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When Rukj's thoughts stopped wandering through a hazy shadows ocean, the first thing he felt was the unpleasant iron taste in his tongue. Terribly stunned still, the wolf opened his eyes slowly and tried to find out where he was. As soon as the world stopped twisting around his eyes, he could focus his vision to find a dark grey stone ceiling above his head. <<I know this place>> he thought vaguely, still a bit dizzy. He remembered he had gone there before, taking with him some offenders, or prisoner of war... who had suffered terrible mutilations and tortures.

Feeling a growing concern, he tried to sit, but almost inmediately sickness made him back to his previous position, lying on the cold floor.

-Are you alright? -a muffled voice asked not far from there. Rukj immediately supposed that the voice was normal; the problem was that he felt his head as if it was underwater. All sounds seemed to come from far away...

Carefully, he tried to turn his head to the voice that he had just heard, and he found the worried face of Loki, who was only a few meters away... Some thick iron bars separated them.

So, after all, they were in the dungeon Rukj remembered...

-Don't move -the lynx recommended him, as soon as he saw the wolf was trying to sit again -. That blow could have killed you. For a moment... for a moment I believed that...

-...that I wouldn't awake? -Rukj completed, his voice deeper and more hoarse than usual. The wolf didn't like that, so he hawked and tried it again -. Did you think that?

Loki nodded, remorseful, closing his paws around the bars.

-I wouldn't have surprised -he recognized looking away, with the shyness that Rukj already knew -. I had lost hope.

-No wonder, I was lucky -the wolf replied, trying to calm him down a bit.

However, in his mind he was anything but calm. He knew perfectly what place they had been arrested in, and what would happen to them there. The tortures of Beasts' enemies in Frostmoon's Commissioner were the main topic of a lot of horror stories that grandmothers told her cubs by the fireplace. Rukj remembered having been without sleep all night because of one of those stories.

But they were not false at all: that place was a bastion dedicated to torture and interrogatory. If they were there, that meant that someone wanted them to have a worse end than death... something that Rukj doubted to merit but that, above all, that young lynx shouldn't suffer. Why had those bulls took them two prisoners, if the one they wanted to catch was the "deserter"?

-How long have I been unconscious? -the wolf asked, searching the reason why they were still alive.

-I don't know it exactly... I can't see the sun from here, but... I guess they had been two or three days, more or less -Loki answered, doubtful, still watching the wolf with a frown -. Are you sure you're alright?

Rukj smiled.

-It's funny you worry about me. We two are trapped -he paused, and tried to stand up again, ignoring Loki's concern. This time, he was able to sit, but his head seemed to be about to explode and he put a hand on his temple, a bit dizzy again -. Still I don't wonder you believed I wouldn't get out of this. Three days is a lot of time.

-Yes... -the lynx confirmed, weakly.

Rukj gave him a brief look and noticed that the young Beast was trembling. Compassion was kindled in his heart, as a lot of years ago; a violent bloody night that seemed to persecute him even fourteen years later.

But the only thing that mattered at that moment was that he had to save the boy.

-Don't worry. I will find a way out of here -he assured him -. You're going to be free.

A shadow of doubt crossed Loki's eyes, but the lynx didn't say anything. However, Rukj could perceive it and saw that the lynx was very aware of his situation. Enough to know they were far from being saved.

At that very moment, the dungeon door opened and light came into the room, flooding it briefly. Loki let out a gasp and covered his eyes with a paw. Rukj, on the contrary, stayed with his eyes opened, waiting to see who had entered to visit them.

The door closed behind the backs of a big imposing figure, more than even the big black wolf, and light soon disappeared. When Rukj guessed who it was, he calmed... a bit.

-Sek -he greeted the Commissary, almost cordially -. I was wondering when you would come.

The bull gave him a long look, analyzing him from head to toe. Apparently, he didn't consider him a major threat, because it didn't take even a few seconds to approach Rukj's cell and start to talk from there.

-Rukj -he said, returning the greeting. His voice was cold and devoid of any feeling -. I haven't seen you... for a long time.

-I think it has been since the night we attacked New Argenta, if I remember correctly -the wolf replied, smiling bitterly -. After that... you never talked to me again.

There was another tense exchange of glances between them, as Loki followed, watching from his cell, that awkward conversation. For some reason, he sensed that Rukj and Sek had got on well once... and that perhaps they even had been friends, before the "great treason" of the black wolf.

-You shouldn't have approached Frostmoon -the bull finally admitted, letting out a resigned sigh. His voice was deep as a dark cave -. Do you know how many guards know your description and are waiting to catch you? Long ago, you were told not to come back to this town. And you know I just follow orders: if I see you flying around here, I have to take you prisoner.

