Guard dogs entered and removed the dead mongrel as the King stepped away from the carnage. He dipped his shoulder, and the cloak around his neck slid to his backside like a supervillain cape. He strutted aside and stared off into space, breathing calmly as if he'd been smoking a joint. A smug look came over his wide face. He clenched his jaw and placed a fist at his hip. An attendant approached, and the King handed his scepter to be cleaned.

Mawgrim, one of Gevaudan's generals and his closest confidant, converged upon the King. Though not as imposing, Mawgrin was a strong and lean wolf; sharp looking, with cutting features, including an angular jaw and a pointed snout. His dark brown fur coat was clean and well groomed, with patches of white fur at his muzzle and around his neck and upper chest. He moved around easily in a military shirt and pant, fluid in a pair of black boots. Cool as a comrade. He came up behind the King and whispered.

"Master, is that a human scent I smell?"

"Yes," the King replied, "there is a human stank here," he paused, "but there is also something else... " He turned and flared his nostrils, his eyes searching, glaring.

The remaining scout dogs awaited their fate. Having watched their team leader get bludgeoned to death, the two of them shook with fear and grabbed at one another. They knew there was no escape, no place to hide.

"Your M-m-majesty, we a-p-puh-pologize for the intrusion," the first scout choked as he tried to speak.

A high-pitched, stealthy voice came from the shadows.

"Why are you hyenas even bothering us?"

It was Rufus "the Red," known for his blazing red fur and matching temper. He was another one of the King's generals. He stood with his back against a wall and a foot propped up behind himself. He bent forward at the hips, pushing off the wall, and stepped into full view. Compared to the others, Rufus wore only a green shirt, rolled up at the sleeves, and black boots. Otherwise, his lower half -- the area below his waist -- was auspiciously exposed, including his thighs, stifles and groin. Rufus' red and white bushy tail moved slyly in the background, like a shadow. His slit eyes looked upon the scene with amusement.

The King scowled at the extra talk, as well as at Rufus.

The red haired mongrel frowned. He crossed his arms and turned away, biting his tongue. He shook his head.

"You are here now, little ones," the King said, scrutinizing the patrol mongrels. "Speak!"

"W-well," the first scout started, "y-yesterday, at the human sh-shelter... "

"The hospital!" the second scout clarified. He jumped in the background.

"The humans were w-w-wandering around outside..." The first scout could not overcome his stress-induced dysarthria.

"I am listening," the beastly King growled.

"The humans are n-never outside at n-night," the first scout explained.

"Never!" the second scout nasally interjected.

"What were they doing?"

"Uh, puh-playing w-with rocks, Master."

"Playing with rocks?" the Grey Wolf monster repeated. He raised a single eyebrow. "And this deserved my attention?"

A couple of the Canine generals hooted and snickered. They moved in for a better view, sensing an imminent display of the King's power and strength.

"They smelled bad!" the second scout dog yelled from behind.

"Hah! All humans smell bad!" Rufus said, ending with a sneer.

Gevaudan raised an open hand toward his henchman, achieving silence.

"Smelled bad," the King repeated. He glanced over at Mawgrin who caught his eye.

"Y-yes, Master, a foul smell, like... " the first scout struggled for words.

"Like a grave!" the second scout finished.

"Like a grave," the first canine agreed.

Yes, the King thought.

There was a noticeable silence in the room. The description was accurate. One could not be sure what these low-ranking mongrels had thought or smelled, but in this case, Gevaudan had noticed the scent, too. Had he actually recognized it?

"Are you sure of your concern, little ones?"

"Oh yes, Master!" the two dogs responded simultaneously. "We would never disturb you for no reason!" the first one said.

"Never!" the second one emphasized.

The King paced the length of the room. The odor could be nothing, but Gevaudan knew he had to depend on these scouts for their eyes and ears, and now for their noses as well.

"Bring me that yellow-bellied jackal from the cages."

Within moments, the guards brought forth a dirty, scraggly canine; blonde and white, with black spots all over. The thin, malnourished animal was led into the room with chains on his feet. Unexpectedly, he smiled as he entered. His eyes deviated from side to side as he studied the King and his brass, squinting.

"What is thy bidding, m-my Master? Hee-hee-hee, ha-ha!" he howled and laughed.

A guard dog slapped the mangy mongrel upside his head.

The hyena froze with gritted teeth, growling.

The King stared without response. He motioned to his guardsmen, and two of the guards grabbed the seething jackal by the neck. They forced a black collar over his head and around his neck. The prisoner stiffened at the spine and stifled a scream at the rough handling. A splattering of saliva fell from his mouth.

The King grabbed the jackal by his collar and shook the yellow mutt to attention. He pointed at the two junior patrolmen.

"These ugly pugs here will take you to a human infirmary. There, you will seek out a deathly smell."

"Yes, Master."

"A human plague is at hand."

"Puh-plague, Master? Hee-hee... " He snickered as he tugged at the collar about his neck.

The King flicked a finger at the jackal's head.

The jackal froze again and crumpled his face.

"You seek information only," Gevaudan said. He gripped the laughing dog's arm tightly. "Do not talk to the humans!"

"Hee-hee-hee... don't worry, Master... ha-ha ... "

The laughter was not reassuring.

Snap!!!

"Agghhhhh! Ahh-aghhh-ah-aha-ahhh!!"

Gevaudan had torqued the dog's arm, breaking it, causing the jackal to scream in between bouts of his nervous laughter.

"Do not come back here without that information! Am I clear? Otherwise, I will break a different appendage!"

"Y-yes, Master, ahh-ha-ha!" the laughing Canine answered. "Yes! Clear! Clear!"