~BALTO Untold~

I know that the title is a bit pathetic, but it’s the best thing I could think of to describe a situation falling between Balto and Balto II. I’ve used some characters and events from other fanfiction in my tale, though I did change the names and descriptions given to Balto’s pups to match those in Wolf Quest. Please be sure to check out Cyberwolf’s Reunion, Tricksy’s New Life, Tricksy’s Lessons, and Kindred Spririts to get the full picture. I’d like to give a special thanks to Silver Wolf for her great advice on plot and character development. Balto, Jenna, Boris, Nikki, Kaltag, Star, Rosie, her parents, and any other characters from the two Balto films are owned by Amblin Entertainment. Russell Lupus, Tricksy, and Kemo are owned by Cyberwolf. I make no claim to any of these, but the storyline and all other characters are mine. Feel free to use my characters and events in your stories, but if you make any money with them, I want a cut. I’m just a poor college student :) I’ll also be posting this on www.fanfiction.net. My review section is open to everyone, so you don’t have to be a member to post any constructive criticism. Other than that, please enjoy.

Secret Meeting

Balto, wolf-dog of Nome, Alaska, entered his house quietly and shook the snow out of his fur.  For springtime in Alaska, there was quite a bit of snow falling, more than usual at least.  For most of the day, he had been at his former home, a derelict old fishing trawler, visiting his old friends, Boris, Muk, and Luk.  He smiled to himself. To think that a Russian Snow Goose and two polar bear cubs had been his only friends until just recently never failed to bring a smile to his face. He almost missed the days of scrounging for his food and relying upon his speed, cunning, and friends to keep him alive. Those carefree days had vanished since he had led the sled team that carried the lifesaving diphtheria antitoxin to Nome. Now he was a hero with a real home, regular meals, a beautiful mate, six puppies, and literally a town full of friends. Not that life was much easier. Being a hero and a father gave a whole new meaning to the word responsibility. Having to change his lifestyle while trying to keep himself and his pups out of trouble at the same time was a different race altogether. On top of that, he’d been having some troubling dreams lately, and he’d only discussed that with Boris. Still, it was nice to get away for a day or two and be “just one of the guys” again.

He stood in a moment’s hesitation in front of the fireplace, realizing that he would be overrun the instant he lay down. Though he was pleased to see a bit of himself in the pups’ antics, he wasn’t sure he was up to the task of dealing with them at the moment. No guts, no glory. Heaving an exhausted sigh, he stretched out in front of the hearth.

Balto swore his pups had a sixth sense as they entered the room. His four sons, Rush, Kodi, Jenner, and Dingo, and his daughter, Kala, had Jenna’s reddish and cream-colored fur. Aleu, on the other paw, had begun displaying her wolf heritage early. His youngest daughter’s brownish-gray fur, narrow muzzle, and bushy tail made her look as wolflike, if not more so, than Balto himself. As soon as the pups noticed that he was home, Balto was quickly overrun by all six rambunctious furballs. While his other puppies ran around him excitedly, showering him with questions and roughhousing with each other, Aleu elected to climb onto his back and gnaw on his ear.

Oh, well, it’s not like I wanted to sleep anyway. He breathed a deep sigh and raised his head carefully to keep Aleu from falling. “Isn’t your mother around?” he asked.

“No, she went out with Rosie,” Rush replied, trying hard to act more responsible than his siblings.  This ended when Jenner tumbled into him and the two pups started wrestling.

“She said that she would be back in a little while,” Kala added helpfully.

Balto nodded before he felt something jump onto his belly.  He looked down and saw that Aleu had apparently tired of chewing on his ear.

“Come on Papa!  Let’s race!” she exclaimed, excitedly hopping around him.

Balto yawned. “Have a heart, Aleu. I really need to get some sleep now. I’ll race you later, okay?”

“Only if you catch me first!” Aleu countered, intending to play one way or another.

Balto shook his head in mock surrender. “Oh, all right. You want a head start, I suppose?”

Aleu shook her head in a decisive negative as she assumed a racing position that mirrored his own. Balto shrugged and stood up with a yawn. “Okay. On your mark, get set, go!” Aleu hadn’t taken more than two steps before he caught her by the scruff of the neck. “I win. You all go do something quiet.”

“Not fair, Papa!” Aleu argued. “That was cheating!”

Balto smiled. “Not cheating, parents’ prerogative. Go on now and let me get some sleep.”

“Awww,” all the pups moaned as they walked off.

“He really did cheat,” Balto heard Aleu mutter to her siblings.

“You know that, and we know that, but parents never play fair,” Jenner remarked as they exited.

Balto shook his head and had just laid down again when he heard a scratching at the door. He groaned and tried to bury his head under his pillow. Won’t these interruptions ever cease?  He heard the scratching again. “What?” he called, trying not to voice his impatience.

He was surprised to see Kaltag poke his head inside.  “Good evening, Balto,” the husky said. “Mind if I come in? This night is the coldest, the snowiest . . .”

“Kaltag! Sure, come over here by the fire.”

Kaltag squeezed in through the door and shook some of the snow out of his fur.  “I can’t stay but a minute,” he said, walking over to the fireplace.  “But by the Aurora Borealis, this is the most glacial, the most frigid, the most biting cold I’ve ever felt for this time of year.”

As soon as the sled-dog was seated, Balto’s pups barreled back into the room.  Balto smirked as Kaltag was nearly bowled over by the excited puppies. Of all the dogs in Nome, Kaltag was by far their favorite, and they always enjoyed his visits.

“Hi Uncle Kaltag!” Jenner exclaimed. “You’re all covered in snow!”

Kodi wagged his tail in anticipation. “You been out sledding?”

“Isn’t Tricksy here?” Kala asked.

“Yeah, where’re your kids?” Rush added.

“Ya stayin’ long?” Dingo asked.

“Salutations, I know, no, no, at home, no. Does that answer all the . . . Hey!” he laughed as Aleu climbed onto him and began chewing on his ears. He looked beseechingly at Balto. “And I thought I’d gotten away from all this when I left my pack with Tricksy.”

Balto looked reproachfully at his daughter. “Aleu.” The pup slowly slid off Kaltag’s back.

Kaltag winked at her. “Hey, I was only joking. I can’t feel anything after being out in the cold anyway. Besides, I’ve had plenty of experience with pups. You might say I’m a professional of sorts. A real natural.”

“Well, Mr. Professional,” Balto said sarcastically, “You care to show me how it’s done?”

“All right.” Kaltag looked at the pups and winked. “Last one to the kitchen’s a wheel dog!” The pups bounded off, yipping excitedly.  He cocked his head jauntily.  “Now that, my friend, is puppy-control.”

Balto couldn’t help but to chuckle.  “And all this time I’ve been doing it the old-fashioned way of just telling them to take a hike. Whatever was I thinking?”

Kaltag laughed. “It’s nice to see ya again, ya old mongrel. It’s been far too long.”

“It’s only been three days, Kaltag, but I’m glad to see you too. How’s Tricksy?” Balto asked, referring to Kaltag’s mate, another wolf hybrid.

“Oh, she’s fine. We’re still staying busy with the pups, but it’s basically a piece of cake.”

Balto snorted. “Well I’m up to my ears with my bunch. I’m tellin’ ya, Kaltag, it’s not as easy as I thought it would be. I mean, I was always into stuff when I was a pup, but this is six times as bad. Sometimes I almost rethink my decision to agree with three little words Jenna said a couple months ago.”

Kaltag smiled, anticipating his friend’s answer.  “What’s that?”

“‘Let’s start a family.’ It’s a full time job, but I guess their wild side is partly my fault.”

“That’s four words.” Kaltag shook his head. “They seem like good kids, though, part wolf or not.”

Balto nodded.  “Yeah. At least if they ever get out of line I can threaten to talk to their Uncle Kemo. That calms them down in three seconds flat.”

“That wolf certainly has a certain aura,” Kaltag agreed.

“They don’t know he’s a wolf. They don’t even know they’re part wolf.”

“Whatdya mean they don’t know?” Kaltag blurted out.  “Aleu looks . . .”

“Just like the others,” Balto interrupted. 

“Oh . . . of course.  I . . . uh . . . that’s just what I was just about to say,” Kaltag stammered, for once at a loss for words. “It’s just . . . well, Trix and I made sure to tell our bunch about being part wolf, and I’m surprised you haven’t done the same by now. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, you know.”

“I know that.” Balto sighed. “Sorry if I snapped at you, but it’s hard being a half-and-half. Jenna and I decided that we were going to make sure that Aleu didn’t think she was any different from the other pups. Looking like a wolf doesn’t make her a wolf after all, but I’m afraid that’s not what human eyes will see. You don’t have that problem; yours look more like you than Tricksy. You’ve got it easy.”

“Easy? Right.” Kaltag smiled before looking startled. “Oh! Speaking of wolves, I ran into Kemo today and he gave me a message for you. That’s why I came here tonight in the first place. He wants you to meet him ASAP. He would’ve told you himself, but you know how he is with towns and humans.”

Balto frowned. “Does Tricksy know you’re here?”

Kaltag nodded slightly. “Yes.”

Crestfallen, Balto raised his eyes to the ceiling.  “Please tell me you didn’t tell her why you’re here.”

