The Dame of North

I. Cherry Queen

I remember the garden in my mother’s house. Miss Rossy’s parents had (I think, it still grows there) a several apple-trees. Those are rare on North, in fact extremely rare. All trees that have survived freezing winters of our country, seemed to gathered in one cluster, protecting each other from frost and wind. And I remember a one, small sapling, that was growing in shade of bigger plant. Maybe it’s survived because of that, but also I was unable to expand as it could without that “parent”. No one knew if it would make it without grown tree, but it hadn’t a chance to try. It was just a made of parent, nothing more. I guest, if apple-trees would feel, it would be both thankful to its living shield, and desiring to grow as own account at the same time. Why I remind that sapling? During my life in Nome, I was exactly the same – growing in shade of father and wishing I could live on my own. But it was no use – the legend of Great Balto was so overwhelming, that it made my life both easy and shaded. Can you really blame me, that I have grown so awry?

*

Summer was in prime, giving cold Alaska unexpected bolts of warmth. In July temperature reached long-unseen level. That day sun decided to make up for six moths of winter. It wasn’t too pleasant for many sled dogs, raised in freezing climate of North. For some Nome residents that was almost unbearable.

“Aleu, I don’t know for what I’m necessary for You.” Said Cher, adolescent husky-bitch with deep-cherry coat and delicate countenance and slim silhouette. She looked so unlike her litter-sister. Aleu was strong and well grown dog, and quarter of wolfish blood made her look almost like forest predator. Overall, her appearance was sparkling with health and vitality, although that was special, wild type of beauty. Cher was fragile female, looking like pure breed, but also looking as weaker and more gentle than sister. Aleu thought that Cher was most beautiful dog-being in Nome and she envied her that noble features and shapely paws. She considered that cherry husky had everything that nature didn’t give her. In fact she was wrong, at least in Cher eyes.

“She is like forest wolf – strong and independent.” Thought cherry-furred. “So powerful and self-confident. I wouldn’t endure even two days in the wild. She envies me my features? My paws? I can’t even dream about pulling the sled. What for is beauty, if it made me almost a cripple?” she was wandering with growing anger. Aleu was looking on her with jealous stare, what always makes Cher mad. “Look at me, sis. I’m just a cute picture of real dog. Pretty muzzle won’t make me strong and famous as dad!”

Sisters were running through forest, north from Nome. There were favourites places for Aleu, where she used to spend whole days with or without father and siblings. Most often Cher was companion of pranky sister. Although many differences, they had something in common – many of free time. Cherry-furred had been adopted by family of musher but unlike her brothers – Kodi and Yuk, she was unable to pull the sled. She wasn’t also a guarding dog, like Dingo and Saba, but just a mascot of Scotts family. So she frequently sneak out her house and accompanying Aleu in wanderings in forest. And that time was like that too.

“Cher, if you don’t want to go, just tell me. I though you like to go with me.” Said Aleu with a little offended voice.

“Of course, I like to, sis.” Replied she quickly. “I just can’t understand your bent to cold baths.”

“Come on, there is hot here!” exclaimed her brownish-furred sister. They run on clearing next to torrent bed. “I just love that Ika-Creek!” and without slowing down, she jumped to fast stream of water. “Weeeee!” she exclaimed, before her cry was muffled by sound of speeding water.

“Werk!” gasped Cher, stopping just before the edge of cliff. “Aleu!” she called with fear.

“Here, sis!” replied brownish-furred, emerging on surface of water. “Come to me!” Cher shivered. Although her sister seemed to swim easily and even to stay in bend of creek, cherry-furred knew that current was strong and deadly. “At least for weakling I am!” though with anger. “Don’t be afraid!” added Aleu. “It’s wonderful feeling! Try!”

She said a word too much. Cher closed her eyes, swallowing sister’s spurs as worst mockery. “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid!” she thought with tears in her eyes. “I’m afraid. I’m not you, Aleu.” But she made blind step ahead. Cliff suddenly disappeared from below her paws and in next second she found herself in buzzing mass of cold water. She made a desperate motion with paws to reach the surface. She sensed with muzzle Aleu, easily floating on bend and she hugged to her with impulse grab of paws. Then she heard a laugh of sister.

“All right! You’ve made it!” cried with laughter brownish-furred. Cher was shivering due to fear and cold, still griping hard Aleu’s back. “It wasn’t so bad, wasn’t it?”

“P... pi... piece a c... cake!” murmured Cher. “Could we go out now?” but her sister just shook her muzzle.

“No so fast, my dear. We must enjoy that refreshing cold, before we get sunstroke!”

“Better a sunstroke than drowning here.” Replied cherry-furred.

She loosed Aleu and floated to wall of cliff. She made a useless attempt to climb on rock, but in that place it was almost vertical. Bitch stopped her tries when next wave of laughter sounded in her ears.

“What are you doing, sis? Are you trying to climb like dad?” Then Aleu noticed that on right paw of Cher was a cut made on sharp rock-shard. “Ow, you are hurt!”

“I will worry on my precious fur when I get out of that creek.” Murmured cherry-furred. Aleu wanted to say something witty, but suddenly she narrowed her face and said just with quiet voice.

“Right, let go out. Watch your fur, especially today. You are going to meet with Jack tonight.”

Even thought mind troubled by fear and cold, Cher understood that they summon a very unpleasant topic for Aleu. Cherry-furred was considered as most beautiful bitch in Nome. She just couldn’t get rid of admirers, most handsome and competitive dogs in town, opposite to sister who was barely tolerated in local community. When all young males wanted to date with Cher, Aleu was avoiding almost like a leper one. Every mention of Cher’s “problem” with dogs was aching her, although she always tries to pretend a interest on sister’s “love’s conquests”. Cherry-furred usually was careful not to upset her sister, but that time she just didn’t care about it, just wanted to stand on dry shore.
”I could arrange you with whole Kodi’s team if you help me to get out!” cried with both anger and impatience. Aleu turned her stare down, on surface of water and replied slowly with sad voice.

