IV. A new quest

As a pup I was spoiled by my owners. Mainly that Clara was giving me everything I wanted but her parents weren’t much more reasonable about that. If going on street I saw coloured scarf or some pretty toy, I was able to stare with silent plead into Clara’s eyes as long as she made her parents to buy my chosen trophy. Of course, soon after I lost my interest with every gift and was looking for another whim. Sadly to say – the same was later but not only with toys but also with dogs. I was seeking friendship or adore of every creature I wanted but I got bored with every companion very quick. And that way life was going for three years. Until I saw him...

In spite of his short legs Ice was running on the lead of relief. Then were speeding sisters and division was closing by Daniel. After short and easy way in flat and thin forest, they went to slope of hill. There was a clearing so they could see in bright light of moon a strange and dreadful view. Four wolverines were chasing a pair of runaways – grey-furred husky and cherry-furred female lying on his back. Dog, probably too exhausted to look for help, didn’t see the assistance. He was jumping down from rocks, desperately trying to reach planar ground where he was quicker or at least not slower than chase. But persecutors were agile and smart creatures, perfectly climbing among stone cracks.

One of brown-furred predators jumped down over ten yards and crossed Jack escape route. Husky stopped helplessly, unable to fight with that condition. But then Ice gave a loud howl to announce the relief.

“Those are not cute wolves!” barked Marry with clear disappointment.

“Go up!” screamed Daniel. “Don’t let them get to wounded!”

The rest of wolverines jumped down too. One of them missed the ledge below him and landed even lower, just before running Ice. Seeing that he got in serious trouble, he made another jump and pounced down on lower ledge, where was Eve. Daniel saw with terror that completely surprised mackenzie stood in front of charging enemy. Wolverine was much smaller than she-dog but he was also raging with berserk after his mother death. Additionally Eva seemed to be paralysed by unexpected view and stood in place, when predator was jumping to lethal charge.

Husky was too far to be on time. So he only gasped with pain, looking on flying mass of muscles and claws and amazed bitch that made no attempt to shun enemy. But in last second Eva moved with enormous speed – she stepped a step aside, snapped her jaw on wolverine’s neck and with agile pull, changed his direction by 90 degrees. Predator struck in hard stone wall and fell motionless on the ledge. Still amazed Eva was looking on fallen enemy with expression of confusion and guilt, like she had broke the favourite vase of her owner.

“God!” she whispered. But Daniel looked no longer on her, because he had own problems.

Ice pounced on one of wolverines and although he made him ho concrete harm, he pushed him three yards away the chased pair. Betty and Marry hit with theirs masses the two remaining predators, pinning them to the ground. Daniel jumped ahead, hoping get to runaway-duo and cover them from possible aftermath. Still in the air, he saw the cherry-furred female on husky’s back. Although it was going with amazing speed, he managed to notice how beauty cherry-furred was. She was barely awake, looking with terror on struggle around her. Her companion was standing as solid rock and press his side to stone wall in order to make more space for assist. Daniel landed before them and instantly turned back. In last moment.

Wolverine hit by Ice just stood on paws but instead of fighting new enemy he pounced back on hated husky. He was so blinded by rage that he didn’t notice the death of brother and was burning with single quest to rip the throats of his mother’s murderers.

Daniel jumped and intercepted flying predator. He grabbed his side with jaws and with strong motion pushed him away. Then he loosed his grip and surprised wolverine glided away the edge of ledge. Husky landed before runaways.

“She’s alive?” called and saw Jack’s nod. So he turned his stare on Batty and Marry. Sisters successfully knocked out surprised enemies. Daniel sighed with relief. “Ice?” he called.

“Here!” replied confused Ice, who was carefully climbing from ledge below. “Team, report! Eve!”

“I’m coming, sir!” answered him mackenzie.

“Betty? Marry?”

“Ok, leader!” replied Marry.

“Hey! Wolverines are all down, I guess.” Said Ice to Daniel. But dark-furred husky seemed not to see him. He was gazing on beautiful cherry-furred, whom grey-furred dog was putting on rock. “Hey, buddy?” But then he also turned to runaways. And in the same moment Cher opened her eyes. Theirs stares crossed.

