The sun had only just risen when Pom woke up to Woof nudging her and saw the other pups already in their pouches on Momma.

She yawned and cleared her eyes, quickly realizing that she had gotten more sleep than them.

“Ye dinnae have tae let me sleep that long. I can take a turn on watch.”

Momma nuzzled her in a non-answer as Papa secured Woof in his pouch.

“So I guess you’ve… eaten?”

Papa huffed in affirmation and lowered himself by her.

“If you’re sure you don’t mind. Just let me grab breakfast.”

Pom unceremoniously grazed on a few mouthfuls of grass before securing her legs in the straps again with a yawn.

“Ye know the way, just wake me if there’s trouble.”

Pom woke to the sound of growling and nearly fell off Papa’s back, but her shock turned to confusion as she realized it was still daytime, and the instigators were a group of five whitetail deer, not predators.

“The sheep is alive?!” One guard took a step back.

“Al- Of course I am!” Pom looked down on them. “Were ye bothering my dogs?”

Papa huffed at another deer who tried to explain.

“Well, we thought they might have…gone wild. And they were getting close to the city. Can’t be too careful with the predators about.”

Pom slid off Papa’s back and approached, looking up at him with narrowed eyes.

“They were getting close because they were taking me there. Have ye ever heard of a sheepdog attacking anyone?”

“Well, no. But I’ve never seen so many, and I didn’t see that there was a sheep to control them.”

“‘Control’?” Pom’s confusion colored her voice, and it didn’t reassure them. “Look, they’re good boys and girls; they’d never hurt anyone. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll tell ‘em.”

Pom cleared her throat and turned to the dogs. “You behave, and don’t hurt the deer or anyone, okay?”

Papa faked a yawn to show his teeth as Momma nodded with a huff.

“See? All under control! Now if ye don’t mind, could ye point us to the city?”

After some huffs from Momma, the dogs followed close behind Pom, and as ridiculous as it felt, she played the part of controlling them.

“Halt! Who goes there?”

A guard hailed her from the wall as they approached.

“M-my name is Pom. We need tae rest inside the walls tonight. It's not safe outside in the dark.”

“Why do you have so many dogs?” the doe called down. “Are you sure you can control them?”

“Because… I'm the champion of the meadows.” Pom hardly believed her own words, so they carried little confidence. “They'll listen tae me.”

“You?!”

The doe leaned over the wall, sizing her up.

Och, ye dinnae have tae rub it in!

A bark from Papa restored her lost confidence.

“They do the fighting; they just need a lightweight lamb they can carry.”

Pom wished that were less true.

The guard looked between Papa and Momma.

“I suppose that makes sense for a sheep. We can allow them in the outer gate if you will take responsibility for them, but we only allow one dog per sheep in the city. The others can stay in a pen.”

“What kind of rule is that?!” Pom finally raised her voice. “I'll vouch for all of them.”

“New policy with the predators. We have enough to worry about without more dogs.”

But you'd be safer with them!

Pom puffed herself up to argue the point, but was stopped by a muzzle and huff from Momma.

“Fine, so long as they can sleep behind the wall. Can they stay outside before evening?”

“Of course.” The guard seemed relieved. “Open the gate!”

With that, Woof took her place next to Pom with no objections from the rest of the pack as Pom leaned down to whisper under the noise.

“Aren't you hungry?”

Papa huffed in response as Woof shook her head.

“Well, I'll bring you to the gate whenever you need it.”

Guards nervously watched the pack as Pom petted the puppies and hugged Momma and Papa.

“Now, you need to be back well before sunset—don't want to call this close. And watch out for too much shade! I’ll be out with Woof in a few hours.”

Momma huffed and nuzzled her. Papa seemed irritated by the whole situation.

With a bark, he led Momma and the rest of the puppies as they ran down the path, with the puppies yipping excitedly.

Pom smiled as she watched them go before turning to the city.

“Let's go, Woof.”

The guards let out a sigh of relief as the gate closed behind her.

Pom had enjoyed exploring the countryside, and she’d seen other kinds of ungulates before, but she’d never been surrounded by them as the only sheep in sight.

Are deer big, or are we just small?

