Alex scowled and then just nodded. Him and Nero then dashed into the woods and disappeared from sight. As Alex and Nero were running back to the castle Nero said "don't beat yourself up over this, we will get another chance soon."
Alex said "it's not that, I was told that if I didn't return with a stray this time I was going to be punished."
When Alex arrived at the castle two guards were waiting for him. They escorted him to the Generals office. Alex sat down in the chair and waited. Nero was in the hall. The General walked in with his snake following him. "you remember what we said would happen if you failed again." Alex said "yes." The General then signaled to the snake who slid over to Alex and bit him in the arm. Alex didn't scream he just sat their and clenched his fist as the pain washed over him. The General said "His posion wont kill you but it will put you in so much pain that you will wish you were." Alex didn't answer he was to focused on trying to keep from screaming from the pain.