Times, are they changing?
Part 1: Cold steel
Balto, Steele, Jena and Aleu © Universal pictures
Clay, Connie and Ryan © me
warning: Poor language. I am not good at English, so pardon me.
Violence – there will be, but here just in prologue...
PROLOGUE
There was nothing but blood, flesh ripped from bodies and two corpses. Balto hadn`t think too much to realize, that two bodies were his loved ones. Jenna and Aleu. And... there was one more dog. It raised. Balto just gasped in fear, anger and surprise... it was him.
„Oh, look who went home...,“ said Steele. His mouth and fangs were covered in blood. And then he leapt....
Balto suddenly opened his eyes... `twas just a nightmare.... his beloved wife and daughter slept near him. Balto stood up and went out to check the weather. It did not improve since last check. Yesterday, they were caught by a snow storm, and luckily found this cave good enough for shelter from cold wind and snow. He turned his back a tried to fall asleep.
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CHAPTER 1: PACK
Damn storm....
Cold like as.....
Something to eat....
Real Steele was fighting with tempest with all his strenght. And he was losing this fight. He used to be stronger, but hunger, lack of sleep and cold had weakened him... in fact, he did not sleep to much since he left Nome. And that was long time ago. Since then, he has slept where he could, eat what he could, but he was weaker and weaker.
And now, he was crawling in a storm, hungry and cold, but in anger in his heart.
Suddenly he smelt something like roasted meat and campfire. Oh, what the hell, then, he thought and tried to make it to the source of this smell.
It was about 100 metres. There was a little forest glade, campfire in the middle of it and a sort of a cabin. And – and that was essential – there was a food. Freshly baked calf...
Steele tried to be cautious, but the smell of meat was so delightful to him. He carelessly entered camp and tried to grab the meat.
Right.... just...little bit... aaaaand....
He was really near, but then somebody approached him from behind.
Oh, well....
Steele turned his head slowly. The one behind him was a man. That wouldn`t be problem, but the point was he had a rifle and the end of this rifle aimed on Steele`s head.
They both freezed for a few seconds but it appeared like an age for Steele. And then...
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Storm has ended. Snow was falling gently and it appeared as it appreciated newcame quiet and peace. Balto wasn`t sleeping. He tried to, but for the rest of the storm he thought of the one he saw in his dream... Is he dead or alive?
Jenna woke up, stretched herself, yawned and said: „Hi, dear. Did you sleep well?“
Balto had no need to tell her about his nightmare, so he nodded and smiled, but he couldn`t hide all his thoughts. „You are worried, aren`t you,“ Jenna whispered. „Why?“
„Oh, that`s nothing, nothing at all...“ Balto tried to avoid another questions, but he was unsuccessful. „Don`t lie to me, love... it is... something about Steele?“
‘Oh, she made it out quickly,’ Balto thought. „Well, yes... I was wondering whether is he alive or....“
„You think he deserves to die?“ Jenna asked him.
„ No... no, he don`t. After all, he is the one whose life is ruined... “
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And then.... man took down the aim. He took a inspective look on Steele. He closed left eye and leaned his head to the right. "I think I have a thief here,“ he mumbled. „Sledge dog I think... a malamute or what...“
„So, what shall I do with you?“ he asked Steele, who realized he was in the trap, „First... I will probably need to find out, who is yer master. And then...“ Then he noticed Steele was thin, dirty and untidy. „You haven`t got any master, have you?“ he asked Steele. He didn`t expect any answer, so he continued, „Maybeeee... I will have use for ya, eh?“
Steele, of course, did not understand what did the man says, but he felt danger was gone, and that guy had no interest in his death. Moreover, maybe he would give him food and shelter and then.... who knows? Steele decided he would play a good dog, so waved his tail and tried to look adorable and needy as a pup, that is still in a box after all it`s siblings were taken by their new owners.
„So,“ man kneeled in front of Steele, „would ya go with me?“
Man was quite tall, not fat wearing longer hairs, unkept light beard on his chin and a light moustache ... and had same eyes as Steele had. Blue... but man`s were full of quiet, understanding and respect.
He will be fooled easily
Then they headed into the cabin. Things are going just smoothly, Steele thought. That thougts left him as the man opened door. „Connie, Ryan!“ man shouted, „We have a newcomer!“
That two were nothing less than dogs.
