Mickey yipped. “That’s the tastiest water I’ve ever had! The best, the best!” He pounced on Lucky and they rolled on the leafy earth. It was a relief for Lucky to feel his spirits lighten. For a few moments, he didn’t want to think about anything—not the city, nor the strange loudbirds they’d encountered. Mickey nipped Lucky amiably on the neck. “Urgh! You’re covered in dirt!”

Lucky spun around and pinned Mickey down with his front paws.

“Is that so?” he yapped. “Are you surprised after all that dust from the longpaw house? You think you’re any cleaner?”

He leaned forward as though to nip Mickey, but instead he licked his friend’s muzzle. “What we really need is a proper wash! I hope you’re ready to do more than just drink this river-water.”

Mickey leaped to his paws. “More than ready!” he howled.

Please, River-Dog, thought Lucky. Carry us safely to the other side. He plunged in, feeling the mud and grime fall from his fur. He kicked his paws beneath him, neck craned as he cut across the current, thrilled by the cool water. Mickey swam alongside him, panting happily.

They climbed out onto the sun-soaked bank of the river, catching their breath. Lucky shook himself vigorously. He couldn’t remember when he’d last felt so clean. Mickey started shaking himself too, and as water sprayed in Lucky’s eyes he barked and pawed the ground. The cool water had removed not only the dirt that had clung to their fur, but any last traces of tiredness. Lucky butted his friend’s neck, ready to prance and run through the forest. He felt light and free for the first time since he’d been exiled from the Pack.

The two dogs bounded and jostled until they reached a patch of bushy ferns. Then Lucky paused, sniffing the air. He turned to Mickey. “The way we’re headed, we’ll have to pass quite close to the Fierce Dogs’ lair.”

Mickey’s eyes widened. “Do we really have to? I managed to take another route and avoid it before.”

“It’s the fastest way back,” Lucky whined. “I did this on the way to the city, and no dog challenged me. It’ll be fine. But we must be quick and quiet, and very careful—just for a while.”

Mickey shivered and his ears flattened. “So dogs are still living there?” He tilted his head in understanding. “It’s a good thing we had our swim. The water probably helped to wash off our scents.”

Lucky wasn’t sure if that was true. Mickey seemed to smell even more strongly now that he was wet.