LA- Winter Chills 10

Tiger had all too well known the dangers of the delusional. Though the bone had mended, he still carried the remnants of a limp from his duel with the cruel giant, Athanasios. It had been necessary, then, to slay the foul beast before he could wreak more havoc upon the land. Perhaps, too, it was necessary. A dog of that size, of that fierce breed...it was far too dangerous.

"Please think me not weak, my dearest Atoner," pleaded Tiger. "I have been blessed with a gift, and by my pledge I must use it. You know, as well as I, that we are both sworn protectors. And not on my breath shall I allow such a miserable wretch to roam these woods. Far too innocent a child lie....and I have all too well known the dangers of madness."

His ears then drooped, having remember his mother. Even in her more lucid states, she was a detached dame, and as her fever fantasies grew all the more present...Tiger must attend to the wolf dog. It was both his duty, and his owner. He looked towards Heather still aloft on the hill, and gave a solemn nod.

"You shall be guarded by this dear Noble Beast, and I pray no harm shall come to you as I track down the creature. I pray, too, that I need not bring harm to her. But I shall do whatevwr I must do. Whatever danger may come my way, I shall bear it. Stay thee here, Atoner, and I promise I shall again find you. I shall not abandon my dearest and kindest friend."

With a firm vigor, he barreled along the after the she-dog. Although his pace was burdened by both his size and long-healed leg, he followed the scent all the way back to the wolf-dog's home. Spurred on by images of Athanasios, and mother both.