V. Espionage Tactics

In straight line the distance between Haven Valley and cape was not more than hundred miles. By marching in easy way, passing by mountains and hills ranges, it turns out to be about hundred and fifty miles. But with arctofox on back, the route seemed to stretch to over two hundred or more. After two days of walking in deep snow and carrying Kitty, Cris had enough of that.

“What a wonderful landscape!” sighed white-furred. “Hey, look on that valley. Don’t keep your nose down.”
”One... word... more...” panted wolfdog. “And... we... swap...”

But the vicinity was stunning indeed. Cris had never been there before – so far on west in shore-belt. The pattern of valleys and hills ranges, all covered with dense taiga turned to more flan and monotonous area. But in looser forest, where fast torrents turn to wide rivers and still lakes, the midday sun was glimmering in silver water, almost blinding wanderers. That why Cris kept his nose to the ground, however he also had to admit that Shoreland was beautiful.

“Stop...” pandet brownish-furred. “Let’s make a break.”

“Oh no, I can go farther.” Said riding Kitty, but seeing bared teethes of friend she added. “Of course, you could use some break... if you want.”

They sat in cluster of dwarf-pines and Cris was panting aloud for some time. Then he started to eat some snow to quench his thirst. It took several minutes before he was ready further actions.

“You hear that?” he asked. “That is the sea... I guess. But never mind. Some wolves were here, in this grove. Not earlier that two days ago. That means, our mission is on.”

“Your mission, comrade!” replied Kitty.

“That’s not funny.” Hissed wolfdog. “You are here to help me and be ready to forward my messages to packs.”

“How?” yelled arctofox. “Should I howl? Because if you think that I could go back on my own...”

“Never mind.” Interrupted her Cris. “You must hide anyway. I think that dog joining the wolfpack with fox as a friend is weird enough to wake some suspicions.”

“You are very distrustful.”

“But alive.” Noticed wolfdog. “So hide somewhere here and do not contact with me unless... unless...” wondered. “I know – let’s meet on fullmoon... that is for four days... here. Right?”

“Right, sir!” reported Kitty and gave a salute. “But bring me some meal, because I don’t want to hunt myself... You know... I have to take care about my camouflage.”

“Good, I’ll try.” Said Cris. “But go now. I sense some wolves.”

“Bye, Cris... take care!” called Kitty and in one second she disappeared under the snow.

“Wow. Your winter coat is really useful.” Murmured wolfdog. “And besides it’s pretty.” Added.

Then he laid among dwarf-pines to wait for residents of grove. He wanted to stay alert in case if pack would return, but effort of journey soon overcame him. Eyelids became heavy and sticky, so Cris even hadn’t noticed when he fell asleep. It was just coincidence – fortunately or not – that he laid on side, cuddled to pine’s trunk. He half submerged into snow and was turned to centre of grove with his lower, almost white coat. In fact his unintentional camouflage was good as Kitty’s one.

“I can’t believe it!” female voice awoke Cris. In last moment he repressed himself from jumping up, because he noticed that some wolves are just next to him. “You are against me too!”

Cris nestled deeper in snow but he raised his ears and was listening carefully. He still didn’t see the talking newcomers, but he was sure they are close.

“No, Natalya... you are wrong.” Replied another female voice. “I’m thinking about your future. That it the best way to save our new pack intact and best way for you to still be an alpha.”

“Sasha, you are talking just like him!” yelled the first she-wolf.

“And what is bad in that?” asked the second. “Sergey is very handsome...” added with dreamy voice. “And he wants to be your mate. So you will be alpha not just of our old, small pack, but great wolves-coalition, who is about to claim own territory. And thanks to that you could do everything you want to... for example: make your best friend a beta.”

Cris carefully raised his muzzle to take a look from the snow. He was able to notice a silhouette of grey-furred female with darker spots on her back. And few feet further was standing the most beautiful bitch Cris had ever seen. She was silver-furred, of slim and fragile figure. Fur on her gentle muzzle was wet of tears, however her stare was decisive and firm. Wolfdog gasped quietly due to that sudden amaze, fortunately the beautiful unknown started to talk in the same moment.

“Listen... I don’t care what you talk about Sergey. I’m sick of his sticky, sly and bossy talks. I don’t want be his mate. But besides...” she hushed her friend with raised paw. “But besides of that, I’m alpha anyway! My father was leader of Drift Pack and I should take his heritage as my own.”

“Natalya...” whispered grey-furred. “That is not the Drift Pack any longer. We are the Outcast Pack. But under Sergey... and I hope: also yours leadership, we will became the Conquerors Pack.”

“Listen to yourself!” cried Natalya. “My father raised you as own daughter, after your parents died. And if I remember good, he raised you as a Drift Wolf. Your pack is dying!” called with emotional voice. “We lost our homeland, we lost our leader. If Sergey is to be an alpha, it will lost its tradition too. And right now he are loosing own very identity, by joining that wanderers. And they want to declare war! For what! We are new here and we are going to bite our hosts! I don’t want to be responsible for that.”

“Your decision.” Replied Sasha. “You could mate with Sergey after we conquered that cape.”

“No, you don’t understand!” sighed silver-furred and lower her muzzle. “Go to the pack and said that you lost me on hunt. I will back evening.”

“Ow, Natalya...” asked Sasha. “Will you be all right?”

“Yes, leave me alone.” She murmured. “I’ll be fine. What do you think: maybe some local, bloodthirsty wolf is already spying and is ready assassinate me to stop our pack?”

Cris narrowed his eyes abut he remained silent. Sasha lowered her ears, nodded her head and turned to the forest. Then she set off in pack’s direction. Wolfdog was lying still in snow, heavily thinking what to do then. He wanted with all his heart to stand and show himself to beautiful she-wolf, but he knew it was too late. Actually he had been eavesdropping and entering the scene then was rather inelegant. But events outran him quickly. He heard a muffled sobbing of silver-furred. She was crying, cuddling her muzzle in snow just next to him. Cris felt that her nose was just few inches from his side. Wolfdog gulped quietly and stood up.

“E...” said rather ineloquently.

“Sergey...” sobbed Natalya. “So you heard... I don’t care. Exile me, kill me, I’m tired of that.”

“Ma’am...” interrupted her wolf-dog. “I’m very sorry, but...”

Suddenly she burst with new energy. She-wolf jumped up, showering Cris with snow and pushed him with front paws. Confused Cris shielded his eyes with paw, but then Natalya pounced on him and overturned him. Bitch was light, but she was charging with unexpected strength on unprepared dog. So brownish-furred found himself pressed into the snow and sensed the jaws grabbing his neck.

“Ow, you are not Sergey...” whispered Natalya, loosing her grip. “Well, if it was him, he wouldn’t have let me beat him like that...”

Cris cast aside his a bit touched pride and stood up from ground. He looked on silver-furred.

“No, ma’am. My name is not Sergey, but I would be more careful with judging his abilities. I bet no wolf would shun your welcome.”

“Who are you?” she asked with confused voice. “You are dog, malamute...”

“Actually not a malamute, but: half malamute, one-eight Siberian husky, one-eight wolf and quarter Alaskan husky. My name is Cris.”

