tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48122353642718189822024-03-12T19:03:02.791-07:00Tails of SanctuaryCome join the dogs of Sanctuary as they explore the place beyond the shed.Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-91646836628392713572019-09-22T17:00:00.000-07:002019-09-22T17:00:00.138-07:00Chapter Fifteen: Out of the Darkness<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-f60ea7c2-7fff-ebfa-6b3c-52212abd7219" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hannah and Nari came back a while later. “It’s time to go,” Hannah whispered as Nari went to wake Bailey. Atrix was already awake at this point, lazily lying on top of Dagney. As soon as he saw me rise up and begin to stretch he jumped onto Dagney’s head and we all heard a loud CRACK. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Everyone froze and looked towards the mastiff only to see her yawn and in a rather tired voice and say, “Is it time to go already? I feel like I just fell asleep.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hannah raised an eyebrow and turned towards me, “That dog can sure take a beating.” Hannah begin to rub her head with a paw as she gazed at Dagney. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I laughed, “Yea, it’s fortunate for her she can too. Her first instinct is always to run straight into a problem. She’s never really stopped to consider anything else.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hannah grinned, “We have a few dogs who believe the same thing. I’ll see if any of them are available to join us today. Dagney might be able to learn something from them.” She said with a wink.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I gave a warm smile, “I’m sure we would all appreciate that.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">By this time we were all standing ready. Bailey was chatting with Nari while Dagney and Atrix were excitedly and loudly talking about how ‘awesome’ it would be to face off against the Lion. I looked towards Hannah, ‘It looks like we’re all ready.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">She nodded, “Five minutes and we’ll go, meet me in the main hall.” She looked towards Nari who flicked her ears as a sign of understanding as Hannah left the room. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I walked over to Dagney and Atrix, “What exactly are you two daydreaming about today?” Atrix looked shyly at Dagney who seemed very excited, “We’re talking about how </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">we </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">are going to take down the Lion!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Oh? Is that so?” I asked the mastiff while casually licking my paw, “What do you propose?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney sat straight up with a thoughtful look on her face, “Well the Lion is big right? Like really big? Like, wow how can anyone miss something that big kind of big?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Yes?” I said not knowing where Dagney was trying to go with this rambling train of thought.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Well we just get him to run really fast towards a cliff and then at the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">last </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">second we move out of the way and he falls down the cliff!” Dagney beamed with pride. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I couldn’t help but let a laugh escaped from my mouth, “You are very bright Dagney, but I’m not sure this would work.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagny's excited look was instantly wiped away, “But why?” She said with a face of despair </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I took a deep breath, “Well what if he doesn’t follow you but sends someone else too? Or what if he knows the cliff is there so he stops before you do? Or what if he sees you move at the last second but he’s able to move too? There’s just too much unknown to risk it.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dagney looked down at her paws, “So the Lion can’t be defeated?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“He can.” Nari said with a voice colder than the ice, “But, quite frankly, it’s not worth it.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney cocked her head, “Not worth it?” She whispered as if she was rolling the words over in her mouth to better understand them, “What do you mean?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nari frowned, “If someone takes his place he would lose his power.” She looked towards me, “They would also be the ruler of the Desert.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My eyes grew wide, “Is that his plan? To tame it?” Nari shrugged her shoulders, “Harriet has trouble seeing into the darkness I guess. It is said that power is a seductive offer even to the most noble of dogs.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dagney looked at me and then at Nari, “How would he even do that?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Nari shook her head, “I don’t know.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney collapsed, “Then what’s the point of all of this?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I began to walk out of the door, “Because we know of someone who does.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nari shot me a look, “I’ve heard others talk about her, the queen of the desert? I think that’s what they refer to her as. They say she’s been there a long time Storm. They say her mind, it’s not the same. They say she’s changed.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I stopped in the doorway and turned to face Nari, “It’s not like she’s my first choice,” I stopped and looked at the other dogs who were getting ready to follow me and said in a whisper, “It’s our best shot at stopping this before it gets too far.” Without waiting for a response, I turned around and began walking. Moments later I heard footsteps behind me. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #999999;"><br style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we arrived in the main hall Hannah and one other large black lab were waiting by the front door. Harriet was sitting by the sapling which was now standing straight up. She walked over to us, “I see Nari has told you what we know of Kelcy.” Harriet slowly turned her head towards Nari, and though she could not see her it looked as if she was glaring at her for revealing precious information to us, their </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">friends</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, “I wish you luck Storm of the Oak. I wish all of you luck. May the Great Trees bend towards you and may their light guide you.” I bowed my head towards Harriet, knowing she would never know if I did or not, “Thank you Harriet of New Elm.” Harriet nodded her head towards me and turned to walk away. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The big black lab introduced himself as Terry and Dagney immediately gravitated towards him. It wasn’t often she met another dog as big as herself. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“So Dagney,” Terry says with his chest more puffed out than needed, or wanted, “Hannah tells me you’re a real bull, is that right?” Dagney shook her head, “No I’m a mastiff, I’m pretty sure bulls have horns.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Terry paused for a moment and then begin to laugh so loudly we could hear it echoing in the halls even after we crossed the bridge. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“No!” Terry bellowed, “I mean to say you’re the kind of dog who likes to take their problems head on, yea?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney lifted her head up thoughtfully before saying, “Yeah, I like the way that sounds, a bull.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Terry shot a worried look at Hannah, “Yeah, uhm. Yea.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">While Terry was stammering, trying to figure out where to go with the conversation I walked over to Hannah, “I thought you said he could help?” with a playful nudge towards her. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">She shot me an annoyed look as she pulled her lips tight, “I said I thought he could help.” She whispered to me before pushing the large ice door open, “Let’s go” She barked at the group.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Terry nearly jumped out of his coat seemingly startled by Hannah’s shrill tone. Dagney laughed at his embarrassment. Bailey was asking Nari more questions on what it’s like to know what home is. I walked at the back of the group staring into the water to see several large fish slowly keeping pace with us. I scanned as far out as I could see, trying to see if the strange mist would return. I saw nothing but I did hear things. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wind rolling in from the coast and lashing against us as we traveled along the bridge. The fish’s hushed tones bubbling up from the water as if they were keeping pace with us just to provide a distraction for whatever nefarious plan fate had in store for us next. I heard a howl come from the ice behind us and many others joined in, including Hannah, Nair, and Terry. It made me smile for their howl turned into a song I had not heard in a long time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A conversation caught my ear as well. One between Terry and Dagney.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Terry quickly ran to bump Dagney towards the center of the bridge as a fish leaped out of the water to grab her. Terry dug his front paws into the rock and swung his hind legs up into the air to knock the fish away from the bridge. Dagney clumsily tried to keep her balance but ended up falling to the ground. By the time she was able to get back up and look towards Terry she saw a fish rocketing away from the bridge like a shooting star flying across the sky. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Wow” Dagney said. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Terry turned around and blushed, “Oh that? That’s not anything” He murmured. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney pranced over to him, “I’ve never seen anyone be able to do something like that! And that fish is so big too! You must be very strong!” Dagney walked up to him and nuzzled her head against his, whispering something I couldn’t hear.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Even through Terry’s black coat we could see his skin turn bright pink. We tried to stifle a laugh. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Terry, seemingly noticing the rest of the group for the first time since he kicked the fish, Cleared his throat and took a step forward on the bridge, “You have to be careful on the bridge. The fish are always looking for a stray dog to wander too close to the side.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney vigorously shook her head, “Right of course.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I saw Hannah turn around and winked at me, the kind of wink whose only purpose is to convey a simple four word message, “I told you so” I smiled back at her and nodded. She was right, it looks like Terry would be able to teach Dagney something after all. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From that moment on Dagney was glued to Terry’s side and Terry soaked up every bit of the attention like a plant yearning for sunlight so was Terry yearning for Dagney’s attention. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We made it close to the edge of the bridge and Hannah called for us to rest and watch. She was hoping she would be able to avoid the creatures of the darkness and the wolves of the mist if we waited. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Terry took first watch and though Dagney was eager to keep watch with him we made her rest, or at least attempt too. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“So you’ve made a new friend?” Bailey asked Dagney as we laid in a circle together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Atrix smiled, “Oh I think their more than friends Bailey!” As he put his lips together and made a sucking noise. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney, who appeared to not notice anything they said, turned her head enough so I could hear her, but not so much as to lose sight of Terry, “Storm?” She asked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I propped my head up on my paws, “Yes Dagney?” I answered. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“How do you know when you’re in love?” She asked without taking her eyes off of Terry.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">We stared at her eyes wide and mouths agape for a few moments before Dagney finally peeled her eyes away from Terry to look at me, “How do you know when you’re in love?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I began to stammer, “Well, I mean, it can be like. Hmm.” Dagney tilted her head and I took a deep breath, “Let me start over.” I smiled at her and took another deep breath. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You just know” Nari said staring back at the ice. All of us turned our heads to see Nari laying by a sleeping Hannah, “I don’t know if it’s that way for every dog, but for me. It was a swelling in my chest and a longing to be beside them at all times.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hannah’s ear twitched and she yawned, “Love is more than that Nari.” She said while sitting up and stretching, “If it were just a feeling it wouldn’t be such a mystery.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dagney turned around to face them completely taking her attention away from Terry, “Well how do you know when you’re in love then?” Dagney asked Hannah. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hannah shrugged her shoulders, “How do you know when you’re in the water?” she countered. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney laughed, “because you’re wet!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hannah nodded, “So maybe you know you’re in love because you feel loved?” She said thoughtfully. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney turned towards me with a plea of help sprawled across her face. I shrugged my shoulders, “Honestly I haven’t thought much about it Dags. I don’t see why either of them have to be wrong.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney shrugged her shoulders and a deep voice came from behind the group, “Maybe it’s such a mystery because it’s different for each dog? Maybe it’s something you can’t go to someone else for help with because the only one who can help you figure it out is yourself?” Terry said while walking towards us, “Who’s next for watch?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hannah let out a single laugh that echoed over the water and brushed by Terry as she went to go on watch. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney nearly fainted probably fearing that Terry had overheard the entire thing. Her face grew bright red, then nearly white, then she fell over and put a paw over her head and pretended to be asleep. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Terry chuckled as he walked towards Nari and after a while Dagney gained the courage to remove the paw from her face and see where Terry was. She carefully and as quietly as she could crawled until she was next to him. I saw him smile and lay down with her. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Will you ever get to do that Storm?” Atrix asked from next to me where he was laying.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“What do you mean?” I asked him. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Will you ever get to love someone?” He asked me with a little quiver in his voice he clearly tried to hide but was unable too. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I smiled, pulled him close to me and whispered, “You know some dogs might think taking in a stray fox pup might be considered love.” I nuzzled my snout against his and he did the same. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“I love you Storm.” He whispered as he dozed off. His paws twitching ever so softly as he dreamt. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You would have been a good mom.” Bailey said softly looking down at Atrix and then back up at me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“I’d like to think I am one.” I said sharply to her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailey quickly looked down to her paws, “Awh, I’m sorry Storm I didn’t mean that it’s just when you find his family and all.” Her voice trailed off and she looked back up at me, “You are still planning on helping him find his family right?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Where do you think his family is Bailey? Do you think if I knew where they were I would have taken him with us?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailey shook her head, “What will happen to him then?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I placed a paw around him and stared at her, “He is mine and I will raise him as such.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailey looked down at him to make sure he was still sleeping, “Do you think they’ll accept him?” Her voice shook and broke. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I glared at her and she shrunk into the rocks, “They have no reason not too.” I said sternly </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The rest of the watch went without notice and finally Hannah deemed it safe to travel. We went quietly through the Darkness until we saw it. A giant cloud of mist making barreling towards us like a tsunami crashing towards the coast. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">It all happened so fast. I threw Atrix up on my shoulders and Bailey climbed up on me too. Holding Atrix by the scruff in her mouth to make sure he didn’t fall off. Nari and Hannah were beside us with Dagney and Terry at the back of the group. I could see the purple light of the Land of the Oak close ahead but the mist was traveling faster than we were. I heard barking from behind me but didn’t stop. Not until I had crossed the threshold back into the Land of the Oak. I was breathing heavily and collapsed from exhaustion. As I faded from consciousness I heard Bailey shriek.</span></span></div>
<br style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-58181195031759220022019-09-15T16:32:00.000-07:002019-09-15T16:32:07.462-07:00Chapter Fourteen, The First<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-15d6c9c3-7fff-d8a6-109b-5f7de0889051" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <span style="color: #999999;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney shot me a questioning look as Atrix ran up my back and whispered in my ear, “I thought Sentinels couldn’t come this far?” I shrugged my shoulders and we heard the same voice call out, “We’re here!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We filed into a large chamber illuminated by a small sapling in the center of the chamber, an intense but pale blue light emanated from it filling the entire chamber. Stairs were carved into the sides of the chamber leading up the ice and into different rooms and halls. As we came in I saw all sorts of dogs come from these rooms. They stood at the edge of the light so we couldn’t make out how many or who they were, “Wow” Bailey said as her voice echoed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Harriet carefully stepped towards the sapling and as she grew closer I noticed there the sapling was not planted in dir but it’s roots went into the ice I cocked my head before Harriet began to speak, “We are the dogs of the First Sentinel. Those taken from the Elm before it’s destruction by the hand of the Darkness. The First brought us here with a seed and in his final days created this place for us to and planted the seed. Giving his life so the Elm may live once again.” Howls erupted from the surrounding dogs and the chamber boomed and shook as if it was going to shatter. The small sapling reached towards Harriet and waved though I could not tell if this was due to the shaking of the ice or because the sapling was one of the Great Trees. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet turned her sightless gaze towards me and continued monologuing, “There was a time when the dogs of the Oak and the dogs of the Elm considered each other friends, though you are not sent from the Oak are you Storm?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I felt every eye turn towards me and I felt my hackles begin to raise as I felt the light fading from the room. The black dog who guided me to the ice and shielded me from the creature stepped forward, interjecting herself in between Harriet and myself. She bowed her head as Harriet pulled her top lip back showing teeth as white as snow but before Harriet could speak the black dog whispered, “Should we not show these outsiders the warmth and generosity of the First and of the Elm? They are assuredly tired after traveling through the Darkness, are you not?” She turned to face us and we all nodded emphatically. With a huff Harriet dropped her upper lip and flicked her tail. The black dog bowed before her and the Elm then turned to us and said, “Please, follow me.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">We followed her up the spiraling staircase. I noticed art etched into the side of the Ice, much like the art that is etched into the wood of the Oak. Telling dog’s stories their tales and the accomplishments of this group. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The story up the first several flights seemed to be the story of the first dogs. How the first came and took the dogs of the Elm, leaving behind a tree quickly fading. The First led them through the darkness with a flame she held in her hand. She drove back the darkness and the wolves who could cloud themselves in the mist. She allowed neither to harm any of the dogs she had sworn to protect. It portrayed the first summoning the rocks from the ocean to make the bridge we walked across and using fire to carve the ice we were currently in. Finally it portrayed the First’s final sacrifice, as they laid the seed on the ice the Sentinel put a ward over all she had created and then collapsed. Upon hitting the ice a spark flew from her and danced around the seed before entering into it. Then the seed began to grow and the spark within it grew as well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“So she’s not here?” Bailey asked as we got to the last panel of the story. The black dog who was guiding us looked back for a moment before turning into an empty chamber, “This way, please.” Bailey stayed a moment to stare at the sapling in the center of the chamber it’s light softly waning then brightening as if it was being softly pushed by a breeze. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">We entered the chamber which was dark except for the light being cast by the sapling below, “You can rest here.” The black dog said, “I’m sure Harriet will want to speak to you soon.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Thank you.” Bailey whispered, “I’m Bailey.” she said with a hopeful smile. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The black dog smiled back, “I’m Nari of New Elm, It’s a pleasure to meet you Bailey of the Land of the Oak.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“New Elm?” Dagney asked, “Why do you call it that?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Nari laughed, “Well we can’t call it the Old Elm now can we?” Nari showed us where the drinking water was in the chamber as well as the hole we were to use if we needed to relieve ourselves and then left. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney and Atrix immediately went to the water to drink, complaining it was too cold for them but they drank anyway. After which they fell to sleep, a deep sleep where both were snoring so loud it echoed into the main chamber. Bailey sat at the edge of the darkness staring at the many panels depicting all of the other dog’s stories. “Do you think Bonnie has one like that at the Oak?” I gazed around the intricately carved ice depicting courage, bravery, love, loyalty and all the traits we were made to display.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“I think she does” I said while turning my gaze to the small corgi pup. She had lost weight, even in this land where we are supposed to be sustained by the strength of the Oak. “Why did you run off Bailey?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She turned her eyes towards the light of the sapling, “I saw it. Not the darkness but I saw </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">it</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I didn’t think I didn’t </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">try </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to run. I just did. One minute I’m listening for it to come again and the next moment my eyes are open and there it is before me. A giant gaping mouth, six legs, little tufts of hair sparsely covering it. I didn’t see any eyes, although I was desperately trying not to see it at all. I saw it anyway and I ran and it followed. But it was like it was playing with me. It was so massive it could easily have overtaken me but it didn’t, why didn’t it?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“It feeds off fear young one.” Harriet turned a corner with Hannah at her side, “I think it’s time we talk now.” Harriet nodded her head to me, “The others will be taken care of, do not worry Storm.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I glanced towards Bailey who shrugged her shoulders and began to walk with Harriet up more sets of stairs. “There is a war coming Storm. A war you cannot win. A war </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">he </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cannot win. What Hojan dares to do will tear the Land of the Oak apart. Your tree will die, sand will run over the grass your rivers will turn to dust, and no one from the tree will be able to stop the Lion. Hojan thinks the Lion is weak but he is not week. He has been waiting for the opportunity to break free of his prison and take back what he believes to be his. He has allies in the Land of the Oak, the hogs and the cats. I’ve even seen the birds sing songs of his return. They feel it in the air. The Oak is preparing to march against Hojan and stop him before he can release the Lion, but they will be too late.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was breathing heavily as we came to an opening in the top of the Ice, “How do you know all of this? What do you mean you’ve seen it?” She motioned towards the ledge and I saw, from a distance, the Oak. Standing tall and washing the land in its light. I stammered, “Still you are </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">blind</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet laughed, “Power comes at a price. I was not always blind. In fact, Hannah and I aren’t even from the Elm. No we were at Sanctuary when it fell. Before you and Rad arrived, obviously, but we were there. I remember seeing the Shadow step through the shed. I remember the council and the dogs and the Sentinels all trying to stop him. I remember his hand grasping my throat as he crushed Hannah beneath his foot. Then I remember waking up in the Land of the Oak.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“How then did you lose your sight then?” I asked dreading the answer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet took a deep breath, “It came in a dream. We had been wandering the Land of the Oak for a while. We couldn’t find the Great Tree even though it stood tall amongst the sea of other trees. While sleeping I saw the Elm and it beckoned me towards it and it showed me the way. When we awoke we left the Land of the Oak and ventured to the Land of the Elm. We saw the blackened tree, desecrated by that shadow. Carefully we went into the Elm and flickering in the main hall was a fire. A voice told me.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I interrupted Harriet to whisper, “Give me your eyes and I will let you see things only dreamt of. Give me your hand and I will give you the power of the wind. Give me your tongue and fire will take its place. Give me your life and you will never die.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet nodded, “So you know the ritual then?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I shook my head, “Parts of it and from what I’ve heard I don’t want to know all of it.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">A smile crept across Harriet’s face, “Wise.” she said sternly, “Storm.” She continued, “You aren’t going to like what I have to say.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“You want us to leave?” I asked loud enough so the others could hear me. I saw them groggily wake up, yawn, and stretch before feeling the tension that had begun to fill the room. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet dropped her smile and pulled her lips tight, “No, just you. The others are free to stay if they wish.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I took a step back and Atrix ran up to me, “If Storm leaves then we all do!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailey came up on my other side, “We don’t leave anyone behind.” She then looked up at me with a smile, as if she was trying to lend me her strength.