Balto: The Journey
By: Aljan
This story was inspired by Balto, (copyright 1995), Balto II: Wolf Quest (copyright 2000) and Balto
Disappearance
A new dawn rose above a small peaceful town of
It was Balto, the hybrid outcast, whom, ever since setting foot in
Balto ensured the team that he had come to rescue them and lead them back to
Many memories swept through Balto’s mind as he stretched out his legs after a good night’s rest. Many mostly about his daughter, Alue, who led a wolf pack not far from
I do wander how they are faring thought the hybrid as he walked onto the deck of the boat he lived in. The deck glimmered in the morning sun.
Boris has been doing a good job washing the deck thought Balto with amusement. The old goose raised Balto since he was a pup. He cared for Balto, played with him, and did many things with Balto until the hybrid grew out of adult hood and started to explore his world.
Balto laughed out loud. Where was the old goose now? He had expected Boris to be on the deck complaining that he slept in too early or too late or something that Balto hadn’t heard of. Despite his grouchy, comical, and bossy nature, the goose was a good friend and a good goose to have around.
Seeing that the sun high in the sky, Balto leaped from the bow of his boat and began to run towards town. Jenna wouldn’t want him to miss a free breakfast.
Balto reached Rosie’s house in time to see the girl herself waving good-bye to Jenna who was barking her farewells as well. Seeing the hybrid, Rosie waved to him and shouted, “Bye Balto! See you after school!”
Balto howled a reply, startling Rosie’s parents who were in the doorway of their house. Jenna ran over to Balto and nuzzled him.
“How are you today?” she asked.
Balto inhaled, bringing the sweet scent of her fur into his nose. “The same as always, Jenna.” He replied.
Jenna barked happily and broke free of Balto. Laughing she put her paws onto Balto’s back and put all her weight into him. The hybrid barked in surprise as he fell, unbalanced to the soft summer warmed ground. Jenna was immediately on top of him wrestling to remain on the top. However, Balto’s wolf heritage prevailed over Jenna’s husky heritage. Laughing still, Jenna licked her mate on the cheek.
“I give,” she said. “Let me to my feet.”
Balto backed off and as Jenna got to her feet two white fur balls ran right over him from behind.
“Muck! Luck!” he heard Jenna cry. Whatever she said after that was overrun by the Muck’s cries of despair and Luck’s noisy imitations.
“It was terrible, terrifying, never thought it could happen but it did, I shouldn’t have let him go in there but I did, oh what to do what to do?!” cried Muck holding his head. Luck shrieked and coward behind his smaller brother. Jenna could do nothing except blink and watch the two polar bears run about, cowering, groaning with aguish, and scare each other even more.
Balto got painfully back on to his feet and noticed that the spot where he laid had an imprint of his body when Luck ran him over. Enough is enough he thought.
“Muck! Luck! Relax!” he shouted. But the two polar bear’s screeches even overran his shout. Finally, he really had enough.
“Muck! Luck!” he half snarled and half yelled. “Shut up!”
All chaos ended right then and there, mainly because neither the polar bears or Jenna ever heard Balto shout that way before.
The hybrid inhaled deeply and sighed. “Now let’s go over this slowly. What happened.”
“Oh it was terrible,” cried Muck. Luck was about to imitate his term of “terrible” but Balto stopped him with a glance. “We told him not to go into the cave but he did. We came running back here and told everyone we knew that he had gone. We don’t if they went to investigate but all we know is that none has shown up yet!” The small polar bear collapsed as he fainted from lack of air. Balto and Jenna looked up at each other then looked back at Muck who was lying on the ground. Luck opened his brother’s mouth and blew into it. The small polar bear’s eyes almost popped from their sockets and he seemed to inflate then landed back on the ground gasping. “---glowing with crystals---(cough)—shining with different—(cough) colors.”
Jenna strode forward and pushed Muck to the ground with a gentle paw. “Settle down, Muck,” She said. “Who went into the cave?”
Muck looked at them as if they knew. “Why, Uncle Boris of course, that’s who!”
Balto looked back at his boat. “No wonder he wasn’t washing the deck of the boat this morn.”
Jenna realized at that moment that they had to find the cave and the people the polar bears sent to help Boris. “Where is the cave?” she asked.
Muck pointed to the mountains with a trembling paw. “Out there somewhere. Luck and I’ve been there before. Not that Muck and I want to!” Luck nodded his head up and down then paused then began to shake his head frantically. This confused Jenna even more.
“So you want to go back to the cave or do you not?” asked the husky.
“The answer is—“ started Muck.
“No.” finished Balto.
The polar bear beamed at the hybrid. “Quite right, mate!”
