Storm of Dogs (25 page)

Lucky panted cheerfully, his chest glowing with affection for Sweet. It was the right decision—the dog-wolf would never have done that. Lucky's body tensed when he thought of the Pack's old leader, but he forced himself to relax. . . .
There is no point bearing grudges,
he told himself.
He paid for his treachery. He will have the Spirit Dogs to answer to now—it is not for me to judge him after he has passed.

The dogs tucked into the rabbits. The sound of crunching bones and enthusiastic growls floated on the evening air.

Beetle ran his tongue over his dark muzzle. “I still can't believe how bravely Storm fought,” he uttered, addressing his litter-sister in hushed tones.

“She really is some kind of Spirit Dog!”

Thorn's eyes were round with wonder. “She used the power of Earth-Dog and River-Dog to kill Blade!”

Lucky glanced at Storm. It was obvious the young Fierce Dog had overheard. She shifted from paw to paw, refusing to meet Lucky's gaze.

She's embarrassed,
he realized. It was easy to forget that Storm was the same age as Beetle and Thorn. Despite her courage and vigor, she was scarcely more than a pup herself.

He huddled closer to her. “Don't mind them gossiping. I know the truth—you beat Blade through your own skill and determination.”

Storm's ears dropped, and her tail gave a little wag.

Lucky nibbled at his forepaw, cleaning it of the last of the rabbit meat. He knew his words to Storm would reassure her, but secretly he had his suspicions.
She was so certain as she confronted Blade on the ice—almost like a Spirit Dog was speaking through her.

At least there would be no more discussion of whether Storm belonged in their Pack.
No dog belongs here more,
Lucky mused.
She's proven her courage and loyalty many times over. She's already gone far, and her journey is just beginning. I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up calling
her
Alpha one day.

The clouds dispersed and the Moon-Dog appeared, full and bright. Sweet called the Pack into the heart of the valley, where the snowy ground curved up to a ridge. There the Pack stood together, sharing the Great Howl. Lucky looked around at the faces, some old, some new . . . Bella, Mickey, Storm, Twitch, Sunshine, Whisper, and all the other dogs.

Warmth spread through his paws, and his body became light. He felt an intense connection with his Packmates, who had struggled so hard to survive, and who had fought off the Fierce Dogs together.

As the Howl grew louder, the dogs around Lucky faded from his view, and a gentle haze rose over the snowcapped valley. Four Spirit Dogs appeared through the mist: Sky, Forest, River, and Earth. They were there, protecting the Pack. And beside them, four pups. The pups Lucky had dreamed of. His breath caught as the dark brown pup raised her head and stared right at Lucky for a moment before fading from view.

Lucky let out a long breath, allowing the warmth and kinship of the Howl to glide over him. He pictured the Spirit Dogs gamboling over the valley, tumbling toward a forest of lush green trees. A group of dogs pranced after them. Lucky's head felt light as he recognized Alfie, Mulch, Spring, and Splash. Fiery strode after them, a tiny ball of fur bouncing along at his side—his and Moon's lost pup, Fuzz. Then Martha appeared, diving and bowing in the long grass, spinning and running with playful abandon. She made as if to follow the other dogs, then paused. A black-and-tan pup came waddling over the snow. He climbed onto the grass on his stout legs. His tail wagged so furiously when he saw Martha that his whole body moved from side to side.

Wiggle
. . .

Martha greeted the pup with an affectionate lick, and together they followed Alfie, Fiery and Fuzz, Mulch, Spring, and Splash. Lucky's old friends ran with the Spirit Dogs. They headed away from the deep snow of Ice Wind, over the grass where the sun of Long Light always shone.

The Howl broke off.

“Look!” barked Twitch. “Over the Endless Lake—there's a beam of light!”

Lucky and the other dogs trod over the snow and approached the cliff, careful to avoid the edge where the soil had fallen away. Sure enough, a bright light was sweeping across the lake and flashing over their camp.

“What can it mean?” Whisper murmured.

Moon's eyes glowed luminous blue beneath its gaze. “Maybe it's a message from the Spirit Dogs.”

Lucky remembered a dazzling light, down on the water where the Fierce Dogs had rounded on them. “I think it's from the tall striped building—the one near the rocks.” He recalled how the building had stood alone, overlooking the restless water.

“Does it mean the longpaws are coming back?” asked Bella.

Storm's floppy ears pricked up. “It isn't the longpaws. It's Martha, watching over us, like she said she would.”