“Nice to bite... I mean: nice to meet you, Cris.” Said silver-furred, discreetly wiping her tears from muzzle. Then she pointed a curious stare on him. “But why did you spying us?”

“I’m terribly sorry, ma’am.” Replied wolfdog. “I was just carefully. You know, I have no pack and right now I’m living on my own... Your group is huge and I wasn’t sure if you are friendly... In fact, I’m still not sure.”

She smiled and came closer to brownish-furred.

“I’m not hostile... at least not as hostile as you could think after our... greeting. My name is Natalya and I’m... I was an alpha of Drift Pack.”

“Ow...” murmured Cris. “I was listening you a while, but I’m still confused. You meat you was deposed by some claimant named Sergey?”

“That is not your business, Cris.” She barred her teethes but just after that she narrowed her eyes and turned her stare to the ground. “And I guess that not my anymore.” She was silent for a while, but then looked in wolfdog’s eyes. “Is it possible to manage at own here?”

“Ha?” gasped Cris.

“Sorry, I would go some further, not to host on your area... Is many game here?”

“But what do you mean?” yelled brownish-furred. “You want leave own pack?”

“Ask her, how numerous they are!” whispered Kitty, who was looking on that scene from rock above them. “Where they sleep and about weakness of their leader.” Of course, she was too far for Cris to hear her and in fact it was fortunate for her.

“You hear that... I don’t want to be Sergey’s mate. And I know I can’t save my father’s pack from vanishing. So now I’m an outcast... I guess – just like you.”

“But if someone challenge that Sergey and win a duel for you...” said Cris, although he didn’t want to call it loud. Before he finished, he was already scared by won word. “No, that not good idea!” though desperately. “I’m here on a mission not to find another troubles.” But then he looked in deep, green Natalya’s eyes and all doubts flew away.

“You’re kidding.” She snorted. “No one would win with him, he was always our best fighter. Besides... his new sidekicks would stand for him.”

“But your original pack will stand for you.”

“Coup d’etat!” gasped kitty with excitation. “Cris, you are a genius!”

“Cris, you are funny!” smiled Natalya with bitter smile. “Leave it and just show me some hunting areas here, if you mind. If not, I will serve myself...”

“No, wait!” called wolfdog, seeing she was going to leave. “It’s dangerous here.”
”Of course it is, since my companions are here.” Replied silver-furred with grim voice. “If you are so kind...”

But then a portion of snow fell from rack above them. They turned theirs stares up, to see giant, brownish-furred wolf with scars across his forehead. Next to him were two black males and others wolves were emerging from behind edge of ledge. Kitty, who was on ledge just few feet below them, peeped from her shelter and called with muffled voice.

“Cris! Count them!” but then she hid again in rock-crack.

“Hello, Natalya...” said leader with venomous tone. “I see you have already made some acquaintances with locals. Good, let’s use to new neighbours.”

“When I give a sing, you will run.” Whispered silver-furred to wolfdog. “And don’t bother to return. It’s dangerous.” And to alpha she smiled and called with cheeky tone. “Not really. That is my mate and we are planning to rid off some claimant who has assumed the title of alpha in Drift Pack.”

Cris looked a bit confused on Natalya, but then he turned his stare on giant male, barring his teethes. Sergey burst in laughter and jumped down on ledge in about half of height of rock. Kitty hid herself deeper in crack, but she was just few steps from predator.

“A mate? God, and I didn’t believe when they tell me about so fast American way of life...” He grinned on wolfdog. “You are going to beat me?”

“It still could be avoided, if you step down.” Said Cris with decisive voice. In fact he was glad what snow was deep and he half submerged in it, because while he was looking on strong wolf, his paws were shivering. “That’s not good idea!” he though. “Neither for me nor packs. When that guy kill me, nothing would stop the war.” But then he reminded a bleary Natalya’s eyes and he howled inside. “Crazy? Well, definitely, but how gallantly!”

“Any weak spots?” asked Cris, crouching to the jump.

“Wait, I was kidding!” gasped silver-furred. “Run! I will stop him and explain that...”

“I guess I just don’t get a Russian sense of humour.” Replied wolfdog and added quietly. “To leave my den!” Then he pounced ahead.

In two jumps he got to the ledge. Sergey was so surprised that he even didn’t try to shun the sudden charge. Cris was much lighter that his adversary but he manage to hit with impetus and overturn grey-furred. Two Sergey sidekicks instantly jumped down on ledge, but there was so little room there that they could just stop on the brink and looking on swirling mass of fur.

“Leave her alone!” called Cris and while he was wrestling with front-paws, he his with rear-ones, hoping to get to wolf’s underbelly. He missed, but he accidentally pushed one of dark-furreds side, throwing him down. The second assistant ignore friend’s trouble and attack in the freed space. “Wait you turn!” gasped Cris, who was chocking by Sergey.

“Leave him!” called Natalya from rock’s foot, but no one was listening to her. All pack was standing on the brink of cliff, looking on duel.

Cris was slowly loosing his consciousness, due to chocking. He sensed that enemy’s jaws are closing to his throat, so in one, desperate move he rolled his body and pushed the rock-wall. All three – leader, dark-furred and wolfdog fell down. In short fall – it wasn’t more than eight yards – Cris managed to grab in jaw some scrap of fur and he pulled it to change his position. He moved on the top of flying mass and when they all hit the ground bodies of alpha and his beta amortised that shock. Wolfdog rolled aside, hearing a howl of pain from Sergey’s throat. He instantly stood up on paws and was almost rammed by running Natalya.

“Retreat!” she cried, pulling his fur on nape. Confused wolfdog followed silver-furred and they left the grove before distracted pack could react.

After few minutes of run, Cris understood what he was holding in mouth. It was a part of Sergey’s ear. The very first blood on that war was already spilt.

“Ow, my God!” yelled Natalya, seeing Cris prize. “You wounded him!”

“Nice one, huh?” smiled wolfdog and from his lips dropped some wolf’s blood.

“No! He won’t let it go!” yelled silver-furred. “We must run farther.”

“Is that a problem?” asked Cris, throwing out the auricle. “You was about to leave, I guess...”

She-wolf instantly stopped, looked on him and burst in loud laughter.

“Bite me down!” she cried with puppyish joy. “You are a freak! You are stray dog who has just challenged the wolf’s alpha just to impress own ego!”

“No exactly...” murmured brownish-furred. “I was going to impress you...”

“Cris, you are extraordinary canis.” Said silver-furred. “Apart of few unpleasant circumstances I’m glad we are escaping now.” He smiled, looking on her, but she added. “But now: go! We must find some shelter before they march further on east, then we must hunt... You have to show me game here... But now, run!”

“Yes, ma’am!” smiled Cris, following silver-furred.

Kitty was looking on that scene from distant pine-trunk. After while of thinking she scratched a bark, making two strait lines. She giggled silently and whispered.

“One disabled, one deflected, only thirty-eight to go. We are outstanding saboteurs!”

VI. My Enemy

Natalya and Cris stopped about five miles north from the grove. When then ceased they run, took few deeper breathes and quenched their thirsts with fresh snow, they again burst with puppyish laughter. Something broke in silver-furred – day before she was pinned by her worries, stretched between memory of father and fear of the future. But in that run all fears disappeared. She felt free, although she was an outcast.