Cherry-furred felt a sudden bolt of unknown feeling. She saw a moderate-built, grey-brownish-furred greenland, who was examining her with concern. In that stare was some kind of gentle force, a will to help and save the strangers. His absolute calmness and sane sight hypnotized Cher. She opened her mouth, trying to say something, but she made no audibility sound.

“Miss, hold on!” said greenland with decisive and calm voice. “We will get you down.” He looked in Jack eyes. “We will take care of her. Can you walk?”

“I guess...” replied husky, but he hobbled, trying to came closer to Cher.

“I’m here, sir!” reported Eve. “I’m afraid that creature that fell on me is dead.”

“You’ve got medal of honor.” Replied ice with slight irony. “And you will earn another if you take her down.” He pointed on Cher.

“I will!” called Daniel, who just had prevailed first shock.

“God, you are wounded!” gasped Ice.

Then husky noticed that his side was burning with fire. He immediately raised his paws and touched his cut, like he was trying to rub bloody spot. He was vaguely knowing that he was doing it, for not to show beautiful cherry-furred his spotted coat. But it only caused another wave of pain. Meanwhile Ice helped Eva to lift Cher and Betty and Marry took care about Jack. The whole group was ready to return.

“Will you make it?” asked Ice, looking on blooded side of Daniel.

“Yes.” Answered husky, but he was still gazing on Cher.

Cherry-furred was only partially aware of events around her. She was lying Eva’s back, shivering and cuddling to warm fur of mackenzie. But with eyes she was searching that greenland. “So protective.” She though, seeing Ice. “And so wilfully. He is the real leader!”

“All is ok, miss?” asked Daniel, who was marching next to Eva and Cher.

“Cold...” replied cherry-furred.

“We will be in our sled soon.” Said husky.

“Yes, humans will help you.” Added Ice, walking on the lead. Cher lost her consciousness for good to wake not before reaching the sled. Being precise: the shot wake her.

*

“Don’t shoot!” called Arashi Tazaku, pushing his son-in-law. “Those are ours!”

It sounded strange, where word <ours> meant pack of dogs, but it was true. John fired because he took a newcomers as wolves. And he took them as wolves because of strange silhouettes on led. He didn’t recognise Eva and Marry with others dogs on back. But when rescue team entered the circle of lamp-light, Ash lowered his rifle.

“Ice!” barked Arrow with relief.

“All intact?” asked David positively.

“Daniel got a cut, but not deep.” Answered Ice, coming to the sled. “And our guests are in bad conditions. Help me to attract masters.”

But it wasn’t required. Both humans run to strange profession and when Ash was guarding with rifle, Tazaku bended down to Eva and Cher. He grabbed the wounded husky and took her to sled.

“Get that second dog.” Ordered to son-in-law. “I can’t help them here. We will take care about them in home. Seeing the wound on Daniel’s side, he also put him on sled. “Great! You get some scars too.” Japanese looked on rest of team. “You must pull us in seven. And as fast as you could. I don’t know what have you encounter in forest, but I’m too old for another war. Mush!”

So they started in Buckland’s direction. Ice took a single harness on front and Arrow went to pair with Ringo. Cher, Jack and Daniel were laid on load of sled and covered with thick furs. Daniel noticed that he was placed next to beautiful strangeress. Seeing she is shivering, he nestled to her with barely repressing excitement. She smiled in slumber, but mainly because she though that handsome and intriguing greenland was near. In fact she didn’t care about huskies (both: on her right and on her left) but enjoyed the double warmth the produced.

*

They reached Buckland before dawn and Tazaku immediately took his patients home. He started by injecting exhausted strangers portions of morphine then quickly stitched Daniels wound as the easier injury he had to heal. Then he examined unknown husky and judged that his life isn’t in danger. So he finally started to operate cherry-furred. Nasty fracture required surgical intervention, because some bone-shards sunk in muscles of paw.

Some other surgeon wouldn’t risk that operation in such primitive conditions. But Arashi Tazaku was the master healer. He was once a navy-surgeon on deck of dreadnought „Yashima” and Empire Navy had been taking only the best doctors. His ship sunk in battle of Port Arthur but Tazaku survived, avoided of capture and even get through Russian coast to Vladivostok and then on whale-cutter, to Alaska. He have never returned to Japan, ashamed by defeat of his unit, but he found a new home in Land of North. For over twenty years he was medic and vet of Buckland and in his town he was the master and champion in health matters.

