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Sheep-Dog

Chapter 8 - ... Into the Fire

The wolves hooded their lanterns as they surrounded Bobby and Barbra and herded them toward the road. Before the light dimmed Bobby saw the fox Renny slink away into the woods; off to find another victim no doubt. When they reached the road the wolves turned west, toward the castle where Argus Bloodtooth, the wolf Bobby had captured and humiliated, ruled.

They did not bind his paws or restrain Barbara in any manner. It would have been easy to make a break for it, except for the half-dozen wolves on each side, in front and behind them. They would not get far in the dark either, not with their night vision ruined by the bright lanterns. Bobby had heard that the wolves could see in the dark almost as well as cats, and the troop had mostly stayed behind the source of the light so as not to lose their night vision, so they would have the advantage hunting them down if they did run for it.

Bobby just gripped the hand of Barbara and hoped that the wolf prince would at least spare her.

The Captain of the troop walked beside them apparently unconcerned now that Bobby had been relieved of his knife and club. The wolves were setting a quick pace and Barbara was having difficulty keeping up after having spent the previous day on the road. Bobby could sense that she was exhausted and scared and feared that she would faint.

"Uh, excuse me, Captain ....?"

"Asher"

"Sorry?"

"Asher. My name is Captain Asher, son of Stalker of the Bloodtooth clan."

"Oh, yes." Bobby said, remembering his introduction to Argus. "I'm Bobby, son of Rufus of the Border Collies"

"Well met, Bobby."

"Well Met, Captain Asher."

"So, you are the dog that captured Prince Argus. He will be eager to meet you again."

"Yeah, I guess. Is it far though? To the castle I mean. My companion is tired after journeying so far and I'm afraid that she is close to collapsing."

Asher called one of the troop over and had him shine his lantern on the ewe.

"Yes, she does appear exhausted. Spirit, Timber! Make a sling and carry her."

Two of the larger wolves used their scarves to form a sling that they looped between them. Then the Captain easily lifted the surprised ewe off the ground and sat her in the sling.

"Don't be scared. Put and arm around each of their shoulders and they will steady you with an arm each around your waist. All settled? Good. Let's continue."

The two wolves trotted along behind Bobby and the Captain. Bobby shot a few glances back at them to make sure they were not doing anything untoward with Barbara but after a few he concentrated on keeping up with the Captain as they sped along the dark road.

"How are you doing, Bobby of the Border Collies? Are we going to fast for you?"

"No." Bobby said, fighting to keep his breath even. "Collies have a lot of stamina."

"So I have seen." Captain Asher said without elaborating.

"You seem very concerned for our welfare, Captain."

Bobby could see the Wolf's toothy smile even in the dark. "Can't have the Prince's favourite dog dying of exhaustion ... or anything else ... not before you go before the Prince, anyway."

Bobby lapsed into an uneasy silence.

After enough time for the moon to have moved a finger-width across the sky - had it been visible - Bobby could make out the lights of a town ahead. Soon they were walking along cobblestone streets surrounded by close-set buildings.

The castle was not large, not as large as the assembly building in Ariesborough, but it was encircled by a thick stone wall with a large oak door that was guarded by another troop of wolves. There was a short pause there for challenge and response before they were allowed to proceed. The inner side of the wall had a walkway that was occupied by more armed wolves.

The courtyard contained a dozen low stone buildings; barracks, an armoury and storehouses from the look of them, and a tall stone tower that could only be accessed by a wooden bridge from the elevated walkway. Leaving most of his troop behind, Captain Asher led Bobby and the two wolves carrying Barbara up a set of steps onto the walkway and around to the bridge, where they were challenged again.

Bobby heard a flapping coming from above. He looked up to the top of the tower as one of the fires below was fanned by an errant gust of wind and saw that the banner that flew there was white with a curved red device in the centre. A tooth, he realized, a blood red tooth. He shivered from a sudden chill that had nothing to do with the weather.

