With his long, silver muzzle stretched up towards the sky, Duga searched the clouds with his gray eyes. He was convinced that only a moment earlier, he had seen the Great White One watching him from above in Skyland, but that image had disappeared as quickly as it had come. Now, the clouds, refusing to reveal any secrets, continued their strange dance and he found himself dreaming of the world beyond them.

A familiar bark from behind tore him from the daydream and Duga turned to greet his den-brother, Mihka, who nipped Duga's muzzle respectfully. Mihka shared Duga's age, but still retained the high, sweet voice of a pup and Duga bared his teeth slightly, a subtle affectionate gesture reserved only for his family. He sighed then, wishing for the den days of their rough-and-tumble youth and noticed from Mihka's expression that he also was reminiscing.

Mihka did not let Duga's sigh pass unnoticed and asked, "What troubles you, my brother? Did you see something in the clouds?"

Duga was quick to change the subject. "I was just thinking about our days at the birth den."

Mihka sat down and rested his black muzzle between his massive front paws. He sighed, "We are getting old, Duga."

Duga growled softly, but defiantly, "We have many more hunts ahead of us."

Mihka ignored his brother's rebuke and whispered, "I have dreamed, Duga." His gold-flecked eyes were full of memories and premonitions.

Duga was immediately worried and sat down beside Mihka. He licked Mihka's muzzle to comfort him and when he had relaxed, Duga ordered gently, "Tell me your dream, brother."

"It is not proper for me to burden you," replied Mihka.

"Although I am our leader, I was your brother first. Speak and I will listen."

"All right, but do not blame me if this upsets you."

Duga urged, "Go on, Mihka."

"I dreamt about Yana."

Silence fell abruptly, and Duga's body stiffened in response to the name that brought back so many emotions. Yana. She had been his first mate and after her death, he had vowed not to take another, for she had started his days and ended his nights. Without her energy, the pack had dwindled and now, only four remained: his faithful brother, himself, and two of his daughters, who shared Yana's vigor and bright eyes. He knew that they, too, would soon leave to form their own packs and then every remaining bit of Yana's spirit would be far away.

He shook his head to dispel the loneliness. "Yana?" He understood well that it was a strong omen to dream of the ones who hunted in Skyland.

"Yes. She told me that I would hunt with her soon."

Duga, noticeably upset, stood and shook himself. "It can not be, brother. You are too young to hunt in Skyland."

Mihka smiled gently, keeping most of his teeth hidden. "I do not have your stamina or ambition and my spirit is getting tired."

"You have courage. That is enough." Duga's voice deepened into a low growl. The idea of losing Mihka was hard to digest.

"Easy brother, I do not wish to leave you, but the circle must continue. I will watch you from above."

Duga sighed heavily, knowing that he could not change fate and Mihka's dreams were never wrong. "Do you know when?"

"Yana did not say. Only, that it would be soon."

Duga cut in with haste, "Then, we have little time to waste. We must go to the springs."

"No, brother."

Duga stared at him, bewildered, "But, I must be with you when you journey to Skyland. You will need a voice to guide you or else you will be lost."

Mihka nodded. "I know, but there is more to the dream. I am not going to the springs." He paused and Duga cocked his head, listening carefully. Mihka continued, "Yana told me that we must journey to the Smokelands."

Duga was stunned and denounced the idea, "It is not allowed." Although, the Smokelands had once been free land, when the pathetic race of two-legs took it as their own, destruction had followed. It was now prohibited by the laws of the council to go into the Smokelands, for none had ever returned.

"Yes, but we must. Yana told me that you must find the Great White One."

"What?" Duga responded in sheer disbelief.

"You do not fool me, brother. I know that you have dreamed of the Great White One."

Duga's eyes clouded and he was once again amazed at his brother's talent of foreseeing. "How did you know?"

Mihka's voice revealed humor. "Yana told me. She said that you do not listen."

Duga grunted, catching his brother's humor. "She was always bossy."

Mihka barked in agreement, then settled and regained his serious tone. "Yana said that the Great White One has been captured by the two-legs."

Duga's humor soured and he hissed with disgust. "How?"

"I do not know. It seems that the Great White One came down from Skyland to deliver a message to the council and was trapped."