“Yeah... let go home. Just loose the rock and float to that descent.” She pointed with paw on a cliff-gap nearby.

If Cher wasn’t so angry, she would probably follow her reason and go to shore still holding some rock of cliff. But she just loose the stone-wall, as her sister said and in next second strong current took her.

“Now swim to... O, MY GOD!” exclaimed Aleu, seeing sister being washed away with current. “CHER!”

“I can’t! it’s...” tried to scream cherry-furred but in that moment water deluged her muzzle and whole world became raging mass of water.

*

“Cher! Cher!” she heard quiet voices. Or maybe they weren’t quiet, but distant. Or muffled, like beyond heavy veil. But then she opened her eyes to see shapes of two dogs over her. She was lying on dry and warm sand and watching on her father and Jack standing next to.

“Cher!” cried Jack, a strong built husky with grayish coat. “Thank God, she is breathing.”

“Cher, do you read me?” asked Balto with fear in his voice.

“Yes, dad.” Replied she. At least, she tired to say that. In fact it sounded like: “Es, aad!”

It took almost ten minutes for her to fully recover her senses and hear clearly soothing words of Jack. Handsome dog was speaking with gentle voice, probably just calm Cher down. But she was listening to other talk, next to them. Meanwhile Balto was giving bitter reprimands to Aleu, being clearly mad that she had taken Cher to creek.

“Ow my God!” thought cherry-furred. “Dad thinks that is her fault. He consider me as too weak to even swim alone, so he is angry on Aleu, she allow to that. That means; I’m even to pathetic to deserve on punishment. Ow, sis, you have messed up – you haven’t taken care about your little, helpless sister.” She narrowed her face and closed her eyes to cover tears.

“It hurts?” asked Jack with summating voice and gently licked cut on her paw.

“A little.” Replied Cher. She lied – paw was almost all right, but spotted pride was aching as hell.

*

Balto, Aleu and even Jack quickly forgot about that incident and Cher just added it to whole register of similar shameful memories in her heart. But soon even she was forced to forget about her problems and focus on life around her. And on loss in her family.

“What you mean: she went away?” she barked with amaze, looking on sad muzzle of father. But quickly he restrained her surprise and lowered her voice. If she woke any of Scotts, they would drove Balto away from house’s veranda. So she asked quietly. “How it could be?”

“Well...” replied Balto with embarrassment. “You know that Aleu felt rather odd here. She decided to live with wolf pack.”

“But... when she will back?”

“I don’t know.” Said dog. “...if ever.” Added quieter.

“Does mom know?” she asked.

“Yes, I said her as soon I got back.” Explained Balto. “I’m sorry, my dear, but I just couldn’t oppose her destiny.”

“I... I’m a bit confused.” Said Cher with weak voice. “I must think over it.”

“Yes, I will go now.” Replied Balto, happy of not being forced to further explanations. “Good night, my sweet.” He stood and went away from Scotts house. And Cher was lying on her bedding and thinking intensively. Longing after lost sister was strong but not as strong as pity over herself.

“So, it’s done.” She thought. “Aleu went to the forest to live on her own. Kodi became a permanent member of mail-team and Yuk will race with master Tanter in nearest January-race. Thank God that Saba and Dinga haven’t done anything heroic yet!” she silent murmured with bitter irony. “I’m nothing but a daughter of famous Balto. Aleu, Saba, Yuk and Kodi will never match the dad’s achievements but they can try. And I can’t! I hate it!” And for short and dreadful moment she felt like she was loathing of her own family, too great to escape from its shade. “No, wait! Wham I’m thinking of?” asked herself. “Am I so selfish that I envy a happiness o my siblings and father? God, probably I am!” She wanted to stand up and go to miss Clara bed. Her owner surely would pet her and cuddle to sleep. Maybe it was very puppyish behaviour but Cher maintained her puppyish charm and still was to turning Clara round her paw. So she made a first step into house, but then she heard a dog’s steps outside. After a quick sniff she knew who it was.

“Jack?” asked with quiet voice and sighed with irritation when muffled bark answered her. “Wait there. I will go outside.” She added and went before veranda. Jack was waiting in garden, sitting with in elegant and official pose, probably to cover his excitation. With Cher he was acting like a tiny pup, although he was almost four years old.

“Good evening, Jack.” She said, trying to sound polite.

“Hi, Cher.” Replied husky. “I’ve just heard about Aleu.”

“Nice you are worried about her.” Said cherry-furred with slight irony.

“I thought... I thought that it could be a bit hard for you...” started dog, but soon he lost his self-confidence and fell silent.

“Thanks, Jack. But I will be all right...” she said. “Aleu chose her own way and we can’t change it.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Agreed husky and silence fell in Scott garden.

Cher felt that she had a unpleasant task to send Jack home, but it was hard – husky was clearly infatuated with her, watching every her move with heavy beating heart. “Ow, Jack.” She thought. “Even now you are consider me as angel, but I envy you anyway. You have your race-sled, runner-carrier in sight, fame before you. And I?”

“Right, let go for a walk.” She said with little bored voice.

They went to the forest on east slope of Pine Hill. For most of time Jack was speaking about his trainings with owner, desperately trying to impress bitch, but what he didn’t know that every story about his success was annoying for Cher. She clenched her jaws and tried to calm down her breath but when husky started to tell Balto story (he was young pup in epidemic times), she lost her temper.