Connie, she was alaskan husky, smiled, walked towards Steele, looked into his eyes and said: „Hello, there!“ But Steele was attracted by the other one. He had never seen a breed like this. It was nearly as tall as Steele, and looked... bit wolfish. But it had black and dirty-yellow fur. And that eyes.... Cold, merciless and cruel.... they looked familiar to Steele, but even his eyes weren`t like this. Ryan, that was his name, watched him with pure hostility.
„Oh... hello,“ said Ryan like he was talking to nothing but dust.
„How we will call you?“ man wondered, „Yes... yes... Ryan, Connie and...“ he looked once more on Steele`s body, that was still pretty well-built, despite hunger and lack of sleep, „hard like... Steel. Yes! That`s it“
He gazed into Ryan`s eyes, but then he realized Connie standing near him. „Hi... I am new here, so....,“ he decided to play innocent and sweet one for a bit longer.
„No problem, feel free to ask about everything you need,“ she smiled.
Great... another fool... great day....
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Balto and his family were moving to a safer location than a cave in the middle of the wilderness. Aleu pounced along her parents all the time, she laughed, joked and was in a good mood. But Balto was worried. It was just a dream, yes... but... could it mean something?
Wind began to blow little faster, carrying snowflakes in its' way.
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CHAPTER 2: SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Warm, food and sleep put Steele into the good mood. No one knew him here, and that was an advantage. No one knew he is deciever and liar. That suited him very well. Connie was talkative and friendly. Now, he knew, that man, called Robert McBride, was a hunter. But he would realized it even if Connie had not told him. Walls of cabin were covered by animal furs and there were a lot of wolfish.
Revenge could be easier than I thought.....
Then he learned Robert came with Ryan from Europe to live somehow different and so on.
„... and we are here now... Oh, I nearly forgot... what is your name,“ Connie asked Steele.
„Mine? He said it before..."
"No, no..., I mean your REAL name."
"Oh that! It is Steele... funny my 'new' name is almost the same as my old one," he replied and smiled, but in his heart a plan started to live. Dark and bloody plan, „And what about Ryan?“ he turned his head towards Ryan, who was watching him all the time he was in their company. „Is there... is there anything you need to know?!“ growled Ryan.
„Excuse him... he is just... bit rude and nervous,“ Connie apologized for Ryan. „You know... Ryan isn`t his real name... he is just called Ryan by Robert.”
Ryan looked on Connie with a murder in his eyes.
“But me... I am Connie for real,” she added.
It`s possible I like her? No... but it could be great weapon...
Then passed one week. During it Steele learned a lot of things about his new master, Connie and Clay. Robert tried to make hunter dog from him, so he was taking Steele along to check traps and for hunt. Steele enjoyed it, but still was composing his plan. Plan of revenge. Revenge at all cost... even at the cost of Connie `s, Ryan `s and Robert`s life...
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CHAPTER 3: AN UNWANTED HERO
„Hey, you three... we are going to Nome!“
Robert was eager and restless. He really needed new supplies, food, and tools and he had some pelts he could sell.
There were three different looks in three faces.
Ryan was not interested in going, but it was sure he would follow his master everywhere.
Connie acted like a pup. She was laughing and pouncing and she could not wait to go.
But Steele... He ran away from there. Everyone hated him there. And now....
„Aaand... you know what? We will try the new sledge, since we have Steel.“
„That will be great!“ Connie poked Steele laughing, „I bet you are great at this!“
Steele didn`t know what to say...
If I will go to Nome, they will find out who I am... and that... would be end...
But if I won`t, they will have suspicion.... and that would be probably end, too.
„Ohhh... all right,“
There is only one opportunity... we MUST NOT make it for Nome...
"So....," said Robert for himself, "Nome... that`s three days, maybe two. Hope storms won`t come..."
Three days? It was months I left Nome and I am so close? That suits me very well. There could be an accident...
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It was early in the morning. Robert loaded sledge with pelts and with little amount of food. He trusted Steele so much he
gave him a role of the leading dog, right behind Steele was Ryan and Connie was the last one. And then...
Like old days.
Oh, not really....
I will wait till night and then I will do it!
-------------
Again that dream!
Balto opened his eyes, and if he would be able to, he would be covered in sweat.