“All right.” He muttered to anaesthetised Cher. “I cleaned everything. Soon your pretty paws will be as good as new.” She understood just a incomprehensive murmur from beyond the veil of sleep, but she sighed with relief. She felt safe and comfortable.

*

As a patient in the best condition, Daniel was quickly replaced from doctor’s house to shed nearby. Storage was built on wall of Tazaku’s residence – it was small shed for fuel for fire but it had also some important residents. A family of greenland.

Ice wasn’t there, so Daniel stayed with adolescent children of elder. Agnes, Lucy, Ari, Steele (junior), Kiva and Armand were pups of greenland and wolfbitch Sky who tragically died year earlier in fight with wolf-pack. Those six was bunch of cheerful and pranky youngsters (for Daniel: a little too cheerful and too pranky) but actually that time siblings were very calm. Husky suspected that boys were aware not to upset future sled-mate (Steele(junior) and Armand wanted to pull the sled even in that year) and theirs sisters were instructed to be careful of patients behind the wall. Daniel, in spite of anaesthesia-confusion was also focused on creatures behind the wall. Especially about one.

“Daniel, I hear nothing.” Ensured him Ari, when he was for once again listening to sounds from Tazaku’s residence.

“Call him: sir!” scolded her Armand. “You are not on familiar terms with mister Daniel, at least unless you are in sled team!”

“Uncle Daniel is not as huffy as you, right uncle?” asked Ari.

“Shhhh!” pleaded husky. “I’ve heard something.”

“Ow... that was just a sound of wind, sir.” Said Armand. “If they were operated, they are still under some tranquillisers... Come on, Ari.” He turned to sister. Leave him to rest.” He once again looked on David, hearing to sound through the wall. “If you need something, just call. We will be on main street.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Replied husky with hollow voice.

So dog left the shed but his sister stayed, gazing with curious stare on her <uncle>. After a minute dog realised that he was observed and laid down to rest, hiding his embarrassment with bored expression.

“She is beauty.” Said Ari. “You fell in love with her, uncle.”

“I just...” gasped Daniel, but then fell silent.

“Don’t worry, dad and sisters will say that you have saved her.” Added brownish-furred bitch. “And as far I know that was indeed. You heard their call.”

“Right, I fell appeased.” Replied husky. “Now you can go to siblings.”

“I will, uncle.” She said and smiled. “But I must say that you are definitely more handsome than that dog who came with her...”

“Go!” barked Daniel, but he was only pretending anger. In fact words of <niece> was soothing his mind. So Ari went to him, licked his forehead and exited shed with confidential smile on her lips.

*

Jack awoke sooner than Cher. After first few seconds of airy confusion, he recalled the events of dramatic night and stood on paws. At least – he tried to. Doctor Tazaku providently bounded him with belts to bedding to pretend him from damaging the stitches. So husky just made a quick look around and then he sighed with relief – Cher was laying on table, covered with bandages but her breast was moving regularly, up and down. “God, I owe You that one!” thought dog. And then also she awoke.

“Jack?” she whispered. Although it was winter day, in room was quite dark – snow almost covered windows and no artificial light was shining.

“I’m here, Cher.” Replied dog. “Don’t move, you were probably operated.”

“But... what happened? Where are we?”

“I’m not sure, but I guess we are among good dogs... and good people.” Said husky. “As far I remember, some dogs drove off wolverines and carried us to their owner. We could be... I don’t know... Maybe Buckland? Or Selawik.” Then he had to stopped in order to catch a deeper breath. He was very weak. “But alive.” He thought. “We are alive!”

“Jack... I’m so sorry that I’ve pulled you into it...”

“No... I’m sorry I wasn’t better carer.” Replied husky. “But now rest. I’m watching over you.”

*

It was evening when doctor Tazaku returned home. He let Ice in (since death of Steele, greenland was main medic’s assistant, almost constantly carrying his med-pack) and they both looked on theirs patients.