“Cease that, Jack.” She gasped. “I heard that tale thousand times and I know every word of it.” Before he fell silent and turned his stare to the ground, she stood before him and nudged him with paw. He had to look in her face. “Also I know I will never match my father. But fact that I reconciled to this, it doesn’t mean that I like to be reminded about I’m ONLY BALTO’S CHILD!”

“No, Cher, I didn’t mean to...” started dog. “I admire you the way you are...”

“Look at me!” ordered bitch, although he had been looking on her for some time. “I can’t even help that my sister went away.”

“E...” said quite confused Jack. “Do you think that she is in danger?”

“Maybe she is stronger than me... but not immortal for sure!” she gasped with irony. “Just... Do you think that she left because her wolfish appearance? Kodi and Yuk dealt with every single brute that made fun of her. That is not the point. She left, because she couldn’t stand being in our father’s shade. And I... I even can’t escape it, because I’m too weak to live at own and...”

“Do you want me to find her?” asked Jack suddenly.

A lighting struck in Cher’s mind. “Yes!” she thought. “That is! I will find Aleu with his help and guidance. Maybe that is not too much, but something for a start.” In her heart she felt mixed various feelings. It was partially truly concern about sister but mainly that was desire to experience something new... and to show Balto she was no longer his helpless pup. “I have no skills nor strength to survive that expedition. But he has!” She smiled in inside but her muzzle remained still tensed.

“That is not your concern.” She replied, faking surprise. “I... I don’t know what to say.. You flatter me with that offer, but I can’t demand it for you. It’s rather hard and long journey...” Yes, she was merciless, indeed. She hit Jack’s pride with new challenge. If he had been eager to help her earlier, then he had no choice that to agree on every her demand. Female’s intuition told her she was the mistress of that dog. “He even could swim across the Bering Strait if I require for that.” She thought. Unfortunately she didn’t know that it WAS REQUIRED if she really wanted to find her sister. Balto said her nothing about details of Aleu’s departure.

“Cher, I can assure you: I won’t let you go alone!” exclaimed Jack with excitement.

“And I can assure you: I wouldn’t go alone!” thought bitch. Then she added louder. “Wait, reconsider it. It is my duty to take care about her. Not yours.”

“Indeed.” He said. “My duty is to take care about you!”

And in that moment Cher felt a bolt of unexpected delight. She understood she had power over that dog. At last she found what she had been missing all her life: power! Her silent and gentle feminine might had prevailed a strong muscles, hard spirit and quite smart mind. But in that moment Jack turned out all his reason and gave it into Cher’s paws. Suddenly Aleu became a secondary aim of whole expedition. The point of it was to reign over small kingdom she just had created in Jack’s heart.

“No, no, no...” said cherry-furred. “You have lost your mind.” She said honestly. “We will talk about it tomorrow, when you reconsider it. But now, promise me, you won’t tell it anybody.”

“I won’t!” whispered husky, pointing his muzzle to the ground to hide his smile.

They started to walk in Nome direction in complete silence. But Cher was boiling within, enflamed by new perspective that her first subject had shown to her.

II. Call of the wild

To bear fruits, the apple-tree has to seek the sun. It has to make sure that no other plant would shade it and disrupt  her growing. It might seems cruel that it is rivalling parent like the worst enemy, but this is the natural way of life. That how trees are designed for – get up its leaves and grab as many of sunny energy as it is possible. Looking down means the weakness. And after a short period of early sprouting, no plant could show weakness, because it means death. Are we, animals, are different? I don’t think so. To reach for the light and touch the sky... whatever it takes!

Cher met Jack next morning, when she was walking next to the kennel. He was standing among mixed group of few sled teams (in summer the traditional rivalry between teams weakens significantly and dogs becomes more one community than jumble of fighting groups) and chatting about common pullers matters. Of course, when he saw Cher, he instantly left his pack and went to bitch. Cherry-furred in first impulse thought that Jack’s would draw attention of whole pack on theirs little secret. But then she realised that if he didn’t go to her that would be suspicious.

“Good day, Cher.” Greeted her husky, sounding... like he always sounds. But in his eyes glimmered a silent message: I won’t tell anyone! So she smiled and replied.

“Good indeed. For now I’m looking for Kodi, but I hope we meet on evening. Right?”

“Sure, Cher.” Said satisfied dog, understanding what his mistress had on mind. “I will come to your garden.”

She nodded her head and Jack turned to own team and went to friends. He was greeted by silent and discrete - but anyway audible - sights of envy and disbelief. Cher was a dream of most pullers in Nome kennel, so Jack was treated like very lucky chap. But cherry-furred completely ignored dreamy stares of other dogs and entered the kennel-building. Inside Kodi’s team was just waking up after hard training previous day. Dark-furred husky noticed his sister and said with sleepy voice.

“Ow, hi Cher.”

“Hi. We need to talk.” She replied quickly and led him via backdoor on kennel’s yard.

“Ralph! Where is my water?” gasped Dusty, seeing that her team mate stopped and was gazing on going out bitch.

“A... yes.” Replied Ralph with surprise like he was awoken from short, pleasant dream. He grabbed Dusty’s bowl with jaws and stated to water-container. And siblings went out from building and stopped on small yard behind kennel. Cher sat on grass and pointed a serious stare in Kodi.

“Have you heard about Aleu?” she asked and noticed that husky’s muzzle tensed.

“Yes... She left us.” Said Kodi with grave voice. “We weren’t family good enough for her. We haven’t noticed her problems...”

“Ow, cease it.” Interrupted Cher. “Talking like that would change nothing. Better tell me what you exactly heard about her journey. Where she could went and when she...” Kodi’s eyes narrowed when he understood what his sister had on mind.

“You are going to find her?” he said, adding a question mark only due to good manners.