“Because I’m an outcast.” She thought. “No duties, no dangers. I’m sorry father, but I won’t take a burden which I can’t carry.”

“So, what now, berserker?” she asked Cris. Dog had been running the same distance, but he wasn’t panting as she was. “You’re tough, I guess.”

“In running – yes.” Replied brownish-furred, smiling. “My father was the best sled leader in whole Alaska...”

“Was...” whispered Natalya. “I’m sorry, Cris.”

“No... I mean...” said dog, hearing he was misunderstood. But just second later he thought that a little of misunderstanding could save him many lies. “I mean, it’s ok. It was long time ago...”

“My father died just week ago.” Said Natalya and Cris nodded his muzzle with compassionate gesture. “But don’t talk about that. I’ve lost my pack today, so I exhaust a pool of bad luck today. Let’s talk about something more pleasant. Where is some food?”

“Come on.” Said Cris. He was a bit panicked, because he had never hunted there, so he tried a improvised excuse. “But it would be harder than you think. Arrival of your companions made a mess here and scared much of game off.”

“I’m a good tracker.” Smiled Natalya. “Just tell me, where I should start my chase.”

“Natalya...” asked Cris silently. She stopped and looked on him. “Why did you do it? Why did you leave your pack? It was just the matter between me and Sergey.”
”And why did you start all this? It was just the matter between me and Sergey.” Smiled she-wolf. “Come on, it was an impulse. And we have some fun, after all.” Then she added quieter. “And I had to leave anyway... But it doesn’t matter. Lead the way!”

*

Kitty decided to stay on the ledge for few hours than follow track of Cris. In normal conditions it would be hard, because arctofox wasn’t a good tracker. But mixture of wolf’s and dog’s scent was very unique and even weak nose of white-furred quickly found the way. She was marching significantly slower that long-pawed creatures, but she was sure that Cris would return in fixed place like they had set. “And I hope he remember to leave some left-overs for me!” thought Kitty, jumping in deep snow.

*

Buck Pack came three days after Aleu, Ami and Cris had left. So Steele had about twenty five recruits under his command – that was: both groups, excluding scouts. Even alphas joined that drill what seriously amused malamute. He remembered when four years earlier he was practising with Dymitr. Maybe <practising> wasn’t the best word – he captured young wolf and kept him for almost year as personal prisoner. Grey-furred had to show malamute all wolves fighting techniques and Steele was feeding him in return. In time that forced relation turn to be something more than bond between prisoner and guardian, but before malamute realised that he made some friendship with predator, he left to fulfil his personal revenge. In fact they met with Dymirt again two years later, when grey-furred was already alpha of Buck Pack.

“He changed.” Smiled Steele, looking on friend , just overturning with easy some sparing-partner from own pack. “He was weak and undecided wolf... I seems that affaire with me made him a real warrior.”

It was correct – Dymitr was excellent fighter and commonly respected leader. His pack was disciplined, maybe even more that Niju’s Peninsulas. And after all this years wolf saved still a lot of fondness towards former student. He greeted Steele warmly and quickly accepted Niju’s idea to make malamute informal leader of packs coalition. Moreover – he was very helpful in trainings, because not only Steele had learned from Dymitr – also Dymirt had learned from Steele.

“Right, that’s enough for today.” Ordered malamute, seeing as his old teacher was easily gripping much younger and stronger Flame. “Take some break and assign scouts for tomorrow.” Then he wagged his tail to ask Niju and Dymitr aside. When wolves followed him, he jumped on his favourite ledge in Haven and said on prepared brush-bedding. “Nice going... But it’s still looks grim, in condition that we are going to face whole that pack.”

“With panic you should wait for first report of your son.” Noticed Niju. “We don’t know if they are weak or strong...”

“...and if they are hostile or peacefully.” Finished Steele.

“I don’t recognize you.” Smiled Dymitr. “You lose your zeal when you are about to bite some wolves?” He and Niju laughed.

“That’s not funny.” Murmured Steele. “Even if we win, there would be casualties. Many casualties. I’m thinking about alternative.”

“There is no alternative, Steele.” Said Niju seriously. “When wolfpacks are rivalling for territory they must fight or run. We won’t run and I expect they won’t either. Casualties? Well, that’s the nature’s way. Maybe not very merciful, but it’s going through the ages.”

“I bet you would say something different if Flame got his part in that <natural selection> process.”

“My son will be fighting in first line!” growled black-furred alpha. “You won’t see him with rolled up tail!”

“I believe.” Replied Steele. “But still I wish to find some friendly paw, not hostile claw.” He jumped down from the ledge. He landed on aching left paw and barely represses a gasp of pain. “I hope that pack will come soon.” He thought with bitter smile. “Before I die!”

*

Quest of searching wolpack turned out to be extremely difficult. Although neither Arathi nor Gunnar knew what had happened to many wolves in USSR, they understood that mostly of creatures knew the sound of plane-engine and is deadly scared by it. So it was a grind – friends were flying over the shore and desperately trying to recognise if lone silhouettes of canines were stray dogs, lone wolves of members of vast pack, who accidentally didn’t manage to hide on time. One thing that they were sure was two pack who crossed the ice-float-bridge on twenty fifth and twenty eighth October. Creatures were running in haze, not caring even for plane over them.

“That’s not good.” Murmured Arashi, hiding his camera to backpack. “Let’s fly back, I guess the fuel is low.”

“As you wish.” Replied Norwegian. “You decide because it’s your turn to land.”

“Again?” yelled Tazaku. “I was landing yesterday!”

“I doesn’t count, because you failed.” Smiled Kaasen. “You drove us in your daughter’s laundry!”

“Nobody’s dead, so...”

When friends were arguing on the sky, in forest below then Natalya and Cris were crouching in snow den, waiting for plane to fly out. Although wolfdog knew that the risk was minimal – Steele had told him much about humans – but he didn’t want to show she-wolf anything about him. “I’ll be better just a stray dog, with no connections with humans, wolves nor with anyone.” Thought. “God! My camouflage is so good that for now I have no connection even with main object of my observation!” Once again he decided to made Natalya go back to grove and follow the pack. But few times he had failed to do that, because she didn’t want to have anything to do with former companions.

“Hey, I guess, we may go.” Said Cris.

Natalya moved back from Cris side. When they had taken cover, she instinctively nestled to dog, shivering, but when danger was gone, she pretended that nothing that had happened. “She is afraid.” Thought brownish-furred. “But she can’t show it.”

“Right. Lead the way.” They exited their den and stopped on sunned clearing day was clear and warm, although no clouds on the sky was announcing the frosty night. Fortunately theirs stomachs were full, thanks to Natalya’s hunting skills. “Where now, Cris?”

“I don’t know...” murmured dog. “Maybe south? We could find some leftovers from your former pack...” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...”

“No...” she said. “You have right, I can’t let them influence my life any longer. I left them, so I don’t take care of them... and definitely I don’t fear them. Lead the way – go south!”

“Thanks...” murmured dog. “But you go first. I don’t know how fast I should...”