“Sleeping Beauty is still asleep.” Noticed Japanese. “But that’s good. Less she moves, faster her paw will knit.” Then he went to Cher and started to examine her.

“Buddy, are you all right?” asked Ice, coming to Jack.

“Cher!” whispered husky.

“Nice to meet you.” Said greenland. “I’m Ice, the elder of Buckland.” Then he noticed that stranger was talking about his companion. “Ow, she... I get it. But don’t worry. My master is the best surgeon on this latitude.”

“Thank you, Ice.” Said husky with weary but clearly grateful voice. “She’s name is Cher and I’m Jack, her...” he hesitated for second, but he decided not to overestimate own state. “Her friend. We were looking for her sister but she broke paw and wolverines...”

“Hush.” Interrupted greenland. “You will tell me that when you rest. For now, both of you are guests of our town. I can assure you that doc Tazaku will pull you through.”

“And now you, my friend.” Said Japanese, bending over husky. “It’s time to change your bandages. Will you be calm or should I give you something for sleep?”

*

Daniel managed to get to cherry-furred beauty just three days later. It was quite a sophisticated plot made by Ari and Steele (junior) to allow dog enter Tazaku’s house when both doctor and the second patient were gone. So it took place on morning few days after, when scratches on Daniel’s side were almost healed.

Dog was given entrance by Ice’s children but then Ari and Steele (junior) discretely left building. So husky went into dim interior but quickly noticed beautiful cherry-furred, lying on bedding in room’s corner.

“Hello...” began uncertainly. “May I come in?”

“You have done it already, sir.” Replied Cher with inscrutable voice. “But it’s your home. I’m the guest here.”

“The guest is the master for me.” Replied Daniel, thinking that he wouldn’t said that if greyish-furred husky was present. “So if I disturb you I shall leave.”

“No, wait.” Said Cher. She noticed that dog was devouring her with his stare. It were the same eyes as Jack’s and she felt always so exited and powerful when males were treated her with that, almost idolatric reverence. Although for last few days she was thinking almost exclusively about Ice, it didn’t make the pleasure of being adored weaker. “I’m sorry for my nerves... You know, your master gave me so much tranquillisers...”

“Does it still hurt?” asked Daniel, coming closer and looking on paw in plaster cast.

“Actually... no.” replied cherry-furred. “But it is so hard to stand being bandaged and immobilised. I feel so helpless...” then she understood that she even didn’t know the name of stranger. “Were we introduced? Excuse, my name is Cher...” She stared on him by few seconds than added. “I remember you! You was there, in mountains... with Ice!” Mention about leader pinned heart of husky. “And you was fighting that wolverine... Thank you so much...”

“It was my duty, ma’am.” Replied dog, stretched between being pride due to thanks and being jealous about Ice. “I’m Daniel, second-in-command in Buckland sled-team.” But in the same moment he gasped in mind, reminding who was the first leader. “Don’t freak, boy!” he thought reasonable. “Ice have nothing to do with that. Apart of David, he is my best friend... and he is still bereaving Sky.”

“Nice to meet you, Daniel. You all are so good for us...” she said. Husky tensed his muzzle when Cher’s companion was mentioned but quickly regained his self-confidence and replied, faking airy tone.

“Well, saying precisely: being good for your companion is my duty. Being good for you is pleasure. So I could say...” And then came Ice.

Greenland knew nothing about plots and endeavour of his children to left Daniel alone with stranger. He was just doing his job as a elder and vet’s assistant. So he got back to check if there is all right with his patient. As it was with Arrow, he was treating that duty with official approach. Just entered house but coming through the dog-hatch, put his back-bag on the floor and then noticed dogs inside.

“Hi, Cher, hi Daniel.” Said with airy and cordial voice. “I hope I haven’t interrupted...” Husky clenched his jaws but said nothing. He just thought. “No! Not now! I was going so well...”

“Not at all, Ice.” Replied Cher, pinning another ice-shards in Daniels heart. “Cher? Ice?” thought husky. And I’m just a “dog who was with Ice” for her!” For the first time since adventure on Yukon Route he looked on friend with clear rage. “I was just talking with mister Daniel about your relief in mountains. About our rescue.”

Even Ice felt a little uneasy, seeing angry and confused Daniel. So he tried to soothe the situation.