“Maybe.” She replied. “But if you tell it parents, I’ll...”

“Yes, I know.” Said Kodi with sad voice. “I would go too, but you know... I have duties here.”

“And I have not.” Thought Cher. “Bro, you don’t have to remind me so often that I’m useless here. I know it well!” and she added louder. “Sure. Just tell me, where I have to go... if I go...”

“Dad told me nothing.” Said Kodi. “But I saw as he was returning from Northern Route. If I have to guess, I would say: the Bears Mountain’s foot or Cape Prince Wales. There is not many wolf packs between us and Galena. Or maybe she went farther, but then we can’t determinate where exactly...” suddenly he stopped and examined sister with curious stare. “Cher... are you sure that you’ll make it? Well it’s...”

“Too dangerous for a weakling like me.” Finished cherry-furred. “I know it well.”

“No, I don’t mean that...”

“But I mean it, Kodi.” She interrupted. “Believe me: I’ve thought about everything.” She lied. “Just try to learn more about Aleu’s route and I will take care about rest. If you find out anything more, just come to my owners. Right?”

“Right.” Agreed Kodi, looking with amaze on his sister. It was definitely a different person he had known before. Cher had changed much and that change was both wonderful and dreadful. “What has happened to her?” asked husky in mind. She only steeped to him and gave him a quick lick on forehead.

“Don’t fail me, bro. It’s really important.” And just a second later she left the yard via backgate in kennel fence and started to run in house’s direction.

In her mind was burning with excitation of new adventure. But that feeling hadn’t disturbed her reason. She knew she had to prepared for journey. With or without Jack a trip outside human’s civilisation was difficult. Cher understood that no experience from earlier life could had prepared her on what she would go to in forest. But she had to try imagine how it would be.

When she returned home, she demanded a meal. Such request was expressed only with body language, but it was straightforward anyway. Clara quickly filled her bowl with cocked meat. Cher ate it with nervous appetite, thinking that possibly it was one of her last cocked meals before the journey. “Raw meat!” she thought. “It’s disgusting, but I must accustom to it.” Then she almost forced Clara to take care about her fur. Girl was amazed, because her dog had been unwilling to such a procedure earlier. But she took a brush and a sponge and started to nurse her favourite. “It’s probably for the last time.” Comprehended bitch. “I mean... until I’ll back!”

Kodi came to her on early evening but without any good news. Balto was very mysterious about disappearance of daughter. Cher suspected that he, as well as Kodi, felt guilty about that loss. So she learn nothing more, that she had to go north.

“How do you think... how long it could take you?” asked her brother.

“No idea.” She replied. “It depends rather on Aleu. If she is really on Cape, we will be back in... Werk!” she cursed. “I even don’t know how long such a journey takes.”

“Well.” Kodi nodded his head with concern. “That why I’m anxious. Could you tell me, with whom you are going? It’s Jack?”

“Look, it doesn’t matter, with whom. The point is, I’m going.” Said honestly Cher. She didn’t mentioned about finding Aleu, because she wasn’t able to say that she was the aim of journey. Sister became just a pretext of escape from parents care.

“No, I don’t...” replied embarrassed Kodi. “I mean: you could go with anyone you wish...” added uncertainly. “Indeed. Almost anyone, if that is a male.” Thought Cher. “I really like Jack and I think...”

“Don’t think too much.” Interrupted Cher. “I can assure you I care more about Aleu than him.” Said and finished silently. “...but <more> doesn’t mean <very much>. Ow, God – as I said: I’m really selfish... and I’m using to it!”

“Good luck, sis.” Said Kodi and licked her forehead.

“I hope I won’t need it.” Replied cherry-furred.

*

But Cher and Jack set off six days later. It was Cher fault, although Jack thought opposite. Bitch got a minor but quite painful injury in her paw and vet’s intervention was required. So there was almost end of August when they started theirs journey. Jack was quite anxious, due to closing autumn. First snow could fall easily in late September (or even earlier, farther from sea or in mountains) and dog knew that Cher wasn’t born to travel in winter conditions. For fragile female even ordinary trip in warm fall could be a serious challenge. So Jack understood that he had to be extraordinary guide and assistant. But he had also some others reasons to be hurry.

January Sled Race was coming and dog wanted to return early enough to participate in trainings. He was a key-member of team and beside personal pride he felt an responsibility for team mates and his owner. But, of course, those matters were distant and insignificant comparing to will of Cher.

They were marching (soon after set off, husky decided to walk instead of run, when he saw how fast his partner is running put of breath) in midday sun, few hours after leaving Nome. Dogs entered North Route and directed due north, according to wide and easy way.

“But we have to leave it soon.” Said Jack. “Wolf pack unwillingly hunt in proximity of human’s roads.”

“Yes, I know.” Agreed Cher. “But I believe that I sense Aleu.” She lied. In fact she was completely lost and even barely she could point the four quarters of the globe, although they still were close to her home. “Something drives me and whispering to go ahead.” Added. “Watch the route with your senses. I will seek it with heart. I hope that our combine ways would show us where Aleu is.”

Until evening they made just about twenty miles, an average range that Jack makes in sled with heavy load, of course, during winter. But dog praised her for well going. “Maybe it isn’t so bad?” thought cherry-furred, didn’t knowing how bad it was indeed. But because she had no experience to compare, she was proud of her steps.

They stopped on the night under the trunk of fallen tree. Jack prepared Cher a comfortable bedding from fir branches and laid nearby on moss, maybe hoping that Cher invite him on more snug place. But he wasn’t disappointed too much, when she just felt asleep alone. “Finally, I’m so close to her.” He thought. “I love her and she needs me. What I could want more?” and with that pleasant thought he submerged into slumber.