“Ow, ow, ow...” hissed Natalya, pretending she was huffed. “What are you saying, mister <sledmaster>. You think I can’t keep you up? So take this! TAG! YOU’RE IT!” she pushed Cris side so hard, he overturned on the snow and she started to run south with full speed, laughing. Dog spited out snow from his mouth but then he too burst in laughter, chasing his companions. Until the evening they made ten miles and returned to the dwarf-pine grove. And then they found Amber.

Whole scene looked strange – two adolescent, but almost mature canines were running in snow, laughing and joking around, time to time wrestling and chasing like tiny pups in airily play. They ran on clearing before the grove and heard the moan of unconsciousness wolf. That cut all they joy in one second. Cris raised his ears and murmured to Natalya.

“Stop here! I will check it out.”

Probably few weeks earlier wolfish pride would have forbade silver-furred to let dog stand as her bodyguard, but then she was so surprised she didn’t say a word. She just crouched in snow, seeing when brownish-furred was sneaking to bush of pines where moans were coming from. After several seconds she ragained her cold blood and decided to follow her companion, when she heard Cris yell. Dog jumped up and Natalya started to run to him. But second after Cris froze, just looking down on the ground. When she-wolf got there she found him and some black shape on the snow. It was Amber. Wolf was dying from fever.

“O, my God!” gasped Cris. “That’s the guy I threw down the ledge yesterday! What happened?”

Natalya went closer and sniffed over shivering body. But the cause of illness was easy to find – wolf had broke rear-left paw and injury overgrown with pus and was pulsing in scary way.

“Amber?” asked silver-furred. “Wake up!” But when he didn’t react, she turned to Cris. “I guess we won’t do much. But if he is there, pack must be near, so they will return to him. Let’s go before...” But then she noticed rank of track – as is Drifters and others had gone in ordered formation few hours earlier. “Or they won’t...” she finished with terror.

“They left him?” whispered Cris with confusion.

“Yes.” Confirmed Natalya. “And his paw is not broken because of fall... but because of duel...” On Amber’s body were numerous cuts of teethes and few pools of blood nearby. “Sergey did it... Amber had to challenge him... I can’t believe it!” she turned her stare into the ground. “It wouldn’t happened in times of my father. He used to exile claimants who lost the challenge, but he never fought to death!”

“He’s not dead yet!” said Cris with decisive voice. “And he won’t be. Help me!”

Natalya joined uncertain tries of wolfdog. When she immobilised other paws of wolf, he sank his teethes into the swelling to cut it and suck out the pus. After few attempts – when Amber awoken but few moments later was stunned by pain again – they manage to clear the wound. They set the bone, thanks to unconsciousness of patient, then carefully dragged wolf deeper in grove, where was warmer. Then Cris said.

“Wait here with him I’ll get some meat.”

“Cris...” called Natalya. Dog stopped. “I... thank you... He is not of my pack... But I was responsible for him for few days and...”

“You’re welcome.” Replied brownish-furred and ran to the forest. He was desperately hoping he get some prey despite of weariness and aching paws.

*

Kitty found him on Shore Hills. Actually, he didn’t recognise he scent and almost hunt her. He stopped in last moment with jaws over her nape.

“Hi, Cris!” called fox, exiting his grab.

“Damn!” murmured dog. “Be more careful! There are plenty of wolves there and it’s not only me.”

“You’re not a wolf, but half malamute, one-eight... All right, all right!” she stopped when he grabbed her in jaws and started to shake. “I got the point. I will be careful. Put now: put me down and give me a report.”

“To you?” gasped Cris, putting her on the snow.

“Yes, and I will forward it to Rin, Niju’s scout.” She replied. “He is few miles away, but he doesn’t want to come closer, aware not to alarm that pack. So tell me: how many jaws, where they are heading and is that cute silver-furred is your pass to coup d’etat?”

“What?” yelled dog.

“So you picking her up privately?” asked with curious stare. “That is not the best way to fulfil our mission.”

“I’m not picking her up!” opposed dog. “She has some troubles, she left her pack.” But seeing the ironical stare of Kitty, he left it and added. “But I have a prisoner now.”

“Wow!” gasped fox. “Let me interrogate him!”

“No, no! he is wounded now.” Murmured wolfdog. “But when he find out who save him... I could persuade him to help us. He was almost killed by chief of that lot – Sergey.”

“That is something...” whispered Kitty. “We have villain’s name – time to invite some propaganda-pun-rhymes on him, huh?”

“Go now.” Asked Cris. “I have to hunt something.”

“Follow me!” smiled Kitty. “Those guys left many good meat after them!”

*

He returned to grove about midnight, carrying a solid potion of meat. It was – technically - a carcass and leftover, but due to overwhelming frost the meat was fresher than they wished to.

“Cris! You did it!” smiled Natalya, seeing the prey.”

“Of course I did!” snorted dog. “I’m living on my own for some time and I manage. Don’t you see?”

She went to him, licked his forehead with gratitude and started to tear food to smaller portions. After few minutes they had many small bitefulls, which they can give to Amber. Dark wolf was still weak but awaken. He greeted the meat with smile on his face and quickly devoured his share. When finally he regained some breath he said.

“Thank you...” he looked on Natalya. “I’m so sorry for...”

“Supporting Sergey?” she asked  with irony. “I believe NOW you are sorry.”

“Ow, cease that.” Whispered Cris to her ear. “He got his payback.” He added pointing on broken paw.

“But what you will do with me?” asked Amber.

“We’ll try to feed you, until you are disable.” Replied wolfdog. “But don’t hope for fat meals. It’s not easy to hung for additional jaw. Especially, when Sergey’s pack is around. And...” he smiled and ordered with indifferent voice. “You have to tell us everything you heard about theirs plans. Where they go, what they intend and if they want to fight.”

“For what?” amazed Natalya. “That is not our case anymore.”

“Well...” replied dog. “We must learn as much as we can to avoid them. That’s all I mean.”

“Right.” Natalya nodded her head. “You are totally right, Cris. I have to remember to trust your wit.” Dog smiled with a bit ashamed smile, but his nervousness wasn’t caused exactly by what she expected to.

“Good, I can tell you what Sergey intended two days ago, before I challenged him. I just disagreed with his crazy plan of sudden attack on nearest pack and driving it off from shore...”

Cris raised his ears and tried to remember every word of that speech. And miles away, deeper in forests of peninsula, Niju’s scouts were howling the first report to the haven. Peninsula Coalition was also preparing for war.

“Ow, that’s good.” Smiled Steele, standing on hill next to Niju and Dymitr.

“Good?” surprised his former teacher. “I though you don’t want to fight.”

“I mean: good that Cris is transmitting. that means he is all right.” And added quieter, clenching his jaws with unrest. “Yet.”

VII. An Outcast

Two days passed for Natalya and Cris in very weird way. For most of time they were hunting to provide food to themselves and Amber. They couldn’t afford to guard wounded wolf, but black-furred ensured them he can defend himself. So silver-furred and wolfdog were running alone in forests of cape, looking for game. But after successful hunting, until weariness got them, they were just wandering around, laughing and chatting airily. Or at least she was airy.

