Chapter 1

Three years had passed since the utter destruction of all he had loved. Three long years that seemed to stretch on and on in a never ending cycle. Time no longer meant anything. Vengeance was now more important to him even than food. From his far off hill, he watched as the hunter's cabin was built, furnished, and made into a home for his family. He watched with hateful eyes as the family moved in the first year, watched as they grew their family, a family he was denied. Tempest snarled and grit his teeth at the sight.

They even brought dogs with them. About five hunting hounds and, at least a year later, a cream and gray female pup with a long fluffy coat and ice blue eyes. The pup was bought as a companion, not a hunting dog, for the hunter, Conn Levin's young daughter Isabella, who, at only five years old, dreamed of having her very own sled team. The puppy was given the name Sakari, meaning sweet in Inuit.

The pup was a samoyed-husky mix, with hardly a strain of wolf in her. But most who saw her thought she was just a really fluffy wolf. But rest assured she was all dog, and it was her mission in life to keep Kayle Levin safe. Sakari was only three years old, but she was so sure of her mission, of her purpose.

She had been born in Nome, her mother a lovely samoyed. Conn had already taken an interest in the puppies. He chose Sakari for her uniqueness, as she looked like the perfect mix of sammy and husky. From a human perspective, she wasn't too bad looking. But to other dogs she just seemed too wild. Whenever Sakari joined Conn and Kayle back in town for supplies, other dogs talked. While they went to get what they needed, Sakari would make her way to the small book shop near the center of town. The shop was kept watch by an Irish wolfhound named Todd and his human, John.

Sakari smiled and made her way over to the much taller dog, tail wagging. Todd smiled as his favorite customer made her way over.

"Good mornin' Sakari" he greeted in his Irish accent.

"Good morning Todd, I've come to find a new book for cayle. She finished her last one already. She's learning so fast it's remarkable"

Todd barked with laughter. "I'm glad she is. A reader today is a leader tomorrow. Now, what did ya have in mind for her?"

"Well, she really likes anything on sled dog teams and she's even read some fairy tales. Just have to be careful with that. Conn isn't precisely into that "junk" as he calls it"

"Junk? Fairy tales? What is he, mad? Ya need ta teach the little lass right. With people like that in 'er life…oh…don't even wanna think 'o the possibilities"

"Oh I know. Einstein himself said that imagination is more important than knowledge".

"Well, wait a little 'ere. I'll be right back, as I think we got a little somethin' for tha little lady" he smiled and went inside to fetch her a book.

As Sakari waited, she spotted a couple familiar faces walking down the street toward her. Balto and Jenna were the It couple amongst the canines of the town, and everyone always spoke positively of them. Sakari was somewhat familiar with them, and of course they knew of her through the words of the town's dogs. She didn't know however if the pair shared the town's general opinion.

"Hey there you two" Sakari smiled and wagged her tail in greeting.

"Sakari! Good morning" Balto greeted back with a similar cheerful way as Todd had.

"Back in town already?" Jenna sat with her.

"Yeah. Conn I guess needed some supplies and was looking to sell some furs and other gifts he made. I tagged along to get a book for cayle".

"How's she doing?" Balto asked, sitting as well.

"Oh she's doing wonderful. She's already such a good reader. I'm so proud of her".

"That's great. We're glad she's doing so well" Jenna smiled, "how are things at home?"

"Could be better honestly. I mean, I love being there but…the other dogs…ugh, especially Donovan…"

"He's been pestering you?" Balto raised an eyebrow.

"He has…that dog could have any other girl he wants and yet…he won't leave me alone"

"He wants you as his mate?" Jenna gave a "really?" sort of look.

"Yeah! He wont leave me alone for anything. I swear he makes me so frustrated I want to scream. He tore one of Cayle's books the other day".

"That's awful! Does Conn do anything about it?"

"Yes, he disciplines Donovan, but…its not enough. I don't get what he sees in me anyway. He's so narcissistic I'm shocked he hasn't tried to mate with himself…ugh…".

"Well to be fair you are a young and beautiful lady" Jenna pointed out, "you're at just the right age for pup bearing-"

"Oh lord please don't get into that" Sakari 's ears lowered against her head. The thought of having pups always frightened her.

"Oh, right. Sorry Sakari".

"It's alright…hey do you guys think I'm…well…out of the ordinary?"

"Out of the ordinary?" Balto cocked his head, "Where'd you get an idea like that?"

"Well…its all over…an people talk of course".

"Don't pay them any mind, Sakari. You're wonderful, unique, and one of a kind. They don't understand you" Jenna encouraged her.

"And believe me, I know what that's like" Balto looked up thinking of the past, "I used to be the town enigma and, well, not to brag or anything, they see me as a hero now".

"Yes, because you saved all the children here. Me? I'll never do anything like that here".

"I didn't think I would either" he stepped up to her, "Just wait, your time will come, I promise".

"When?"

"Believe me, you'll know".

"We talkin' heroics out here now?" Todd came back out with a bag around his neck.

"Somewhat" Balto smiles, "Morning Todd".

"Mornin friends. Here ya go, Kari" he put the bag of books down, "Figured these would be perfect for the little one"

"Thank you Todd. You and John are the best".

"Oh none o' that now. Just be sure yer girl loves 'em. If she does, they're yours".

"Wait what?"

"Oh think nothin' of it, lassie. We got copies o' these for days"

"Well I do appreciate it immensely. Thank you…thank you so much. Well, I'll see you all the next time I'm in town. Gotta get back to Conn and…ugh…Donovan"

"Ya want an escort, Kari? I'd be more than glad to".

"Oh no I couldn't ask for more. Thank you though, very much" she took the bag and made her way back towards her owner's sled.

Back towards Donovan…