Chapter 2: The Prodigal Son

          The sun hitting his body waked Brigham. He woke comfortably and smiled as he saw the vista before him. When he went to bed he was a distraught and angry, but now he was clam, and ready to face whatever his journey entailed. “Howd’ ya sleep little Briggems?” Vira said in a jesting manner. “Wha… great… great! Aniu appeared to me!” Vira knew this would happen but played surprised. “Oh you don’t say!” “I’m serious Vira! You said yourself she appears to people in dreams sometimes.” “Yes, yes I did and I’m just pulling your tail, I know she appeared to you.” Confused Brigham asked, “How did you know?” “Well I’ve been speaking with Aniu about you for a long time, before we even met actually. She told me about a relative of mine whom I would run into. She told all about your hardships and sufferings, she told me to mentor you and teach you everything about our culture and about life.” Although Brigham would have reacted with an angry retort before this morning, he did not this time. “Well she does seem to be on top of things doesn’t she?” Surprised by Brigham’s calm response Vira said, “Well I guess Aniu got through to you last night. What’d she say?” Brigham then recounted all the events of his dream to Vira, his parents, how Aniu is his grandmother and how he must choose to leave Nome and begin his journey. “I knew she was your grandmother, in essence she is my great-grandmother.” Vira laughed as Brigham frowned and said “Well you could have let that slip sooner.” “Where’s the fun in that?” Brigham then looked over the cliff to Nome. Seeing him look at Nome Vira said, “I knew there was something familiar about that town.” “Yeah I know, but I have to leave behind… again” “Don’t worry your mom and dad will be fine. I’m sure Aniu has handled everything” “Anything else you know about Aniu that you’ve been keeping secret?” Brigham said as he pushed Vira jestingly. “Haha no, and if I did, I wouldn’t tell you”. “Figures,” Brigham said as he walked away from the Cliffside, away from his home, away from his parents, and towards his destiny.

            Brigham and Vira walked northwest away from Nome. On their way they ran into a wolf hunting party. However, this was no regular hunting party, because the leader was none other than Viras father Ulra. Vira looked exactly like his father expect Vira’s eyes were sky blue. Vira looked less than happy that it was his fathers hunting party but it was too late for when His father saw Vira, he broke down in tears. He ran to his son and embraced him with the strength of ten wolves. “I thought… I thought you were dead. The hunting party said that your body was lost in the river.” “Yeah, uh… there’s a lot I need to tell you father.” Not now, not now, we need to go back to the pack and feast. For my dead son is alive!” Ulra howled and the rest of party joined in his celebration. On the way back Ulra was introduced to Brigham and told all about his adventures and his dream about Aniu. “By the Great White Wolf, a fellow grandson of Aniu! It still surprises me how young you are.” When they had arrived where the rest of the pack lived, Viras mother came out and greeted the pack. She was all black with sky blue eyes. “You know what I said about not coming back without food Ulra….” Her voice trailed off at the sight of her living son. “How?” Vira looked down at the ground embarrassed but Brigham did not know why. There’s something going on, it doesn’t add up. Ulra paid no attention to his wife for he knew there would be time to explain later. He had one thing on his mind at the time…

