Fuel to the Fire

In Nome, things were rather dull in spite of Russell Lupus' presence, but to Balto, the lull was much appreciated. Since the pups were still asleep and he didn't have to play host to anymore, he finally had time to focus on the problems before him. Eyak was at the bottom of the problems to come, and he had to stay a few lengths ahead of his opponent in this race. That unfortunately meant more time away from his family.

He was still deep in thought when Jenna found him, and she knew of only one thing that could be on his mind. "Found the solution yet?"

Balto grimaced. "Not yet. I can feel trouble stirring just beyond my sight, but I can't pinpoint it."

"Perhaps that's because trouble lurks around every corner."

Balto shrugged. "Maybe. But which do I tackle first?"

Jenna nudged him. "What do your instincts tell you?"

"Are you sure you should be asking a half-breed that question?" He shook his head. "They tell me to take the most obvious opponent first, but I'm not sure that I can do that without exposing my back to another enemy." Sighing he shook his head again. "Indecision is my worst enemy."

"Then I'm afraid I've got more bad news. Aleu's started asking questions. After seeing you and Kemo together the other night, she seems to have noticed a resemblance. I know how you feel about our pups knowing about being part wolf, but..."

"But you disagree?"

Jenna shook her head. "No, but I still think that sooner or later they'll have to be told. Better to hear it from you than someone else. You should consider that."

"Right now I'm too worried about Kemo and the others to focus on that. It'll have to wait."

Jenna rubbed her face against his. "Don't worry. An answer will come to you."

He looked at his mate. "I'm going to that camp again. I'll probably be gone for a while, so don't wait up." He rushed out the door and down the street.

Tricksy, noted his determined pace as he passed her home. She ran to join him. "Where are you off to in such a hurry"

"Wolf Business."

"I'm coming with you."

"Trix…"

"Don't argue. Kaltag will take care of my bunch, and you never know when you need another set of eyes, ears, or teeth."


Kemo shook his head as once again, the other wolves began clamoring to voice their opinions. The clans had assembled once again that morning, but they had made no progress since they had adjourned the night before. The pack leaders continued to trade words, offering the same points and counterpoints.

"Tell me," Kiska addressed the wolves. "Have these humans offered harm to us yet?"

"Give it time," Eyak remarked. "Humans bring death with them."

Kiska pinned him with an icy stare. "If the clan of Eagle Pass has information they should share it."

"Look at the history of our clans. We have all lost fine hunters to humans or their accomplices. The Clan of the Hills has lost twelve, and Eagle Pass Clan has lost fifteen, including my father, all within two snows. Kemo lost his entire pack and almost fell victim again the other night. Your band, Kiska, has suffered losses as well, or have you so quickly forgotten Tag?"

Kiska glowered at him. "Leave Tag out of this. He only ever wanted peace."

Eyak shook his head, feigning pity. "Yes, my dear Kiska, but that still did not make him invincible, did it? Did it stop him from being gunned down in cold blood by a human hunter."

Suddenly, Mandan of Eagle Pass Clan stumbled into the circle. Bedraggled and bloody, he collapsed there, breathing hard. Many gathered gasped in surprise, while Eyak, Kemo, and Tutchone rushed to examine him. He was bleeding profusely, and failing rapidly. "Men..." he coughed.


Kiska's mind strayed back five years. She and Tagish were again running carefree, not burdened by the loss they now bore. It was late season, and a heavy frost coated everything. She and her mate were wandering the forests, rollicking across the frozen ground. She leaned against his strong gray shoulder.

"Do you love me Tag?"

He smiled down at her, his smooth, baritone voice rushing back into her consciousness. "You know that I would never say anything not from my heart."

"Then say it to me," she persisted. "Tell me that you love me again."

With a broad smile he began to circle her and speak to an unknown assembly. "I, Tagish, leader of Anvil Creek Clan, claims this she-wolf. She is mine and mine alone! I am her's and no other's! My love for her shall remain as long as my spirit exists."

With a smile to mirror his, she joyfully raised her alto voice. In hindsight, this expression of love likely separated them, as within moments, they scented humans. Before they could flee, thunder cracked as her Tagish was struck down. Following Tag's command, she fled, but refused to stray far from him.


"The humans shall pay for this dearly," Eyak declared.

Kiska looked again at the fallen wolf and realized he had passed from the world of the living. She turned her eyes from the sight and glanced at Kemo. He continued to stare stonily at Mandan.