'But what does it mean? Can I see the future in my dreams?' Balto was afraid. He was surer that he had ever been before.
Steele is alive. But is even Steele able to ... Balto shaked his head. Of course he is. He tried to kill me. Oh, anyway, what I am thinking about?
It is a long time ago and lots of things have changed since then.
But some of them haven`t changed after all. And some of them will never change.
Balto stood up and went to check Aleu and Jenna.
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Sledge was flying like the wind, but although it was quite fast, it could not surpass the time and a nightfall.
They stopped at a little plain, right under large slope covered with trees. "Great work today, you three!" said Robert and hugged
all members of his sledge team. Connie was tired but happy, Ryan was just tired, but Steele had saved some of his strenght for his plan.
He waited until Robert unharnessed Connie and Ryan and when was Ryan set free, he made a run for it, dragging the sledge.
Great, now I need to get rid of the sledge!
But although he wasn`t as tired as others, he was not as fast as he would like to be,
because the sledge was loaded by furs. Ryan started off just few second later than Steele,
and he was closer and closer.
No... did he assume this?
"Hey, Steel, wait! Where are you running?! WAIT!" cried Robert while he was wading through the snow followed by Connie.
Steele looked back and... there was nothing but loud - very loud - sound. Snow slided from the slope and formed an avalanche.
Ryan turned his head too. Connie and his master were behind, but he couldn`t see them, because of the clouds of snow.
Noise was fading out... Did they managed it, or are they...?
Steele forgot to run and he was watching. He didn`t want it this way, but...
It`s done?
"Hey, I say... Ryan, Steel! Are you there?!"
Obviously not. What a pity.
They made it, Ryan was relieved. Robert and Connie were covered by snow, but unharmed. Robert turned his back and saw the avalanche came even over the plain where they stopped. "Uh.... Steel? You just have saved us all..." he gasped.
WHAT?!
Connie ran towards Steele and looked worried: "Steele, are you okay? We didn`t know what happened. You just ran away and... You saved us!" She smiled and kissed him briefly "Thank you... you are... my hero!" Steele was speechless.
So that`s how does it feel when you save somebody?
No, no, no! I didn`t want to save them!
But you did, a quiet voice in Steele`s head whispered.
What? Shut up!
But Ryan wasn`t as happy and grateful. He came near Steele and said slowly and quietly: "I know what you... wanted to do. But everything went wrong and
now you are a hero... I don`t know, who you really are, but.... I will keep my eyes on you. Try to do something similar one more time and....," Ryan quickly moved his head near Steele`s, looked into his eyes, bared his fangs and growled, "and I will kill you... try to hurt Connie or Robert and I will do it."
Ryan `s eyes were full of anger, hatred and slight. No, that was not a threat. That was just a statement of fact.
For the rest of night Ryan watched Steele as the best as he could.
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CHAPTER 4: NAME? JUST CLAY...
Balto couldn`t find Aleu. He was convinced he looked everywhere. Oh... no, not everywhere. Forest. Aleu loved it, she was there for almost all of her free time, altough Balto many times warned her and told her it is too dangerous for her.
Well, thought Balto, I need to go there...
So he headed to forest, but his thoughts were still with the scene he saw in his dream. He didn`t even watched where he goes. And then he ran into something furry.
„Pardon me,“ he mumbled and raised his head for to see what he ran into, „I wa....“ He suddenly stopped and gasped. It is possible?! he thought. Steele?
„Oh oh oh oh, It`s okay. It was just mine fault after all.“
No... he is not Steele. Steele would never apologize himself for something like this. And although this dog looked nearly same as Steele, there were differences. He was little bit smaller than Steele, had black markings upon his eyebrows and looked more pleasant than Steele. And younger.
„I mean, are you okay?“ he asked Balto.
„Uh, I think so... you just looked familiar to me,“ Balto was relieved, „I am sorry for bumping into you.“
„It`s all right!“ dog smiled widely, „But... maybe you could help me. I am heading to Nome now and...I got lost,“ he sighed, but then he smiled again and continued, „anyway, I haven`t introduced myself yet. I am Clay.“
„Balto, pleased to meet you.“ Balto replied. Clay appealed to him. He seemed like jolly good fellow and well-mannered to Balto.