Kaltag winced.  “I had to, Balto. You know it’s impossible to keep a secret from her. She can smell even the tiniest little fib! Really. It’s the most unnatural, uncanny, paranormal . . .”

“Don’t overdo it, Kaltag. She’s not that good,” Balto said, shaking his head. “I still wish you could’ve kept your mouth shut about this. Anytime something dealing with wolves crops up, she has to be involved. Now she’s going to want to tag along with me like some overgrown pup. So when is she coming?”

“Um . . . she’s not.” Seeing Balto’s confusion, Kaltag gulped and added. “I told her no.”

“You? You told her no? And you’re still alive?” Balto whistled in surprise. “What happened?”

“The room temperature dropped twenty degrees, but I was able to convince her that she needed to stay with the pups. She finally backed down.” He gulped. “I think she’s still mad at me.”

Balto laughed. “And they call me a hero! Well, thanks for the message, Kaltag. You’d better go and make sure she’ll still let you in the house. I’ll leave out as soon as Jenna gets back.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Kaltag asked.  “Kemo sounded worried, and he’s usually cooler than an iceberg in January.”

“I don’t have much choice. Someone has to keep an eye on this bunch.”

“I’ll watch the little devils for a bit. I can stay until Jenna returns. Tricksy will understand.”

“You hope,” Balto said sympathetically. “Thanks, Kaltag. You’re the best, the greatest, the most helpful, the most altruistic . . .”

“Yeah, yeah. Drop the vocab jokes and just get outa here. I’ll handle everything.”

Balto flashed his friend a broad grin. “Thanks Kaltag. You’re a real pal.” With that, he rushed out of the house.

                                      *                                              *                                              *

Kemo was a snow-white wolf whom Balto had saved two years ago. His pack had been trapped and slaughtered by hunters, and Kemo, badly wounded, had narrowly escaped the same fate. Balto had found him half-frozen and barely alive and nursed him back to health during the following days. During this time, Balto had learned in the process that he was Kemo’s cousin by birth and brother by adoption, and after recuperating, Kemo had taken up residence as a lone wolf in the coniferous forests surrounding Nome. This arrangement seemed to suit him; isolated to avoid much contact with humans yet close enough to stay in touch with Balto.

Now, as Balto ran through the forest, he wondered why Kemo would’ve sent for him. The wolf normally avoided all contact with everyone from the town, including dogs, yet something had him concerned enough to send a message with Kaltag. Whatever it was would not be good.

The snow had begun to fall more heavily and a strong wind drove it into Balto’s face, partially blinding him and forcing him to rely on his nose instead of his eyes.  As soon as he caught Kemo’s scent, he sped up and finally sighted Kemo’s cave. He ran inside, grateful to be out of the weather. Looking around, he saw, not only Kemo, but four other timber wolves. This was odd since Kemo liked his privacy.

Kemo and some of the other wolves stood up, startled at Balto’s sudden appearance. “Balto! What are you doing here?” Kemo asked.

“Kaltag said you wanted to see me.”

“Yes, but I expected you to know the insanity of traveling in a blizzard.”

“You were always the sensible one, not me.” The tension among those gathered eased and the wolves sat down again. “So what’s the big emergency? Kaltag said you sounded worried.”

Balto expected an outright denial of this statement, but Kemo simply shook his head sadly. “I am, Balto, I am. We have a bad situation. Yesterday I heard that a group of armed humans were in the buffer between the territories of Anvil Creek Clan, Eagle Pass Clan, and the Clan of the Hills. I thought they might be hunters, so I went to see what was going on. What I discovered proved far worse than I feared.”

Balto shook his head.  “For you to say that, it must be bad.”

“I remained out of sight, but I overheard some of their conversation. They’re surveyors, and they’ve come to find places to build. They’ve already begun clearing an area of trees.”

Balto was puzzled.  “They’re there to build?  That’s not worse than hunters.”

A large, grizzled male shook his head slowly. “No, this is worse. Much, much worse.”

“Yes,” a male with mottled gray and black fur added. “When a few move in, more will come.”

Another wolf, a small, gray female, spoke up. “Soon there will be a town, and there are no places for wolves near a humans.” She shook her head sadly. “My mate paid the ultimate price to learn this lesson.”

Kemo nodded in solemn agreement. “Tutchone, Sekani, and Kiska all make good points. We will be killed or driven off if more humans move into the vicinity.”

“Kemo, you know that isn’t true.  You don’t live more than a couple of miles from Nome, and no one has even taken a shot at you.”

“This is different, Balto. I’m simply a lone wolf. As long as I mind my own business, most have enough sense to leave me alone, and those that do not soon learn. But what of the packs that my friends lead?  If more humans come, they’re sure to be hunted down.  To humans, we are little more than born killers. Stumbling blocks to their conquest.”

“Not all humans see wolves that way. What about that researcher who was here last year? The one who saved your life?”

“He was one in thousands,” Kemo said dismissively.

“Kemo speaks true!” Tutchone said emphatically.  “Twelve of my clan have been slaughtered in two snows. For no reason other than being careless enough to be seen.”

Kiska spoke up.  “I, too, have seen these humans.  They say that another human, someone important, is coming here. What his connection to this is, I do not know. Perhaps if we can convince them it is bad to build there we can avoid any unpleasant confrontation.”

“Any confrontation will be unpleasant,” Balto declared.  “You’re going to have to be diplomatic.”

“I do not know how the other leaders feel, but I would rather fight!” a small black male snarled.

Kemo looked at the young leader. “Calm yourself, Eyak.” He then looked to Balto for his response.

“Fighting is not the way. If you attack them, you’re signing your own death warrant, as well as that of your pack,” Balto declared evenly. “And every pack represented here.”

Eyak stood up, looking at the gathered wolves. “This half-breed would have us rolling over in submission to these invaders! As leader of the Eagle Pass clan, I say that my pack would rather die.”

“Are you sure enough to gamble with the lives of four packs?” Balto asked calmly.

All eyes focused on Eyak, who turned his fiery gaze upon Balto. “To what level would you have us sink? Have us crawl into the humans’ camp, tails tucked between our legs?”

Balto stared into the wolf’s eyes. “You know I did not say that, so don’t put words in my mouth.”

Eyak growled. “Do not presume to dictate orders to me. I am not one of your puppies.”

Balto shrugged. “Right. My pups are well behaved.”

This drew some snickers from the gathered wolves, and the fur on Eyak’s neck rose slightly. “What do you mean by that, half-breed?”

Balto met his gaze without blinking. “I mean that you are acting like a youngster who didn’t get his way. When you stop acting like a pup, I’ll stop talking to you like one.”

Eyak’s fur bristled with unbridled fury. “Whether we fight or not, we’ll be destroyed, and you will likely be responsible for our destruction!”

Now Balto stood and faced off against the young pack leader. He could take many insults, but he had to draw the line somewhere, and Eyak had just crossed it by questioning his integrity. As Eyak began to advance toward him, Kemo stepped in.

“Stop this! We will accomplish nothing by fighting among ourselves.” He focused his piercing gaze on Eyak. “And you, Eyak, should be ashamed. Your last remark was uncalled for. I know, as do all the clans, that Balto can be trusted implicitly. Even your father knew this to be true.”

“A pity he was slaughtered by that half-breed’s friend before he could answer for himself.” Eyak growled, glaring at Balto.  Balto met his stare evenly.  Eyak looked away, fur still bristling, and sat down.

Kemo’s gaze turned molten.  “I have spoken to Tricksy on that matter. Every wolf knows that any battle could be his last, and you have no doubt heard that your father started the fight.”

Eyak snorted. “More of that half-breed’s lies! His views are tainted by his association with humans!” He met Kemo’s gaze. “My status is equal to your own, Kemo. I have a right to voice my concerns.”

Kemo glared the young leader into silence. “Your concerns have been voiced and duly noted, and unless you wish to openly challenge my authority outside of this council, be silent. You are here by invitation, not by right, and as such, you will learn your place.” He turned to Balto. “I am sorry for the words of our youngest member. He should know that open aggression in a clan gathering is forbidden.”

“Apologies are unnecessary,” Balto said, not taking his eyes off Eyak. He could feel the anger smouldering beneath Eyak’s venomous stare. That wolf’s hot temper could cause problems for all concerned. “Have you thought of what you want to do about this?”

“We do not know where to begin,” Kemo admitted. “That is why we require your help. You possess an understanding of humans that we lack.”

“Kemo, you know I would love to help you, but what can I do?”

“Your advice will be sufficient for now,” Kemo answered.

“You want advice, I’ll give you advice. Don’t do anything hasty. Just watch and wait a bit.” Balto could tell that the gathered wolves did not like his answer. What did they expect me to say, go into the camp and kill them all in their sleep?  He shook his head and looked outside.  Seeing that the snow was subsiding and dawn was rapidly approaching, he stood up with a yawn. “I’d better be getting home. Jenna will be worried.  I’ll try to find out something in town.” As he walked away, he stopped and looked back. “Just remember, I won’t help kill, injure, or otherwise forcibly drive away the humans.”

As Balto walked away, he heard Eyak remark, “He is a fool.”

“Not a fool. Simply an idealist,” Kemo replied. “And an optimist.”