“Feast! For my son who was dead lives, take all of our reserve food and feast! Aniu has blessed us with my son who has come back from the dead.” Brigham was surprised by the hospitality of the pack even though he was only half-wolf. The pack treated him kindly and asked him many questions about his life. Brigham was very happy to explain who he was and even happier why people would believe him when he said he was Aniu’s grandson. However there was one thing he needed to figure out. He walked over to Vira and his parents who were crying and nuzzling with each other. He had just walked up when Viras mother directed her next nuzzle to Brigham. Brigham was taken by surprise but enjoyed the loving embrace. Ulra spoke to Brigham first, “This is my mate Accalia.” “I think I can say my own name Ulra. Thank you so much for watching over our son, we owe you so much.” Confused Brigham stated “Well he actually was watching over me.” “Ulra jumped in “What she means is thank your for being with our son, we thought he was dead. Our whole pack mourned his death for days.” Brigham was getting annoyed and felt it was time to clear this mess up, “Ok what’s going on? Vira, you told me that your pack didn’t like you and that you were half-wolf, yet your parents both look full wolf.” Ulra and Accalia both looked at Vira in confusion. “What is this about son?” said Ulra. “Well when I met Brigham he was young and filled with anger towards the wolves, humans and dogs. I felt that if I said that I was half-wolf like him, he would listen to me more. As Vira spoke Brigham remembered what Aniu said to him, would I rather listen to someone who had experienced what I had or someone who just heard about it? Before Vira’s parents could say anything, Brigham spoke up. “It’s ok, I understand why Vira lied to me. I know I would not have listened to him otherwise. All he was doing was trying to help me and make sure I didn’t do anything stupid. I owe him everything and only wish I could repay him.” Vira’s parents were speechless. Brigham didn’t know that the real reason Vira left was because he didn’t like his pack, he wanted to be on his own and explore the wilderness. He had planned his escape and used the caribou raid as his distraction when he left. Vira was on the verge of tears when Ulra spoke to him, “Son, we thought we had lost you, we were overwrought with grief for your death..” Vira looked as he was about to try to speak but Ulra stopped him. “Just listen son, we do not care that you faked your death so that you could be on your own. All we care about is that you are safe and back home. You saved this young wolfdog and mentored him in the old ways. You are a great son and a great example for Brigham and other young wolves.” “But father, I have disgraced our family and our pack with my lies. I do not deserve to live.” “That may be true, but Aniu has deemed that you deserve life, if she didn’t than you would not be here today.” Vira thought to himself, that’s right, Aniu watched over me, she led me to Brigham, without me, he would have been killed, my purpose was to mentor him; To mentor a hero. “You are right father, I was wrong to ever leave, forgive me and forgive my ignorance.” “You were forgiven the moment I saw you my son.”

The whole family embraced and nuzzled once more. Brigham was reminded of the many times his parents would do the same thing to him. However, instead of being sad he felt happy, there will a time when I will experience that once again, but not yet mom and dad. I still have to complete my journey. Things were beginning to make sense to Brigham now. “Aniu told me I would be a beacon of light within the coming dark and that I would help save those around me. When I first heard this I thought it meant life or death, but now I realize there was more to it. I was supposed to reunite your family and bring peace to your pack.” Ulra saw much of what he heard about Aniu in this young wolfdog, “Brigham if what you say is true, and I do believe it is, then we must do all we can to help you fulfill your destiny.” Brigham understood more than they did at this point but he could not explain it all. “Right now I just need a place to sleep, but tomorrow I have to continue my journey.” Vira spoke up “You mean you must go alone don’t you?”

 Brigham was sad to admit it but he nodded. He knew he owed his whole life to Vira. Vira had taught him everything, how to hunt, how to live, how to believe. Brigham knew this would be hard, but it had to be done. “Vira, I owe you my life, but now I must go on my own. You have guided me through this stage of my life but I am now old and mature enough to go it alone. I will never forget you and what you’ve done.” Brigham noticed tears on his old mentors face and jokingly said, “Hey, you never taught me to cry, what happened to being calm and coolheaded?” Vira chuckled, “Well… sometimes it is good to cry…it’s therapeutic.” They all laughed and continued to talk until the feast was over. That night, Brigham slept the best he had ever slept in his life, he knew that he would alone from now on, but I he knew he had Aniu watching him. Tomorrow, I go it alone, will I be strong enough? Will I be able to fulfill my destiny?

