Shep ignored the pain in her left hind leg. She had been attacked before, and it wasn’t that new to her. She stopped finally to give it a look.

She licked it clean of blood, and stood again, ready to make the journey back to base. She knew it was going to empty, except for maybe John and Karsa, the only two soldiers who were willing to stay behind and guard base.

Shep tried to pick up the pace, half ignoring the pain now. It stung now, and she limped. Shep reached the base alas, and barked for Karsa. He appeared after a second to tend to Shep, and sat next to her.

“What happened?” He asked, helping her get to the large cave-like leaf den that had been crafted by many of the soldiers a few months before.

“The others…they’re still out there.” Shep muttered, a bit dazed.

“What are you talking about?” Karsa barked.

“The Pack of the Marsh. They ambushed! They attacked all of us, and I was sent to get help. But there isn’t much for you and John to offer…” Shep looked around base. Karsa and John were the only ones at base, even the Chief and Deputy had gone to fight.

“Not much to offer? What are you talkin’?” Karsa rose to his paws. “We’ve much to offer! We’ll tear apart that Pack! Without help if we must!”

Shep smiled. “Whatever you say. But only one of you may go. I can’t guard base by myself.”

Karsa looked down at her. “Why not?”

“I would if I could, but it’s this darn leg. I couldn’t defend a mouse with it!”

Karsa laughed. “John will stay with you. Now goodbye, I’m off to shred that Pack!”

Shep smiled as she watched Karsa bolt through the bushes that surrounded the base, and then struggled to where John was standing.

“John…” Shep barked, reaching him.

“Huh? Oh, Shep.” He walked over to her. “What happened?”

Shep sighed. “I’ll explain later.”

John nodded slowly. “Okay. Well, where’s Karsa? He doesn’t appear to be around…”

Shep glanced around. “He went help the others.”

John nodded again. “Oh. Well you better get some rest. Those wounds look deep.”

Shep nodded. “Okay. Thank you, John.” Shep walked over to the den, and curled up inside.

Shep woke to the sound of the Commander, Crusian, barking at the Chief, Journey. The Commander was the leader of the Pack of the River, and Shep didn’t exactly adore him, he could get pretty obnoxious sometimes.