„Balto? You mean... Balto?“ Clay`s eyes opened widely and there was a lot of surprise and pleasure in them. „Are you the hero of that diphtheria cause several months ago?“
Balto was surprised, too. He never thought he was a hero...
„No, no... I am not a hero. I only did what i had to,“ he said modestly.
„And isn`t it heroic, too? One needs a lot of courage to do what he must. And you hadn`t to do it!“
Balto blushed and tried to change the topic.
„Ahh... could you tell me, what do you wish to do in Nome? I am just curious, so if you do not mind...“
„No... I heard about ... whatishisname?... Steele. He is really good they say. Well, he is not as good as you, obviously... do you know him?“ asked Clay.
‘Of course I know him! He tried to kill me, he is a liar, selfish egoist, deceiver and he is really bad.’ Balto wanted to spit out all these words, but then he looked in Clay`s face and said: „I have seen him for two or three times. But I am afriad he is not in Nome any longer.“
„Oh,“ Clay was dissapointed, „and don`t you know where is he now?“
„I am sorry, no idea...“ said Balto and thought: ‘And that`s good. He can ruin your life. Stay away from him. Everybody should stay away from him...’
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“Well... Nome isn`t too far now. If we try, we could be here this afternoon!“ cried Robert McBride while Steele, Ryan and Connie were doing their best. It was miscalculation, but Steele tried to make another plan. But he couldn`t set up anything meaningful and Nome was nearer and nearer.
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„So, then... I will go to Nome though. But that`s a pity. I made it from....“
And then they heard scream of fear. Not so loud, but high and voice of it`s author was dreadfully familiar to Balto. Aleu...
“Move, it`s coming this way!“ yelled Clay and ran. Balto followed him. ‘That Clay is really quick...‘ Balto thought as he was running along him.
They ran for about half a minute, and the cry was louder and louder. Clay stopped suddenly and whispered to Balto: „Three wolves are after one young lassie. You take care of lassie, I will lure away that three ‚heroes’. And try to get somewhere safer. To Nome, yes?“ and without waiting for the reply he yelled: „You three! I am talking to you! You must be very brave if you chase one girl. Come get me!“ It worked. Wolves forgot about Aleu and ran after Clay. „You see?“ Clay turned his head on Balto, „now go!“ And he ran, chased by wolves.
‘He has to be very brave or just mad...’ Balto ran towards Aleu. „Aleu! Are you all right?“ he cried. „Dad?“ she was relieved and surprised. „What are you doing...“
„Wait! I should ask YOU what are you doing here?! But not now. Let`s get out of here, to Nome! Follow me!“ and so she did. „And dad?“
„Hmm?“
„Who was the one who lured them away?“
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CHAPTER 5: MEETING WORTH 220$
Robert McBride arrived in Nome. He left sledge and unharnessed dogs in front of a general store, laid out furs and went inside with them. Connie was excited and happy. It had been a long time since he was in a town. Ryan was rude and suspicious like always. And Steele?
„Do you know it here?“
„What?“
„I have just asked, if you do know it here,“ Connie smiled, „I would like to make little tour. Will you go with me?“ Her eyes were full of hope and wish.
„Uhh....“ Steele would like to show himself in Nome as the least as he could, „and what about the sledge?“
„Ryan will stay here,“ Connie replied and then turned to Ryan, „won`t you? Please...“
Ryan didn`t look he wanted to, but he said: „Of... course.“ And then he sent a look full of a cold anger and threat to Steele. ‘Try to hurt her.....’
„Yay, thanks!“
And so Steele went to confront his past.
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By that time, Balto and Aleu were near Nome.
„Dad, you didn`t tell me. Who was he?“
„He is called Clay. I haven`t met him before. We just bumped to each other and then, and THEN... you were again in forest alone!“ Balto was becoming angry.
„But dad....“
„No, no, no... Aleu. No buts. If me and Clay hadn`t been...“
„Have somebody said my name?“ Clay walked towards them. „Oh, at least you two are safe.“
Balto took look on him. He had blood stains on his fur and ...
„Are you hurt?“ Balto asked in grief.
„Oh what? Ahh, you mean this? Yes, one was too quick. But it is just a little scratch.“
Balto pushed Aleu in front of himself. She knew exactly what did Balto want her to say.
