Page 20 of Black Dog

Dolmen Blacknell was the son of Blackie and Flame. In a manner of speaking he was the prototype of the wolf-dogs Elora set out to breed. He was also a favorite of the twins and stayed in the house when Elora and Blackie were away.

“Dol is thebest,” Gavain said as Gale nodded in support. “Crandall taught him to track eons ago. It’s like a game.”

“Who’s Crandall?” Duff asked.

“He helps out with the kennel,” Ram answered offhandedly. To the girls he said, “Why did ye no’ tell us this before?”

The twins looked at each other. Then Gale said, “Did no’ know ye did no’ know.”

Elora took in a big breath and let it out. Looking at her daughters, she said, “Do we need Crandall or do you know how to ask Dol to track?”

The girls looked stumped. “No’ sure. I think maybe we need Crandall,” Gavain said.

Elora looked toward Ram, but he was already pulling out his phone. He pressed Crandall’s contact and, evidently, the man answered.

“’Tis Rammel.”

“Aye. Happy Yule to yours as well. We hate to bother you on holiday, but there’s an urgent matter.” Pause. “The girls say you taught Dol to track? As a game?” Pause. “Well, we’re in need of a dog with that kind of skill. Can you give me instructions on invitin’ him to the hunt or will I have to ask you to come in?” Pause. “I’ll owe you.”

Rammel ended the call and looked up to see eight pairs of eyes waiting for news. “He says nobody else has ever engaged Dol so he does no’ know what would happen. He insisted on comin’ over if ‘tis important.” Ram drew in a big breath. “He’ll be here in ten minutes.”

“What are we hoping for?” Elora asked.

Litha spoke up. “If the dog could track Blackie to the place where he was taken, it might help me get a clearer read.”

“No pressure,” Storm said.

“No promises.” Litha pulled a fresh tissue from the box.

“After this we’re getting you home and into your own bed,” Storm said.

Litha didn’t protest.

“We’re stayin’,” Song said.

Elora looked grateful. “The guest cottage needs to be warmed up then.”

Ram looked at Helm pointedly.

“Aye. I’ll do it,” Helm said. “Right after Crandall comes?”

Ram nodded. “Do no’ forget.”

Even with everybody talking Ram’s ears picked up the soft knock on the back door. “He’s here.”

When Rammel opened the door, he was surprised to see that Crandall had already been to the kennel and fetched the dog. Dol, who was about the same size as Blackie, had a longish chocolate brown coat with black tips and black markings covering his face and head. He also had such a singularly remarkable look of intelligence that it wouldn’t be missed by even those unfamiliar with the species.

He was leashed and sitting next to Crandall, looking mature and well-behaved until he was rushed by Gale and Gavain. His entire body wagged and undulated with unadulterated happiness.

Everyone in the house donned coats and hats to go outside. After Ram gave repeated thanks to Crandall for coming on a day off and explained the situation, Crandall said, “Dolmen is no’ used to so many folks around. Trackin’ is no’ a spectator sort of activity and I do no’ know how he’ll respond. We can see. If he’s distracted, I may have to ask most of ye to withdraw to the house.”

“Let’s try it,” Ram said. “See what happens.”

Crandall bowed his head in a single nod. “Will need somethin’ with Blackie’s scent to communicate what we’re after.”

When no one said anything, Helm offered, “He slept on top of my bed last night off and on. The blanket probably smells like him.”

Ram’s hand curved around Helm’s trapezius affectionately. “Get it.”

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