"Wha-! It's that dog again!" The tall man said furiously.

Hewie growled menacingly at him, baring his teeth.

I won't let you get her!

The human reached for his long blade as he stared at the growling Hewie.

"Hm... who are you protecting, dog?"

You won't hurt her! The dog barked, kneeling his head down.

The man before him swiftly pulled out the blade, its metal shining in the dim light.

"It's the girl... it must know her and must know my intentions." He thought, aloud.

The armed human slightly squinted his eyes as an eerie smirk grew on his clear face.

ARF ARF!

In a quick instant, the dog lunged at the man but was countered by the blade's swipe, leaving a large cut on his snout.

The dog whined in pain as he was brought back to the floor.

The man twirled the blood off his sword and returned it to its holder-

"Stay out of my way." He then cold-heartedly turned his back and walked out of the room, locking the door behind him.

Hewie ran to the closed door and pawed at it.

I... I can't let him-

An open window caught the dog's eye.

It was cracked just enough for him to slip through.

It's my only way out of here.

He trotted over to the window and hesitantly climbed out of it, luckily it wasn't very high up.

As he regrouped himself, Hewie looked at his surroundings-

Hm... I'm outside the back, I think.

He sniffed the place over until he came across footsteps.

These smell like...

After a sniff or two his ears pricked up-
Fiona! He gave his tail a wag and happily barked.

His head met the ground again, but he also smelled something else...

It's that... human!

The young man he just encountered was trailing her, oh if only he got here sooner.

Grrr

The worried canine took a ran in the direction of the footprints and followed them vigorously.

I'm gonna find you Fiona...

After some fast footwork, he made it to a big oak tree.

The same one that his dearest friend saved him from a sure death.

The bright moon and tiny stars filled the cold night sky. Death lingered in the air.

Hewie pulled back his ears in worry, Fiona... I must protect you!

As he sat there reminincing about his lost companion, a quiet crunching noise was heard from behind him.

"Ah hah! There you are, stupid mutt." It was the keeper again.

Hewie widened his shiny, brown eyes.

"If I kill you, though... I won't find her as easily..." He brought a hand to his chin, thoughtfully.

With quick wit, he pulled out a piece of Fiona's old clothing. The ones she was wearing prior to waking up at the castle.

The hooded man walked carefully to the dog, "Okay, mutt. Find her."
He leaned down and held out the torn cloth infront of the dog's nose.

Hewie hestantly stood himself up and gave it a quick whiff,

Fiona! He... wants to help me?

The dog cocked his head.

"Go! Find her!" Ordered the keeper.

Arf!

The dog followed the scent and ran up to the guest room, Riccardo trailing behind him...