Inside the tower there was another guard post and them a series of twists and turns that would force an invader to advance one soldier at a time. The wolves carrying Barbara set her back on her feet and she clutched Bobby's arm from behind as they followed the Captain through the maze of corridors to another set of stairs. They climbed a dozen steps and came out into a large room that was well lit by torches and heated by large iron braziers at each end of the hall.

Between them there was a large stone chair, a throne of sorts. Seated on it was the same large dark wolf with yellow eyes that he had last seen chained in the cells in the basement of Bayfield Academy.

Captain Asher and his wolves had already taken a knee. Defiantly, Bobby did not, even though he was shaking so badly he was afraid that he would fall over. He did, however, work up enough courage to speak.

"Well met, Prince Argus."

The wolf smiled, exposing a fang on one side of his mouth. "Well met, Bobby Collie, well met."

Argus flicked a paw at the Captain and the tall wolf, and the two guards retreated out of earshot.

"What strange circumstances find you here, Bobby Collie?"

Bobby did not see any point in lying, so he recounted his story from the point where they had last met, without getting into the graphic details of his love for Barbara.

"And so we were betrayed and find ourselves at your mercy, Prince Argus." At that point Bobby dropped to one knee, pulling Barbara down beside him.

"I cannot offer you mercy," the wolf said, ominously, "but I can offer you supper." He stood up and slapped his stomach. "Personally, I'm starved. I was out checking the patrols until word of your ... uhm ... arrival, came in. Captain Asher, you have been out half the night also, won't you join us?"

"Of course, my prince."

"Excellent. Send your troops off to be fed also. My guards will be sufficient ..." the Prince looked up to the next level of the Keep where a dozen wolves with crossbows were watching Bobby's every move. "... I hope."

Prince Argus left the dais where the throne was set and moved to an oak table close to one of the braziers that had a chair with arm rests at its head and long benches on each side. He sat at the head of the table and motioned for Bobby and Barbara to sit on his right side. Captain Asher sat opposite them.

Servants with pewter jugs rushed forth to offer them a choice of several wines and beers. Bobby waited for the Prince to choose then chose the same wine. Barbara elected to have just water, and Captain Ashes asked for a tankard of lager. Platters of food followed.

They all dug in hungrily. When their initial hunger and thirst was sated the Prince leaned back in his large chair. "So, Bobby, what do you think of the territories so far?"

"I haven't seen much of them, but the hospitality is mixed."

The Prince's brow furrowed. "Oh? How so?"

Bobby swept his arm across the table, still laden with meats and vegetables. "Well, the fare is fine, but the method of invitation is rather forceful."

"Ah! You'll have to forgive me for the lack of finesse, but when I heard that you and your charge were aiming to cross the border in my slice of the Territories, I had to act fast least I lose you. After all, you and I have unfinished business."

"What I did was my duty, nothing more."

"And yet you felt compelled to come and question me."

Bobby shifted uncomfortably. "There was something missing ... something that did not fit between what I was led to expect and what transpired that day."

Prince Argus leaned forward, his eyes keen and bright. "And did our chat resolve those issues?"

"You know they didn't. They just made my doubts worse."

The Prince looked to Barbara, who had sidled up against Bobby and was gripping his arm tightly, before turning back to Bobby. "Did your doubts lead you to her?"

Bobby squeezed her hand hard and clenched his teeth before expelling a burst of air and answering.

"Yes .... and no. I was drawn to her before you came but putting her in danger just elevated my concern for her."

Prince Argus regarded the collie silently for a time.

"What do you know of the Territories?" He asked.

Bobby shrugged. "Not much, I must admit. It is the remnants of the Wolf Empire, ruled by the wolf royalty, such as yourself, and it is rumoured to be more lenient when it comes to ... unconventional relationships. It is somewhere where one can lose oneself ... or so I was led to believe."

Argus nodded. "An accurate assessment as far as it goes." He looked around the hall. "Have you noticed anything particular about the guards and troops here?"