Duga did not understand how such a horrible thing could happen to the Great White One, nor why she would come down from her home. He had been told that she had not left Skyland in thousands of generations. Sudden hatred surged through him, as he thought of the Sacred Guardian in the hands of barbaric two-legs.

Mihka noticed Duga's hair rise and he urged, "You must find her."

"I thought you said before that we would journey together to the Smokelands."

"Yes, but Yana made it clear that only you will find the Great White One."

Duga understood that Mihka meant he would die along their journey into the Smokelands. Duga would be left to save the Great White One. Sorrow deepened the hollows in Duga's gray eyes, as he thought of Mihka, his dearest friend.

He gathered himself and asked, "Did Yana say when we should leave?"

"As soon as possible."

"What about Ari and Per?" Duga's daughters were undoubtedly chasing some mice to fill their bellies.

"They can not come, for their destiny lies elsewhere. It is time for them to form their own packs."

Duga nodded in sad agreement. He knew that his willful daughters only followed him out of love and he felt another twang of sorrow. It seemed that it was time to let them go.

As if beckoned, his two daughters came loping towards them, their silver coats gleaming in the reds of sunset. He barked in greeting and they sat down in front of him, after nipping his muzzle. He stared at them for a long time, memorizing every detail of their attentive faces: their determined muzzles, strong teeth, and intelligent eyes, and fierce pride surged through him. He knew that they would make fine pack leaders.

"Ari and Per, my beloved daughters," Duga finally spoke, "It is time for you to go and form your own packs. I have kept you too long, already." Duga saw sadness grow in their faces, but he also saw relief.

Ari spoke up, "We do not wish to leave you, father..."

"But we will make you proud," Per finished.

"I'm sure you will," Duga affirmed.

The long silence that followed was broken by Mihka, who lifted his muzzle to the sky and sang into the wind. Ari and Per quickly joined in, their strong altos echoing their uncle's song of farewell and Duga's rich bass completed the harmony. They sang long into the night.

Within two days of the farewell, Duga and Mihka had reached the edge of the Smokelands. As Duga stood in front surveying the wasteland before him, he wondered how any being could do be responsible for such atrocities. The barren land around him was devoid of all plant life, and Duga sneezed, flattening his ears in disgust. Although, the two-legs had abandoned this part of the Smokelands years ago, a cloud of smoke, hovering above them like a sentient, still remained as a constant reminder of the threat posed by two-legs. The smoke burned his delicate nostrils and covered his tongue with a film of acrid foulness.

Mihka came up beside him, snorting with similar distaste. "It is as though the land is dead," he whispered.

"Thanks, to the apathy of the two-legs," growled Duga. Mihka eyed him in agreement and asked, "Which way to enter, brother?"

Duga motioned to a narrow lane of unusually hard ground. "This way." He trotted onto the unforgiving surface and winced, knowing it would take a heavy toll on his fleshy footpads.

Mihka sniffed delicately, searching for scents, until his muzzle lifted abruptly. "She went this way, brother. It was some time ago, but her scent lingers."

Duga smiled warmly. His brother was undoubtedly the best tracker he'd ever known. An aching twinge of sorrow twisted his smile and he turned away from his brother to speak into the wind. "Then, let us begin," he suggested, shrugging away his grief.

They followed the lane for a day, ceasing only once to rest, for they still possessed an incredible endurance, built by many a hunt together. As they loped side by side, Duga often looked over to see Mihka enrapt in the thrill of the chase. Duga would falter slightly then, as grief overtook him and his heart would beg him to save Mihka from fate.

When they finally rested, they laid under a strange shelter of stone and metal, breathing rapidly and Mihka's voice rose over the eerie silence of the wastelands, "Why do you grieve so? It serves you no purpose." His voice was lined with frustration and pity.

Duga was taken aback. "Would you not grieve me, brother? How can I take your death so lightly?"

Mihka sighed. "I would grieve you, of course, but, my brother, you have a duty. You need your strength."

Mihka was, as usual, correct. "You are right, brother. I must clear my mind."

Mihka let out a small, proud bark and lowered his muzzle between his paws. In moments, they were asleep.

They awoke at dusk, using the cloak of darkness to shield them from the sight of the two-legs, for they were now deeper into two-leg territory, and they followed the lane once more. Their eyes easily adjusting to the low levels of light and noises in the distance, alerted them of machinery--strange, spiritless creatures, forever mastered by the two-legs. Duga shuddered in spite of himself, as he did not enjoy the thought of creatures without spirits.

