“Everyone ok.” said the little dog extending his hand, “ My name is Peppi and this is my best friend, Ragel.”
“Pep- what?” replied Gabriel.
“Peppi! Just take pepper, take away the “er” and replace it with an “i”,” said Peppi.
“Thank you for stepping in.” Gideon said with obeisance.
“Our pleasure," said Peppi, "I’m sure you could have handled it yourselves.”
“But you said the gang would pummel them," replied Ragel under his breath.
“Its time for you to implement the virtue of silence,” said Peppi, “and quickly!”
“Hey are you trying to tell me to shut-up?”
“Is there a moon in the sky? Can birds fly?,” said Peppi, “You always speak at the wrong times.”
“And you can’t stop running your mouth,” said Ragel in retort.
The three laughed as they watched the little dog challenge the larger dog to an outright fight. Ragel, knowing how to alleviate his friend’s temper, allowed the little dog to push him down, giving him the impression that Peppi was stronger.
“That will teach you. Now,” Peppi said brushing his hands. He came over to Samson, looking over the wolf, “We must show all of you to Ananias at once.”
“Who’s that?” asked Gabriel.
“Our leader,” Ragel said rising to his feet, “He will find interest in all of you. Your clothes and your fur- it’s amazing.”
The Chow-chow had a eccentric look on his face when he spoke, and it made them very nervous.
“Stop scaring them!" Peppi said, seeing the fear on their faces. "There not a platter of meat and cheese! Forgive us, you must understand that we have never seen what you have. What do you call it?”
A perplexing look swept across their faces.
“ Gideon,” said Gabriel, “ what is he talking about?”
“I don’t know,” Gideon said shrugging his shoulders.
“He’s talking about our color. It’s called color," replied Samson.
“I have heard of this from the stories Ananias has told us," replied Peppi.
As they continued to talk, murmuring began to spread again; leaving no doubt of upcoming intentions.
"It seems we are drawing attention once again," said Ragel, "For you own safety I would advise to come with us.”
With little choice, the three followed the two dogs out of town; and despite nearly getting into another squabble, they managed to get out without harm. An open prairie gave them a better view of the landscape. In the distance, almost impossible to see, was a range of mountains that stretched far along the horizon. They came upon a river. A boat sat along
the mossy shore that provided transportation for the two dogs.
“We’ll have to cross to the other side," Peppi said, " We can only take two at a time.”
Once across, they continued through a wood. The trees towered above them as the moonlight caused long shadows to grow. The journey was long, but the three never tired, which brought a sense of bewilderment to the two dogs; who always need to take a short break when traveling through this wood. With another lengthy march, the two dogs stopped short. Peppi went forward, running up a fallen tree; and checking around him, and produced a high pitched howl. Shortly after, another howl was heard in the distance.
Peppi ran back.
“Now my friends. You must understand that the other dogs, in the valley up yonder, will be just as surprised as we were, but Ananias must inquire of you.”
Gabriel pulled Gideon aside to talk to him privately.
“I don’t trust those two," Gabriel said, "Their taking us to another village-- its probably just a murderous as the last.”
“They saved our lives," Gideon replied, looking over his shoulder, "If they wanted to kill us they could have let the crowd have us."
“How do we know that they’re not leading us into a trap?”
“We don’t," said Gideon, "We also have no idea what direction the children was taken in.
They are our main concern, right? So maybe this Ananias can help us.”
“Are you two all right?” Peppi said, calling from afar.
“We’re fine,” Gideon said quickly.
Gideon patted Gabriel on the shoulder and both returned to the group.
“Let us move on. I’m starving and a good meal would appease my stomach," replied Ragel, rubbing his belly.
“How can you think about your fat gut at this historic occasion?" stated Peppi. " Your brain tends to be in you stomach at times.”
“And you are as fast with you mouth as you are with your daggers!”
“Please, you two,” said Samson, “Just take us to your village.”