Bobby looked to the Captain and up at the gallery. "No, not particularly."

"Captain, call in your troop."

Captain Asher stood and whistled three times in a high pitch. In a moment a dozen of his troops rushed into the hall, some wiping beer froth or chicken grease from their faces as they assembled. They took up formation as faithfully as any troop of collies ever did ... and that is when Bobby realized what he had had missed while blinded by the lanterns.

The troop, all somewhat smaller than their wolf Captain, were not all wolves ... some of them had distinctly doglike features.

"Wolf-dogs." Bobby and Barbara said simultaneously.

"Yes." Captain Asher confirmed. "Most of my troop are wolf-dog crosses or large breed dogs. They serve as equals in our society."

"I don't understand." Bobby admitted.

"Let's start back at the revolution." Argus suggested. "That is where out two histories diverge. In yours the wolves were banished to the north immediately after the revolution and continued to rule there by right of birth while the sheep established a democratic system in the liberated areas, correct?"

"Well, yes."

"What if I told you that the wolves capitulated, realizing that their feudal system was doomed in an increasingly trade and skill-driven society and, for a time, were equal partners in the reformation of the nation? That we have not had a king in a millennium, and Princes like me rule their districts at the choice and tolerance of the citizens? No? Would you believe a relative of yours?"

The Prince motioned to the Captain's troop. Bobby looked at the troop, recognizing the traits of several breeds that heretofore he would have thought of as totally loyal to the flocks. One of the wolf-dogs stepped forward. He had the distinctive markings of a Border Collie but the coarser coat of a wolf.

"My ancestors worked for the flocks," the wolf-dog said, "but when the revolution came we agreed to work with the wolves that remained in Pastoria, as a sort of national guard. In those days wolves still had a say in the governance of the country; all the species did. But then the sheep used their numbers to overcome the rest, even those of us that were sympathetic to their side. Before we knew it the wolves were exiled for trying to resist subjection. Once they were gone the rights of the other species were stripped slowly away. Our ancestors followed the wolves into exile rather than become slaves to the sheep. For myself, when the citizen assembly meet a month ago to vote for a new leader I did not vote for Argus Bloodtooth to take his father's place. Yet the majority did, and I have not lost my place in the Guard because of it. That is the way here in the Territories - you can speak your mind without losing your rights, freedom or livelihood.

The guard stepped back into line as the remainder of the troop nodded and mumbled agreement.

"So, why do you want us so badly?"

Argus leaned forward, his eyes shining. "Because knowledge of one's opponents, their intent and readiness is always valuable." He said. "And a talented soldier who may be able to help train our forces on the latest techniques and weaponry is invaluable."

Bobby squirmed in his seat. "There must be others who have defected, ones with more experience."

The Prince smiled and sat back without taking his eyes off the collie. "Experience isn't everything, and you are a rare breed Bobby. You've captured a wolf single-handily yet defied your upbringing to bring an important ewe out of Pastoria without any significant complications. I need dogs like you; hell, I need wolves like you too. What I need, Bobby, is someone with enough of a spark left in them to stat a fire. What do you say?"

"Can I have a few days to think about it?"

"Yes, with complete freedom to wander within walking distance of this castle and to question anyone you meet. If you don't like what you hear, or if you would just rather not be a part in the new revolution, you and your lady friend can leave with my blessing and protection. Meanwhile ..." He snapped his digits and a servant jumped forward. "... you shall be housed here in the castle, where you will be safe. Now, it is late and you two must be exhausted. Let's finish eating and save further talk for our next meeting."

The ate in silence, punctuated by the occasional grunt or comment about the excellent quality of the food. When they pushed their plates away the Prince bade them good night and a servant led them to a room in the keep that was windowless but warmed by a small fire in a hearth in the corner. There was a padded bench to sit on and the room also had a large feather bed which what smelled like fresh linens on it. It was soft and warm, just like the rooms at the better inns they had stopped at on their journey north. They threw themselves onto the bed fully dressed and fell immediately to sleep.

