“He saved my life. I want you all to know that.” Tears ran down Benjamin’s cheek. “He reminded me so much of my dog.”

The tearful Clementine stepped forward. “There is something we must discuss, Sire. Are we to seek out the heir to King Pugsly?”

Benjamin scooted forward on his throne. “I’m glad to have helped you these past two days. Believe me, I never would have imagined I’d be part of something like this. But if my dog had a puppy–and was looking for him–then I want to help find him. He’s the one who should be your king, not me.”

“Does that mean you’re leaving us?” a concerned ferret asked.

“School starts next week.” Benjamin looked at all the confused faces and smiled. “It means I have to go away each day to a place where I read books and stuff. You need a king who is…well, more like you…like Pugsly. I can come and see you guys every day, but I can’t be with you all the time.” He realized that was how Pugsly had done it, too.

“It’s comforting to know that Farangis is dead,” said a squirrel. “We’re no longer threatened by any monster.” Roscoe and Clementine’s eyes met, shadowed with doubt. Benjamin noticed but didn’t want to think about that at the moment.

The animals looked at their king. “I’ll stay as long as I’m needed,” he said. They applauded, barked, clucked, oinked, and so on. The boy stood and walked to the pool. “I’m sorry to have to leave now, but my mom is waiting for me. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Have a good night, Your Majesty!” shouted a skunk, and all wished him well.

“Goodnight, everyone.” Benjamin left for the tunnel.

“Excuse me, Sire, but are you sure you would give up your collar to another?” Roscoe said, walking up with Clementine.

Benjamin laughed at the familiar voice. “If we can find Pugsly’s son, I’m all for him being king. After all, he is kind of like my grandson.”

“See you tomorrow, Your Majesty.” His friends bowed to him as he turned and disappeared around the corner.

So much had changed since he’d first walked through those dark walls of the cave’s tunnel. He’d made many friends and changed hundreds of lives. Benjamin Biggs was now part of a world that only he and one other human had ever been part of.

Walking up his driveway, Benjamin looked up at the dark blue summer sky. The first stars twinkled as a full moon rose behind the hedge tree row across the road. He smiled, knowing tonight could be the night that some helpless animal in search of a place to live in peace would have a beacon to show it the way home.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

A Peculiar Itch