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet nodded, “I know you came a long way so I will let you rest for a while and we will escort you to the Veil but Storm, you cannot return. You are not the chosen one of the Oak we need and your land will need you soon. I wish I could tell you more and once this is all over you will be accepted back here with wagging tails.” Harriet moved her head towards Bailey as if her blind eyes were gazing into her soul, “I know you all will find your own home soon enough.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Atrix climbed up my back, “This dog is weird.” He whispered, attempting to say it quietly enough so Harriet didn’t hear but I saw her ear twitch and a brief smile flash on her face. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“How will I know it’s over?” I asked. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet straightened her posture, opened then closed her mouth like she was about to say something then decided against it, “The Lights eye will change.” She finally said after a moment of silent contemplation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I nodded, “Thank you Harriet.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet bowed and went back down to the main hall, to sit by the sapling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once she had left Nari slipped back in, “I’m sorry Storm.” She said to me while avoiding my inspecting eye, “The rest of you should really stay though. It’s good here. Albeit quite and some of the dogs take some time to warm up too. But it can be made into a home of sorts.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix shook his head violently raising his voice, “WE ALREADY SAID NO!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Nari, surprised, took a step back, “I meant no insult master fox. I only meant that not all of you need to continue this journey. It’s ok to stay and make a new life.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix settled down and straightened up whispering in my ear, “Did you hear that? She called me a master fox. You could learn a thing or two from her you know.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shook the mischievous fox off and he landed plumply in front of me, rubbing his head with my paw. I bent down and whispered to him, “When you start acting like a master fox I’ll be the first to let you know.” Atrix grew red from embarrassment while the rest of us erupted in laughter, everyone except for Bailey who was staring intently at Nari. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Nari?” Bailey asked the dog who at this point was trying to stifle a laugh. Nari quickly turned her attention to the Corgi pup, “Yes, my dear?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“You said this place can be made into a home, what did you mean by that?” Bailey’s eyes glistened against the light of the sapling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Nari cocked her head, “Well you can make just about any place into a home can’t you? If that’s the place you make safe and it has others who you enjoy being around? Home is whatever you decide it to be. The monster out there has made the Darkness it’s home hasn’t it?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailey nodded, “Anywhere?” She asked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Nari nodded, “Well I suppose so.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Would you consider coming with us then? We can all make a new home after this is all over?” Bailey asked. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nari shook her head, “This is the place I made my home, I don’t want to pick up and make another one.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey looked down at her paws and whispered, “I suppose it’s a lot of work isn’t it?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nari took a step forward to muzzle the Corgi, and whispered into her ear, “That’s why those you surround yourself with are important. Not all hard work is bad if those around you are good. Not all easy work is good if those around you are bad. My mom used to say that to me, I’ve always fancied it as clever.” The black dog stood tall with a large grin. She scanned the room, “I should probably let you all sleep though. Long journey ahead of you. I’ll see you all soon.” She nodded toward us and left down the stairs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Well what was that about?” Dagney said with a head cocked so far sideways one might think it was screwed on wrong. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I took a loose chunk of ice from the ground and slid it at Dagney with my paw hissing, “Sh” and giving her a “Shut up!” look. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Ow!” Dagney exclaimed, “What was that for?” She said rubbing one paw against her head where the ice had hit. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix squealed in delight, “Come on Dagney let’s play!” The fox pup ran down my back and slid the chunk of ice playfully across the floor, “I bet you can’t catch me!” Atrix winked at me as he rode on top of the ice sliding into one of the walls. Dagney glared at me as she got up and stood for a moment, maybe contemplating what she should do. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the fox pup pushing the ice and riding it across the room again, giggling in excitement. She smiled and tried to pounce on the ice, just missing it and sliding against the floor herself as she was unable to grip the slick floor she jumped onto. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Chuckling I walked over to Bailey and sat next to her. She laid rested her head against my shoulder, “Storm?” She asked quietly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Yes?” I said with a glance towards her. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Do you still think I’ll see my mom again?” She gazed up at me with her big brown eyes searching my face for an answer before the sound could even reach my ears.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I took a deep breath, “Yes. I do.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey looked back down at the ice and nodded, “Would I be a bad dog if I didn’t want to see her again?” she said in a voice so low it was barely audible </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Taken aback I was speechless just long enough for Bailey to look back up at me, wondering if I had heard her. “Why wouldn’t you want to see her again?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I saw a few tears leave the Corgi’s face and hit the ground, pooling for a moment then freezing, “Because she died because of me.” She said with a voice that sounded as if there was something much larger trying to climb out of her throat but she wasn’t allowing it, “She’s going to be upset with me Storm!” With that Bailey began to weep. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hushed the pup and wrapped my tail around her. The sounds of Atrix and Dagney playing went quiet as they came up beside us. Dagney sat quietly next to Bailey and Atrix placed himself underneath her, “I think your mom would be awfully proud of you Bailey. I mean we’ve crossed the darkness and soon we’ll be back to the Land of the Oak to stop Hojan and save the land from destruction. How can anyone not be proud of that!” Atrix said with a smile so lame I felt the only appropriate response was to roll my eyes and try not to wretch. Bailey smiled, a small smile, and rubbed her cheek against Atrix’. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I swallowed, “Bailey your mother would be so proud of you. You are taking a difficult path to do something you believe in, to help a friend, and to save the Oak. A noble undertaking if I ever saw one.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailey smiled a little, curled up in a ball, and quickly fell asleep with Atrix softly snoring in between her front paws.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney looked at me, “What are we going to do now Storm? The First isn’t here.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I sighed, “We’ll have to try and stop Hojan ourselves” I said stifling a yawn, “Maybe some sleep will help give us an idea.” I stretched my paws out and started to circle to get comfortable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Storm?” Dagney asked sheepishly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“What?” I felt a wave of annoyance wash over me as I had finally gotten comfortable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Do you think Bailey is ok?” She whispered.</span></span></div>
<br style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-68860083417212550052019-09-08T16:20:00.000-07:002019-09-08T16:25:50.683-07:00Chapter Thirteen, "The Seer" <br id="docs-internal-guid-40ef3751-7fff-48ae-7df6-a6a93401985a" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <span style="color: #999999;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Why does this always happen to us?” Atrix asked with a worried glance toward me. The dogs began to approach before a gruff voice spoke up from the back, “Their ok. Let’s take them home.” a small brown dog appeared in between two of the dogs. I felt a rough coat come from behind and nudge me forward, “It’s not far” a kind voice whispered from behind me. I looked back to see a friendly looking black lab. She had her tail up and wagging and moved her nose to gently nudge me forward. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Who are you?” I asked </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The small brown dog turned her head back to respond, “We are the Seers dogs.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Who’s the Seer?” Dagney asked as she looked to me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I shrugged my shoulders but saw a smile curled at the edge of the small brown dog’s face, “You’ll see soon enough.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They wouldn’t answer anymore questions from us and soon we heard the familiar sound of waves crashing against the shore. This time I could see dark water light up by a grey foam which bubbled as the water collided with the rocks. A distance away we could see a pale blue light shining from a cave. “Is that where we’re going?” I asked. A couple of the dog’s exchanged uncomfortable glances and before they could respond we heard a rumbling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The dogs who were guiding us instinctively ducked and began to fan out. The dog with the gently voice grabbed me by my scruff and pulled me down, “We need to spread out.” She whispered as she began walking me toward one side of the cliff. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What about the others?” I asked her frantically trying to look back.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Their being taken care of.” She growled through a mouth full of fur. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I was able to wiggle free of her grasp and turn around to see nothing. Blackness surrounded me once again. I felt lost and even though I knew the edge was just a few paws away from me I could barely hear the sound of the water as it was drowned out by the sound of heavy breathing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I almost jumped as I felt soft fur rub up against me and a tail was placed over my mouth, warning me to be quiet. Slowly and carefully I began to lower myself to the ground, a guiding tail left on my mouth to remind me I was not as alone as I felt, or maybe to remind the owner of the tail that </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">they</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> were not alone as they felt.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The breathing grew more rapid and hot as grew closer. It stayed there for a long moment as if it was deciding whether it was worth the energy to lash out and eat me or not. Apparently it decided that I was not worth the wasted energy, this time. Whatever it was vanished just as quickly as it had come the first time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">As the Darkness faded we saw a large Iceberg sitting not far off the shore. It rose far above the clouds and we could see a small fire lit through the fog. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Is that where we’re going?” I asked. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The dog who was next to me nodded, “That’s the Seer’s Castle.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">As the darkness faded even more the others were revealed and came to join us. When we were all gathered together we continued our journey. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It didn’t take long for us to reach the shore, “What are we going to do from here? Swim?” Atrix muttered in protest as we watched large waves crash on the shore. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The small brown dog from before laughed, “You could try, if you want. You’d probably freeze before you got too far though. If you didn’t one of the fish would likely get you.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix laughed, “A fish? Get </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">me</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">? No way! I was the best fisher in my family! No fish. . .” While Atrix was monologuing a massive fish that was as white as snow jumped out of the water snatching a low flying bird from the air. A startled Atrix jumped back his hackles up, “What was </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that?</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” He bellowed while the rest of the other dogs began laughing in an uproar.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney leaned over to me, “What is this place, Storm?” as we watched the massive fish flop clumsily back into the water. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I shook my head, “I have no idea.” I whispered while watching the shadow of the fish as it dove deeper and deeper into the dark waters. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The small brown dog shushed her companions, “All right enough fun! Follow us this way to the bridge, be careful it’s pretty slippery due to the water so watch your step.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“A bridge?” Atrix asked surprised a group of dogs would be able to construct such a thing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shook my head, “I don’t think it’s like that kind of bridge look over there.” Pointing with my nose I pointed to a line of rocks leading to the iceberg, “That’s the bridge their talking about.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We saw several more of the large white fish jump up while going to the bridge, Dagney got the idea that the fish were trying to wave to us so each time we saw one jump up she would also jump up and try to say hello to it. This was much to the dismay of the rest of the group, some of which thought it would draw the darkness to us, some of which thought it was just obnoxious, and others still who didn’t really like the idea of seeing those fish closer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One dog said the fish were made of bone, they had no skin or scales and that’s why they were so white, another said the Great Trees put dog eating fish in the waters so they could feed the rebellious dogs to them. The very thought of either of those things being true made me gulp. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instinctively I looked back to the Oak, or where I thought the Oak would be. It was nothing but darkness. I saw something else too, it wasn’t the darkness but it was fog. Fog that was rolling in faster than natural, “Uh, is that normal?” I stuttered as the fog was rolling toward us like a wave. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The small brown dog turned and her eyes grew wide, “Run! To the bridge! Hurry!” She yelped as the group went from a playful walk to an all out sprint. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fog quickly caught up to us and I heard a familiar sound coming from it, the snarling of dogs, no </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">wolves</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I looked back and saw shiny white teeth reaching out from fog snapping towards us. We made it to the bridge just before the fog washed over us. Out of breath we turned and saw the wolves stopped just before the bridge. Their eyes red like the sky in just before sunrise and though they had not gotten any one of us their mouths foamed with blood. “Come play with us Hannah” one of the wolves politely asked. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I saw the small brown dog’s hackles go up all along her spine as she growled back, “Go catch a fish Haldric.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hannah began stepping back slowly, careful not to take her eyes off of Haldric. He was watching her closely and his eyes kept darting back and forth between her and the water. I looked over and saw a dark spot growing larger from the depths of the water, “Hannah lookout!” I yelped </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hannah looked at me as a fish came flying up out of the water, she looked up and dove out of the way. In the same moment the massive white wolf lunged onto the bridge and towards Hannah. As soon as his paw touched the bridge I heard a sizzling noise. The wolf’s nose scrunched up in pain but he continued to pounce along the bridge getting closer to Hannah who’s back was now flat against a beached fish. I heard Atrix growling from atop my back and I motioned for him to get off as I bent down. Dagney nodded towards me knowing what I was about to do and mouthed “I’ll catch you”. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I jumped at the same moment the wolf did and knocked my body into his propelling both of us towards the water. I felt a large mouth clamp onto my leg and my leg pulsed in pain. The wolf fell into the water and began to sink and the fish wiggled it’s way off the bridge and into the water. At first I thought it was going to save the wolf as it went deeper and deeper. Then I saw it coming back, “Pull me up Dagney!” I howled in pain and fear. Dagney threw me up just as the fish left the surface of the water. The fish tried to land right on top of me but I rolled away from it and towards my companions. The fish landed, shaking the bridge and then slipped its bony body off the rocks, screeching the whole time, and back into the water. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">By the time the fish was gone the wolves, and the fog, has disappeared too. Dagney again asked while shaking her head, “What is this place?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">A new voice echoed seemingly from all around us, “This is the Seer’s Keep.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">A small black lab hobbled along the bridge. Hannah rushed towards her, “Harriet you mustn’t leave the keep! It’s too dangerous for you to travel the bridge by yourself. You can’t see!” She said in a rushed whisper. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Harriet snapped at her, “I’m called the seer for a reason! Because I </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">can</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> see! Certainly more than you!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hannah tucked her tail in between her legs and slowly moved right behind Harriet. Harriet then turned her head towards us, “That was a clever idea, albeit risky, not many outsiders remain so calm when dealing with the mist walkers. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“The mist walkers?” Atrix asked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet nodded her head, slowly, “Yes. The mist walkers are wolves, descended from the wolves who guarded the elm and corrupted by the darkness they now seek a new tree.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shook my head, “A </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">new </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> tree?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney rolled her eyes, “Who cares about a tree why were his feet burning?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet took a deep breath, “We have, inside our home,” motioning to the giant piece of faintly glowing ice that stuck out amongst the dark waters, “a new tree. Of the same breed as the Oak or Elm.” I gasped and Bailee shot me a questioning look.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“But what about their </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">feet?” </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dagney implored.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Harriet chuckled, “Follow me and we can talk all about it.” Dagney followed, but hesitated as she carefully placed each step.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;"> Bailee nudged her and whispered, “What are you doing?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney looked, “I saw this movie where someone stepped on a rock and it was like a button that triggered a big rock to roll after them.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailee slowly nodded her head, “And?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney shot a surprised look at her, “What do you mean? That’s why the wolf’s feet were burning.” Dagney then leaped over one rather large rock and nearly fell off of the bridge. I hissed at her to knock it off.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“It’s magic, that’s why the wolf’s feet were burning. He’s not allowed on the bridge.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney shook her head, “magic doesn’t work here. The Oak can’t reach this far out.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I nodded my head, “That’s right, but the Oak isn’t the only source of magic Dagney, but it wouldn’t matter if we were in the Land of the Oak because the Oak doesn’t create magic like this.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Then what does?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">A voice came from the front of the group, “A Sentinel” </span></span></div>
<br style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-69111239609581912652019-09-04T17:52:00.000-07:002019-09-04T17:52:08.713-07:00Fiona, "The Dasher"Name: Fiona<br />
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Breed: Papillion<br />
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First Time at Sanctuary: 10/24/16<br />
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Description: Fiona has made a name for herself running along the borders of the Darkness and the Scorching Desert serving as a faithful scout for the Oak. Seen as little more than a flash of black and white, some have reported a Marshmellow bouncing along the border and whispering to the trees. It's been rumored she has been running that border for more than eight cycles without stopping. On the fourth level of the Oak stands a carving of Fiona racing to stop a group of squirrels from crossing into the Darkness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcz4X3G4HW5LIBXKF8zScVNSuiMih94FlDPIRA_JJbT6WyNUsfPfqu5Iu7vqDTD7pf60tJg-QNjFmVg5irMI45m5FGbXieDlQqhoVdklJ41ay4A0FWLjAwhhGiDwHJCQ3E4-yx6mWThGw/s1600/Fiona+Bennetts+Dog+Profile+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcz4X3G4HW5LIBXKF8zScVNSuiMih94FlDPIRA_JJbT6WyNUsfPfqu5Iu7vqDTD7pf60tJg-QNjFmVg5irMI45m5FGbXieDlQqhoVdklJ41ay4A0FWLjAwhhGiDwHJCQ3E4-yx6mWThGw/s1600/Fiona+Bennetts+Dog+Profile+Picture.jpg" /></a></div>
Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-9415075388253669512019-09-01T17:14:00.002-07:002019-09-01T17:14:24.969-07:00Chapter Twelve: Into the Darkness<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br id="docs-internal-guid-c505987f-7fff-1fed-ca8b-daaaac0ac31f" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" /></span>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We said goodbye to our friends and walked toward the sounds of crashing waves. The Darkness felt like a veil, and as soon as we crossed through it, we were lost. We couldn’t see anything, and if it wasn’t for the fact that we were standing shoulder to shoulder we wouldn’t even know the others were there. I turned to look behind me to see that I couldn’t even tell where the veil was—it was all dark. The sound of the water against the shore was nearly deafening. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We awkwardly walked forward. Each dog carefully placing one paw and then feeling the ground to make sure it was safe before moving the other paw. We did this one at a time, with Atrix on my back. It was very slow moving. We tried moving away from the sound of the water, but it didn’t matter if we went left or right, the sound of the water grew louder, as if we were walking on a bridge, zig zagging from one side to the other in a vain attempt to escape the water that surrounded us on either side. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After walking so long I thought my paws would fall off. We realized the sound of the water was getting further and further away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“I can hear myself think!” Dagney said with a booming voice. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I laughed, “It’s not thinking if everyone else can hear it too!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We laughed together and laid down for a quick rest. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“I’m so tired,” Bailey said while yawning. Dagney and Atrix murmured in agreement. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘One of us should stay up and watch out’ Atrix said softly. I could hear the tiredness in his voice, even if all he did was ride on my back it seemed to sap all the energy he had left. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’ll stay up for a while and wake one of you when I get tired,” I said. I’m not sure if they heard me or not as I quickly heard the snoring of Dagney and Bailey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I couldn’t tell if I could see for a few feet or miles at this point. Maybe there was nothing but darkness and ground and water. Maybe it was true there were no creatures here. At that idea, a chilling thought popped into my head, what if there </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">were </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">creatures here. I spun around quickly looking to see if anyone or any</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">thing</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was there and strained my ears to hear past Dagney’s loud snoring. What if something was following us that entire time? My hackles began to creep up as I kept swinging around trying to see something different than the blackness which seemed to stretch for forever. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I heard rustling beside me and nearly pounced on poor Atrix as he was stretching by me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What are you doing Storm?” he asked while shaking out his coat. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I was just looking around.” I responded without looking at him; I just couldn’t shake the feeling we were being watched. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Don’t be silly,” he said as he scrambled up my back to stand on my shoulders, “There’s no way something could have been following us!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Just then we felt the ground rumble and shake. Both Dagney and Bailey woke up and frantically got to their feet. We were huddled tightly together with our backs toward each other. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey turned her head, “What was that? An Elephant?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“No,” I hurriedly whispered, “It’s bigger than that.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney gasped, “What do you mean it’s bigger than that?” I could feel her quivering with fear, “What’s bigger than that?” she asked as we felt the ground shake again and heard a massive roar coming from the sea. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney took off so fast I thought she left her coat behind. Bailey was frozen still and Atrix was yelling to hurry and get Dagney before we lost her. I picked Bailey up by her scruff and began running after Dagney as Atrix was calling out to her. Another rumble and roar came from behind us, closer this time. The ground around us became softer as followed after the mastiff bowling her way through the darkness with no regard for her own safety, much less the three of us chasing after her. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The time between the rumbles and roars grew shorter and shorter. I swore I thought I felt the warmth from it’s breath on my tail and the smacking of jaws as I saw Dagney collapse just a few feet ahead of us. I scrambled to her dropping Bailey beside her and Atrix on top of them. I rose up to stand on my hind legs, reached my snout toward the sky and pointed my tail straight toward the ground and took a deep breath before I began my song, but was knocked down before I could start it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey sat on top of me and quickly whispered, “What do you think you’re doing?! Our songs don’t work out here. There is no moon, no Sanctuary, no Oak or Elm nor anything else to help us. If you call, the only response you will get is drawing whatever that creature was toward us. Then what?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We sat in silence for just a moment waiting for the next rumble and roar. We felt it right next to us but couldn’t see anything. Then we felt it growing further and further away, and before we knew it, the creature was gone. Or at least far enough away we considered it to be gone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Good job Bailey,” I muttered, “I didn’t even consider there wouldn’t be a friendly response to my call.