Knave stared with longing at his boy John. Who was fixing the pups dinner. The Irish Setter had only claimed the 14 year old boy just a month ago when he’d rescued him from his bossy littermates.

“Hold on son, I’m coming” he murmured towards the pup. Knave wagged his feathered tail as the boy placed his food under his nose. The pup was a pure definition of an Irish Setter. At only six months old, a strong body structure hid underneath his auburn coat and would reveal itself even more as he grew. Being the largest of the litter had no advantage towards his brothers and one sister. In fact, he had been the loner and played on his own much of the time. Yet, the pup had learned a lot more than his siblings would ever know.

“Knave, don’t wolf it down” John scolded mildly with a grin. The pup lowered his ears and ate more slowly, used to others stealing his food. The boy soon sat down with his mother and father and Knave lied down satisfied but almost drooled at the scent of the steak and potatoes the family was having. His mother had taught him not to beg and to be loyal no matter what.

“John, That pup is a dream” his father said, gazing at the Irish Setter. His mother nodded through a sip of water and set the glass down.

“He’s never once begged, stops barking when we tell him once and only plays ruff outside” she added. John smiled at his pup with pride and cut a small piece of steak and through it to him, which Knave ate in a gulp.

“Son, don’t tempt him to beg” his father warned.

“He won’t dad, he knows he got what he did as a reward for not begging”

“Guess you’re right” he paused as if thinking it over. “He’s a smart little fella”

The setter wagged his tail as all smiles linked to him. The family soon finished their meal and Knave trotted to the front door, scratching on the screen and looked at John.

“Alright boy, don’t go far” he pushed the door open just enough for the pup to squeeze through. Knave trotted out into the yard and barked once until a huge black Labrador Retriever lumbered into the yard.

“Hi Ace”

“Hey little man, What’s new?

“Nothing really”

“Same here, the dogs around her might as well sleep the rest of their lives”

“Not that that’s a problem” Ace added through a yawn. Knave glanced up at the moon and sniffed the night air.

“Tracking something?” the lab asked through a chuckle.

“No” the pup replied, embarrassed.

“Well, I have to get back”

“Alright, Goodnight Ace”

“Night little guy” he replied. The setter smiled. The term “little guy” and “Little Man” had made the pup a bit annoyed at first but found the old lab meant nothing by it. Being the largest dog in the town helped as well. He almost found the term amusing each time Ace referred to him as this. Yet, no other dog could get away with it the names. With them, it would be taunting. Streaming light spilled in a neat column on Knave and he turned to see John standing at the door.

“Lets go Knave, time for bed” the pup loped to the door and went straight to his bed right beside John’s. He watched as the boy settled into bed and turned off his lamp. Soon after, he heard his gentle breathing, indicating he was asleep. Knave didn’t feel tired but was surprised when he opened his eyes and the moon filtered through the window. It was at least midnight but the setter had not awaken for just any reason, he had heard something. The pup crept into the kitchen and then to the screen door. A huge head emerged from the darkness and Knave yelped in surprise.

“Easy, It’s just me” Ace reassured the pup.

“Ace, What are you doing here so late?” he asked, demanding an answer.

“There’s news, Lady claimed she head a wolf not one mile away from her yard.”

“Who’s lady?” the pup asked, not recalling the name. The lab stared at the pup in astonishment. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to recall the dog. “Uh, A collie-never mind that Knave-We have a wolf on our paws.” Knave thought for a moment. He had heard of wolves as savage beast that killed and ate dogs when they got the chance. Yet, he had ignored that side of them and turned to the greatness he’d heard of them. Wild, untamed and untouched by man. The wild side of dog, who had not surrendered to become slaves to humans. A rush of excitement flooded into the pup and he hoped it hadn’t shown on his face.

“What do we do?”

“I don’t know, but we can’t let it get into town” Ace exclaimed. Knave thought for a moment and looked towards the forest towards the outer edge of the town, where Lady lived.

“Knave your not-?” Ace stopped, staring at the setter. He was.

To be continued..