IV. Sweet Harness

Two days later for the first time they put a harness on him. It was to be short run in vicinity of Buckland for new team member to adapt. In team were also Sky (on the lead), brothers: Daniel and David and Ice. Sled was driven by John Ash – doctor Tazaku’s son-in-law. Stalwart, short blond-haired American was looking on his new recruit, then he stroked malamute.

“You seem to be strong.” He judged. “Moon, Arrow and Ringo are wonderful doggies, but they are like pups comparing to you. I hope you will turn out to as tough as you look.”

He put a harness on Steele’s neck. Dog felt harsh caress of skin-belt and something like electric bolt shocked his body. Again! Again he could pull the sled! He clenched his jaws for not to pant with excitement. The glorious past, that he once lost, was back. Former leader’s spirit was urging him to run and to feel weight of sled. Steele was burning with pure likeness to whole world, including even Daniel and David, who had been just harnessed next to him.

“Don’t make us shame.” Gasped Daniel, the darker of twins. “We severely punish laziness here.”

“Silence!” barked Ice, harnessed in pair with Steele.

Although he was significantly smaller and weaker comparing to brothers he was respected and obeyed. Huskies seemed to ignore greenland with superiority but they fell silent. Meanwhile Sky (John was putting on her the leader’s harness) turned to brother and smiled radiantly.

“Now we will see if dandies from Nome are actually better that Bucklanders!” Although with that statement she unintentionally touched him (wave of sad memories flooded malamute’s mind) he smiled as well and airy wagged his tail.

They started. Ash’s sled was small “five” - long but light, reminding Indians sleds. Buckland never required to transport heavier loads – food-stock was brought in the summer by whale-ships and during the winter people live from huntings and reserves. Just in case, five or seven-dogged sled (to harness additional belts could be connected) was proper for some light load from Galena. Few times, during the starvation and two epidemics, dogs had to make a over four hundred-miles-way with food and medicines from Nanana, but there were old times, remembered only by Julia and Bernard. Beside small Buckland just couldn’t afford for such a luxury as weekly-mail (as was in Nome). There mail was provided once a month and John Ash was training dogs to March mail-trek to Nenana.

[Picture by Sytana]

Although sun was low above the horizon, it was quite warm as for February. After half a mile Steele felt well know heat, deluging his body from chest to paws. He was on route and he knew it. He wanted to close his eyes and run ahead, guided by his harness (“O, my ancestors! When for the last time I hadn’t to focus on the way?” thought amazed.) – he was trusting his sister absolutely. Sky was leading the sled easy, she wasn’t hurry and she carefully observing snowed way. It was clear that role of leader made her really proud. Steele had to smile – joy of his sister was also speaking to him and making him proud as well. But habits of the leader made him to carefully watch his companions. When they entered Bears Mountain Foot’s clearings, he noticed that sled wasn’t working perfectly. Frail greenland was pulling busily, probably giving it much more effort than he had to. But he didn’t complain at all. Meanwhile twins were going lazy – they were running wider than they should, so not only they didn’t clear the way to companions behind them – smaller greenland and weaker after an illness malamute, but also letting the belts stretch unnaturally, that force leading Sky to additional effort. Steele thought at first that leader (that was: his sister) should keep an order alone, so he was silent. But when he noticed Sky started to pant but didn’t say a word, he judged that it was his fault. Wolfbitch didn’t want to annoy the twins and provoke them to continue recent argument. “She is doing it for me, but she is doing bad.” Thought malamute. “She will exhaust quickly. Also the order in team will be weakened.” And then, guided by old habits, decided to act. He snapped with jaws on Daniel’s tail.

“Back to the line!” growled. “You sidetrack on left!”

Husky, surprised by so unexpected reprimand, at once corrected his position, but after a moment regained cold blood and turned his muzzle to Steele. Barked angrily.

“Don’t be too bossy, you stray!”

“And you too, back to the line!” growled malamute to David, completely ignoring Daniel’s reply. The lighter of twins turned a enraged stare to him but he noticed expression of determination on “stray’s” face. “To the line!” repeated former leader.

“To the line!” support him Sky. Ice also looked wilfully on brothers, clearly showing on what side he would stand in eventual fight. Huskies took a look on themselves and corrected their way. Sled speeded up.

But this was just a beginning. On nearest stop Daniel and David struck on Steele but Sky seeing brother in danger instantly run to support him. When Ice came too with bared teethes, twins regarded themselves as the lost ones. In farther way they obeyed malamute’s instructions. So he felt firmly and without hesitation was scolding Daniel, David and even few times he made an rebuke to Ice. Only Sky was running perfectly and even if Steele wanted to, he had no reason to complain on her. Twins reacted rather harshly on malamute’s orders but they were obedient. Ice was amazed, when malamute scolded him at first time, but instantly corrected his steps. He didn’t want to argue with his girlfriend’s brother and also he knew he made some mistakes.

They returned to Buckland two hours after the sunset, speeding as wind itself. John Ash few times braked his charges, surprised by high spirit of the team. He had no stopwatch but he was sure they broke a record on ten miles distance. Sled stopped before Ashe’s house and John fell on the snowed street due to impetus. Sara Ash instantly run out from house to see her husband lying in snow and laughing. She smiled herself.

“Sara! What a ride it was!” exclaimed trapper. “We were speeding like a storm and this new one is like a devil! He pulls like two dogs and lead as a born-leader. He dealt with huskies when they started to laze about... I haven’t used a whip, even once!”

“He is probably well trained.” Replied short blondie. “So how we will name him?”

“I don’t know...” murmured trapper, undoing Steele’s harness. “Let your father decide. This is his dog actually.” He released all dogs and when he came to Sky said, stroking her muzzle with caressing touch. “And she did it well too. Young but smart, she lead excellent. But I’m curious, how this devil is going on the lead...”

An opportunity for that came just a week later when sled was going for March mail to Nenana. Day of rest and preparation Steele spent with Sky and Ice, only cursorily familiarize with rest of dogs community. He was prised on gathering in kennels, that why elders allowed him to lead mail trip. At first he was objecting and suggesting that Sky would be better to do it, but even Sky judged that was a good idea. She had to felt with her sixth sense that was the most desired dream of her brother – vision of him on lead of team was something definitely soothing his hard memories from Nome.

So malamute accepted that honour but that time he was aware not to show any pride or disrespect to other Bucklanders. Once he even visited recovering Blade, but this talk was nice and polite only for the first sight – under a thin layer of calmness still was sparking whole sea of rage between two rivals.