She froze up and lowered her head until a bark from Woof snapped her out of it.

“Och! Good tae have you here.” Pom smiled and gave her an ear scratch. “Let’s have a look around before we train.”

Woof gave a confused whine and tilted her head.

“Mostly I need tae train, after they’ve had time tae… run around.”

She couldn’t help but notice Woof sticking closer to her than she ever had in Baaah and scanning the streets.

I guess she’s protecting me. Good girl, didn’t think she was that mature. Well, the guards didn’t know anything, but Woad said to ask for news at a tavern.

The streets were crowded with deer going about their days alongside a few other travelers of different species.

Most steered clear of her with their eyes glancing to Woof, but Pom couldn’t find the courage to stop one to ask for directions.

Eventually, she decided to follow a crowd and found herself at a marketplace full of stands.

“Fruits fresh from the Isles! Pineapples, coconuts, plantains! Only five licks a piece!”

Pom turned to the whitetail merchant and noticed that she didn’t have customers yet.

Perfect!

The doe addressed her as she stepped up.

“Don’t see many sheep make the trip here, especially with the recent news. Have you ever had fruits like these?”

“No, I haven’t.” Pom blinked, momentarily distracted by the strange shapes.

I’ve heard of some of these, but I’ve never actually seen them. Are they not popular with sheeple?

“We eat with our eyes first, but time is salt.” The merchant interrupted as a line started to form.

“Och! Sorry, I’ll take a pineapple, and three of these green things?” Pom pointed.

“Avocado. That’ll be eight licks.”

Pom passed the salt, and the merchant let her take her pick.

With the fruit in her saddlebags and the next customer approaching, Pom suddenly remembered why she had come.

“Oh, if you don’t mind, can you point me tae the tavern?”

“I’d take the one down that road and to your left; it’s popular with visitors.” The merchant pointed. “Look for the signs—can’t miss it. Next!”

Pom set off for it, and as her mind cleared, she internally berated herself.

I only wanted to ask directions—why’d I buy something? They gave me salt, but I need tae ration it.

She glanced at her saddlebags with a pineapple sticking out.

Well, a little treat can’t hurt, but this thing’s heavy.

Spotting the sign, Pom stopped at the tavern door to psych herself up and just ask a question this time before opening the door.

A bell rang as she entered, though the owner seemed to be busy elsewhere.

The patrons sitting around were mostly deer, but she spotted some other faces: three boars stuffing themselves at a side table, a couple of mountain goats, and a dark purple—

A tapir! Maybe she’s heard of the Seer!

Pom cleared her throat and checked her wool before approaching, but the tapir gave the first greeting as her dropped eyes opened with a smile.

“Don’t see many sheep coming this far. What brings you to Whitil?”

The tapir offered her trunk to shake, and Pom fought an awkward feeling at its touch as she shook it and took a seat on the table cushion.

“Just passing through.”

Come on, Pom, you have a question!

“Things are getting dangerous out there.” The tapir leaned in. “What business brings a lamb like you to the wilds?”

“Well…” Come on, at least pretend to be confident! “Believe it or not, I’m the Champion of the Meadows. So I, uh, have some pretty big dogs looking after me outside.”

Really? That’s supposed to convince her? Okay, it’s true, but still!

The tapir surprised her by closing her eyes and nodding. “I believe you.”

“Uh…” Pom spoke before her mind could stop her. “Why? I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Because you are here.” She glanced at Woof. “Not many sheeple travel this far, especially with predators about, and you’ve shown bravery in doing so. And why else would a sheep wander so far?”

“Fair, I guess.” Pom scratched one leg with another. “I still dinnae feel like a champion, though. More like a diplomat for the dogs.”

“You may be stronger than you think.” The tapir’s relaxed smile hardened into a solemn gaze. “Have faith in yourself, as your dogs have faith in you.”

Pom blinked. “Um, thanks, I guess.”

“Pardon me.” The intensity in her expression left with a chuckle. “Just an old bit of tapir wisdom from a silly cow.”

“It’s fine, ye have a point.” Pom smiled to lighten the mood. “What’s your name, anyway?”