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey shrugged her shoulders. “It’s hard for an old dog to learn new tricks,” she said with a wink and a playful growl. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I chuckled and laid down. “That may very well be true, but it’s time for this old dog to get some rest.” I paused as Dagney’s snore broke the silence, “Sounds like you’re on watch Bailey.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey looked longingly at Dagney as we were all exhausted. “She just passed out didn’t she?” Bailey asked as I began to doze off.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Looks like it.” I said trying to stifle a large yawn; I was unsuccessful. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I don’t know how long I was asleep, but I know when I awoke, Bailey was gone and Atrix was shaking more than a leaf on a windy day. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What happened?” I whispered to Atrix. Dagney was still snoring but woke up as I accidentally stepped on her to get to the fox pup. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Hey!” She called out to me and I turned around to shush her. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Where’s Bailey?” Dagney asked as she began to get up and I shushed her again. Finally getting close enough to Atrix to hear his teeth chattering in fear. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Did you see it?” I asked. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Atrix slowly shook his head, “I stayed up to keep her company but dozed off before too long. Next thing I remember is feeling another rumble, but it felt far away. I didn’t hear a roar or anything else, other than Dagney’s snoring of course.” I glanced toward Dagney who was blushing and began to hang her head and Atrix continued still staring off into the Darkness. “I began to get up and she gave me this look. It was like a ‘you better not move’ kind of look, you know? The kind that makes you rethink everything that’s going on kind of look. She got really low to the ground like she was going to pounce on something. Then she just ran off into the Darkness.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Ran off into the Darkness? In that direction?” I pointed with my muzzle toward the spot Atrix had been staring. He gave a dejected nod and I began walking. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What are you doing?” Dagney demanded as she briskly began walking to catch up to me</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What do you think I’m doing?” I asked with a questioning eye, “I’m going to go look for her.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney looked around with the hackles on her back raised, “What if it comes back?” she asked with a quivering voice. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Staying here won’t help anything now will it?” I shot back. I could feel a fire rising up in me and my voice cracked with annoyance. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Well it could keep us alive,” Dagney pointed out. “The thing hasn’t come back yet!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“We don’t know that.” I reminded her, “We don’t know why Bailey left, she could have been drawing that thing away from us.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney gave a big huff before picking Atrix up and swinging the fox pup onto her shoulders, “Fine but I’m not going to like it.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I chuckled and shook my head, “You’ve spent too much time with Charles.” Charles was one of the dogs who trained Dagney and his sarcastic attitude seemed to rub off on all of his students. Dagney was no exception. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We walked for what seemed like hours in silence. The only sound I could hear was Dagney’s panting just behind me. As we continued to walk, I found myself focusing on the rhythmic panting. I thought at any moment someone would break out in a song, and then we would wake up back at the Oak and everything would be ok. Instead, what I heard was the breathing of someone else and I stopped. Dagney, who’s mind was anywhere else but with her, bumped into me and opened her mouth to say something when she heard it as well.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> “Hello?” She said softly, “Bailey is that you?” I shot her a look that asked what she thought she was doing. She clearly caught the message as she shrugged her shoulders and mouthed, “What?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The breathing stopped. My hackles stood up on my back and I could feel my heart racing I strained my eyes and ears to hear or see something and after a moment of blaring silence and darkness I closed my eyes and began to sniff. A familiar scent wandered into my nostrils. It wasn’t Bailey, but it was definitely a dog. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Just then I heard Dagney gasp. I opened my eyes and saw we were surrounded by a half dozen black labs. </span></span></div>
</div>
<br style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-90038546593888188242019-08-27T12:22:00.000-07:002019-08-27T12:33:05.709-07:00Autumn, "The Leaf" Name: Autumn<br />
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Breed: Australian Cattle Dog<br />
<br />
First Time at Sanctuary: 08/05/19<br />
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Description: Autumn's fall like coat makes it easy for her to blend in with the piles of leaves covering the forest of the Land of the Oak. In the days after the fall of Sanctuary, the forest was a littered with dogs lost and confused. This mattered not for Autumn who had the time of her life running from one hiding spot to the next. She would bide her time and then jump out just as a group of dogs passed by to scare them. Everyone in the forest could hear her giggles as she drifted around the woods blending in with the new fall colors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l13Fj4Ja6W9ukc3loTyL-9FCDj7OxFXNi072FdCFTXvkBAGVYcK9yhV1VMARhadlrmTWet-aQkn-WiJwSwyehhmmJ1R7oa8j3YQ_QveNQkgfgu6HR-IjOrDtxlQvP0UctFJRL_N4jTgL/s1600/Autumn+Dog+Profile+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3l13Fj4Ja6W9ukc3loTyL-9FCDj7OxFXNi072FdCFTXvkBAGVYcK9yhV1VMARhadlrmTWet-aQkn-WiJwSwyehhmmJ1R7oa8j3YQ_QveNQkgfgu6HR-IjOrDtxlQvP0UctFJRL_N4jTgL/s1600/Autumn+Dog+Profile+Pic.jpg" /></a></div>
Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-29941285658964623052019-08-25T16:43:00.000-07:002019-08-25T16:43:01.554-07:00Chapter Eleven: Old Friends & Goodbyes <div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-bcd7a99a-7fff-8956-8058-f1b1d89930a7" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e3fef782-7fff-016a-0c35-5d9db736b0ee" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-size: 36pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Old Friends and Goodbyes</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">It was a long and quiet walk toward the Veil of Darkness that separated the Land of the Oak from the rest of the world. At one point in time Dagney asked me what Eli meant when he talked about the consequences of Hojan going into the Eternal Desert. I told her the truth; the consequence of going into the Eternal Desert is spending eternity there, hence the name. If, however, Hojan were able to win his war, and topple the lion who has reigned there since before the Great War—well, we aren’t entirely sure what would happen. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What do you mean?” Dagney asked as she lapped up water from a stream. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I shrugged my shoulders, “Just that. We don’t entirely know what would happen. According to the Sentinels the lion would be set free from his bondage—all creatures would be. While that would allow them to return to the Oak, it would also start a new war.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney didn’t look up from the water but asked, “Because the Oak wouldn’t want them?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“The lion would want his revenge,” Bailey whispered as she was staring into the water and silently pawing at the glassy surface, disturbing it ever so slightly. I nodded in agreement toward her.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney got up to stretch her legs and woke Atrix up who offered a loud yawn before also getting up to stretch. “What are we going to do then?” Dagney asked. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I looked over to the wall of darkness that seemed to loom just over the next hill, “Well, for now we go into that, and we hope we find a way to stop Hojan, or the lion, or both. Or find some clue that can help us.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney asked, “Why isn’t the Oak sending anyone?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I locked eyes with her, “It did.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We heard a splash and turned to see Atrix in the water with a small fish in his mouth, “Look what I caught!” he excitedly said as the fish wiggled free of his mouth and jumped back into the water. Atrix took another jump but came up empty pawed. He sank his shoulders and skulked back to us. “It got away,” he whispered. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney and I looked at each other attempting to stifle a laugh while Bailey walked over with some berries, “Here Atrix try these,” she said as she pushed some toward the small fox pup. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">He gobbled them up and spun around, “Those are great!” He beamed with satisfaction, “I bet I could catch that clumsy fish now!” Spinning around he jumped back into the stream. I glanced toward Bailey who was looking warmly at Atrix, which made me smile involuntarily. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What are you smiling at?” Dagney demanded. “I don’t know what’s so great about walking through the darkness to find something that may or may not be there!” she said, sullenly. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey quickly looked over at me and I awkwardly chuckled, “We won’t be getting many more moments like this. It’s important we embrace them.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney cocked her head, “What do you mean?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I tightened my lips and looked toward the Oak and the purple glow emanating from it, “No one has ever returned from the darkness, Dagney. I don’t know if we will either.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney took a step back and barked at me, “Well then why are we going there? What happened to going to the shed to meet the Sentinel!”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“I’m right here,” a voice said as we heard a biped from a nearby path. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney wagged her short tail, and Atrix hid behind me as Sentinel Eleven approached us with Sentinel Thirteen at his side. Dagney rushed toward him nearly bowling him over. The long sleeves of his thin coat rolled up as he tried to balance himself and we saw a stump where his left hand used to be. He quickly hid it and began to pet Dagney with his right hand. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I narrowed my eyes wondering what happened to his hand. He must have noticed me staring at it because he cleared his throat, “Thirteen said we could find you here.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I nodded, “We were going to meet you at the shed, but...”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“The songbird?” Thirteen said as her eyes glistened and she elbowed Eleven in the side. “See, I told you we could trust them,” she excitedly whispered. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eleven softly chuckled, ‘Yea, yea, you were right </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">this </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">time.” He then turned his attention to me. “Is that a fox I see with you?” he said with a quiver of excitement in his voice. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Atrix poked his head out from behind me and then softly growled, “A big scary fox! You’re lucky Storm is stopping me from getting to you or you’d be in big trouble!”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Is that so?” Thirteen asked while trying to stifle a laugh, “Well you must have grown a lot since I last saw you.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Atrix nodded with a little more confidence as I stepped aside exposing the fox pup. Looking at him I could tell he had grown since we first met. He was becoming taller and his muscles were becoming more defined. When Atrix noticed he was exposed he scrambled to get behind me, “What are you doing Storm? I had them going!” he attempted to whisper with a strained voice. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">When the laughter died away, Eleven asked, “What did you need from me, Storm?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What can we expect to find from beyond the Veil?’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">He sighed, “Our history doesn’t say much about it. We know the First Sentinel went through the veil after we defeated the Dark Sentinel the first time. We know before the Great War, when creatures were sent into exile they were sent through the veil. As far as we know, there are no creatures who have returned from the veil. There are stories told of dogs crossing the it. In the stories the dogs viewed it as a way to redeem themselves. That’s all we know.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Atrix huffed, “So we don’t know anything useful, do we?’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Eleven shrugged, “Not particularly, no.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What about how it was formed? Why do we call it the Dark Coast?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The Sentinels face lit up, “Excellent question Storm! When one approaches the veil not only can they smell the salty smell of what we would think is an ocean, but also they can hear waves crashing against what one would presume to be a shore! As for the formation of the darkness—.” His voice trailed as if he was trying to figure out the best way to say what was on his mind, similar to a child trying to place the last piece of a puzzle together. “Well the stories differ.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“They differ?” asked Dagney who had now laid down again next to the stream as she dipped her head in the water to blow bubbles. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Eleven nodded, “The dogs of the Oak don’t know when, or how, or why the Darkness arrived. In every story the darkness is there, as if it was always there, just like the Great Trees. The elephants oldest tales say the Darkness was created in the last days of the Great War by those creatures who refused to lose, and so created a force that would consume them, but be able to continue waging their war against the trees. The cats, from what we know, believe the Darkness was always there, just like the Trees were always there. Both forces are eternal and equal, and neither can survive without the other.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney, who had listened just long enough to be thoroughly confused, spoke up. “Right…” she took a long pause as she thought, “but what does that all mean?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">A flash of annoyance swept across Eleven’s face before he was able to pull a tight toothless smile up for Dagney, “It either means the Darkness is very, very bad, but something that could be defeated, or that the Darkness is very, very bad, but cannot be defeated.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney shook her head, “Neither of those sound particularly good, you know?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“I know,” the Sentinel said, “But that’s all we know about it.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was an uncomfortable silence until a quiet voice asked, “What if we found the </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">?” Bailey had this look in her eyes it was the same look Bonnie had when she rode in on the elephants to save us. I glanced off in the direction of the Plains. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“The First has been gone a long time. We don’t even know if she’s still alive,” Eleven said coldly. “I wouldn’t even know where to start, to be frank.” He stared off into the darkness. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Does anyone have a better idea?” I asked the group. Everyone shook their heads. I nodded and waved my tail in a circle. “Well, then it looks like we are going to go find the First.”</span></span></div>
<br style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;" /></div>
Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-10560790225890937422019-08-21T19:00:00.001-07:002019-08-25T13:24:05.716-07:00The Oak<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXu7WtX9mPrC9QiwxFIdgJND9qEzfYJIIkbCcfWJqjEvGm0xwBBo1gkDLp9riajQIpqaSVc6B4fOpP5xkZYSq6Q2qAAzfiYeT2VRQMTBgaYi5is0eZxa1RpZNWqHr5ATY_h_4wQWHg7vn/s1600/The+Oak+-+dramatic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXu7WtX9mPrC9QiwxFIdgJND9qEzfYJIIkbCcfWJqjEvGm0xwBBo1gkDLp9riajQIpqaSVc6B4fOpP5xkZYSq6Q2qAAzfiYeT2VRQMTBgaYi5is0eZxa1RpZNWqHr5ATY_h_4wQWHg7vn/s1600/The+Oak+-+dramatic.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Oak as depicted by Sentinel Eleven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"The Oak stands tall among the trees. As the last vestige of an age of heroism and fantasy. The Oak shines bright calling all of it's chosen home. It's light illuminates the many paths of the forest. It protects them from the ever encroaching darkness. The Oak is home to hounds both old and young. They protect and keep the Land of the Oak for all the peaceful animals. From the smallest of squirrels to the largest of elephants the Land of the Oak is home and the Oak is all that stands between them and destruction." Excerpt from the Sentinels CodeSentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-16631799523505229822019-08-18T16:30:00.001-07:002019-08-18T16:30:21.119-07:00Chapter Ten: The Journey Begins<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-97093c22-7fff-446e-67aa-a3b4861103d1" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I stood shocked, ‘What? That doesn’t make any sense, how could I be your enemy?’ Bailey looked down at the ground, ‘He said you didn’t listen to the plan and led the group straight into a trap. He said only himself and Bonnie were able to avoid being captured. He said because of you Bonnie had sacrifice herself so the rest of you could live and he said you did it because the Oak told you too.’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I took a step back as Bailey’s eyes began to well. She looked up at me, ‘Bonne told me stories of you. Of the dogs of the Oak as well. Is he right, did you really do this?’ I shook my head, ‘No, of course not Bailey. He’s lying.’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey looked up, ‘Why would he do that?’ I glanced behind us to make sure no one was watching and couldn’t see anyone. ‘I don’t know but we’ll find out.’ I looked down at Atrix who went to nuzzle Bailey, he whispered in a calm voice, ‘It’s ok Bailey.’ I heard her whisper, ‘I want to come with you.’ I stepped toward her, ‘Bailey it’s going to be a long journey I’m not sure it’s the best’ she interrupted me, ‘I’m coming with you. I can’t stay here, not if what you said is true. If Hojan is lying about the Oak and what happened at the plains. I need to come with you. To help figure it all out. For Bonnie’s sake.’ I sighed, ‘all right but we have one more stop to make before we can leave.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix smiled and began to walk back to the pathway, ‘What are you doing?’ asked Bailey. Atrix stopped and looked back, ‘Well I’m going to find the other dog we need for our journey.’ He said thoughtfully. I sighed, ‘You don’t even know who that dog is Atrix.’ He nodded, ‘Maybe, but I found you and I found Bailey so I think I’ve got a good chance to find the other dog as well.’ I shook my head, chuckling as I did.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey shot back, ‘We should stick to less traveled paths. A lot of the dogs are believing Hojan. We wouldn’t want to run into any unnecessary trouble.’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I gave Bailey a firm nod and we all began making our way around sticking to the less traveled paths. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> As we walked Bailey asked, Who are we going to recruit anyway?’ I glanced at her and said, ‘Well it might not be your first choice.’ Bailey came to a stop, ‘Don’t tell me it’s her.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We rounded a corner and Atrix squilled ‘It’s Dagney!’ Bailey sunk her head, ‘Are you sure this is the right dog to bring with us?’ giving Dagney a cautious eye. I nodded, ‘I have no doubt in my mind this is the right dog for us. Bailey nodded, ‘Alright but if she falls on me.’ I playfully bumped into Bailey who ran after Atrix. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">There were only three dogs in the little clearing, Dagney, Opal, and Hugo. Opal and Hugo warily eyed me as I slowly approached, I heard Atrix telling Dagney all about the birds. I thought it was odd that even though Atrix had never met Dagney here he was treating her as if she was the oldest friend he had. Dagney was doing much the same as she clinged to every word Atrix had to say. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘Mutts have been talking’ Hugo muttered as I entered into the circle. To which Opal growled, ‘Mind your manners Hugo’ before saying ‘I apologize for him. He doesn’t always think.’ She glared back at him. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘There has been talk though Storm. Not the good kind of talk either.’ I nodded, ‘Bailey told us about what Hojan said.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘Right. So you know you can’t stay here then?’ Opal asked. I looked toward Dagney, ‘We were just here to ask Dagney a question before we left but how did you know we would be coming?’ I asked the old dalmatian. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">She gave a weak laugh, ‘I know you’re going to see her. I know you’ll need Dagney to get to her. Dagney is the only one who will be able to help you get through the pass. There isn’t another dog here strong enough to do.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘Yea’ I whispered, ‘So why did you come? If you knew I was leaving, just to warn me?’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Opal shook her head, ‘To remind you of why you’re leaving. Not just to go and find the seer, but to help us restore ourselves to the Oak.’ </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We heard a thunderous howling as dogs began to yell, ‘We’re leaving!’ I looked toward Opal, ‘I guess it’s time for you to go.’ I then looked at Dagney who was bouncing with anticipation, ‘I thought you two would never stop gabbing! Of course I’m coming! Opal told me we’re going to see the seer! Who’s that? What’s the pass? Oh boy I’m excited Storm.’ Opal and I exchanged a nervous laugh before I said, ‘In time Dagney. For now let’s say goodbye to our friends.’ </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all said goodbye, Opal and I exchanged the Sentinel’s blessings. Then they left. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Will we see them again?’ Bailey asked. I kept my gaze on the two of them and focused on the rumbling of all the dogs leaving the cavern, ‘I don’t know Bailey but we’ll try.’ Bailey nodded and crept in between my legs, ‘But we aren’t giving up on them right?’ </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Of course we aren’t giving up on them Bailey!’ Atrix yelled as he ran up my back and looked over my shoulder toward the corgi beneath us, ‘It’s not the way of the Oak to give up on someone’s friend!’ He nuzzled his head against mine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘So what’s the plan then Storm?’ Dagney asked as she walked up on the other side of me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“First thing we have to do is go back to the shed.” I said. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The Shed?” Atrix asked, “What’s that?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The yelling from the dogs had died down so I began to walk toward the exit. Atrix still clung to my coat and Dagney was still at my side, just a pace or so behind. Bailey had come out from under my feet and was walking on in between Dagney and myself. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Hello? Storm!” Atrix said impatiently, clearly not wanting to wait any longer for an answer. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The shed is the way we would go back and forth from this place and our own.” I said. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix jumped off of me and stood defiantly in front of me, “Are you saying I could have gone home ages ago and you didn’t tell me?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I walked past him and said, “It’s closed. No one can go through it anymore. All the old ways are closed Atrix.” I turned my head slightly to see if the fox pup was still trailing behind me only to find he was sitting facing away, his head up. Throwing a fit as pups are prone to do. I sighed and shook my head as I turned all the way around and began to walk toward the pup, ‘If I knew a way to get you back to your pack I would have told you. But I don’t.’</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He looked up at me with a questioning eye and then turned his head away again, looking up at the rocks and letting out a loud ‘Hmph!’ </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shrugged my shoulders, ‘Fine have it your way. I wouldn’t want to be in this big creepy cavern all by myself but clearly you are way braver than me. Who knows what kind of creatures could be lurking around here since all the dogs have left.’ I turned to walk away with Bailey close behind. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dagney did a double take closely eyeing myself and Bailey leaving and the small fox pup still ignoring us, ‘We’re just going to leave him here?’ She asked, ‘Isn’t it dangerous here without everyone?’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shrugged my shoulders, “Maybe but I’m sure a big strong fox like Atrix can take care of whatever bear or boar tries to make this place their home. Come on Dagney we have to hurry.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dagney nodded and began awkwardly coming toward us as if one paw wanted to run and the others wanted to walk. Even so she caught up quickly. A few moments later we heard a squeal and Atrix came running back up my back, ‘I thought I saw something.’ He said clearly shaken.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I chuckled, ‘It’s ok just go to sleep Atrix we’ve got quite some time before we get there.’ </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fox pup nodded and curled up on my back to sleep. Once he was fast asleep Bailey asked, ‘Aren't you worried about what he saw?’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shook my head, ‘It was a bat. I saw it when I turned around to talk to him. I was betting on him seeing and being scared by it.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘So you weren’t actually going to leave him?’ Dagney asked in clear surprise. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I looked at her, ‘No we aren’t leaving anyone behind. We’re all sticking together. It’s the only way we can get through this alive.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘This isn’t the way to the shed’ Bailey quickly snipped at me. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘No it’s not.’ I softly replied. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘Well why not?’ She asked. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘We need to make a quick stop first’ I whispered as I was pushing passed some bushes. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘Woah’ Dagney whispered, ‘They’ve done a lot of work since we left.’ As the towers of junk were all now gone. Replaced with grassy hills and a few odd trees speckled the land. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I nodded and Bailey asked ‘Where are we?’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I didn’t respond but kept walking until we arrived at a small mound. The mound was filled two feet high with dirt packed down so hard someone might think it was a small naturally occuring hill if not for the other things present on the mound. Sprouting from mound was a white tusk and around the base of the tusk was a collar. Glinting off the purple light given off by the Oak, was Bonnie’s name tag. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I stood back and allowed Bailey to approach. Dagney began to follow but I placed my head in front of her so she couldn’t. Dagney cocked her head and I whispered, ‘Let her have this moment.’ Just her. Dagney nodded and stepped back.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey walked straight up the tusk and bent down to sniff the collar. In the distance we saw three large figures lumbering toward us. Tall and grey, save for the pearl white tusks hanging from their face. Bailey looked up and her tail waived slightly before returning to its lowered position. She looked back at me a few tears rolled down her cheeks, ‘Thank you.’ She said with a trembling voice, as if she were trying to contain a wave of emotion behind the small voice she had. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The three elephants were at the mound before we knew it, “We owe her a greater debt you know.” The middle elephant said. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey whispered, “I think we all do. It was supposed to be me that came you know. She volunteered in my place. Worried I would do something foolish I suppose”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“She saved us” I said quietly, “She gave the elephants a home and helped to drive those birds out from the Land of the Oak.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey nodded, “I know.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The elephant cleared his throat, or his trunk to interject, “Yes she did. As I said we owe her a great debt and have no way to repay it to her. However there will always be a safe place for you among our herd should you ever want it.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey smiled, “That’s kind of you Eli. You knew her though, she would say there is no debt to be paid.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The elephant, named Eli, nodded, “Still our offer stands. After all you both did for us it is the least we can offer in return.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bailey smiled and Dagney cocked her head, “I’m so confused.” She whispered to me. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I tried to stifle a laugh, ‘Bailey can explain on the way, I’m sure.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I felt Dagney shrug her massive shoulders, ‘Whatever you say, Storm.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘Eli? What how did you accomplish all of this in such a short amount of time?’ I asked slightly embarrassed I interrupted such a tender moment.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Eli lifted his trunk in the air and pointed toward the Oak, ‘It was a gift from the Oak. We cleared a small place after the battle and after burying our fallen. We awoke to this. A welcoming gift from the Oak. And a fine one at that!’ He said while blowing his trunk.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">All around the plains we heard other elephants joining in. Creating a song of the Oak all their own. I smiled, ‘It is indeed. We’re glad you’re here.’ I said.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Dagney shuttered, ‘I’m glad you’re friendly!’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We all laughed for a moment. Eli and the other two elephants began to walk us toward our path, ‘Why are you going to the Dark Coast, Storm? What are you hoping to find?’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘Honestly? I don’t know. Maybe a clue about where to go next? How to allow all these dogs into the Oak, how to rescue those in the Eternal Desert? I’m not sure. We’re planning to meet one of the Sentinel’s before we head that way anyway. Maybe he’ll be able to help us.’ My voice trailed off as we heard a mass of dogs howling in the distance.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘Could that be them?’ Bailey asked.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I shrugged my shoulders, ‘Lots of dogs in the land now. It’s hard to say.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We made it to our path and Eli pulled my back for a moment, ‘Storm’ he said, ‘If Hojan goes into that Desert without a way out he will be stuck there for all eternity.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I nodded, ‘I know. He knows. He wants to take it over. He wants to make it a land to rival that of the Oaks. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Eli large soft eyes narrowed, ‘You know the consequences of such an action don’t you. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I nodded, ‘I know.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">‘One more thing.’ Eli said as I was turning around to leave</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Yes?’ I asked</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘One of your songbirds came in from a Sentinel, it said to go toward the veil and they’ll meet you before you cross.’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I nodded my head and Eli patted me on the head with his trunk before wishing us all good luck and safe travels, ‘May the Oak grow forever!’ The elephants sang as they trumpted their trunks and as we howled. </span></span></div>
<br style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-77720907807915518372019-08-11T16:54:00.001-07:002019-08-11T16:54:25.828-07:00Chapter Nine: Cracks<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-3edca416-7fff-c917-d42f-a77520fa18ba" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">We walked through the door to find Hojan, the Sentinel, and another dog I did not recognize at first.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“She said they can’t do anything for you.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The dog whom I did not recognize said, “She’s sorry but the wolves have spoken and she can do no more. You’ll have to go to the Dark Coast, you’ll have to find the seer.” Hojan puffed out his chest and took a deep breath before the Sentinel placed her hand on his head, “It’s ok,” the Sentinel sweetly said, “We don’t want to push our luck on the topic.” She patted Hojan a little bit harder, as if to warn him before she continued, “We’re thankful for all the help you and Rad have given us.” The brown dog nodded her head before turning around, “Storm? Is that you?” she asked in a stunned voice. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I squinted at the dog, examining her. “Coco?” I asked almost breathlessly. Coco wagged her tail and came to greet me. She stopped in her tracks and asked, “Well who is that with you Storm?” looking straight at Atrix. I smiled, “Ah well that’s a little bit of a story, but his name is Atrix and he’s a fox pup traveling with us for the time.” Atrix stood as tall as he could, ‘I’m going to help the dogs of Sanctuary get back to their home. Their going to tell stories about me, you’ll see!” Coco laughed, ‘I’m sure they will dear, I’m sure they will’ she stooped down to nuzzle the little fox pup and them did the same to me.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">As her snout came close to my ear she whispered, ‘Watch out for Hojan. Something seems off about him. He has that look in his eye, you know the one?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I froze as Hojan locked eyes with me, as if he knew what was being said even though there was no way he could actually hear it. Still I saw that look in his eyes. As if a forest fire was reflecting off of them. I shook my coat and said, ‘It was so nice to see you Coco, wish Rad the best for me won’t you?” She nodded and trotted off. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan lowered his head and I heard a growl come from deep in his throat. ‘Why?’ He asked, his eyes glued to the floor, ‘One thing after another. Whatever progress we may make is immediately set back. The Oak uses and throws us away without regard or care.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The Sentinel knelt down toward Hojan and wrapped her arms around him. Hojan closed his eyes, attempting to conceal the tears which were already welling up. The Sentinel stroked the back of Hojan’s head, shushing him as she did, and holding him tight all the while. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">We could have sat in an uncomfortable near silence. You know, the kind that doesn’t lack sound as much as you just wish it would. So you wouldn’t have to listen to something so terrible as a friend going through a great pain but unable to do anything to lift such a burden from them.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I wish he would have doubted himself and his ability to lead us. I wish he would have let us comfort him. I wish he would have shown weakness and allowed us to lift him up. Allowed us to remind him of the great goal we had set for ourselves, to restore the dogs of Sanctuary to the Oak. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I wish we would have planned to set forth on a great adventure to the Dark Coast and beyond, just the few of us. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I would have rathered our adventure end there and they could have submitted to living in the land of the Oak. I could have gone and taken Atrix as my own, and shown him the ways of the dogs. Trained him as one of us. All of these would have been better then what happened.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan tore himself away from the Sentinel’s grasp and locked eyes with me. A fire blazing in the center of them. His eyes shone nearly as bright as the moss used to light the room. ‘We’re leaving for the desert.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The Sentinel sat stunned, ‘Did you not hear Coco? We should seek out the seer. Listen to what she has to say!’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan shook his head, ‘No. The Oak has led us astray for far too long. It doesn’t want us to succeed.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">‘How could you say that?’ I asked him, ‘After all the Oak has done for us all!’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan laughed, ‘What has the Oak done? It was the Oak that Drew the dark one in wasn’t it? The Oak that can’t take the dogs destroyed by its mistake. The Oak led us here, to battle the birds at what cost? How many dogs did we lose? Sent straight to the very desert we march toward now? The Oak has sent us on perilous task after ruinous mission and I will no longer listen to a tree that has done nothing but set obstacles for us to jump over for its own enjoyment. We are going to the desert and we will take it and make it our own.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Then what?’ I asked, “What will you do then? Live on the edge of the land of the Oak for eternity? Stake out some dusty place in a land of chaos?’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hojan narrowed his eyes, ‘I will tame it. All of it. We will rule as masters over the Desert. We will dig streams from the Oasis and the grass will sprout. We will create a land for us and we will do it without the Oak. Without any of the ancient ones.’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Sentinel stood, ‘Hojan I know you are upset.’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hojan spun around to meet the Sentinels soft glaze, I saw small tear drops hit the ground by his paws, ‘If they will no stand with us then we will make our own way. We do not need the Oak. All that we need is here. With us.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Sentinel shook her head, ‘Don’t do something you can’t undo.’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He glared at her, ‘Well we’ve come too far for that already now haven’t we?’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Sentinel shrugged her shoulders, ‘I suppose we have.’ The Sentinel walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her. All that was left was myself, Hojan, and Atrix.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hojan glanced at us as he made his way toward the exit ‘You can leave now if you’d like we can’t waste time on your pup, Storm.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt Atrix struggle beneath me as I cupped his mouth with a paw. We saw Hojan leave and walk away with Buddy at his side. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix took a few steps forward then spun around to face me, ‘Well why would you do that! Huh? You think I’m just some burden? I’m not, I can hold my own you know.’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I took a step toward the fox pup and shushed him, carefully patting him with my paw, ‘Don’t let his words get to you too much. He’s just lashing out.’</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix pushed my paw away, ‘Well that’s no excuse to be mean.’ With that Atrix began to walk away.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Just where do you think you’re going?’ I inquired of him.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He glanced back at me, ‘Well we have to go find the seer don’t we Storm?’ I nodded and he continued, ‘Then we’ll need to find some dogs to help us.’ I laughed but Atrix kept walking. He wasn’t kidding. He was going on this journey with or without me. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I sighed and rolled my eyes before walking up toward him and reaching down to pick him up. He began squirming, ‘Let me up Storm I’m a big fox I can walk on my own!’ I apologized and put him down, warning him to be careful. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we walked out of the building we saw most of the dogs who were busy running around before were now quite. Almost everything and everyone was ready to go. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hojan was with Buddy, Opal, Hugo, and a few other dogs. As we walked by I heard their hushed whispers come to a stop as they watched. In fact every group we went by did this. If they were talking or playing before we came up once they saw us they stopped and stared. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally Atrix asked, ‘Why are they acting so weird Storm?’ I shrugged my shoulders, ‘I’m not sure, but we’ll find out.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We must have passed four or five groups of dogs before being stopped by a small corgi off of the path, a hushed whisper and a slight beckoning which implored us to come over. Once we did we saw it was Bailey, ‘What is going on with everyone Bailey?’ I asked her. She nervously glanced around, ‘It’s Hojan. He’s done something.’ </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I glanced at Atrix and then back at Bailey, ‘What do you mean he’s done something?’ Bailey gulped and again glanced around and whispered to us, ‘He’s said the Oak has abandoned us and more! He said the Oak has tried to stop us from saving the others, those who were lost!’ I shook my head, ‘I can’t believe he would do that.’ Bailey glanced down before saying, ‘Storm that’s not all.’ She took a deep breath, ‘He said it’s your fault Bonnie died. He said you are a chosen of the Oak and can’t be trusted. Storm he said you are our enemy.’ </span></span></div>
<br style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-42552404210853094032019-08-06T12:04:00.000-07:002019-08-06T12:04:43.119-07:00Dora & Luna "The Giving"Name: Dora & Luna<br />
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Breed: German Shepherd & Husky<br />
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First time at Sanctuary: 06/13/2010<br />
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Description: When Dora & Luna were at Sanctuary they became known as generous and giving dogs. Helping any dog who needed in any way they could. After the Fall of Sanctuary Dora & Luna continued these deeds as they helped many animals in the Land of the Oak. No matter what kind of animal may need help Dora & Luna will do whatever it takes to help. They once rescued a bear cub from going into the Eternal Desert and asked for no reward in return except that the bears help maintain the peace in the Land of the Oak. Another time they helped save two birds who had just fallen out of their nest and in return, the birds promised to be Dora & Luna's eyes and ears all throughout the Land of the Oak. It's said whenever an animal is in need all they need to do is ask a songbird of the forest for help and Dora or Luna will arrive.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy5k9gGJReJy5waNTa1fTxvY1uG37bcFvTgQLPEr7kvP6PSirGA-BEjoYFEQBZ-Jfcv1LR7vX5KGlQwsFr13ilXQj-OdE9yEEgNBvcmu98zN4r19J_B13KfZBycgi001839hyphenhyphenERDmpvHb/s1600/Dora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy5k9gGJReJy5waNTa1fTxvY1uG37bcFvTgQLPEr7kvP6PSirGA-BEjoYFEQBZ-Jfcv1LR7vX5KGlQwsFr13ilXQj-OdE9yEEgNBvcmu98zN4r19J_B13KfZBycgi001839hyphenhyphenERDmpvHb/s320/Dora.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dora</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w83JhyphenhyphenQIQ_93vYrx7AjmTqtlIEH_yKx2FhuKiU8X5iU-BahSwf7eX60R3gh4-1wNVtBfLkmCxioq2lVZ4hnR04qiAZIVa_hJbwIO8vZpwnpfEYjMbTdN3bxh9aTq-Z-7RXNx3SoeBvDw/s1600/Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w83JhyphenhyphenQIQ_93vYrx7AjmTqtlIEH_yKx2FhuKiU8X5iU-BahSwf7eX60R3gh4-1wNVtBfLkmCxioq2lVZ4hnR04qiAZIVa_hJbwIO8vZpwnpfEYjMbTdN3bxh9aTq-Z-7RXNx3SoeBvDw/s320/Luna.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-7937613798355975792019-08-04T17:04:00.000-07:002019-08-04T17:52:23.502-07:00Chapter Eight: A Sacrifice<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-dcc915c1-7fff-3391-2eaa-aeea5bcd489c" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-d4d6136b-7fff-e723-39f5-28e8ce8a9d2c" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“<span style="color: #999999;">What just Happened?” Dagney asked as she gazed in awe of the light which had replaced Bonnie’s body. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“She’s been accepted by the Oak,” I said softly. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Dagney’s wide eyes became even wider. For a moment I thought they might simply slip out of her head. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“I thought we couldn’t be accepted by the Oak?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan shrugged his shoulders and coldly said, “The Oak does what it wishes. We have no control over it.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I glanced at him, “The Oak has always accepted it’s heroes. Bonnie did not just sacrifice herself to save us, all of us, but she made such a decision so Bailey wouldn’t have too. She embodies a true Dog of the Oak.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan softly scoffed, “She didn’t do anything special. Everyone here would have done the same.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I quickly retorted, “Then everyone here will be happily greeted by the dogs of the Oak when their time comes.” I could feel Hojan rolling his eyes, but before he could respond again we were interrupted by an unfamiliar voice. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“The birds have been a menace to us since we arrived to this place, we’d like to thank you for helping us rid them and for providing us a home here.” A large elephant loomed behind us, his voice reaching out to the plains far beyond where we stood. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I nodded and before I could say anything Hojan responded, “A deal is a deal, Alf. The plains are here for you and your kind. Do with it whatever you like, but remember dogs must be able to pass through without trouble.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The mighty elephant slowly nodded, “Of course, of course. As for you and yours, you are all welcome here whenever. We will write you all into our songs and stories so we do not forget what happened here and who helped us find our new home.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">With that the elephants turned and began cleaning the trash, building towers that were tall, straight, and stable. Hojan motioned for us to leave. I picked up Atrix who was fast asleep and held him by his scruff. As we left the plains we heard the elephants calling and saw hundreds pouring out from all over. A new dawn had set for them in that place. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">***</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Back at the Oak, where I was being questioned by Bailey the old shepherd, she interrupted my recounting of the story to ask, “How did Hojan find the elephants or make this deal with them?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I glared at her, “I don’t know exactly, but from what I gathered from talking to the Thunder Brothers, it sounded like the elephants were rummaging around the forest spooking the dogs, primarily the dogs Hojan had sent out to scout. He sent Bonnie and the Thunder Brothers to find where the elephants were gathered, and when they returned he was told they had nowhere to gather. They all seemed to cross over from the other land and were trapped here. Naturally the birds would call them to the plains, trap them, and kill them to provide better bases for their new towers.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailey shook her head, “It’s awful what the birds did to them, but don’t forget, Storm, the blood that is shed after is on your paws.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">My glare met Bailey’s piercing eyes, “I know. Anyway, back to where I was. Ah, yes—</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">***</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“We made it back and everyone was bustling around as we prepared for the journey to the Desert. Dogs were running around with food or bedding or containers of water, everyone was doing their part. We walked into the madness and immediately were pulled in several different directions as we were called to help get materials ready or oversee a group of dogs doing something or, in Hojan’s case called away by Sentinel Thirteen to go over the route we would be taking. Atrix to this point hadn’t said a single word, but upon seeing all the dogs running about, his interest seemed to be sparked.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Is everything going to be okay, Storm?” He weakly asked me. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I smiled and said, “Yes, dear, everything will be okay. We’re just preparing for a trip, but you needn't worry. Just rest; we’ll talk a little bit later ok?” He nodded his head and fell back asleep. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">It was then a young corgi came running up, “You are all back!” I heard a soft yelp as young Bailee came running out of the crowd, her tail wagging and a big smile on her face. “Where’s Bonnie? I need to tell her something.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">My heart sunk. “Come with me Bailee,” I said softly and led her to a spot away from all the busyness. “Bailee, something happened out there. I’m afraid Bonnie isn’t going to be coming back with us just yet.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailee shook her head in confusion and then tilted it, “What do you mean? Will she be meeting us in the Scorching Desert then?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I didn’t think my heart could sink any further, but sure enough it could and it continued to sink as I told the young corgi what had happened. By the end of it, she was as quiet as the morning sunrise over the ocean. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“I didn’t get to say goodbye,” she said at one point. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I responded to reassure her, “There is no need to say goodbye. You’ll see her again. We’ll get to the Oak and you will see her again. You’ll be reunited and be able to tell her everything you didn’t get the chance too. Do not fret, young pup, there are greater things ahead of us than we could ever imagine.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">She looked up at me as tears started to come to her face, “Do you promise? Do you promise I’ll get to see her again?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I nodded my head, “I do. I promise you will see her again, Bailee.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailee began drawing an image in the dirt with her paw—a big and plump body followed by stocky legs which looked more like tree trunks than anything else, and two large tusks followed and a squirly little tail that could barely be seen. Bailey glanced over at me as she began drawing more elephants in the dirt.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Bonnie’s the reason we know of them. Right after Sanctuary was destroyed Bonnie and I were making our way to the Oak, or at least we tried to. It took a long time, but finally Bonnie admitted we were lost so we started to retrace our steps back to the shed. Bonnie hoped we would be able to find our way from there, but we never made it back to the shed. We felt the ground shake and heard a screeching noise as we saw the elephants for the first time. They were knocking over trees and blasting those horns they have hanging off of their faces. No regard whatsoever for the forest around them, Bonnie told me. The elephants saw us, and quickly ran over. I cowered when I saw them, massive creatures. Bigger than the tallest Sentinels, even. I stared up in awe, but Bonnie? She stood as flat footed as ever. She said in a stern voice—just like the one she would use with me when I was in trouble—that they were being very disrespectful of the forest. This was the land of the Oak and it was a sacred land to all animals. The elephants told us they had been lost. One moment they were walking to a watering hole and the next they were surrounded by towers of junk, towers so high they couldn’t even see the tops of some of them. No sooner than when they arrived had the birds begin to flutter around. Buzzing, poking, and mocking them...</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Abel, their leader, ordered the rest of the elephants to leave and run to the forest. The birds tried to stop the elephants, to no avail, as Abel rose up on his back two legs and slammed into one of the towers. It knocked several of the birds down, pinning dozens more. The rest grew into a craze and began chasing Abel. That was the last the elephants saw of him. They came through the woods and ran into us.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Bailee glanced behind us at all the dogs running around. She took a deep breath before she continued.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“They loved it here. It wasn’t like anything they had back at their home, but they loved it here anyway. We stayed with them for a while. Wandered all around the land looking for a spot for them to call their own. Bonnie taught them all about the Oak, and the elephants loved it. They have a great memory, you know? Say something once and they’d remember it forever...” Her voice trailed off again as she looked down at the drawing she had made in the dirt.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;"> Bailey softly whispered, “I think I’d like to be alone, if you don’t mind.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I slowly nodded my head and walked away, brushing my tail over her body as I left, turning to say, “If you need anything I’m here Bailee; you aren’t alone. Don’t let yourself be tricked into believing you are. You are surrounded by many wonderful dogs. If you need help just ask someone, okay?” Bailey nodded and then laid down. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">As I walked away I was approached by a frail dalmation, “I’ll watch over her, dear, make sure no one disturbs her and she doesn’t get left behind.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I nodded to her, “I’m sure she would appreciate that.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The dalmation smiled warmly at me and said in a voice smoother than silk, “I’m Opal, by the way. I heard of your deeds when I was at Sanctuary.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I nuzzled to greet her, “Hello Opal, I’m Storm. Your name sounds familiar; you wouldn’t happen to be the same Opal who sat on the council at Sanctuary would you?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“The very same.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I bowed to her, “I’ve heard about you. It was was said you were one of the finest teachers Sanctuary had to offer.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">She offered a warm smile, “Well, thank you, dear, and of course who hasn’t heard of the famous Storm, a Chosen of the Oak. It’s good to see you well.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I dipped my head again and said, “As with you.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Another dalmation approached and Opal said, “Oh Storm, this is my friend, Hugo. Hugo show your manors and introduce yourself to her.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hugo gave me a stern nod which I reciprocated.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Opal I’ve been looking all over for you,” Hugo said as Opal waived her tail.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Well I’m here. Would you be a dear and go tell Cody that Bailee has some personal matters to attend to and won’t be able to help him finish packing.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hugo rolled his eyes, “He’s not going to be happy about it.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Opal smiled, “You just tell him she’s with me, and you could offer to stay and help since she’ll be missing.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hugo gave a deep sigh before nodding his head and trotting off.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Don’t worry Storm,” Opal said, “I’ll take good care of her. You should be off though. They’ll be sending for you soon.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I bid my farewell to Opal and went toward the meeting place. Atrix began to stir and said, “I can walk now, Storm. I’m fine.” He tried to wiggle his way out of my grasp. I paused and carefully put him down. He stretched his legs, one by one, extending them, and then his back as a loud yawn escaped his mouth. We began walking again, side by side.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I asked him, “What happened to you while you were there?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Atrix shyly shrugged his shoulders saying, “I don’t remember much. They took me away and fed me some berries. Then I was asleep until I saw you and the other dogs again. I remember hearing a song, though, and it kept my eyes closed. It was like I was awake, but I wasn’t. I couldn’t move or anything. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before I could ask him anymore questions I saw Santana turn a corner and then briskly walked toward me. He shouted “Storm!” to me as if we weren’t already approaching each other. I looked him up and down. His coat looked dirty and his gaze quickly bounced from me and landed on Atrix, “Is he the reason we just went through all of that?” He asked accusingly. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I glared at him, “Atrix, getting rid of the birds, helping the elephants. From where I stand I think there were quite a few reasons we just went through all of that. Wouldn’t you agree Santana?” I could feel the fire rising in my throat as my hackles did the same. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Santana rolled his eyes, “Hojan has called for you, he’s in the Sentinel’s house. You know the way right?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I nodded and pushed past, making sure Atrix was safely between my legs as we passed by him. I looked back at him as we turned the corner and could see his eyes still fixated on the fox pup. Wearily and wantingly. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I would’ve walking straight into a wall if it wasn’t for Atrix who bumped me out of the way and exclaimed, “Watch where you are going Storm!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I shook my head and apologized to Atrix before casting a quick glance back to see if Santana was still there, but he was gone. I turned my attention toward Atrix.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“Sit down, Atrix,” I said sternly. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">He cocked his head, “What is it Storm? Don’t we need to hurry?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“It can wait.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I took a long pause as Atrix quickly grew impatient and finally gasped, “Well?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“You’re right, we should get going.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Atrix rolled his eyes and huffed, “Fine.” I smiled at him and playfully bumped into him as we trotted down toward the meeting place. </span></span></div>