*

After next four days, they were on latitude of Cape Prince of Wales and had to leave the comfortable human’s route. Only there – it was a distance that Jack’s team could make in three days in the snow. But dog said nothing about it, especially that Cher started to complain. Her gentle paws covered with blisters and stretched muscles slowed down bitch significantly. Jack was doing what he could to help her – he was massaging her aching paws with jaws and licking broken blisters.

“You are doing well” lied countless times. In fact he was quite glad of that. It was making eventual journey longer also it was giving him opportunity to caring about his queen. But apart of that love-stupefaction, he was quite intelligent dog and he decided to facilitate their journey in any way he could.

In begging he was hunting alone, just bringing preys to Cher, hidden in their temporal shelter. But when they entered deeper forest, he started to teach her hunting-technique. They began with small and easy game, like hares and other rodents. It was quite hard for both dog and bitch, because Cher was rather lazy student and Jack had also to seek the real preys for solid meals. But after two weeks of common road, he judged that cherry-furred was no longer completely helpless in the wild. She could survive at her own, of course in summer conditions. “I hope we will before snows.” Thought husky.

“Jack, look!” exclaimed Cher, carrying something in jaws. “I got a rabbit!”

“Excellent!” smiled Jack but in the same time he was thinking about some real preys for actual dinner.

*

“No, she is not here.” Said Cher, looking on the sea and setting sun. That wasn’t too revealing statement, because Jack was sure of that too. They searched whole cape with detective’s scrupulousness and found no trace of wolf pack. It was about middle of September and theirs searching was still ineffective.

“So... will we check the Bears Mountain?” asked Jack uncertainly.

“I will.” Said Cher. “But I can’t demand that you accompany me. I took you almost month, maybe that trip would take another one. Just... let back on Northern Route. We will split there.”

“No way!” opposed Jack, as Cher wanted him to. “If you still want to search, I will go too. There is winter coming. I can’t let you wander alone.”

“I know...” said Cher, faking touched voice. “I just have no idea how I would return you that favour. I don’t want to make debts I can’t afford.”

“That is not a debt.” Opposed husky. “I’m glad to help you, and I’m happy to be with you...” added with uncertain voice.

“So I have to find some way to make you satisfied of our journey.” She gentle nestled to his side. “But now, let take some rest. Tomorrow we will set off due west.”

They went to small cliff-cave and laid to sleep side to side. Jack was convinced that was an expression of bitch’s fondness or even something more. Maybe, but it’s good to remember that night was very cold, and hug of warm dog was also pleasant just due its warmness.

*

Late at September night, the Elder of Buckland – Ice, was returning Tazaku’s house. Human doctor was also a local vet, so every sick or wounded dog was under his care. Ice was visiting Arrow, who got nasty cut in her paw. Greenland was responsible for her due to his office as an elder and being team leader. Arrow – five years old sepala/chinook mix, little and gentle female, however she was full-time member of John Ash sled. Ice was anxious about her health both as a friend but also as a leader. After tragic events of previous winter, when his sister Sky and brother-in-law Steele were killed by pack of wolves, Ash’s sled was looking for replacements for dead members. Three mackenzie sisters, bought by doctor Tazaku turned out to be extremely lovely creatures but also complete unskilled pullers. So ice decided that their reserve – smaller but accustomed to northern life dogs would took a duty in sled. One of them was Arrow. And she unfortunately got that nasty injury. So ice had a head full of heavy thoughts, but that kind of matters was still easier for him than the others memories. The anniversary of Sky’s and Steele’s death was closing, and Ice tried as he could not to recall the missing mate and friend. But it was useless, as ever. Quickly he turn from sled matters to that terrible vision from previous October.

Steele, standing over dead Sky, with madness in his eyes. Distant howls of wolves. Taste of swallowed tears and rage. An end of era. Somehow – an end of old Ice... But then greenland shook off his heavy thought, because he noticed two silhouettes, clearly waiting for him before kennel’s entrance.

“Daniel, David.” Whispered dog, looking on twin huskies.

“Hi, Ice.” Said Daniel, the darker of brothers. “Do you have a minute?”

Leader nodded his head, being quite surprised that David was there too. Twins were almost inseparable, at least for most of time. But there was a strange paradox of that family – Daniel was Ice’s best friend, but David hated sled leader in all his heart. Probably he projected his loathe from lost Steele on his brother-in-law and in talks with Daniel admitted that his hostility to elder is quite irrational. But that old argument was still dividing both dogs.

“Yeah, sure. What is the matter?” asked greenland.

“David has something with you.” said quietly Daniel.

“Ow, wait, I have no the seconds with me.” Replied dog with irony, expecting another argument. “But for what Daniel is here?” he asked in mind.

“No, Ice...” interrupted David. “I want to... ask your pardon... for all that in recent times.”

“Huh?” he asked confused. Daniel nudged his brother so David continued.

“I’m sorry, Ice. I was very unfair for you. I let my old argument with Steele to affect me.”

“So, there will be no seconds required?” asked ice with amused voice. But when he noticed ashamed muzzle of husky, he added. “Sorry about that. If you want to put all this aside, I’m ready to do it, David.” Light-furred dog lowered his ears with humility and thankfulness. “Better late than never. It’s nice to welcome you in our crew.” Said greenland with relaxed voice. He went to David and friendly nudged him in side. After a moment of polite chat, light-furred dog entered the kennel and ice stayed just with Daniel.

“It’s because the anniversary of Sky’s and Steele’s death is coming?” asked his friend with amaze. Husky nodded his muzzle, but it could meant both: yes and no. “ E... you made him to do it?”.

“No, he wanted to end it anyway. I just... helped him to make final decision.” Ice nodded his head with understanding. “But anyway, let talk about something lighter. You were on date?” smiled Daniel.

