«I had everything…everything…till the moment, when I lost it all forever…»- Shikota.
They passed familiar mountains, which were floating on the side and jumped to the surface of the frozen lake. They didn’t have any possibility to stop. Breathless, but not slowing down. Only their mouths kept opening widely to let more oxygen into their lungs. Even if they couldn't breathe at all, they had no choice. Every minute counted, and the loss of precious time threatened unpleasant consequences. The air hit the dogs in the throat with an icy wave that permeated the entire body down to the bones. But sled dogs were familiar with the cold; it was their eternal companion, following on the heels. It was easy to run, the surface was sprinkled with snow, and the frost bound the solid white cover under the paws, as if helping to rush forward. Shikota knew that there were at least another five or six kilometers to go. It was quite difficult to make any calculations in this crazy race, but due to experience the dog easily coped. He knew they could be on the road for another two hours or so, until the temperature dropped below normal. The maximum delay in these conditions could not be more than a quarter of an hour. However, if they don't get to the nearest city in time, they'll have to spend the night right in the middle of the icy desert, and this is very dangerous.
The sun was shining a bit weaker, catching them up, they had to run, run further, however paws already refused obey. Muscles were working at the limit, everything in bodies was screaming, demanding to stop, stand still, or even collapse on the ice surface. Ethan tried to turn and look up at the sun, but he stumbled and fell forward, barely managed to put out his paws in front of his face. He snorted and cleared the snow from his nose, gasping for air. Hardly rose, rushed on his way again. Swaying from side to side, the dog straightened and began to catch up with his mentor. Ethan already had lost the sense of time. How did senior even navigate this snowy wilderness? - Rookie, I see you're a little tired? - looking back and grinning, said Shikota. He had evidently noticed his companion's stumbling feet, - A little bit more and you'll be able to fall on something warm, -it was hard for Ethan to say anything back, all he could do was gasp and grin, trying not to stop running. - Keep breathing and you'll be a fire God, -striped said, straightening his head and not taking his eyes off his young friend. Shikota quickened his pace with a last, slight smile. -What does that nonsense mean?! - Ethan shouted, forcing himself to keep up.