“Svapna. I’m just another traveler on a business trip.” She yawned. “It is good to sleep in a bed after a long day on the road. If you are staying the night, let me pay for your room; a little thanks for your help as champion making the roads safer.”

“But I haven’t—I mean, I’ve barely done anything for that!” Pom shook her head. “I have my own salt, and I don’t need a room.”

“Please.” Svapna put a hoof over Pom’s. “Let me be generous while I have the chance. My kind also says that blessings given will return greater.”

“Well, okay.” Pom smiled. “That’s awful nice of ye. But on tapirs, have ye heard of a Seer?”

“Indeed, I have,” she grinned. “She gives guidance to all who seek it in the Court of Dreams. Not all who come are happy with what is revealed, but you would be wise to hear her guidance and heed it.”

“And do I get there by heading tae the bigger Tusk Mountain, then following the river?”

“You are on the right path.” Svapna nodded.

“Good tae know.”

Svapna yawned and stood up. “Well then, let me have a talk with the keeper about your room.”

“Och, wait!” Pom motioned for her to sit, and she obliged. “Before that—I bought too many fruits at the market, and there’s enough tae share if you’d like.”

“That would be lovely.”

Svapna sat back down and showed Pom how to cut and eat the pineapple and avocados.

“So what do you think of them?” the tapir asked before scooping another bite of avocado with her trunk.

“Kind of strange, but good?” Pom looked up as she chewed. “I dinnae expect a pine-apple to be that sweet or spikey though. Reminds me of jam, a bit.”

“You’ll find many delightful things on your travels as a champion.” Svapna spoke again after swallowing. “You should try curry when you get to the wetlands.”

“Can do.” Pom nodded and offered some pineapple to Woof, which she nibbled, but declined. Pom popped it into her mouth instead and gave her an ear rub.

Svapna looked down at the puppy. “And what is her name?”

“Woof.” Pom swallowed. “She’s a good girl, but the main dogs protecting me are bigger.”

“Do you think she’d mind if I—” Svapna reached a hoof out and Woof happily scurried to it.

“Go ahead, she loves it!” Pom smiled. “Gets along with anyone, really.”

They ate in silence for a while with Svapna happily petting the puppy until Pom thought of something else.

“So, have you talked tae the Seer? What’s she like?”

“Oh, she’s nice enough.” Svapna shrugged. “A little cryptic, but she showed me that my destiny lies beyond the wetlands, and that I would be safe in my travels.”

“So what’d she actually show you?”

“That I need to leave to meet some people, for their sake and mine, and where to find them.” Svapna blinked her eyes and turned back to Pom. “So I’ll be leaving on a ship tomorrow. But it has been good to see some friendly faces.”

“Good tae meet you too! And tae have a little break.” Pom smiled as she finished the rest and stood up. “Well, I’d be happy tae meet here and talk more in the evening, but I have some champion stuff to do now.”

“Destiny awaits!” Svapna waved as she left.

Pom made her way past the gate again and walked till she was out of sight of the guards.

Sun’s still high in the sky, we’ve got time.

She shook her head to ring the bell around her neck, then paused to listen before ringing it again.

As she was thinking about barking to call them, she heard real barks in the distance before seeing the pack running toward her.

“No need tae rush, I’m not in danger!”

Papa sat at attention as Momma and the puppies sniffed her.

“I made a new friend, and she’s a tapir! If you can learn that smell, it might help us later.” With that, Papa joined in the sniffing, eliciting a giggle from Pom as she was surrounded.

“Okay, okay, now that you’ve got the scent, we need tae train!”

The dogs looked up with confused huffs.

“You all were great, but I need tae be better at protecting myself if we run into predators again, if you don’t mind teaching me.”

Momma and Papa shared a look.

“I’m not saying a real fight or anything, just exercises. Maybe just touch or lick or something, and if I can’t keep you off, then we go again. If you, well, don’t mind acting out the predator side. Better to see it in training than the real thing. I mean, not that—“

Papa cut her off with a huff, assuming a position in front of her and nodding.

“Uh, okay. Maybe do what you’d do for a bite, but just nuzzle? On ‘three’. One, two, three!”