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<br style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-42548778987879838102019-07-28T16:06:00.001-07:002019-07-28T16:06:37.167-07:00Chapter Seven: A Corgi's Chance<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-65d2bb20-7fff-da95-feaa-051e362b9faa" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“I can’t believe she would do that!” Hojan yelled.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> “She is protecting her own, wouldn’t you do the same?” I asked. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">He shook his head, “She’s not even considering what’s best for the group! Bailey is all she cares about.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I nodded slowly, carefully considering my words, “Everyone needs someone who cares for them like that.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">He stopped pacing around the entrance and shot me the same glare he gave to her. “Everyone needs to learn how to fend for themselves. You can’t rely on others to help you when you need it most.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“I’d like to believe you can. That’s why we’re doing all this for Atrix, and then we’re going to go and save all those dogs from the Scorching Desert. Right?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Hojan huffed, “We’ll save Thomas.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The other dogs from the group began to approach, we formed into our teams and set out into the forest. It seemed like we were there in no time at all. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Is everyone ready?” I asked the team as they nodded their heads. Some more confident than others but all in agreement. “Alright, we can’t have any mistakes here. Ok?” They all nodded their heads again and we began to position ourselves. Each dog was within eyesight of the dog nearest to them. We stood in a single line and waited for the other group.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The waiting was the worst. It seemed like days must have gone by until we saw them. The Thunder Brothers were sitting atop the elephants riding them toward the stacks. There were so many flocks of birds the dimly lit purple sky was jet black. The elephants began ramming into the towers of junk piled high into the sky as we began to run toward the towers. Weaving in and out of falling towers, we made our way to the meeting place where we last saw Atrix.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> We were close when a dozen birds picked up on us, screeching as they trailed closely behind our group. I looked to Frodo who nodded and turned to face them. Buddy turned with him. The birds swooped down toward them, and I saw both Buddy and Frodo leap into the air swiping their paws and chomping their jaws. I forced myself to turn my head back around as Dagney and myself continued to run to the last place we saw Atrix. As we turned the corner leading into the meeting place, we saw another flock of large birds—larger than any I had seen before—flying around in a circle and crowing almost as if they were trying to sing. Dust and small rocks began to pick up making it even more difficult to see what was going on, but in the center I saw a small coat of fire. Atrix! </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I looked back for Dagney. She was sitting perfectly still, breathing as if she was sleeping, and her eyes were completely black. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Dagney!” I yelled as the crowing grew louder, “Dagney we have to hurry!” She did not move, but I saw several dogs moving from behind her as Frodo and Buddy came walking up. “Hurry! Something is wrong with Dagney!” I yelled for them, but even at the top of my lungs I could barely hear myself over the crowing of the birds behind me. As Frodo and Buddy got closer I saw their eyes were also blackened, and their breathing was just like Dagney’s. They completely ignored me and sat right next to Dagney all three seemingly looking past me even though I stood right ahead of them. My hackles raised and I frantically looked around but saw nothing but us, the birds, and Atrix still laying at the center of the circle the birds were forming. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I went and tried to pull on Dagney’s collar, but she remained completely still. I begged her, “Dagney please get up! Move! Do something!” The only response I received was the rhythmic crowing of the birds. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I gave up on them and turned my attention to the birds and to Atrix. By now I could see only flashes of the fox pup’s coat in between the waves of dirt and rocks swirling around them as the birds grew higher and higher. I wasn’t sure if I could get through it without Dagney to help bull her way in and out of there, but I had to try. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I dug my feet into the ground and began to run as fast and as hard as I could. The ground beneath my feet didn’t budge as I pounded against it, and when I got close to the barrier separating me from Atrix I dove. My head and front two legs got through the dust and rocks as they went around me like water moving around a rock. I saw Atrix and yelled out to him. He did not respond, and before I was able to completely pass through the barrier, I was knocked back and slid against the hard ground. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“I told you to come alone, dog.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">A small black bird fluttered around from behind me, placing itself between me and the barrier. It’s voice was shrill and easily cut through the crowing. I glared at the bird. “Now all those you’ve brought will die with you, including your fox pup.” The bird fluttered back toward Dagney and the others. As I turned, I saw Hojan, Santana, and the Thunder Brothers, Cash and Murphy all sitting in a single line. Each of their eyes were blackened. The bird perched itself on Hojan’s head, and it dug its talons into his nose. Blood began to trickle down his mouth and chin, but he did not move. “You see? They’re completely hypnotised. Whatever I ask they will do. Just like the good dogs they are.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I felt my hackles raise as I lowered myself, preparing to run at the bird, but before I got the chance to take a step I heard the bird let out an awful screech, and the dogs ran toward me. Though these were all dogs, I knew they did not run like it. They were slower and more lethargic than before. They were also far more clumsy as Dagney tripped and bowled into Frodo who then knocked over Santana. Buddy tried to lunge at me but misplaced his paws and tripped over himself. Cash and Murphy ran right past me, seemingly without knowing what was going on. They ended up running head first into the barrier and collapsing. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Hojan, however, ran straight at me. He lunged and bore his teeth at me. I rolled underneath him kicking him with my hind paws and tossed him onto the pile of dogs Dagney had created. Even though all the other dogs had simply given up he did not. He locked eyes with me, and I realized his were not blackened. They were his normal eyes. He gave me a wink before running at me again. Lunging, he grabbed onto my scruff and threw me down. He growled and began to wrestle as one would with a pup. He attempted to whisper as he did so, “Stall until Bonnie can get Atrix.” I kicked him off once more and leaped onto him repeating what he did. It was as if we were dancing underneath the stars back at Sanctuary during the Festival of Leaves. Every motion was carefully placed to look like we were actually fighting while doing our best to not actually hurt the other. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What happened to them?” I asked with a mouth full of Hojans coat. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">He rolled me over and nipped at one of my legs, “Some kind of trance. Bonnie is working on it, just a little longer.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The birds at this point were no longer circling around Atrix as they had re-positioned themselves around us. Their crowing had grown softer as they continued to circle. I could see their small shiny eyes staring at us in sheer joy. It was as if we were there simply to entertain them—we were nothing more than large toys for them to use for their sick games. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I bucked Hojan off of me and jumped up. I was preparing myself to lunge at him when I heard a rumbling that almost resembled a thunderstorm traveling straight toward us, quickly. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“She’s here,” Hojan said with a smile as he spun around to face the small black bird. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">It began quickly fluttering around and angrily yelled, “You think you’ve won? You think you can leave this place alive? Not a chance!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird began to fly straight up, and we saw a flash of blonde fur jump from high up and catch the bird. They fought as they quickly plummeted down. The elephants trampleded through the clearing and began knocking down the towers outwards, a strategic choice to not harm any of us. The other birds began to fly in disarray, some flying into the towers of trash attempting to knock them over onto us. Others tried to fly away but were caught by massive grey trunks which shot out from the darkness even before we could see the elephants themselves. The largest birds launched themselves at the elephants. They flew up high into the sky and then dove straight toward the giant grey creatures. The birds let out the most awful of screeches as they dove. Such a terrible sound it was. Then we saw some blood begin to run from some of the elephants’ ears, but the birds could not penetrate the thick skin of any of the elephants. They simply bounced off with their beaks bent or broken altogether. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Amidst the chaos I noticed the wind around Atrix was gone since the birds were no longer circling around him. I raced to him to make sure he was alright. He was breathing, but had been knocked out. I grabbed him by the scruff and tossed him over my back. The noise had died down and the elephants were standing in a circle around the dogs; everyone’s head was bowed. I made my way to Hojan’s side to see what they were looking at. I saw now that the flash of blonde fur was Bonnie. She laid motionless next to the small black bird. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Hojan raised his head and began to howl the song of a fallen hero. I put Atrix down between my front two paws and joined in the song, as did the rest of the dogs. The elephants raised their trunks and began to sing with us. We finished our song, and for a moment the Plains of Rot rang as our sorrow traveled to the edge of the Oak’s light. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Hojan turned to me, “She did not survive the fall. She risked her life to save all of ours.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I nodded, “She is a true Dog of the Oak if I had ever seen one.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Hojan lowered his head more, and I saw a tear roll from his snout to the ground. “It’s a shame she will never see it.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I saw a bright light as Dagney exclaimed, “What’s that?” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bonnie’s body was enveloped by the light. We saw her body raise up higher than even the elephants could reach! Then, like dust in the wind, she vanished. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Where the body used to be was now a bright and colorful light which flew toward the Oak. The massive tree seemed to glow and grow rising far above the treeline. We even saw one of the great wolves at the top, his eyes glowing almost as if to guide the light home. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“I think she’ll see it sooner than any of the rest of us old friend.” I whispered to Hojan as I nudged him. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">His eyes were dry now, and he calmly nodded whispering back, “She has been accepted.” </span></span></div>
<br style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;" />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-67540394556972898322019-07-21T13:16:00.001-07:002019-07-28T15:50:37.782-07:00Chapter Six: Desperation<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-7a253cba-7fff-defd-6350-0af50b594225" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Are you sure this is going to work, Storm?” Buddy murmured as we approached the Towers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “C’mon, they’re just birds. How smart can they be?” Dagney asked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “They may be small, but they are some of the most cunning opponents you will ever face.” I told her sternly as I continued, “When Frodo and Santana were taking me to you, we saw a group of elephants run through the Plains. They knocked down the towers and were harassing the birds pretty well, but eventually the birds got the best of them and—” I paused for a moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“And what?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Buddy stopped and pointed with his nose, “They did that.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We turned looking to see the trunk and tusks of an elephant protruding out of a tower of trash. It wasn’t moving but the grey stuck out unnaturally in contrast with the amorphous blob it was crammed in. Dagney lowered her head and whispered, “Oh.” Her voice trailed off as she stared at the sunken elephant, “So that could be us?” She asked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I nodded, “If we’re not careful that would be the best possible outcome.” Dagney loudly gulped, “We’re here.” I said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We walked into the clearing where I originally made the deal with the birds. A half dozen soared overhead and began circling while another dozen flew right past them and perched themselves on different towers. It appeared like the same birds as before were still perched on top of their tower as well as the same black bird who was fluttering nearby and casually fluttered over to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“That seemed rather quick, even for you. What news have you come back with?” The bird squawked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I looked up to the tower Atrix was taken to only to see he was no longer there and the many birds that surrounded him were gone as well, replaced with only one bird on each tower, “I need to see Atrix before I continue. I need to know he’s alive and okay.” I saw the bird’s small beak twist into a smile. He gave a long caw and two large birds came over one of the towers with the small fox pup clutched between their claws, as soon as he saw me he began to struggle against the birds and would have had more success slowing down a car by hanging on to the bumper and pulling back than he did while dangling in the air. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The birds let him drop from high up in the air and he began to scream a scream that I had never been heard of before. So terrible, it was as if all of his life force was exerted in mustering such a tone and frequency that the nearby birds on the towers flew away in fear and shock. The bird in front of us dropped to the ground with wings covering its ears it yelled, “Grab him!” I remained still but saw Dagney begin to bound forward in an attempt to grab the plummeting fox.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix was just a few feet from the ground when the two birds that dropped him swooped in to save him and place him gently on top of Dagney who had attempted to stop only find herself sliding into a tower and nearly knocking it over, “Careful!” I hissed at her. Seemingly unaware of the chaos she almost caused Dagney walked back rather triumphantly with Atrix atop her shoulders, “I got him!” Dagney exuberantly said. I shook my head, “All you got was lucky and you nearly knocked a tower over right on top of us as well.” Dagney nodded her head, “Almost but I didn’t right?” I continued shaking my head and offered a small chuckle, “Atrix are you ok?” The fox nodded his head, “I was scared you weren’t coming back for me.” He said in a whimper, still shaking from his fall and near death. I gave him a warm look and reminded him, “I’ll always come back for you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I heard a squawk from up ahead and saw the black bird flanked with the two other birds, “Here’s your insurance now where is the dog?” I narrowed my eyes, “The dog and his group will be leaving soon you won’t have to worry about them for much longer.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The bird shook its head, “That won’t do any more. We need more than that.” I looked aghast at him, “That wasn’t the deal!” the bird shrugged his shoulders and the two large birds came flying toward Atrix, “Dagney run!” I yelled but it was too late as the birds had already picked Atrix up. I felt the hackles on the back of my neck rise and growl involuntarily emitted from deep in my throat as I roared, “Bring him back!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The bird began to flutter its wings as to keep itself a safe distance from us, Dagney looked stunned as the birds flew away and Buddy whispered, “They’re so fast!” I nodded back at him as the black bird began to speak, “The orange dog has put quite a damper on our regular business and as such we require more insurance that he won’t be returning.” My hackles remained raised and the growl that was once deep in my throat was quickly rising as I asked, “And what would that be?” The bird began to fly around us, “We need to make an example of him, we need him to come alone. You bring him here, we’ll give you the fox, and we will take him. You and the fox can go on your way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shook my head, “That isn’t really and option for us.” I growled at the bird. “Tsk, tsk, tsk, Storm once again you are not in a position to be making demands like this my dear, look around. Do you see how every tower in sight is occupied by birds? If something were to go wrong here you would be crushed and that poor fox would have to stay with us forever, or until his forever is over at least.” I barked back a curt, “Fine. I’ll bring him.” I turned to leave and signaled Buddy and Dagney to follow as the bird called out from behind us, “Oh and Storm? One last thing! When you come back it can only be you and the orange dog. No one else.” I briefly turned and nodded my head then we set back off to find Hojan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What are we going to do?” asked Buddy. “I don’t know” I continued, “We’ll have to figure something out. We can’t leave Atrix with them, he won't last in a group like that.” Dagney, who was looking all around and falling behind finally ran to catch up and said, “Have you noticed the birds are watching us?” I turned my head slightly to see that every bird on every tower had their eyes turned toward us, “I didn’t until you brought it up.” Buddy cocked his head to the side, “Why do you think that is Storm?” I lowered my voice to just above a whisper, “Because they don’t know where we are going, but they want to. Good find Dagney.” Dagney began to blush and smile, “So does this mean you have a plan?” Buddy asked. I nodded, “I think so but we have to find Hojan first.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We made it back to camp and were quickly greeted by Hojan and the Sentinel who ushered me into the same room where I first met them. They sent Dagney and Buddy to get some food and report in with their respective captains. I told Hojan and Sentinel Thirteen what had happened. Hojan sat directly beneath the light slowly nodding his head as he looked at a wall, deep in thought.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“You can’t seriously consider doing this, can you?” Sentinel Thirteen asked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hojan shook his head, “No it’s too risky, but I have an idea I think might work instead. We can use a diversion, They were watching you leave you said?” I nodded and Hojan continued, “Well, then I propose we have two teams. One team will be with you which will consist of yourself, Dagney, Buddy, and Frodo. The other group will have myself, Bailey, Santana, and the Thunder Brothers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I turned my head to the side, “The Thunder Brothers are here?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hojan nodded his head, “We stopped them right before they drove a herd of elephants into the plains, saved the whole lot of them.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I chuckled before asking, “The birds said when I came back it had to be just you and me.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I know, but I don’t think they actually believe we’ll do that.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“They’ll kill him Hojan. They’ll drop him right off one of those towers. He won’t have a chance.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What would you have me do? Walk in and surrender myself to the mercies of the birds? I’d be as good as dead then, Storm. Is that what you want?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I took a step back and felt my face grow hot, “Of course not! However, that doesn’t mean I want to sacrifice a pup like Atrix either. There has to be a way to save him without sacrificing anyone else.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hojan nodded his head, “Then listen to my plan.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I conceded and laid down. Hojan told me his plan, and we left to gather our teams. Sentinel Thirteen went ahead of us to tend to something a scouting party reported seeing while Hojan and I began to walk toward the entrance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we got closer we heard a voice from behind us, “Hojan do not tell me you are planning on sending her out there. She isn’t ready and you know it!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hojan turned around as a crowd began to swarm around us. He approached her. “She is more than capable of this. Bonnie. Whether you like it or not, she is growing up. You won’t be able to stop her forever.” Bonnie did not back down as Hojan towered over her. I could not see his face, but I could feel the glare he was giving her—the “how dare you question me” kind of glare he would occasionally give the most unlucky of dogs. Bonnie gave a similar glare back to him though, a glare that screamed “how dare you try to put my pup in danger.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bonnie calmly and sternly said, “I will go in her place.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hojan’s posture relaxed and his hackles laid down as he nodded. “Fine. We leave soon. Say your goodbyes then meet us at the entrance.” Bonnie, without saying a word, turned and walked away. The crowd parted as she walked by. Leaving a small, corgi sized hole, in the sea of dogs. The once bustling path was now completely silent. Hojan walked by me and the crowd, again, parted leaving a collie sized path in his wake. I followed closely behind, but the crowd stayed silent and still at least until after we left.</span></div>
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<br />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-36238225389922235692019-07-18T14:56:00.000-07:002019-07-18T14:56:16.712-07:00The Land of the Oak<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuFm7Hyap9wKiaeqJVbho5AQvm7jwLLD52YIVpFDMsKJt2c_czxtro0rpKrGp0zmCTxTJiUK3qPIHMdYihnwhDMxW-k9IqNN4tPmAhtluXIycp_rEKFZXdZfLwy7Rw9UMg9cSTsYBDOQS/s1600/The+Oak+Pencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuFm7Hyap9wKiaeqJVbho5AQvm7jwLLD52YIVpFDMsKJt2c_czxtro0rpKrGp0zmCTxTJiUK3qPIHMdYihnwhDMxW-k9IqNN4tPmAhtluXIycp_rEKFZXdZfLwy7Rw9UMg9cSTsYBDOQS/s1600/The+Oak+Pencil.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Sentinel Eleven dedicated his entire life to the dogs of Sanctuary, ultimately giving his life to the Oak. Above is listed his depiction of the Land of the Oak.</div>
Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-13449850820048059932019-07-14T16:29:00.000-07:002019-07-14T16:29:54.134-07:00Chapter Five: An Old Friend<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-68b37d4a-7fff-bc54-5395-15717e74c057" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I cocked my head to the side again, and at this point I was getting rather tired of doing this, “You weren’t accepted by the Oak?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan shook his head, “None of them can even find it. Whenever I try leading them to it they get lost.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Thirteen chimed in, “We even tried tying rope around a few of them and they just vanished. Fortunately, everyone we took out knew their way back here. We even tried to get eleven to help us.” I straightened my head and looked at Thirteen who’s long brown hair was falling on either side of her shoulders, “Is that how he lost his hand?” I asked. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">She shook her head, “No, that’s a different story.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I shook my head in confusion, “What happened with Eleven? How do you know you aren’t accepted?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan took a deep breath and glanced at Thirteen who leaned over and patted him on the head. “Eleven and I went to the Oak. I was turned away before being let in. They told me I can gaze upon the glory of the Oak, but until I am redeemed I will not be allowed to stay. Eleven went in and spoke to the wolves who watch every corner of the Oak’s land. They were the ones who explained it. When the Dark Sentinel defeated the dogs, they were tainted with his darkness. In order to be accepted into the Oak they must cleanse themselves of this darkness by redeeming themselves.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I nodded my head and asked, “And how would one go about this cleansing?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan shot a look at Thirteen who nodded at him, then the Sentinel cast her gaze towards me, “They must bathe in the oasis at the center of the Oasis.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I nearly fell down, “You must what?!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but I did not let him.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“No dog has ever returned from the Scorching Desert, but you want to just walk in with hundreds of dogs?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan shook his head, “No, Storm listen we have a plan.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">The Sentinel walked over to me and knelt down. She looked deep into my eyes and I felt warm. She pulled me close to her, and I felt my hackles droop. I wasn’t even aware they were up until that moment. I took a deep breath, “What’s your plan?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“I’ve been to the edge of the Scorching Desert and I know there are other groups of dogs there. I’ve talked to other creatures, the scorpions and snakes and they say there is a war raging in the desert for control. The Lion has grown old and weak after the defeat of the Dark Sentinel and the dogs who have been trapped there have begun to rise up against him!” I shook my head, “And why would you trust those creatures?” Hojan took a deep breath, “I’ve seen the fighting. The hyenas and the dogs and the lions. It is chaos there Storm and if we get enough dogs and other creatures to help us we can do more than march in and redeem ourselves we can bathe every creature in the Oasis, we can completely rid this place of the Darkness, once and for all. We can return the Oak to the days of glory. Just like the stories Storm, you remember those don’t you?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I glanced off to the side, fixing my eyes on the strange light which shown from the moss placed at the corner of the ceiling, “Eleven said the darkness was destroyed, that as long as Sanctuary was sealed he couldn’t escape and we would be ok.” Thirteen nodded, “He’s not wrong. While the Dark Sentinel and the darkness he carries with him is defeated the place the darkness comes from is still very much alive and well. But if we drive the Lion from his place we will be one step closer to defeating it, finally and completely.” I shook my head, “Always one step closer to the finish but the line is never in sight is it?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan shook his head, “Did you read all of the Sentinel’s notes Storm?” I nodded, “Yes , why?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Hojan gave a slight nod before looking off into the distance, or at the wall, “Because you know that I fled when I saw him. When we got to the Elm I fled and left Thomas there.” I nodded my head, “Yes I remember Kalani’s account of the great race.” Hojan looked at me with nothing but pure desperation in his eyes, “Storm I saw him. I saw Thomas in the desert. I must save him. I have to save him.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">“How exactly do you plan on doing this? Mustering an army composed of all these different creatures, marching into the Scorching Desert and driving out the Lion?” I asked, Hojan smiled, “Well that’s where you come in.” I rolled my eyes, “Oh good, so you already gave me a role to play in this?” Hojan nodded excitedly, “The Sentinel told me he had sent you to find and help me when I approached him about helping us.” I shook my head, “What do you want me to do?” “I want you to be our representative in the Scorching Desert and begin to see what is going on and then report back here to us.” Hojan said. I nodded my head and responded, “I will, but there is something that I need help with.” Hojan was already at the door with the Sentinel, “Follow us” he said, “We heard about the trouble your fox is in. We’ll help save him then the two of you can set off towards the Scorching Desert.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I followed the both of them as they led me back the same way I came, “Oh? And I suppose you have a plan for that as well?” Hojan turned and chuckled, “Well Storm! Of course I do.” He winked as we continued down the road.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At one point I saw Bailey running up from the road, “Sentinel! Sentinel! The scouting party has returned with news from the Desert! They want to see you immediately.” The Sentinel turned to pat Hojan and myself goodbye then began briskly walking in the direction Bailey came from with Bailey hot on the Sentinel’s tail nearly nipping at her pant legs as the Sentinel walked. I raised an ear at this and turned to Hojan who had already started back down the road, “What was that about?” Hojan peered over his shoulder and said, “All the scouts report to the Sentinel and she keeps track of all the records. She was trained by Eleven so she has experience in it.” I nodded my head, “Right but it seemed urgent didn’t it?” Hojan shrugged his shoulders, “If it’s urgent I imagine we’d hear about it sooner rather than later. No matter now, Thirteen has every capability to handle whatever the scouts have to report.” I thought about what the scouts could be reporting, was the civil war over alreadyHojan stood next to a Sentinel I did not recognize, but who must have been Thirteen. Again, he said, “You’re late, Storm.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">I stepped forward and into the moss lit room, “What’s going on here?” I confidently asked. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">Thirteen rolled her eyes and leaned her back against a wall. She crossed her arms and one leg over the other as she did so, “Well what do you think is going on? Everyone here was lost to the darkness. We aren’t welcomed to the Oak until we’re redeemed.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #999999;">? Was our opportunity lost?</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“We’re here.” Hojan’s voice broke the silence as I almost bumped into the back of him, “You alright Storm? Seem a little lost.” I nodded my head, “Yea, I’m fine. Just thinking about how we’re going to get Atrix back is all.” Hojan seemingly thought this answer was sufficient as he crawled through a doggy door into a small room that must have been no larger than fifteen feet by twenty feet. In the moss lit room sat just two other dogs. A large mastiff with a typically droopy face thumped her nub of a tail against the hard wooden floor as she introduced herself, “I’m Dagney!” her ears perked up and for a moment there were one or two fewer wrinkles in her young face. Next to her sat a mid-aged black lab he opened his mouth slightly so it would give the appearance of a smile and even while sitting he did not wag just his tail but his entire body would wind back and forth, “That would be Buddy.” Hojan said nodding towards the lab. “Is it just us?” I asked. Hojan nodded, “Well just you three to be exact. This is all we can spare for now. Good luck Storm.” I thanked him and turned towards Hojan, “What about Frodo and Santana could they join us?” Hojan turned to face me and said, “I’ll see what I can do but no promises.” I nodded again and Hojan left. I turned back to Buddy and Dagney, “So here’s the plan.” </span></span>Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-43390755178124986362019-07-07T14:05:00.001-07:002019-07-07T14:05:12.479-07:00Chapter Four: The Others<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #cccccc;">Chapter Four: The Others </span></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I set off down the path, my feet beating against the cold dirt beneath me. There were three birds on my tail picking and cawing at me. I tilted my head back slightly to yell:</span></span></h2>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> “Leave me be, you foul creatures!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We continued to run, and the forest came into sight when two dogs leapt out of the trees and began to run towards us. Both were dogs from Sanctuary. A white and brown boxer named Frodo and his grey husky companion Santana. They began barking at the birds who took off in the other direction. Both Frodo and Santana slowed from a run to a walk to greet me, but before they did, I overheard them say, “It seems like it’s getting easier every time ain’t it Santana?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Santana nodded in agreement and then looked me up and down once before exclaiming: “Well, tie a hot dog to my tail, and let me spin in circles ‘till I fall! Is that you Storm!?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“It’s been a minute, hasn’t it old friend?” I said enthusiastically. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Santana brushed his face against mine as Frodo kept his keen eyes facing the direction the birds flew. Santana finished his greeting and asked, “Two years right? That was the last time we were here together?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Yea it was your first patrol right?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“It was the first time we saw a boar in these parts as well.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Those were good days indeed. What brings both of you here?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">They cautiously eyed each other then returned their gaze to the sky before Frodo turned his gaze towards me.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“We were at the battle of Sanctuary. I remember seeing it crawl out of the shed, and we began to sing—all the dogs of Sanctuary. Then in the blink of an eye I was gone. Found myself here being harassed by those birds. That’s when he found me.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“That’s when who found you?” I asked rather inquisitively. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The two dogs eyed each other again before Frodo said, “Follow us. It’s not safe to talk about it here.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They led me along a small path that wound through the forest. The path was nearly covered by bushes and broken branches. No matter how deep we went into the forest, we could always see the towers of the Plains. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Did you ever face it?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Santana paused, “That thing?” He peeked over his shoulder to look at me while he finished what he was saying. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I took a deep breath as my mind raced back to that day. It wasn’t that long ago, but it seemed like an eternity. I remember racing through the forest searching for Rad while running away from The Dark One. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I began to shudder and both turned and calmly walked towards me. Santana rubbed against me to comfort me while Frodo kept looking off towards the Plains. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Santana lifted his head up and whispered, “It’s okay now.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I nodded, “I was there. At the end—at Sanctuary.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">A look of surprise crossed Frodo’s his white and brown face. The wrinkles on it nearly doubled.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We heard more crashing and felt the ground tremble beneath us. We lowered ourselves and hid amongst the bushes as we saw a group of elephants run out onto the Plains. They began crashing into the towers causing them to collapse and fall into one another. Wretched screams came from that place as we saw dozens of birds fly in all directions. The birds flew up and started circling the elephants. Caws rang out as hundreds more flew to meet those already circling. The sky became dark as even the light from the Oak was blocked out from the birds. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Soon we heard a song from that place. It brought with it a cold wind, and the smell of decay was strong. One by one, we saw the elephants drop down to the ground. Each time a new one would drop, a few dozen birds to fly off and begin collecting the forgotten things to pile on top of them. I turned to Frodo and Santana, both of whose eyes were duly watching the event that was unfolding as if they’d seen it a thousand times</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Are all the towers—” before I could say anymore, Frodo shushed me. Santana gave a curt and sure nod to confirm my suspicion.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I turned back to see the final elephant drop as a tower began to replace where she had stood. The birds began to build their towers taller and taller and their song changed with their work. The light of the Oak had been restored. If we hadn’t been there to witness the elephant’s rampage through the area, we would not believe they had done it. Everything was returned to just the way it was prior to them showing up.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I heard Santana whisper from behind me, “We have to move quickly and quietly. We’re almost there.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It wasn’t much longer before we emerged to find a rather large mountainside. It was spotted with cave openings, and the two dogs led me through one. We then found ourselves winding down levels of caves, going deeper into the mountain. Soon the light from outside was all but a distant memory as we were relying on some other form of light, not fire, but almost like some foliage.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> “What’s that?” I asked my guides.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> Santana turned his head towards me as we squeezed single file into a new tunnel.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Moss the Sentinel found.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I stopped and Frodo bumped into me.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What’s going on? Why did you stop?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I stammered, “Sentinel Eleven is helping you?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Frodo laughed, and Santana shook his head, </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“No, Sentinel Eleven doesn’t leave the marked path ever since he lost his hand. Sentinel Thirteen has been here with us. She says it’s where the Oak called her too. She’s even been building dog houses and other things for us. She sure seems to take after the first.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I could feel Frodo nodding and nudging me to continue walking. I continued following Santana. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“How did Sentinel Eleven lose his hand?” I asked.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Santana flicked his tail and said, “Later. I’ll have to tell you later. We’re here, and I’m sure there will be some very excited dogs to see the mighty Storm among us.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We entered what must have been the base of the Mountain. It was larger than any cave I’d seen before. Almost seemed as big as the forest itself. You couldn’t even see where the ceiling was and the far wall wasn’t visible either. Wooden structures were set up all along the cavern as there were hundreds of dogs bustling about. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Santana tugged on my neck ushering me onto a not so crowded path. There were two dogs on the path, two corgis. One was blonde and plump. The other was thin with a tri-colored coat. The larger one turned toward us and bowed her head.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">She said to the other corgi, “Come Bailey. Let’s get out of their way.” Bailey rolled her eyes and began to mutter something about always having to move for the patrols.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“They’re big enough to walk around aren’t they?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bigger corgi grabbed the scruff of little Bailey and yanked her to the side of the road. The pup let out a small, “Yip!”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We didn’t walk much farther before we made it to a ramp which led to a small porch. It looked almost like a log cabin from the outside. Four walls, no windows, a roof. A large door for us to enter through. As we did, I saw the inside of the cabin. Several dog beds, mostly made from leaves, vines, and other foliage, were strewn about. A chair sat in the middle of the room empty. Next to it sat two dogs, one on either side of the chair. One was older with a coat of onyx who had clouded eyes. The other was small with a coat the color of tree bark. Both their coats were smooth and short, much like my own. The small brown one began to thump her tail and gave a small and rather unsure smile. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The older, black one asked, “Who’s there? Frodo and Santana is that you?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> Frodo responded, “Yes Harriet, we have returned with a special guest. Is he back yet?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The black dog, whose name was Harriet shook her head.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “No, not </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, anyway. You may want to check the Sentinels quarters. I smell his stench coming from there.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Santana softly chuckled as we thanked them and left from the way we came. We greeted Bailey and the plump blonde corgi as we left the cabin.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> “Long trip, dears?” the larger corgi asked. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Santana nodded as we walked by. The little one’s head drooped ever so slightly, and the larger one shouted out:</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“We’ll make sure to save some of the good stuff for you all!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Frodo’s nub of a tail picked up and began wagging as he looked back.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> He shouted back, “Thanks Bon!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> I watched the two corgis as the bigger one, “Bon,” seemed to be consoling the smaller one.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“The two corgis are a part of the group that prepares our food. Not fit for scouting or fighting so we keep them occupied around the camp.” said Santana.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Although Bailey may make a fine scout one day—assuming she doesn’t fall into her mother’s pawsteps.” Frodo shot back at him. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Santana offered a small nod, “And the other two? The black and brown dogs? Who are they?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">This time Frodo responded. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Harriet, the old blind one, is part of the new council. We had to form a new one after we got here. Although, the council really just works as a group of advisors for him, you know? They don’t make too many decisions, just offer some input every now and then. Still a big role nonetheless!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Santana rolled his eyes, “And the small brown one is her seer, Hanna. They group together on the other side of the shed. For as long as anyone can remember they’ve been together. Though we’re not sure who would be worse off without the other. Sure Harriet wouldn’t be able to see, but, well, Hanna is a unique dog.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I cocked my head, “Unique how? Who’s him? Where’s the Sentinel’s quarters?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Again Santana rolled his eyes and then motioned with his head to a smaller building close by, “That’s where she stays. It’s the only building with a door. She hates using the doggy doors. Some buildings even have a back door just so she can use it without having to crawl through one of our doggy doors.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The two dogs laughed at the thought of the Sentinel crawling through a doggy door cross was enough to break their serious demeanor. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I looked at them expectantly and they each took a deep breath and then sighed before seemingly remembering they weren’t alone. I left my head turned to the side.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“So shall we go in?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> Santana shook his head, “No, this is as far as we go. It’s just you from this point. Go knock on the door; they’ll answer. We’ll be in the dining hall once you’re done.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I bid my dog’s farewell and went up to the door. Raising my paw I knocked just two times. I heard the snap of fingers, and the door slowly creaked open. There were two figures standing on the other side. Each one obviously expecting my arrival. A </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">single </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">voice broke the silence.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> “You’re late, Storm.”</span></span></div>
<br />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-70855142998919596342019-06-30T14:06:00.001-07:002019-06-30T14:06:39.312-07:00Chapter Three: A Rotten Idea<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-4a204068-7fff-4f7b-7fed-ea4251793083" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Comfortaa, cursive; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chapter</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Bree Serif", serif; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Comfortaa, cursive; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Bree Serif", serif; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Comfortaa, cursive; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Bree Serif", serif; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Comfortaa, cursive; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rotten</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Bree Serif", serif; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Comfortaa, cursive; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Idea</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Atrix cocked his head to one side, “The where?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> I began to trot off towards the Plains and turned my head slightly so I could talk back to him while keeping a keen eye on the road. After all, if he got through to this place, there’s no telling what else could have as well. “The Plains of Rot. All that’s lost turns up in the Plains of Rot. That’s what they say at least.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix followed quietly for a moment with his head down. He was finally able to ask, “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">says?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I perked up one of my ears before saying, “Well you know, the dogs who tell the stories.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Atrix shook his head. “How would I know that? I’m a fox!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Well, I suppose that’s true. What stories were you told then?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Before he could respond, we heard a crashing through the woods as a monstrous animal was heading straight towards us. I spun around, grabbed Atrix’s scruff and dove behind a bush a foot or two off the path. Just as we hit the ground, we saw nearly a dozen gigantic, hairless, grey creatures spurting from the woods like water out of a hose. They had wide ears that flopped when they ran with horns sticking from their faces! Their noses were so long—almost like a Sentinel's arm, but it had no fingers. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Wow. Look at those elephants.” Atrix said quietly as they stampeded past. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“You know what those things are?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Well yea! Those are elephants. Me and my family used to sneak into the zoo all the time and get the snacks that people would leave in the storage cans! All sorts of good stuff were in the cans: peanuts, half-eaten hot dogs, and even fruit. While we were there, we would talk to the animals there too. One time we even helped a monkey escape! Although, he didn’t get very far before he was caught and put back in.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I shook my head in disbelief and said, “You know</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">these animals?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Atrix rolled his eyes. “Well, not these </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">specific</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ones, but I’ve met a few elephants at the zoo.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The elephants loudly passed without issue, and we stepped out onto the path, which was now much wider than before. I turned to see where the elephants had come from to see a new path that led straight to the Plains of Rot. I looked at Atrix with a smile, and we raced towards the plains. It took us only a minute or two to get there. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">When we arrived, we were both overtaken by the strong stench of rotting food. We scrunched our noses, and Atrix dove into the ground trying to get dirt to cover his nose, but quickly popped back up retorting, “The ground stinks too!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I laughed and nodded my head.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> “Yes, everything here smells bad. We’re just going to have to get used to it until we find Hojan.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Atrix looked at me, particularly puzzled.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“How are we going to find him if we can’t smell anything?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Luck or will of the Oak,” I said shrugging. “You’ve heard of the Oak haven’t you?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Well, of course! Everyone has heard of the Oak!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I laughed, and we started exploring the Plains of Rot.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We could see towers stacked nearly as high as the Oak itself. Toys, leashes, dishes, food, and other forgotten things all stacked high created a mesmerizing and disgusting scene. We would see them sway and hear them creak. The wind that blew through the plain carried not only a tragic scent of lost memories, but also the towers themselves as they would slowly traverse the land like the clouds above.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Do you hear that?” I asked Atrix. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“No, what are you talking about, Storm?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I began to look around as a loud creaking noise, unlike anything I had ever heard, was being let loose. I looked up and saw a nearby tower starting to fall towards us. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Move!” I yelled and dove towards Atrix pushing him out of the way as debris from the tower began to rain down all around us. We quickly dashed between blobs of toys and bowls falling from miles above us. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">By the time we made it to a safe spot, we realized a chain reaction had been set off. Towers all around us began to crumble. Debris was smashing and combining to create objects larger than busses, and this all came hurling towards us. I threw Atrix onto my back and began racing down the path. Barely escaping multiple blocks of rotting material being dropped right on top of us </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">As we rounded a corner, I saw a flash of grey and voice that said, “This way! Quickly!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I followed the voice as it led me off to the right of the path we were following.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The voice led us away from danger as the sounds of falling debris were far off now, and the towers which currently surrounded us looked strong and stable. I looked around for the dog who saved us, but found no one. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Then I heard: “Up here!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I looked up to see it was not a dog who saved us, but a bird. I could feel Atrix looking around as he laid on my back. I heard a small whisper from him.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“They are all around us, Storm.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I turned my head and saw on the top of each tower was a perched bird.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird which first spoke to us spoke up again.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> “It’s been quite some time since we’ve had a dog come through this far into the plains, you know.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I looked up at the bird. “Have you seen an orange dog come through these parts? He’s a Border Collie, if you know of them.” I could not see the birds face because it was so far away, but I imagine it held a blank expression as its next words were cold and distant.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> “I don’t believe you are in any place to be asking questions, Storm of the Oak.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I gave the bird a puzzled look. “I’m simply looking for my friend, then we’ll be on our way.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird remained motionless atop its tower, “I’m afraid we cannot allow you to leave Storm.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Atrix jumped down off my back; his hackles raised, and his tail stood straight up. He began to growl. “You’ll let us walk out of here or else! You mangy birds.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> The birds began to chirp all around us, and one we hadn’t spoken to yet addressed us. “You should be happy we’re letting you live in the first place! You know, not many dogs get a chance to serve such intelligent creatures such as ourselves!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The birds, again, erupted with chirps and caws. Atrix’ nose shriveled in disgust of the thought of having to serve such a foul master.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I stepped over Atrix, placing him between my legs, and he settled down a little. I looked to the bird we had first spoken too.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“What would you have us do?” I saw the bird swoop down and begin to flutter right in front of me.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“Well, I’d like to make a deal with you.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I narrowed my eyes, and asked “What kind of deal?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird smiled. “There’s a dog who has been stifling our supply of fresh blood into the plains of rot. We need you to—erm—take care of him.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I met the birds smile with a cold look of disgust. “And what did you have in mind?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird swooped to a small ledge nearby on one of the towers. “Oh, it doesn’t matter to us. We just need him out of the way so we can go back to our normal business,” he chirped.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Atrix jumped up and lunged at the bird, who was obviously too far away for him to reach and yelled, “We’ll never help you bird!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I snapped at him, “Atrix calm down!” and he slumped down, putting his tail between his legs. I looked back to the bird, “And should I refuse? What then?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird opened his wings, as if to shrug, and said, “Well I suppose if we can’t convince you then we’ll have to fly away. Gosh, I hope we don’t cause these towers to come tumbling down in the process. It would be most unfortunate if the mighty Storm of the Oak met her demise underneath some debris from the Plains of Rot.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I lowered my head and muttered, “Unfortunate indeed. I suppose I have no choice but to accept then.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird nodded, “The stories always say how smart you are.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I smiled at him, “What’s to stop me from leaving this place and never returning?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird nodded slowly, “Yes we have thought of that.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Just then two massive birds swooped down and picked Atrix up. He howled and cried, “Storm don’t let them take me!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I lunged towards the bird I had been speaking too. Climbing up the tower, I began to hear it shake and I heard the bird say, “Uh-Uh Storm, if the tower falls it’s you who will be hurt not I.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Begrudgingly, I carefully made my way down the tower. “Fine” I said curtly, “How is this going to work then?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird again smiled as Atrix was placed atop a nearby tower. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“It’s simple you find a way to get rid of the dog and his band of miscreants and once they’ve left the area and we have assurances they won’t be back we’ll give Atrix back to you.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I cocked my head, “Assurances? What do you mean by that?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird again fluttered his wings and said, “Those will become clear with time.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I rolled my eyes. “Alright then, do you know where to find this dog and his band of merry companions?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The bird looked off and made a call as another bird came flying from a nearby tower. I heard them begin to talk. As they talked, I was examining the tower Atrix sat on. The birds had picked it pretty clean so there wasn’t an easy way up or down. It was too high up to jump down without getting hurt as well as being surrounded by several other towers with many birds continuously surveying the surrounding land.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The voice of the bird I had been talking to broke my concentration. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">“We have a plan to introduce you two.”</span></span></div>