Cris was driving theirs trips deeper in land to search for more tracks of Conquerors Pack. It wasn’t too hard to do it, because vast group left many clear traces. Brownish-furred was more concerned not to show Natalya what he was doing. “I can’t let her know what I’m up to.” He thought. “security of whole operations depends on it.” But actually he was some others reasons. She-wolf was seeing all his actions from completely different perspective and her interpretation was very flattering.

“You are very special, Cris.” She said, when they were resting on hill, few miles from shore. It was about midnight, so they were slowly going back to Amber, but made some short break. “You are just stray dog, but you’re acting like pack leader. Ow...” she looked on his face. “I’m sorry, that I called you...”

“Dog?” surprised Cris. “I am dog and I’m not ashamed by that. Call it as it is.”

“Right..” nodded she-wolf. “But I mean you are so protective... for me and for Amber. Actually he is not your friend nor relative, but you take care about him unselfishly.” Cris gulped, hearing then, but she didn’t notice it. “It’s very noble...”

“Maybe... Maybe not.” Replied dog. “I just have some great time with you... Or maybe I saved Amber just to impress you, huh?” smiled with gallant smile, hiding his confusion.

“Well, it that it true, you succeeded!” replied Natalya and burst in laughter. She laid in snow more comfortable, getting a bit closer to brownish-furred. “So Cris... tell me something about you.”

“E...” murmured dog. “I’d better not. Sorry, I just wish not to speak about it.”

“Hard memories?”

“Some sort.” Nodded Cris. “Just let me say I’m here and now without sled nor pack. I guess it’s the most important thing in my life now.”

“Sorry, Cris.” Whispered Natalya and licked his forehead. He nodded, saying that’s all right, but in the same movement he sniffed a distant scent of Sergey’s pack. “So let’s go back, to Amber...”

“No... I mean...” replied dog. “Go back, I will stay here for a while...” seeing amazed stare of Natalya, he added. “I’ll try to hunt something. I see you are tired, so I’ll do it myself...” It sounded quite sordid, but brownish-furred prayed in mind she would agree. “She can’t notice I’m looking for pack!” he thought with despair. With surprise he saw he succeeded.

“All right, I’m going back.” Said Natalya. Cris felt a nauseating bolt in his heart, fearing she took it as rude behaviour, but he was wrong. “You even hunt for me... Thank you, Cris.” She smiled and set of in shore’s direction. Dog sat on snow, sighing with relief. His cover was still intact.

“But when it all will be over...” yelled dog in mind. “What she would think about me! I’m a spy and I’m cheating her too!” In the same moment a picture of father came to his mind. “I know!” whispered brownish-furred. “We are the family and I should care about you all in the first place... But dad... it’s so hard. And it’s getting even harder!” But when vision didn’t replied, he set off to east.

*

Sergey was furious. Wounded ear was aching him like hell and also wolf was enraged because his new appearance was quite funny – a giant and strong wolf with shattered auricle, like some stray mutt from town. So to secure his authority, brown-furred was clearly showing who was leading there.

“How it could be, you know nothing?!” shouted on Sasha. “You’re the scout and you have to get the information!” Grey-furred bitch rolled up her tail, as well as three scouts next to her. “We are going on war with those pack and I want know everything about them. IS THAT CLEAR?”

“YES SIR!” replied scouting team. When Sergey turned back, Sasha sighed with relief. “You don’t deserved to be feed.” Added alpha with venomous voice. “This is the last time I give you meat for nothing. I hope tomorrow you will succeed.” Then he left his charged and got back to cave in Slope of Bears Mountain. It wasn’t the same cavern that Steele had used for shelter for him and Dymitr four years earlier – that place was on eastern slope – however it looked very similar. It was too well placed in spot shielded from wind and snow. A comfortable keep for strong leader. But Sergey wanted to make sure that no other pack would endanger his reign.

Meanwhile on square before cave Olga was disciplining scout team. Beta was still second in charge, after Alexander’s death. Once she planned to mate with Sergey, if old leader would have allowed on that, but whole situation changed. Brown-furred become a chief and she-wolf dropped her dreams of relationship with him, although she still wanted to be as close to power as she could. So she became a loyal Sergey’s supporter, along with Crack – the second dark-furred wolf, who had come with Amber to Drift Pack. Since Amber was no more, both betas – Olga and Crack took theirs duties with agreement. And then they both were scolding lazy charges.

“What do you think?!” gasped Olga. “We are going to war! And without Amber and after Natalya escape we have just thirty-eight jaws! We can’t afford for errors in reconnaissance!”

“If Sergey wouldn’t killed Amber, we would have thirty-nine...” whispered Sasha, but Olga heard that.

“Go ahead!” she smiled maliciously. “Tell it to the boss!”

“You will go tomorrow on that range of hills.” Ordered Crack, pointing with paw on east. “There you sniff  for every scent. And I want you to bring some traces to me...”

“Yes, sir!” called scouts, although Sasha do it the quieter. For two days she managed to regret Natalya’s escape. Whole old Drift Pack had turned to be <b-class> wolves. Sergey trusted only in new-joined ones and used old companions to all dirty-works.

“Remember it, sweetheart.” Hissed Crack to Sasha’s ear. “Don’t you dare to return without results.” Olga wagged her tail with anger, calling dark-furred to the cave. So once again scouts could sight with relief.

“I wouldn’t have come to this, if Natalya was on the lead.” Whispered Sasha to Martha, she-wolf standing next to her.

“But now it’s too late.” she replied. “We don’t know where she is and even...”

“Right, too late.” agreed Sasha and went to her snowy bedding before cave’s entrance.

Cris heard it all perfectly. He was hidden in snow just several meters from ledge, where cave and square were. He saw Conquerors Pack and got know they recent plans. Dog crawled out from his hiding and started to run down the slope. He stopped about two miles on south, where he left some marks on the tree-bark of pine, hoping that some of scouts of his pack would find it. “And it they won’t, I’ll tell all to Kitty.” He thought. “But now I must get back, before Natalya find out what I’m doing.”

It was a unexpectedly shine of luck, but Cris incidentally found some hare, running to the shore. He caught the prey, smiling that his cover turned out to be quite believable.

*

About ten miles east from there Steele was listening to wolves howls. Some reports came from Buckland: that Aleu and Ami successfully established friendly contacts with Ice team. If Steele hadn’t on mind so many troubles he wished to go to old home, so see brother-in-law and old owner.

“But no...” he whispered into quiet night. “I swore I left humans world for good. And if I ever break this oath... first of all...” he smiled to that absurd thought. “I should go to Nome and kick Balto’s fur.” But I guess I have something different to do on my retirement...”

When sounded howl of scouts on west. Cris report was forwarded and Steele was wondering for a while. Then replied with ask to son to careful try of slowing aggressive pack. He hoped that Dymitr would make some alliance with additional pack and thanks to that they would gain more strength against invaders. But they need more time for that.

*

Natalya awoke on morning and instantly heard quiet voices of Cris and Amber. Dark-wolf was still weak, but he was recovering fast. However dog didn’t ask him about health.

“...so I think they would use Drift Pack Tactics, modified by greater number of wolves. I guess it means two teams, one holding brink of forest and the second attacking from side, sneaking in cover. Ow... ask Natalya for details.”

“What details do you want me to ask?” yawned sleepy she-wolf.