Bad News

Balto walked into the house, feeling far more exhausted than before he left.  He had two hours at most until breakfast. At least all six pups were sound asleep, nestled against Jenna. Though utterly drained, he couldn’t fall asleep, so he sat staring into the fire, deep in thought. Was the situation as serious as Kemo and the other wolves made it appear? Being part wolf made him sympathetic to their cause, but he also knew that there was little he could do to help them if humans decided to build somewhere. Yet if he did nothing, it could spell doom for the local packs.

“Balto? What’s wrong?” Jenna asked, raising her head.

He looked back at her.  “I just can’t sleep.”

“Something Kemo said?”

“Kemo?” Balto asked. Then he realized that Kaltag would’ve told her where he had gone. “Yeah. Humans are encroaching on his territory. They’re planning to build something up there, and it’s got him and a bunch of the other wolves worried that they’ll be hunted down or driven off their lands. Some want to avoid confrontation, a few want to fight. None of them really know what to do. Not even Kemo. I tell ya, Jenna, it shouldn’t happen to a dog . . . or a wolf. Now they want my help.”

“Are you going to give it to them?”

“I don’t know, Jenna. Part of me says that this whole thing is wrong and I should do something to stop it, but another part of me says that there’s nothing I could do. I do know that I can’t just turn my back on them. You know what happened the last time humans took something from Kemo.”

Jenna frowned. After his pack was slaughtered, Kemo had tracked the two hunters to their lodge. He would’ve killed them had Balto not intervened on behalf of the humans, a fact Kemo still seemed to resent. Granted, he had every right to do so according to the law of the pack, but human law didn’t work the same way unfortunately, and she didn’t want anything to happen to her mate’s brother. “The wolves aren’t planning anything . . . aggressive, are they?”

Balto smiled at her concern. “Don’t worry. They just want my advice, and I don’t think they’ll do anything rash as long as I give it to them.”

“I really feel sorry for Kemo and the others, but what can you do about it?”

“I don’t know. This all hinges on one human’s decisions. He’s coming here from some far-off place.” Jenna made no reply and Balto looked over at her.  “What’s the matter?”

“I was out with Rosie and her parents earlier.  They were out shopping for food and a few other things. There’s a man coming to stay with us, and I gather he’s from somewhere far away.”

Balto unsuccessfully tried to stifle a groan.  His daughter stirred.  “Papa?”

“It’s okay, Aleu. Go back to sleep.” Balto waited a moment until he was sure his daughter was asleep again before looking at his mate. “That was the last thing I needed to hear tonight. How am I supposed to tell Kemo that his enemy is staying in my home?”

“You don’t know that he’s an enemy,” Jenna said, lying down again.  “Maybe this isn’t the human the wolves told you about. I’m sure everything will be fine.”

“Yeah, I hope so.” Balto looked back at the fire, trying to approach the problem logically.  So much hinged on this one human. If only he knew more about him. He sat for a long time, wondering who this stranger could be.

Arrival

Chipper would’ve dashed off the plane to play in the snow if his human, James Ramsey, hadn’t been holding tightly onto his leash. As it was, the pup would simply have to wait. His parents, two purebred border collies walked at a more stately pace behind them.

The father, Dash, laughed. “Slow down, Chip. Remember what we said about staying together?”

“But Dad . . .”

“No buts. You can go exploring after we’ve settled in.”

“But I’m almost a year old! I can take care of myself. ”

“Eight months, and I don’t doubt it,” Dash said. “But we still need to find out where and where not to go so we don’t run into trouble. Get it?”

“Got it,” Chipper said reluctantly.

“Good. Let’s keep it that way.”

“Who’s that?” Aurora asked, looking over her mate’s shoulder.

Dash turned and saw three humans and a husky walking toward them. “I’d say that’s our escort.”

Their master met the man halfway and politely introduced himself. The little girl, with the red and white husky preceding her, joined them. The husky sat down in front of them. “Welcome to Nome,” she said. “My name’s Jenna. I suppose you’re the ones who are going to stay with us.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Dash said. “My name is Dash.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Jenna said amiably.

“And my name is Aurora,” the other adult collie said.

“Wouldn’t by chance be another fan of the Northern Lights, would you?”

Aurora shook her head. “I’m afraid not. We can’t see them where we live, but I’ve heard so much about them from Treg. He’s a sled-dog we met in Anchorage. I’d love to see them someday.”

“You’re in luck,” Jenna laughed. “They’re quite spectacular this far north.”

“Are we going to see Balto, Dad?” Chipper broke in.

Jenna raised an eyebrow in amusement. “And you are  . . . ?”

“Oh.  My name’s Chipper.”

Dash smiled at his son’s impatience. “Our son. I’m afraid he became a bit star-struck with all the stories Treg told him about Balto. When he heard that Balto still lived in Nome, he decided he wanted to meet a ‘real-live hero’ as he puts it.” He tousled the fur on his son’s head. “I’ve tried to tell him that heroes don’t always make house calls.”

“Well, Balto is one hero that does. I can guarantee you’ll see him pretty soon,” Jenna said.

“Really? You know him?” Chipper asked.

A small grin appeared on Jenna’s face. “We cross paths from time to time.”

“Wow!”

The humans began to walk away from the airstrip. The dogs stood up and followed their respective humans. Dash and Aurora chatted with Jenna about their journey, with Chipper interrupting often to add missing details.

A lull finally appeared in the conversation, and Chipper cleared his throat. His paws were growing numb after walking through snow.  “Is it always this cold up here?”

Jenna laughed.  “Cold?  We’re getting into the warmest part of the year!”

The pup completely missed the joking tone in her voice.  “What?!  But I feel like I’m turning into a pup-sicle!”

“That’s popsicle,” his mother corrected.

“In my case, it’s pup-sicle.”

Aurora rolled her eyes, but Jenna laughed lightly. “Don’t worry, we’ll be at my home in a few minutes. Besides, there’s nothing like a brisk walk to warm you up.”

Meetings

Balto sighed as he stretched out beside the stove. He had finally persuaded his pups to take an afternoon nap, and that gave him time to sleep as well. He’d been unable to fall asleep last night, forcing him to rely on whatever bits he could snatch during the day. Even then, he was often plagued by his mysterious dreams. He managed, but the trick was convincing the pups that it was they, and not he, who needed the sleep. He wouldn’t have had a problem if Aleu wasn’t so quick on her paws. She was able to counter every argument he’d ever tried with them. He allowed himself a small smile. A chip off the old block. At least with visitors coming today, he’d  had an excuse to make them to take a nap. Why couldn’t they have company more often?  Speaking of which, I’d hate for our future guests to see me with bloodshot eyes. He yawned and laid his head down. Finally, peace and quiet.

Just then, he heard the front door open and he stifled a groan. He closed his eyes tightly. Why did these things happen just when he was trying to doze off? “It’s not fair!”

“What’s not fair?” Jenna asked, walking into the room.

Balto opened his eyes. “Every time I try to get some sleep, something always happens, that’s what’s not fair. I might as well give up sleeping altogether.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I didn’t sleep well last night, and it takes a lot of energy to just keep up with the pups.”

“I understand, but try to put on a smile. The human is here, and he’s brought three dogs with him.”

“And that is part of the problem,” he said to himself as he raised his head.

Jenna arched an eyebrow.  “Balto, be good. I know of a puppy who is dying to meet you.”

Puppy? Balto’s face fell.“We’ve got enough as is. You never said anything about a puppy.”

Jenna smiled sardonically. “You never asked.”

“Wonderful. I guess I don’t need my ears anyway.”

“I think this pup’s a bit past the ear-chewing stage.”

“Well, that’s one bit of good news.”  Balto sighed.  “We don’t have to wake our pups yet, do we?”

Jenna shook her head. “When they’re soundly asleep for once?  You’ve got to be kidding.”

Balto grinned. “Time for Balto, Savior of Nome and Hero of All, to make his grand entrance.”

Jenna snorted. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you weren’t a half-wolf.”

“What do you mean by that?” Balto asked.

“Just that I’d say you’re all ham. I think you enjoy attention more than you let on.”

“That, my dear Jenna, you’ll never know,” Balto said with a smile.

“Just keep thinking that,” Jenna said as they walked toward door leading from the kitchen to the entryway. She stopped at the doorway and nodded toward the hall. “Your public awaits.”

Balto took a deep breath and stepped through the door.

                                      *                                              *                                              *

Chipper was so excited that he was talking in run-on sentences as he waited in the foyer with his parents. He knew he was rambling, but he didn’t care. He was actually going to meet a hero. Jenna had just stepped out of the room, saying that she was going to find Balto. Just think, before long, he’d be able to meet the famous Balto. Jenna had already told him and his family all about the diphtheria epidemic and everything related to it, including a brief rundown about the Serum Run from her perspective. When Chipper heard that Balto wasn’t initially put on the team, he’d been shocked. But when he’d asked why the fastest dog in Nome wasn’t chosen in the first place, Jenna had hedged around the question without really answering it. A look from Dash had told him to drop the subject, but the question was still plaguing his mind as they waited. 

He sighed impatiently and looked at his father. “Jenna’s been gone for a long time, Dad. When are we going to meet Balto?”

“She’s been gone for three minutes,” Dash said. “You just have to be patient, son. I’m sure it won’t be much longer, and pacing the floor won’t speed things up any more.”

