The large golden-haired dog lay on the thick carpet. "I wouldn't know about that. After all, I'm only a dog."
Audrey puffed out her cheeks.
Then she lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
Quietly.
Without making a sound.
"Susie, Mom and Dad and the others will be all right, won't they?"
Suzie raised her head, walked over to the bed, and climbed onto it.
She rubbed her large head against Audrey's face and said softly, "They will."
Audrey rolled over and hugged Suzie, burying her face in the big dog's golden fur and never lifting it again.
The next day.
The gates of Abidos City opened wide.
Column after column marched out through the gates, heading south across the Star Highlands.
Standing atop the city wall.
Audrey wore a deep blue cloak with its hood up.
She watched the troops.
For a long time, she said nothing.
Suzie stood beside Audrey with a small pack on her back, her tongue hanging out as she surveyed their surroundings.
Katarina and her son Reg stood a short distance away.
The former watched the troops streaming endlessly through the gates, forming a long, winding column across the land.
It stretched all the way toward the edge of the Star Highlands.
The latter kept glancing at the hooded, blonde girl.
Every so often, he caught the big dog watching him.
Whenever the dog looked at him, Reg felt as though she could see right through him.
As though no secret could remain hidden from the golden-haired dog.
But she was only a dog.
"That is no ordinary dog."
Without turning her head, Katarina said, "Besides, that girl is His Highness's important guest. Don't get any ideas about her."
Reg looked away. "I haven't."
"You'd better not."
Katarina withdrew her gaze.