Rukj's expression became disappointed and a bit wild.

-You would have never done this to me, not in the battlefield, at least.

-But it happens that you decided to stop fighting long time ago, and you joined the enemy camp -the bull reminded him, a bit annoyed -. That is the reason why you're here today: if you had just followed your orders and had done your duty as a Beast, you would still be a great leader.

-Have you ever tried to make your own decisions? -the wolf inquired with a dangerous brightness in his eyes -. You should try it, instead of following orders like a damn greedy cat.

Loki winced and was about to protest by the comparison, but he finally didn't say anything. It was well known by all that most of the mercenaries who sold their services for money were lynxes. It was a fact, and Loki couldn't deny it, for more ashamed he felt.

-Look where you've come taking your own decisions, Rukj. Look it, and tell me you are proud of what you did. You were a hero! A young wolf with fire in his veins, ready to defend his race above all! A role model! -his voice sounded a bit nostalgic for a moment, as if he really missed the days when the wolf had fought in his side -. But today, you're nothing but a traitor... and as a traitor, no one will respect you in any place. You will never be a role model again.

-That is not true -Loki intervened at that moment, looking up. When Sek's eyes fixed in him, he felt small for a second, but he quickly took off that feeling and repeated, trying to sound secure -. That is not true. Rukj is still a role model for a lot of Beasts. Kara's Cubs Order...

-...Kara's Cubs Order died long ago -Sek interrupted him -. Assume it at once. Assume that your stupid revolution will never take place.

-The Order didn't die! -Loki cried out, feeling wounded in his pride -. And we never wanted a revolution! We just want peace, but you, those who dedicate yourselves to kill any thought different than yours... you are not able to understand it!

When he said that, he felt much better, but immediately thought maybe he had been too presuming telling all those truths... His eyes met with Rukj's, who was watching him with some new respect and admiration which made him feel calmer.

Sek's look, by contrast, made him wish not to be born.

-You're the one Ronod was talking about -the bull said, immutable -. The lynx sent by his Order to start an attack against the Beasts. I must recognize all this time I had thought you were harmless, but now I see your tongue is dangerous. Ronod should be told about that; your tongue will be the first thing you will lose then.

Loki swallowed, but he didn't have time to respond, because at that very moment Rukj let out an anger roar and lunged against the cell's bars, catching Sek by surprise. He had just enough time to move away quickly and the wolf's claws slammed into the bars, while the bull gave him a look of infinite contempt.

-Damn it, Sek!! He's just a cub!! -he shouted, almost desperately. After a moment, he seemed to calm -. You can't do this to him! Not even you have the courage to do something like that, and I know you will end stopping Ronod.

Sek gave him a long look again, which could be of sorrow, disgust or hate, before approaching the room's door. However, he didn't go out without saying one thing that knocked down all Rukj's hopes, who had been expecting his old friend to help them.

-The Human was a cub too, wasn't him? Well; he is the reason of all your misfortunes, and when Ronod comes here, he will be the reason of your death too. Think about it.

And said that, the bull closed the door behind him and condemned them to the lonely darkness of the prison.

In the shadows, hours seemed to elapse as slow as falling leaves.

Often, Loki had the sensation they had been trapped in that prison for months, while he tried to convince himself that everything would be okay, in vain. Time seemed to multiply: minutes were hours, and hours transformed into whole days; Loki didn't know how much time he was going to handle that situation.

But he survived.

Even knowing there was not possibility of escape, he concentrated all his trust in Rukj, knowing that the wolf was his only hope.

During those days, all the entertainment that he could get was his conversation, although the big Beast wasn't exactly very talkative. However, encouraged by his growing fascination for him, Loki listened each word carefully, almost devoutly.

-Did you know Sek yet? -he asked once, when he had gathered enough courage.

The wolf shook his head, as if he tried to drive away the memories of his mind.

-Yes. It was... long ago. We were brothers in arms in the army that fought for the liberation of Beasts' Lands. I was captain, and he was in my group. Arguably, we trusted each other.

Loki nodded, sorrowful, but he didn't say anything. He knew that Rukj has to be suffering; not every day a friend condemns you to death.

-And... Ronod? -he questioned again, trying to divert Rukj's attention from that subject.

-Yes... but only by sight. He is Frostmoon's torturer. A demented, sadistic maniac -he paused, and then gave Loki a deep look of his amber eyes -. I swear if he dares to put a claw on you, he will lose his paw.

