waited as last creature leave the shore of Dorothy’s Backwater. Then she came to shore and stopped with front paws in water. Again she took a look around and when she made sure no one saw her, she bended down to ice.

Glemt was somewhere there – resting under frozen layer. Then – silent and lifeless, freed from mortal coil and its troubles. Saba had no chance to see him through ice, but she just felt as stream of river dragged dog neared to the shore. She turned her head where she expected to find dead one and touched with lips cold layer of ice.

“I love you… brother.” She whispered. “But you must forgive me – from now on I have to forget you.” Ice didn’t respond, but she hoped it was agreeing silence. Glemt would had understood.

She stood up and turned back to Nome direction. New day raised and shades of night slowly dissolved in morning air.

*

Balto was guided to Luke’s hangar and laid down to sleep by Jenna. She also laid down herself next to, warming hybrid up. Balto somehow recalled he had fallen into water and he was wet. So he murmured with gratitude to caring him mate.

“You have to sleep, Balto.” Said redfurred. “Sleep and soon you will learn that was just a bad dream.”

“Did you…”

“No, Balto.” She replied before he finished. “I never believed in that madness. I know you never lied to me.”

“I was constant to you.” Confirmed wolfdog. “That poor boy had to be mistaken… But he is dead and…”

“That was not your fault.” Interrupted him Jenna. “It was he, who started that madness, kidnapped you and almost killed you. How you possibly could blame yourself for how he ended?”

“He called me <father> even in that last moment.” Sighed hybrid. “I do not understand it… but he really believed.”

“You didn’t kill Trinea. That’s all what I know.” Said redfurred. “So this all was pointless. I’m sorry for Kodi. You know… after that time…”

“No, do not blame him for that.” Replied Balto. “He… had his reasons. But I hope we will all forget about that case.”

“Forget.” Smiled Jenna. “That’s was I expect. So now just sleep, and that bad dream will disperse soon.” She cuddled to her mate.

Then to hanger came Aleu. Wolfess quietly entered building and stopped, seeing her father asleep. Jenna nodded her head, inviting her closer but also asking her to remain silent. Redfurred stood up and went to daughter.

“He is all right.” She said quietly. “Very tired and still shocked.” Following a uncertain stare of Aleu, she added. “Bruised a bit but those are just scratches.” Talbourne’s alpha nodded her head.

“That dog… Glemt… is he dead?” she asked carefully.

“Yes.” Replied Jenna. “And that’s good. Poor guy, but he was mad.”

“Mom…” started Aleu with calm voice, but then she broke into sobbing. “I lost three wolves today… just because they were protecting father… Mom… I had no right…”

“Calm down, my child.” Said Jenna. “It wasn’t your fault.”

Redfurred actually had no idea what had happened on northern bank of backwater, but she knew that understanding situation wasn’t the point of that talk. She went with Aleu to other side of hangar, beware not to wake Balto and sat on pile of old furs there. Then she licked her daughter’s cheek.

“It just happened, as it happens on their duty.” Added.

Aleu was a tough leader… usually. But all the fear, guilt and confusion was gathering in her heart to reach level it couldn’t be bore. In those moments she need her mother to cry away mistakes and sins and hear words of parental absolution. And she heard it once again.

*

On bottom of Dorothy’s Backwater were laying two bodies of canines. It happened that current took those to one place, next to pool’s mouth, where backwater again turned into river. Lifeless corpses stuck on some trunk of tree and just floated, imprisoned in cold water. Those were: Wemer, senior guardian of Talbourne’s First Division and Glemt of Beech Pack. Both died in their quests and both they believed that what they were doing had some meaning.

Both of them were wrong.

Epilogue – The Prophecy

Annen was right – only thing they could do, was to choose a nice place for Vis to die.

Shaman suffered a mayor internal bleeding, what she understood just after fight. Discovering she was almost done, she asked.

“Take me to the forest.”

Anned and Venn lifted her dying body and followed Tro, guiding remnants of the pack to the mountains. After few hours of march they came to calm and beautiful pan in spruce grove. It happened that single beech was growing there, so alpha decided to stop there.

“Thank you.” Whispered Vis. “It’s wonderful place… so similar to our home.”

Wolves surrounded their shaman, only Tro came closer and bended down to friend and carer.

“I’m sorry I failed in defending Fort.” She said. “I’m sorry we all failed in defending Glemt.”

“We were a pack.” Replied Tro. “Both blame and glory belong to all of us.”

“Were?” asked Vis.

“Yes.” Nodded alpha. “I told it to all already. They agreed. You had right, Vis. In everything.” She sighed and continued. “Yes, Glemt led our pack to the doom. Because from now on, we are not longer a pack.” She said louder for all to hear. “The Beeches are dead, only Avengers left. We all chose to die in our sworn vengeance for lives of Glemt and Fort… and you.”

“No…” whispered shaman.

“Yes.” Said Annen, coming closer. “I’m with Tro too. We are no longer pack. All we need to do is to punish those who killed our family. We will strike and take down Aleu and as many of her soldiers as we manage.”

“That’s a suicide.” Said Vis with tired voice.

“It’s a sacrifice.” Corrected her beta. “We have no other way. It just like you foreseen.”