„My name is Aleu. I am sorry for causing you so much trouble. Thank you very much for saving me.“ she said silently and tried to sound as guilty as she could.
„Hey, that was nothing. Anyway, I am....“
„Clay, I know. Dad already told me,“ Aleu interrupted him.
Clay smiled widely. „Really? You have a great dad, you know, lassie? So obey him.“
„I will, I promise.“
„So, now I have some bussiness that needs to be taken care of here. See you.“ Clay turned himself and headed to Nome.
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Things were going well for Steele. There were many new dogs, and just few of the ones who remembered that diphtheria matter. He saw few faces he knew, but they didn`t say anything. Did they forget, or just they were ignoring him?
Good... It`s better than...
„Ohhhh... look who came back?! Hey! Everyone! Steele is here!“
Steele looked around in panic and surprise, but few moments later he was surrounded by his old knowns. And they were not happy to see him. They didn`t forget.
Well, and now... it`s... oh crap!
Dogs surrounded Steele and Connie and was obvious it wouldn`t be joyful and happy meeting.
„You have to be mad when you are here. Or it`s just bad joke?!“ One former member of his former team said. „Yes. What do you think you are, liar?!“ added second.
„Steele?“ Connie was teriffied.
„And look who`s with him! Could you tell us your name?“
„Why? What does it all mean? Steele?“
Steele turned aside and tried to explain: „Uh, you know, it`s just....hehe... thing is...“
„Steele, you even hadn`t enough propriety to tell her about what you did?!“ yelled one of dogs.
Mob grew restless. „Of course he didn`t! That worthless creature! And he had enough arogance to return back! Punish him! He deserves nothing but....“
„LISTEN TO ME!“ Connie shouted, „I don`t care about his past! He saved my, and not only my, life!“ Impact of her words was great. Crowd gasped and stayed in speechless amazement and after while it began to mumble. „What....Steele? He saved... no, that can`t be true... but what if... she lies, that`s all.“ then one older dog asked Connie: „You said you didn`t care about his past? Maybe you should care about it. And he saved your life?“
„Yes, he did!“
„I know him well. He saved your life for to stab you in your back later.... trust me.“
Connie was shocked: „ How you could say thing like this! Steele won`t do such.... he is really nice to me!“
Do you hear her? She thinks you are good. She likes you... and you want to betray her?
Of course I want to! She has no use for me!
You didn`t change yourself, after all. You should hold her in great esteem...
I DON`T NEED TO!
„Girl, trust me. We know him better than you. And...“ old dog was interrupted by one husky who cried: „... and therefore we need to teach him a lesson! Get him!“
Dogs began to advance towards Steele and Connie. There was no chance to escape. „WAS IST ... oh, I mean... WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE.... DOING?!“ Steele and Connie turned their heads towards source of that shout. It was Ryan. But... he looked different.
His eyes were widely opened, his fangs were bared and he looked like a demon from the netherworld.
Even Steele was scared. If he had thought he had ever seen angry Ryan, now he had to admit he had never seen him really angry.
Dogs stopped. „Hey, who are you? Another friend of this scum? After all he did to Balto and...“ one brave malamute yelled on Ryan.
Ryan came near him and quietly said: „I don`t know any Balto, so I don`t care. Friend? No... but...,“ and then he shouted in the malamute`s face: „IF YOU HAVE QUARELL WITH HIM, THEN YOU HAVE ... SOME BUSINESS WITH ME, TOO!“
Malamute chickened out and no wonder. Although he was even bigger than Ryan, he was facing mad, bloodthirsty and nearly invincible creature.
„HE IS A PART... OF MEIN PACK! Oh, pardon me.... OF MY PACK! AND I DO NOT LET YOU TO INSULT ANYONE FROM MY PACK! Even if he is as bad as you say!“
Ryan looked over the crowd and then he said in more peaceful way: „My name is Ryan, and I don`t want any fight or quarell right here. I suggest you to go home and forget about it.“
And it appeared lots of other dogs didn`t want to fight and they were happy it ended this way.
Crowd was disbanded.