Loki blushed and felt how his affection for Rukj grew. Although he appreciated the desire to protect him that the black wolf seemed to have, he knew that he wouldn't be able to do anything to save him from his terrible fate. After all, they both were trapped in that dungeon, and the only way out was death... or something much worse.

-You're brave -Rukj recognized, another time, when they had been a long while in silence -. Not many Beasts would have dared to tell Sek what you told him the other day.

-Thank you -Loki responded, red with shame.

-That's the reason why your masters chose you for your mission, whatever it is -Rukj told him, trying to encourage him -. Maybe... maybe you don't trust much in yourself, but you trust in your mission and that is important.

Loki didn't know what to reply.

The words of the wolf were true. The doubts that had crossed his mind during those days were those on his capacity to accomplish the mission, but he had never questioned if it could be accomplished or not. Loki knew it could.

All he needed was enough courage, strength and perseverance. And, unfortunately, that was something he hadn't.

-I suppose... you want to know what my mission is -Loki said, giving him a brief look. He didn't wait for an answer -. In fact, it's something... It's a bit delirious and, at first glance, it doesn't have much sense, but...

-... it's what they told you to do, and you think that it might work -Rukj summed up, guessing his thoughts.

-Yes -Loki took a deep breath and then asked -. Have you ever heard about the Chain?

The wolf was silent for a few seconds and finally he shook his head, a bit frustrated.

-No wonder. It's part of the doctrine of Kara's Cubs -he paused -. According to the Order, all living beings all over the world, Beasts and Humans, are connected in a Web which unites us all. We're all brothers and sisters, children of the same world, because we are earth's creatures, and our goal is to coexist pacifically.

-Children of the same world? -Rukj repeated, a bit skeptical -. I'm not sure. You just have to compare a Beast with a Human to realize we have nothing in common.

-No, we are not equal -Loki pointed out, returning to his explanation -. But, even being different, we should live as if those differences didn't exist at all, to keep being connected by the Web. Because, if the Web breaks...

-... would happen what has happened -Rukj guessed -. Beasts and Humans fighting in a deadly war for the survival of their races.

-That's it -Loki confirmed, smiling a bit. He was still impressed by the fact the wolf was always one step ahead of him -. Well... in this moment, the Web is broken. Beasts and Humans are separate by a wide barrier of hate, and the only way to fix it is the Chain. Have you ever heard about Vindicator Aron?

That name resounded in Rukj's head like a thunder. Of course he had heard about him. Who had never heard about the only person who had managed to restore peace between Humans and Beasts, even if only for a few decades?

-I see -Loki guessed, noticing his expression of interest -. According to the Order's ancient scriptures, an Aron's descendant raised by a Beast, and a Beast marked by the fire and raised by a Human are the only links which hold the Web together. The two links of the Chain. They will fix the Web... and the world will be as before.

Loki finished telling his story and gave a look to Rukj's astonished face. Then, the wolf leaned against the wall as if suddenly he felt very weak. The lynx thought it was due to, for all this time, he had been involved in that story without even knowing it. Because, after all, it was certain that the Human who the wolf had raised like if he was his own son was one of the Chain's links. And Loki believed he knew who the other link was... if the fire hadn't swallowed him.

He was silent for a moment, until he confessed, quietly:

-My mission is to bring together the two links, and show them the way to the truth of our origins... a truth they must show the two races, to end this stupid war. I have to make sure they fulfill their own missions... to fulfill mine.

Rukj gave him a brief look, noticing for the first time how related that lynx was with his own story, and with Raon's. But still he knew something that the young lynx didn't know. Something that could change the way Loki saw his mission...

-Raon is one of the links -he murmured, hoarsely. Loki didn't know the name Rukj had given the Human he had raised, but he nodded assuming he referred him -. And the other... the other has to be one of the members of that family... the family which is supposed to be ashes right now, right?

Loki nodded again, in silence, without understanding where the wolf wanted to get.

-Well, I have good news for you, boy -Rukj announced then, causing the lynx gave him a look of surprise -. Maybe the first part of your mission is complete... because, if I am right, the two links of the Chain have already met.

Meanwhile, far away from the prison, Raon crouched stealthily behind a small pile of snow, willing to hunt down a new prey: an innocent grey lizard that had probably came out of his refuge attracted by the sun's rays. This time, the Human had gone hunting a little further than normal; a little less than an hour from the hut he now shared with Jarek there was a small rocky ridge where some edible plants and other creatures could be found. Those creatures could only live there, because they wouldn't have survived but in the rocks of that place. That hindered Raon's hunt, since he usually had the advantage of being camouflaged by his white fur layer. Furthermore, he didn't quite get used to the solid rock support under his feet, he had always walked over the snow, as the habitat of the creatures he was hunting now was the stone, his were the white plains where he had grown.

