Sixth Sense

Sunlight filters across the veranda and a light airy breeze rustles the leaves of the great oak tree. Thor squints his amber eyes open briefly and quivers his nose, picking up the sweet grass breeze tainted with a hint of sheep. He heaves a sigh and continues to bask his white fluffy coat in the warm afternoon sunlight. Thor enjoyed stretching out his achy limbs after making his morning rounds along the border of Meadow Ridge Farm. He was a good livestock guard dog for the past ten years and pleasingly served his Upwalkers. They rewarded him generously and lavished their affection and praise. He was glad they were good masters; he wasn't as fortunate in his early life.

Three miles north of Meadow Ridge Farm, four-year-old Henry picks up rocks along the river's edge. He eagerly scoops up big, round rocks of many sizes and shapes and stacks them into a tower. He then glances at Papa who is starting a campfire. Mama is rummaging through bags in the car. Henry tries to catch Papa's and Mama's attention, but they pay no mind. Disappointed, he decides to wander down the pebbled shore in search of a special rock to top off his tower.

Thor stretches his front paws, bows and then shakes off his afternoon nap. He perks his soft floppy white ears and scans the lush green horizon dotted with slow moving specks of white fuzzy balls. In the distance, swaths of deciduous and evergreen trees border the farm. Lifting his gleaming wet black nose, he draws in the summer air. He detects a familiar, non-alarming scent. Perhaps today would be another laid back day. With summer nigh and the sun blazing brightly, it would take a confident predator to breech the farm. Thor recalled how he once caught and killed a coyote attempting to snatch a lamb. He made his Upwalkers very proud that day. Even with the threat low, Thor didn't take any chances. He jumps off the veranda and begins to trot toward the moving specks in the distance.

Henry scans the pebbly shore looking for a special rock but finds none to his liking. He looks behind him and can no longer see the camp in sight. Not to worry, he knows the way back. Mama once called him a big boy when he accomplished a challenging task. Henry felt he was a big boy now, on an important quest. He begins to march down the river's edge like a soldier commanding his troops.

Thor meanders through the flock of sheep. The creatures glance at him with wary eyes. A couple of them bleat as he advances among them. They know he means no harm. Thor looked like one big sheep himself. He didn't care much for the sheep other than to do his duty in keeping them safe. Occasionally, a curious or stubborn sheep would pique his interest; he would playfully corral or jest them. He reaches the edge of the property line, marked by a wooden mesh wire fence. Lifting his nose, he picks up faint scent of coyote. He remains alert and plods along the fence line.

Water splashes against the river's large protruding rocks, swirling through the downward cascade of rocks. Henry finds himself climbing along the shore, bracing himself against them as to not lose balance. He continues down the steepening incline until he comes across a large fallen tree strewn partly across the river. Branches just out in all directions, the giant roots exposed like a hairy tangle of weeds. Henry is fascinated and climbs atop the fallen oak. He surveys the scenery of the churning river, the rocky cliffs and the tall surrounding trees. Henry makes an announcement to his invisible troops. He is about the jump down when a shiny glint in the water catches his eye. The silver object shines in the water nestled among the branches of the furthest limbs. Curious, Henry begins to walk across the trunk of the oak. Placing one foot in front of the other like a tightrope walker he makes his way toward the object.

At the northeast border of the fence, Thor pauses and stretches his haunches. He wasn't as quite nimble and agile as he was in his youth. After stretching, he gazes into the forest. The sound of rushing water could be heard in the distance.

The bark of the oak tree begins to give way to a slick surface. Henry teeters as he grasps the vertical branches to stabilize himself. Water laps up onto the trunk drenching Henry's feet with a chilly nip. The silver sheen of the object glints brightly beckoning Henry like a pirate in search for hidden treasure. He ducks and grabs a branch overhead. Henry carefully bends down, one arm holding the overhead branch as he peers into the semi-clear green tinged water. A motley of colored rocks and algae line the bottom. Henry spots the silver object - to his dismay it is only a silver bottle cap. Leaning back, he turns to grab the overhanging branch with his other hand. He abruptly slips and cries out in a panic as he hangs from the branch and desperately wrestles to find his footing. The branch bends, and a small split is heard. Henry looks up. The branch snaps and he falls backward into the swirling water.