“I can’t help it,” Chipper said.  “I wonder what’s keeping him.”

“Can I help you?” a voice asked from behind him.

He turned around to see who the newcomer was but yelped and jumped halfway behind his father. The rest of his family was likewise startled.  “It’s a . . . it’s a . . . it’s a . . .” he stammered.

“Wolf?” the newcomer asked, a wry grin on his face.

The pup nodded in speechless shock. Dash was studying the strange canine carefully while Aurora stepped protectively in front of Chipper.

“Don’t worry, I don’t bite. I was told that you wanted to meet me. The name’s Balto.”

“You’re Balto?” Dash asked.

Balto nodded.  “The one and only. Who did you think I was? A wolf?”

Aurora finally recovered.  “Aren’t you?”

“Only half,” Balto said with a short laugh.

“Only half?” Chipper asked.

Balto looked at Jenna.  “Do they always repeat everything?”

Jenna frowned.  “Balto.”

“Sorry, Jenna,” Balto said with a sheepish grin.

“Is that why you weren’t put on the sled team right off?” Chipper asked. “You look like a wolf?”

“Chipper!” Aurora admonished. “Don’t be rude.”

“It’s an honest question!” Chipper risked a glance at Balto and saw that the wolf-dog was flexing his jaw muscles. “Isn’t it?” he asked nervously.

Balto nodded slightly. “Yes, but you’re the first I’ve ever met with the guts to come right out and ask. I’ll tell you  the whole story later, but in the future you shouldn’t run the sled with the runners frozen.”

“Huh?” Chipper asked in puzzlement.

“Sorry. I forgot that you don’t know anything about sledding. I think another way to phrase it is ‘a little tact goes a long way.’ If you plan on exploring Nome, I’d keep that in mind if I were you. But in any case, don’t worry. Half-wolves don’t eat everyone when we first meet them.”

Chipper winced.  “I didn’t mean it that way.”

Dash cleared his throat.  “I apologize for our . . . surprise at seeing you. We weren’t exactly informed that you were part wolf.”  He looked past Balto at Jenna.

Jenna shrugged.  “You didn’t ask. I could’ve told you that Balto and I were a bit more than casual acquaintances, too, but I think the best way to judge one’s character is to test their reaction to an unexpected situation. It’s a pretty reliable assessment.”

“I assume we passed this . . . test?” Dash asked dryly.

“You didn’t attack me and you didn’t run out the door. Well within acceptable standards,” Balto said with an apologetic smile. “So how many humans are with you?”

“Only one right now,” Dash answered. “But if things work out, our human’s mate and baby will be joining him.”

“Baby?”

Dash nodded.  “Two years old, I believe.”

Balto looked dispiritedly at Jenna. “Like I was saying, I don’t need my ears anyway. Or my eyes, or my tail, or my . . . ouch!” He yelped when Jenna’s paw slammed down on his. “Or my paw.  What was that for?”

“What is it you’re always telling our pups about judging others?” Jenna asked.

“Oh, don’t worry about Micky,” Chipper interrupted.  “He’s gentle with everyone. He never pulls ears, or tails, or fur.  He does like to play, though.”

“Well,” Balto said doubtfully, “I suppose I can handle that.”

“You said that you were ‘more than casual acquaintances,’ ” Aurora said, changing the subject. “And from your mention of ‘pups,’ I assume you have some of your own?”

Jenna smiled. “Six, as a matter of fact. One month old yesterday. They’re asleep right now, but you’ll be able to meet them a bit later.”

“Uh, on the subject of puppies,” Balto said, “one of our daughters looks more like . . . me than her mother, and none of them know that I’m part wolf, if you take my meaning. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention that when you meet them. ”

“Of course,” Dash said, glancing at his son. Chipper nodded.

Balto cleared his throat. “He is past the ear-chewing stage, isn’t he?” he asked, nodding at Chipper. The pup looked embarrassed.

Jenna looked hopelessly at the ceiling.  So much for tact the great lesson on tact.

“Long past,” Dash laughed.  “And thank goodness for that.”

“But he still has plenty of energy when he’s not tired,” Aurora said pointedly.

Jenna winced. “I’m sorry. I never even thought to ask if you wanted to rest after your journey.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Dash said, stifling a yawn. “But if you could show us where we can bed down, we’d be obliged to you.”

 “The kitchen is the warmest room in the house. I think you’ll be comfortable there. If you’ll follow me, please.”

                                      *                                              *                                              *

“So,” Balto said once Jenna returned. “Shall we check on the humans?”

Jenna chuckled. “What is it you are always telling the pups about eavesdropping?”

Balto cleared his throat. “‘Eavesdropping is a bad habit. It’ll just make you and everyone else mad.’ That’s why I’m not going to eavesdrop. I’m simply going to listen in and gather information.”

Laughing, the two dogs walked into the livingroom where the visiting human was talking to Rosie and her parents. They arrived just in time to hear the visiting human say, “So when do I get to meet this famous dog of yours, Rosie?”

“Anytime you want to,” Rosie said cheerfully. Balto gave a low bark and Rosie looked at him. “There he is right now.”

“Speak of the Devil,” Rosie’s father muttered to himself. Despite having the wolf-dog living with them for over two years, he’d never gotten used to Balto’s wolf-like ability to slip in unnoticed when he was the topic of discussion. Whether it was intelligence or mere coincidence, he had no idea.

The man looked to the doorway. When he saw Balto, he rose halfway to his feet and uttered a startled gasp. “That is Balto? He looks like a . . .”

Rosie’s father held up his hands.  “I know he looks a bit wolfish, but he’s only half-wolf. Near as we can tell, anyway. Don’t worry, he’s quite tame.”

“I read that they’re a bit temperamental,” the man said.

“Nonsense.  Balto’s as gentle as a lamb,” Rosie’s mother replied rubbing Balto’s ears. The wolf-dog rumbled with pleasure.

“You’re sure he’s safe?” the man asked.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Ramsey,” Rosie’s father said. “You’re safer around Balto than you would be around many purebreds.”

Hesitantly, the man held out an open hand to Balto, only to jerk it back when Balto started to grab the proffered hand between his teeth. “I thought you said he was safe!” the man exclaimed.

“He is,” Rosie said indignantly. “That’s just his way of saying he likes you. He’s not going to bite you or nothin’. Now you’ve hurt his feelings.”

Ramsey looked beside his chair, but the wolf-dog had vanished. Wonderful. I’m staying in a house with an oversensitive, manic-depressive wolf who can sneak up on me. I just hope he doesn’t carry a grudge. And that he’s had a rabies shot.

Rosie’s eyes narrowed. “Balto’s not like that. He’s nice.”

Did I say that out loud? “I’ll keep that in mind,” Ramsey said uncertainly.

“Calm down, Rosie,” her mother said. “I’m sure Mr. Ramsey didn’t mean anything bad about Balto.”

Rosie nodded, but still regarded him with mixed suspicion and reserve. Well, so much for first  impressions. “I’m sorry to leave such pleasant company, but I really need to rest up for tomorrow. If you would please show me where I can sleep, I’d appreciate it.”

                                      *                                              *                                              *

“Don’t worry, Balto. I’m sure you’re making a mountain out of a snowdrift.”

“He pulled away, Jenna.”

“You startled him, that’s all. What would you do if you didn’t know me and I lunged at you?”

“I didn’t lunge. Besides, other dogs do the same thing sometimes. Face it, Jenna, I look like a wolf, so he was frightened. Any human who mistrusts wolves is bound to be trouble for them.”

“You can’t be sure he’ll be trouble, just like you can’t be sure that he mistrusts you,” Jenna said. “Perhaps he was simply startled. Besides, I’ve warned you about doing that to humans. Even if it is a sign of affection, some humans are just a bit surprised when you do it. You know that. Some come around.”

“But many don’t. You know that. I could see it in his eyes, Jenna.” And it could mean trouble for Kemo and the others if my suspicions about this man are correct. He laid his head on his paws resignedly. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this whole situation.”

More Bad News

Chipper was sleeping soundly the next morning when he suddenly woke up. He raised his head and scanned the room, wondering what had roused him. No one else was in sight, and though he listened carefully, he could hear nothing other than the clock chiming six times. It feels almost like someone is watching me. He sniffed the air and shook his head.  Nothing. My mind must be playing tricks.

He was just drifting off to sleep again when he heard soft voices whispering.

“Do you think that’s one of them?” one asked.

“I think so,” another answered.

“How can you be sure?” a third asked.

“I can’t!” the second asked indignantly.

“Sorry,” the third said.

Chipper jerked his head up from the floor, but again saw nothing. He warily scanned the kitchen, but could still see nothing. All the stress from traveling is just making me skittish. It’s just my imagination. Yeah, that’s it. He carefully laid his head so that he could see most of the room and pretended to sleep.

“This is fun,” a different voice giggled.

“I dare you to go over there,” a fifth said.

“You’re just too scared to do it yourself,” the second said.

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

“Well if you’re not scared, why don’t you go?” the fourth asked indignantly.

“Fine. I will.”

This time Chipper barely opened his eyes, but to his surprise, he could see nothing. He raised his head and scanned the room again. Then he spun around and looked behind him. Still nothing. This is getting out of control. He shook his head in resignation and lay down again. If I ignore it, maybe it’ll just go away. That’s it. Don’t encourage whatever it is.