Chapter 3: A Hero’s Journey Begins

            Brigham awoke the next day while the sun was just starting to come up. He walked to the entrance of the cave he had been sleeping in. Vira shared his own cave with Brigham so that he could have a good place to sleep. The suns light was starting to appear over the horizon. Its soft, pale yellow glow blended with the grey blue sky. As it slowly rose, orange light emerged and pieced through the blended colors. It was as if Brigham was witnessing a painter paint the sunrise on a canvas. The scene created warmth in his heart and at that moment, on the eve of his journey alone, he felt as if all was right. Brigham was so drawn to the sunrise that he did not notice Vira who was standing beside him. “You’re up early,” Vira said. “Yeah, I guess I couldn’t wait to start my journey.” “Do you know where you’re gonna go?” “No, but I have a feeling Aniu will handle that for me.” Vira smiled as he remembered the moment he met Brigham; he remembered it as if it were just yesterday. Brigham was young and confused but Vira underestimated how fond he would grow of Brigham. Vira did know this day would come, but it did not make it any less hard. It had only been a year, but Brigham was grown up now, and ready for his journey. Brigham saw that Vira was smiling and asked, “What are you thinking about?” Vira was lost in memories and did a snap-out-of-it shake of his head. He looked at Brigham and said “Everything.” Brigham jokingly said, “Don’t hurt yourself.” Laughing, Vira said, “I’ll try not too.” Vira’s father walked up to the two, “Beautiful morning isn’t it?” Brigham and Vira both agreed. “I sent a messenger to your sister, our leader, Brigham, she will inform all the tribes and packs of your journey and command them to aid you if you so need it. However, be on your guard, not all wolves follow your sister.” “Thank you Ulra, I am in debt to your for your kindness and hospitality.” “Far from it, but you can consider us even if you would like too.” Brigham smiled, “Deal.” After many thank yous and goodbyes with members of the pack, Brigham set out on his own, with faith as his guide and destiny as his goal.”

            After three days of travel, Brigham had met a few tribes and packs that gave him food and shelter. The air was beginning to get colder than usual, even for an Alaskan winter. However, Aniu provided Brigham with friendly tribes who would tell him stories of world history and other lore about Aniu. Although Brigham did not know where he was going, he followed a peculiar raven who he knew was his grandmothers handiwork.

 What seemed to be a progressive journey with little to no setbacks was actually full of a constant hardship. The night before Brigham set out on his journey from Vira’s tribe, Brigham was dreaming, but this was not a normal dream. He dreamt of a beautiful husky that was impossible to reach. Her face would not only consume his dreams but also plague his thoughts during the day. In his dream, and all of them after, he would be standing on a long flat piece of ice. In the distance he would see the husky, he longed to see her face to face and talk to her, so he would begin to run towards her. When he was close, she would vanish and so would the ice in front of him. He then plunged into a dark abyss and as he fell, her face would flash before him. Every time he awoke he would be sweating and out of breath. The only thing he had to remember her was the mental picture in his dreams. She was the most beautiful dog he had ever seen. Her coat was like the morning sky before the sun comes out, with a grayish blue tone. Her undercoat was a smooth cream color without any imperfections. She was breathtaking and had the most captivating sky blue eyes. During the day, all he would see is her face before him, and sometimes he even thought he saw her out of the corner of his eye. But when he would turn to look, she would not be there.

 Why is this happening to me? He would think. Why can’t I get her off my mind? One day is was especially bad, so bad that by the days end, he had run into ten trees, five boulders, one thorn bush, and one especially defensive beehive. Brigham was in intense pain, but it was not from all his mishaps with nature, it was from heartache. He longed to see her as the night longs for the day. He missed her even though he had never actually met her. He had always thought there was something missing in his life but now that he the saw the missing piece and could not have it, the pain was far worse. There she was, the one he would take as his mate, the one he longed for… the one he loved. However, he could not have her, and it ate away at him every waking moment and every restless sleep. Why can’t I have her now? Aniu, why are you teasing me with the image of her face only to leave me still alone? Why must you dangle the woman of dreams, the woman of my heart in front of me like a carrot on a stick?

 After three days of torture and agony, Brigham got his answer. On the third day, one that was especially cold and filled with light snowfall, he happened upon a small group of what seemed to be wolves on the edge of the forest. They were crowed around two figures facing each other. While the wolves were circling the two figures, Brigham caught a glimpse of the pair. He first saw the larger of the two, which seemed as if they were harassing the other. He was a large wolf who looked very shabby, almost rabid. The smaller one was someone he had seen many times, and he recognized her as soon as he saw her. She was the husky in his dreams and the one who occupied all his thoughts. Finally, my chance to actually meet the girl you have planed for me!