To the town came first news about Balto’s achievement. Thank to far-sighted Sky no one from Buckland dogs didn’t annoy Steele with that subject and wolfbitch avoided even of speaking that name aloud. Luckily, the pride of locals didn’t let them to bother with adventures of rivals from Nome. They were better than those dandies, aren’t they?

And how we said already, malamute spent most of time with sister and Ice. Dog was charmed by tender and joyful Sky but also greenland got a Steele’s respect and likeness fast. Couple showed him town’s vicinity so whole trio was wandering on snowed fields of Bears River delta. In evenings malamute was endlessly talking with his half-sister, like he was making up the lost time of their parting. He knew her history: their mother Lempi, long after breeders took pups from first litter (that is: Steele and his siblings), was still living in Anchorage breeding. Few times she run in mail sled to villages on seashore. During one of those treks her sled sidetracked from the way and fell from the cliff killing the man and other dogs. Wounded Lempi was found by lone wolf called Regn. He took care of recovering bitch and accompanied her when she was healthy. They fall in love with each other and that how Sky and four of her siblings came to this world. Unfortunately only greyfured bitch-pup survived her first winter and spring in wildness. Her parents crestfallen by loss of four children decided that Lempi and Sky would back to humans to live easier life. It was impossible for Regn, but he ordered it his mate and daughter, to secure their future. Sky didn’t remembered father well, but she knew what they had parted because he wanted only her good. She was living with mother for another year but then age and unknown disease claimed for Lempi and took her for the eternal hunt. Not long after that Sky was sold to John Ash as a gift for his father-in-law-to-be, that was: doctor Tazaku. So that way she came to Buckland.

“So... do you fell all right here?” asked Steele when she finished her tale.

“Yes... with you, with Ice, with mister Tazaku... I feel I’m home.”

Next day after that talk they went for mail. Malamute accepted the leadership in last moment. Maybe the decisive factor of that was enraged stare of Blade, seeing through the Tazaku house’s window. It tipped the scale and awoke in former leader... an actual leader – he became whom he once had been. And just before they set out Japanese came to his new favourite and put an collar on his neck.

“Do you like it?” asked with smile. “I don’t know how you was called before but from now on you will be <Steve>. It was a name of captain who help me to escape from Vladiwostock. I don’t know why but I think you have something in common. Both you are touch and proud.”

“<Steve>?” surprised Sky. “But Steele, don’t worry, it could be worse. And he almost guessed...”

“<Almost> makes a huge difference.” Murmured malamute but he craned his neck with pride to receive a symbol of human’s belonging. “Are you sure that you want me on the lead?” asked dog, when doctor was still stocking his back.

“Of course I want.” Replied wolfbitch. “I will lead with pleasure but first I want to learn some trick from the champion. My time will come.”

“I bet it will.” Agreed malamute and John Ash gently cracked the whip. In the air of course – he didn’t have to discipline his dogs, because they were under a lead of so gifted leader as <Steve>. Sled started to slide on Buckland street, directing east into morning’s mists. Sweet harness was caressing avid Steele’s neck. Although morning was cold the run warmed dogs of team and after just a several minutes they went into calm trance of route. Way was initially easy – old snow was covered with layer of ice, so sled was lightly sliding on the road (but leader had to be careful not to sidetrack). To the midday they hadn’t made any stop apart of short break for meal, that fully regenerated their strength. Till the evening (that was: in three hours after dinner) they made almost fifty miles. They were in first day of trek, satisfied and well-rested, additionally weather was on their side too. However that result was amazing anyway.

For camp John Ash chosen small rock on Yukon Range foot. He lighted the fire, fed dogs, pitched a tent and cover himself with fur-coats for a sleep. Pack immediately dug some snow-dens to shelter from frost, near the human’s bedding. Right after they fell asleep. Only Steele was still awake because of feelings that were burning him from inside. He put out his muzzle on surface and for long time he looked on campfire. He was reminding old times in Nome, moments on routes with master Kaasen. In those times he wasn’t able to appreciate his life and happiness, but as a Buckland leader he saw it with all greatness. He was serving and protecting his human owner and that was the purpose of sleddog life. He fell asleep with that merry thought but also with muzzle on open air. So he woke up frozen as hell but still happy anyway.

On second day the weather was worse. They started at seven but yet at ten they had to make some stop. Wind that previous day only was polished layer of ice on snow, then grew stronger and changed its direction – was blowing into wanderers faces. Sled was still going quite well but Steele noticed first signs of exhaustion of his sister. Initially he thought that it was Daniel’s and David’s fault (he scolded them few times) but after some time he just judged that wolfbitch was struggling with task above her might. Mister Ash, encouraged with success of previous day, was expecting too much from his dogs. Much too much that was reasonable. Young man still was learning of life on the North and he didn’t notice signs of fatigue in team. That why after long after midday stop malamute came to sister and whispered so quietly that no one else heard.

“When you judge you are really tired, maybe you try to switch with Daniel? I think that because Ice is shorter than you, you have to put more effort in pulling...”

“Am I running too slow?” asked wolfbitch with sad voice. She thought that suggestion was a form of scold.

“No... Just you sometimes have to cast aside your pride and trust the team. There is no shame in that, I’ve done it countless times. I just worried about your condition.”

“All right. But let me stay here just today.” She asked. „Tomorrow I’ll take any position you want.”

Sky made it but made it barely. Dry and frosty wind speeded up to over fifty miles per hour. Although there was no snowfall, wind was throwing a ice shards and slashing mercilessly both human and dogs. On next morning they all awoke as tired as they had fallen asleep and started in farther way barely. Steele was on the lead and John was for the first time so glad of that. Trapper was sleepy and tired of watching the route but leader was watching instead of him. In some way Steele replaced the human – he was deciding when to stop and managing the strength of team. He became the real leader and guide. He ordered the first break about ten. Ash was surprised that dogs so quickly wanted to rest but he obeyed significant barks of Steele, trusting in his instinct. And he had right – when wind slowed a little they started with fresh might, much faster. Leader was pulling hard and driving his companions with harsh barking. He felt that recent blizzard was just a prelude to the real storm and icy hell. That why he didn’t spare even own sister.

“Sky, don’t give up!” he growled. “We must reach for the forest until dusk!”

And she only yelled with pain but also with agree and moved farther. Ice wasn’t responding to any instruction, because he had no more strength. He was saving every joule of energy to make another steps, not to slow whole team... too much. Although he was the weaker point of pack, Steele couldn’t not to admire spirit of greenland – as the smaller one he complain less than others.

“Ahead!” repeated malamute, but he himself was going slower and slower.

