Before anyone says anything … I worked in animal care and have seen animals open doors. Just because they do not have a thumb means nothing if they are intelligent!

He slid through the undergrowth as if he were not even there. Not a rustle, a stir or any other sound revealed his location as he slowly made his way to the edge of the campsite. Stealth was one of his deadliest skills. It was one of the things that made it so he had survived as a child, a teenager and as an adult. It was one of the reasons he was so good at hunting people down.

It was also one of the things that made Karnwyr admire him so much. He had wished he could be as stealthy as his older brother Keza and when he found that Bishop was just as good as his brother he had been proud.

The dire wolf watched carefully from a short distance away to make sure that his bonded was safe. He sat on a slight hillock that was high enough for him to look over the camp and see the goings on nicely but it was shielded enough that he would not be seen. His gray fur blended into the foliage brilliantly as he kept watch for Bishop.

Four men were left. They had already scrounged out and taken care of the three scouts and two guards. Now there was one bowman, two fighters and a mage to take care of before they could obtain the merchandise their patron had hired them to purloin.

“What are they doing, Karnwyr?” Bishop’s mind voice tickled today.

“Fighters play dice. Bow guy grumbling. Mage look at ball.” His tongue lolled out as he noticed the shock of red hair on the bowman. His mind started to wander off with his hobbit sibling, “Wonder where Vera is.”

“What?”

Karnwyr shook his head, “Just wonder bout Vera.”

The ranger stopped in his tracks and looked back at his bond mate. Karnwyr could smell the confliction of emotions from even this far back. How humans could not smell it was beyond him.

“You have a nickname for her?” Bishop’s eyes narrowed as he licked his lips thinking of the little woman. He snarled low in his chest as he tried to get her out of his head now that his friend had reminded him of her, “What has gotten into you giving her a nickname? She’s Duncan’s niece. That is a danger to us.”

The canine shot an image of his view of Avera into Bishop’s head but once again it was the image of a red cub that could not wag it’s tail, “That why.”

“That has nothing to do with it!” Frustration colored Bishop’s voice as he’d had enough of his friend showing him that image whenever that woman was mentioned. Then he noticed that he had said this out loud. Dammit! That woman is even a danger to us when she isn’t around!

“They are moving towards you.” Karnwyr announced as he stood to get ready to pounce.

“What a surprise. Hold for one moment.” Bishop had already been aiming at the wizard’s head when he spoke out loud so instead of waiting he took his shot. The arrow hit with a satisfying “thunk” right between the man’s eyes. He went down silently but the two fighters had their swords out and were advancing.

Karnwyr leapt from his spot on the hillock, ran to the bushes Bishop was hiding in and jumped up to grab the sword arm of the man who was almost on top of his friend. He pulled him off balance, breaking his arm and taking him out of immediate battle.

Bishop sneered as he sighted on the bowman. Get them off my back Karnwyr!

The second fighter turned and slashed at Karnwyr, hitting him with a glancing blow to the shoulder. The dire wolf backed off making the man follow. Getting him away from his friend. He wolf grinned as he heard another couple of “thunks” and was happy that human hearing was also not as good as his. That was the bowman going down with a gurgle.

The last man swung his sword at the dire wolf but Karnwyr only snorted at the clumsy display as he easily dodged the attack. Where had this wizard gotten these men from? They were sloppy. He kept the human busy with a dodge here and a dodge there. Then the fighter fell with a dagger in his back. Karnwyr snorted and ran to the man who had the broken arm. He simply bent over and removed the man’s jugular.

“These were wimps.” Karnwyr announced as he looked around for a source of water. He hated having the taste of two-legs’ blood in his mouth. Especially human or hobbit. A jug of water was by where the dead mage was so he walked over and stuck his muzzle in. He blew bubbles for the fun of it.

“Thank goodness for that small favor!” Bishop snapped out loud at his friend as he shuffled through the men’s clothing and packs for anything of value, “Why were you thinking of her anyway?”

Karnwyr pulled in a deep breath then let it go as his friend moved to him and checked the wound on his shoulder, “Bish no understand.”