“What?” gasped confused Ice.

“Well... you were with Arrow, didn’t you?”

“As an elder of town I’m responsible for every dog in Buckland and...”

“Come on... I think that Arrow is great bitch. I hope that you pride yourself with your <elder’s duties>. Just tell me, as a friend...” but then he noticed that Ice narrowed his eyes in drown in own thoughts. Rather unpleasant thoughts. “Ow, I’m sorry. Is that...”

“Sky.” Replied greenland. “Sky was the only one.”

“E... I’m not good in such stuff, but I think that she would be glad if you found another mate. Life is going on... You know... your kids are almost mature but I think that growing without mother... or at least step-mother isn’t the best for pups.”

“Daniel, you are genius puller.” Replied Ice with easy but still a little tensed voice. “But don’t think too much about matters that are... as far from pulling sled as that one is.” Advised leader and entered the kennel.

III. The Heart of Winter

Anyway, for now just forget about apple-trees. But we won’t exit the garden. Because house of my owners was the greatest and most attractive from whole Nome, my sisters often visited me. When boys were playing theirs games we had our own. It was too wrestling and sparing, but only in girls company. What a pleasure would be fighting Yuk and Kodi if they were much stronger from early puphood? So we three: Aleu, Saba and I was playing and fighting like real wolves in packs. Of course, Aleu was the strongest of us. And I was the weakest but it didn’t mean I always loose. I learned to pretend completely helpless. Girls were beating me poorly, probably afraid of hurt me. And I just waited for right moment and surprise them with unexpected move. Who expect the weakling to choke, bite in neck or scratch in underbelly? Aleu and Saba definitely not. So sometimes I won, maybe no so often as Aleu, but for sure more frequent that my strength and endurance deserved to. As I said: forget about apple-trees, but as far as I remember it always happened next to that cluster.

“Dad! Snow!” exclaimed Steele (junior).

He, as his four sisters and brother, had a year and half and was avid to pull the sled. Of course, he was still too young to go on farther routes but he understood that winter he would for the first time practise in harness with master Ash.

“Cool!” murmured Ice with sleepy voice. “But we have about six months before us to watch it.”

“Ow... I thought you show more enthusiasm.” murmured Steele (junior). But his father still even haven’t opened his eyes. “We could sled now!”

“Believe me.” Replied Ice. “Some day you will be sick of it.”

So young dog left his parent and exited Tazaku’s house. On yard his siblings were waiting, already playing in snow with Betty, Eva and Marry, three mackenzie sisters from Ash’s house. Adolescent pups and three years old bitches were – in theory - too grown-up to prank in that way, but start of winter was an opportunity too extraordinary to be grave serious. Even Arrow, usually very serious, was standing nearby, laughing at sophisticated pranks of whole group. If her paw wasn’t still in bandage, she probably would joined the game.

“Don’t worry.” Said David, standing next to grey-furred. “If I understood doc Tazaku, soon you will be completely fit.”

“And then: to the sled.” noticed Arrow. “Right?”

“If you don’t want to go, just... pretend it still hurts you.” Said husky with serious tone. “I won’t tell anyone...”

“What are you talking about?” she whispered. “If I am unable, so with whom you will go on nearest route?”

“Well, in that case mister Ash has to made that lazy chicks...” he pointed his muzzle on mackenzie sisters. “...to some useful work. Of course, I prefer go with you not with those city-dandies, but...”

Arrow felt flattered, that David praised her so much. She was much smaller and weaker than husky and frankly speaking she definitely wasn’t the strongest member of team. But David was talking honestly – he really preferred a help of well known friend than company of untrained novices. On the route not only muscles mattered. It was important to trust team-mates and be ready to work in that team. Mackenzie sisters were fine and pretty females, due to theirs breed were also even stronger than Buckland’s huskies, but seemed more like giant pets than sled-pullers.

“Ice will decide.” Said Arrow. “He is the leader.”

“God, have a mercy on him, when he have to lead them!” murmured David, looking on three females, playing with pups like they were pups themselves. Arrow burst in discrete laughter. But then Ice himself finally woke up, exited the Tazaku’s house and looked on his team.

“All right, dogs!” he called. “Master Ash’s team: fall in rank!” and the first winter training started.

*

Snow found Cher and Jack on the east slope of Bears Mountain, over some tree-trunk. They were following a scent of wolves, but cherry-furred wasn’t sure if Aleu was one of them. Husky suggested that it would be better if she was sure, because encounter of unknown wolf pack, especially hungry pack, could end in pitiful way. But he still trusted in Cher’s instinct, as well as Cher trusted in his. So they both were sure that the second is leading.

Cher was heavily thinking about her further steps. She was searching for over month and she saw no sing of sister. More over, she was still hoping to find some way... any way, to impress father. “Finding Aleu would be nice... but this nothing special. I must get something different.” She was lying, cuddled in Jack side, but in spite of that she was shivering due to cold. And husky was sleeping like a pup – frost seemed to be just a refreshing cold to him. He was smiling, sensing as Cher was close. Probably something very nice was in his slumbered mind. “So, I’m here, that is: nowhere, with my sweet adored and guide. I could start my own pack with him, of course if I could stand that damned frost!” she thought with sarcasm. Then, suddenly, Jack opened his eyes and looked on Cher with serious stare.

“Do you smell that?” asked. She sniffed few times to sense just distant scent of wolves and...

“What is that?” asked surprised. “I don’t know that aroma.”