 She was even more stunning in real life. It took him a second to return his mind back to earth, and when he did he realized what he had to do. “Leave her alone” he said. At the sound of his voice, the wolves stopped circling and faced him along with the husky. The large wolf, which Brigham knew was the leader stepped out in front. “Who are you to tell us what to do?” “My name is Brigham and I’m pretty sure she isn’t enjoying..” But before Brigham could finish speaking the husky spoke up, “I can handle myself just fine, thanks.” Taken aback, Brigham tried to think of what to say. While Brigham was recovering from the blow, one of the other wolves whispered to the leader. “Treagan, I’ve heard of that name, I think he’s the brother of Aleu, the one she made the decree about. She said that anyone who encounters him is to give him safe passage and aid if he so need it.” Treagan snickered and said, “he’ll get no such special treatment from us.” He then spoke to Brigham, “So you’re the one Aleu told us to ‘take care of?” The husky started to fidget and grew anxious, who is this guy, trying to look all tough and save me. He is kinda cute though, but what are they saying about Aleu or whatever, ugh, why did I venture away from town.” Brigham made like he was about to speak but Treagan cut him off again.

“Well I’ve got news for you, we don’t follow your Alue’s laws. We would never follow a half-wolf, which if I make the connection correctly, would also be germane to you, wolfdog.” The husky was even more confused now, he is the brother to Aleu, and they are both half-wolf?”  Brigham knew where this was going and he knew he had better make a plan. Tregans minions were already closing in. “So, Treagan is it?” Acknowledging Tregans surprise, Brigham continued, “Yes, I know of you and you little rebellion. Does that mean you no longer revere the old ways?” Brigham had grabbed Treagan’s curiosity, he ordered his men to stand down. “No, we only disobey the laws that your half-breed sister has implemented. Impurities in our blood like your sister and yourself insult the old ways.” This was exactly the response Brigham was expecting and he continued, “Ok, so you still hold the old traditions and rules high?” Growing impatient Treagan sad, “Yes, I already told you wolfdog, they are law!” Brigham heard everything he needed to hear so began to put his plan into motion. “Well in that case, I challenge you to an Agnaku.” All the wolves let out a small gasp, and even Treagan was surprised. “I’m impressed wolfdog, you know of the old ways. If you know of Agnaku, then you do know that it is to the death.”

The husky began to get more nervous now, to the death? Why must all guys fight and try to prove their strength? If he’s doing this for me then he is definitely being a little extreme. “Yes I understand the rules Treagan,” said Brigham, who’s voice was strong and confident. On second thought, Brigham is kinda handsome….. No! he’s just another guy just trying to show off. He knew Treagan was stronger than he was but Brigham was more agile. All he had to do was stay on the defensive and he could easily counter Treagan’s attacks. He just needed to keep Treagan attacking and judging by his short temper, it wouldn’t prove to be too difficult. Treagan’s wolves surrounded the fighters as the snow began to fall harder. The air was thickening and their breathes were now even more visible. The snow created a false sense of peace, but there was an almost palpable sense of tension. Brigham needed to get Treagan angry, “You and you’re men are looking pretty ragged, do I need to go easy on you? I mean, you could always forfeit.” He is just like every other guy, arrogant and a show off. Treagan was not the type to be mocked and lunged at Brigham after he had finished speaking. Treagan was faster than Brigham expected but he was not as quick as Brigham. He dodged Treagans attack and slid to the right. Treagan’s momentum led to him slipping in the snow. Ok, that probably got him pretty mad but I need to get him to the point of being irate and reckless.