Yet another voice spoke. “I don’t know about this.”

“Oh, hush up,” said the second voice.

“Yeah. If you got your way all the time, we’d never have any fun,” the fourth said.

Chipper mentally rolled his eyes. Sounds almost like a bunch of puppies quarreling . . . wait a second! That’s it! One, two, three, four, five . . . six voices! Didn’t Jenna say there were six puppies? Now everything’s beginning to make sense. Time to find out if I’m right.

“What are you waiting for?” the first voice asked.

“I’m going, I’m going!” the second voice said.

Chipper heard the click of tiny canine claws on the tile floor behind him. The paw-steps stopped right behind him and circled to his left side. Suddenly, he felt a thump against his side, and he immediately rolled with the blow and slammed his paws down on a furry mass, pinning it to the floor. In the weak light of the room, he could see that it was indeed a puppy, and a spitting image of Balto at that. This must be the one Balto was talking about.

He quickly looked back at the second doorway and saw five other puppies, mirror images of their mother, standing frozen in the doorway. “All right. You five. Here. Now.”

The pups looked at each other indecisively before walking slowly forward, exchanging guilty glances.  “Now we’re in for it,” a pup he recognized as the third voice whispered.

“Told you we shouldn’t ‘ve done it,” the owner of the fifth voice whispered.

“Oh, shut up, Kala!” one of the other puppies said.

The pups stopped in front of them, yet still at what they considered a safe distance. Chipper turned his attention back to the whimpering pup he’d pinned. “If I let you up, do you promise not to run?” The pup nodded and Chipper removed his paws from her chest. The pup backed up and sat beside her siblings. “Didn’t your parents ever tell you that it’s impolite to attack someone when they’re asleep?”

“We weren’t attacking you,” one pup, the fourth voice, said sincerely.

Another pup, the fifth voice, nodded vigorously. “We just wanted to play.”

“We wanted to find out who you were, too,” another pup added.

“Besides, you aren’t asleep.”

“Not anymore, anyway.” Chipper looked incredulously at the pups. “If you wanted to know who I was, why didn’t you just ask?”

“Okay, who are you?” the pup he’d just released asked.

Chipper sighed and closed his eyes. Was it his imagination, or was there a trace of sarcasm in her voice? “What’s your name?”

“I asked first,” the pup protested.

“I’m bigger. Talk.”

“Okay, okay. Don’t get your tail in a knot. My name’s Aleu.”

No pretense at hiding the sarcasm there. Chipper momentarily wondered if she talked to everyone like that. “So you’re Aleu,” he said. “What are the rest of your names?”

“Rush,” one puppy mumbled, staring at his paws.

“Jenner,” another said, glancing away.

“Kodi,” another said, also looking down.

“Dingo,” the third said, mirroring his brothers.

“My name’s Kala,” the other girl in the group said.  “And I had nothing to do with this.”

“Shut up, Kala!” Jenner barked.

“Don’t be such a baby,” Aleu agreed.

“Baby! Was I the one whimpering like a newborn pup a few seconds ago?” Kala retorted.

“Cool it,” Chipper interjected.  “You want to know who I am, right? My name’s Chipper.”

“Hello,” the puppies answered in a somewhat subdued voice.

After a short pause, Rush cleared his throat. “So you don’t want to play?”

“I didn’t say that,” Chipper yawned. “Just give me a few more minutes of sleep, huh?”

                                      *                                              *                                              *

“So what brings you to Nome, James?” Rosie’s father asked at lunch that afternoon.

“As much as I’d like to tell you, I know very little about it. All I can tell you right now is that I’m here to see a construction project through.” Ramsey stopped when Balto, who was lying beside the fireplace, jerked his head up and looked at him. It’s almost like he understood what I said. Nah, impossible.

“How are you supposed to supervise a project you know nothing about?”

“I meant that as a polite way of saying, ‘I’m not at liberty to say.’ I was given a general briefing as to the nature, but I’m not supposed to reveal even that little tidbit until we settle on a site. With any luck, we might just have found what we’re looking for.”

“Can you tell us where that is?” Rosie’s mom asked.

“Sure. We’ve found a three hundred-acre plot about five miles north northeast of here. I’m checking it out day after tomorrow.” James Ramsey looked over his shoulder to gauge Balto’s reaction to that, but the wolf-dog was already gone. Very peculiar.

“What?”

Ramsey blushed. I said that aloud, too? I’ve got to quit doing that. “Nothing. Anyway . . .”

Second Opinion

“Boris! Come out, I’ve got to talk to you!”

“All right, all right. Don’t rush me. I’m old goose, you know,” the goose called, waddling down the gangplank. “Why is it your answer to everything is more speed?”

“I need your advice about something.”

“Oi! All this hubbub over advice?” Boris slapped a wing against his forehead, but sensing that Balto wasn’t in a joking mood, he sobered somewhat. “Okay, Boitshick, tell old Boris what the problem is, and I’ll try to help you.”

“It’s about what Kemo . . .”

“No. Oh, no. I get into wolf business and my goose is cooked.”

“This is important, Boris. Remember what I said about my meeting with Kemo other pack leaders?”

“Yes, yes. What of it?”

Balto looked to both sides to make sure no one was within earshot and leaned close to Boris. “That human they’re worried about is staying in my house.”

“WHAT!” Boris exclaimed. His outburst was cut short when Balto picked him up by the head and carried him into the trawler. When he was released, Boris was sputtering with indignation. “Why do you always have to do that? What going to hear us, trees?”

“You never know who may be out there among the trees. But that’s beside the point. That human is boarding with Jenna’s humans.”

“Okay, so what is the problem? If no one knows . . .”

“That’s just it, Boris. I promised Kemo I’d help in any . . . almost any way that I could. He’s put a lot of trust in me; more than any half-wolf would normally get from a wolf.”

“Ah,” Boris said. “And you are afraid that you will lose this trust if he finds out, yes?”

Balto nodded in agreement. “If I make the wrong move and force the pack leaders not to trust me, they won’t listen to reason anymore. They may make a decision that’ll destroy them.”

Boris nodded sagely. “I see your problem, Boitshick, but I cannot make decision for you. You must consider first what Kemo will do when he finds out, and then decide how the greater good will be served; telling your brother or protecting human.”

Balto frowned. Not exactly the clear-cut guidance he was hoping for, but it was still a start. “Thanks Boris. I’ll have to think about that.”

                                      *                                              *                                              *

“So,” Dash said.  “Does it always snow a lot up here?” He was looking out the window at the accumulating ice flakes.

“Huh?  What?” Balto asked, coming out of his reverie.

“Does it always snow a lot up here?” Dash repeated.

Balto shrugged.  “I guess it depends on your definition of a lot,” he said simply.

Jenna looked over at Balto. He seemed to be particularly moody this evening, and it seemed  that even Aurora and Dash were noticing as they tried to carry on the strained conversation. She started to say something to him, but sighed and turned to their guests. “It isn’t unusual to get a bit of snow this time of year, but usually the snow is melting by now. As far as I can remember, this is the first time we’ve had a cold-snap last this long.”

“I see,” Dash said with a nod. “We usually don’t get very much snow where we come from.”

Another pause. Finally, Aurora broke the silence. “After the weather clears, could we get a tour of the town?  I know that Chipper is anxious to do some exploring, and I’d certainly like to see the Northern Lights you spoke of.”

“I’m sure we could arrange that, couldn’t we, Balto?”

“Hmm?  Oh . . . sure.”

Jenna frowned slightly at his preoccupied tone and indifferent response. “We can introduce you to some of the locals.  I’m sure that you’ll get to meet Sylvie and Dixie tomorrow whether we go out or not. Sylvie is the local gossip. She knows everything about who did what, when, and where. And whenever you meet Dixie, be sure to compliment her about something; anything at all. She’s the type who thrives on attention, and she’s the biggest flirt in Nome. And then there’s Tricksy. She can be either your best friend or your worst enemy.” Jenna paused. “You didn’t hear any of this from me, by the way.”

“Of course not,” Aurora said with a nod.

“And I’m sure that Balto can introduce you to some of his friends too.  Let’s see. There’s Tricksy’s mate, Kaltag. He sort of fancies himself as an intellectual, but you’ll get used to that. And then there’s Nikki. He’s a bit rough around the edges, but he’s all heart. And Star hangs out with Nikki and Kaltag. He’s the shy one.”

“Do you know any wolves?” Dash asked curiously. “I’ve always wanted to meet one.”

“What makes you think I’d know any wolves?” Balto said gruffly.

Dash realized he was walking on thin ice and tried to back off the topic gracefully. “I don’t know. I just thought that since you were . . .”

“A wolf?” Balto said caustically. “I’m a half-wolf, remember?”

Jenna looked sharply at her mate. “Balto!”

“Well does everything about me have to involve wolves?” Balto snapped.

Dash was taken aback. “I’m sorry. I meant no offense.”

“You’re getting worked up over nothing,” Jenna said.

With a low growl, Balto stood and stalked out of the room.

“Balto!” Jenna called after him. She sighed and turned to Dash and Aurora. “He’s not usually like this,” she apologized.

“I’m sorry if something I said upset him,” Dash said.

“It’s not your fault.” Jenna stood quickly. “If you’ll please excuse me . . .”