A muffled silence followed by the churning roar of the current hits Henry like an icy brick. He surfaces, foamy white-water splashes across his face as he takes a gasp of air. He cries out for help. He calls for Papa and Mama. No one answers. Henry tries to stand but the river is deeper than his toes can reach. The strong current sweeps Henry on its tumultuous southern course.

Thor is about to press on finishing his border patrol when he is pauses overcome by a strange sensation. He perks his ears and eyes in the direction of the sound of water. All his senses pick up a peculiar shift in the air. An unsettling feeling sweeps over him. He whines. Then whimpers. He feels compelled to run toward the sound of rushing water. He backs up and briefly eyes the fence before lunging himself over. He barely reaches the top and scrabbles over the post landing hard. A slight pain shoots up his right paw. The sense of urgency is however overwhelming, and he barrels into the forest, vanishing among the thickets.

Henry struggles to keep his head afloat as he is being tossed about by the current. He feels weaker and can't feel his arms and legs very well. He is scared. He cries out again.

Thor reaches the edge of the undergrowth. Panting, he halts and gazes down at the river. A swirl of water churns between several large rocks a few feet below. He clobbers down the slope and pauses atop a large boulder. Ears perked and tail erect, Thor listens. A few minutes pass by. Then what looks to be a bobbing head of hair appears floating down the river. A gurgled cry ensues and arms flail. Thor barks and scampers down the boulder racing along the current. He leaps, plunging himself into the river.

Henry hears a bark and then a splash. He is fatigued and pale as ghost, his quivering lips blue. A giant mass of white fur brushes up against Henry. He clings onto the dog with his remaining strength.

Thor snorts, as water sprays into his nose. The boy clutches his arms around his neck. He musters all his canine strength and huffs kicking his legs against the strong current. The river curves and a group of large rocks jut out of the water. Thor feels his paws rake against the riverbed. Feeling the earth, he claws his way diagonally across toward the rock pocket. Thor finds a firm footing and heaves himself onto the craggy shore. The boy's grip loosens, and he quickly snags his shirt with his teeth pulling him onto the shore.

Henry coughs up water and curls into a ball. He shivers, and his teeth begin to chatter. He is exhausted, and wishes he were back at camp with Papa and Mama. The big white dog shakes off his drenched coat and approaches Henry sniffing him. The dogs big wet nose brushes across his face. Then a big lick. Henry tries to cover his face. More licks ensue. Henry weakly giggles, and strokes Thor's head.

Thor wags his tail as Henry strokes his wet forehead. He was glad the boy wasn't terribly hurt, only very cold. Thor knew it wasn't good to be very cold, and help was needed fast. Thor nudges Henry and then barks looking toward the forest undergrowth. He gently nips Henry's shirt to coax him to his feet. He nips again. The boy sits up and then staggers to his feet. Thor presses against Henry to keep him warm. The boy grasps Thor's scruff and they begin their slow trudge toward Meadow Ridge Farm.

After what seemed like hours, Henry and Thor are greeted with the view of the farm. Henry lethargic and dazed stumbles once again. Thor holds him steady.

Sensing the boy's weakened state, Thor barks incessantly next to the fence line. He hopes his Upwalkers will hear him. They wait. Then a distant rumble sounds and becomes louder. A truck appears over the crest of the moor bouncing on the off beaten path. The truck lunges to a stop and both Upwalkers hop out rushing to unlock a gate. Thor hears his name and wags his tail, and they caress him and the boy.

Henry feels himself lifted and carried toward the truck. His eyelids close and he drifts out of consciousness.

The wind chimes ring as a breeze whisps across the veranda. Thor intensely gazes through the screen window. The boy is draped in blankets being tended to by his Upwalkers.

Henry opens his eyes and gathers in his new surroundings. He calls for Papa & Mama but is instead greeted by a strange man and woman. He asks for something to eat and drink. They ask him many questions, Henry mumbles about camping. He hears a phone dial in the background and urgent chatting ensue. Henry lifts his head off the couch and sees the big white dog gazing at him through the window. He calls for the dog.

Thor rests his head on the boy's lap as he gently strokes his head. He hears the boy whisper his name and he wags his tail with vigor. The two meet eyes, and a new unlikely bond of friendship is kindled that day.