Papa seemed uncomfortable with the idea of even pretending to attack Pom, but he thrusted his head forward without opening his mouth. But it was slow, and Pom easily stepped out of the way.

“No, no, that won’t do. They were much faster than that!”

Papa sped up the gesture three times, causing Pom to stumble as she pushed off the third, but being told to intensify each time.

“Okay, how about this: ye go as hard as ye can once, then we dial it down.”

Papa’s head lowered in unease, but a paw on his shoulder and a huff from Momma seemed to reassure him.

“Okay. One, two, thr—“

Papa outpaced Pom’s dodge in a blink and rammed his head into her forelegs as she raised them to block, sending her flying back through the air.

His panicked bark joined the others, but she managed to right herself in the air and spread out her body, floating down like a leaf to alight safely.

“Okay! That was good. Maybe I’ll start with tae puppies first, though.”

Woof volunteered with a bark, and they proceeded with Pom dodging and blocking while Woof pounced—until Pom swatted her away hard and she landed on her back.

“Omygoshimsosorry! Are you okay?!”

Pom rushed over to check on her, but Woof was up in an instant and barking with a nod.

“Bark.” Papa nodded approvingly, demonstrating by swiping a paw at Momma that she blocked and pushed away.

“Ah, guess I need tae do more of that.”

Practicing against Woof alone felt fun as a game, but as it started to get too easy, Pom called for more.

“Tuft, can ye join in?”

Tuft proved to be less capable than Woof, jumping to try to clamp onto Pom’s legs.

“Can ye do the digging thing ye did before, kick up dust? Maybe do that first, and Woof, you try to go in if I flinch from it.”

“Bark!” After being told to not dig often, Tuft was overjoyed. Soon, Pom’s coat was dirty, but the dust hindered Woof as much as it hindered her.

“Woof, try tae circle around. Tuft, go for the dirt in the face first, but if I turn my back, go for a leg.”

Pom didn’t notice, but Momma and Papa shared a smile and a huff as they watched.

The new plan was hard to defend as Pom had to turn and block Woof blind the first time, and the second time, she winced at a nip on her hindleg.

Tuft whimpered, but Pom scratched his ear to cheer him up.

“It’s okay, good for ye to practice that. Now Puff, I can’t believe I’m sayin’ this, but can ye try that flying attack again? Ruff, circle around like Woof.”

Pom couldn’t keep her eyes on all of them as Puff flew overhead and the other three circled, and a spin to check Ruff resulted in more sand in her eye and a dogpiling of licking puppies.

“That was great! All four of you may be too much for me now, though. Papa, can you take Woof to eat something? Momma, you can help coordinate.”

Pom washed her eyes out with her canteen again and took to calling two dogs at a time, refining her defenses and their attack plan each time.

Dozens of drills in with each side getting faster, Pom looked up to Momma and saw her smiling down on her.

“Do sheepdogs do drills like this on their own?”

Momma tilted her head in thought, but barked and nodded.

“Okay, can ye show me? Maybe drill them for a bit. I need a break.”

Pom watched the puppies swarm around Momma at her command, but her smile at them playing narrowed as she thought of the real thing.

Are they really ready to fight? Am I? Momma and Papa can hold their own and then some, but what if that’s not enough?

Soon Woof and Papa returned, with the puppy looking more content.

“All full?”

“Bark!”

“Good. Now, Woof, when we fight, I want you as the last line of defense. I’ll fight with you, but stick with me.”

Woof barked and nuzzled her leg, getting pets in response.

“Ruff, you’re tae best at circling and biting. When we fight, I want you to be an opportunist; look for predators tae drop their guard.”

Ruff stood tall with a proud bark.

“Puff, it’s hard tae keep an eye on ye and the ground at the same time. Stay up there and let others hit them if they try tae go for you, but if you get an opening, hit the back.”

Puff did a flip in the air with her own barks.

“Tuft, that dirt is almost too good at making me look away—ye should maybe just stick with that.”

Tuft got a little growl from Puff as he managed to fling a pebble all the way up to her.

“Momma, Papa, you’re the main fighters. We can pitch in, but you should probably draw most of their attention.”

