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Sirius Rising: The Cookies In Cream Chronicles

Pupisode 12 – Compromised

The skies overhead softened from a stormy black to a dull grey. Cheyanne tied a knot securing the waverunner to the back of the floating doghouse. Nearby Daisy, Cookie, Remy and Flopsy sat with Rosie. Her paws were covered in so much dirt it was like she was wearing boots of thick black mud. Since boarding the doghouse, the storm clouds had dispersed, the rain stopped and her fears slowly subsided. Daisy cleaned Rosie’s paws while Cookie stroked her head. Feeling much better, Rosie looked up at the black Lab next to her. “Thanks, Remy for rescuing me,” she said and gave him a hug. The Lab held her tightly and gave her a big Labbie kiss.

The mood aboard the floating doghouse was one of relief. Cookie and Stryker had been rescued from the clutches of the coyotes and all were safely on board, in route to Husky Mountain.

At the bow, a group of dogs sat together.

“You guys showed up just in time,” Stryker said as he watched Cheyanne make her way to the bow to join him and the others. Pongo circled a cushion and pawed it several times. Once satisfied that it was perfect, he sank into it with a deep sigh. After a moment of contemplation, he said to Stryker, “after Alex delivered your message to Mercury and Elvis, we knew we had no time to spare before putting a plan together. Mercury and Elvis told me their secret, revealing that they were Ambassadors of the Legend. They also told me that you knew their secret and the truth behind The Legend of the Nehebau-kha. They were reluctant to reveal their secret duty. They were also reluctant to disclose the existence of The Fellowship, but with Alex’s news of the coyotes, we decided that it couldn’t be kept a secret anymore. Mercury and Elvis agreed that in order to understand what we were facing, and be prepared to challenge this uprising, they needed to seek guidance from The Fellowship.”

“Guidance from The Fellowship?” Stryker asked with concern.

“Yes,” Pongo replied. “Mercury and Elvis are leading a team out to the Red Sand Desert.”

Stryker began to pace, and the dogs grew concerned by his agitation. “I fear The Fellowship will be of little help,” Stryker said.

“Why do you say that?” Asked Autumn. “The Fellowship can tell us more about The Legend and how to stop the uprising.”

“I agree,” Stryker replied. “Under normal circumstances they would be able to help, but I fear The Fellowship has been compromised.”

“Compromised!” exclaimed Roman. “What do you mean?”

“How could they have been compromised?” interjected Cleo. “No one knew of their existence, let alone their hidden location.”

Stryker’s ears drooped and his head swayed back and forth as he paced at the bow of the floating doghouse. He turned and looked at his friends. He paused, freezing the moment in time. Pongo was atop his perfectly fluffed cushion. Cheyanne sat on the deck, her hind legs tucked compactly and her front paws stretched out in front. Next to her, sat Autumn. Her large chest rested on the deck as her front paws kept her steady to balance the occasional wave that rocked the doghouse from side to side. Magnum stood opposite the two girls. His large head and powerful body dwarfed the lean brown Doberman standing next to him. Although he was big and intimidating, his kind, gentle eyes stared back at Stryker. Next to him, Roman tilted his head to the side and raised his light brown eyebrows in contemplation. Just behind them, Cleo stood with her front paws on a box and her hind legs on the deck. She held her head up and ears forward as she listened intently.

All eyes and ears were on Stryker, anxiously awaiting his words. He began slowly, “when Cookie and I were captured . . . Leviticus paid us a visit. Around his neck hung the Amulet of Kelb-tal Fenek.”

“What?” cried Pongo, rising up from his cushion. “Impossible,” he muttered. The group was stunned by what Stryker had said. Just as the sight of Leviticus wearing the Amulet had broken Stryker’s spirit, his words now, delivered the same crushing blow to his friends.

Stryker continued, “the location of the map leading to the amulet’s resting place could only have been learned from The Fellowship. Not even the Ambassadors knew of the map’s location.”

“But the Legend says that only a dog can retrieve the map of the Lion’s Path,” said Cleo.

“That’s correct, Cleo,” replied Stryker.

“Then you’re telling us that a dog found the map for Leviticus?” Autumn asked hesitatingly, afraid to hear the answer.

Stryker looked at her and replied, “I think so.”

Magnum approached Stryker and placed one of his large paws on his shoulder and asked, “The Fellowship of Sirius, The Lion’s Path, The Amulet of Kelb-tal Fenek, The Rainbow turning off . . . what’s next?”