They came upon the first gathering of buildings of stone and metal, darting in and out of the shadows. It was known that most two-legs slept during the night thus, Duga and Mihka passed by the buildings swiftly and without worry. Soon, they were out of the first gathering and back onto the same lane. They ran hard, eager to gain distance in the night, for when the sun rose and lit up the smoke above, they would be exposed to the insanity of the two-legs.

They travelled long, until another, much larger, gathering of stone appeared. Mihka tested the air constantly, as they slipped between buildings. Finally, he motioned Duga over.

"She is here," Mihka offered, tonelessly.

Duga was elated, but confused by his brother's lack of inspiration. Then, he realized that his brother was dealing with the realization of his own doomed fate.

Duga groomed Mihka tenderly. He ordered, "We must rest, brother. The night wanes and we must hide." He halted his affections and started towards a building with an empty smell. Mihka trotted obediently behind.

Mihka sniffed the air around the building. "There is no lingering trace of two-legs here."

They crawled through a narrow opening and went inside, finding machinery tossed unceremoniously into heaps. They worked their way through the litter and found an open area in the back of the building. Duga suppressed another shudder, but could not hide his uneasiness from Mihka.

"What is it?" Mihka asked.

"These metallic creatures. Is this their reward for servitude? Death without ceremony? Even creatures without spirits deserve more than this." Duga's passionate response caused Mihka's ears to flatten.

"It is the way of two-legs, to create and destroy, without integrity," Mihka answered, his own voice filled with contempt.

Duga sighed, cooling his blood, and curled up on the floor. He convinced Mihka to join him in the solace of dreams.

It was afternoon, when Duga was woken by Mihka and Duga raised himself quickly, noting his brother's agitated state. He was urged by Mihka towards the door and unfamiliar noises made Duga share his brother's worry. He shrunk to the floor, his senses awake and aware.

His brother crept up beside him. "The noises started a few minutes ago," he whispered.

Duga nodded, but his attention remained on the door and he tasted the air. "Two-legs," he concluded with a low growl. His brother growled in agreement.

Then, a different noise came and Duga recognized it as the unintelligible language of two-legs. He could not understand the primitive words, but he sensed the urgency in which they were spoken with and he moved himself and Mihka behind a nearby pile of machines. Without warning, the door opened and two-legs burst into the building. Duga's ears stung from the harsh uttering and peered out from behind the pile to find three two-legs blocking their exit. Because of the strong scent of bloodlust and fear, he knew the two-legs sensed Mihka's and his presence.

Under their shouting, he whispered to Mihka. "They have found us and we must leave. I'll divert them and you run out after they take chase."

"But, brother..." Mihka hesitated.

"No. It is my will," Duga commanded. Mihka lowered his tail in submission.

Duga turned back to watch the two-legs and finally, when the two-legs moved to search a pile of machinery, Duga made his move. He leapt out into the midst of the two-legs, causing chaos, and the two-legs scrambled after him, but he was too quick and was out of the door before they could catch him. He stole behind a nearby building, after leaving a confusing trail of circling tracks, and waited for his brother.

A few moments later, a sharp noise pierced the air, frightening Duga and was followed by a long silence. Duga bit his tongue to prevent the despairing howl from escaping. With that silence, he knew his brother, the ever-loyal Mihka, was dead.

"May your journey to Skyland be without peril, my heart-brother," Duga whispered into the stale heat of day.

He left deeply saddened and wandered aimlessly, without Mihka's nose to guide him. Though his own nose was sensitive, it could not find traces of the Great White One. He trotted through the buildings and lanes, seeking the comfort of shadows and after awhile, he found a dark alley with sufficient refuse to hide beneath. He buried himself deep in garbage, his head resting on his paws, and before he fell asleep, a lamenting sigh escaped him to join the moaning wind above the buildings.

In his dreams he was comforted, for he dreamt of Mihka high above him, giving the signal--a short youthful bark--that initiated the hunt. They raced together through the woods, Duga sharing his brother's excitement as they were hot on the trail of a young buck. Then, the dream was replaced by another, and Duga found himself beside a young, white female of unrivaled beauty. He knew her to be the Sacred Guardian of Skyland, the Great White One. Humbled in her presence, Duga lowered his tail and whined, but she shook her head, indicating that he should rise.