“Better with him than with me. Remember that he’s the one who stand for you and kill one of wolverines. Technically, he saved you...” ...but simple-hearted greenland unintentionally did something completely opposite. “...and your mate.” He finished but second later regretted that word. Daniel gasped quietly.

“Ow, he is not my mate.” Replied Cher quickly. “Just a friend...” Husky noticed that cherry-furred saying that was carefully examining Ice’s face, just as he was examining Cher’s. And Ice was staring on Daniel’s muzzle with growing confusion.

“Excuse me...” murmured Husky, barely repressing emotions and stood up. “I must return to my owner.” He exited house by dog-hatch and passed next to returning Jack. Only due to surprise just after hundred yards of fast march, Daniel realised that he wanted to plunge his teethes in Jack’s throat. He speeded up, trying not to think. He was afraid that similar thought would came to him about Ice too.

Seed of chaos had sprouted in Buckland.

V. Fatal attraction

I have always treated a rivalry as a natural part of life. Of course, I haven’t been participating in it, just watching from aside, how world around is fighting. In my family it was just funny – my brothers usually compete for title of the best carer. Although that Aleu required more care (she was on object of harassment since early puphood), Kodi, Yuk and Dingo were trying to comfort me in the first place. But it was just a slight gradation in siblings love – I think it’s nothing odd nor dangerous. But later, when others dogs were competing for every my glimpse and were doing it for real I came to conviction that is actually disgusting. So I had two choices – to try soothe every rivalry and argument or to learn how to turn a blind eye on it. Guess what I have chosen.

“TAG. YOU’RE IT!” called Eva and nudged David’s side.

Husky was drowned in thought and walking slowly and slippery ice of main street. Mackenzie was heavy-built and running fast in chase of anyone to tag. She wanted good but it ended as usual – David lost his balance and fell on the ground.

“Werk!” he growled, hitting hard ice-layer with muzzle. That was clear but cold day, so streets of town were covered with frozen carpet. Not surprisingly, knocking on it was very painful.

“O! I’m so sorry!” yelled Eva. She bended over him and gentle grabbed his neck to help him stand up. That mean: it was a gentle grab in mackenzies standards – if she would caught some smaller and more fragile dog than strong husky, she would have probably squashed his spine. “I didn’t want to...” Started to explain sandy-furred but David was silent. “E... Dave... won’t you rebuke me?”

“What?” asked confused dog.

“I’ve just pushed and knocked you down. Remembered?” asked with concern. “Or you don’t! O, my God, let me see you head!” she exclaimed with fear.

“No, I’m fine.” Replied husky. “Don’t worry...” he want to move on but then he raised his paw and nudged Eva’s side. “Tag. You’re it!” said with follow voice and started to walk in square’s direction.

“Dave, wait!” called mackenzie. She caught with him up and added with amaze. “You... tagged me!” when husky turned rather absent stare. “Thanks... you are very nice today...” David opened eyes wider, desperately trying to understand what mackenzie was up to. “You know... you haven’t scolded me and... well... What happened?”

“No, nothing.”

“Dave, tell me.” Said sandy-furred and smiled like tiny pup.

“Well, aren’t you playing now?” She sat on the ground and looked on him with unexpected serious eyes. “Right, it’s about Daniel...”

*

Daniel haven’t taken any hostile actions against Jack but hostility was floating in the air. He was surrounding husky with freezing wall of aversion but in the same time he was trying to watch every his step. It wasn’t sure if he was following Cher or his rival, but whenever cherry-furred or Jack was present, Daniel was present as well.

Cher was living in Tazaku’s house due to constant need of changing bandages and examining plaster cast. Beside of that doctor was instinctively sensing that his patient was disturbing his dogs minds. So Japanese placed Jack in kennel and just let Ice to guard Cher. Greenland was living with children in shed next to Tazaku’s residence. But in recent days Daniel became a frequent guest in Ice’s family. He was officially visiting Steele (junior) and Armand, who were training to sled duties, but most time he was spending with Ari, who was helping him as a discrete private-eye over Cher.

“Don’t worry, uncle.” Said she-spitz. “As far as I know, she spends very little time with Jack, although he wanted to change it. But definitely she lost interest in him.”