The next day they were woken by a servant knocking at the door to their room. The female wolf at the door was larger than Bobby but very deferential to the Prince's guests. She bore hot water for their morning toilet and asked if they would prefer to eat in their room or in the hall. They opted for the hall and were led down after they had washed and changed.

There was no sign of the Prince, or of Captain Asher, but the wolves, dogs and half-breeds there welcomed them, making space at one of the large tables and plying them with questions about the state of affairs in Pastoria. Bobby thought that some of the questions might have been directed by the Prince but a fair number were concerned with what forms of entertainment, dress and sport the species engaged in now that the sheep were in charge.

There were a few female wolves and wolf-dogs in guard uniform in the hall, and they monopolized Barbara with questions about the role of females in the south as well as asking about the clothes she was wearing. Bobby found it a bit strange to see a she-wolf in half armour with a sword longer than his leg propped beside her fingering the lace on Barbara's sleeve and asking about whether the sheep had developed any really comfortable undergarments that would not inhibit movement while fighting.

Barbara promised to show the female guards the underwear she wore for the physical education classes and the guard who has asked told Barbara that if she ever needed anything to come see her.

"Ask for Lupa." She told Barbara. "Everyone knows me."

"Everyone knows you too well." One of the males who had been questioning Bobby said with a leer. Lupa leapt over the table and the two rolled away in a cloud of flying fur while the rest laughed.

Bobby and Barbara spent the morning exploring the castle and its grounds. They were allowed everywhere except for the private chambers of the Prince and found many eager servants and guards to guide them and explain the intricacies of the design and function of the various parts.

After lunch they visited the village that surrounded the castle. Again they were met with friendly, welcoming and curious inhabitants. What little money they had was no good as the villagers insisted on giving them free samples of their food and wares.

"Try this squash soup. You'll not find squash like this further south, and the chestnuts! The best in the land!"

"This knife is not only made from superior northern steel, it also has an elkhorn hilt for a better grip. You never heard of elk? Well, let me tell you ...."

"Yes, your southern lace is very fine, but one needs felt, flannel and thick wool if you want to survive in the northern territories. That won't be as much as problem for you Miss as it will for your young companion here. He'll need a flannel coat for sure. How did I know you were heading to the Northern Territories? Well, word does get around in a small place like this."

By supper time they were equipped with a full set of new clothes each and filled with local delicacies, but they showed up at the hall for the evening meal to be polite. The Prince, however, was not there. He had been called away on business the chief steward told them. With no host the two were able to make their excuses early and retire to their room, but not before Barbara had a quiet word with Lupa. Bobby did not know what they were talking about but the female guard left with a laugh and a sly look toward Bobby

He was not nearly as tired as the night before, and he was looking forward to making love to Barbara in the big, soft bed, but she pushed him away when he reached for her the instant the door was closed behind them.

"What's wrong Barbara? Have I offended you with my haste?"

"No. But we don't have to rush as if it were our last night together. I don't know about you, but I feel safe here, and I want us to take our time, like proper lovers."

"Have those she wolves been putting thoughts into your head?" Bobby asked, a bit nervously. According to Dan male wolves were famous lovers and he was afraid that he could not stand up to whatever expectations the she-wolves might have passed on to her.

She smiled and winked from under the soft curled of wool on her forehead. "No. What is coming is all my idea."

Bobby was curious but her finger to her lips told him to be patient.

A few minutes later the same servant from the morning brought them a large tub of hot water, several soft towels and some soap. Bobby noticed that she also slipped a small bundle to Barbara but said nothing about it.

"Do we really need this much water and these many towels?" He asked instead as he stood over the steaming tub.

He heard a rustle behind him and turned to see that Barbara had slipped off her clothes. She was standing naked with her weight on one leg and the other slightly bent as the light from the hearth played over her body. Her hands were behind her back, as if she was hiding something from him.