“Who did you ask to go investigate the cave?” asked Jenna.
“Those who were in the area.” replied Muck.
Jenna’s eyes widened then asked, “Who?”
Muck scratched his chin, thinking. “Well, Alue was close to the mountain range so she went to the cave with her entire pack, Kodi, um, er, Dusty, just slipped my mind, and an ancient wolf by the name of Nava.”
Balto stopped him with a glance and shoved the polar bear with his muzzle. “Show us the way to the cave, Muck! Anything could’ve happened to them. Hie now! Time may be against us.”
The Cave
The cave was small yet big enough to house two wolf packs. Balto had never seen anything like it. Brilliant and beautiful colors streamed from its mouth, just as Muck described it to be doing. Tracks leading into the cave indicated that many had entered and hadn’t emerged. From the scent that was left behind, Balto could pick up Alue’s, Kodi’s, Nava’s and one he had not hoped to find. Steele’s. Ever since the town dogs found him for what he was, Steele blamed Balto for his pain. After Jenna bore him pups, Balto kept them either near him or Jenna in case Steele or any other dog want to do them harm because of their heritage. Now Steele had followed Kodi and Alue and fear for their safety filled the hybrid.
“I’m going in there.” he said firmly. “The rest of you stay here until I come back.”
“No,” said Jenna. “I’m coming as well.”
“Jenna,” began Balto.
“Don’t Balto. Don’t tell me to go back or wait here. I am your mate and we have to face things together.”
“Jenna, I do not want harm to come to you.”
“I can take care of myself.” ensured Jenna.
“Alright.” He turned to the polar bear cubs. “Are you coming?”
The two fur balls looked at one another then back at Balto. “Um, is it safe?” asked Muck.
“It is inevitable.” came the reply.
Muck sighed deeply and so did Luck though it looked like he deflated in size.
Together the group entered the cave.
Wolves lay there as they were if asleep. Balto nudged one of them but the wolf gave no sign of waking up. He shoved harder, certain that the movement would wake the male. It didn’t. Then Jenna gave a cry and ran forward to two forms near the front of the cave. It was Alue and Kodi. Both were in the same condition as the wolf. Jenna examined their bodies.
“No sign of a struggle. Their breathing is shallow.” She turned to Balto. “They are alive but they are in a coma of some kind.”
“Coma?” he asked.
“A stance or a way of sleeping but very distant.” she explained.
“Uncle Boris!”
The two turned to see Muck and Luck scrambling over the bodies to the limp form of Boris who like the others was in a coma. His wings were outstretched in front of him as if he was about to pick something up. Luck about the ground and picked something up. It was a crystal. But it didn’t glow like the others. It was dark and dull.
“Wait!” shouted Balto. “Don’t touch that—“ The crystal suddenly gave out blinding white light that soon became swirling Northern Lights. Nearby Jenna collapsed where she stood. Soon Muck and Luck did the same. Balto suddenly himself being lifted higher and higher. He looked down and to his astonishment saw his own body collapse amongst the others. He looked in front of himself and saw before him a land of some kind rushing towards him. He felt the clouds’ wetness as he passed through them. Before him was a plain, green with flowing grass, and filled with live. A town surrounded by a wall made out of stone, wood and earth was coming closer and closer. He realized that he wasn’t slowing down. Though he tried to slow down the town rushed up to meet him. Everything went black.
Whenismlian and the Dragon Captain
A ray of sunlight shined into Balto’s vision, awaking him from his slumber, though he did not remember falling asleep. Then he remembered the cave.
“Thank goodness it was all a dream.” he said to himself. He got to his feet and noticed that though he was on a wooden floor, it was not his boat. It can’t be he thought.
But it was. He was in an office of some kind. From its make it was for an officer of a high rank. Just then, he heard two voices coming from the outside, from an open window of the office. Balto walked beneath the window and listened.
“From the letter, we are expecting a royal envoy to arrive here in two weeks, Baltheis. Shouldn’t we make any attempt to cover up what we do here?”
“No, Marcus,” came the other voice. “They have a right to see what we do here, though I don’t see any reason why they should. We’re not at war with anyone not that we should be.”
The first voice spoke up. “Our ways of defense and offense in war is legendary. No one can match our formations and strategies in battle. Why should we tell the king this?”
“We must because we must.” came the reply. “I do not support the king in this decision, Marcus. Using power and higher authority to get something one wants is a sign of corruption. I have a feeling that there is more then meet the eye.”
“Be careful, my Dragon captain.” said the first voice. “The king might think of it as a threat to his rule and have you removed from service or worse: executed.”