<br />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-54441324919715107302019-06-23T15:27:00.002-07:002019-06-23T15:27:40.798-07:00Chapter Two: Storms Story<br />
<br />
<h2>
Chapter Two<br />Storm’s Story:</h2>
<h3>
A Fox’s Delight</h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I finally got Atrix, the fox pup who had stumbled upon me, to agree to come with me. He would be safer somewhere I could keep an eye on him rather than wandering the woods all alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “Do you remember where this cave was, Atrix?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He nodded his head and pointed to a small path forged by the rabbits and other small rodents of the forest. “That path will lead us to it,” he said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I nodded my head and playfully nudged him towards it, “Well , let's go back to the cave and see what we can find. What do you say?” He began shaking with excitement and nodding his head. “What can you tell me about your pack, Atrix?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He looked up at me; he had these bright orange eyes, just like Hojan’s. “Well, there’s mum and pop, of course. They are the slyest foxes you’ve ever seen. They can sneak right into a coop and steal every egg without ever being noticed. Then, there’s my big sister and she is the fiercest creature anyone has ever met. One time she snarled so good a bear ran away! A bear! Can you believe it? She told me the bear was so scared he cried while he was running home.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I laughed, “Well who were you playing hide and seek with?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He slowed his pace just a little, and I could tell he was in some serious thought. “Well, there are these two hogs who come sniffing around every now and then. They give my whole family trouble, to be honest, and whenever my parents smell them coming they’ll ask if I want to play hide and seek. And, ya know the best part? They never ask me to be it! My sister always volunteers. So, my mum smelled the hogs coming and asked if I wanted to play hide and seek. I said yes and then went to hide. A long time went by, and when I made it back to the cave there was no one there. I went all the way to the back and then found myself here! That’s when I saw you.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time he finished his story, we made it to the aforementioned cave. He put his nose to the ground and began to “sniff” for a scent. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I laughed, “With your nose that close to the ground, the only thing you’ll ever smell is the grass!” He directed his eyes to me with a questioning look and then began to laugh and roll on the ground with a tuft of grass and dirt stuck to the tip of his snout. I walked up to him and stared at the cave, “So this is it, huh?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He rolled onto his stomach, looked up at it, and nodded his head, “Yea, this is it.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “Ok, wait here then. I’ll be right back,” I told him as I started walking towards the mouth of the cave. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“No.” I heard a small voice squeak from behind me. I turned around and saw him curled up on the ground. “Don’t leave me,” he said softly as he began to get up.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sighed, “I’ll be right back. I promise.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again he said, “No. I’m coming with you.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I rolled my eyes, “Fine, but you do exactly as I say. Got it?” He nodded his head and together we set off into the cave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It was cold and dark, but there was no scent of any foxes, not even Atrix. No scent of hogs either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “You’re sure this is the cave, pup?” I asked. I felt his breath on the back of my legs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Positive, this is the cave I came from.” We pushed ahead and reached the back of the cave. Atrix started weeping, “Where is it?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spun around to see him staring at the wall of the cave, “Where is what?” I asked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He looked at me, tears streaming down his eyes, “Where is the entrance to the cave!” he screamed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I shook my head in confusion and took a step back from him, “It’s back there, Atrix. We walked through it together, remember?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He shook his head, “No there’s two entrances! That’s the back way into the cave! This is the front! This is where I came from! Where is it Storm?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “Where are you from, Atrix?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He kept weeping, “The Forest! I told you!” He choked the words out through a flood of tears. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I know, but describe the forest to me. Was it the same one we just walked through?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He began to calm down as he thought. While hiccupping, as pups do after a long cry, “No, The trees here are different and the songbirds were singing differently too.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I nodded my head and said, “Atrix, you are in a different place. You realize that don’t you?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The young fox looked up at me, “Storm am I dead?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gave out a quick huff, “No young pup you are just as alive as you were when you went to hide. You went through. . . well, you see—it seems the cave is some kind of portal. Pup, this is the land of the Oak.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “This is that place?” Atrix said in a stunned voice as his eyes grew wide. I nodded my head. He turned and started running out of the cave. I walked calmly followed him, and when I exited the cave I saw him looking all around, eyes as wide as the full moon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “My parents would tell me stories of this place and of the great deeds the dogs of Sanctuaries would perform. Do you know the stories?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I laughed, “Well, I suppose I know a few fairly well!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atrix nodded and then quickly turned his attention towards me, “Wait. You aren’t. . . You aren’t the Storm. . . Are you?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The very same.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He gasped and rolled over, “Wow! I cannot believe I snuck up and almost defeated the mighty Storm!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I nudged him with my paw and laughed, “You couldn’t sneak up on a blind elephant!” He laughed, and then we sat in silence for a while, listening to the birds sing their solemn song while letting the light from the Oak wash over us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Atrix broke the silence. “Storm, how am I going to get back to my home?” His voice wavered as if he was going to cry. Although, I doubt he had any tears left to cry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I answered, “I don’t really know, pup.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Within a moment I saw his body stiffened, and he bolted from his spot yelping, “I found one!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hurried after and called out to him, “Don’t go in there!” I lunged and grabbed him by the tail. He let out a terrible screech, but he didn’t go into the brush. I let him go and he furiously swung around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “What are you doing? That hurt!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I scrambled up and placed myself between Atrix and the forest, “You mustn’t go in there! You hear me? If you go off the path, you will get lost. I can’t tell you when or if you’ll ever come out or where you’ll be.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atrix shrugged his shoulders, “Well, how is that any different than now?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I slumped down, “Because now you have me.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He huffed and looked away whispering, “But I saw one.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gave him a curious eye, “Saw one what?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He looked up at me. “A badger.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I shook my head, “What will the badger be able to tell you?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again Atrix shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. But maybe something! Maybe how to get home, or where my parents are.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I shook my head, “No, Atrix, he badger won’t know anything. She wasn’t there when you went through the portal, and she doesn’t know you or your parents. She’s more likely to attack you than talk to you.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atrix rolled his eyes. “Well, what do you suggest then? What should we do?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I looked him up and down. “How do you feel about joining me on an adventure Atrix?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He tilted his head a little to the side and looked off into the forest for a moment. “What kind of adventure?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I laughed. “Well, I’m not exactly sure, but it was given to me by a Sentinel. If you join me, and we’re successful, you will be heralded by the Oak! That would be something now, wouldn’t it?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atrix sat up straight. His eyes told the story of a pup daydreaming. You could almost see the procession he saw, and he hummed a familiar tune—the same one we do for all our heroes. He looked at me, “Alright, I’m in. What’s our first step?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “We need to find someone first, an old friend.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atrix nodded his head, “Okay, and where is your friend?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I smiled, “The Plains of Rot.”</span><br />
<br />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-89761382735529288112019-06-16T14:08:00.001-07:002019-06-16T14:08:17.980-07:00Book Two Chapter One: Questions<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-2d119145-7fff-ec54-9b17-25995e2150ea" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="78" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/WAJwKgwigkFGN3o2U14280RXhpMNb45NhvBTxkXUVDB6jjyOLwTjXGdWsouCj8pSMbC_ONhhIsfcxAfkYFPk5Qvk56IEf8q6Q_7Tl30ZtXYVZlej8GW7na95EOfZVY4FvZ89Y01d" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor;" width="84" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Bree Serif", serif; font-size: 36pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Chapter One: Questions</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">We sat in a dark room - Hojan and myself. A door creaked open, and through it walked a massive Shepherd we both knew all too well.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">The room was dimly lit by a skylight that seemed to hang miles above our heads, forming a small cone around the two of us. Whenever one of us would move, the light would follow as if the Oak itself was casting a wary eye on us. Vines from the ground had sprung up, forcing us to sit still. The walls around us mimicked the tree we were in, but the bark was black and looked like cold steel rather than the wood I was accustomed to seeing. Bailey walked up to us, and even in the darkness, I could feel the disappointment and anger washing off of her thick coat. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“What did you fools do?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“We saved them,” Hojan muttered, his eyes ablaze with the same orange color as his coat. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey huffed and then turned to me. “Storm, tell me what you did.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">She wasn’t asking. I looked over at Hojan who stayed still; his eyes never left Bailey. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">He could feel my questioning gaze upon him. “You weren’t there Bailey, and if you were, you would have done the exact same thing we did!” Hojan’s voice sounded more desperate than usual, and I saw him begin to struggle against the vines. The more he struggled the tighter they grew until finally he was subdued. The vines laced around him like he was a fly caught in a spider’s web until he was forced to lie down. His breathing was heavy.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“Bailey, please, he still hasn’t recovered! You have to let him up or you’ll kill him!” I begged her. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey shook her head glaring at me, “You’re lucky I haven’t already. You knew better, even if that crazy coot of a Sentinel asked you to do it. You knew better Storm.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">I lowered my head and whispered in a soft voice, “Let him go, and I’ll tell you everything. Just let him go.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey smiled and flicked her tail. I felt the vines around me slip away, and I looked to Hojan to see the vines had also sunk back beneath the ground. He was barely conscious; every breath looked agonizing as his ruffled fur showed deep cuts from the battle. Bailey let out a single sharp and short howl as three dogs and a squirrel ran through the same door Bailey had appeared through.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“You called ma’am?” the squirrel asked, crawling on top of one of the dogs who appeared to be a polka-dotted Great Dane. Bailey swung her head towards Hojan who was struggling to get up. Every time he was able to will himself onto all four legs he would collapse again.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The four creatures rushed towards him, offering a series of hushes and directions. The squirrel ordered him to stay down, and a lush set of vines appeared underneath him creating a sort of bed that the three dogs picked up and used to carry him out of the dark room.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The light did not follow him but stayed on me. Bailey started pacing just beyond the veil stalking in the darkness.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;"> “Well?” she asked obviously impatient by having to wait for Hojan to be removed. I kept my eyes on the door, hoping that he would walk through them again and it would just be some poor joke.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey finally penetrated the veil. The once dim room was now showered with light. “Tell me what happened Storm.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I looked up at her and nodded slowly.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">***</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;"> “It all started after the battle of Sanctuary. The Sentinel said goodbye to each of us, and after everyone had left, he took me to the stacks so I could tell him what had happened. After I had finished he said he had one last thing for me to do. He explained to me how Hojan had fled after his encounter with the Dark Sentinel and that he knew where Hojan was going and what he planned on doing.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">‘He’s going to try to rescue Thomas from the scorching desert. I want you to help him bring the dogs of Sanctuary to the Oak,’ he said as if he could see the future laying before him like a map. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“How shall I find him?” I asked him. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“Start your search in the Plains of Rot. I think the forest will spit him out there.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">I shook my head, “What do you mean? The Plains of Rot are in the opposite direction from the Scorched Desert!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">He laughed. “Don’t you remember, Storm?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;"> I cocked my head to the side about to ask him why, but he answered before I got the chance. ‘Hojan didn’t take the paths to the Desert. He went in a straight line through the brush and forests. He will get lost, and chances are, he will be spat out in the plains of Rot. You’ll be able to pick up his scent there.”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;"> I nodded and said goodbye to him. The Sentinel assured me that we would see each other again.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">***</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you remember the forest just after the battle? In the months before it had been still and quiet like an audience awaiting the bride to walk down the aisle, but do you remember what it was like just after? The bird’s song changed to one I hadn’t heard before. A solemn melody. A slow pace and a high pitch which seemed to fade in and out. It was a far cry from the normal chirping we used to hear back in the day. And the trees! Do you remember the trees? A strong wind was blowing in the days just after the battle and it pushed and pulled the trees as if to give one the impression they were waving hello or goodbye to you</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">—</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“Why are you telling me this Storm?” Bailey interjected, “I don’t care about the weather. I want to know what happened and your plans.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">She glared at me, I wagged my tail a few times letting it thump against the cold dirt beneath me and continued my story</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“I saw something following me. I couldn’t make out a scent amongst all the other creatures that had sprung to life in the newly awakened forest. But I saw something that looked like a fox stalking me from the edge of the forest. Almost as if he wanted me to see him. I brushed it off and continued walking as if I had never noticed him. With how loud and clumsy he was, it was obvious he wasn’t experienced with tracking or stalking. Even with the birds chirping and wind blowing, each branch he broke and leaf he stepped on was easily heard. He would continue walking when I would stop. He would walk in such a way that I could even see his shadow. I took pity on him and found a quiet spot on one of the back paths to lay down for a little bit.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I waited for a few minutes and pretended to sleep. Not a single second went by before I heard the awkward patter of untrained feet trying to gracefully pace themselves between a stalk and an all-out run. I let him get close to me then jumped up, knocking the fox onto his back. I pinned him down.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;"> “Who are you! What do you want?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He was a young fox, not even a year old by the looks of him. In an excited voice, he said, “I’m following you!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">I was taken aback by such an honest response. I tilted my head to the side. “Well you aren’t doing a very good job, are you? I’ve been watching you since the moment you started!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">The fox shuttered ever so slightly before continuing in a more measured response. “Wow! You must be really good to see such a sly guy like me coming! I’m usually really good at this kind of stuff!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">I shook my head, “No, you really aren’t. What was your plan here anyway?” I released the fox from the ground and he scrambled up, his tail outstretched and he showed me his tiny little teeth.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I was going to get you!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">I laughed. “Oh? And do what with me?” I asked. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">He turned his head to the side. “Well, I would… Uhm… Well, I suppose I hadn’t really thought about that part.” He plopped down and turned his head to the side in a brief moment of contemplation before turning back to me. “Wow, you really are good!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">I sighed, “We need to get you back to your pack. Where are they?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He shook his head and gave a nervous laugh. “Well, we were playing hide and seek, and it was my turn to hide and I hide really well. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So well</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, in fact, that none of them even found me. After a few minutes, they just gave up and went back to the cave. But by the time I got there, they had already left. I tried tracking them but lost their scent and then I found you!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I really don’t care about this, fox. And your misadventure with him, Storm, could you please, for the love of the Oak, just get to you and Hojan and the plan and what happened.” Bailey said with a sigh of exhaustion. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">I rolled my eyes. “Bailey, this is part of the story! If you want to know what happened, you’re just going to have to listen to the whole thing, got it?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.999pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey, in response, rolled her eyes and laid down, sensing this was going to be a long story. She was right.</span></span></div>
<br />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-58328013555959590142019-06-09T13:40:00.002-07:002019-06-09T13:40:31.989-07:00Prologue Part Five - A corgi, a husky, and malamute walk through a forest<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-eab84f44-7fff-f73a-ed07-55129ec2a816" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-34b94ffa-7fff-d693-a6ff-40af6c23613c" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cody arrived at the top of the ramp to see thick branches covering the entrance to the top of the Oak. He heard hushed voices whispering and strained to hear what they were saying, “We know you’re there” a voice called out and the branches parted. A wolf and Bailey were both staring at Cody, the other wolves were still on the edges of the Oak, watching every corner of the land. </span></div>
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</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cody walked in and bowed his head before the wolf. The wolf came and greeted Cody before turning back to the conversation, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What would you have us do?” The wolf asked Bailey.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey walked over to the edge of the Oak, overlooking the clearing, “We have to drive them out.” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cody shook his head, “We can’t do that.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The wolf turned his attention to Cody, “And why would that be?” He asked whilst narrowing his eyes. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cody met the wolfs stare with a defiant look of his own, “It’s not the way of the Oak.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey scoffed, “We aren’t at Sanctuary anymore and it’s not like we have a way to let them in.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cody turned his head to look at Bailey who still had her back facing him, “What would we become?” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey spun around, “We’d be alive!” she growled, “Isn’t that enough?” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cody’s hackles began to rise and the two dogs began to slowly walk towards each other when the wolf stopped them. He casually walked in between them, his body was so big they couldn’t even see around him, “Have either of you heard the story of the corgi, the husky, and the malamute?” The wolf looked at both Bailey and Cody, both of which had blank expressions on their face. “I didn’t think so” the wolf continued and began walking towards the edge where Bailey once sat.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey gave a harsh look towards Cody and Cody returned the look. They went and sat on either side of the wolf. Out of the corner of his eye, he swore he saw Rad and Coco talking at the corner of the clearing, and then saw Coco make</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> her way in the direction of the Plains of Rot, strange he thought to himself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The wolf nudged him, to get his attention and said, “It was after the great war. Many of the old trees were lost. Much of this place ravaged by magic and fire. To what end? No one really knows. The rest of the cats were cast out of the remaining trees and many of the birds were forced out of the lands. Some breeds of dog were forced into the darkness, many of which we have never seen again. The Eternal Desert was created and the most vile of creatures were put there. It’s said the Lion himself reigns over that place. It was in the wake of all of this the trees created three dogs, all had the same size and all were made of clay. They were made to bring peace to the lands of the old trees. Bring peace however they saw fit. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first dog would threaten the creatures of the forest and if anyone should act up he would pounce on them for he believed the only way to keep the peace was through physical intimidation. Because of this, he grew strong and it’s said he began to grow a thick coat to cover his cold heart. At one point he forced an entire family of foxes into the darkness. Once the old trees heard of this they threatened to throw him into the darkness but eventually relented and exiled him into the human lands instead. He became what the humans call a “husky”. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second dog was made just a little bit larger than the others and because of this many animals were scared of him. He used this to his advantage he would show off his strength by hauling dead trees or pushing boulders. He became larger and stronger and became so obsessed with becoming stronger he didn’t see a pup wander into the river and be washed away. When the trees heard of this they covered him with a thick coat so he may hide his shame and sent him to the human lands. The humans call him a “Malamute”. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The third dog was completely normal. Every day she would wander the land and check on every creature in the forest to make sure they were ok. All the creatures of the forest loved her. One day as she was walking through and checking on all the creatures she spotted a tree falling nearby, just under it was a rabbit. She dashed towards the tree and knocked the rabbit away just before the tree hit them. While the rabbit was saved the dog was crushed by the tree. The nearby animals rushed to roll the tree off and help the dog. When the tree was rolled off the dog was shorter, much shorter, and longer. The dog went back to the old trees in shame, but they only offered praise. They gave this dog a thick coat and gave her the choice to stay in this land or leave to the human lands. She bid a farewell to all the creatures in the forest before deciding to leave. The trees placed her on an island called, “Ong Land” her people call her a “corgi”. When her final days came she was welcomed back to the old trees with open arms.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each of the dogs kept the forest safe, for a time, but it was the dog willing to sacrifice everything she had for the sake of the other creatures that were praised and rewarded.” The wolf finished the stories and looked towards the other two dogs. Cody had a contemplative look on his face while Bailey was clearly upset. She quickly turned and stormed down the ramp. Cody looked after her, “There is a great deal of risk helping them you know?” The wolf said from behind Cody. Cody nodded, “Those who risk for the good of others are heroes of the Oak indeed” he whispered. The wolf nodded and whispered back, “We need those heroes more than ever now.” </span></span></div>