Momma and Papa both huffed with nods.

“Now, if you don’t mind, maybe you could spar with each other a bit. Show us what a real fight looks like.”

They smiled at that as Momma challenged with a playful growl and bark, which Papa returned.

Pom had seen them play like that together when they were courting as the two biggest dogs in the meadow, and several times after when they weren’t busy with their puppies, but the shoves and nips took on new meaning with the predators in mind.

They’re not hurting each other, but they clearly could if they wanted tae. Never thought about how much sheepdog play is like practice fighting.

Papa won most of the rounds, though Momma was tenacious and managed to slip through his defenses a few times.

After they finally tired out with a break for panting, Papa stood in front of Pom with a huff.

“Eh? You have an idea?”

He nodded with another huff as Momma made a fake paw strike on his chest, then looked to Pom, then back to him.

“Oh! Striking practice. Uh, if you’re sure.”

Papa nodded and stood tall.

Pom’s first strike was more of a bump, getting a growl.

“Okay, I’m a hypocrite! I’ll try my hardest!”

Pom threw all her weight into a punch… and Papa barely moved.

“Well…” She blushed. “I have work tae do.”

“Huff.”

Pom’s attacks grew stronger with her worry about hurting Papa gone, but she got a pained reaction with a poorly aimed hoof striking his jaw.

“Sorry! I—” Papa cut her off with a nuzzle immediately, and tapped his nose and eyes with a woof.

“You’re saying… hit there in a real fight?” Pom guessed, and Papa nodded with a huff before also pointing to his ankle.

“Guess if I can’t hit hard, I should stick tae the sensitive parts.

They kept training with Momma or Papa drilling whichever dogs Pom wasn’t working with until Momma suddenly looked up and growled.

“What is it?” Pom immediately glanced at the sky, but it was still clear and bright out.

Papa approached a bush as Momma took guard behind Pom, but, to their surprise, a young whitetail buck stumbled back and tripped.

“Sorry! I just wanted to— can you call him off?!”

“He’s not going tae hurt ya.” Pom rolled her eyes and approached. “Why are you spyin’ on us?”

“Uh…” His eyes shifted from Papa, to the rest of the dogs circling him, to Pom. “I don’t get to see dogs much, and I was curious.”

He stepped back as Momma leaned in to sniff him, but Pom cut him off. “Stay still, that’s how they get tae know you.”

The buck was clearly nervous, but held his ground as the dogs surrounded him with sniffs before they backed away, seemingly satisfied.

Pom introduced the dogs in turn. “There’s Papa, Momma, Woof, Puff, Ruff, and Tuft. And I’m Pom.”

“I’m Pine. You're the Champion of the Meadows, right?” he added, and she nodded after a pause.

“Yep! Though they do most of the work. Who’s the champion here, anyway?”

Forgot to ask in town. Maybe we could help each other!

“We don’t have one,” Pine said as Pom’s eyes widened. “Well, not yet. Whitetail gather at the Summer Festival, and it’s coming up soon, so we’ll choose someone then.”

“Ah.” Pom scratched her chin. “That makes sense, I guess.”

“It’s mostly a reason to gather for games and feasts.” He shrugged. “But this time, there’ll be a competition to pick the champion.”

“Well, whoever that is, tell them tae look for the Seer down the river—that’s where I’m headed.”

“We’ve heard of her. That's also our only lead.” Pine nodded. “Though no one’s been there in a long time, with the roads being so unsafe. Thank you for risking that.”

“It’s… Well, someone had tae do it.” Pom scratched the back of her neck. “You’re welcome tae watch us train, but why are deer so jumpy around dogs?”

He looked from Pom to Papa, mentally comparing their size.

“Isn’t the real question why sheep are comfortable around them? Don’t they have sharp teeth like the… well, like the predators?”

Papa got him to stumble back as he bared his teeth, huffing in a chuckle as Momma nudged him disapprovingly.

“I suppose, but they’d never hurt anyone.” Pom smiled, but hid her true thoughts.

If they’re this scared of dogs as-is, we really need tae keep their diet secret.

“Okay then, let’s get back tae the drills!”