♦
Peppi straightened his hat, which got lop sided when he came down the tree, and led them through the rest of the forest. Soon the wood ended and down below a hill was a colony of dogs. All types of dogs were there: pure breeds and mixed breed together. The three continued down the knoll and received the same reaction as they did in the other town.
Some dogs ran in the opposite direction whey they saw them, others dropped whatever they were doing and just stared. Peppi led all of them to a large hut. Ragel went inside and another dog returned with him. The German Shepherd was struck with amazement at the sight of Samson and the two hares. He addressed wolf first.
“My name is Hans. Welcome to our home. Are the others with you?”
“Yes," replied Samson, “These two,” he said referring to Ragel and Peppi, “led us here, they are quite the team.”
“We must see Ananias at once, Hans,” Peppi interjected.
“Yes, yes," replied the German Shepherd with little concern to the command, " there will be time for that, but first we must gather the others for the meeting. If you could, Ragel,
get the other leaders and we will meet back here, hurry now!”
With a salute, Ragel carried out the order. Peppi saw a group of dogs, who were inquisitive of the situation, moving towards them.
“Now, now there’s nothing to see here," replied the dog, "Go back to your work, please.”
The crowd, paying no mind to him, just passed him by. The crowd greeted the strangers with open arms. Gideon was happy that the treatment here was better in this place than the previous town. However, the greeting did not last long, for Ragel was coming back with twelve other dogs, who had some type of position within the colony. Hans was able to send the crowd away and those who were left had important business with the strangers. Ten of the twelve went inside the hut, and as they did each had the same eccentric look on their faces as Ragel did. Peppi, Ragel, Samson, Gideon, and Gabriel followed inside.
There was an old wooden throne, very plain and simple, near the back of the hut and the ten dogs stood at the side of it, five on each side, as if positioned like statues. The other two dogs, who were absent, returned with an much older dog. The older dog was being helped by the other two so he could walk. They led him to the throne and sat him down carefully. His great age made it hard to tell if he was alive at all.
“I don’t thing we’ll get much out of him,” Gabriel said, whispering to Gideon, “We probably won’t get anything at all.”
“I’M ALIVE AND WELL!” the old dog said, gazing at Gabriel.
The black hare nearly jumped out of his skin, and quickly made way to apologize with a slight bow. The old Wolfhound slowly sat up, with the help from Hans, and spoke to Ragel.
“Why have you summoned us today, Ragel?” the old wolfhound said.
“We have called this council to meeting, and we have called you, O gracious leader, who by the way have lead us in times of pain and woe; who–”
“Out with it, said the German Shepherd.
“These three,” Ragel said.
The old wolfhound from his throne, inspected the three intently before speaking again.
“Where did you meet them?
“Peppi and I saved them from being killed at a nearby town,” answered Ragel.
“ What town would that be,” Ananias said with a raised eyebrow.
“It's the one beyond the forest and river. The one, uh, you told us not to hang about in.”
One of the twelve dogs, a Doberman Pinscher name Dorvan, accosted the two dogs.
“Disobeying the words of our high leader! How foolish can you be? There will be punishment for this!”
Gabriel, offended that the two dogs were scolded, came to their defense. This action nearly brought about another squabble.
“Maybe I ought to take you outside and teach you some respect!” said Dorvan.
"Dorvan, stand down,” replied the wolfhound, “ Regal and Peppi, despite their disobedience; which will not be overlooked, has done a good thing. They were wise to bring them here. They remembered our ancestors’ tales from long ago.”
Ananias directed his attention to the three.
“When the Fallen was sent from the world you came from, many creatures went with him in that time of judgment. They were spirit broken by succumbing to the unicorn’s wile, but some remembered the world of day. The stories passed down helped us to remember that. This colony is where our ancestors settled. We are the descendants of the those dogs.
It was here that we wear this color of ash. It is a mark- a mark of slavery. Every creature here is a slave to the Fallen. However, you four are creatures of color-- the mark of judgment has not clung to you. I believe that you have something to do here. Please tell us why you are here and I would like to here it from the wolf.”