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Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-86562722509672151552019-06-02T13:33:00.002-07:002019-06-09T13:37:59.554-07:00A Day in the Lab, Prologue Part Four<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-44a42e33-7fff-6648-06b5-67d124b46f53" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-44a42e33-7fff-6648-06b5-67d124b46f53" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-44a42e33-7fff-6648-06b5-67d124b46f53" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody glanced towards the Sentinel who was already too far away for him to catch up. He then looked back down towards the pups and smiled.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“Have you ever seen a lab before?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">A few puppies began jumping up and down in response, and Cody beamed at them.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;"> “Yes just like you! And just like me! You see, the first lab was made not as long ago as you may believe. It was after much of the forest had been formed. Many Great Trees still stood, and the forest was teeming with life. Small rabbits hopped about while songbirds shared their melodies. Even a few bears roamed the woods. Though, in those days the bears were mostly peaceful and happy creatures. The Great Trees wanted a dog who could help guide the animals of the forest while keeping them from danger.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">They created three dogs. the first being the labs. Each was given a specific task. The first was entrusted as peacekeeper to ensure harmony between the animals of the land. The second was asked to watch over the birds and trees making sure the forest remained bright and vibrant. The third was tasked with ensuring safety in the lands of the Great Trees by warding off the Darkness. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The three labs did their jobs diligently. They uncovered a plot by a group of cats to bring the darkness into the land of the Great Trees. They stopped a bear from trying to climb to the top of one of the Great Trees, but their greatest accomplishment came in the first war. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Great Trees lived in harmony, for the most part. They were brothers and sisters and all shared the land with each other. It is said at one point there was no darkness in this land at all, but over time the Trees fought amongst one another and some were lost to the darkness. During the first war, the labs brokered a peace amongst the animals who were fighting for the warring Trees. It ultimately led to peace, though some of the Trees were jealous of the labs so they hatched a plan to get them kicked out of this place. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These Trees whispered to the labs telling them after all the work they’ve done the labs deserve a break. A vacation. After thinking about it and talking it over with each other the labs agreed and set off to a river. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The labs loved the water. They loved running in it and jumping through it and swimming all around but eventually, one grew tired and went back to the shore to lay down. Another grew tired and went to a shallower part of the water and rested in the mud. The third grew tired and let himself sink below the surface all the way to the bottom of the river. The river was so deep light could not reach it. Finally, the lab hit the bottom of the river and began walking towards the shore. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meanwhile, the plotting Trees convinced a group of cats to go beyond the light and venture into the darkness. The cats were easily tricked and ventured into the darkness, never to be seen from again. When the plotting Trees saw this they told all the other Great Trees who summoned the labs. The labs heard the booming call of the Trees and raced towards the Trees. When they arrived the Trees told them what had happened and the labs looked at around and noticed their coats were no longer white. The lab who laid on the shore had her coat covered in yellow sand and when she finally shook it off her coat was stained. The lab who laid in the mud was still draped in the mud so he tried to shake it off and then rub it off, but his coat was permanently brown. The third lab spent so much time away from the light that his coat forgot about it and it was as dark as the bottom of the river he swam in. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The labs begged for this to be punishment enough and the labs even told the Great Trees assembled of the plotting Trees and what they had said but it was too late the labs must be sent away and the second war had begun. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The labs were separated from one another and sent to far corners of the world. Though they would eventually meet again, but that is a story for another time.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cody made his way into the Oak and began up the spiraling ramp looking for Bailey until a voice called out to him, “You won’t find her” the voice said. Cody turned around to see it was Charles casually strolling up to him. Cody asked what Charles meant and Charles walked right past him and out onto one of the Oaks various branches, “She went to talk to the wolves, no one is coming in or out until their done up there.” Cody made his way to sit next to Charles as they looked out to the great crowd gathered in the clearing, “She wants to banish them you know?” Cody nodded in response, “I had the feeling” Charles continued, “Even with all of you out there she’s afraid if they stay they could taint the Oak and we’d all lose it.” Cody nodded, “That won’t happen.” Charles looked wearily at Cody, “We were told the Dark Sentinel couldn’t come back remember? We were told Sanctuary was safe? That nothing could destroy it as long as the Oak stood and we had the Sentinels? Look what happened. Don’t you think there’s a reason to be cautious?” Cody ignored Charles pleading look and scanned the various dogs in the clearing, “And what of them Charles? What do we do with them?” Charles shrugged, “I don’t know Cody.” Cody turned and began to walk away, “I say we help them. This is the Oak, last of the Great Trees. It won’t fall.” Charles whispered, “All the others did.” and it rang through Cody’s mind as he made his way up the ramp towards the top of the Oak, and towards the meeting. </span></span></div>
<br />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-39570201295033353392019-05-26T13:18:00.002-07:002019-05-26T13:18:24.402-07:00The First Golden<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-3e968434-7fff-a2b9-9804-cdc4b7dfdb5a" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 26pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Prologue Part Three - The First Golden</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once everyone was settled in, the pups became restless, and they wanted to hear Cody tell them another story. They were clamoring to hear how the first Golden Retriever was made. Cody smiled and told them all to come closer and he would tell them. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“All of the first dogs start and end the same way, they are made of clay and at first are pure white, their eyes are precious gems from the mountains and they always have a heart of gold, as does every dog who makes it to the door of the Oak.” Cody smiled and chose his words carefully so the dogs here would know he spoke of them too.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“The first golden was the same. He loved to run and fetch things for the Great Trees. Whether it was sticks, or balls, or nuts, he enjoyed running through the forest to grab whatever he was sent to get and return it to the Great Trees. They heaped such praise upon him too! As he would run and chase whatever it was he was retrieving that day he could hear the Great Trees singing to him all the way there and all the way back. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No matter how far the Trees threw or placed the object, the golden would always complain it was too easy. One day the Trees overheard the golden bragging to some shrubs that no matter how far the Trees threw a ball the golden could always find it. No matter how far it went he never lost a scent. Upon hearing this some of the Trees decided the dog needed to be taught a lesson before his golden heart turned to coal. One of the Trees, an Oak much like ours, made a tight ball from the forest. The ball was so tight the Tree began to boast that the ball would bounce forever if left alone. The Tree told the dog that all he had to do was merely catch it and it could be his forever. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">this</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, thought the dog, was a challenge appropriate for his skill. The dog agreed, but before the Tree threw the ball he made a bet with the dog. The dog couldn’t return to the Great Trees until he recovered the ball. The dog thought this wouldn’t be that bad. The trees had never thrown a ball so far he couldn’t track it down before it landed. The dog didn’t even know if they were capable of it! </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While the dog was lost in his thought, the ball was set loose. The dog didn’t realize the ball was gone until it was far in the sky. He began to chase the ball, yelling for the brush to make way for him and asking the mountains and hills to move aside so he could pass through more quickly. They all did as he asked, and he quickly made up ground as the ball grew closer and closer. Just up ahead was a field of tall wheat stretching as far as the eye could see. Waves of gold rippled in the wind. He looked up just in time to see the ball plop down in the field, and he took off, tearing through the wheat, kicking up dirt and crushing the plants. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He ran until his legs hurt. As he looked around he realized almost the entire field was crushed, yet still he could not find the ball. ‘A ball that bounces forever.. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yea, right,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’ he thought to himself. He then noticed the wheat was all gone. He began spinning around trying to find where it went. Then he noticed it seemed to be stuck to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">him</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! He tried rolling around to get it off, and then spinning around some more or just running. Nothing worked. His once white coat was now long and golden. Defeated, he turned to go back to the Trees. Yet where there were once mountains and forest, now all that was ahead of him were small houses and rolling fields.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cody finished his story as the crowd of dogs assembled stayed waiting for the next part. When they finally realized there was no next part coming the pups began to wiggle and whisper, not satisfied with such an ending.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“Does he ever get the ball?” one pup asked.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cody shrugged his shoulders. “What do you think?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I think I should go find that ball!” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">The crowd laughed as the pup's mom began whispering to him. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A wave of whispers began to ripple across the crowd gathered before the Oak as a figure appeared from a path along the trees. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">It was Sentinel Eleven. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">He had his walking stick in the opposite hand as he usually carried it. As Cody looked closer, he could have sworn the Sentinel was missing one of his hands. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailey made her way out from the Oak, and the Sentinel bent down to greet her. Setting down his stick he rubbed the top of her head with his hand. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody did not hear what they were talking about, but he saw Bailey get mad. The conversation didn’t last long, and Bailey turned and went back into the Oak. Cody tried making his way to the Sentinel, but he was stopped by several puppies asking what story Cody would tell next. </span></span></div>
<br />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-70945110714893529732019-05-20T10:53:00.000-07:002019-05-20T10:53:02.659-07:00The Conversation - Prologue part two<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-70393bcf-7fff-55f6-5cce-d629c761ac4d" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 108pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Once Cody had gone back into the Oak, he was greeted with many ecstatic dogs. They were very excited because not only had Cody gone to tell these stories to the other dogs and little pups but also he was able to tell these stories with such skill. Captivating even the youngest pup for the entire duration of the story was a skill every dog could envy. Cody invited the dogs to come with him next time, to sit with them and get to know them. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“We’re all here now; we might as well get to know one another. Don’t you think?” Cody said. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Though some dogs were swayed to his side, many were fearful to go out. Bailey, a very large shepherd, was unhappy Cody was going out of the Oak to mingle with these </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">other </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">dogs. She didn’t want any dog from the Oak leaving it to help them. It was bad enough Storm had forsaken them to go off on an adventure looking for Hojan. Now, she had to deal with Cody entertaining these dogs in their very front yards. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey decided she would confront the old dog. She waited for the Oak to be quiet and found him admiring the carvings the Oak had inside it. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“Amazing isn’t it?” Cody asked Bailey as she came up to him.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“Yes it would be a shame to put such beauty as this in any danger wouldn’t it?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody chuckled, “Well Bailey surely you don’t think the dogs outside would pose a threat to us or the Oak?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“They could. Isn’t that what matters? What would stop them from burning this tree or tearing it down?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody, again, laughed. “You act as if this tree couldn’t defend itself at all. We both know the truth of the matter though. Don’t we Bailey? Look around. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody motioned to the intricate carvings that line the inside of the Oak’s great hall. These carvings depict the first days of the Oak, the crafting of the first dogs, the wolves and the lion, the adventures the dogs had, every great and evil deed all the way up to the fall of Sanctuary. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey looked up. “It’s dangerous Cody. I don’t want you to go out there anymore. Preach from a branch if you must, but—” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody responded before Bailey could finish. “You know, Bailey, I’m the one who recommended you to sit on the council after I left.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey lowered her head. “I know,” she whispered. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;"> “Do you know why?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey rolled her eyes hoping he would see. “Because I was the best dog for the job?”</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody laughed.“No.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey thought she misheard him and shook her head. “No?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody nodded, “No. I chose you because during that time I thought the council needed someone who had been to this place as much as you had. The council needed someone who would be cautious. But we don’t need that now. The war is over. We need to make peace and make friends. These dogs are lost and confused and just want someone to show they care. If we hide here in our tree what will they think of us?” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Bailey nodded. “Fine, but just you.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody shook his head. “You aren’t in charge here Bailey. All of us are free dogs, and we will make our own decisions.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“Your decisions will ruin us Cody,” Bailey mumbled as she walked away. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">Cody heard her complaint but didn’t address it. By this time, a large crowd had grown in the great hall. It seemed to Cody that the dogs were split among himself and Bailey, as nearly half walked out with her while the rest still waited in the hall with Cody. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“What should we do now?” a dog asked from the crowd. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“Let’s go get to know them!” Cody said. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">The dogs walked out from the hall into the clearing. The older dogs began to gather the pups, but Cody stopped them. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">“It’s not time for the story yet friends. We’re here for you.” </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">The dogs of the Oak began to go up to the other dogs. They played with the pups and talked to the older dogs. All the while Bailey watched them from a branch high up on the Oak murmuring to herself: “The fools.”</span></span></div>
<br />Sentinel_11http://www.blogger.com/profile/07919926234413638703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812235364271818982.post-4589240572587625732019-05-12T16:50:00.000-07:002019-05-12T16:50:17.878-07:00Dog Origins Part One<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-210ce090-7fff-9425-bc48-47e19604e8ce" style="line-height: 1.7999; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Part One</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">In the days after the
Fall of Sanctuary and the defeat of the Dark Sentinel, the forest returned to
its former state. The trees were lively again as leaves returned to their once
withering branches. A dead forest was now green and full of life and sound.
During the Dark Sentinel’s rampage across the worlds many dogs were brought to
the land of the Oak. From the oldest to the youngest of pups, they were brought
here confused and lost. None of these dogs were allowed to enter the Oak for
they were corrupted by the Sentinel when he sent them away. They were allowed
to live around the Oak. The entire land was there for them to use, though
dangers lurked around every corner. Cats still roamed the forest preying on
weak dogs. Boars and bears would rampage and decimate villages one at a time.
Reports of elephants running about were rampant in the days before the truce
and then there were those birds! They were constantly harassing any animal who
got close to the Plains of Rot, adding the poor souls to their collection of
horrific towers which covered the plains.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Yet, in the wake of
such a time, there were dogs of the Oak who set out to help the poor souls who
couldn’t complete their final walk. One such dog was Cody, an old lab who had
come to the Oak ages ago from the Sanctuary. He was led on his final walk by
Sentinel Eleven and given the honor of being placed near the top of the Oak. So
close he could see the wolves as they continued their everwatch of the land.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Cody found that many
of the pups congregated in the clearing just below the Oak, and every day Cody
would make his way down the massive tree to talk to the pups and tell them the
stories of Old. On some days, the spry yorkie, Bella, would join him, but most
of the time it was just Cody.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">It wasn’t just pups
in the clearing. Old dogs and mothers lined the outside of the clearing forming
a wall so the pups wouldn’t dance off into the woods while they were playing.
Yet every time Cody would make his way down from the tree, a bright light at
his back, the older dogs would press in, forcing the pups closer.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Cody made his way
into the clearing from the Oak. It was filled with young pups running about.
The giggling pups were jumping, rolling, tumbling and running all around while
losing balance and sliding into the older dogs. Their tails were high in the
air, and their yelps of happiness were sweeter than any music Cody’s had heard.
As Cody settled himself at the base of the Oak the older dogs began to gather
the pups and bring them closer to Cody.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">
A young husky asked, “What story will we hear today?”<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Smiling, Cody said, “I think it’s time you hear of how the first
dogs were created. What do you think?” <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The pups began fidgeting around, and murmurs of excitement rippled
among them as the crowd gathered below—so much so that even dogs of the Oak
began to peak their heads out and gather on the branches so they could hear the
story Cody was going to tell.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Cody took a deep breath and began, “Well you see there was a time
dogs didn’t exist. Wolves either. In those days it was just the Great Trees
that stood. Great Trees like the one behind us. It’s said in those days the
forest was as bright as the morning sun, but the trees did not sing like they
do now. There were no song birds to fill our ears with music, no cats to chase,
and no adventures to be had. This made the Trees sad, so they set out to create
companions for themselves. The first companion the Trees made came to be known
as a Dalmatian.” <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The crowd both below and above began to whisper excitedly. Some
had heard the story before, but it appeared as though most had not. Cody smiled
and looked at all the dogs gathered around before continuing.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>“First one of the Great Trees took some clay and formed the body
of the dog, and she was pure white. After they formed her body, they found two
sapphires from the mountains and placed them as eyes for the dog. Then, they
placed gold as her heart and breathed life into her. She spun around and began
dancing for the Great Trees. The Great Trees were taken aback by her beauty.
Her eyes glistened, and they could see her coming from miles away. She took off
through the forest singing. The other trees loved her songs so much they would
join in, waving as she ran by and singing once she had left.</i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>On one of her trips she found a small flame in the forest. It was
all alone, and she thought the flame might want a friend too. She ran it back
to the Great Trees. All the way the forest leaned away from her, trying to
escape the flame as it danced past them. When she made it to the Great Trees
they were horrified of what she had brought to them and demanded she go to a
nearby river to put it out. Confused, she asked why and the Great Tree’s told
her that the flame could bring ruin and destruction to everything around them. </i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Filled with sadness, the first dog slowly marched towards the
water. She was careful to keep her head up as she went, ensuring the flame
would not jump onto a tree or bush. Still, the forest leaned away from her, not
trusting the fire she held in her mouth. She made it to the river, and the fire
begged her not to put him out. He promised he only wanted to play a little;
he’d never go to the forest, and if he tried, the dog could put him right out!</i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>The dog sighed and put the flame down by the river. The flame
bounced off the stick and onto a couple blades of grass nearby. They both
laughed, and the flame said, “Isn’t this fun?” as it began to spread to a few
more blades of grass. The dog grew worried as it was quickly growing and said
it was time to go. The flame didn’t want to leave, though, and headed towards
the forest instead.</i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Several trees erupted in fire, and the dog raced through them to
try to make it to the Great Trees before the fire could. It was all around her.
Before long, it had trapped her in a cave where she found the first fire. She
heard the snapping of branches and crying of the forest.</i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Soon the fire was gone. The once radiant green forest was left in
ashes. Angrily, the dog heard the Great Trees calling for her, and she hung her
head as she walked back to them.</i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>The Great Trees gasped when they saw her, for she was no longer a
dog of pure white coat. Black spots of ash speckled her. She cried when she saw
this and tried to wash it off, but the Great Trees wouldn’t allow it. It was
the price she paid for not listening to them.”</i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Cody paused, looked at the crowd hanging onto every word and then
continued. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>“The Great Trees sent her to live among the humans in a place
called You-Rope. She lived out the rest of her mortal days there. When she passed,
it’s said that the Great Trees welcomed her home and even offered to clean her
coat so it could be as white as it once was. She refused and said it served as
a reminder to all dogs of the dangers of fire.”</i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The pups erupted in applause, and the dogs above made their way
back into the Oak. Cody smiled. Next time, he thought, he would bring some of
those dogs down off the branches. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">“What’s next?” A young golden retriever said as he was dangling
off of his mother’s head.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Cody laughed, “I think next time we’ll go over how you were made
young one!”<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The pup cocked his head. “Well I’ve never met my father, but mom
said<i>—</i>” <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Cody cut him off before he could continue. “No, I mean how the
first Golden was formed. It’s quite the story! But for now I think you should
get some water and eat. I’ll be back soon to tell you all some more stories.”<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The pups whined, but did as they were asked; and the crowd of dogs
made their way to a nearby stream to get some water.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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