The mind voice was sad making Bishop look into the animal’s eyes, “No I don’t. She is our enemy. Duncan must have told her something. She will turn us in. That woman is a law abiding wench so even if Duncan hasn’t told her anything, once he does we’re done for.”

The dire wolf jumped to his paws, “Vera not do that! Not all good and spice. Vera not like that!”

“What makes you so sure all of a sudden? Has her leopard clouded your mind like her spots! Maybe that leopard of hers is spelling you into accepting them against your conscience?”

“Bish not know. Bish not listen!” He stomped a forepaw angrily, “Bish not try listen!”

Bishop closed his eyes then opened them to finish cleaning out Karnwyr’s wound, “What is there to listen to? All you do is keep showing me some deformed red cub. That has nothing to do with that woman unless you think that she’s just as messed up as your sister.”

“No! Is sister!” His mind started to cloud with anger, making it difficult to speak with his bond mate. This problem continued as further frustration took hold of his mind. The dire wolf couldn’t think straight to know how to explain it to his bonded and every time they had the conversation it got worse.

“I know the cub is your sister.” The ranger snarled, “But that has nothing to do with the damned hobbit!”

Karnwyr shook his head as he was fed up with trying, “Karnwyr go look out.”

The human watched as the dire wolf turned and walked to the edge of the camp to watch for danger. He grabbed then threw a rock and stomped off to find the object their employer wanted and to obtain whatever he could to sell off.

-------

The nose snuffled further under the window and into the room. It sniffed then snorted uneasily as it noticed the unwanted scent. Then the muzzle pushed the window up and fully opened it. Two paws gripped the ledge, pulling the gray body up and onto the sill over the trap. He wiggled to get his shoulder spines under the window then stood at the edge of the sil.

Karnwyr looked down and sniffed. Silly tiefling. All Karnwyr had to do was pull his body through the window then jump past the trap and he was easily in the room. He glanced back and snorted as he could smell the acid in the contraption. Then he went back to work on checking things out.

He had been curious by a strange human scent that had been all over Avera’s scent in the common room. That scent could mean trouble with his plans to get Bishop closer to his sibling.

Sure enough the scent was in here too.

The dire wolf stood beside the mattress. He could smell the residue of interest but nothing further. He looked around the room carefully then back to the mattress. Sadly, the canine walked to the door and put his paws on the handle.

After making sure no lingering scents or sounds were in the hall, he twisted the knob. His nose forced the door open then he turned and pulled on the outside knob with his teeth to close it. He wiped his muzzle across the metal ball to get rid of any saliva.

If I were a two-leg I’d make one heck of a thief. Take that you tiefling wench!

Even that thought couldn’t amuse him enough to take his mind from the scents in the room. Whoever had spent so much time around his wolf sib was definitely attracted to her. Even worse was the fact that she was attracted to him. This did not bode well.

It was bad enough that his bond mate was interested in Avera but was too stupidly obtuse to follow up on his instincts. Now there was a rival who was probably not going to go away. Maybe he would get lucky and something would kill this human before he could become a problem.

At least that idiot knight had left.

Karnwyr stopped as he walked into the common room. There was that idiot knight talking to Duncan. Bishop had not come from their room yet so Karnwyr just took up his spot by his friend’s chair and listened.

“She’s just fine Duncan.” The man announced.

“That is so good to hear! I have been worried about the lass. Every time she takes off I don’t know if she is going to come back. It really bothers me.” Duncan announced, “Thank you for coming to tell me that, Sir Darmon.”

Sir Darmon waved off the thanks, “It was no problem.”

Duncan grinned happily having learned what his niece had been up to. He didn’t notice Bishop walking past and taking his seat, “So the lass outdid you by saving yer hide?”

“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her.” He rubbed his chin while smiling at the memory, “Feisty little woman. I should have come and told you sooner but …”

“You had business to conduct as one of the nine. I’m sure she will be back soon.”

“What is that about?” Bishop mind spoke Karnwyr.