At that moment, Cheyanne’s ears twitched and went on alert—radar ears is what she called them.

Three consecutive splashes summoned the group’s attention. They looked to the shore and saw several dogs in the water. The lead dog was a German Shepherd and his head was just barely above water. Behind him was an Alaskan Malamute and on the Malamute’s shoulder was a brown and black Terrier mix.

Tinsleigh rushed from under the canopy, “It’s Moe, Poco Loco and Indy!” She barked. It came as no surprise to her that the three were so far from home. Indigo, or Indy for short, was a very adventurous German Shepherd and he often took to exploring. His brother, Poco Loco, the Alaskan Malamute, always wanted to tag along; but it was the small and feisty Terrier, Moe, who was the leader of this threesome.

Roman handed Kayla a line of rope. The chocolate Lab used her expert casting skills, perfected over years of fishing, to launch the line out into the water. The rope landed close to Indy. The Shepherd grabbed hold of the end and waited for Poco Loco. When he had a hold of the rope, Magnum and Remy began pulling on the line, reeling the three dogs closer to the floating doghouse.

Tinsleigh and Jordan helped the three out of the water. “Now that was great fun, eh Poco?” Moe announced. Poco gave the Terrier a disapproving snarl and shook the water from his fur.

“What are you doing out here?” Stryker asked. Poco began sniffing around, likely searching for beer, his absolute favourite. Moe looked up at Stryker, “We came across a large pack of coyotes and—.” Moe paused. “Something far worse,” he added dramatically. “The three of us crept up close to the pack and overheard where they’re heading.”

“To Turtle Pond?” Cheyanne asked, interrupting the Terrier.

“No,” replied Indy.

“They’re heading to the Red Sand Desert,” Moe continued. Gasps escaped from all the dogs. “That’s not all,” Moe continued. “With them are two, hideous, monstrous Jackals.”

“The Servants of the Afterlife,” barked Pongo.

“Turn this floating doghouse around!” exclaimed Stryker. “Mercury and the others are heading into a trap!”

Pupisode 11 – Feel My Wrath

Leviticus sat alone in the master travel wagon, outside the Servants of the Afterlife stood guard. Sirius had begun to rise. When it reaches its zenith, Leviticus’ ascension to power would be complete. Leviticus envisioned himself at the foot of The Bridge, next to Turtle Pond, looking out over all the dogs and cats and proclaiming his power as they knelt before him.

A knock on the wagon door broke the silence.

“Enter,” he said.

Oberon stepped past the frightening skeleton Jackals and entered the room. “My Lord,” Oberon said, bowing before Leviticus. “I have news.”

Leviticus stood up and approached Oberon. “What it is?” he asked, his voice simmering with anger.

Oberon hesitated. He thought about the beastly Jackals that stood outside and then reluctantly answered, “I’ve received word that the dog villages are deserted . . . my Lord.”

Leviticus snorted and clinched his jaw. “Deserted?” He asked, the anger starting to boil.

“Yes, my Lord,” Oberon replied. “Every single one of them.”

Leviticus turned from Oberon and walked toward the back of the travel wagon. In a rage he slammed a paw against the bookcase and sent the books tumbling to the floor. Turning back to Oberon, he said, “They were warned. Somehow they knew we were coming.” Leviticus stormed around the wagon. His anger and rage consuming him. He stopped in front of Oberon. “Bring me Stryker and that Pointer.”

Oberon backed away from Leviticus and lowered his head. “My Lord,” Oberon whispered. “They have escaped.”

“What did you say?” Leviticus snapped. “Speak up!”

Oberon looked into the fiery eyes of his master and said, “My Lord, Stryker and the Pointer have escaped. We have a pack of coyotes on their trail and should have them back in our custody shortly.”

Leviticus lunged at Oberon and with his powerful paw gripped him by the throat. He tightened his hold and continued to squeeze, cutting off all air. Unable to breathe and unable to struggle free, Oberon felt the end was near until Leviticus released his grip and tossed him to the ground. Several moments passed while Leviticus silently stood over Oberon. The General struggled to catch his breath. “Mercury and others will be heading to the Red Sand Desert to seek guidance from the Fellowship. We will be waiting.” Leviticus said. He signaled to the Jackals and they entered the travel wagon, their massive bodies barely fitting inside. Oberon got to his paws and stood next to the two skeleton Jackals. His heart raced as he looked from side to side.