Samson stepped forward. He told the story of Shavron’s disobedience and the judgment that was placed over them. The dogs began to speak amongst themselves. Even Ananias, whose face was firm, looked as if he has seen an apparition. He held up his hand and the dogs became quiet.
“Every child was taken?” Ananias said slowly,
“Everyone. Have you or anyone in the village seen such a great multitude?”
“It would be hard to miss,” said the wolfhound, “but no we have seen no such thing.”
The meeting drew to a close, but before the three left, Ananias posed a question to them.
“You said the Holy One has sent you to rescue these children, did he mention anything about freeing us, the descendants?”
Gabriel looked at Gideon, who glanced at Samson.
“He gave no mention of it,” said the wolf, somberly.
The wolfhound asked for assistance and left the hut with nothing else to say. Peppi and Ragel were not happy with the response either, for they, since they were pups believed the stories about the Holy One and that he would one day free them from the nightly prison. Leaving the hut, Peppi made haste to accommodate the three with sleeping quarters.
“Sleep?” said Gideon, “ How do you know when?”
“We have a system. When the first horn sounds- there!" Ragel said turning his head to the sound, " We sleep. When the second horn sounds we all rise.”
♦
Ragel made room in his hut for the three, and despite being little room to sit, all three found a space comfortable for them. Within minutes the chow chow was asleep, and to pass the time Samson spoke about how the Holy One restored Shavron from the hands of the Jezerah and Iya. Gabriel was quiet enough to listen, but deep down he resented the talk about God, and made his feelings known by sigh heavily whenever Samson mention the Lord. Gideon told his pupil to remain respectful during the tale, at which Gabriel got up and left the hut.
Gabriel’s walk was a combination of grumbling and agitation. He was angry at Samson for tell the story; he was angry with Gideon rebuking him; he was mad at everything. The mental pictures of leaving the Crosslands came about, making his resentment against anything godly to grow further.
“Stupid story,” said Gabriel, “ Sometimes I think they talk about God just to bug me.”
Just then he caught sight of another figure languidly walking beyond the colony’s boundary. No other dog was tarrying about; so, Gabriel, under his curiosity, decided to follow this unknown creature. The figure took time to stop after a few paces to look
behind him, but he found no one following; at least to his knowledge, for Gabriel; using his skill as a street-grub was able to stay out of sight without being detected. The old dog, under the use of a walking stick, made his way up a hill. Gabriel crouched behind a tree to see what would take place.
“O Lord,” said the old wolfhound, “I have spoken to your servants–the three from the world of day. I asked them about our freedom and the answer was less than promising.
What am I to do; what am I to believe? Speak to me O God, be not deaf towards me tonight.”
Gabriel watched on, when suddenly a great gale seemed to engulf the area. This wind, this gale was something Gabriel never felt before. He could not speak; for he was afraid to; he could not run; for he did not have the desire, but he looked and heard a voice that spoke to the Ananias, the old wolfhound.
“ I will show my mercy and grace to the world of night that all may remember that I am a God whose mercies are renewed daily and will turn the night into day for any creature that believes me. Ananias, do you believe me?
Ananias looked up and said,
“Yes.”
“Then watch what I will do.”
The great gale came again and was gone. Gabriel stood flabbergasted. He ran back to the hut, but did not tell Gideon or Samson what he saw or heard. With the coming sound of the horn, most of the dogs were rising to start the night again. Ragel, however, was slack in rising and the three were deciding whether or not to wake him.
“I could just poke him with my sword,” said Gabriel.
“Maybe we should just leave him alone,” said Gideon, “He’s drooling.”
At that moment, Peppi came stumbling in still under the influence of sleep, wiping his eyes. He went over, grabbed Ragel by the tail, and started pulling him. The chow chow was dragged a few feet before he woke up. Showing his contempt for this, he snapped at his friend, who merely jumped slightly out of the way to avoid the bite.
