(Debra's P.O.V.)
I quickly climbed down the wooden ladder, jumping off the last rung into the cool, compacted soil, causing a brief flare of pain from my injury which I ignored, through I heard a low hiss from Arthur as he and Sir Trenton followed me down.
I followed the faint scent of the pups, walking faster as it got stronger and stronger until I nearly bumped into a wooden/metal door, and I scratched it, hearing whines and whimpers behind it, and I barked, "Hold on, pups! I'm here to get you out of here!".
I sent thoughts to Arthur. They're behind the door! Hurry! I heard Arthur call out, "Sir Trenton, keep them out of here! Debra seems to have found the pups, whom's behind this door.". The last comment whispered. I heard Sir Trenton calling out, "Yes, King Arthur!". Arthur joined me by my side, grabbing the iron hold, and with a grunt, pulled it open.
As soon as the door was open wide enough to let me through, I ran inside, the pups's scent filling up this space which pisses me off as it's barely as big and wide as a closet pantry. "Hello? It's okay, little ones. Your mama's really worried. She sent me to save you all.".
"Is the scary human gone?". whispered a little voice. I sighed lightly, "He won't bother you anymore. Can you please come out?".
Three sets of eyes came out of the darkness, coming into the slight light of the torch which I presumed Sir Trenton had alighted up. I carefully came closer, smiling and licking the tears off a pale white-furred female pup, her soft blue eyes blinking in relief and hope. "It's all right. Don't cry, darling.".
The pup sniffed, pawing at her nose, and I saw that she looks like her mother almost alike apart from being 3 months old and having her father's eyes. A soft growl nearby, "Is he gonna hurt us?". I looked over to the black-furred male, having burnt amber eyes, obviously looking like his father in appearance yet having his mother's eyes.
"He's a good human. He's my best friend, and he has come to help me save you and get you back to your parents.". I replied softly with a bright smile. "You promise?". spoke a soft voice.
I looked to the left, upon the right side of his white-furred sister, is a gray/black male pup with hazel eyes. I nodded, "By my life. Now your parents told me of your names; Dart, Wildberry, and Fleet?".
The white-furred girl piped up, "I am Wildberry!". The black-furred one spoke, "Dart's my name.". I smiled, and chuckled as I glanced at Fleet, apparently the third pup. "You ready to get out of here?".
Yips of agreement, and I guided them out, with Arthur smiling and chuckling at the happy, freed pups. No injuries I could find. Figure that the man planned to have them grow, and then kill them for their fur. I spoke to Arthur.
Arthur nodded. Hard to believe that they were down here for a long time. The pack will leave as soon as they receive the pups, yes?
That's probably the best way for sure, as if it was me, I'd done the same. I replied softly. Arthur gave a sigh, and I heard Wildberry speak to me, "Who are you?". I gave a chuckle, "It's Debra.". Wildberry tilted her head as she trotted by me, "That's a funny name, but it's also pretty too!". I licked her between her ears softly.
"Thank you, Wildberry. Ah, here we are, the way out. Can you climb?". I encouraged her softly. Wildberry shook her head. "Can you please carry me?". I smiled softly, nodding. "Of course, darling.". I softly picked her up in my jaws by her scruff, gesturing to the ladder toward Dart and Fleet, who grinned at me, agreeing.
I climbed up first, seeing that Sir Trenton was up top, keeping the family away, and Wildberry whimpered softly as we came into the room. Soon, I felt Dart and Fleet underneath me, growling and whining as they saw Samuel unconscious. I put Wildberry down, seeing her run underneath to join her brothers.
Arthur came besides me, "I apologize to say this, but your brother must be exiled for this crime, keeping taken children from a family. I care for justice of any kind. Children must not be separated from their parents no matter what.".
I huffed, barking at the door. "Sir Walter, open the door so Hawthorn can take the pups home to their parents.". Sir Walter nodded, "Yes, sire.". He opened the door. "Here you go, Hawthorn.". I snorted, and I went on, guiding the pups with my snout and paws.
The pups were happy to see the moon and the stars, yelping in happiness, and soon, joy and tears as soon as they saw their parents, the Alpha and his mate; Shadow and Snowstorm. I bowed in submission as Shadow approached me.
"I can't thank you enough, Debra. If you have need of help, howl for me by name yet I cannot know if we are able to, as we have to move several times, especially now for our children. You are a honorable wolf in this pack, thanks to saving our children from those humans. I am grateful. I pray that Fenrir light your way, my new friend.".
I nodded as I got up, speaking happily and politely, "But of course. Any wolf or dog can do it. I thank you, Alpha Shadow. I pray that Fenrir light your way, all of you. ". I bowed my head slightly, turned around to join Arthur who's now sitting upon his horse with the knights joining him, waiting for me at the entrance, with a roped Samuel upon a horse as well.
"Debra, wait, you're not gonna forget us, are you?". whined Wildberry as she blinked up at me after nuzzling my leg all of a sudden. I laughed as I ruffled her fur on her head, "I am not going to forget you, Wildberry! You're really brave, surviving a nasty human's home. You're going to be a great huntress, and hey, when you go on your first hunt, make sure to grab a great deer for me, okay?".
Wildberry smiled, and licked my cheek, "Okay, I will! I won't forget you either. I promise!". I nodded, and waved my tail softly as a gesture of goodbye, heading off with a running start. Arthur was momentarily off, gesturing with a bundle of bandages, and I groaned lightly, standing up still once I arrived at his feet. Fine. But you owe me after this.
Arthur laughed as he leaned down toward my shoulder, unwrapping the bandages. Chess again once we get home, huh? I snorted with a grin. Actually, how about our fantasy place, say, two hours? Arthur sighed, "You're going to do something, I just know it.". I gave out a bark-like laugh.