Part 21 (2/2)

”You must.”

”No.”

”He's asking you to. Would you deny him the right to be free of his pain and suffering?”

”Of course not, but-”

Joey frowned. ”There's no but. Those b.a.s.t.a.r.ds didn't show him any mercy. They just did this and then left him to suffer. The cruelty and indignity of it is horrible.”

Annja felt her throat go dry. ”I don't know if I can.”

Joey nodded. ”You have to. He has asked.”

Annja walked behind the shelter and summoned the sword. She stared at it for a long moment and knew it was the right thing to do.

Jenny gasped when she saw the sword Annja held. ”Where the h.e.l.l did that come from?”

”Long story,” Annja said. And then, as if she was in a dream, she felt herself walking toward Cheehawk. She knelt next to him and stroked his fur.

The wolf looked at her. Annja could see the plaintive look and knew it would have to be done. She glanced at Joey.

”Are you sure?”

”Yes.”

”Is he sure?”

”Search your heart, Annja. You know it's the right thing to do.”

Annja took a calming breath. ”I know.” She stood and gripped the sword.

Joey whispered something into Cheehawk's ear and then nuzzled him one last time. The wolf lay its head on the ground as if it knew just how to position itself.

Joey stepped back.

”Annja,” Jenny said, ”what in the world are you going to do to that poor wounded animal?”

Annja shook her head. ”Not now, Jenny. Not now.”

Annja raised the sword over her head. She closed her eyes. Forgive me for this. And may it release you from your suffering.

She cut down.

Chapter 12.

Joey managed to find a branch suitable for sc.r.a.ping a hole out of the muddy earth and got to work making a burial plot large enough for Cheehawk's body. When he'd finished digging it out, he laid a bed of fresh pine boughs, and then with Annja's help they carefully laid the mighty wolf in the ground.

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