"W" is for Working Dog. A working dog is a dog used to perform practical tasks, rather than being just for companionship. Their breed heritage or physical characteristics lend itself to working. The tasks they perform can also determine what they are called such as herding dog or livestock guardian. Introducing Kir from Fire and Amulet and Faoth from MAGIC AND STEEL, a novella in the collection titled, First Change: Legends From The Eyrie.
From my childhood, the inspiration for Kir and Faoth.
Even without formal training, the collie
became quite adept at herding sheep and children.
Kir is massive, black-faced dog. When responding to danger, his hackles stand up in a golden crown around his face. The lead dog of the pack, Kir not only has to obey his master's commands, but to ensure that the other dogs do as well. They help herd the sheep from pasture to pasture and stop any sheep from wandering off. Even more important is their job as livestock guardian. Kir and his pack protects the flock of sheep from wolves and other predators.
Idwal is the official master of the flock and Kir's master. However, that is only part of the reality. The flock is the property -- and intended to be the meal -- of a dragon.
Karst opened his eyelids a mere slit. Instead of a night-filled sky or the first silvering of dawn, his gaze met the glowing green eyes of the head sheepdog. The animal clamped its teeth on the blanket and with a tug robbed Karst of the slender protection the fabric offered.“Now, Kir,” Idwal’s voice came from the darkness on the other side of the ashes. “That’s no way to greet such a distinguished guest as Slayer Karst.” He gave a harsh laugh. “My apologies. Kir doesn’t always have the best of manners. I just told him to wake you, Slayer, ‘cause we be leaving. You can stay as long as you wish. I drew the landmarks and directions to get to the upper trail in the firepit ashes.”
Karst felt more than saw the massive dog pad away in response to Idwal’s whistle.
Faoth from MAGIC and STEEL is a puppy. Several things make her a useful addition to the pack. Her tawny hide helps her hide from predators until she is ready to attack and she has a special instinct as to what sheep will wander off. More importantly, she is not afraid of dragons. Something the guardians of this particular flock need as they are kept in tribute as the intended meal for the true dragons.
To set the stage for the excerpt. Faoth is now almost full grown and was as large as her sire. The earlier instinct for safeguarding the sheep had matured along with her body. Her talent not only alerts her master to danger, it made her indispensable as a scout. She also served a more unusual function. Her size enabled her master to use her as a focus for the illusion capability of his enspelled sword, Mt’wan Comraich. Kedar has been summoned to the office of the leader of the dragshi to be given a new assignment and he takes the opportunity to use his swords magic.
With a flick of his fingers, Kedar signaled Faoth to bow to Lilese. A single step shifted him to the side. Pleased that he could maintain two ruses at the same time, he projected his voice to where Faoth stood. “You summoned me, mistress? How may I serve?”
Lilese gestured at the younger woman. “Kedar, I want you to meet Lady Mairin Aledriwyr. And, Mairin, this is Kedar, friend and valuable ally of the dragshi.”
Before Kedar could switch places with Faoth, Mairin stood and offered a hand to where she thought Kedar stood. Keeping her part of the illusion, Faoth balanced on his hind feet and held out a paw.
“What?” Mairin shrieked at the touch of fur rather than skin.
To read the rest of Kedar and Mairin's story, click on the First Change cover in the banner.
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To make following my posts in the challenge easier, you can find all my posts at 2022 AtoZ Connections. Just remember, the next day's post isn't live until midnight.
~till next time, Helen
Interesting excerpt from the story. We have a working dog with a corgi. Our particular corgi doesn't herd but he still has those herding instincts in him :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being close to finishing the challenge! You put a lot of work into the posts you did!
betty
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