Maybe both are true,
thought Lucky
. The longpaws may try to come back, now that the Earth Dog has found peace once again. But the Pack is strong. We will be all right.
He gazed at the light as it continued its sweep over the lake.
Whatever happens, I know Martha will keep her promise—she will always watch over Storm and our Pack.

The light cut out, but it wasn't dark on the cliff top. The Moon-Dog was still there, floating peacefully in the cool, clear sky. Lucky felt warm with his Pack huddled around him. He gave Storm a lick on the ear and turned to Sweet, who had curled up next to him.
Should I tell her that I have seen visions of our pups?
he wondered, longing to see them again.

He nuzzled closer to Sweet but didn't speak. He sensed that the time for words had passed, at least for that night. Soon the Sun-Dog would rise over a bright new day. Bulbs were twitching in the earth beneath the deep snow. Although the trees in the camp were stark and lifeless, buds would awaken along their branches as the air grew warmer. Suddenly Lucky was certain—when Tree Flower came, their pups would arrive.

Bella met his eye and blinked happily at him. Lucky blinked back. He could hear the rolling surf below as the lake swept up and down along the sand. His time as a Lone Dog felt like it was a lifetime ago, before the Growl scared the longpaws away and changed the
world forever. Maybe one day the longpaws would return and things would be different. But for now, there was no one to disturb the Wild Dogs. They were free to hunt and rest as they chose; free to live by their own rules.

Lucky closed his eyes, feeling the comfort of his Pack, hearing their snuffles and snores as they drifted to sleep. He had a territory of his own now, and his friends were safe around him.

It was all he had ever really wanted.

ERIN HUNTER
is inspired by a fascination with the ferocity of the natural world. As well as having great respect for nature in all its forms, Erin enjoys creating rich mythical explanations for animal behavior. She is also the author of the bestselling Warriors and Seekers series. Visit her online at
www.survivorsdogs.com
.

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Book One: The Empty City

Book Two: A Hidden Enemy

Book Three: Darkness Falls

Book Four: The Broken Path

Book Five: The Endless Lake

Book Six: Storm of Dogs

NOVELLAS

Alpha's Tale

Sweet's Journey

Book One: Into the Wild

Book Two: Fire and Ice

Book Three: Forest of Secrets

Book Four: Rising Storm

Book Five: A Dangerous Path

Book Six: The Darkest Hour

THE NEW PROPHECY

Book One: Midnight

Book Two: Moonrise

Book Three: Dawn

Book Four: Starlight

Book Five: Twilight

Book Six: Sunset

POWER OF THREE

Book One: The Sight

Book Two: Dark River

Book Three: Outcast

Book Four: Eclipse

Book Five: Long Shadows

Book Six: Sunrise

OMEN OF THE STARS

Book One: The Fourth Apprentice

Book Two: Fading Echoes

Book Three: Night Whispers

Book Four: Sign of the Moon

Book Five: The Forgotten Warrior

Book Six: The Last Hope

DAWN OF THE CLANS

Book One: The Sun Trail

Book Two: Thunder Rising

Book Three: The First Battle

Book Four: The Blazing Star

Warriors Super Edition: Firestar's Quest

Warriors Super Edition: Bluestar's Prophecy

Warriors Super Edition: SkyClan's Destiny

Warriors Super Edition: Crookedstar's Promise

Warriors Super Edition: Yellowfang's Secret

Warriors Super Edition: Tallstar's Revenge

Warriors Super Edition: Bramblestar's Storm

Warriors Field Guide: Secrets of the Clans

Warriors: Cats of the Clans

Warriors: Code of the Clans

Warriors: Battles of the Clans

Warriors: Enter the Clans

Warriors: The Ultimate Guide

Warriors: The Untold Stories

Warriors: Tales from the Clans

MANGA

The Lost Warrior

Warrior's Refuge

Warrior's Return

The Rise of Scourge

Tigerstar and Sasha #1: Into the Woods

Tigerstar and Sasha #2: Escape from the Forest

Tigerstar and Sasha #3: Return to the Clans

Ravenpaw's Path #1: Shattered Peace

Ravenpaw's Path #2: A Clan in Need

Ravenpaw's Path #3: The Heart of a Warrior

SkyClan and the Stranger #1: The Rescue

SkyClan and the Stranger #2: Beyond the Code

SkyClan and the Stranger #3: After the Flood