A young german shepherd slammed down his flagon of ale. He tried to cover up his mouth to keep from spitting out his drink. Gulping down the liquid, the shepherd busted out into laughter. “Oh and did you see that bear trying to defend Zearna. He was trying so hard to act all brave, tough, and all knowing. It was so enjoyable to run him through.
	“Be glad you got to ‘im first Keeland. I was about ready to do it myself,” One of the shpherd’s patrol mates chuckled before taking a large swig from his tankard. “But Zearna deserves what she got. Sinking a ship that children were on.”
	“Yeah, but she didn’t know that any youth were aboard.” A thin cheetah mumbled looking away from the group, knowing it wasn’t the right thing to say.
	“Knowin’ or not. She still murdered dem kids. Dere were many things the bitch could ‘ave done to avenge ‘er ‘usband, but sinkin’ the ship were the worst choice. Could ‘ave least checked the cargo hold first.” A pirate looking otter growled grabbing the cheetah by the shoulders. The young boy squeaked in surprise as the otter’s paw came in contact with his body. His nerves quickly calmed down as the rough paw slid down his spotted chest.
	Keeland chuckled as he watched the cheetah turn twelve shades of red. The shepherd patted his friend on the back roughly. “No need to be nervous, we all know that you two screw each other’s brains out each night.”
	The cheetah buried his face into his paws waiting to avoid everyone’s gaze.  His mate sat down next to him and wrapped a paw protectively around the shy guard.
	“Leave the poor boy alone Keeland,” A thick-muscled hose half-chuckled, half-snorted; surprising the whole group at the table. Keeland winced as the horse’s paw grazed the back of his head. “Captain Charond wants to see you right now. He has some important news for you.”
	The german shepherd growled deeply, shoving up and away from the table. “Fine, but this better not be a waste of my time.” Keeland grabbed his blade and hurried out of the pub. His heart raced softly as he headed to the guard house.
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	“You wanted to see me sir?” Keeland asked as he shut the door to Charond’s room. Behind the desk sat an aging desert cottontail. Despite his age and appearance, the guard captain was as strong as he had been when he was in his youth. 
	Looking up from his papers, Charond stared up at the shepherd. “Yes, I do. Have you heard about the journey to Zion?” 
	The german shepherd grunted roughly and nodded his head. “Yeah I have heard about that,” He took a dagger off the cottontail’s desk and rubbed the end of the blade. “I feel sorry for the sucker who is forced to guard that group of misfits.”
“Well about that, after a quick and easy decision, I choose you to represent our guard troop and go with them,” Charond returned to his papers as Keeland growled deeply and stared dumbstruck at his chief. “And Keeland, this is an order. Please don’t make me force you to cooperate. The group leaves within a week. Do make sure you’re ready by then.”
“Alright sir,” The shepherd whimpered softly and placed the blade back on the desk. “I’ll do everything in my power to protect them.” The canine left and headed for the door.
“Please take care of yourself Keeland. You’re the best man I have.” Charond murmured softly keeping his composure.