“I will take my leave but don’t worry. I will be back for some of your fine ale.” Sir Darmon turned and strode out of the bar.

While keeping his muzzle on his paws, Karnwyr watched the man leave, “Vera saved knight.”

“I heard that part. You weren’t in here long before me then?” He waved over one of the urchins and pointed at himself then to Karnwyr.

The child nodded and ran off. All the children knew what Bishop and Karnwyr liked for breakfast so the ranger didn’t even have to say what to get them. They would bring it just fine or else.

“No. Not here long.”

Their food and drinks were soon brought to them. The two took to their meals while watching the room carefully. The urchin returned to get the dirty dishes then ran off to leave the two to sit back and watch the room.

Bishop got bored so they went to their room. Karnwyr watched out the window as Bishop worked on his leathers, cleaning and repairing it.

“Miss her.”

The ranger looked up from his work and snorted, “It is boring without her to tease.” He leaned back on the bed and moved his hand across the knothole he used to watch the women in the washing room. He had a dark cloth over the hole so no one would notice it but he could still look through it and see everything, “Or watch.”

Karnwyr lolled his tongue bemusedly as his bonded got a silly grin when he thought of the hobbit bathing. He watched as the human pulled his pillow up to him and lay back. The only time his bonded seemed to realize exactly how much he wanted the little woman was when she bathed. Any other time he would hide behind his anger towards the world.

What confused the dire wolf was why the human had decided to direct that anger at Avera. He thought it over and over, “Bish?”

“Yeh?” His voice was dreamy as he used his index finger to flip the cloth over the knot hole.

“Friend in fire. She die.”

His friend stopped touching the cloth, “I told you Karnwyr. I tried to save her. She died and because of trying I’m stuck with this,” He snarled, “Life debt.”

The dire wolf nodded in memory, “Bish not want loss.”

“Who does?” His hand went back to the cloth and a smile returned to his face.

There was the crutch. Karnwyr watched Bishop until he went to sleep then went back to watching out the window. His friend was afraid to show any feelings for fear of losing whoever he felt for and himself. So how could a simple dire wolf like himself get that man to realize that he wanted the hobbit and react on that interest?

Hours later, Karnwyr still was no closer to figuring out what to do about his friends. The only thing he could think of doing was wait. But that was so fretfully stressful. He waited for Bishop to wake up and then walked with him into the common room. They were sure to go out of Neverwinter into the woods to hunt tonight. A good hunt always made both of them pleased.

So they ate and watched the tiefling and druidess then Bishop got an ale and sat back to relax. They would go hunting later.

Then Karnwyr smelled her. He was up in a flash and could smell that Bishop also knew it was Avera returning. Then she was there and Karnwyr could not hold back. With a bark he ran to her, allowing his wolf sib to cuddle up in his fur.

But that man was there looking like he may attack, “Missed Vera!”

Her mind voice was cheerful as she rubbed his chest, “I missed you too.” Then she turned and looked out of his fur but kept scratching him. Karnwyr did not listen to the conversation. He was too happy to notice anything except the hobbit. He licked her then walked back to Bishop after she patted his chest in her way of telling him to go back.

“That man is a paladin.” The ranger’s mind voice felt dark, mad and jealous.

“Pala … paldeen?”

Bishop rubbed the dire wolf’s head, “Paladin. Holy warrior. How did she manage to rope one of them in?”

“Not know but likes Vera.” He watched as his friend’s eyes narrowed and followed the larger man’s actions. The dire wolf noticed the smell of jealousy emanating from his friend. At first it concerned him then it hit him that it may be good. Maybe the thought of loss would encourage him to act.

They watched as the group chatted then Avera got up to go have a bath and the paladin escorted her. Bishop waited a few minutes then he and Karnwyr padded to their room.

As the ranger set himself up comfortably to watch the hobbit through his peep hole, Karnwyr hopped out the window and went looking for his leopard friend. It didn’t take long to find her as she was in her normal area behind the inn.

“Kathin back!” Karnwyr hopped around the tired cat then poked her toes with his nose.