Suddenly, the lizard moved his head and gave a look of warning to the place Raon was hiding; when he found the Human, he rapidly started to escape. <<No, no, no!>> the boy thought, while he rushed out of his hiding and started to run after the lizard. He knew, from previous times he had been hunting there, that those creatures were able to slip on the rock and disappear through the cracks, returning to their world of cold and darkness.

The spear flew through the air, but failed and went for a rock. Raon cursed, and he cursed again when he saw the sinuous tail of the lizard disappearing between the stones of the mountain. In silence, he picked his spear carefully and tried to guess if it was broken.

What had gone wrong? Normally, no prey used to notice him. Raon took the hunt seriously; after all, that was what Rukj had taught him since he was a boy, and finally he hadn't become nothing more than that, a hunter. He couldn't understand how that silly primitive creature had seen him before he could end his hunting. In his specialty, Raon was stealthy as a lynx and lethal as a wolf, as Rukj wanted him to be.

But not all wolves were lethal, Raon remembered with a smile. At that moment, his thoughts flew towards Jarek, who in that moment should be already awake in the hut.

During the last days, he had begun to appreciate the company of the young wolf. He was much more talkative than Rukj, had a warm and friendly nature, and he always willed to do whatever he could do to help Raon, as if he wanted to show how grateful he was for the Human had saved him from the Trackers. Often, his jokes baffled Raon, who wasn't used to any type of humor with Rukj. Neither so much chatter: they talked during the lunch, the dinners, and even when they were supposed to be sleeping; they talked so much that sometimes Raon wondered if it was usual that such different creatures had so many thoughts to share.

-It's curious... -Jarek commented one night, while they were lying in his beds, in the dark -. It has been less than a week since the day I tried to kill you, do you remember? Now, I look back... and well, it seems to me as if it had happened years ago.

-I told you not to worry about it -Raon snorted, with a slight smile -. When will you forget it?

-One does not forget those things -the wolf continued talking, a bit lower -. For a second, I had your life in my claws... and if I had done what I wanted to do at that moment, now I wouldn't be talking with you.

Raon couldn't help but let out a laugh, despite trying to hold back because of the unusual seriousness in his host's voice.

-What are you laughing at? -Jarek asked, a bit annoyed.

-What you have just said... -Raon replied -. Do you really think you would have had a chance to kill me? Just have to hear how you move through the snow: you seem to be breaking nuts on your way. And I bet Rukj uses his claws in a day more than what you have used yours in all your life.

-Hey! That hurts! -Jarek protested, smiling in turn -. But you're right: I'm not the most appropriate wolf to talk about killing.

-Of course not. You took me by surprise, but I don't think you really had a chance to kill me.

-Do you want to try it again?

Raon smiled, but didn't respond to the provocation. He knew Jarek liked to joke that way now and then, and he normally didn't know how to take those things. Unfortunately, that was something that Rukj hadn't taught him.

-Do you remember when I told you that I was glad I found you because you were a deserter? -Jarek asked softly, before a short silence -. Well... I retract.

-Whaaat? -Raon asked, surprised, while he sit up fearing to have said something that could have bothered the wolf -. Why?

The answer didn't come immediately, and the Human held his breath.

-I'm glad I found you, not because you are a deserter, or you are a Human, but... because I like to be here with you.

That was the first time Raon didn't know what to reply. Again, Rukj hadn't taught him to say nice words, or respond to such a friendship declaration; no, his adoptive father only had taught him to hunt, kill... and survive. Maybe Jarek didn't know anything about hunting, but the wolf knew about feelings, and in that Raon was disadvantaged.

The Human shook his head and tried to get rid of those thoughts, returned to the reality, and continued to consider his spear's tip, which fortunately wasn't broken. After checking this, he descended the rocks and decided to get back to the hut: by then, Jarek should be wondering where he was, and soon the wolf would start to eat without him.

Again, and as so often, Raon thought in Rukj. Where was he, and why hadn't him returned yet? Raon hoped the wolf had discovered something important which had made him stay in town, not that he was held against his will. They have never talked about it, but Raon sensed that Rukj wasn't welcome in that town, Frostmoon, even if he was born there. Finally, he decided that it would be better not to think about it: Rukj was strong and knew how to defend himself, he'd be fine. And the fact that Raon thought about it wasn't going to solve anything.

Then, something in the sky caught his eye.

