Murder in the Flames

Chapter Ten- Discovery on Sword's Territory and the Unexpected Ally

The dogs continued on even more alert then before, if that was possible. "I think we're close. Ah, yes, I remember this house!" Lucy yapped, but even her yap wasn't cheerful. Someone is purposely trying to sabotage our plan.

"Remember, we're in an out as soon as possible. Some dog could have heard us with all that racket we made with the cats," Pumpkin barked. Dasher and Lucy nodded. Dasher licked his jaws. Soon they'd be at the place of Trickster's death. What will we find? Will we find out who killed Trickster? He was dreading seeing the half wolf's body, but maybe they wouldn't have to. He liked telling himself that.

"I'm surprised we haven't run into any of Sword's dogs. This seems too easy," Lucy whined.

"Or, maybe we just came here at a good time. Maybe they're having a meeting," Dasher suggested.

"If they're having a meeting, it's probably about attacking us," Pumpkin barked dryly.

"Way to be optimistic," Lucy scoffed.

"There's nothing to be optimistic about!" Pumpkin barked. "This will end in death, either for the murderer or for us. Remember, they killed Dixie!" the fox red lab growled. Dasher could see the pain in her eyes, and had a feeling that she was also thinking about the death of her pups. After that they were quiet, until they found the alleyway that Trickster was killed in.

"This is the place," Lucy whined.

"We better start looking for clues," Dasher growled.

~~~~~~~

Fairy stood with Lilac, a Cane Corso on one side of her, and Samantha, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier on the other. The rest of the pack was lined up as well, all of them facing Sword and the New Dog. Sword paced around the dog, while Gunner, their Belgian Shepherd beta sat quietly. "Everyone," Sword barked. "We have a new addition to our pack. He's going to help us take down Flash and his band of murderers. Tell us a bit about yourself." Oh no, this can't be good.

The dog was huge. He was completely gray and had floppy ears, and Fairy saw a shiny metal chain around his neck. He must have been owned by a human, then. "My name is Derek," the dog barked. "I'm a Great Dane. I'm here to help your pack, and as I've discussed with your Alpha, in return I'm given food and shelter until the humans return. My owner worked in the military, and specialized in war tactics. I learned from him, and with my knowledge I will help your pack," he finished.

Fairy studied him. I can't read his expression. Is he evil, or is he just doing this for food? He doesn't seem stupid enough to believe Sword's madness, but I've only just met him. But this is bad, very bad. "Yes. Now, let me introduce you to my pack," Sword barked. "This is Gunner, my beta. This is Bone, one of my strongest fighters. This is Dodger, Tibetan, Princess, Gobbler, Sleet, Hail, Samantha," Sword paused, eyeing Fairy. "My mate, Fairy, and Lilac."

Sword turned back to Derek. "I'm glad to have you in my pack. You are welcomed." The Alpha chuckled. "We're going to destroy Flash and his pack. We will finally avenge Trickster's death!" he ended with a long howl. The other dogs pointed their noses to the sky and howled. I have to get out of here. I have to get out of here! The walls of the den felt like they were closing in on her. Making a split-second decision, Fairy broke away from the group of dogs and ran.

~~~~~~~

"Do you hear that?" Dasher asked, tipping his head to one side and pricking his ears. Howling.

"Yes, I hear it," Pumpkin growled. "I think you were right about a meeting, and I think it's over! Our time is limited."

"But we haven't found anything yet," Lucy whined. That was true. They'd been searching and searching and the only thing that they had found out was that their muzzles were now stained with ash. Dasher narrowed his eyes, trying to think. There has to be something here..... I think we've been relying on our noses too much, and the soot makes it impossible to scent anything. Dasher looked around, and to his luck, he spotted something.