“Take a platoon of coyotes to the Red Sand Desert,” Leviticus said. “Together with the Servants of the Afterlife, set up an ambush and capture the Ibizan Hounds and any others with them. Bring them all to me in time for my ascension.” Leviticus paced back and forth. “When Sirius reaches its zenith, I will control The Bridge and all those who wish to enter. Mercury and the others will kneel before me, or they will feel my ultimate power.”

“Yes, my Lord,” Oberon replied and turned to leave the wagon.

“General Oberon,” Leviticus continued. Oberon turned back to face Leviticus. “Do not disappoint me . . . or you will suffer.”

Oberon and the Jackals left the wagon. Leviticus returned to his worktable. He flipped through the tattered pages of the ancient Egyptian book and paused upon a passage. “Feel my wrath,” he grumbled.

Leviticus began to whisper a chant, repeating the passage several times. He took the book into his paws and walked to the window of the travel wagon. In the distance, the rainbow began to flicker. He repeated the chant one last time. The rainbow flickered rapidly and then went out.

Pupisode 10 – Get Your Stinking Paws Off Her

As the floating doghouse made its way down river, Daisy scanned the woods for any sign of Rosie and the others. She was panting heavily and pacing on the edge of the deck. She looked down into the water and thought about jumping in and swimming to shore. Pongo came up beside her. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said. “Don’t worry, we aren’t leaving until we have everydog safely on board this floating doghouse.”

In the woods, the three ran along the path, fairly certain at this point that they had made a wrong turn. The path came to an end and from the woods, the three ran out into a grassy field. Alex looked to his right and could hear the river. “This way,” he said. The three turned and as they did a coyote broke out from the woods and stood between them and the river.

“Down,” Alex barked. The three of them dropped to the ground. Alex slowly raised his head and looked in the direction of the coyote. Two more emerged and stood next to the original coyote. All three were looking back into the woods. Alex was certain they hadn’t been seen. Cookie raised her head, joining Alex, and the two watched the three coyotes circle around each other. In the distance, towering over the mountains was the rainbow. The brilliant colours drew Cookie’s attention away from the coyotes. She recalled that she had never before spent much time looking at the rainbow. Now, in the grip of danger, she was drawn to the spectacular arrangement of vibrant colours.

“I think if we stay low and make our way to the far side where the grass is taller, we might be able to sneak by them and get to the river,” said Alex. With their body’s just inches off the ground, the three crept to the tall grass and headed towards the river. When they were parallel with the coyotes, three others emerged from the woods to join them. Hidden in the tall grass, Alex tried to listen to what the coyotes were saying. Cookie’s attention was on the rainbow. She watched as the colours flickered and danced. She paused. The colours went solid and vibrant, but after a few moments began to flicker again.

On the floating doghouse, Tinsleigh helped Sydney from the water and was drying her. A change in the sky caught her attention and she looked up at the rainbow. The colours flickered as though experiencing a power surge. Kirby came running to Tinsleigh, her long liver ears flapping with each step. “Look at the rainbow,” she cried.

Everyone on the floating doghouse looked up at the rainbow, it flickered and completely went out.

At the same moment, Cookie continued to watch the rainbow flicker. Rosie came up beside her and watched as well. Cookie tapped Alex on the shoulder, when he turned to her, she pointed to the sky. Alex looked up and the rainbow flickered one last time and went out.

Panic broke out on the floating doghouse. Sam took over the controls as Roman and Pongo tried to calm everyone.

Back in the tall grass, Alex turned to Cookie, and his almond-shaped eyes looked worried. For the first time, Cookie saw a hint of fear. Alex was confused and wondered: What just happened? How could the rainbow just go out? A triumphant roar erupted from the coyotes when they realized the rainbow no longer stretched across the sky. The clouds overhead became thick and dark. Rosie became agitated and started to paw at the ground. “Here’s our chance,” Alex said. He and Cookie jumped to their paws, their heads barely peering over the tall blades of grass. Cookie reached down and grabbed Rosie by the scruff of the neck and shuffled her along.

Alex ran at full speed towards the river and Cookie and Rosie followed close behind. The coyotes stopped their celebration and were shocked to see the three virtually come out of nowhere. After the shock subsided, the coyotes gave chase. A crack of thunder echoed. Alex was nearing the edge of the field and could see the river. The clouds grew darker and in the distance a shot of lightening illuminated the sky. Alex took one more step and with it the floating doghouse came into view. Another crack of thunder roared. Cookie came up behind Alex on the edge of the field. The river was only a few feet below.