They were marching thought the Yukon Range valleys. It was hard road – maybe not so steep but there was no trees to shelter sled from blowing wind. From out the peaks of mountains were blowing masses of icy air that were throwing iceshards in muzzles of dogs. Steele instructed team to lower theirs head and close theirs eyes – as the one he had to struggle whole element’s rage before his face. They were going but going terribly slow. Leader knew that Ice wanted to ask of rest but he hadn’t done it yet because he had no might to open his jaws and overscream the storm.

Human seemed to realise his dramatic situation, because he even stopped to drive dogs faster – he was probably feared that his charges would rebel. He shrank, covering his face with arms and was waiting. Steele had to find some place for camp for night, shielded from freezing wind. With despair he was convinced that because of snowblind he missed countless caves and shelters. Looking on naked wall of valley he was close to panic. He was hoped even for a single tree that gave them some shield and fuel for fire. But when they got to small pan next to road he judged that risking father march was a suicide. He pulled a sled to stone wall and stopped.

John Ash very slowly stood from sled and went to harness. Malamute saw that human was opening harness with fainting moves – he seemed to be extremely exhausted. “He is dehydrated!” thought Steele with terror. “He was so cold that he didn’t want to drink anything. Now he isn’t even feel his own weakness. If he doesn’t light a fire and drink something hot he will surely die!” So when he was released from leather belts he looked on his fainting pack, that was digging dens for night. They even have serious difficulty to break layer of ice on the snow.

“It’s no use!” she caller, overscreaming the blizzard. “Leave it and come with me! We must find some wood for master to fuel the fire!”

“Are you nuts?” yelled Daniel. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“If you don’t you will kill us all.” Replied malamute. “We will be done if human doesn’t light some fire. Follow me!”

Then she started into snowy and frosty night, leaving half-frozen Ash on sled. Brothers and Ice unwillingly followed the leader. Steele turned to Sky and said.

“If you feel you won’t make it, just stay here with master John.”

“There is no time.” She replied, shocking on whole body. “We must find the fuel quickly.”

Malamute led them to the end of the pan, going after his instinct’s voice. He started to carefully climbing on pan’s slope, for time to time turning his head back to see if they were all in place. That time greenland turned out to be the touchiest one – his short but strong paws were firmly walking on frozen rock and easily were carrying the small body. Ice was also supporting hobbling Sky, for what Steele was praising him silently. So they got to small ledge where – as malamute predicted – they found a cluster of dwarf mountain pines. Dogs started to cut dwarf pines with theirs jaws then throw branches down to the pan. After dozen of minutes of that work they collected whole colony and started back. Someone even faster that he wanted to.

Daniel slid in a half a way and instantly lost his balance. Only desperate grip of Steele’s jaws prevent him from falling on hard surface of ice below. Malamute grabbed husky’s neck – it was painfully but effective – dog regained his balance and thanks to malamute’s grip stepped deeper on ledge. They got to the ground without any more incidents.

They had to wake up mister John. Finally Steele bit his hand, tearing a glove but he was sure it was necessary. Human opened his eyes and looked clearly surprised on leader. Then a new life came into Ash’s body. He at once stood and went ahead with fear in his stare, like he was just recalling about all actions needed in camping at such low temperature. Looking for a fuel he made few steps then stumbled down on pile of pine’s branches. But instead of swearing he started to laughing and calling with relief some prayers, clearly thinking that God himself gave him fuel for fire. Well, he was probably right but under condition that God used Steele’s team to do that miracle.

Ash quickly lighted a campfire and in bolt of new energy he made a pot of coffee. He drank it at once, burning his tongue but also giving his body long waited bolt of warmth. However Steele understood that man’s life was still endangered.

“Hey! All to master.” He call other dogs. “Nestle to him and warm him up. It’s the best both for him and for us.”

Then he climb on the sled and grabbed a bag of dried meat for his team. Ash forgot about feeding dogs but dogs stomachs forgot not. So Steele one again had to replace a human in his duties. “It’s strange but necessary.” Though, giving portions of food to his pack. “My pack!” whispered in mind. “This is the real a new life!”

On morning wind ceased and they could set off in farther way without problems. John seemed not to remember any of nightly adventures, but also he seemed to regain strength. Joyfully he was petting dogs and giving them solid portions of dried meat. He didn’t notice (or he pretended he didn’t) that bag was tore with dogs teethes. That was impossible, wasn’t it?

“Now it will be easier.” Judged human looking on raising sun, then started their run.

He was right – the rest of way passed them quickly and easy. They got to Yukon’s bed on next day and two days after that they reached Galena. Just before town Steele called for a stop. Ash wanted to drive the pack but decisive stare of malamute made him to reconsider it, maybe reminding drama in mountain pan. So again he trusted team leader and opened dogs harnesses. And Steele went to his sister and give her own belt.

“Now it your turn, Sky.” He said pointing with muzzle on leader’s harness. “Let it be your journey.” Delighted wolfbitch licked brother’s cheek and took her place on the lead. They set off few minutes later.

To Galena sled was running with stunning speed and with proud poses. The most proud was Sky, leading the team but also Steele was smiling on lips and in heart, feeling puppyish joy of his sister. Maybe for the very first time he was proud although not him was greeted by amazed citizens. With amaze he discovered that running in second line could be as pleasant as being on the lead. Because even all admiring stares of locals weren’t so precious as the thankfulness of his loving sister.

V. The second chance

To Buckland they returned with perfect weather and wind blowing in theirs backs. They brought the mail – a load not too heavy but precious and long awaited by Bucklanders. Storm had damaged old orthodox church and few houses – who knows if it was even stronger on seashore that in mountains. So locals, seeing fury of the element, already had bereaved John and his sled and when they returned on fifth March it was a huge surprise. Maybe it wasn’t an achievement of century but for citizens of Buckland soon became a legend. They said: Nome has its Balto, but we have our Sky, the best sled leader on the North!” and fooled wolfbitch with caresses and titbits. Steele was standing in shadow of sister’s fame but even for a second any tone of envy didn’t cloud his heart. Because for that few weeks – so short but somehow so long time – he became the one with Sky, sharing her joys and grieves and with his all might tried to make sure that those first were more and those second. Slowly he was also using to dogs community and becoming real Bucklander. He started to accustom with life in kennels thanks to Daniel. Husky, whom malamute saved on trip, his previous anger and ill-disposition changed into real admire and thankfulness towards the leader. On the contrary to his brother, who was still despising the Steele’s company, the darker husky became almost part of leader’s club. With Sky, Ice and Daniel malamute spent the airy summer in Buckland. That was so unlike to his old life: he could be chief of his group he wasn’t. With his small pack he was bound neither by domination nor subordination but by trust and friendship. He loved his sister and considered ice and Daniel as friends. What was strange he felt no longer urge to be on the top. Buckland was small community that had just one real sledteam (belonging to Ash/Tazaku clan). There were no races, championships or other forms of rivalry and chances to emphasize own greatness. Achievements of Steele’s team were achievements of whole town, so there was even no possibility to stand on podium alone. His old behaviour Steele considered as stupid and puppyish, maybe because he was observing Blade’s acting. Spitz seemed to be some kind of sham reflection of old Steele. Despite of constant health problems (wounds on his back were never fully healed) he was still trying to win with leader. Initially malamute was taking it serious and winning in every contest with Blade, but he no longer felt champion’s satisfaction. In whole town only he and Blade were concerned who was the sled leader. And some day in the end of October 1925 when they were going for mail bored Steele left his leader’s place in harness, went to Daniel and whispered.