Ananias was waiting with nearly the entire colony around him. The wolfhound was smiling as he saw the three strangers. God’s encouragement of his promise gave Ananias strength. Now he was sure that the Lord no only would help the strangers, but all the inhabitants in the world of night.
“I see you all slept well,” said the wolfhound, “I wish I could point you in the right direction, but I know now that God is with you.”
“Glad to here it,” said Samson, “Are there any dangers that you can tell us about?”
“A few" replied Ananias to the dismay of the others, " The Fallen has many minions, the bats for example. They serve as the Fallen’s legion, and they travel the skies without fear of who they might meet. The darkness entangles the bats more than any other creature save the unicorn himself. If you’re going to travel further in , as I can see in your eyes, be careful not to meet them.”
“From what you told us we might not have a choice," said Gabriel.
“True,” Ananias said with a smile, “So let me tell you what to expect. Most of the bats are large. The smallest I’ve seen is large as a dog. But-”
“I hate that conjunction,” said Gabriel.
“But," said Ananias emphasizing the word, " there is one who is very large, Vamp the leader of the group. I saw a group of them flying over the colony. That is all I know of them.”
“Hopefully that's all we’ll have to know too," said Gideon.
“If it please you, Ananias,” said Samson, “We could use some help on this journey?”
The old wolfhound turned around to his colony, looked at all the faces that were focused intently on him.
“I need two dogs of brave heart and mind to travel with these three creatures to protect them from the deep evil of this world. It may cost you your life. I ask this, my fellow canines, because you all know that what I have told you is true of God, and I believe that the same God is working in them and both they and this world of night will be blessed.”
It was quiet after the petition, no one stirred. Many of dogs did not like the idea of death to protect the strangers. It seemed that no one would step forward, and then Ragel made his way through the crowd and stood before Ananias.
“Courage Ragel," said Ananias proudly, "You will always be remembered as Ragel the Valiant, for you were the first to take on the journey ahead of you. Is there one more?”
All was quiet once again. This time no one stepped forward.
“No one-- that’s a shame," Ananias turned his attention back to the three." Ragel will travel with you. May God bless you four in all your–”
“Wait!” said a voice among the crowd, “I want to be blessed too!”
Peppi came forward apace.
"You’re right, God is doing something, and I want to be part of it. I’m sure it benefits all of us. Forgive me my leader for not stepping forward earlier.”
The old dog had a curious smile most did not see, for he knew that if Regal came forward, Peppi would surely to follow.
“Peppi," said Ananias looking down on him, " it doesn’t matter how long one takes to step forward, it only matters that one does. Now what should you be remembered as?”
said the wolfhound scratching his noggin.
“How about Peppi the Great?" said the little dog, as the laughter soon followed. "Or Peppi the Brilliant," he replied, as even a greater ruckus followed.
"What's so funny?" he replied, accosting the crowd. "Now this is a good one," Peppi took the moment to display a poignant pose, " Peppi the Mighty!"
If it could be said that one could die from laughter, Peppi was, quiet possibly, the instrument of fatality. It took the stern look of Ananias to bring all giggling to a halt.
“I’ve got it," said the wolfhound, "You will be remembered as Peppi the Zealous.
Although you are small you have a fire in you we have grown to love.”
“Fire---I like that!” said Peppi, standing to his full height. “That’s why I like you Ananias
—always courteous.”
“Dear, Samson, “ said Ananias, turning back to the three, “ You have no weapon.
What can you do to defend yourself?”
“Well,” said Samson, swelling up on pride, “I’ve learned how to use a bow and arrow.”
“An archer," said Ananias joyfully, "We share a common trait. In my younger years I could hit any target at one hundred paces. I’m sure there is a generous dog here that can lend you a decent bow and arrows.”
A Labrador came forward and presented his bow and arrows to Samson.
“This bow has faired me well," said the dog, " It should be of great assistance to you.”
The colony gave their farewells to the five travelers. It was early for the night, although that did not matter. The little dog led the way southward in search of the young captives.
Rescuing the generation of Shavronites was taking a turn for the better and with God's help it would be a complete success.