“And gained in your father.” Wanted to murmur Daniel, but he repressed his tongue. “Did she said anything about me?” asked with hope.

“Well.” started Ari. Although she wanted to soothe her favourite uncle, dad had taught her always to say true. And if she couldn’t, to say nothing. “Not in chats with me... Don’t worry... we are... well... guarding her.”

Despite of nervousness, husky smiled and licked his niece’s forehead. “I owe you that one.” Said and run out the shed. He had to calm his nerves by alone walk.

*

“He just tells me nothing.” Concluded David. “As far as I know him... and I guess I know him quite well... this is bad, very bad.” Eva was still nodding her muzzle but her eyes showed that she was understanding the weight of matter. “You know that since old times I was constantly arguing with Ice and questioning his authority as a sled-leader. But now Daniel is doing that. Do you get it? Daniel, his best friend! My brother is jealous for that... well...”

“Bad bitch.” Finished Eva. “I got the point.” Although mackenzie solved none of his problems, David felt a great relief. After change in his twin’s behaviour he felt very lonely.  So he looked with gratefulness on Eva, but saw anxiety on her face. “But this is not all.” She said. “I heard that master John wants to join her to sled-team. Now, on nearest mail-trip.”

“Werk!”

*

So sled was reformed. In first pair were Ice and Cher. Ash came to conclusion that sight of pretty female would made males to competition and to greater effort. Well he was right... he was too right! In next pair was harnessed twins but it happened so unfortunate that Daniel was after Cher. And after Daniel was Jack in pair with Eva. Closing two of Betty and Marry was the only stable and predictable element of team. Harness was a powder keg.

“Mush!” called John Ash and sled set off.

It was morning of November day, a penultimate trip before Christmas. Frost wasn’t too biting but snow was deep making the way hard. It was the first sled-trip in Cher’s life, and that idea both cherry-furred and Jack greeted with fear. Doctor Tazaku decided that she-dog was ready to pull and just in case, John would release her and take on sled. But despite of anxiety, Cher decided not to oppose.

“This is the way to show myself best in front of Ice.” She thought. “It would be hard, but... Hell! I’m the daughter of great Balto! I have his blood, so I must have some inclinations to that.”

Ash preferred to put the smaller dogs in firsts ranks – this odd custom was because of experience of short Ice and complete incompetence of giant mackenzie sisters. So presence of Cher on lead could thrill whole team. The first day passed quite easy, but probably only because they were running on plain terrain. It was about to be harder, when they reach Yukon Range.

Even on morning next day sled was going quite well, because Ice imposed serious speed. He knew that would quickly tire gentle Cher’s paws, but anyway it was better than long and ever more exhausting way. Great effort in short time isn’t pleasant but sometimes it is easier than constant burden.

“Daniel, David!” said Ice after about an hour of run. “Think how to suggest master that we have to go on tail. It’s better when you would leading...”

“No!” oppose Daniel. “You are going great!” But in this statement was so much hostility towards greenland that it sounded extremely weird.

“We can’t fatigue Cher!” called Jack from third rank. He sensed an opportunity to argue with both Ice and Daniel. “Those bastards!” thought husky. “I won’t let them harass Cher!”. Since his side had been healed, he was seeking an occasion to provoke Daniel or Ice. But until that day it was useless.

“We will do that we are expected to.” Said Ice with wilful voice. He understood that something really nasty is boiling in team. Then he whispered to cherry-furred. “Please, don’t interfere in that. And when you feel that you can’t make another step, tell me... And only me.”

“I won’t fail you, Ice.” Replied Cher, although actually she felt already that she couldn’t make another step.

“Cher, how are you doing? Is all right?” asked Jack.

“Don’t sidetrack on left!” shouted Daniel, however he had no chance to see if husky is really sidetracking. In fact he was (even actually on left) due to anger and dissociation.

“Shut up!” growled Ice who was tired of that absurd. “Watch the...”

But his voice was muffled. Sudden burst of wind covered them in snow-storm. In just few seconds, as they were sliding from forest’s brink to clearing, they were surrounded by white element. John Ash cursed badly.

“Stop!” he called through the blizzard. “We are going to have a break.”