“In case, would you change him?”

He didn’t want bad, even he wasn’t expecting he would be heard. But spitz heard that sentence and considered malamute’s resignation as sigh of ultimate scorn from rival. From that on hostility of hybrid turned to freezing hatred – if he wasn’t able to win with enemy on fair rules, he decided to determine their argument in bloody fight. He ambushed few days after Steele’s return from Nenana. When malamute was walking at evening thought the Russian Settlement (in summertime he was working as a courier and that day he was returning home after delivering an aspirin from doctor Tazaku), spitz pounced on him from under the bridge. The fight was short and unfair – weaken by recent injures Blade was struggling poorly. Rage had blinded his reason and instead of sophisticated tactic he used brute strength what had to end in ill-fated way. Weaker opponent fell quickly after just few hits. Leader refrained himself from beating the fallen enemy. With edge of mind he recalled the evening before post when he had been lying in snow beaten almost to death. He knew that pain and feared to inflict it even to mortal enemy. But he did something different, who knows if not worse. For moment voices of old, vengeful Steele called in him.

He knew that he should to leave fallen dog, eventually drag him closer to the main square. But he, out of spite, took the wounded hybrid to Tazaku’s house, barking and calling with all his might to announce to whole Buckland what had happened and that way humiliated adversary even more. Dogs praised Steele for generosity and care for insidious Blade but leader had in mind that bitter-sweet awareness he did something really nasty. That triumph lasted for few days then joy in dogs heart faded, leaving just memory about completely nonsense of that argument. However Steele had never apologised Blade for that – maybe it was some shadow of old dog’s character and pride.

For whole summer malamute was loafing (apart of few task as doctor Tazaku’s courier), running with sister and Ice (later also with Daniel) in Buckland’s vicinity. When snow melted sleds were unnecessary. Stock for town brought ships as soon as sea was free from ice float. In case of emergency situation, John Ash could exchange sled for cart and then use dogs as draught animals, but actually it had never happened. So when snow was gone (or was too thin to slide) all dogs turned from diligent workers into lazybones. But they deserved it after a half year of hard work.

[Picture by Sytana]

Few times doctor Tazaku brought Steele with him on his trips in nearby forest. Japanese was studying animals of Alaska (as it turned out, the caribu enclosure that once malamute had devastated was part of that studies) and took the leader for company and for security. Once it saved his life because they met some hungry wolves on Bears Mountain side.

Doctor was just reaching for gun (in spite of his age Tazaku was a superb sniper. Unfortunately his colt contained only six bullets in barrel, so he could took six of predators but then it was useful – they could attack before he reload) and with right arm he reached for his samurai sword, when Steele advanced before owner and growled wilfully.

“Go away!”

The pack was led by old grey wolf with keen stare. Next to him stood strong beta-male, probably someone like adiutant. Then was another beta, clearly aspirant to the lead, waiting for his time. Muzzle of that male turned out well know to Steele.

“We will...” replied beta. “After a meal.” Uncertainly looked on chief but elder just nodded his head with approval.

“But watch for his gun Owi.”

“Wait!” growled Niju, running to greyfured. “I have a life-debt to this malamute.”

“How sweet... We have not.” Said Owi’s follower, Dymitr.

“Nava, we can’t kill him.” Repeated angrily aspirant. Steele wasn’t sure if wolf was driving by actual gratefulness towards him or he just found some pretext to argue with chief. But this wasn’t mater – the effect was matter. “He is friend of the pack.”

After Niju stood three of his most loyal followers, baring theirs teethes and giving clear signals they were ready to help their superior in eventual fight with Owi and others. Nava closed his eyes with undisturbed calmness and remained silent for few seconds. Then he backed several steps, deciding that unity of pack is more important than one meal.

“Go... this time.” Said wolfleader. “Only this time.” Added, looking on Steele.

“I have never had to...” whispered Niju, passing malamute. After a while pack disappeared in forest.

“Well... They feared of my colt. Wise creatures.” Judged doctor Tazaku.

But such adventures were only nice variation of Steele’s life. Summer and early autumn passed him on hinging with friends and since October he started to run in sled. Ash decided that he was a leader but few times (for example: at first autumn run) however malamute gave that honour to his sister. But in November, January and February Steele as the strongest dog in team was leader and guide of sled. And in March... but no – lets back to December, namely to talk that Steele had with Ice on route.

Somehow it happened that two friends on one of the stops made theirs snow-dens just next to each other. Then, too froze to sleep well, they were quietly talking from below the snow. Rest of pack was too far to hear them, even if someone was still awake. Malamute finally had opportunity to ask his friend about something that had been troubling him since some time.

“Ice?” he started uncertainly. “How it is with you and Sky?” Only silence answered him, but he was inquiring. “I mean... Don’t say if you don’t want but for some time I’ve noticed that... e... it doesn’t matter I guess.” He gave it up.

“What have you noticed?” asked greenland after minute of silence. “Because I’m afraid that...”

“No.” disagree malamute. “Sky is thinking about you all the time. I think the problem is in you. She is afraid that you... you know.”

“What I know?” amazed Ice.

“It might sound quite stupid... but she suspects that you don’t want to engage in that relationship, because... your pups...”

“What <our pups>?” inquired dog with growing embarrassment. It took another minute for Steele to answer.

“They wouldn’t be pure breed. And that...”

“No!” replied greenland, interrupting malamute’s sentence in half. “It’s very bad that she think that. I’m just not ready for being... WHAT?” called with amaze, although that tone was muffled by snow. “She thinks I love her less because she is wolfdog?”

“No, she just is afraid of it.” Replied leader. “And you have done nothing to prove her wrong.”

“And what I’m suppose to do now?” asked greenland with grave tune in his voice.

“That what heart tells you.” Advised malamute. “But fast. I have postponed many things in my life and one day it turned out to be too late.”