“Of course,” Aurora said.

Jenna quickly hurried out of the room, and Aurora and Dash exchanged glances. Could anything else possibly go wrong?

                                      *                                              *                                              *             

Balto walked determinedly toward the back door.  His conscience had been plaguing him ever since their human had arrived, and his discussion with Boris had only compounded his confusion. He knew that he hadn’t been entirely truthful to Kemo. The minute he’d discovered the human’s intentions in Nome, he should have told his brother the whole story. Remaining silent was betraying the trust Kemo had placed in him. He had to tell Kemo now. He wasn’t sure what Aurora and Dash thought about his manners, and no doubt Jenna was making up some excuse for him, but he could apologize later. Jenna would see to that anyway.  The important thing now was to inform Kemo of everything.

Before he could reach the door, he heard a crash in one of the rooms. “Just what I need. An interruption.” He turned toward the room.

“Now we’re in for it,” he heard Kala say.

“You should’ve watched where you were going, Aleu,” Rush said.

“It’s not my fault! Jenner pushed me!”

“Did not!” Jenner exclaimed.

“Did too!”

“Enough,” Balto said, striding into the room. He looked down at the shattered remains of a porcelain vase. “I’ve told you guys a thousand times to be careful when you’re playing, haven’t I?”

“Yes, Papa,” Aleu said sheepishly. “But . . .”

“No buts. We’ll talk more about this later. You all go to bed.”

“But what about dinner?” Jenner protested.

“Perhaps that will make the six of you think next time.  Now mush!”

Aleu stayed put. “But Papa!  That’s not fair!”

“I’ve already told you twice. Do you want to go for three?” Somehow her father’s is controlled tone of voice was far more menacing than angry words, and a tear trickled down Aleu’s face he turned and walked swiftly out of the room.

Jenna rushed into the hall and saw the puppies sitting and staring at the door. “Did you see where your father went?”

“Outside,” Rush answered.

Jenna was about to leave when she saw her daughter crying. “Aleu, Honey! What’s wrong?”

Aleu shook her head sadly. “Papa just got mad at us for no reason. He said to go to bed.”

“Without dinner,” Jenner added.

“What’s wrong with him?” Aleu asked.

Jenna took a deep breath. “Your Papa’s not really mad at you. He’s just not himself.”

“Then who is he?” Kodi asked.

“It’s just an expression, Dear.” As much as she would’ve liked to repeal what Balto had said, it was never good to publically disagree on such matters. “Go on and do as you were told, and tell Chipper I’d like him to watch you guys for a bit. All right?” Confused and upset, the pups nodded and walked away.

Jenna ran after her mate and quickly caught up to him on the outskirts of town. “Balto!”

Balto rolled his eyes. Great. Just what I need. “Busy, Jenna.”

“What is with you tonight?” Jenna asked, blocking his path. “You were pretty rude to our guests, don’t you think?”

Balto grimaced. “I suppose. I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

He tried to move around her, but she blocked him again. “That’s not a very good reason, and you know it. I’ve also never heard you snap at any of our puppies until now, and you were pretty harsh on them for something as trivial as that vase. It was an accident, and my humans didn’t like that vase anyway. Something is bothering you.” She looked expectantly at him.

“I’m in a hurry, Jenna,” he said, glancing past her

“Then talk fast,” she replied, sitting in front of him.

Balto bit back a growl.  Why is she being so stubborn?  “It’s Kemo.”

“Kemo?” Jenna asked with a puzzled expression. “What’s wrong with him?  Is he all right?”

“As far as I know he’s fine, but I don’t know for how long. Remember that discussion we had a few nights ago?  The one about the wolves being worried about humans? Well I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep since. I know I should’ve told Kemo about this human the minute he arrived.”

“So why didn’t you?”

Balto heaved a sigh.  “He’s under enough pressure from the local packs as it is. If I tell Kemo, then he’ll be honor-bound to tell the other leaders, and if he does that, I’m not sure what will happen.” He looked seriously at Jenna.  “It could possibly put us or the others in danger.”

“But if you asked him to keep it secret, he would, wouldn’t he?”

“I’m not sure. The laws among wolf packs are almost as foreign to me as they are to you. I’m not sure it would be ethical for him to put my wishes above the welfare of the clans. Besides, if something happens and I have to warn him, what can I say? ‘Kemo, I didn’t tell you this before, but now you’re in danger. You have to believe me now’?” Balto shook his head unhappily. “He’d never trust me again. It’s all or nothing.”

Jenna frowned thoughtfully, and after a moment’s thought, she spoke up.  “You could always just feed him information without telling him where you got it from.”

Balto shook his head again. “You’ve met Kemo before, Jen.  Do you actually think that I could hope to keep anything a secret from him?  He’ll pick up on that easily.”

“I’m not sure about that,” Jenna replied. “Kemo’s not the type to pry, and you know he won’t question anything you tell him.”

“I still wouldn’t be giving him the whole truth, and I’ll feel worse than I already do. Anyway, we’re always telling our pups that lies catch up to you in the end, and telling half-truths is the same as lying in my book. I’d feel like a liar and a hypocrite.”

“I know, I know,” Jenna said, closing her eyes in thought.  “But it still might be a fair compromise. You’ll be giving him the information, but simply on a need-to-know basis. Where’s the danger in that?”

Balto hesitated before nodding slowly.  “I guess you’re right. The sooner I get this off my chest, the sooner I’ll be able to sleep. I’ll see you a bit later.”

“A bit later nothing. I’m coming with you.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Balto said.

“Why not?”

“Well, you know how Kemo is about being disturbed in the middle of the night, and besides . . .”

“Besides what?” Jenna arched her eyebrows.

His discussion with Kaltag came to mind. “Well . . . the puppies. Someone’s got to keep an eye on them, so maybe you should stay home.”

“I already asked Chipper to watch them. If you didn’t want me to go with you, then just say so.”

So much for Kaltag’s strategies. When Jenna took that tone, there was no point in trying to press the matter; he knew he’d already lost the argument and so did she. “All right. Come on.”

Another Late-night Meeting

“You are sure that this is the human?” Kemo asked.

Balto had just finished telling the bad news to Kemo and Tutchone, one of the pack leaders form the previous meeting, and neither seemed pleased. In fact, they seem downright worried. “He’s in Nome, and he’s here because of some project. I think it’s a safe assumption.”

Tutchone snorted. “When you’re a wolf, assumptions cost lives.”

Kemo shook his head in disagreement. “That depends on the assumption.  I think we should just make ourselves scarce. We must ere on the side of caution until this trouble has passed.”

Jenna cleared her throat, for once drawing attention to herself.  “I hope I’m not speaking out of turn.”

Kemo cracked a small grin. “Your words are welcome here, Jenna. As the alpha of Balto’s pack, you should know by now that I view your judgement with the utmost respect.”

Jenna smiled and nodded. “Thanks. This is a bit of a longshot, I know, but do you remember that young researcher who came here last year? Russell Lupus?”

Kemo nodded.  Of course he remembered. Russell Lupus was the only human he’d ever came close to liking. An idealistic naturalist, fresh out of school, Lupus had come to Nome to study wolves to prove that they weren’t brutal killers. When Lupus discovered a den site, however, Kemo had chased him away from it, pursuing him across a frozen lake. He’d fallen through a patch of thin ice, and the young researcher had saved his life, almost at the cost of his own. “What of him?”

I’m sure that if there was any real danger to wolves, he would return quicker than an arctic snowstorm.” When silence greeted her, she looked around and saw the wolves staring dubiously at her.  “I wasn’t aware that I said something amusing,” she said indignantly.

Kemo shook his head. “Tutchone and I mean you no offense. Personally, I do not doubt that he would do anything in his power to save a wolf, but you put far too much faith in humans. We cannot take such a gamble. A human’s idea of progress is the annihilation of anything, including wolves, that stands in their way. This is beyond your comprehension. Humans don’t hunt dog.”

Jenna looked hurt.  “Oh. I see.”

Kemo sighed deeply. “I’m sorry, Jenna. I know that you are trying to help, but you have never experienced what we wolves have at the hands of humans. I’m sure Balto has told you what happened to my pack. Every wolf has a similar story.”

Jenna nodded slowly. “But I still don’t think you should underestimate this human. Something tells me that he’ll play a part in this before the end.”

Balto looked outside.  The hour was growing late, and the weather was clearing.  “Anyway, we just thought you might want to know what might be in store for you and the local packs. Kiska’s information has proven correct as always.”

“I appreciate it,” Kemo said. “I would welcome your counsel on this matter.

Balto sighed. “All I can say right now is the same thing I told you last time. Just watch and wait for now. Maybe it won’t be as bad as we think.  If it is . . . well, we’ll run that race when the time comes.”

Kemo frowned but nodded and turned to Tutchone.  “We must warn the others of this.”

Balto also frowned. “When you tell the Eagle Pass Clan, make sure that Eyak won’t do anything to compromise the situation.

“Understood.” Kemo nodded to the other wolf. Tutchone quickly loped out of the cave. When he was gone, Kemo turned to his visitors. “Thank you, Balto. I don’t know what we’d do without you,” Kemo said with a mock bow.

“Don’t mention it. I’d just hate to see that pretty white fur of yours as a throw rug,” Balto teased.