“I worry not about the consequences. I worry about what might happen if I don’t do any thing about it.” said the second. The door to the office opened half way. “I have to inspect the walls now so, farewell.” The door open and a human entered then closed the door behind him. Balto scurried underneath a coffee table and laid still. From his view under the table, Balto began to read the man like a book.
He was young, still in his late twenties or early thirties, he had mid-long black hair that fell to his shoulders that was tied and hung on his shoulders. The skin color was one that Balto hadn’t seen before. It wasn’t white like the people back at
Suddenly, the sheathed sword glowed white and the man dropped his papers, whirled around and drew the sword. Balto gasped for the sword wasn’t grey like the swords he had seen back at
“Stop.” he said. “I did not seek to fight with you.”
Balto did stop, mainly because he was shocked that a human could talk to him. Seeing the hybrid’s bafflement and amazement, the human sheathed his sword with a laugh. “Perhaps you are wondering how I can talk to you, am I right?”
Balto blinked at him then nodded.
“Well, even I can’t tell you how I got the ability.” said the man. “But I must tell you, it gets handy at times and other times it is a pain.”
“Who are you?” asked Balto. “And where is my mate?”
The human stood up. “I am Baltheis, Dragon captain of Whenismlian or When for short.” He walked over to his desk and sat down at the wooden table. Balto followed.
“You did not answer my second question.” he said. “Where is my mate?”
Baltheis looked down at him then remembered the table he threw across the room. He got up and put it back to its regular place. Then he sat back down at his table and then turned to the hybrid. “I do not know your mate nor do I know you.” he said. “Give me your name and description of your mate.”
Balto eyed him suspiciously. “Are you thinking to do me ill?” he asked.
“Why would I?” asked Baltheis.
Balto still hesitated then realized he won’t get any help from any body if he kept his identity a secret. “My name is Balto and my mate’s name is Jenna. She has a red back but a white mask, underbelly, and socks. A red bandana is wrapped around her breast and back.”
Baltheis sighed and closed his eyes as he tried to imagine Jenna. He opened them slowly. “I have not heard of a female by that description, Balto.” The hybrid listened on for he knew that the man had more to say. “But I have heard of a male by that exact description.”
“Male?” said Balto. “What is his name?”
“His name slips my memory at the moment.” said the Dragon captain. Balto turned his attention to a medal that was carved into a shape of a dragon.
“What is the rank of a Dragon captain? And how did you earn it?” asked Balto.
Baltheis sighed once more. It’s a long tale and time is short. Does a shortened version of the tale sound to you?”
“Better then nothing.” grinned Balto.
Baltheis got up from his seat and drew his sword from its sheath. “This sword is called Larkan, which means Southern Snow. It was with this sword I won the rank, or should I say, received the rank Dragon captain.” He set down the white blade on the table and continued. “Dragon captain is a rank that is given to one who is a master of the sword, a master strategist, a fair and just person, one who has the courage to fight with or before his men, and tame a wild horse.’
‘Two years ago, before I became Dragon captain, a man named Ruen, was Dragon captain and I was a lowly plainsdweller. Ruen was a cruel captain, though he was brave and had tamed a wild horse, well, forced it to be tame, and won many battles in his time. But he was getting old and with older age came the need for power. He was forty when his cruelty against the plainsdwellers came into bloom.’ He would let any into When to take shelter from a storm, which is against the hospitality rule of When. When any plainsdwellers tired to force their way into the town, he had them taken away never to be seen again in the far reaches of the plains.’ From what I was told when I got here was that many soldiers and officers as well as the townspeople were outraged at the captain and gave a challenge to Ruen. A tournament was to be held. Any who wanted the rank of Dragon captain would receive the rank if they fought and defeated Ruen. Surprisingly, Ruen accepted the challenge and the tournament was to be held on the eve of equinox.
The eve of equinox arrived and over sixty competitors had enlisted into the tournament, including me. However to fight Ruen, we had to fight each other and who ever defeated all the other competitors would face Ruen, this was part of the agreement made by Ruen and the townspeople, though they had no choice in the matter. The day was one that wasn’t going to be forgotten. Many brave young men died in vain trying to overthrow a tyrant who was so cowardly to let them fight each other instead of him. Soon the remaining survivors were either covered in the dead’s blood or slipping in it. I was one of the ones who survived. My blade didn’t drip with blood of innocents for I only disarmed my opponents and let them walk away alive much to the annoyance of Ruen. Only one man I had to kill in self defense because he wouldn’t stop fighting. He died a warrior’s death though I did not want to kill him. But I did.
The final competitors faced off, I waited my turn. I knew that Ruen hated plainsdwellers and that he knew that I was one. I knew he wanted me dead though I escaped it many times. He hoped that another would kill me before I faced him.
