Neptune unravelled himself in an instant, puffing out his chest and licking down stray patches of fur which still stood upright after his exertions with the vine-rope.

Hero, she'd said.

He was buzzing with pride and a warm happiness, body still pumping with adrenaline and he was trying his hardest to suppress a silly grin. A deep breath and he approached his once-stricken companion.

"It was nothing, really" he said "just doing what any wolf would have". He believed that any other wolf might have done it, truly, but he was glad it had been him. One mark of undoubted good he'd been able to put in this world.

"Can I help you get untangled there?"