„Connie... and you! Go to the sledge. NOW!“ Ryan watched them and when they rounded the nearest corner, then he came to one of the three dogs that hadn`t left the place in time and now they seemed scared and terrified. „You three! Yes, you! Would you do me a favor? What are your names?“
One of them, the weirdest dog Ryan ever saw: „Uhhh... and what if we don`t want to....“
And then he realised, that was wrong answer. Ryan lowered his head, so he was looking straight into dog`s eyes, which were full of fear: „So then... you will realize you made your worst mistake.“
„Ooookay... we do not need any troubles with you, isn`t that right, Kaltag, Nikki?“
The other two dogs nodded. „So good,“ Ryan continued, „then, tell me everything about Steele. Everything you know....“
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„Steele, you have something to tell me...“ Connie sounded angry.
„Oh, you mean...“
„You know exactly what I mean!“
And now it`s there. I was waiting for it from the start. So, what you will say? Will you confess, or you will lie?
„Connie... I am sorry I didn`t tell you before. I didn`t want you to think bad of me, because... because I like you,” Steele lied and pretended to regret his past deeds, „I made lot of mistakes in my past, but I have changed... please, don`t want me to speak about it.... I really like you... I don`t want to lost you...“
„I like you, too, Steele.“
How unexpected!
SHUT UP!
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„And that`s all, I think,“ Star ended nervously.
„I see... well, I didn`t misjudge him too much. In fact, it is worse than I thought,“ Ryan said mainly for himself than for the three former Steele`s companions. „Okay, you three... you have my gratitude. I think you are so happy helping me, so then you will agree with another cooperation, won`t you? Of course you will. Tell me everything what happened everytime you see me.“ Star nodded quickly and all he wanted was the end of this conversation. Ryan turned himself and headed to the sledge. „So what now?“ Nikki asked.
„Guys, that eyes.... worse than Steele, I say.“
„Should we tell Balto?“
„Uh... I don`t think so.“
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Robert sold furs for better price than he expected, bought some food, tools, ammo for his rifle and three warm sausages for his dogs. He walked out and gave the sausages to Steele, Connie and Ryan, who waited near sledge. Then he began to load sledge.
„Hello, mister,“ manly voice said behind his back.
„Oh, hello,“ Robert replied and stopped loading sledge.
„You have nice dogs, I see.“
„Thanks.“ Robert smiled and thought: ‘So, what do you want?’
„But this one...“ man pointed on Steele, who recognized his former master, „looks familiar to me. It`s one of my former sledge dogs, actually. Yes. Steele. I am his former master.”
„You want him back, I expect.“
„It`s been a months I saw him last time. He had to run away after that diphtheria matter. And he did the right thing.“
„Why?“
„I would shoot him, if he hadn`t run away. Know what he did? He was my leading dog and he left me and all others in wilderness! Just betrayed me!“ man said in disdain.
„Really? Well, the same Steele who are you talking about saved my life a day ago. Anyway, do you want him back?“
„Oh, well,“ man began to look irresolutly, „he betrayed me, but he is really good sledge dog, I don`t know, if...“
„200 $. Do you agree?” Robert offered and prepared himself for haggling.
„He is really good, you know, I still..“
„220 $. Not a cent more.”
„I think...“
„Look, so take him back and shoot him! Or... you could trade him for 220 dollars.“
„But he is more worthy , than...“
„At this time and at this place he worths 220$. My last offer,“ Robert said calmly.
„Oh, good then. He is yours.“ Man took money and walked away. Robert kneeled infront of Steele and said: „Look, boy, you cost all my savings, but you saved Connie and me and that`s more than money.“
All three dogs watched that scene with amazement. Ryan was speechless. His master had just adopted most wicked dog he knew.
Although they didn`t understand a word two men had said, they knew what it meant: Steele`s new master is called Robert McBride.
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CHAPTER 6: CAN I CALL YOU AN UNCLE?
Two days passed. Clay was walking in the forest. He didn`t go to Nome. And as he was passing one shrubbery, something rustled in it. Clay stopped, didn`t even turned his head and said: „Well, you can`t be a bear, `cause bear cannot hide itself in the shrub. And you are not a wolf. They attack in a pack. And you can`t be dog neither. Your scent is strange to me. So... I am really curious, who you are.“ Then he turned himself. „Go out, or I will make you. I don`t like to be watched by a stranger.“
„Okay... but don`t tell dad.“
Clay groaned. „Aleu, it`s you?“ Aleu walked out of shrubbery.