“Ow, I see.” Replied Ice and fell silent.

“I said: too late!” repeated his friend.

“But what... now?” yelled amazed dog. The leader gave no answer.

So after while of silence, sound of dog coming out from snow sounded.

Two months later, when team was about to set off for March mail, Sky announced to her brother.

“Steele you going to be uncle.”

Malamute didn’t represses disobedient voice from the distant past: “An uncle of hybrids.” But just after wave of joy deluged his heart, washing out that foolish thought and he pounced on sister with puppyish delight. Then he realised with aversion that because of that he had to take Blade on March and April trek. But next spark of joy, caused by Sky’s smiled, cleared his mind.

Pups born in April and it happened that one of six was called <Steele> by doctor Tazaku. However uncle was charmed by all four bitches and two dogs. When Ashes discovered that Ice was a father they let him stay in Tazaku’s house. So Steele moved to the kennel. Although his sister and brother-in-law opposed he insist to make room for Ice, at least for few months, until pups were under parents care. For that two months he was living with all dogs community it happened something important as well but much more sad.

“He is dead.” Announced Julia, standing over motionless body of Bernard. “Our beloved leader and carer is gone.” And the same evening she took Steele aside and said him blunt.

“Now you are the elder of Buckland.”

“Technically... yes. I’m eight.” Agreed malamute. „But I shouldn’t took his place. I have no right.”

“You are commonly respected, you proved your valour and strength as sled dog. Whom we should obey? Blade?”

“You.”

“I’m a bitch.” Replied Julia. „I had my own duties, different from male’s ones. The most noble male should be the elder of town.” She noticed expression of uncertainty in malamute’s stare. “I don’t care what would you say about your <dark past>, because that is past! And present needs you. You have to give an example to youngsters how to serve humans.” At that time he refused and agreed after encouragement of Sky.

Finally six of pups of Sky and Ice, that are: Agnes, Lucy, Ari, Steele (junior), Kiva and Armand (according to doctor Tazaku, they came to this world in that order) was given in Bucklanders care. Doctor made sure that they were adopted by good families from nearby, who surely wouldn’t leave town. Then Steele returned to the shed and was living with sister again. However greenland was almost permanent guest in Tazaku’s storage.

Next summer malamute spent even happier than previous one – apart of duties of town elder (being honest: that never took him too much time. Few times he was an arbiter between argued dogs but not more than that) he had only to help Sky and ice in raising pups. Often he was keeping an eye on them (in Buckland all pups were growing together) when his sister and brother-in-law needed a moment for themselves. Several times he was accompanying doctor Tazaku in his trips, but he experienced no adventures worthy to describe.

But that harmony of brave new life was still disturbing by some shadows of the past. Steele was greedily listen to every news from Nome, especially about his former owner – Gunnar Kaasen. Each time he heard something about Norwegian he raised his ears with anxiety and was listening to the last word. It was like was experiencing all his love to master afterward – once he had thinking about trapper only as guide and caretaker, in some way just secondary addition to his champion’s carrier. But in Buckland was often recalling his crime to owner and realising how much he owned to that human. Some day he said to Sky that he wanted to go to Nome, just to see his master.

“I don’t know if that would changed anything. I couldn’t stayed there. But just to see his eyes... To apologise...” Sister put paw on his muzzle, soothing burning thoughts.

„No, it’s foolish.” She judged. “You are who you are, here and now – a new dog. Honest and noble – you have atoned for that countless times. Here, in Buckalnd you are doing great work. Your former master would be proud if he knew...” Then she noticed that her brother had something more on mind. “But it isn’t all? Not only him you wanted to see, right?” he nodded his muzzle. “Jenna?” asked and he sighed.

“And with her also I’ve fallen in love too late. Once I was making advances to her but because of my pride, to get the most beautiful bitch in town, not because of love. And now... I see what I’ve lost. She is with Balto... maybe she even doesn’t remember me...”

“Don’t talk about her.” Interrupted Sky. “If you feel lonely I just don’t believe you haven’t noticed as Arrow speaks about you so often and...”

“No.” Steele shocked his head. “I don’t think I’m able to fall in love with bitch other than Jenna. But maybe it came in good way – she wouldn’t be happy with old Steele. And Balto...” he instinctively clutched his jaws and closed his eyes. “No... I can’t return to Nome. I know what I would do there. Even in front of Jenna I would pounce on that rotter and crushed his neck. That what survived from old Steele – I know I gave no real reason, but still I hate this stray!”

“So don’t think about that place anymore. Is there bad to you?”

“No!” objected malamute. “I got much better life than I’ve deserved. I’ve found here home, family... You are my second chance.”

Then a wave of pups flooded theirs mother and uncle. Ice, entering shed after them only smiled, seeing airy play of his beloved and his friend. He thought “This is like a dream. We are safe and happy. If anyone wanted more?”

Through that year probably only once Steele felt that his peace of mind was disturbed. Although as an town elder he was commonly respected (expressing in the loudest way by Bart – that tiny terrier who had bitten malamute so hard...), Blade and David still were hating the leader. Sooner or later that hatred had to explode. The struggle was about to be sudden and unfair. Spitz after fatal experience with personal revenge asked husky to help. Both dogs ambushed next to doctor Tazaku’s enclosure, that Steele was often inspecting. With firsts hits they pinned him to the ground, so he was lying helplessly on moss.

“Will you never forget?” panted malamute, desperately trying to break out from grip.

“Never.” Replied Blade. He hit with paw but missed malamute’s muzzle.

“But maybe try to...”

Then David ultimately immobilized him. Steele felt what they were going to do – to cripple, maybe by cutting his tendons, so he wouldn’t ever pull the sled again. Shocked and wounded malamute could only wait for a miracle. Of course, miracle came.

“Well, well, well... what we’ve got here...” murmured Niju with curiosity. He entered the clearing with Nuk, Sumac and Yak. They stopped before swirling mass of fighting dog. “Hey, you two! I give you ten seconds to release my buddy. One, two... ten. Guys, get them!”

Four wolves instantly pinned spitz and husky to the ground and stopping with teethes near of theirs necks. Steele stood and for several second were breathing heavily, trying to regain orientation. When he saw what happened with his enemies, he shouted.

“Don’t kill!” he did it in last moment, because Niju was clutching his fangs on Blade’s throat. “Release them... Those are dogs of... my pack.” Chocking spitz opened his eyes with amaze, just like those words of salvation he considered as highly improper.

“You are playing nice in your pack.” Noticed wolf but let the Blade off, panting with rage. “But now we are definitely equal, sledded one!”

“Only in your dreams!” smiled Steele, or at least he tried to smile with cut and bleeding muzzle. “I was going quite well.”