She was beautiful in the firelight, tall and fit with all the curves one could hope for. Since her initial shearing her wool had been growing back slowly and now it formed a thin layer of down everywhere where they had once been skin.

As he watched, vaguely aware of an ache in his groin where his cock was struggling to push its way out of its sheath, she revealed the bundle the servant had given her. It was a small towel, rolled around something long and thin. She unravelled it to show that the object. It was a straight razor, similar to the one he had seen the Lincoln wield in the shower of the Bayfield Academy that day so long ago.

"With all these fine new warm clothes I won't be needing this layer of wool, will I Bobby?"

"Uh ... no .... not at all."

"Care to help me remove it?"

"Oh, yes. Indeed."

Bobby stepped forward. He reached for the razor but Barbara pulled it back.

"Take your clothes off first, silly. Otherwise they will get all wet."

Bobby nodded and disrobed in record time. He threw his discarded clothes to the far side of the bed and held out a paw. Barbara placed the closed razor in it and turned around before leaning u against him.

He let his digits slide across her breasts and down her belly to the warmth of her thighs. The wool there was soft and smooth, like crushed velvet, and it was warm. But his paw retained the memory of smooth skin that was even warmer, and his cock grew and extended at the thought of revealing it stroke by stoke. It forced itself between her thighs, yearning for attention.

She placed a hand between her legs and rubbed it. "It hasn't been this big since the first night." She giggled.

Bobby had to restrain himself from humping the crack between her thighs. Instead he turned her towards the tub, and the padded bench just beyond it.

"Lay down on your stomach." He told her through clenched teeth.

She complied, running her fingers longingly over the taut red skin of his erection as she did. She stretched out along the bench and folded her arms to rest her head on her hands, sighing contently at the warmth of the fire and the softness of the bench.

Bobby tucked the folded razor under one arm as he soaked one of the small towels in hot water, rubbing soap into it as he did. Once he had worked the soap into a lather he massaged it into the wool on her back. She moaned in pleasure as his thumbs dug into her sore muscles and the warmth of the water sank into her flesh.

Once her will was damp enough Bobby flicked the razor out and caught the curved tail with his pinky. He had used a razor before, on himself when the summer heat caused a rash around his private parts. His father had taught him how to do it when he got old enough for the hair on his belly to be thick enough to be a problem. This was a little different, not being able to feel the blade cutting through the hair, but he knew the angle to hold the blade, and how much pressure to apply. For the rest he would have to rely on feedback from Barbara.

He started on her neck, tentatively at first, making small strokes like he did the first time he had cleaned up around his sheath. The wool curled off the blade like wood carvings, and he was rewarded with a sigh of contentment and a patch of smooth, soft, sensitive skin.

Gaining confidence, he moved on to her back with long, smooth strokes that lifted the wool away like magic.

"Oh, Lord." She said, rolling her naked shoulders. "It's even better than when Bobby Sue and her friend did it."

"The two of them?" Bobby asked, only slightly shocked.

"Some day when you are too tired to get it up I'll tell you about it."

Bobby took that as a challenge as he lathered up her buttocks and the back of her legs.

He started at her knees as she had no wool to speak of below them. The razor caught the light from the fire and glowed red as long curls of wool fell away from its edge. Barbara bit down on her finger to keep from crying out or shaking as it reached the tender, ticklish skin of her upper leg. By the time he was trimming around her tail her other hand had dug into the padding of the bench.

"Time to roll over." He told her as he freshened the razors edge on the leather that covered the bench.

She turned in a way that made his knot swell, trapping his sheath below it. She was laying on her back with her arms at her side and her breasts flattened and spread across her chest, accentuating the dark nipples poking through the new wool.

Bobby did her upper arms, and her shoulders, wielding the razor with confidence. Then he moved onto her sides and belly and he felt her tremble under the steely caress. She had moved up so that her head hung over the edge of the bench, and by the time he did her thighs she was digging her fingers into the bench again and rolling her head from side to side.