"Would you fail me, Duga?" she asked softly.

Her noble voice was powerful, but forgiving and Duga felt a surge of guilt. He replied, "Forgive me, my lady. I have no great nose to guide me. I cannot find you."

The Great White One smiled, filling Duga's heart with strength. "You need not your nose, Duga, only your heart. It will guide you to me."

Duga could not reply, for she vanished and Duga awoke from his dream with a start. He breathed deeply and rose from the garbage to shake off the refuse. His legs were not wobbly, as he anticipated, but strong and he felt a new surge of hope. He was now determined to find the Great White One. He would not fail her.

He cautiously left the alley and followed an instinct to turn right. Careful to avoid the two-legs, he came upon an odd sight. Directly ahead, lay an area where life flourished and an enormous hedge towered above him, circling a closed area. Duga followed the hedge around, until he found a barred opening. He squeezed through the metal bars and stood at the entrance of an amazing and frightening place.

Inside the hedge's containment, spread a forest, with trees and grass. Yet, it was not a forest, for it was divided into mazes of cages that held creatures like himself behind metal bars. He nearly gagged on his own bile, in revulsion and estimated, from the size of this place, that the place contained hundreds of condemned creatures. He shook his head in horror and went deeper into the maze of cages.

An unusual creature gave greeting, as it swung through artificial trees. "Evening to you, great wolf," it called, following him to the end of its cage.

Duga stopped and regarded the long-limbed, excitable creature. "What are you?" he asked the creature.

"A gibbon, silly wolf. Why are you here, Silver One? Come to free me, perhaps?"

Duga smiled at the gibbon's dry humor. "Little gibbon, I cannot free you. I must find a white one like me. Do you know of her?"

"I do," the gibbon replied, smugly.

"Tell me!" Duga insisted, desperately.

"Very well. Perhaps, it will provide some much needed entertainment. She is down to the left, in the last cage. Beware, mighty wolf, she is guarded well."

Duga conveyed his thanks and left the gibbon, as it chattered after him. He found his way down through the cages and came upon the last set of metal bars. He peered into the cage and noticed that it was empty, but in the back of the cage he saw a tiny opening. He raced around to the back of the cage and saw that it opened into another building. Then, he sensed the Great White One's presence, along with danger and he hurled himself under a bush, just as a pair two-legs passed him.

From beneath the bush, he heard them open a door and pass through. He came from the bush and headed after them. He crouched near the building and listened as the two-legs conversed inside. To his dismay, he heard a angry growl and his heart raced with anger, as he realized that the Great White One was being mistreated by the two-legs.

He scratched feverishly at the door, and to his surprise, it opened a tiny crack. He scratched again and the door opened enough for him to slid through. Inside, he kept to the shadows and hid under a table holding another machine. He scanned the room and heard a whine come from behind another door. He started to leave the shadows, when the two-legs emerged. He ducked back under the table and the two-legs passed him. They left the building and Duga waited until he was sure he was alone.

Duga crept slowly over to the door that separated him and the Great White One. He lightly barked a short greeting and heard a soft bark in reply. Then, he heard movement followed by panting.

"Are you all right, Great One?" Duga whispered against the door.

"I am fine, but a little weak," she responded.

"Forgive my tardiness, Great One," Duga pleaded.

"It is forgotten, Duga. Please call me, Jayla, for I no longer bear the title, Guardian of Skyland." Her voice was proud, but Duga sensed a hint of regret.

"I don't understand, Jayla. Why are you no longer the guardian?" Duga asked, respectfully.

"I gave up my title in order to fulfill another more important duty and I asked your last mate, Yana, to take over my duty as Sacred Guardian."

Duga was thrilled to hear of Yana's promotion, but he wondered why Jayla gave up her title for another life down below. He pondered on what duty would be more important than ruling Skyland, but he kept his questions to himself and switched to a more pressing matter.

"How do I get you out of there?"

"I have an idea, Duga."

Duga's ears perked. "Please share it with me, Jayla."

"There is a female human...," she started.

Duga interrupted, "Forgive me, but what is a human?"

Jayla's amusement was apparent in her voice. "A human is what you call a two-legs."

Duga was angered. "There is nothing humane about the two-legs," he retorted hotly.