“Yes.” Nodded Elske, coming to dying shaman. “As you said – Glemt led us to doom. There was no his fault in that, but in the result we are going to die to avenge him. We have no chance to win this war… but we will lose with honour.”

“So it happened as it had to happened.” Sighed Vis. “Do not blame anyone – it was unavoidable.”

“We won’t.” agreed Tro. “We will just follow the path we are destined to.”

“It was a honour to be in your pack, ma’am.” Said Vis, closing her eyes.

“I love you, Vis.” Replied Tro. “When you get there, tell Glemt we already miss him too.”

“But we will join him soon!” said Elske in the moment when shaman made her last breath. “We will join him soon!” called wolfess louder.

“We are you in such a rush?” asked a voice from behind.

Former Beeches turned back to see lone dog in front of them. Black and white malamute in older age was looking on gathering with ironic half-smile. He came closer with no fear, in spite that Venn bared his fangs, growling. Stranger just stopped before Tro and said.

“Let me salute to that brave warrioress too.”

“You even didn’t know her.” Noticed former alpha.

“But she died in battle with my sworn enemies.” Replied malamute. “Just believe me that if I’m able to feel some gratitude, I feel it now.” He bended down to dead Vis and licked her forehead with genuine respect. It looked strange and would looked even stranger if wolves knew who the stranger was and how unwillingly he showed any sign of respect.

“Who the hell are you?” asked Elske with harsh voice.

“A friend.” Replied malamute and seeing hostile muzzles of other wolves added. “An enemy of your enemies.”

“That means…”

“My primary target is to kill Balto, but if you show me you have some chances to do that, I will support your attempt to remove Aleu.”

“Why?” asked Tro.

“My only prize is just a sight of her lifeless body.” Said dog. “It’s a long story, someday I will tell it to you. We have much time now, because – as I said – from now on we are best friends.”

“Are we?” asked Tro sceptically.

“My name is Steele.” said malamute. “You don’t have to introduce. Your little show disrupted my plan of killing Balto in those days. I was observing you and saw whole the thing.” He gasped quietly that no one heard him. “Glemt was so close… why did he hesitate!?” Then added aloud. “It’s nice to meet you, Beech Pack. I always hated wolves, but wolf who seeks the vengeance upon Balto’s family is… like family to me.”

“Why should we use your help?” asked Elske.

“Because I killed wolves, dogs, humans and even more creatures you could imagine. In more ways you could imagine. In number greater you could imagine. And I’m just good in it.” Explained shortly. “But my age is going to claim me, maybe before I fulfil my quest. I need your fangs… you need my knowledge.”

“Do we?” asked Venn and pounced on malamute.

They even failed to see him dodging. In one second dog was standing on wolf attack’s path and in the next he was pressing surprised Venn into the snow.

“Not bad, pup!” smiled Steele. “But it was so expectable that in fact boring. You have some muscles, but we will work over your brains.” He let him stand up. “Listen to me, we could use the chaos that overcame Talborne’s Territories. From now on Aleu will be desperately looking for Uniea’s remnants, after she learned what danger those could be. We will use that situation. The darkest place is under a lantern, as humans say. We will do, what she expects from Uniea partisans – we will infiltrate her domain and kill her in her lair.”

“Nice.” Replied Elske. “But still sounds like suicidal mission to me.”

“I guess you wanted to die? Am I right?” smiled malamute.

“So what your plan changes?”

“I will teach you to die wisely! And for a price!” explained Steele. “I’m not sure if we succeed to kill Aleu… but we hurt her deeply anyway. So what it could be, Tro?” she looked on wolfess. “Will you give your pack under my command?” Hearing that Annen growled with anger. “Calm down, buddy. It’s only logical solution. I will be a leader, because the plan is mine and I will teach you how to fulfil it. And also…” he smiled with malicious smile. “My harm is the oldest one. I have a right to fight for my vengeance in the first line.”

“We are no longer a pack.” Replied Tro. “They are free wolves, and they could do what they want.”

“Ow, I see.” Nodded Steele. “So speak for yourself – will you go under my command?”

“Will you promise me my vengeance?” asked former alpha.

“We will kill her or die trying.” Replied Steele. “Be damn sure about that!”

“So let’s do it.” Said Tro and lowered her ear in gesture of submission.

Elske followed her in next moment. It took a while when rest of former Beeches were think over that proposition. But had they any choice? I guest it was all settled before. They had to follow that path.

“I hope you will show your honesty… sir.” Said Annen, lowering his ears before dog.

“I like your attitude.” Replied malamute. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

“We are doing it only for Glemt, Fort and Vis.” Said Tro, coming closer to Steele.

“Wrong.” Said dog. “That’s what you think now. But in time you will learn you are doing it for you. Vengeance… is a tasty piece of meat. You will savour it.”

“Maybe.” Agreed Tro. “I see you do.”

“That’s what I was made for.” Nodded Steele and nestled to wolfess side. He lustfully licked her muzzle, but she didn’t resist. “From now on we are the best friends, sweetie. Believe or not, but you are going to enjoy this!”

The End

Taka_PL

Semptember 2007