The leopard opened one eye and grinned, “Yes we is back.”

“So? Vera safe. New misfits with her.” He sat down and cocked his head to the side, happily lolling his tongue out.

“Want see?”

Karnwyr nodded his head enthusiastically then Kathin sent him mind images from the trip. The dire wolf reacted to the images. From shock, fear and sadness to amusement: he was enthralled, “Vera tough.” He lifted his head, proud of his sister.

Kathin closed her eye and yawned, “Was busy trips. Avera not called Kathin much … still busy.”

“What of … pal a deen?” His curiosity got the better of him.

“Casavir? Strong, tough, good leader that one. Fell he did.” Kathin picked her head up and watched her friend, “Yes. Avera fell too.”

The dire wolf made a choking sound, “How bad it look?”

The cat lifted herself up to go over to the canine. She licked his cheek and sat beside him, “For your bonded?” Her head turned towards the window, “Bad. He not show feelings. Other not show either. But other treat Avera well. Not insult … helps.”

He licked his lips thinking it over. What if he could get Bishop to help? That would mean money or some other kind of pay out and he was sure that was not going to happen. He flopped down with his paws over his snout, “Wish got Bish meet Vera sooner. Much sooner.”

“Before Luskan?” Kathin licked Karnwyr’s ear and looked down at him.

His head shot up and he looked Kathin in the eyes, “How Kathin know?”

“Puppy dreams strong. When Karnwyr sleep close, Kathin sees.” She stood, turned and flicked her tail under his nose, “Not worry. Avera not know. Kathin not tell. But Avera … would understand.” There was a sadness to the cat's mind voice that the dire wolf had never heard before. It was surprising, especially since some of that sadness seemed to be directed at him.

Karnwyr stood and the two walked towards the barn, “Bish not think so. Bish stubborn. Bonded scared.”

“Yes hurts lots too long.” Kathin turned to sit and look at the inn, “Not trust. Only trust Karnwyr.”

“So what now?” Karnwyr pushed against Kathin’s side and she pushed back. They were soon in a pushing war and making snuffling noises in amusement.

After pushing the dire wolf into a tree, Kathin swatted his face with a paw, “Wait and watch.”

“Karnwyr!”

His head snapped around as he heard Bishop yell for him. He nodded at the cat, licked her ear then ran off to go hunting with his bonded.

-----

He pushed a mouse head towards her, “Hit me!”

She put a paw on the cup and rolled it in a circle. It twirled in spot then slowed to a stop with the mouth pointing towards the inside of the room, “Won!”

Karnwyr pushed the mouse pieces over to Kathin then they peeked out from under the table they were partially under. There was tension in the air due to the trip they just returned from saving the farmer girl from the githyanki. They played their little game and watched the two-legs fight over whatever it was that bothered them. Why should they not have fun just because the others were grumpy?

“You forgot to tell me some things, Uncle.”

The dire wolf cringed at the sound of his wolf sib’s voice. She was angry at the man Bishop hated. He could smell Bishop’s thrill that she was upset at the innkeeper. He pushed a tail towards Kathin as they listened.

“What are you talking about lass?” Duncan asked but looked very concerned.

Kathin tapped a claw on the floor then flicked a leg to land beside the tail.

Avera rolled her eyes, “Well … there might be a certain SHARD in my chest that some relatives of mine have forgotten to tell me about.” She lazily waved a hand about as she looked for something to lean against then gave up because she was too short to lean against anything without it being awkward, “Maybe the people who have kept their yaps shut could have been … oh … my father and … well, gee, YOU.”

Karnwyr pushed two forelegs into the mix and grinned happily as he listened to the others. Try to talk your way out of this one drunk man.

Duncan sat heavily into a chair, placing a hand on his forehead, “If you have a shard in your chest then … then that means you must have been carrying that inside of you since you were a child. I … we had no idea.”

Kathin licked her lips right back to the end of her flews, “Uppance.” She called into the canine’s head as she nudged open a small bag and poked out a mouse torso.