Having done everything except her breasts and the sweet triangle below them he shifted to the head of the bench and reached down to start on those soft globes. As he reached down to shave the underside of one he felt something warm down below. She had wrapped her lips around his straining penis as it hung above her head and then she commenced to suck on it like a calf at its mother's teat.

She rolled it around in her mouth and wrapped her coarse tongue around it inside the warm envelope it created. Her head bobbed back and forth, simulating the thrusts he might normally make if it was her pussy his cock was buried in. Now he was the one who had to concentrate on keeping steady, and he drew a deep breath before touching the razor to the underside of her breast.

He was sweating profusely by the time he carefully trimmed the wool around the first erect nipple, reflecting all the while that paws were not fashioned to manage such delicate manoeuvres. But he gamely moved on to the next breast while she continued to suck on his cock like her life depended on it, and he cursed himself as his hips began to rock in time with the movements of her head.

His plan was to move beside her and use his paws on her sex as he finished removing the wool from her vulva, but she had such a fierce grip on his cock with her mouth that he was forced to lean farther over her and attack the problem from above. Legs bent, cock thrust deep down her throat he trimmed the wool above her groin and along the top of her thighs before feeling around her mound.

The wool there was dense, curly and damp, but not damp enough to ensure a clean shave. His paw trembled as he positioned the razor over her woolly mound, and he had to wait, breathing deeply, for several moments until the tremors subsided.

Meanwhile, she was still sucking and licking his cock incessantly, and he had been rocking unconsciously in time with her oral caresses. His cock had grown long and hard enough to penetrate her throat, and only his knot stopped her from swallowing him whole. While he gathered his nerve to finish the shearing, his control over his cock wavered, enough to let it run the show for a few crucial moments.

The rocking of his hips accelerated. The movement of her mouth did likewise. Between his panting and her eager moans he lost focus long enough to give himself over to the sensation, and a moment later he came with a force he had never experienced.

He was afraid they he would drown her as wad after wad of cum shot through his glans, but she gave a choked squeal of pleasure as she swallowed his load. After those initial few shots she milked his cock with her lips sealed tightly round it to get every last drop, and still his erection held.

His knot was not letting his cock deflate, but he did not care. The sensation of her sweet lips and smooth throat felt good, very good, and it did not matter that he could not cum again right away. And now that the urgency was gone he could concentrate on her.

Letting her caress his cock with her mouth he began to shave the wool around her mound. It separated easily, having been dampened by sweat and the fluids that flowed from her cunt as her excitement grew. He managed to finish the inside of her thighs and the trim the small patch just above her opening but when he went to examine the wool on her vulva he found that it was too dry. Trying to shave it, even with such a keen razor, would hurt her and irritate the skin, rendering lovemaking painful. Since he could not reach the tub or the wet towels hanging on it without breaking away from her oral grip he decided to stop for now, but even as he did his paws were moving with familiarity on her mound, squeezing the flesh between his digits, rubbing the slit between them with the rough pads of his paws, lingering over the hard button of love hidden between the folds of flesh.

Barbara released his cock long enough to gasp for air and pressed her hand down on his paw, guiding it. She made him press harder at the perfect spot, made him circle it and then flay it the way she liked, and when he had achieved the perfect rhythm she released his paw and let him finish her as she once again took his cock deep in her mouth.

She came with an eruption of hot, clear, coppery fluids, which Bobby caught in his cupped paw and spread around her mound. Then, raising the razor one last time, he boldly sliced off the wool from her vulva and the tender flesh above it. The sensation gave her another orgasm, and she had to grip his ass as she sank his cock deep into her throat to keep from screaming.

When she had calmed down and bobby had wiped and folded the razor back into its handle, she released his cock enough for him to step back. In a flash she spun around and leapt up from the bench, surprising him enough that he fell backwards onto the big, soft bed.