„What are you doing here? Aren`t you supposed to be at home? What would you have done, if I had been a hungry wolf?“
„But you aren`t a wolf and I was bored. I want to have an adventure!“ Aleu smiled and pounced around Clay. He smiled too and said: „I remember when I was like you. Same as you.“
„Tell me something about you, please,“ Aleu asked Clay as they was walking through the forest.
„I am not good at telling stories“ Clay laughed, „but I know very interesting one. Want to hear it?“
„Of course!“ Aleu was eager.
„So... long time ago there were dad and mum. And they had two sons. The older one was very good at – it is not essential. And one day he left his family. He didn`t want to, bud he had to. He promised he would return. As time went, he became very, very good, one of the best sledge dogs.
And he was famous. But he never returned. Mum was worried about him and she was sad, too. So the younger one went to find out what happened to the older one. And he found out the older one is liar, deceiver and bad one, who wasn`t hesitating even to kill for his own good. And now the younger one was wondering: ‘Should I tell my mother the truth, or I will lie?’. And... what would you do?”
Aleu was quiet for a moment and then she said: „I would not lie to my mother. I would tell her the truth.“
Clay smiled and asked her: „Even if you know it will hurt her? If she would feel so deep sorrow?“
„But if I would lie to her, I wouldn`t be better than the older one.“
„Indeed...“ Clay sighed. And then he smiled widely: „So, what about a little race? To this cave?“
Aleu noded and she started to run. So did Clay.
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„Darling?“
„Yes?“
„Do you know where Aleu is?“
„She said she went to.... oh dear!“
Balto was angry. „I will drag her back! Now, she went so far! I will show her.....!“
„But dear,“ Jenna tried to calm him down, „she is a kid. You were the same.“
„I was, but now I am a dad!“
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Clay was first and he waited for a while near the entrance to the cave for Aleu. She finally arrived and pretended to be upset: „You are quick, but my daddy is better than you!“
„Yes, I heard amazing stories about him.“ Clay smiled. „Shall we go inside?“
Aleu didn`t even answered and entered the cave. Walls were covered by ice and they looked like a great mirror. „Wow,“ Aleu whispered and gazed on ice wall, where she saw a deformed picture of her and Clay. „You look so silly,“ she laughed then. „Either you...“ Clay smiled. „But you look sillier than me!“ Aleu laughed out loudly and pounced around Clay. „Uh, we should stay quiet. We don`t know...“
„What could happen to us? You are just too...“ Aleu shouted, and that was mistake. There were a loud sound of failing snow and and then... darkness...
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Balto headed straight in the forest. Then he caught Aleu`s scent and followed it.
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„Clay? Clay? Are you here?“
„Yes...“
„Are we dead?“
„I strongly doubt about it. But we will be, if we stay here.“
Fallen snow blocked the entrance and so they were almost burried alive. Just thin light beam coming from the small hole in the roof illuminated area.
„I am scared, Clay...“
„Easy... there are only three possibilities. First: We will wait here for help.
Second: We will try to dig trought that wall.
Third: We will die here.
And, because I have no intentions to die here, the third is out for me.“
„I am sorry, it`s my fault, and...“ Aleu whispered.
„Let it be. It happened, so what? We need to get out of here!“ Clay started digging.
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Steele was lying near a fireplace. He had lot to think about.
No doubt they know everything about you. At least Robert do. So what now?
I have got a plan!
Admit it, you haven`t got any.
I HAVE!
Oh, perfect, now, you are lying even to yourself.
All I need is my revenge!
Robert and Connie entered the cabin. They were both freezed to the bone. „Hi!“ Connie cried, and went to Steele. „Can I?“ she asked Steele.
„Oh, whatever, Connie...“ Steele replied and Connie laid down near him.
„You are cold, Connie. Can I warm you up?“ he moved, so they were lying close together.
„Thanks, Steele. You are so nice to me...“
Ryan was watching this scene with anger, but said nothing. Robert smiled: „Look on our happy couple...“ Ryan stood up and moved away from Steele and Connie as far as he could.
Steele carefully licked Connie`s head. She laughed: „Steele, what are you doing?“
„Oh... I am sorry. You had a dirt on your head and...“
„You liar!“ she laughed again.
