The Empty City by Erin Hunter Read Free Book Online Page A

Hunter!
    Lucky’s heart leaped. He could hardly believe there might be friendly company ahead; there was no one he’d be happier to see right now. Lucky dodged and slunk through the longpaw sitting-boxes and small tables spilled across the floor as he followed his nose. The food-scent was strong now, reminding him of those things the longpaws ate—meat chopped up and made into round shapes like flattened balls; the discs that were smothered in tomatoes and cheese and spicy chopped meat. The smells were stale and old, but his chops watered just thinking about the prospects.
    Clambering clear of the last tangle of longpaw sitting-boxes, Lucky stood and sniffed. There were openings in the wall, but they were covered by metal shutters. In one of the gaps, though, the metal was torn sideways, sagging, and it smelled strongly of meat. Lucky would have bolted straight for it—if it hadn’t been for the low growling coming from below the counter.
    But there was nothing to fear. If he’d been unsure about the smell, the tone of that growl had definitely convinced him.
    Happily Lucky sprang up onto the counter, wobbling a little on his sore paw.
    â€œOld Hunter!”
    Lucky leaned down on his forepaws and lowered his shoulders and his head, opening his mouth and panting. Even if Old Hunter was a friend, it was best to look unthreatening.
    Old Hunter’s blunt muzzle was slightly curled as he stared up. He rose, standing tall on his powerful legs, and growled.
    Then he sprang for Lucky’s throat.

CHAPTER SIX
    Lucky yelped in shock as he tumbled backward under the big dog’s attack. Old Hunter stood over him, snarling. Lucky made himself lie still and submissive as drool from Old Hunter’s jaws dripped onto his muzzle. Lucky whined softly, and a light of recognition dawned suddenly in Old Hunter’s eyes.
    â€œLucky?”
    Feeling a dizzy wave of relief, Lucky thumped his tail eagerly. The big stocky dog above him stepped away, relaxing and pricking his ears. He sniffed once more at Lucky’s face, then grinned, panting.
    â€œLucky!” Old Hunter snuffled and licked affectionately at Lucky’s ears as the smaller dog scrambled to his feet, trying not to slide off the countertop. “I didn’t recognize you. You stink , my friend!”
    Lucky yipped with delight. “I’ve been hunting.”
    Old Hunter wrinkled his muzzle. “Mostly in spoil-boxes, by the smell of you.”
    â€œThere wasn’t much else.” Lucky’s ears drooped, then he pricked them up again. “It’s so good to see you!” It really was, he thought. Not that he’d been desperate for company, of course. If he hadn’t run into Old Hunter it would have made no difference to him—but now that he had , well … it felt better than he’d have expected.
    â€œIt’s good to see you, too. It’s been a long time.” All the same, there was a certain wariness in the big dog’s eyes as he leaped back down to the meat scattered on the floor.
    â€œToo long,” said Lucky. “I’m ready to see a friend again!” He hesitated, not wanting to sound needy or weak in front of this independent old dog. “We can watch each other’s backs, at least! Maybe now I can get a few bites of food without looking over my shoulder.”
    The excitement—and the sight and smell of the meat littered at Old Hunter’s feet—were too much for Lucky, and he crouched to leap down off the counter. He was brought up short, though, when Old Hunter stiffened and growled once more.
    â€œNo offense, Lucky,” he rumbled threateningly, “but it took me long enough to find this stash. It’s not for sharing, friend.”
    Lucky stared at him, his shoulders sagging. What was a friend, if not someone to share meat with? Indecisively he sat down on the counter once more. “But—”
    â€œI’ve been guarding this since the