“I guess those are wolverines.” Replied Jack. “I don’t know how many. Not so far, maybe two miles.” Cher was barely believing that so weak scent had awoken husky, but she said nothing just looked on carer’s muzzle. “That is probably nothing, they... or just he, can’t endanger us. But wait here, I will check it out. By the way I’ll get something to eat.” He stood, leaving bitch without warmth of his body. Seeing that she was shivering, he added. “Wait, I will bury you in snow. This is the best way to save your warmth.”

Cher surrendered passively to Jack’s actions and soon she was under a descent layer of snow. She felt no better than before and started to long for husky’s hug, but she said no word. In fact, she was so cold that she was afraid too open her mouth.

So dog covered her with last portion of snow and soon she heard a muffled steps of him, going away. She tried to sleep, but coldness was so overwhelming that she was scared to froze. Jack taught her about risk of challenging winter aura. Although then it was stand on about 14 Fahrenheit degrees, cherry-furred was sure that she was in grave danger. So she curled up and... felt that strange smell. Closer and stronger. Suddenly she missed for Jack’s hug even more.

*

Greyish-furred husky was a good tracker, but that time he had enormous bad-luck. After leaving Cher’s shelter in grove on slope, he chose to go downhill after strongest scent. But in the mountains even weak wind could disrupt animal’s senses – air shifted wolverines aroma from rock above in valley down. So Jack went in wrong direction, sure that he was following right track. It took almost an hour to find out that something is wrong. He was still sensing intruders nearby but saw no pawprints. Then he stopped, licked a snow to quench his thirsts and looked up. Sun was almost in zenith, although autumn zenith meant rather small angle of light. So dog, looking on south was for several seconds blinded, that he noticed some silhouettes on slope. “Cher?” he thought. “I told her to stay in place!” then he spotted more shapes. “Oh, my God... wolverines!” he jelled, seeing five predators, descending from mountain... right in hiding direction.

For a moment he was standing and looking for shortest route back. He was extreme hurry, but also knew well that way up would be exhausting. So he had to chose it perfectly. When he remembered every rock on his path, quickly but silently started uphill.

*

Cher had already found out that she was in grave danger. Although wolverines were smaller creatures, theirs sharp claws made a serious threat even to bigger predators. And then she was faced to many enemies, she didn’t to how many exactly. She was still waiting below snow surface, waiting in silence and praying for Jack’s return. In fact she know almost nothing about forest animals – she had no idea that she could easily outrun short-pawed wolverines. What was worse, she didn’t remember where exactly was her shelter. She knew that is somewhere high on rock, but have no idea where to run, or where Jack could have been gone. So she was lying still, when adversaries were digging her small drift.

Pack of wolverines were family, containing mother and four of her sons. Old, experienced female was leading her children and in spite of senses, weaken due to age, she as first discover where hiding animal was. She was surprised when she smelled dog, instead of weasel or hare, but she wasn’t fastidious – five pairs of sharp claws could easily tear almost every lone creature. But they had to be cautious anyway.

“Beware, boys.” Said mother. “I sense big dog down there.” And then loud howl sounded.

Jack was sneaking to hiding, but when he notice that wolverines found Cher’s drift, he decided to act. He howled desperately and doubled his efforts. Husky was about fifteen meters below that place, and still hard climbing was before him.

“Damn! A wolf!” gasped Kivl, one of wolverine brothers. He stopped digging and looked on mother. “What we are doing now? Kill him?”

“He come here anyway.” Said female. “Just get that here, then we will think.”

But Cher panicked and sprang out from drift. She was scared, confused and wanted only to left that white trap. So she pounced at random, didn’t know that she jumped in edge direction. Surprised wolverines saw cherry-furred, passing them by and... falling behind the bring of the ledge.

“Werk!” jelled runaway and fell down. In the same time, wolverines mother jumped aside to avoid jumping dog. But also she steeped too close to the edge and disappeared behind it.

“MOM!” called four mustelas.

“CHER!” screamed terrified Jack, watching as she was helplessly dropping from the ledge.

Cher hit the snowed slope about ten meters below and caused a small avalanche. Mass of snow set off the slope and started to sliding down. Jack could hide in rock-crack and wait until danger is gone. But in fact, he could not – he left his temporal hiding and stood in route on white mass. Just before snowy wave hit him, he jumped up and agile joined the speed of avalanche. After few seconds of shock, he started to look in swirling mass, searching for Cher. He spotted some brown shape but he noticed that it was wolverine female, falling with them. Jack dived in whiteness, where he expected to find his beloved ward. After few seconds (how many? In that speed, he lost his sense of time) he touched something soft and red and cuddled to that shape, shielding it from any hit. Then somebody turned sun off.

*

Cher felt that she was lying in strange position in some cold and wet mass. She made a random motion of paw and sudden bolt of pain struck her body. But it sobered up her in the same time. She opened her eyes and saw she was on mountain’s foot in giant drift of snow. About ten meters from her was lying Jack, still unconscious, but clearly alive. Then, closer about two meters was...

“Werk!” jelled cherry-furred.

“You blasted mutt!” growled old wolverine and started to her.

Cher understood that her right, front paw was broken and her side was deeply wounded. Mustela seemed to be untouched and mad as hell. She bared her claws with plain intention to kill. Cherry-furred tried to stand up, but she failed even to raise her head. She gulped, sensing incoming death. “Not so strong...” she thought. “I wanted to be powerful by other’s power and now I see how pathetic it was. Jack... I’ve killed Jack too!”

Wolverine stopped over bitch and raised her paw to inflict fatal blow. Cher was staring in enemy’s eyes, partially blinded by sun, shining from behind. “Dad!” whispered husky in terror. But not dad came to save her. Jack pounced on wolverine, plunging her in snow. Instantly he hit attacked with muzzle and Cher watched both silhouettes, vanishing into white mass. Then a scream sounded.