She crawled on top of him, rubbing her freshly shaved vulva against his still erect penis.

"That was just eh opening number." She said as she kissed him and rubbed her sex on his. "To make a symphony you need at least three more movements."

"What if I have enough for a fifth?"

'We'll call it an encore. Now kiss me."

Kiss her he did, and more. Enough so that when the old she-wolf assigned to them came to wake them they were unable to move, and only rose in time for the mid-day meal.

They spent the next week much the same way; eating with the guards and servants, exploring the village and the surrounding area and then retiring early for a bout of exhausting lovemaking by firelight. They thought that they were being discrete behind the thick stone walls and sturdy oaken door but one night when Bobby had to make an urgent trip to the privy down the hall just after bringing Barbara to another screaming orgasm he could swear that he heard scurrying noises and giggles in the hallway as he unlocked and unlatched the door. When he stuck his head out the corridor was empty, though they did try to keep the volume down thereafter.

Prince Argus was absent the whole time, out with the patrols was all the guards would say. When they came to supper on the eighth night, however, he was back in his big chair, but he did not look good.

"Prince Argus!" Bobby exclaimed when he saw blood-soaked bandages underneath the wolf's tunic. "You've been hurt"

"Observant as always, young Bobby."

"But how did it happen?"

"I joined Captain Asher on a reconnaissance mission south into the Borderlands. We had heard a rumour of an army gathering there and I thought it was important enough to see for myself. We rather overstayed our welcome, though, I'm afraid."

Barbara pushed Bobby aside and examined the bandages. She had studied medicine at the Bayfield Academy as nursing was one of the few things that ewes were allowed to do. Bayfield had an extensive library on the subject of war wounds, but it was the first time she had seen a real injury. She steeled herself as she peeled the bloody linen away and examined to gash beneath them.

"You should change that bandage right away." She advised. "But first let me make a poultice to held stave off infection." She turned to the servants. "Do you have mustard seed, turmeric and ginger?"

"No ginger." An elderly she-wolf answered. "But we have cat's claw, which is almost as good."

Barbara hurried away with the servant to prepare the poultice.

The Prince winced as he leaned over Bobby and spoke in a low voice. "It's good that she is gone, because I have information for you and a favour to ask, but first ... how was your week? Have you decided whether you want to go north, stay or return to Pastoria yet?"

"We have decided to stay here, if you will permit it. Everything we have seen and heard speaks to the fair rule of the Territories and your leadership in particular."

Bobby did not have to tell Argus that the wolf's reputation for leading from the front before he elected leader was highly respected by all the species living in the Bloodtooth District. If there was a war coming the Prince was sure to be at the head of the local battalions. Bobby hoped that it did not come to that, but the Prince's next words dashed his hopes.

"Then I have bad news for you Bobby. Renny, the fox that guided you here, heard your story and sold the information to a flock leader south of the border. Recognizing its importance that elder immediately sent word to the Dorset and also to the Assembly. This region is no longer safe for you two. No part of the Territories is until the matter is settled."

Bobby was confused. "I don't understand. Since we came here, we've heard that hundreds of sheep have run off with dogs, cats and other species to live freely in the Territories. People don't speak of them back there and the government of Pastoria ignores them, preferring to maintain the illusion of a perfect society. Why should they care so much about one more ewe and a collie with no prospects?"

"You really don't know how important she is?"

"You called her that the night we were brought here, important, but that would apply to any of the students from Bayfield Academy; they are all from wealthy, influential flocks. What makes her different?"

Prince Argus sat back with a look of bemused wonder on his face.

"Bobby, I cannot believe that she never told you, or that you never asked about her family. The young ewe you have fallen in love with is the daughter of Drystan Dorset, Eldest of the Dorset and Chair of the Assembly. There is not a single more powerful or influential sheep in all of Pastoria, and he is raising an army to come north after you and his daughter."