Then my turn came and I saw the body of yet another man being dragged off the already bloodied ground. My opponent, the one who had fought before was breathing heavily for his fight was a tough one. I went before the assembled and asked for a break for the other to gain his strength before fighting. Ruen stood up and declared that if I was too cowardly to fight then I was to leave at once. I then pointed out that I was being fair to my opponent even if was going to kill me. At those words, Ruen was about to draw his sword to have me dragged off like my kin before me until all the assembled yelled out in my defense saying my words were worthier then his. Ruen could do nothing then for if he did he would’ve been overthrown right then and there. After a while of resting my opponent got to his feet and declared himself ready. He shook my hand firmly and introduced himself as Curn Firesword, wielder of Jerec the red blade which meant Southern Fire. I gave him my name and wished him a good life if he was to kill me and he did the same. We became friends and opponents on that day. We fought with all our skill and strength. But despite our attempts we couldn’t over throw each other. Finally, after endless sword fighting I hit Curn’s sword hand’s fingers and then his funny bone in the arm. He cried out once in pain. He could do nothing for I had paralyzed his right arm by luck. I then disarmed him and sent the red blade spinning into the sand. Larkan touched Curn’s throat and he stood still.
“Kill him,” said Ruen, getting to his feet once more. “Kill him or you will not face me, plainsdweller.” I faced him sweat dripping down my face.
“I may be a plainsdweller, captain, but at least I have eyes to see when a defeat is a defeat and a victory is a victory.” I waved my hand over the bloodied sand and in the direction where the bodies of the dead were taken. “Many have died here and I say enough blood has been spilled. I will not kill him!”
“Coward!” yelled Ruen. “Only a coward backs down from killing an enemy!”
I smiled then for I knew that all were hearing my words and his and that the townspeople were in support of me despite my heritage. My smile was evident to Ruen for he seemed to grow dark in anger. “Curn is no longer an enemy.” I said, walking over to where the man’s sword lay and then handed it back to Curn. “He is a friend.” Curn smiled and took the sword in his hands once more. Ruen sized his chance.
“Curn, you have a weapon now! Kill the plainsdweller who dared to talk back!”
I stood in front of Curn, my back to him. Curn, from what he told me, wanted to strike me down and gain the glory as victor in the eyes of Ruen. But he knew what he had to do. He sheathed his sword and embraced me. “Good luck, Baltheis.” he said. Then he walked off the field. Ruen was dark red with anger.
“Curn! Curn! Kill him! I command you!”
Curn Firesword faced him. “You have no command over me. You are like the wind that bellows at the mountain. It howls for the mountain to stand down but no matter what it can the great stone stands proud. I am that mountain. You are the wind. Baltheis is my friend and he has now my support.” He walked back to Baltheis and gave him his sword. “Take it and use it. You have my strength as well.” He then walked to the crowd who welcomed him as a friend just as I had done. Ruen turned to the judge. “Judge! Can one wield two swords in this tournament?” he asked. The judge shrugged.
“The rules were made by the townspeople and they can be only made by them for you accepted their challenge.” Ruen turned slowly to the assembled who were ready with the response.
“Yes!” they roared.
The judge strode forward giving Ruen a smile. “Two swords are now officially allowed in this tournament, by the will of the people.”
The dragon captain leaped out of his chair drawing his sword as he went. He struck at me taking me off guard. The people yelled at the cowardly act but he paid them no heed. He struck at me again but missed me, this time entirely. I realized then that he was drunk and that his fighting ability was slowed a bit. But it was also three times as powerful. I duck and weaved his attacks and began to push him back. Then, when I saw the right moment, I weaved Larkan underneath the guard of his sword and disarmed him. Seeing himself defeated by a plainsdweller made him even more angrier. He leaped upon me and grabbed my throat. Then he sagged suddenly and went limp. The Dragon captain’s own weight and strength had carried himself right onto the two swords of Larkan and Jerec as he tried to strangle me. Ruen was dead. I was made Dragon captain that day and I made Curn my third in command for there was already a second in command. I gave Ruen a decent burial with all honors for the man he once was. Those who had died that day were also remembered.”
Baltheis faced Balto who had sat the entire time listening to the tale. “So Balto, now you know how I became Dragon captain. Now time is late and I must look to the walls. It’s best for you to come with me for your safety. I’ll look after you.” He got up, sheathed his sword and went to the door.
Balto nodded and followed Baltheis out of his office and into the still bright rays of the morning sun.
To be continued……
The end of Balto’s Jenikian Journey Trilogy Part One.