He had to focus his eyes to see what it was, but after a few seconds he had found it out: a column of grey dense smoke rose towards the clouds not far from there. And it seemed to arise precisely from the place where their hut was situated, Raon understood with a shiver.

<<Jarek>> he thought, alarmed.

Immediately, he started to run leaving those small mountains behind him, with a heavy heart. He was hoping that, when he finally arrived there, he would notice there was nothing to worry about. He would arrive, and then he would see that the only problem was that Jarek had put too much fuel to the fire, that he had decided to have the lunch without him. Perhaps the smoke wasn't even coming from the hut, but somewhere beyond the Borderline.

But unfortunately, Raon knew that at that distance and in that direction, the only thing that could be making that smoke was the little hut where he had lived for all his life.

He ran as he had never run before, afraid by the possibility something had gone wrong, and Raon was having problems at that moment. He ran, ignoring the fatigue, until he reached around the hut and he could see what was really happening there. Then he stood like a statue, and, after that, he hid behind a snow dune.

He held his breath while he watched the scene that was taking place in the hut. Jarek wasn't anywhere; the only people he could see were... a group of Humans who seemed to rejoice by the fire they had caused in the small building. Specifically, there was one who Raon remembered clearly...

<<Han>> he thought, as he fixed his eyes in the man's white hair.

What was he doing there? Had he come to take revenge for what happened? Or just to burn the hut, as he had no way of knowing who lived in there? And the most worrying of all, where was Jarek?

Raon observed, trying to repress all those questions, a woman who approached Han with a sly smile on his lips. She seemed to exert some power within the group, and maybe that's why Raon gave her more attention that to the rest. After having come near to Han, the woman, who wore his long red hair in a ponytail, gave him a long and intense kiss. Raon sensed that, if she really had power within the group, it was due to the people she played with... but even knowing this, there was something in that smile that made him feel nervous...

Suddenly, someone grabbed him from behind and pulled him hard.

After a few panic seconds, Raon was able to react appropriately: he freed from the embrace of his enemy and, removing the dagger from his belt with amazing speed, he pounced on the one who had surprised him from behind. When he fell on the body of his enemy, bigger than his, he found two deep emerald eyes that gave him back a slightly scared look.

And again, the same sensation he always felt when he touched Jarek.

-I'd rather you don't kill me -the copper furred wolf asked him, recovering his composure, still under Raon's dagger.

-And I'd rather you don't grab me from behind as if you were going to kill me -the Human replied, letting out a start -Do you know how close I've been to kill you?

-I told you we could try it again -Jarek joked, giving him a warm smile -. Now I see you were right: I couldn't kill you even if I wanted to.

-Be quiet -Raon asked him, putting a hand in his muzzle and trying to hear if someone had found them yet. He just heard the voices of Hand and his "friend" over the fire sounds, so he decided there was still nothing to worry about -. When did they arrived? And how did you...?

-I heard them and I tried to escape, as the last time. It seems I've been luckier today. Hey, I know you're very comfortable on me, but would you mind to let me breathe, please? It's not easy to talk to you if you're on my chest.

-Sorry -Raon apologized, standing up carefully and keeping his dagger again.

Immediately, that wonderful odd sensation that he felt any time he touched the young wolf disappeared as if it did never exist, and Raon let out an almost inaudible sigh. Jarek stood up, carelessly, and began to shake the snow off; Raon, alarmed, asked him to bend down to avoid attracting much attention.

-I'm surprised they still haven't seen you -the Human mumbled, a bit nervous -. We should go. Now. I don't know if Han and all this people knew that was our hut, or if they're looking for us; but I'm sure if they find us here, they will kill us. Or something worse. Maybe what they wanted to do to you.

A shadow of terror appeared in Jarek's pupils, who suddenly became serious and nodded, in silence. Raon tilted his head and watched him curiously; apparently, Jarek knew when he could joke and when he couldn't.

-And where will we go? -the wolf asked, with a hint of doubt.

-I don't know. We could try in the city.

-A Human and a Beast? Together? They will always kill one of us at least, Raon -Jarek assured him, and his voice was tinged with bitterness.

The Human looked over his shoulder one more time, to see the woman who had kissed Han dancing around the fire, as if she enjoyed the show. Another chill ran down his spine.

-It doesn't matter -Raon replied, finally -. We have to get out of here. And, if no one wants us in his town... we'll have to wander aimlessly.

Jarek didn't say anything, but for a moment, he could see in his green eyes the shadow of a memory which filled him with a great heavy sadness, something that the wolf would never be able to share with the Human.

Raon didn't ask about it.

He was starting to understand that some questions were too much painful to answer.