Kemo’s grin wavered. “With humans on the move, you may have to get used to the idea.” He snorted.  “I would certainly like to know where you get all your information.” 

 Balto was at a loss for words.  He still wasn’t comfortable with the idea of keeping the whole story from his brother. But I can’t risk any other path.  “I . . . uh . . . have my sources.”

“Indeed.” It was obvious that Balto did not want to discuss the identity of his sources. He was hiding something, and Kemo was slightly hurt that Balto didn’t trust him enough to talk about it. Still, he decided to let the subject drop.

Balto felt uncomfortable under Kemo’s piercing gaze as he opted to change the subject. “Jenna and I had better be going. We need to make sure our pups haven’t destroyed the house yet.”

Kemo nodded. “I understand. Be sure to bring them to visit sometime.”

“We’ll do that,” Jenna said. With that, they stood up and walked toward the opening of the cave.

Kemo cleared his throat.  “Um . . . it’s pretty late to be heading out, don’t you think?  It smells as if the snow is going to pick up again, and it would not be wise to travel in such weather conditions.  Especially with fresh snow on the ground to hinder you.”

Balto looked outside again. Kemo was rarely wrong about weather, but certainly he could see that the snow had lessened. Unless . . . “Yeah, I see what you mean, but we’d better hurry before it gets any worse.”

“Well . . . uh . . . you could always stay here for the night and head for home in the morning,” Kemo said, studying his paws.

Jenna smiled.  “We really couldn’t impose.”

“It’s no imposition.” Kemo said quickly.

Too quickly.  Balto recalled that Kemo’s pack had been slaughtered around this time two years ago. He looked at Jenna, silently urging her to play along. “Think the pups can survive a night without us?”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Jenna said with a knowing smile. “If you’re sure it’s really no bother . . .”

“It’s no bother at all,” Kemo said quickly. “Besides, being a lone wolf gets . . . well, lonely. I would enjoy your company.”

Apology Accepted

The next morning, Aleu awoke early. She lay in bed for a few moments longer, wondering what she should do first. Finally, her growling stomach decided for her, and she nudged Jenner and Rush. “Hey, wake up!”

“Huh?” Rush asked. “What d’ya want?”

Jenner tried to bury his head beneath his paws. “Go away Aleu! I’m tryin’ to sleep!”

“What’s the matter with you? Aren’t you hungry?”

“Yeah, thanks to you,” Rush growled.

Kala yawned and stretched. “If you watched where you were running, we wouldn’t be in trouble.”

“Maybe Papa’s forgotten about it,” she said weakly.

Kodi snorted. “Papa never forgets anything,” he said glumly. “Remember what he said about discussing it more? We’re not out of this by a long shot.”

All the pups frowned.  That was not a pleasant thought for any concerned.

“It was an accident,” Aleu muttered. “It’s not like it’s my fault.”  The other pups stared at her.  “Well it’s not!”

“Yeah right!” Rush scoffed.

“Jenner dared me to race you!” Aleu argued.

Jenner snorted. “If I dared you to jump in the harbor, would you do that too?”

“Depends if it’s frozen or not,” Aleu shot back. “Besides, you all were running too.”

“Yeah,” Rush said. “But who’s fat head hit the table.”

“Yeah,” Kodi and Dingo agreed.

“What do ya want me to say? That this is my fault?”

“YES!” the other five exclaimed.

“Okay then.  It’s my fault. All right?  MY FAULT!  Ya happy now?”

“It’s a start,” Rush said.

With a growl, Aleu pushed him out of the basket. “Ow!” Rush sat up, rubbing his head with one paw. “What was that for?”

“For blaming everything on me, that’s what.”

“You’re dead meat!” Rush cried as he pounced on his sister.

Jenner and Kodi immediately brightened. “Dog pile!” they exclaimed, jumping into the fray.

“Come on, guys, grow up,” Kala said, trying to pull them apart.

Dingo began pulling on the other side. “Yeah, what if you break something else?”

Chipper arrived just in time to see the two pups literally absorbed into the battle. “You all cut it out. You’re going to wake everyone up!” he hissed. “Don’t make me come over there!” Still no effect. So much for trying to be nice. He hurried over and tried to intervene, but like Kala and Dingo, he got tangled up in the whole mess.

Before he could disengage, a voice spoke from behind them. “What’s going on?”

The pups froze where they were; Rush with Track’s forepaw in his mouth, Kodi sitting on Kala’s head, Kala laying half-way on Dingo, Dingo on top of Jenner, Chipper in the middle, and Aleu sitting on top of the whole bunch. Chipper turned his head and saw Balto and Jenna standing in the doorway. Had it happened to anyone other than himself, he would have found this predicament vastly amusing. With a sigh, he disentangled himself. Great going Chipper. You’ve really done it this time.

“Uh . . . just trying to break up a little scuffle. Did we wake you up?”  Stupid question.

“No, but we heard the commotion half a block away.”

“I’d believe it,” Dash yawned, walking into the room.

Chip winced. “Sorry. Pups will be pups, you know.”

“Indeed.” Balto looked at his pups who had quickly untangled themselves and were trying hard to be inconspicuous.  They all looked more than a bit nervous. Probably worried I’m still angry with them. Well, now’s as good of time as any to apologize. “Now about last night . . .”

“I guess that was my fault,” Aleu interrupted.

“It wasn’t just Aleu,” Jenner said. “I dared her to race Rush.”

“We’re sorry, though,” Rush said.

“Really sorry,” Kodi added.

“Can you stop being mad at us now?” Kala asked.

Balto’s mouth dropped. No excuses, no shifting the blame, just an apology. After his hasty actions last night, that was the last thing he’d expected. He lay down eye-level with them. “I’m sorry too. I’ve had a lot on my mind, but it was wrong for me to snap at you like I did. So here’s the plan. You guys try to be more careful, and I’ll try not to keep my frustrations to myself. Let bygones be bygones. Agreed?”  The pups nuzzled him in reply, though Aleu was more hesitant than the others. They must’ve given her a hard time about the vase incident, and she probably linked that to me. I’ll try to make that up to her somehow.

Jenna walked over and laid down beside Balto and her puppies. “It’s good to see you back to your old self. You’ve still got to give our guests the grand tour of the town.”

“Maybe tomorrow we can take them down to the Old Mill,” Balto suggested.

“What’s so special about an old mill?” Chipper asked.

“That’s the meeting place for all the dogs in Nome,” Balto patiently explained.  “It’s probably the best place to meet everyone at once and not freeze while doing it.”

“That sounds like a good plan,” Dash agreed.

“Can we come too?” Jenner burst out.  The other puppies looked up hopefully.

Balto smiled and looked at his mate.  “Jenna?”

Jenna smiled back.  “I don’t know, it’ll be awfully cold.” The pups’ ears drooped in disappointment. “I don’t see why not.”

The pups cheered and Balto beamed. “I’ll make sled dogs out of ‘em yet.”

Many Acquaintances

“Brrrr. This snow is freezing!” Chipper exclaimed as he sank up to his belly in snow. He jumped back and shook snow onto his parents.

“What did you expect?” Aurora laughed.

“You know what I mean,” Chipper grumbled. “I’ll be lucky if I don’t get frostbit.”

Balto chuckled lightly as he listened to their discussion.  “What are you talking about?  That was just a light dusting we got last night.”

“Light dusting!” the pup exclaimed.

“So where are we going first?” Dash asked, changing the subject.

“Hopefully someplace warm?” Chipper suggested.

Balto laughed again and nodded. “I figured you could meet Kaltag and Tricksy’s family.”

Chipper cleared his throat.  “Any . . . um . . . surprises?”

Balto stopped and looked at Chipper. “Tricksy is part wolf and looks it too, if that’s what you mean.”

Chipper winced and took an involuntary step back.  “I guess that came out wrong.”

He snorted. Like father, like son. “Actually she would probably be flattered if you thought she was a purebred wolf, but that’s beside the point. You’ve got to remember that it isn’t easy being a wolf-dog.  Most of us are seen as thieves and troublemakers.”

“Even you?” Chipper asked tentatively.

Balto nodded. “At one time, yes. Even me.”

“You never did tell us the whole story about rescuing the team,” Dash said.

A distant look appeared in Balto’s eyes as he thought back, and as they walked, Balto told them the story of how he had been banned from running with the team because of Steele, the lead dog. The team became lost, and he went in search of them, only to have to fight Steele to bring the team home. He told of Steele’s treachery in destroying the trail markers Balto had left to guide them to Nome. Then he arrived at his favorite part of the story; going over the side of a cliff with the medicine.

“That, my friends, ” he said, “was the moment I finally came to terms with who I was. I didn’t want to recognize the wolf in myself.  It had been nothing but a burden to me up to that point, but then I remembered something that Boris told me . . .”

“Who’s Boris?” Aurora asked.

“Huh? Oh, he’s a Russian goose. The closest thing I’ve ever had to a father.” Not surprisingly, that earned him some quizzical stares. “Anyway, Boris said ‘A dog cannot make this journey alone, but maybe a wolf can.’ That was all I needed.  I pulled the medicine back up the cliff, and we continued on with our journey.” He purposely left out the part about the mysterious white wolf. He still didn’t fully understand that, so they probably wouldn’t either. “After a few other interruptions along the way . . .”