In Pine’s eyes, Pom’s lack of concern for the nips and pawstrikes made her seem brave, though she only felt frustrated with a newfound competitive urge.

He was content to watch in silence, and, eventually, to pet the puppies who were sitting out for a break, but when Pom was back to striking Papa as a punching bag, he finally spoke up.

“If I can interject, that’s not how you do a hoofstrike.”

“Oh?” Pom turned.

“You have to pivot your body weight into it, like this.” He demonstrated on a small tree, shaking it with the impact. “The guards have been giving free lessons nowadays, just in case.”

Good tae know, but I don’t have much weight tae throw around.

“Thanks!” Pom practiced the motion with him.

Trying his technique, she noticed more of a flinch from Papa.

Guess sheeple never needed tae learn how to fight with all the dogs around.

Pine left after another hour, saying he had business in town, but they kept training until the beginning of a sunset tinted the sky.

“Okay, that’s a good place tae stop!” Pom got up from her latest puppy-piling. “You should all go hunt before it’s too dark, and I should get back to the city. I’ll wait for you at the gate. If they won’t let you in, I’m staying out with you. If we all get in, I’ll sleep in the city with Woof and meet you in the morning.”

Momma and Papa agreed with huffs and nuzzles.

Pom recognized their expression from them watching her treat other dogs—she knew they were proud of her.

Papa called the hunt and the dogs ran off with their customary barks, leaving Pom to sigh with a tired smile and head back.

Pom found a quiet spot away from the bustle of the port, opting to pass the time watching the sunset on the ocean.

She relaxed at the sight of the golden reflected light framing a picturesque green island, content with her progress for the day.

“Beautiful, isn't it?” Svapna broke the silence as she sat beside her. “Reminds me of home, with the sun on the river.”

“It is.” Pom answered without looking away from it. “Haven't seen it often, though.”

“Good to enjoy it while we're here. Are you ready for tomorrow? You can ask the tavern keeper to wake you at first light.”

“Good tae know.” Pom looked at her. “I've never traveled far enough tae stay in a tavern.”

Time passed in silence as Pom looked across the water.

“Are you nervous?” Svapna turned to her.

Pom sighed. “Yes, I suppose. I feel like I'm not ready, and I don't know what tae do.”

“That's more common than you'd think. But you won't be alone, at least.”

“That's true.” Pom nodded. “I'm glad tae have the dogs.”

“Not just them. All of Fœnum is seeking to end this threat; you have more allies than you realize.”

“I hadn't thought of it that way.” Pom turned back to the ocean with a smile.

Pom returned to find the dogs already beyond the gate, accompanying Pine.

Guess he volunteered for it.

The puppies ran to Pom as she approached.

“Good tae see ye getting along with the dogs!”

“Honestly, they're still scary. But I wanted to be sure they were in before they lock the gates.”

“Well, thank you, for all our sakes.” Pom smiled up at him.

After following a guard to an old storage room where the dogs would be staying and wishing them goodnight, Pom was finally ready for an early sleep.

Her body laid asleep in the tavern, but her mind went back to the last night, the one with that awful predator.

She tossed in her sleep as she saw all the ways it could have gone wrong, and the woves somehow multiplied into a sea of teeth and cruel eyes, and— The fear and the scenes vanished from sight and memory as she fell into a deeper sleep than she had ever known.

Svapna swallowed, and her eyes glowed as she opened again.

A soft pink mist surrounded her neck, and when the glow clearedl, her gaze was full of sympathy.

“Rest well, brave lamb. Your path is not an easy one, but I have done all that I can.”

After pulling Pom's covers back over her with her trunk, she turned and phased through the door.

Author's Note

A calmer day for Pom safe in the city, but she'll have a long journey ahead of her.

Very open to feedback on Whitil and other locations that I entirely made up.

Anga mentions the "Whitetail of the Forest", and going off an idea from NotSoDogNinja that whitetail deer being the most common urban ungulate, I had them live in a city surrounded by a forest.

Lumber is a major export, though Whitil isn't as big as Reine - the biggest city in Foenum.

I haven't fleshed them out very much, but that may change in the future - as always it's about what's best for the main cast.