Run, Rasputin, Run!: Bk. 3

In the last chapters of the Rasputin trilogy, the mean old wolf seeks his final revenge upon Sasha the bear cub, for debts long overdue. Sasha still yet a cub, was stricken with an illness he still fights to recover from, and makes an easy target for Rasputin's jaws. But, while tracking down a cub and his group of caring friends, Rasputin's come upon something in the bushes, moving shivering with fear. In his lust to attack any of Sasha pals, he leaps and grasps hold of his prey, only this time it's something he never anticipated: this time it's a lone wolf pup. Rasputin's immediately torn by the plight of the pup, which was so similar to his own fate growing up. He fears the worst, but the pup is still alive, but in dire need of milk and food. Rasputin has to swallow his pride and anger and goes out in search of the same healer that is treating the bear cub. Once among Sasha's friends and finally coming so close to his enemy, Rasputin fights the urge to destroy his foe, thinking only of the new pup he cradles. He takes the healer's advice and even vows to never lay harm onto Sasha or his forest friends, in repayment for the healer's help in reviving the young pup. Seeking still a continued source of milk and food for the youngster, Rasputin revives an old relationship with a coyote who also currently has pups. But the residing pack of the forest decides to get rid of Rasputin once and for all, and track him down for a final fight, to ring out through the night. Rasputin protects the coyote and her family, as well as his own pup, as the battle rages on. He is vastly outnumbered, but then someone steps in, Rasputin never figured would defend him. The end of the story brings Rasputin something he's longed for all all of his life, and the life of Rasputin is forever changed. CAST of CHARACTERS Penelope the Duck - Sasha's new friend teaches him how to fish and keeps their secret throughout their long life together: that Sasha, the bear cub, didn't know how. Mr. Sirus - The crotchety old farmer who shoots at anyone who trespasses on his chicken farm. Mr. Hare - The squatter on Old Sirus' vegetable garden. Will his secret be found out (stealing all the food he needs to feed his family) or will he go unnoticed and have food aplenty for his family and himself? Caribou - The healer of the forest inhabitants. Can she save the little cub, Sasha, or will he die from causes unknown? The Goat Family - who has milk to nurse the wolf pup, Ivanhoe. Will the raccoon be spared from nursing the pup, or will she agree to the command of their healer to feed the whelp? The Raccoon Family - The mother is called upon to feed the little wolf. She defies the command bitterly, spitting in disgust. Guiniviere the Coyote - Rasputin's Folly. Always fighting Rasputin for her territory - a long past. Will they ever find a solution to their inner battles of attraction for each other? The Alpha - The leader of a pack that hates the one called Rasputin. Filled with jealousy and rage to destroy him once and for all, to regain his own power and status among the packs, will he succeed in killing his competition or will Rasputin hold the upper paw? Ivanhoe - Rasputin's latest downfall. Out to seek revenge on the little cub, Sasha, he hunts this night to kill anything that moves on his way to the cub's den. Dragging his catch out into the moonlit night from the brush, he howls in sadness, finding his prize is none other but a baby wolf pup. Will he leave it to die or will he find a way to save his life? (Ivanhoe, the little whelp, on his new journey with the much feared Rasputin.) Owls/Foxes/Squirrels & Birds - And all other friends of the forest are part of the family above: playing, mating, and helping one another