“Traitor! He is in league with the wolves!” sighed amazed David.

“In some way, he is.” Agreed Niju, starting in enclosure’s direction. “But we are here accidentally. We were going for those caribu...”

“Wait!” growled malamute. “Don’t you dare to touch those creatures!” He stopped between wolves and corral and by that he came closer to his recent persecutors.

“Chill out, man! We will take just one buck.” Murmured Niju with airy voice then he made first step to enclosure. But Steele was still in place.

“After my dead body, Niju.” Growled. Then he turned his stare on shocked dogs. „Are you with me or with them?” whispered.

Blade wanted to pounce on malamute and finish it all in one blow but he noticed that David uncertainly stood next to his enemy, in front of wolves. So spitz swallowed curse in his mouth and join the friend and rival. He was furious but even that fury had its barriers. He would never support the wolf against the dog. And Steele was bastard... but their bastard!

“Go away!” he barked. “Here are three of us, but we surely get one of you.”

Two groups were eyeing up and down each other, finally Niju growled with anger and turned to forest. His companions followed quickly after. Husky and spitz, instead of pouncing on malamute, just barked with scorn and started in town direction. Steele was watching their steps for some time, uncertain what to think. So then he stopped to. Since that time those two has never harassed him, as well as he has never reproached them that attack. But heavy snow of old hatred was still covering their relations just like cold snow on post’s porch from night that Steele came to town.

And that even, trivial at first sight, had significant consequences later. Blade in fight on enclosure got hurt in old wound by one of wolves. Not long later he crippled for good. He moved from kennel to pastor’s house and lived there in peace away from dogs community. Just like Steele, insidious spitz found his happiness later than others – priest’s children cast out the bitterness from his heart and for old age he became a fine and honest dog. He wasn’t longer thinking about sled and rivalry with Steele – he had new duties of house-guard and care of Carlsons family. But the most important consequence of that was a vacant in sled-team. That why when John Ash was about to set off in first autumns trek, Sky was asked to help. Steele was objecting against using young mother in work so fast but she received again harness with joy and avid heart. And just when she join the team, tragedy of <Menuet> took place.

VI. Of the same blood

Brave but poor people were serving on <Menuet>. Twenty men, enlisted in while-cutter, had numerous families to provide, high debts to pay and great hopes to fulfil. That three factors made that they hadn’t returned to Anchorage Port but they started to chase lone humpback whale instead. It’s hard to say that lone humpback was doing so far on the north but we can assume that he was so desperate as Menuet’s crew. He was fighting till the end and his planktonvore nature in last minutes of his life turned out to be as tough as of people chasing him. Before he died, he managed to heavily damage Menuet, already impaired by iceafloat. So 12^th October cutter started to taking water fast and captain Thomson had no other way than take course due south. 14^th October crew threw out brave whale’s body to the sea, as well as all heavy objects from deck, which were loading the sinking ship. But thanks to that Menuet got to the shore in one piece. Or better to say: almost to the shore.

On ice-float-line they sail 18^th October on morning, surprised and panicked. Sailors, exhausted of four day of endless fight with element and hull of their cutter, just hadn’t noticed signs of float-danger and with full speed hit into ice-barrier. Ship stuck on shallow water, about twelfth miles from Bears River mouth and eighteen survivors barely swam to shore. That day came unexpected – or even unnatural for that season – bolt of frost. Wet, hypodermed and additionally lost on Alaskan shore men at evening started to transmit light S.O.S. signal, praying for a miracle.

The first miracle-workers were doctor Tazaku and Steele, who noticed flashes on the darkening sky. When they returned to town, alarmed whole citizens and soon whole community was working on saving the castaways. Bucklanders organised collection of food and clothes, so in short time John Ash’s sled was filled. They wanted to send trapper with first load of aid and for he take back at least few sailors. Meanwhile from post mayor was sending telegram to Anchorage with request of rescue-plane. But in those times aeroplanes were capricious machines, opposite to dogs. Bucklanders knew that fate of castaways were up to them and theirs sled-team – they had to take care about sailors until help from mayor cities would came. About nine pm the load, the driver and the dogs were ready.

“Too bad, we have just five of them.” Said doctor Tazaku, looking on team. “Your sled team is almost shorter than sled itself. It’s heavy effort. Maybe we join two harnesses more? Ringo and Moon could...”

“There is no time, dad.” Interrupted John. “And it wouldn’t help too much. They are too small and weak, could only disrupt others. I go with Sky, Daniel, David, Ice and Steve.”

“Poor creatures...” murmured Japanese. “Will you make it?” he asked then he noticed that wolfbitch and malamute nodded with muzzles. But it might was just an illusion.

“Mom, what is happening?” asked Armand, eight-month-old son of Sky. “Why do you set off so quickly?”

“Humans need us.” Replied wolfbitch. “We are carrying food for ship-castaways.”

“Maybe we could...” shyly suggested youngster, pointing with muzzle on his brother, Steele (junior). They both were avid for pulling the sled, but hey were still at least a year too young. Mother just licked their cheeks and replied with gentle voice.

“Not this time... yet. We will handle it and you take care of your sisters.”

“Dad?” asked Steele (junior), hoping that father allow for that crazy idea, like joining them to team.

“No, my son.” Replied Ice. “We will do it with mom, uncle and twins. This is not too far, we will be back in few days.”

“Ow, yes...” murmured youngster sadly. “But take care of you.” Greenland and malamute nodded then went to harness.

Meanwhile came Agnes, Lucy, Ari and Kiva to say goodbye to parents and uncle. Steele didn’t like such a sentimental farewells but he must admit that every time he saw nieces and nephews it was a pleasure to watch on strong, fine and quickly growing pups – something warm was flooding his soul. Children were so alike theirs parents – greenland fairness inherited of father but they were already grown to his size and it seemed that they were much stronger than him, probably due to quarter of wolf’s blood. Their eyes were malamute-like. But for leader it mattered not. Agnes, Lucy, Ari, Steele (junior), Kiva and Armand could looked like forest wolves, but uncle considered them as charming anyway. “Probably for these few days they will grow even more...” thought joyfully, licking their noses.

“Steele...” said Sky with pleading voice. “Let me lead this time...” Leader looked on her with mixture of disapproval and anxiety.

“Maybe not tonight. This is your first run after...”

“Come on!” she puffed. “Pregnancy hasn’t made me a cripple! Please... only this time...”

Steele knew that his sister had to prove herself in sled. Because of pups she wasn’t in route for springs treks so that was her first run after she gave birth to six of her children. Malamute understood that he should gave his role to sister but also he had some kind of dreadful premonition.