Eyak turned to face her. "There is your proof. What say you now, Kiska? Are they our enemies?" He stared wildly at the others. "Who will join me!"

Tutchone bowed his head. "The Clan of the Hills is with you." His pack clamored its support.

"I, too, shall join you," Kemo declared. "For justice. Not revenge."

"And what of Anvil Creek Clan?"

Several voiced their agreement, but Kiska stared at all in disbelief. "Have you gone mad? Open war with the humans is not only pointless, it's suicide!"

Eyak narrowed his eyes. "Come, now, Kiska. Tagish would be disappointed at your hesitation."


That night, she returned to the clearing, only to discover that Tagish remained where he'd fallen, still grasping the last strands of life. The humans had shot him not for food or fur, but to leave him to die slowly. "I'm here, my love. I will stay with you."

"…must go," he gasped. "Too dangerous for…you. I am spent."

"No! Don't say that, Tag!"

"Take…Clan. Lead them as I…Promise…promise you will ever seek peace. Promise…"


"No," she said softly. A single tear ran down Kiska's face, the only emotion marked by the others. "No. How dare you mention his name for the purpose of spreading dissent and destruction? All who knew Tagish will remember that he sought only to live in peace. Even in death."

"Then perhaps those of Anvil Creek should tuck their tails and slink away from this council like the cowards they are!"

Anvil Creek Clan stood, bristling with indignation, and Kiska turned slowly, searching for the wolf who had made the accusation. Ironically, none were courageous enough to make the challenge to her face. She decided to address the challenge anyway. "We of Anvil Creek are not afraid of death. We are not cowards, but nor are we hypocrites. We have always professed a love of peace, as have most of you who gather here tonight. Do you so easily discard these ideals?"

Tutchone shook his head resolutely. "No. But the attack was made against one of our own. We must seek justice. Every clan law is clear on this matter. Why are you reluctant to act accordingly?"

"What you seek is not justice but vengeance at Eyak's whim!"

"In this conflict, you are either with us or against us. So tell us, Kiska, daughter of Koyu and Niska. Where does your clan fall?"

"I am with you!" Senak announced.

"I, too." Timinuk agreed.

"What say you now, Kiska?"

Eyak towered menacingly over her, but Kiska held her ground. "I am not with you."

"Then you speak for yourself," Chinga announced.

Kiska was shocked speechless. She had expected the young, impetuous ones to go, but never the eldest member of her band. Uncertainty suddenly rippled through the rest of Anvil Creek Clan, and all but Quinault, Chehalis, Akkide, and Andan left her side to join the others. Betrayed by her own clansmen, she stared dumbly at those she previously counted among her friends.

"Your clan has spoken." Eyak smiled smugly. He raised his voice to the assembly. "Since the majority of Anvil Creek Clan has defected to join their rightful leader, I declare all Anvil Creek territory to be forfeit." He lowered his voice threateningly. "Any interlopers will be dealt with accordingly."

No where else to turn, she gazed imploringly at Kemo. Unable to bear her pained eyes, he finally spoke. "Kiska. You and your band only may continue to hunt in my lands. You are free to stay where you please. Let no one here question this invitation nor my allegiance."

Eyak bowed. "Then no one shall, though I do fear that this traitor may cause further harm to us from there. But we have plans to discuss. No outsiders must be present."

Kiska raised her head sharply. "If that is your wish, we shall take our leave from this council. I pray that you do not go to your deaths." She and her remaining friends rose and disappeared into the forest.


Ramsey was poring over dozens of blueprints with the foremen when a worker entered the pavilion carrying a rifle.

"I got the critter that killed the mutt last night."

"What was it?" the foreman asked?

" It was a wolf alright, and from the tracks, I'd say there's a whole lot more of 'em."

Ramsey nodded. "I wouldn't think they're much of a threat, but thank you."

The hunter shifted his feet. "I…uh…Do you remember those four dogs that went missing a few nights ago? I found them, too. Slaughtered by wolves."

One of the foremen pounded the table. "Not much of a threat? These creatures are becoming a nuisance! A menace, even!"

"This is not our problem," Ramsey replied cooly. He looked at the hunter. "Take whatever steps necessary to minimize damage to our resources and timeframe."

"Yes sir."

"This undertaking has suffered too many setbacks as is. Nothing more can interfere with our schedule."

Everyone nodded resolutely.