“No, it’s nothing.” Replied instantly Cris, nudging Amber with paw, ordering silence. “I was wondering how it came that he fought with Sergey.”

“Yeah, right.” Agreed dark-wolf. He tried to stay loyal towards both saviours but actually he trusted more to Cris. Maybe it was males solidarity, maybe just some prejudice towards Natalya as a former Drifter. “I said him what happened that day, but if you want I could repeat that.”

“Yes, please.” Nodded silver-furred. “Ow, a hare!” she smiled, looking on prey in snow.

“All yours. We ate already.” Said Cris. Then they both listened to Amber’s story.

It wasn’t too much to tell. Ambitious wolf wanted to become an alpha and if that would be impossible, at least beta of pack. But even his beta-status wasn’t sure, because Sergey decided to made his main assistant Olga from Drift Pack. The second title, needed in such a big group was however still unknown, and might have been awarded both to Amber and Crack. And those two hated themselves from the first sight. They were from different packs but Sergey picked them on one day before crossing strait. They even hadn’t known each other before but because they looked almost identical – both were massive, dark-furred males – pack started to call them brothers was both of them found extremely irritating. So after few arguments with <brother> and Olga, Amber decided that is no time nor energy to lose and found the pretext to challenge the boss. He claimed he didn’t want war and wished original Drift Pack to be more respected. To Natalya and Cris he confessed that was just words, but three days earlier, on the shore, many former Drifters had believed him. So – sensing some support – Amber decided to start duel with Sergey. But he had no luck and lost. Maybe it was because of aching paw that he stretched, being thrown down from ledge by Cris, maybe it because Sergey after wound on his auricle was extremely enraged. However the result was clear – beaten claimant was left to die on beach.

“I’m very sorry about my previous behaviour.” Finally said Amber. “I have never seen my actions as they were, until I was strong and lucky. But now...”

“Don’t be afraid.” Said Cris. “Maybe your paw won’t be as agile as was before, but in few weeks you will be able to run and hunt.”

“Few weeks... on your meat? I can’t tire you so much.”

“I think we’ll make it.” Said dog. And looked on Natalya. She nodded her muzzle. “We will feed you, until we have own food.”

“Yeah, thank you again.” Repeated Amber. “But I think I’m disturbing you and...”

“In what?” asked Cris and narrowed his eyes. He was determined to keep Amber close at least until he was useful source of information about Conquerors Pack. However he noticed as Natalya slightly crooked her lips.

“I don’t know.” Replied dark-furred. “Just...”

“Maybe we should go on hunt.” Interrupted him Cris. “Natalya... will you help me?”

“With pleasure.” She replied and when they went some distance from Amber, she nudged dog’s side with her paw. “TAG!” And they both ran to forest.

*

Day was tiring but also successful. They got one young caribu, what was plenty meat for all trio for few days. They hunted game in small valley on shore, about a mile from grove. So they carried part of meat to Amber but decided to sleep with prey, to prevent scavengers from stealing it. Just before midnight they reached they food-treasury and laid down in snow next to caribu. Effort of passing day should have lull them to sleep quickly, however it didn’t. they were still laying awake, uneasily – however each one of them from different reason.

“Cris...” whispered Natalya. “Are you sleeping.”

“No yet.” Replied wolfdog. He was still thinking about broadcasting next report to Kitty, so he was ready to leave when she would fall asleep. But somehow he was then glad it failed. He was tired of spying, especially spying in front of her.

“What a beautiful night!” she said. The light snow started to fall and distant Aurora Borealis was shining through it with dozens of colours. It looked like giant, omnipresent rainbow in the air. Although it was frosty, maybe even colder than night before, somehow it seemed to be much warmer.

“Right.” Agreed Cris. “Are in your homeland nights like this?” he noticed that she shook her muzzle and added. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to evoke any memories.”

“From now on that land is my home.” She replied with tensed voice. “And whatever you think about it, now you are my pack, because you are only creature I can trust.”

“I’m sure not only.” Replied Cris, although inside he was boiling from shame and anxiety. “I’ve just happened to be here and now.”

“But I wish to be that way in future... as long as you want.” Said Natalya and stood up. She went to wolfdog, who stood up to. They almost met with their noses. “Cris... when my father died, I thought I had to grow up or I would die. But it hasn’t happened.”

“Really?” asked dog, gulping.

“Thanks to you I still could be like pup, because you show me that I can trust others. You are so reliable and trustworthy...”

“Well... don’t judge me too hard.” Cris laughed with nervous laughter, hiding his confusion. “O my God!” he thought. “If I fulfil my mission, she would take it as betraying her... because it is betraying her. I’m using her!”

Suddenly Natalya made a step ahead and their noses met. A short caress quickly turned to long kiss and before Cris understood what was happening he drowned in she-wolf’s hug. He tried to say something, break that spell, but when he steeped back, he just looked in deep, green Natalya’s eyes and froze all inside. “I’ll be damned!” though, again kissing silver-furred.

“At last.” Whispered she-wolf. “I found you!”

[“An Outcast” song. Romantic  and merry tune. We hear the song and we see silent scenes in the same time. Singing from background.]

[Capture of Natalya and Cris in the valley. Cris is trying to say something, but she closes her lips with another kiss, then steps back and wags her tail, asking him to follow. Then cut to Natalya’s muzzle. Zoom-in on her eyes.]

Natalya:
A sudden spark of warm
A some fresh air to breathe
A sunlight in the storm
A someone just like me

[She runs and Cris follows. Finally she stumbles and falls into the snow. With laughter Cris falls next to her. Pair starts to wrestle playfully.]

He is so close right now, as if he always was
I don’t why he came but feel he came not without cause
God put his before me, so finally I could find
The one was looking for in dreams, in heart and mind

[Then they stand up and go to forest bring on one of the trees Cris notices his signs on bark for pack-scouts. Before Natalya sees this, he runs there and rub cracks out. Then he smiles, pretending he is airy. Silver-furred goes to him and nestles to his side.]

But he is now right here and so real, so true so mine
An answer to my needs that all aroused in time
A cure for all my fears and wind that set me free
The pauper and the prince at once – an outcast just like me.

[Natalya seems to notice nothing. She starts to wrestle with Cris again, still next to the same tree. That fall on the snow. A Cris paw from  put the capture once again scratches a bark to wipe out every sing of his message.]

Chorus:
Just like me!
Outside the world, where we are just alone
Just like me!
We find time I that I once thought it’s gone
Just like me!
And that’s all I need
To stay the way I am to be
With outcast just like me

[They run back to valley with caribu and theirs beddings. Zoom-in on Cris face. He is smiling but a tune of anxiety is also visible on his face.]

Cris:
Refreshing drops of rain
A cooling blow of wind
To wash my every pain
To soothe my tired mind

[They stop in valley and Cris is repairing Natalya’s bedding, by rearranging the brush. She, seeing this, with blow of her paw destroys the bad. Dog looks on her with confusion but she bends to his ear and whisperers something. He smiled with, a bit ashamed.]

She is so close right now, as if she always was
I don’t why she came but feel she came not without cause
It finally happen – I see her and know she’s what I’ve lacked
I wish to stay here, at her side without more turning back

[They both go to Cris bedding and lays down on brush, side to side. Natalya is licking Cris tenderly.]