Sled stopped in cover of lone fir and human quickly left vehicle and went to harness. He wanted to make sure that snow-blinded animal wouldn’t lose their was, so he decided to form first rank from the best pullers. In some ways he was very similar to Eva – he wanted good, but it ended as usual.

“Werk!” thought Ice, vaguely predicting incoming catastrophe. “No!”

Ash unharnessed Cher and David... and switched them! So lighter of twins came to pair with Ice and beautiful cherry-furred was placed next to Daniel. Jack growled, barely repressing his rage. Mackenzies were looking on each other, uncertain what to do.

“Jack... it’s all right...” murmured Eva, but he ignored her.

“Mush!” called trapper and cracked the whip.

So sled started, but Jack was still growling. A little quieter then, but maybe that was only result of louder storm. Delighted Daniel was talking something to Cher, but she was too shocked with cold and exhaustion that she understood nothing, just was nodding. Sled was speeding up, but probably due to restless excitement sparking in team. “We must reach Galena... fast!” yelled Ice in mind. “I think, it just can’t be worse!” Ow, poor optimist. It could.

They almost hit the three men on brink of forest. Ash stopped sled, trying to understand what strangers were shouting. Most probably option was some accident on the route, so trapper was obligated to help by Mushers Code.

“What happened?” asked John, looking on three tall men.

“Where the hell you were!” screamed the heaviest-built stranger. “Boss is mad. We thought that they caught you...”

Dogs were more perceptive than human. Ice with terror noticed that leader of strangers was carrying Tommy-gun and his underlings were holding sawn-off shotguns. Marry squeaked with puppyish excitement and called.

“I know that human! He is famous! I saw him on poster in Buckland.”

“What is his name?” asked Betty.

“He was featured as: mister Wanted 2000 $” Said mackenzie. Then she realised that something wasn’t right. “Is he on hunting?”

“Hey! You are not Carter!” noticed taller human and raised his submachine gun.

John Ash thought instantly and acted instantly. He cracked the whip and called desperate; MUSH! to his dogs. He recognised the pack of wanted criminals too, but he didn’t intend to playing Carter, whoever carter was. Also he had only thirteen rounds in his winchester. Gangster in his Tommy-gun -  fifty. And his companions raised shotguns...

“GO!” growled Ice and whole team desperately set off. Sled started to slide and then first shoots sounded. Thank to blizzard, man with submachine pistol missed. But Ash left the idea of playing hero. He drove the sled in narrow path, hoping that criminals wouldn’t chase him in unknown terrain are during storm. But what he haven’t thought over that there was unknown terrain also for him.

“We’re toasted!” yelled trapper and whole sled fell downhill on slippery slope.

*

David regained consciousness as the first. He understood that he and half of his team is... hanging over deep valley. Sled was based with one end on rock ledge, but main part of it was impending over the fifteen-yards-deep rift. They still are in place, because during the fall harness had tangled on pine. David and Ice were hanging loosely before the tree, then belts are hidden behind the pine. Further was hanging Jack (clearly severely wounded) and Eva (without visible injuries). Then were Betty and Marry, then sled with master John.

“Rabies!” whispered husky. “HEY! Everybody! Are you alive?”

“What the hell...” murmured Ice next to him. “God!” he exclaimed, seeing where he was. “Team! Don’t make any sudden moves!”

“Wow!” called Marry with excitement. “I’m flying!”

“Girls! Are you all right?” asked David with frozen voice.

“Right!” said Betty.

“Ow, no!” yelled Eva. “That is... I’m ok, but mister Jack is wounded!” she swung to companion and grabbed his belts with paws. “He is alive... but unconscious.”

“Master will be fine...” added Marry. “He is moaning in very healthy way. He has a big bump on forehead.” Then David noticed... that someone is missing.

“O, my God! DANIEL!” she growled.

“I’m here...” replied his brother. “On the other side of tree. I got some scratches but... NO, CHER!” she screamed even louder than twin.

“Daniel, what happened?” called Ice, trying to climb to the pine on harness belts, but it was useless.

“She’s gone!” cried husky. “She fell down!”

“Easy, bro!” replied Ice. “At first we must awake master Ash and make sure he has a gun...”

“But Cher...”