“Ice?” asked his brother-in-law, still undecided. If he forbid Sky to lead, she probably wouldn’t insist. But had he right to forbid her anything? Creeping scratching in his ears was telling him something he didn’t understands. “Something bad is in the air.” He though.

“She will make it.” Judged greenland and leader left his position on lead and went next to friend, in second pair, next to sled shaft.

John quickly fastened dogs belts and started. Sled was sliding fast and firmly – in spite of piercing frost, dogs were pulling hard, understood the significance of their mission. Lives of eighteen men were in theirs paws. Even Daniel and David, usually lazybones, trying to avoid hard work sometimes delaying the sled, that evening were running perfectly, giving Sky and Steele no cause for complains. Everybody wanted to do it quickly because marching in frozen forest wasn’t neither too pleasant nor too safe.

Ash was standing on sled and holding reins in one hand and Winchester in other. He was looking carefully on the sides and beside he covered it strictly, animals knew he was afraid. With such a frost when wolves packs still didn’t go to the south, probability of attack was serious. It seemed that trapper wished he didn’t take Tazaku’s colt – it would be additionally six shots to his thirteen-round rifle without reloading. That why he instinctively increased the flame in his paraffin lamp, to see farther into night.

“Master is in hurry.” Noticed Ice. “Is there is so bad?”

“It would be better if he saved paraffin.” Replied Steele. “But this is not our problem. Just... go ahead!”

Ash’s problem became their all problem about the midnight. It was third hour of route, so they were somewhere in half a way to probable shelter of castaways. They passed Bears River Valleys clearings and entered into massed forest of shore. Way was running straight but from time to time elevating and descending on hills. They entered a snowed pan and stopped before sudden steep fragment of road. It was a perfect place for an ambush and wolves knew it well.

“A dinner! Better late than none!” murmured Owi, walking behind Nava’s back.

“Wait!” gasped packleader. “Human has a gun. Lighting-pipe with thirteen bolts in it. Additionally five dogs...”

“Boss, let strike before he release them from a harness.” Advised beta. “Better not risk...”

No, human will fire on us... We wait until fuel in his lamp expires. Then we attack in darkness. They will be blind.”

“Werk!” cursed Sky and it was maybe third swearword that Steele heard in mouth in wolfbitch mount since ever. “We stuck!” she pulled her belts but skids stuck for good in layer of heavy firn. “Master John has to dig it out.”

“E...” muttered David. “He has probably something different on mind.” He turned to Steele “Maybe you have some dealing with those ones too?” he pointed on pack, coming down the valley and approaching to sled.

Malamute was staring into the darkness, looking for known muzzle of Niju. And he found him, but that view didn’t appeased him at all – wolf was skinny and in his eyes was burning with a fire of hunger. He didn’t seem to be a good partner of for negotiations and definitely he wasn’t showing any sentiments at all. He was starving and dying because of it – as well as rest of his pack.

“Mister John!” barked Ice. “Do something before it’s too late!” but human couldn’t understand him. Still undecided we was waiting with rifle in hand until enemies came in range of sure shot.

“Or it’s just my eyes, or it’s getting darker?” whispered Daniel, observing fading flame in lamp. “Shouldn’t master refuel the lamp?”

“Paraffin is in the load.” Replied his brother. “And if master drop Winchester to find it, wolves surely strike.”

“So let he release us!” growled Steele. “We can’t defend him in those blasted belts!”

“Look!” yelled Sky. “They coming from behind!”

Then she pulled the belts aside, dragging bounded companions back. She stepped away from road and went to human, wanting be closer and ready to assist. But the sled was over two meter long and with shaft even three meter long. So although wolfbitch quickly encircled the sled and reached the driver, remaining four of dogs were just pressed to wagon’s side and immobilised that way. They just can’t fight in such position.

“Damn it!” gasped Ice, watching that grave situation. Sky was standing before human but next in row – twins, were unable to reach her. In case of attack they couldn’t help her, especially if wolves came from southeast (and they were advancing from that direction). Only bitch was able to defend John – a lone female, additionally bounded with tight belts, against over twenty enraged wolves. Her friends had no chance to get to her. Odd of successful defence in that conditions were similar to odds of swimming across the Bering Strait.

“Sky, get back! You are uncovered!” shouted Ice.

“My duty is to guard my master!” she said with both pride and fear. She bared her teethes to advancing enemies.

„For Christ’s sake! Human - release us!” yelled Steele but terrified Ash didn’t get charge’s request. When malamute understood that driver was too panicked to think rationally, he decided to take matters into his own paws... and jaws. “We must get free!” called. “All! Bite through the belts! Now!”

„Steele! Those are frozen!” yelled Daniel.

“Chew it until they melt!” instructed. And seeing sister, ready to stand up for human for all cost, added. “Sky, I beg you – go back!”

“They are waiting for that to attack!” replied wolfbitch. Ash was still pointing with Winchester into the night and lamp’s light was fading fast.

“Shot, you fool!” growled malamute. “Until you see what you’re aiming at!”

“Steele?” asked voice from darkness. Niju entered the circle of dim illumination, looking with amaze on leader. “What a surprise. Gentlemen, I want him alive!”

“Niju!” howled terrified malamute. “Stop them! We did you no harm!”

“But you have food.” Noticed Owi, advancing with another beta from behind sled.

Four shots sounded and one wolf fell on the snow. Dymitr, Owi’s friend, was hit in thigh. Beta himself jumped aside and human’s shots just caused small craters under his paws. Wolf drew back, leaving wounded companion and baring his teethes. But John Ash no longer was seeing his targets – any of predators weren’t in fading light’s circle. That circle was shrinking with every second and last grams of paraffin were burning out...

“Goody!” yelled Daniel. With defeatist tune in his voice he estimated humans acting. “Four shots on one wolf. So there just nine rounds left. In that way master Ash will take out two more. So they would have advance like four to one. And we are still in belts, so...”

“Shut up!” gasped desperate Ice. “Sky, go back!”

“Bite through your belts!” repeated Steele. Although he didn’t stop that action, he turned his stare on oldest predator. “Nava, call them back! Please, let us go. We are providing aid for starving humans...”

“And we are providing aid for starving wolves.” Replied old pack leader. “I’m sorry, dog. It’s North. Here is no mercy.” Then he whispered to companions. “Lamp is almost off. Be prepared.”

“Niju! I’ve saved you!” called malamute with pain, sensing like leather belt is slowly tearing. “In few minutes I’ll release myself and stand with Sky. At least we will die together.” He thought with cold determination. “She is a half-wolf!” added with pleading voice. “You are of the same blood! You can’t just...”