When I have exited my den I was blinded by sun
And now I see that it was she and her shine’s going on
So now I follow only star I want to have on sky
And hope that day will never set, at least before I die

[Capture of the sky, view from characters eyes. They look on stars, pointing with paws some shining points. Then shooting stars comes. Capture of pair, looking up – they whisper wished quietly.]

Just like me!
Outside the world, where we’ll together be
Just like me!
I found the find for no one else to see
Just like me!
And that’s all I need
To stay the way I am to be
With outcast just like me

[They again lay down. Natalya closes her eyes with happy and airily face. Cris takes another look around and then fell motionless on silver-furred’s side. He also seems to fall asleep. Music stops.]

VIII. Brothers in paws

Cris was running south in hurry, but also being very carefully. He had left Natalya sleeping, but few times he stopped and looked back, as if he was sure she was following him. Additionally he was aware not to awake Amber, who still was in grove. And there Cris was about to meet with Kitty.

“What the hell happened!?” gasped arctofox. She appeared before dog so rapidly, emerging from below snow-surface that Cris jumped in amaze. “I’m waiting here for almost three hours!”

“Hush!” hissed brownish-furred. “There is a wolf here!”

“I know, I know... your POW.” Replied fox. “So let’s go a bit farther. He was sleeping a while ago, but with those blasted wolves you never know...” Seeing narrowed eyes of Cris, she added. “I said: wolves, not: half-malamute, one-eight...” They entered a clearing nearby.

Night was clear and frosty that Cris regretted that he had to leave Natalya alone. “She would got warm by my side, but now... Ow, hell... I wish that nothing of that happened. I’ve done bad, getting involved with her. If there was a way to explain her all and convince her to support our course against her former pack-mates...”

“Are you sleeping, agent?” Hissed Kitty, waving her paw before Cris eyes. “Wake up and tell me what I should report Niju’s scouts. Your father counts on you. He is sure we will solve problem of those intruders quickly.”

“Kitty, all things got tangled...” said Cris carefully. “That Natalya... she... fell in love with me.”

“Great! Cris, you’re genius!” cried white-furred. “One more trump card in our paws! Are you going to take over that pack thanks to her.”

“No, not thanks to her...” started dog, but then a heart-piercing howl sounded in the air.

Natalya was standing on rock-ledge, from where Sergey exiled her four days earlier. A moon’s disk was shining from behind her, making her silver fur sparking and reflecting. Her muzzle was pointed to the clear sky in loud howl. But that wasn’t a howl of calling or warning, but of grief.

“NATALYA!” called amazed dog.

“I... I though you went hunt for me...” cried she-wolf with breaking voice. “And that you will be back on morning, at my side. And you intended to be... for I was still required in your plan... But not now... I’m sorry, I’m sick of being tool.” She turned back and added with growl. “You was right. I judged you definitely too hard.” She looked on Amber who just opened hid eyes and was looking on whole scene with confusion. “Don’t worry. Although I go, Cris will take care about you. You are still needed to him.” Then she disappeared in pine-plant.

“Stop, stop!” called Cris to her. He started to climb on rock, but frost made wall extremely slippery. After few attempts, dog chose the longer way around in plant. “Natalya... It isn’t as you think...” But no one answered him. He got to Amber’s bedding and looked on black-furred. “Where she went?”

“I don’t now.” Replied sleepy wolf. “But wherever she went you’d better not follow her. I guess she finally grew up. And a pup who has just understood how it world works would be... very unpleasant to everybody...”

“But she misunderstood...”

“And what you was going to do?” asked Amber with grim smile. “Left your pack to hang with her, ignoring all the war?”

“No, but...” Then Kitty got there. Cris turned to her and ordered. “Search for scouts and forward them what you know... And say them message for my father.” Dog stopped for the while, took a deep breath and continued. “That I’m very sorry, but for now on I have to deal with my business. I can’t continue my present duty.”

“What?!” yelled Kitty. “Are you mad!? You can’t desert in face of enemy!”

“For no, he deserts in back of enemy.” Murmured Amber indifferently. “And now there is no danger for your pack. Conquerors will have some own problems in coming day.”

“Huh?” asked Cris.

“It’s obvious.” Replied dark-furred. “She is going to challenge Sergey... Because she has nothing else to do. Pack rejected her, you rejected her... I guess she finally understood she has to take what’s her with force.”

“No...” whispered dog and set off in frenzy run east.

Kitty stayed, looking confused on Amber. Wounded wolf licked his lips and said with calm voice.

“Let make a deal, fox. You will make sure that your wolfish allies will feed me and I will help you easily win that match. How you about that?”

“E...” replied shocked Kitty.

“You won’t help Cris right now.” Said dark-furred. “But you could help his pack. If you tell your leader that Conquerors are defenseless now... because they will be defenseless, after that small civil war between Drifts and Strays that Natalya is going to do... So if you convince local packs to attack now... and you obey my advices, you will win.”

“I’ll do what I can.” Said Kitty with tensed voice.

“Good, excellent.” Replied Amber and smiled. “You will find me few miles north, next to Natalya’s and Cris prey. I should get there in about a day.” He stood and started to hobble on three paws in pointed direction. “Find me there. I need more food that those leftovers. Understood?”

“Yes sir!” called arctofox and gave a salute.

She quickly set off on east, jumping with all her speed. She wanted to find Niju’s scouts as soon as it was possible. To order the attack – that was one reason. But she knew also that Cris was about to get in some really nasty troubles and she was definitely too weak to solve that herself.

*

Natalya was running with fire in her heart. Both: sudden happiness of love and despair of being betrayed mixed in haze in her mind and drove her to speed. Although she was wolf, not malamute, she easily outran tired Cris. Moreover, she expected where to go – that is where Sergey would have led his pack.

“NO!” she thought! “MY pack! I will stand for it and win or die!” But then some other voice called in her mind. “Die? Why? Such black-and-while perspective is so puppyish. And you are mature now...”

She burst in tears. Her small world that she had created after father’s death crushed in one blow. Cris didn’t love her, but using her. Is was that so unexpected? He had his duties, orders... and maybe even own mate, somewhere there. He lied to her but he had to lie to fulfill his mission. “And what is my mission?” thought she-wolf. “I hoped it was to love you, Cris. But that was just an illusion.”

[“Fang for heart” song. Tune is fast, uneasy, with rhythm consistent with rhythm of run of characters.]

[Clear, frosty night. Capture of loose forest where Natalya is speeding. She is running very fast, barely looking on her route. Snow it deep but thanks to ice-layer on it, she-wolf is moving easily. Full-moon is shining on sky, partially blinding her. She is running directly on east.]

Natalya:
No I see what is the world
And however I wish to
Close my eyes and don’t see through
I can’t ignore the truth untold
How it works on me and you

[She opens her eyes and tries to see in spite of blinding light of full-moon, shining in her face. We see the scenery – in bright (as for a night) light, shades are clear and deep. It looks quite scary, but Natalya just ignores it. Zoom-in on her face, we see tears in her eyes.]