„Could you tell me something about Ryan, Connie?“
„Oh, sure. His name is Rhein, actually, but everybody calls him Ryan. He came with Robert from Europe, you already know that. He had to leave his family there. But he told me lot about them. I think he is really good father. And he told me about his home, too. I hope I would have an opportunity to visit his homeland. You know, even Robert wanted to go home, but he has never gone. But one day we will go.... he promised he will take me along.”
„Interesting...“
„You know, he doesn`t like you. Because...“ Connie soften her voice, „.... he said I reminded him of his wife... he just want to protect me. Don`t blame him.“
Hehe, great. She serves me well. I will take out Ryan first. Balto is the next.
She serves you? She likes you. And you will betray her... I know you will, because I am you.
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Aleu scent was leading Balto towards the cave. He knew she met somebody and then she walked away with he or she. ‘Strange,’ Balto thought as he came near the blocked entrance, ‘It ends here. Like she disappeared. I had to make a mistake. I will go back and try once again...’
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Clay was digging, using all his strenght, but it was futile. Amount of snow seemed to be endless.
„Clay.... I am terribly cold....“ Aleu was shuddering with cold. Clay stopped, and he laid himself close to Aleu for to warm her up. „Better?“
„Yup.“ Aleu replied.
„But I can`t lay here for ages. I need to try to get us out as soon as possible.“
„And Clay?“
„Hm?“
„Can I call you uncle?“
Clay smiled: „Call me just Clay. I am not old enough to be your uncle, anyway. Hold on.“ Clay stood up and began to dig again. ‘I am better than him. I won`t leave anyone to die....’
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Although Balto did his best, he ended in front of the cave again. ‘No... This time I am almost sure, it is her scent. But where she could be? There`s only one.... NO!’
“Aleu!” he yelled in despair.
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„I think this is a great progress, eh, Aleu?“ No response. „Aleu?“ Clay stopped digging again and he was afraid of the worst. „So..... cold,“ she whispered. Clay didn`t say a word, he laid himself close to her. „It`s okay. I am here. I won`t....“ He suddenly turned his head, „Hey, what was it? I have heard someone! Alright... now we haven`t got anything to loose,“ Clay said.
„Heeeeeeeeeeey! We are here!“ He yelled with might and main.
„Aleu!“ Balto cried, „Ale... what?!“
‘Somebody`s in the cave!’
“Hold on!” he shouted and began to dig through the snow wall.
Clay started digging, too. Now, he knew somebody was helping him...
It took almost ten minutes. Balto did his best and finally they got trought the wall. They were both surprised when they saw each other. “Oh, hello again!” smiled Clay, while he was looking in Balto`s surprised face. „Quite silly circumstances, eh?“ He was stuffed in the tunel he had dug and looked as a big furry slug. „Where... where is Aleu, Clay?!“
„She is with me, she is... oh...“ That was the first time when Balto saw shocked and terrified Clay, „She ... she isn`t! I forgot!” He dissapeared and when he appeared again, he was pushing Aleu through the tunnel towards Balto. „Clay.... she doesn`t move!“ Balto cried.
„Tell me something I don`t know! Damn!”
„She... is cold!”
“So try to warm her up!“
Clay finally got out from his and Aleu`s prison. “It`s my fault... sorry.” He was so exhausted and cold he instanly collapsed. Aleu opened her eyes. She was alive and Balto sighed of relief.
“Dad!?” she was amazed and then her mind came upon her fellow. “Clay... Where he... No! Clay!”
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END OF FIRST PART
So.... I have decided to end here for now. I am running out of ideas ad that`s bad. But I you like it, part 2 is in progress.
MAKING OF CHARACTERS
Robert McBride – I just needed one human, so I have created immigrant from Europe, called Robert McBride. His name is from my favourite Irish folk song Arthur McBride, where Arthur was replaced by Robert Patrick. Nothing special at all, but he loves his dogs.
Connie – Her name was Copper originally, but I prefered Connie. It`s more girl-ish. Little bit naive, but loving and sincere. Her role will be greater in part 2.
Ryan/Rhein – Originally Clay, but I wanted to make German from him, so I changed his name to Ryan, which is similar to Rhein (river in Germany), and I needed someone who will be worse than Steele and will be his enemy.
Clay – I can`t say much about him now. Young and careless one with dark history...