Briar was sitting on the roof; leaning back on the blanket he had spread there and watched the clouds. He didn't need Tris there to tell him a storm was coming. He knew by the way the clouds were quickly growing and not only in size, but in color...darkening with each new tuff of cloud.
Briar sighed. He was so bored. The girls were off with their teachers and Rosethorn was in town, tending to some matters about a sickly tree. He wished he could have gone with her but he was ordered to stay home and watch Little Bear. He sat up and looked down. Their big shaggy canine was chasing a bird around the front of Discipline. "So boring," he muttered. His stomach gave a twist and a rumble. Briar grinned and stood up. Now he had something to do. A trip to Dedicate Gorse was in order.
The young street rat raced down the stairs and grabbed the token Lark had left for him in case he needed to go somewhere. Briar didn't bother to wear shoes because he didn't like to unless being made to. He walked down the little path from the door to the gate, calling Little Bear. "Come on boy! We're going to Gorses'," he called. The dog gave a cheery bark and came, staying to Briar's heels. Even though the dog was gigantic, he still had the mind of a little pup. He sniffed everything that passed him and even gave some people a bark for good humor.
Briar shook his head at the dog's antics. He focused on the day ahead. Sandry and Lark were going to return within the hour, Tris would most likely come back soon as well but not accompanied by Niko for the mage had many things to do normally, and Daja most likely would not be home for hours. Briar shook his head with a smile. That girl spent more time in the forge with Frostpine than she did eating or sleeping. He shrugged though as he approached the kitchen area that served as Dedicate Gorse's main domain. He guessed he probably did the same with the garden and plants. He told his dog to stay put and not to go far.
Pushing open the doors, Briar inhaled deeply as he walked in. Scents of chickens, herbs, cakes, and pies floated to his nose. His saliva glands in his mouth went crazy. If he didn't love plants so much, he would certainly be content to slave in here for the rest of his life. He poked around here and there, not really grabbing anything right away. Finally, whom he was waiting on came. The big bellied dedicate came hurrying over to greet Briar enthusiastically. "Briar my boy, you look famish," he said over the roar of the kitchen. Briar put on a pitiful face and nodded. "Oh but I am sir," he said, hoping the dedicate had something for him.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, Briar left the kitchen with a sandwich bulging with chicken and sauces in one hand and a basket of crisp cakes stuffed with jams and fruits for Discipline. He bit into the sandwich, reveling in its juicy flavors. While chewing the morsel in his mouth, he looked around. Hadn't he left Little Bear out here? Now where had he gone? Briar gulped down his bit and continued to stuff his face while searching. When the treat was demolished, Briar finally started to thoroughly search.
He called out the dog's name numerous times, searching the air temples for the dog. He was usually around there, looking for birds to chase or something. "Little Bear!" he called, frowning that maybe something had happened. Then an idea struck him
Sandry? Are you there? He asked, using their link of power. He was answered quickly.
Yes. Is something wrong? Her voice soothed him for some reason. He knew Sandry could help.
Are you home yet? He asked.
Yes I am. Lark and I just arrived. Where are you? She replied.
I'm near the Air temples looking for Little Bear. Is he with you? Like at home?
Sandry thought about his question. She had been in her room. She walked out of her room and peered around. Lark was in her room and no one was there. She gave a small whistle and no answering bark.
No, was her simple answer.
Briar started to get worried. Where was their furred friend?
Before answering Sandry back, he heard the familiar bark of his dog. He wheeled around, looking around. He quickly ran in the direction of the bark and stopped when he found the white canine, dropping his basket. A young girl or maybe a guy, it was too hard to see under the cloak they wore, was kneeling in front of the dog. Little Bear was sitting still. That's what struck Briar as odd. Usually the dog would be jumping everywhere, trying to lick the girl's face, but nope. He was sitting still, watching the person in front of him with such affection it surprised Briar. He stepped forward, making sure he had his hidden daggers. "Who are you? And why do you have my dog?" he asked, moving to stand behind Little Bear, trying to get a better look at the person. The hooded figure looked up at Briar and jumped back. The person turned heel and took off. "Hey! Wait," Briar called. He'd wanted to know who they were. But that was odd. Why would someone run? He wasn't that intimidating...was he? When Little Bear gave an inquisitive whine, Briar snapped back to reality. "Sorry boy. Let's go home," he said, grabbing his forgotten basket of sweets and setting off for Discipline cottage with his canine at his heels once again.