 “That the best you’ve got Treagan? If it is, then you might want to reconsider my offer.” Once again, proof of the fact that all guys are the same… Well maybe he’s got a plan. The husky checked to see if her internal argument was noticeable by the wolf Treagan told to make sure she didn’t get away. When she realized no one was paying attention she continued. Maybe he’s just trying to bait Treagan into a reckless attack. But if Treagan gets him, he’ll be dead…. Am I really worrying about him? He’s just an arrogant guy like all the others. Don’t let yourself be fooled again. Treagan lunged again; he leapt swiftly and aimed his jaws at Brigham’s neck. But Brigham was ready again, this time he countered Treagan’s attack by ducking under Treagan and then quickly jumping up, which rocketed Traegan out of the circle of wolves and into a nearby tree. Treagan hit the tree with such force that the snow on the branches fell on him. But Treagan leapt out of the snow not even a second later. The snow flew everywhere making it hard to see. After everyone was able to see again, they saw Brigham who was still unscathed but Treagan was leaning more on his left leg. Brigham had managed to break Treagan’s right leg but it would take more than that to take Treagan out. Brigham did not plan to kill Tregan but he needed to make him immobile. Treagan lunged again at Brigham, even with his broken leg, but Brigham ducked again; this time he went for his back left leg and managed to bite it. Brigham knew he could not waste too much time or else Treagan would grab him while he was biting. So he made the bite quick, but not before hitting bone. As Treagan let out a slight yelp of pain, Brigham let go, and not a moment too soon, for Treagan took a quick swipe and barely missed Brigham. Treagan was still standing but he was carefully putting pressure on his left legs.

 Brigham knew he needed one more counterattack to finish the fight. But he realized that he had to get in close and that would mean he would have to take an attack from Treagan. “Still don’t want to take my offer?” Treagan was furious and lunged at Brigham again with blind rage. Brigham just stood there. What is Brigham doing?! If he gets bit by Treagan, its over!.... wait, am I really scared for him now? Treagan’s momentum was more than Brigham anticipated and his bite was just as big as his temper. Even in the few seconds that Treagan had a hold of Brigham’s neck, he had gotten his teeth deep. Brigham used his momentum against him by turning his body, swinging Treagan so fast that his body left the snowy ground and flew into the same tree he hit before. Treagan’s own momentum and rage was his downfall in the end for when he hit the tree he actually dented the bark and was knocked unconscious. However, Treagan did not hit the tree without taking a part of Brigham with him. He had ripped a good portion of the skin and fur on Brigham’s neck. Traegan had even managed to cut a couple veins. However, Brigham did not feel the pain at first because his body was full of so much adrenaline. Panting and with blood dripping down his neck, to his chin and on the white ground, he spoke to Treagans men. “Take care of his injuries and recognize that this is what happens to those who do not listen to those Aniu has placed in authority…. remember the old ways but realize that the old ways were full of unity not division… go.”

 Brigham was struggling to keep himself standing. The adrenaline was fading away and the pain was increasing exponentially. It was only a matter of time before he would pass out. The wolves carried their leader away into the forest as the snow began to fall harder. The husky walked over to Brigham. “I guess I should thank you.” Brigham was breathing heavily and cringing at the pain. “It... it’s no problem, I just saw you being harassed by them and…”His voice trailed off because he was focusing so hard on maintaining consciousness. She didn’t notice his struggle or even the pool of blood that was growing because she was looking off somewhere else in a snobbish manner. “Well don’t think this means you can just get whatever you want from me.” Her comment still fazed Brigham even in his deteriorating condition. “Wha… I… I don’t… I didn’t expect that.” Still skeptical the husky continued on, “Yeah well I’ll believe it when I see it, I don’t trust guys who show off just to impress me; especially ones who are randomly wandering in the forest. By the way, why were you around here alone? You don’t live in Taylor.” At this point Brigham couldn’t fight it anymore, her words, no matter how sweet sounding were beginning to slur and get quitter. Just as she had finished asking the question, he passed out and landed on the cold snow.  The sky had turned dark grey and the snow was falling harder, which, coupled with the increasing winds, was making it even more dangerous to be out. The husky finally noticed Brigham lying on the ground. Ugh, really?