“JACK!” cried Cher, but then husky’s muzzle raised over snow. His teethes were spotted with blood and eyes expressed fear.

“Cher, are you all right?” he run to her, but froze, seeing her broken paw. “O, my God!” whispered. In the same time sounded a distant cries of wolverines.

“Mom! Mom, where are you...” and a second later calls turned to scream of terror and rage.

“Damn!” gasped Jack. “Cher, we must leave... now! Can you walk?” she only shook her head with helpless expression. “No... I must think something out... Cher, you must climb on my back and I will carry you. But help me, we have to leave now!”

*

An hour later, four young wolverines came to mountain’s foot to find own mother lying motionless in blood-red snow. Brothers stopped over parent’s body and remained silent for long minutes. Then Kivl, the oldest of siblings said with mad voice.

“One of them is wounded. We will chase them and make them pay for that!”

*

Wolverines weren’t fast creatures, at least in dogs standards. But they were definitely faster than exhausted Jack, carrying wounded and barely conscious Cher. Husky had no broken bones but fall in the avalanche shocked him hard and cut his side with several scratch. Those would be nothing if he hadn’t a precious load on his back. In that situation every step was a torture for tired dog. But he was marching still, sensing the chase right behind him. Jack was heading east, to only place he could seek help or shelter – humans route. He prayed that smell of men would scare the persecutors... and maybe some sled was running there? “No, it would be a miracle.” Thought husky. “But we need this miracle. She just can’t die!”

*

The night was coming fast, as it always comes in October. Sun set about three pm, and relive brightness was possible because of snow layer. Ice was leading the sled with Arrow in pair. It looked funny – two smaller dogs were on front, but both leader and musher understood that was an ideal option. Short greenland and even shorter mix were before Daniel and Ringo then was running Eva and David. That time husky wasn’t in pair with brother, because the difference of size between Eva and Ringo was too great to maintain a balance in harness. So David was sentenced to accompany female beginner. After them were pulling Eva’s sisters – Betty and Marry. Bitched were giving their best, but sled was going terribly anyway. In spite of eight in team, work was hard as only six dogs were in harness.

“Don’t sidetrack on me!” gasped David. He was really tired of giving constant advices to companion. “It is harder for both of us.”

“But so pleasant!” barked Eva, nudging husky’s side and burst in laughter. But seeing grave expression on muzzle of companion, she ceased. “Ow, I’m sorry. I will try...”

“Guys!” called Ice. Twins, Ringo and Arrow raised theirs ears. In spite Arrow and Ringo were females, word <guys> was describing old sled-team, skilled in their work. This question wasn’t directed to mackenzie sisters, definitely yet too ignorant to give any advice to leader. “Did you hear that?”

“What?” asked surprised Ringo. But in that second a distant howl sounded. It was a call of fear and desperate ask for help. And was made not by wolf, ice was sure of that.

“About a mile.” Estimated Daniel, the most gifted with senses from whole team. “We haven’t heard it earlier, because we are going in valley.”

“All right, crew, we will stop.” Announced leader.

“Stop?” surprised Eva. “Shouldn’t we speed up?”

“We will stop.” Gasped Ice.

“And help whoever calls for help.” Added Daniel, knowing that lead wasn’t avid to explain more.

After death of his mate and brother-in-law, Ice sworn that he wouldn’t let anyone die in forest. Few times he had forced his driver to stop and to disperse a wolf pack and in that way saved two people and one lost dog, who later came to Buckland. Ice barked to warn masters Tazaku and Ash then slowed down. After a minute, sled stopped.

Arashi Tazaku whispered some Japanese curse and looked on John Ash, his son-in-law. “Ice sensed something. Probably wolves. No, don’t haste them. Ice won’t let it go. Check the guns.”

After the tragic event year earlier, trapped decided not to going alone. He usually was mushing with assistant from Buckland or with father-in-law. For that year since death of his best dogs and his miraculous salvation from jaws of wolves, John also significantly improved his shooting skills. Thank to great teacher (that was: Arashi Tazaku) he became real marksman. Apart from his old winchester he had two colts on belt. Old Japanese was armed with two revolvers too, but his main weapon was M1903 Springfield rifle with sniper’s scope. In belt doctor had about hundred rounds to reload. Two men were ready to challenge whole wolf pack.

“John, they want to go out. Release them.” Said Tazaku. He was already aiming with rifle in darkening edge of forest but he noticed a unrest among dogs.

“Are you sure?” surprised Ash. “They could escape.”

“No, they will hunt.” Replied Japanese. So trapper carefully went to dogs and unharnessed them.

“What’s the plan?” asked David with tensed voice.

“You will stay with masters with Arrow and Ringo. Do not charge, they will cover you with rifle fire. But stay sharp, those brutes could sneak.”

“Ice? I want go...” whispered Arrow.

“No, sweetie. You are useful here.” Said greenland. Stares of dog and bitch crossed and she silent yelled “I’m too weak for that?” “No.” replied Ice, silent as well. “Your leg won’t let you escape. It’s too risky.” And he added around. “I’m going with Daniel and sisters. We will lure them into humans range of fire.”

“Ice!” whispered Daniel, coming to friend. “They are coming with us?” he pointed with muzzle on mackenzie sisters.

“Of course, they are!” replied greenland. “Each one of them is twice strong as me!”

“I prefer to have one you on my side than them...” murmured husky but when Ice started into forest direction he followed him without a word. He heard also:

“How sweet!” barked Betty to her sisters. “We will see the real wolves! Those wilds are soooo handsome...” Daniel stopped and looked on mackenzies.

“Just... stay close to me and try not to die, all right?” Then he run into dark forest.

*

“Cher!” panted exhausted Jack. “Hold on! I sense some dogs!”