Turning my stare to the ground
Won’t dispel the what is real
Run or die, kill or be killed
Only principles around
Mightier that is any will

[Tears, flowing her muzzle quickly freezing. She shook off the ice drops from head. On words < kill or be killed> she his with paws and without slowing she kills a sleeping hare. On brink of a clearing she stops and starts to eat greedily – she is clearly exhausted.]

It was just a puppyish dreams
To save some innocent lies
But with time all those dies
And live one the truths we see
There’s no room for weakling’s cries

[When she finishes her meal, she throws away the leftover of hare. She lower her head to wash out blood from her muzzle in snow. When she raises her muzzle, she notices that new tear spotted her fur so she submerge head in snow once again.]

Chorus:
Fang for fang, claw for claw
More you fight the more you grow
In the harshest way of live
There’s no love there is just strife

[She runs further. We see Cris following her, but dog is very exhausted. He moves with last of his strength. He stops and lick the snow to quench his thirst, but seeing Natalya disappearing on forest, he set off again.]

Second verse (Natalya/together/Cris):
Time to leave my pitiful dreams
                        God, I prey there’s not to late
Stand the cruel trail of fate
                        That’s not what for eyes it seems
            Now I got my deepest trait

[Mixed capture of muzzles of Natalya and Cris. They are running. When on lips of she-wolf we see some blood of hare, on lips of Cris is also a blood but more probably bloody-saliva, produced due to tiredness.]

I can’t love and I won’t
                        I could give my life for her
I can’t take what I can’t bear
                        Being with her is my one want
            And my quest is one I care!

[On words < I won’t> again tears show on Natalya’s face. < life for her > - Cris spits bloody saliva, takes a deeper breath and speeds up. On words < one I care > Natalya turns her muzzle back and sees Cris about half a mile behind her. But she clenches her jaw and runs further.]

I regret, but I can’t back
Can’t return to mother’s den
                        I can’t mess it up again
                        I must retake what I’m lack
            Heart and stars - so lead me then

[She closes her eyes and run ahead. She is crying, but when frost friezes her tears she also opened her eyes. We see the new spark there – a decisive and willful stare.]

Chorus (Cris):
Heart for heart, kiss for kiss
More you hate the more you miss
In the harshest way of live
Love is your only ally

[We see Cris running with effort. He lowers his head to avoid some low branch. Then he turns head back for a second. View from dog’s eyes – he turns stare ahead again, but we see he runs right to the pine. Cris hits the tree and screen fades to black. Music instantly stops.]

*

It took just few hours for Kitty to find Rin, the best Niju’s scout. Brown-furred wolf was sleeping in his improvised shelter in dead tree-trunk, but he was camouflaged so well, what fox just dropped in his small den. Then all went quickly – sleepy Rin grabbed white-furred in paws and charged with his jaws. Scream of Kitty stopped him in last second.

“THAT’S ME!” cried arctofox. “Wait!”

“Ow... sorry.” Murmured scout. “You should wear some kind of uniform.” He put her on the ground, yawned, casting away remnants of sleep. Then looked on white fox with curiosity. “So what you have for me.”

*

“That’s it.” Smiled Niju, when howl ceased. “We’re going now. Call Dymitr and his wolves.”

“Yes, father.” Nodded Flame. “But... Should I wake Steele.”

“No, let him sleep.” Smiled pack-leader. “He had a hard day. He will catch us tomorrow.”

“But dad... I think he might oppose our plans.” Said dark-furred uncertainly.

“If he is awake.” Replied Niju. “But let him sleep.”

He went off from rock, leaving his son. Flame howled to all coalition members, but quieter, aware not to alarm Steele, sleeping in cave. He exactly understood his father. Although Niju was alpha and as an alpha he didn’t have to consult his decisions with anyone, but a harsh friendship with malamute was still strong with him. “A respect.” Thought Flame. “He doesn’t want to show disrespect towards... old friend and somehow – teacher. My father is wise wolf.” Seeing the shapes of wolves, exiting theirs lairs, he thought that to follow leader pawprints he had to show more courage and wit he had earlier. “You will be proud of me, dad. I promise.” Whispered young warrior.

“Fall in rank.” Called to both pack. “We are going west.”

*

Cris was unconscious, but this was an extraordinary state... of that state. Dog knew he was knocked out by hitting the tree. Although he was senseless, but still aware of what was happening to him. At least in some way.

His consciousness was in some dark place, out of space and time. Cris felt no body, nor any stimulus. But after few minutes of that weird situation, he noticed that some of his senses were also active. From overwhelming darkness something started to appear in front of him. It wasn’t exactly a image, but all in one: view, scent and blow of warmer air. Somehow dog understood that all those signs were well known to him. Scent was almost clear – almost identically like...

“Mark?” asked Cris in darkness. No, that wasn’t Mark’s aroma. And it couldn’t be – what sled dog would do in that dim place?

“Well, not exactly.” Replied some voice. That voice was also resembling something warm and friendly. “But you have another try. Guess who I am.”

Then Cris noticed a light aura in front of him. In white glare of light there was some silhouette of dog... a pup actually. His coat was black-and-white, malamute like, almost as Steele’s one. Eyes of pup were green but somehow a spark of Cris parents were seen in them.

“Lucas...” whispered Cris.

Then all scene changed. A vision returned – dog was seeing the landscape around. Snow, trees – especially the pine that he had hit it. And under it a body of brownish-furred wolfdog. Cris gulped.

“E...”

“No, you are not dead.” Said Lucas. “I just... took you aside for a while. Soon you will awake with a big bump on your forehead, but not more apart this. By the way... I’m impressed you know my name.”

“I have no idea how.” Said Cris, amazed by so many things that he wasn’t able to be confused by that single one. “I even hardly remember you. You died when we have about six weeks.”

“That’s right, brother.” Said pup and went closer to brownish-furred. In fact he looked to be older than six weeks, but Cris was seeing many more strange things to ask for that. Lucas rubbed on brother’s side and added. “Maybe you don’t know me, but I know you well. I was looking for you for all those years. I’m sure you have many questions, but we have no time for explanation. I just have to say you that with grandma Lempi, grandpa Sharp and aunt Sky we are helping you from above. And now came time help you, because you all, but you particularly, got lost.”

“Are came here to say that I have no right to leave my mission and follow Natalya?” asked wolfdog with dreary voice.

“Quite opposite.” Said pup. “I’m here to help you find her... and to do what you wish. But not blindly – you must use not only your heart, but also reason. Do you love her?” wolfdog nodded his head. “But you still care about our family?” Brownish-furred nodded even stronger. “So I’m sure you know what to do now. Am I right?”

“The only way to stop the war is making her the alpha of Drift Pack.” Whispered Cris with understanding.

“Of course.” Nodded Lucas. “It’s not easy, because new pack-members will surely oppose that, but you must give Natalya chance. If that doesn’t happen, will come the war. It doesn’t matter who win – actually no one will win if someone lost.”

“Will you help me?” asked brownish-furred.

“I will.” Nodded pup. “As I was helping you all before. But now you have one more advantage – you now your brother is by your side.” Cris nodded his head. “So what now? Are you ready?”

And before wolfdog managed to answer, some overwhelming force grabbed brownish-furred and pulled him to motionless body on the snow. Consciousness collided with body and it wasn’t a warm greeting. Cris yelled with pain, feeling burning bump on his forehead.