“Hey, Balto!”

Balto chuckled. “Speaking of interruptions.”

  How yous doin’ dere?” a brown chow-chow asked, walking up to the group.

“Since when did you start hangin’ out with tenderfoots?” a small gray husky added.

A larger husky with brown fur around one eye nudged him none to gently “That’s tenderfeet. And he started hanging with you after the serum run three years ago.”

“Hey!” the smaller husky protested.  He shut up when the bigger one raised glared at him.

Balto looked at Aurora, Dash, and Chipper. From the return gazes, he realized that an explanation was probably in order.  “Up here, any dog that doesn’t run on a team is called a tenderfoot.”  Turning his attention to his friends, he nodded toward the group. “Nikki, Kaltag, Star, this is Dash, Aurora, and Chipper. These boys were on the sled team that brought the diphtheria medicine to Nome a year ago.”

“With Balto dere as lead dog, of course,” Nikki added.

Kaltag nodded. “Never was there a more noble, courageous, a more canny, a more modest . . .”

“He got us home easy,” Star broke in with a wave of his paw.

“Or would have if someone hadn’t sneezed and caused big avalanche,” Nikki muttered. Star growled.

The larger husky shrugged. “Now, Nik. Star’s right. Balto got us home easy.”

“Huh?” Star asked.

Kaltag rolled his eyes. “I said ‘Star’s right.’ Do I have to repeat everything for you?”

“No, it’s just . . . I don’t get it!  You actually agreed with me?”

“So what?” Kaltag asked innocently.  “I always agree with you when you’re correct.”

“Y . . . you never agree with me!”

“Precisely my point,” Kaltag replied smoothly.

“Huh?” Star asked.  Kaltag’s wit apparently went way over his head.

Balto rolled his eyes. “Situation normal.”

“They were on the team that saved Nome?” Chipper whispered incredulously to his parents. “That crew would have a hard time finding their way out of a cardboard box, much less finding their way through the wilderness.”

Balto looked back in their direction. He certainly had a wolf’s sense of hearing. Chipper looked embarrassed, but the wolf-dog broke into a grin. “Half the dogs in Nome think the same as you,” Balto said with a wink. Chipper breathed a sigh of relief and turned his attention back to the conversation.

“. . . sled team or not, you’re still a tenderfoot,” Kaltag said.

“Now just a . . .” Star protested.

Balto took this time to step in.  He cleared his throat, and both dogs looked at him. “Sorry to interrupt your . . . chat, but I really shouldn’t be keeping my guests out in the cold. I was planning on taking them over to meet you and Tricksy,” he said to Kaltag.

Kaltag bowed slightly.  “My deepest, sincerest apologies.  I don’t know where my manners are . . .”

“That’s ‘cause ya don’t have none,” Star laughed.

Kaltag hit him upside the head.  “That’s ‘any’, and I most certainly do.” He grinned at the others.  “I live just down the road . . .”

Before they could go anywhere, a feminine voice spoke up.  “Hey Balto, who’re your friends there?”

Balto turned and saw an Afghan hound and a Malamute walking toward them.  “Hi Sylvie, Dixie.  These are the outlanders that Jenna told you about a few days ago.  They’re staying with us for a while.”

“Any of them . . . available?” Dixie asked slyly, appraising Dash.

Dash was immediately conscious of Aurora staring at him.  “Sorry. I’m taken.”

“What happened to steady stream of suitors in these parts?” Dixie lamented.

“Sorry, Dix,” Kaltag said.  “As we say in the racing business, ‘You win some, you lose some.’”

“In my case it’s more losses.”

Chipper noticed that Star was very conspicuously looking anywhere but Dixie’s direction. He must like her. He wondered why the husky wasn’t trying harder to get her attention. Then again, it wasn’t any of his business.

“So what are your names?” Sylvie asked.

“I’m Dash. This is my lovely mate Aurora and our son, Chipper.”

“Not to rush things,” Balto interrupted, “but again, I shouldn’t keep you all out in the snow.”

“Of course not,” Kaltag said. “As I was saying, I live just down the road, if you’ll follow me.  Everyone’s welcome to come along.”

“As much as I’d love to sit around and chitchat, I’ve got some pressing business at the Boiler Room,” Sylvie said. “I’ve got it from a very reliable source that . . .”

“And I’ve got to go along to charm the information out of any . . . reluctant sources,” Dixie added, giving her most attractive pose. “We can go with you as far as Kaltag’s house, though.”

As they started walking down the street, Chipper spoke up. “So, how long have Nikki, Kaltag, and Star been together?”

“Ever since I can remember,” Balto said.

The pup trotted abreast of Balto.  “Do they always fight like that?”

“Who, Kaltag and Star?”  Balto shook his head.  “They’re not really fighting.  A fight in these parts can get you killed.  The arguing is just how they get along with each other. They’re really good friends.”

“That’s right.  I’d never really hurt my pal Star here,” Kaltag said from the front of the group, tousling the fur on Star’s head.

“‘Course not,” Star said cheerfully.  “I couldn’t ask for a more trustworthy, a more chivalrous, a more understanding . . . geeze!  I’m even starting to sound like you!”

“Pardon my lack of mirth regarding your sense of humor,” Kaltag grumbled.  He stopped in front of an average-sized, two story house.  “Well, here it is. What do you think?”

“It’s lovely,” Aurora complimented.

“I’ll like it even better if it’s warm,” Chipper whispered to his parents.

Walking toward the front steps, Kaltag glanced up.  “Hey Star.”

“Yeah?”

“Stop!”

“Huh?” Star asked, halting under the eaves of the house.  Just then, a pile of snow that was hanging precariously over the edge fell off, completely burying the Husky.

Nikki chuckled. “Hey Kaltag, dat was pretty good timing dere. Can I see dat again?”

Star came up sputtering.  “That wasn’t funny!  I . . .”  His voice was cut off when more loose snow slid off the roof and submerged him again.

Kaltag snorted.  “Catch it that time, Nik?”  Dixie and Sylvie began to chuckle as well.

Star surfaced again.  “You’re a riot, Kaltag, a real riot,” he said, shaking the snow out of his fur.  He strode away angrily.

“Hey, Star! Come back!” Kaltag called.

“Yeah,” Nikki added.  “We was only joking with yous.”

Star spun around. “Oh yeah?  You see this? I’m not laughing.” He turned  and stormed off.

“Gee,” Dixie said.  “I wonder what’s got him so hot under the collar.”

Balto cleared his throat. “I think maybe you took pushed him too far this time.”

“It was only a bit of fun,” Kaltag argued.  “He’s never gotten that upset before.”

Nikki nodded.  “Yeah, we does it all the time. We never mean anything by it.”

“I don’t know what’s eating at him,” Kaltag muttered.

“Why, Kaltag,” Sylvie said, “I’m surprised you haven’t noticed.  Star obviously likes somebody.”

“Oh?” Dixie asked, her voice betraying her surprise.  “Who?”

“Well, I don’t have anything substantial as to who, but rumor has it that she lives around Nome.”

“But that could be any one of dozens of dogs, Sylvie!” Dixie exclaimed.

“Or twice as many wolves if he goes for the wild type,” Kaltag added with a snicker.  He cast an apologetic glance at Balto.  “No offense intended of course.”

“None taken,” Balto said with a sly grin.  “I’m not the type to hold a grudge.”

“Tricksy’s hearing about this, isn’t she?” Kaltag asked mournfully.

Balto grinned. “Oh yeah, but don’t worry. I’m easily bribed.”

“You’re all heart, Balto.”

“Ya know,” Nikki began, “I too can be easily persuaded . . .”

“Oh stow it Nikki.”

“Well, we’d best be going,” Sylvie said. “Wouldn’t want to miss out on a hot story.”

As the two girls walked away, Nikki looked in the direction Star had taken. “Guess I’d better go talks to him. Yous guys enjoy.” He too left.

With one more concerned look where Star had disappeared, Kaltag winked at the others. “Come inside. Wouldn’t want any tenderfeet to get frostbit.” He chuckled lightly at his own wit as he walked inside, followed closely by the others. Kaltag bowed with a grand, sweeping gesture.  “Welcome to my humble abode.  Help yourselves to a seat by the fireplace.  Hey Trix! Where are you?”

“Kaltag?  Is that you?” An attractive lupine dog entered the room. She stepped back in surprise. “Oh!  I didn’t know we had company.” She quickly smoothed her fur.

Kaltag nodded.  “Sort of an unexpected surprise for myself as well.  Allow me to introduce to you Aurora, Dash, and Chipper. They’re new here in Nome.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” Tricksy said. In another room, the tinkle of shattering glass was heard, immediately followed by a chorus of “Wasn’t me.”  She sighed as she gave Kaltag an exhausted glance. “I’m glad you’re home.”

“Long day?” Kaltag asked.

“That is an understatement. Your turn.”

“Sure, Trix.” He looked at the others as he turned to exit. “Make yourselves comfortable.”

“Sounds great,” Balto said, walking toward the den. 

He hadn’t gone more than a couple of steps when Tricksy planted a paw firmly on his chest. “I’ve been looking for you.”

That didn’t sound good. “What now?”

“I ran into Kemo yesterday, and after some . . . gentle persuasion, he informed me of what you two discussed at your secret meeting last week.”