“Sir!” murmured Eva. “I have two bad news. Which one say as first?” When no one answered, she added. “Jack is bleeding. Human has to help him... And second... I see where gun is.” She pointed with muzzle on stone ledge, everyone (conscious) gasped with fear. After hitting rocks Winchester was broken and curved almost in half.

“We must get out of here, before mister Wanted 2000 $ and his friends find us.”

“I’m going for her!” said muffled voice from behind the tree. Daniel was chewing his belts to get free.

“No, bro, wait!” yelled Daniel, but it was too late. Dark-furred husky hit the ground and instantly started to slide down the steep slope. After few seconds he disappeared in darkness of valley below them. “BRO!” cried David, but there was no answer.

“What the hell... AAA!” yelled John Ash in last moment grabbing side of the sled. “God!” he whispered, carefully moving to ledge. He called to dogs with the most calm voice he was able to speak. “Don’t panic! I will get you here...”

So dogs were looking on trapper who took a rope from load, tied it to another pine, then carefully started to climb on almost vertical slope to reach his animals.

“David, stop it!” pleaded ice, seeing as husky is trying to release himself from belts.

“Cher!” replied husky, but more to his own than to Ice.

“Mister Ash... faster...” whispered Eva. “Jack is bleeding hard!”

John got to Betty and Marry. He grabbed each one with effort and put them on ledge. When sisters were safe, he started to climb again for Eva and Jack. Ice was hanging helplessly, looking on human’s progress and David who was crying silently and looking down on valley.

“He’ll be all right.” Said greenland. “They both will make it.” Added, but more to convince himself than friend.

Finally all dogs were taken to solid ground. In first impulse David wanted to run down and find brother, but Eva stopped him with pleading sob.

“Please... you have to guard us.”

Husky looked on her than looked on Ice and his owner. Cle clenched his jaws and came to harness. John Ash turned the sled into patch direction and weakened team started to pull. Because Cher and Daniel were gone and Jack was wounded, only five animals were working. And they had to escape without a sound that could attract dangerous gangsters.

*

Daniel gave a cry of relief when he found Cher, lying in deep drift of snow. She was shocked but conscious, without serious wounds. Husky quickly dug her out, careful not to hurt delicate paws. He was whispering to her with gentle tone.

“We must go, my sweetie. There are dangerous people nearby...”

“Ice?” asked confused Cher.

“No, I’m not Ice.” Replied Daniel with tensed voice. “Believe me: I would gave everything to be him... and that you feel to me what you feel to him. But I’m not. Sorry, but I have to save you anyway.”

Cher opened her eyes and looked on saviour. She tried to say something, but she had no idea, what.

“Come.” Said Daniel. “We must hurry.” But in that moment she froze, sensing human’s presence.

“Ow... wolves!” smiled gangster with sawn-off shotgun. “I have never eaten wolfish meat, but there must be the first time...” he raised his gun and...

“NO!” growled Husky and pounced on Cher.

Human fired directly in cherry-furred direction. A cloud of shot left the gun and speeded with destructive force right to the bitch’s head. But then Daniel came. He fell on cherry-furred and pressed her into snow. And where second earlier was Cher’s head, then was muzzle of husky. Several lead globules hit the dog’s body, bursting fountains of blood. But he had no time to feel any pain. He knew that human could fire from the other gun. Although suddenly world turned to black, Daniel pounced in enemy’s direction and hit gangster.

Danny Torbello was to shocked to react. He saw as his shot hit the muzzle of dog but it didn’t stopped him. So criminal aimed once more and... Daniel pushed the shotgun up by striking hands of amazed human. Gun directed up, just into man’s chin and then shot fired. Dog fell next to human in rain of mixed blood.

Cher waited about minute and when no sound came, she stood from snow. She noticed human’s, headless body and Daniel nearby. Husky was shot right into the muzzle, so his face was mutilated. Several shots wounded his eyes – those were looking like lakes of blood. Cher turned away her sight with disgust. She sensed that unconscious husky is still alive, but she just couldn’t look again on maimed face. She went to dead human and grabbed a sausage from his pocked. When she satisfied her first hunger she turned east (she hope that was east) and set off, without giving a look on dying saviour.