“I’m sorry Steele... I’m hungry.” Replied wolf and then it all started.

John Ash regained cold blood, but much too late – he just noticed as grave situation they were. He fired remaining nine rounds but with no effect. And in that moment lamp faded out. Pack set off to final strike, in Ash’s and Sky’s direction. Dogs strained belts as much as they could but it gave just two feet of freedom to wolfbitch. Much too less to even think about successful defence. Owi and Nava pounced on leaderess and Niju attacked human. In spite of hard hit of rifle’s butt, he squashed with singe bite man’s hand and useless Winchester fell on the snow. Meanwhile Steele was watching as two predators – young and old one, pinned his sister to the ground and Owi bit her throat. Daniel and David jumped ahead – leather belts cracked but didn’t break, stopping twins over meter before enemies. When human fell helplessly on the sled, whole pack started to quickly cleaning out food from it, starting from bags of dried meat. It took maybe an minute – after sixty seconds heavy load was almost empty and on wagon’s bottom stayed only some stock unable to eat for wolves. Malamute was still chewing his harness but when he finally bit it through it all was done. Predators took all the food leaving bleeding human and bleeding bitch. Few of them wanted to attack the bounded dogs, but Niju stopped them with low bark. They already had their plunder.

[Here will be a Dorcia's fanart (still unfinished due to technical problems)]

Pack disappeared in forest and malamute broke the last belt that was chaining him. He run to sister, lying in snow.

“Sky!” he cried, seeing as life was flowing out of her veins. It was much too late to do anything. “Sister!” he fell on the ground next to her and touched her muzzle with nose. She barely opened her yeas and whispered.

“Save master John...” Malamute, whose tears were already frozen by night’s frost, nodded his head. “I had to. Steel, Ice... forgive me. Tell kids that I’m sorry... But I had to stand for him...” She cried. Leader tried to reply something but voice froze in his mouth. “It was so good with you all... Thank you for everything... brother. So cold...” and her last breath faded out.

Steele nestled his muzzle into her blooded fur and sniffed for long minutes. After some time he sensed that also Ice put his muzzle on Sky’s cooling down body, like he wanted to feel that last spark of warmth, which Sky had been shining all her life. They both were lying in silence, only quietly sobbing on dead wolfbitch. It took maybe ten minutes, maybe over an hour – they felt neither time nor cold because time froze for them with Sky’s life. Steele wake up that daydream as first and called with decisive voice. That words sounded as freezing as the North itself.

“Ice! Put human on the sled and take him to Menuet. In three you will make it, now there is almost no load. If some rescue teams came from Nome or Selawick, he will be saved. Hurry, wolves might be back.” When he was saying word <wolves> air surrounding his muzzle became even colder than before. Because Ice didn’t move an inch and still was nestling to dead Sky, malamute added with wilful tone. “Do you hear me? Run, before they return for their comrade.” He took a quick and hateful look on wounded Dymitr. “That was an order! Leader’s order! And she would be told you the same!” said with piercing certainty. “You have to save master Ash then return to Buckland and raise her pups. You have your duties to them!”

“And you?” asked shocked greenland.

“I will stay here...” Steele stood and turned his stare in forest. “And when they will back... I will slow them down.” He bared his teethes in desperate smile. “But go now! Of course, I’ll kill just a few. They will be chasing you then.”

“Steele...”

“GO!”

Greenland touched with sympathy brother-in-law’s side, but under dark fur of leader he felt steel tension of muscles and burning desire for revenge. Carefully he took the harness off his beloved and put it on his neck. He turned to sled, where Daniel and David were finishing to place John Ash in stable position. Trio put half bitten belts on theirs necks and set off to the north. They were carrying just a man, so sled gained speed fast and quickly disappeared behind road bend. Chances to find some help were significant, of course if wolves wouldn’t back... or were stopped.

Greenland took a final sight back, on brother-in-law, with heavy heart knowing that he was seeing him for the last time. That night he lost both beloved mate and true friend. That was the hardest moment in whole dog’s life. Since that night the smile of once merry sled leader from Buckland was never as radiant as before. But Ice had his duties – return to children and raise them in memory of beloved mother and brave uncle. That why he turned his stare ahead and drove Daniel and David with growl.

And Steele tenderly, like mother her child, caught sister’s body and pulled it away from road. He left her under high pine in deepest point of pan. Then he covered her with few heavy branches and hid in snow nearby. He waited.

Because wolves could be back in any moment, to take theirs wounded friend. Dymitr was still moaning quietly, bleeding on the white snow. Bullet hadn’t damaged any main artery but paralysed predator’s muscles for good. Poor hunter was about to die not from wound but due to cold and hunger. So he amazed when Steele (although he had view to kill in his eyes) carefully covered him with snow, providing precious warmth. “Is this dog so cruel that he is going to torment me longer... until I die from hunger?” thought hunter. And malamute returned to his hiding and was guarding the prisoner and sister’s body. Although wounded Dymitr hasn’t attracted wolf pack, but dead Sky attracted many scavengers.

At first Steele killed arctic fox, then two raccoon dogs and finally a single weasel. Whole that lot was trying to get some from leaderess carcass and being torn to pieces by malamute, mad due to despair. Load of fresh bodies grown next to bereaving brother, and new carcass attracted more and more scavengers. Scent of cooling meat was tormenting nose of dying Dymitr, turning his starvation to hell’s torture. Steele had already started his vengeance on wolf pack using all available methods.

But no one returned for shot companion. No one came to match with suicidal fury of the malamute. When next day woke up above frozen Alaska, Steele shock off layer of snow, went to sister’s body and once more licked her muzzle in last farewell. Then covered her with layer of snow, so any scavenger couldn’t get her. Later he came to Dymitr’s shelter and took wolf from below.

He greeted harbinger of death with truly relief. “So he spare me more torments.” Thought wounded predator and with gratefulness turned his throat for fatal blow. But that blow hasn’t come. Instead of that hunter smelt even more intense smell of meat and opened his eyes. Steele put a raccoon dog’s carcass before him and waited. Confused Dymitr was taking looks on food than on enemy then again on food, uncertain what was about to happen. Finally malamute lost his temper and growled with hateful voice.

“Eat!”

There was no need to repeat that – wolf grabbed meat with his jaws and started to devour giant portions. First wave of fresh energy deluged his body, slowly warming it up. Meal came exactly in last moment it could save the prisoner. After he swallowed last piece, he turned inquiring stare on his <saviour>. But giant dog only put another raccoon dog on front of him. Then he repeated.

“Eat!” And seeing the endless amaze in hunter’s stare, he added. „Eat! You will teach me how to kill the wolves.”