On the floating doghouse, Daisy pointed to the bank and cried, “There! Alex and Cookie!!”
Everyone turned to look at the riverbank. Roman rushed back to the controls and took over for Sam. The river was swelling and the current was strong. Roman tried to maneuver the floating doghouse closer to shore but there were a lot of rocks and it was very dangerous. Down river, the sound of an engine roared and a fountain of water shot into the sky. Cheyanne gave the waverunner throttle and it sped forward. In the basket upfront was Lucy Kitty and in the backseat was Autumn.

Yet another flash of lightening lit up the sky and large raindrops began to fall.

On the bank of the river, the coyotes were closing in. Cookie turned and saw Rosie standing 10 feet behind. “Hurry, Rosie!” Cookie barked. Rosie began to tremble uncontrollably. In a panic she dug at the earth. Soil flew in every direction. Cookie rushed to her and began to drag her to the riverbank. Rosie gazed up at Cookie with a blank stare; her eyes were large and dark, her body was shaking, all of her muscles in her shoulders were tense. Another lightening bolt shot through the sky and was followed by a thunderous crash. The rain was falling heavily, soaking them and the ground. The coyotes were only a few feet away.

Cookie managed to get Rosie to the riverbank. The coyotes were steps away. “Jump!” Alex screamed and he leapt from the bank. Cookie had hold of Rosie and followed Alex, but she lost her grip. Alex and Cookie entered the water with a splash, narrowly missing the rocks. Cheyanne struggled to keep control of the waverunner in the fast moving water. She expertly maneuvered around the rocks. Autumn jumped off the watercraft and took hold of Cookie. The ginger-coloured mix used her powerful legs to cut through the current and pull herself and Cookie closer to the waverunner. Cheyanne reached down and pulled Cookie from the water. A wave splashed against Autumn, sending her under. Cheyanne looked around in a panic. Autumn resurfaced only a few strokes from Alex. She quickly grabbed a hold of him. Another wave crashed against the waverunner, sending it in the direction of Autumn and Alex. Cheyanne reached down and took hold of Alex. With a grunt she heaved and pulled him up onto the backseat. Cookie sat in the front basket, Lucy Kitty perched on her chest. Alex reached down and held onto Autumn. She struggled out of the water and clung to Alex. Cheyanne powered the waverunner forward and away from the shoreline.

On the riverbank, Rosie continued to dig at the ground. Overcome with fear, she was unaware of the coyotes standing next to her.

On the floating doghouse, Daisy barked and barked. Repeatedly she tried to jump over the railing and into the water. Cleo held her back. Cheyanne pulled the waverunner next to the floating doghouse. Tinsleigh and Kirby helped Alex, Cookie, Autumn and Lucy Kitty aboard. Soaked, they rushed to the front where all of the others were watching the coyotes surround Rosie.

The coyotes closed in on her. One of them reached out and placed their paw on her neck. A voice from behind startled the coyotes. “Get your stinking paws off her, you damn dirty coyote.” As lightening flashed overhead and rain fell relentlessly to the ground, one lone, but hefty black lab stared down the six coyotes.

The pack left Rosie to continue digging and moved towards the lab. “You think one lab can stop us?” Said the coyote that had placed his paw on Rosie.

The lab pressed his lips together and made a high-pitched whistle. From the woods came three more labs. “We’re the Vermont Labbies,” said Remy. “And we’re looking for a fight.”

Remy rushed at the first coyote and with a powerful swing of his paw, he landed a devastating blow that had all 100 pounds of his fury behind it. The coyote dropped to the ground. Remy’s brother Magnum, who was even bigger than Remy, dropped two coyotes with ease.

From the floating doghouse, Daisy barked, “It’s Remy and the Vermont Labbies!” A roar erupted from the floating doghouse.

Back on the riverbank, chocolate lab, Kayla—Remy and Magnum’s smaller, but equally feisty sister—sent one of the coyotes into the river. “Next time bring a fishing rod,” she said laughingly. Beary, the Matriarch, bore down on a scrawny coyote and before she could get her paws on him, he and the last coyote standing next to him ran off into the woods. As the coyotes raced off, they passed a grey tabby that was following behind Beary. Ollie, The Vermont Labbies kitty sidekick took a swipe at the heels of the coyotes and hissed.

Remy rushed over to Rosie, who was unaware of what was happening around her. He lifted her up into his embrace and hugged her.