"Forget your anger, for a moment, Duga," she scolded. "There are still some humans with respect for life, though many have lost their way." Duga was not convinced, but let her continue, "The human female I mentioned earlier, is one of these few. She once lived beyond the Smokelands and studied our kind. She understands our ways and a bit of our language." Jayla did not see Duga's eyes widen in disbelief and went on, "She works here at the zoo and comes to visit me every morning, alone. I told her of my plight and she understands that I must leave this place. When the sun rises, she will come and I will ask her to free me because only a human can open this door, it is locked."

Duga could not hold back his worry. "How do you know she will free you, especially if she sees me? She might decide to keep me here, as well."

"She is a Lost One, Duga. She will do as I ask."

Duga exhaled sharply at Jayla's explanation. A Lost One was a brother or sister of the clan who had not been properly guided to Skyland after death. Instead of hunting freely forever, they are cursed to wander in the realm of the living, not quite alive. This was the first time he had ever heard of a Lost One becoming a two-legs.

"I will wait for this human, then," sighed Duga.

Jayla barked her thanks. "Rest, Duga. You will be safe here."

Duga barked in agreement and trotted back to his hiding place. He laid down and waited for the arrival of the two-legs, which happened only a few hours later. As the door opened, Duga tensed and a two-legs walked in. He looked out from the shadows and saw the two-legs to be female. He wondered if this was the one Jayla spoke of?

Jayla's voice came from behind the door. "Come out of the shadows, Duga, and meet her."

Duga obeyed and came out from hiding. The two-legs turned from the door to Jayla's cage and he was startled by her silver eyes, along with her friendly face. She did not speak in their tongue, but nodded a greeting towards Duga. Duga barked shortly, in return.

The female then unlocked Jayla's cage door, opening it wide for Jayla to come through. The female knelt before Jayla and stared into her eyes. Jayla licked the female's jaw, while Duga stood back in awe.

"Come here, Duga," Jayla commanded. Duga walked uneasily towards Jayla and the female, who remained kneeling.

Jayla spoke to the female, "I must leave, Sister." The female nodded, but her silver eyes filled with remorse. Jayla turned to Duga and explained, "She does not want me to leave her, yet she wishes to see me free."

Duga could see the obvious torment in the female's silver eyes. The female moved to open the outside door and then, lied down before Jayla. She turned her head to Duga and he saw those silver eyes beg him for mercy.

"I don't understand," Duga spoke, baffled. "What does she want from me?"

"She wants you to end her life," stated Jayla, simply.

Duga was stunned. "I cannot!"

"She has no real purpose here, Duga. She must go to her place in Skyland. There is no happiness for her here."

Duga looked to those pleading silver eyes. "Why me?" he asked her, quietly.

Jayla reasoned, "She knows you are one of honor and mercy. She needs your help."

Duga sighed and came close to the female's head to lick her jaw. "You are truly a brave soul, Lost Sister," he spoke to her in the respectful tone reserved for den-kin and relief danced in her eyes. She smiled in thanks and closed those haunting, silver eyes.

Duga then placed his massive jaws around her throat. Quickly and deliberately, he squeezed them shut, asphyxiating the silver-eyed female. She did not fight him and within a few moments, he released his hold. The female lie there still, small rivulets of blood trickling onto the floor. Duga turned his head away in guilt.

Jayla muzzled him affectionately. "You did not kill her, Duga. You released her."

Duga sighed remorsefully, for he did not enjoy taking a life for no reason. "Who will guide her to Skyland?" he asked, worriedly.

"I have asked Yana and Mihka to guide her, for we must hurry and leave this place."

Suddenly, a weight lifted from his heart, as he thought of the honor the choice of guides would give this lost sister. He smiled.

Jayla understood Duga's relief, but reminded him of what lay ahead. "Do not look so smug yet, Duga. You and I have much to do, but first I ask you to take me as your mate."

Duga turned to her in surprise. He had not expected this, but did not wish to refuse her. He stared long at the beautiful and wise white wolf that faced him and knew that he loved her.

"I would have it no other way," Duga replied, rather pompously.

Jayla barked in amusement, clearly not offended by his chauvinism. "We will make a fine pair, Duga. Now, let's get out of here. The journey and the danger, I'm afraid, has just begun."