Bishop leaned against a table with a huge, satisfied smirk. He clucked his tongue, “Ah. Notice the stumble in your Uncle’s words. It seems that someone may have been keeping secrets from you.”

The dire wolf nodded his head then pushed another torso into the pile, “Called.”

Duncan glared at Bishop but relented, “It was not my place to say if your father had not said anything but I suppose since you know about the shard that I should tell you the rest. Your father is going to kill me for this, though.”

Shrewd feline eyes worked over the odds, “Ok.” She spun the cup. They watched it carefully as it moved then Kathin got a huge grin when the mouth stopped in her direction, “Yes!” She called as she moved the grisly winnings over to her ever growing pile.

“Aye, but if ye weren’t going to say anything the lass may do it before her father.” Khelgar sat back with a roll of his eyes.

“That cup weighted?” Karnwyr could not believe how much she was winning, “Want glass.”

“You do have a right to know this.” Duncan sighed, “There was a battle in West Harbor when you were a wee one. It was terrible as the King of Shadows led an army against the Neverwinter army which had gathered at the village.”

The dire wolf’s head popped up over the edge of the table the companions sat under. He glanced about and noticed a glass then dropped back down, “Kathin get glass? Karnwyr will drop.”

“The attack happened without warning. Everyone was running this way and that in panic. All except Daeghun’s wife, Shayla, and your mother, Esmerelle. They stayed behind to save you. When Daeghun realized they were missing it was all over. All he could do was stand and watch the village being destroyed.”

Kathin’s nose edged over the side of the table then she lifted herself up. One paw snaked out to hook the glass and pull it to her. She lifted it gently in her mouth and downed the contents of it then went back under the table, “Hmm. Good mead.”

Avera turned her head to the side and tapped her bottom lip, “I was told my mother died while giving birth to me.”

A torso was pushed beside the glass while Karnwyr wiggled his nose at his opponent.

The innkeeper took a deep breath as everyone’s eyes were trained directly on him, “It was not my idea to keep it from you. But as it were, when your father was able to get there it was too late. There was so much blood. Your mother died protecting you. She was found holding you to her bosom and there was that deep wound in your chest. So many people had died yet you survived. Within days your wound healed. No one knew how.”

The cat flicked two tails and a torso into the pile. She stuck her tongue out at the dire wolf.

“If it was the shard that pierced you then that raises many questions.” He shook his head, “And I have no answers to them.”

Karnwyr looked over the betting items then poked a tail and another torso on top of the rest.

“It can’t have been easy to keep all that in. Thank you for finally telling me.”

Kathin flipped in another torso then spun the glass. It clinked as it turned but stopped with the mouth facing somewhat towards the wall. She huffed as Karnwyr took his winnings.

“Why the long faces? If someone died then it’s time for a celebration I say.” The ranger licked his lips while watching Avera, “Come now, Grobnar you worthless half-man. Strike up a tune before I strike you.”

The dire wolf tapped his bottom lip with a claw then flicked four hind legs into the spot they had been using for their betting “chips.”

Avera turned, looked up at Bishop and snapped, “Strike him and I strike you.”

Kathin turned her head to watch the two-legs for a moment then pushed four legs and a tail into the mix.

“Well, well our little leader is very protective of us all, I see.” He stepped forward to touch her cheek with an index finger, “Now just how protective would you be if someone threatened me? You know, I think it would be in both our interests if I stay on with you, Chickadee.”

Karnwyr looked up with a silly grin, “Bonded doing what I think?” He asked Kathin.

Casavir moved to Avera’s side with a stiff gait, “We don’t need anymore of your help. Bishop.”

A torso became skewered upon a claw then dropped into the leopard’s mouth, “Yes. Hunting he is.”

“Ah. Why don’t you let our little leader speak for herself “paladin,” without you speaking for her, eh?” He snapped at the larger man while he traced his finger along the halfling’s cheek.

One of the tails disappeared with a slurping sound from Karnwyr, “Kiss did something.”

Neeshka looked on in surprise as she nudged Khelgar, “Did we miss something … uhm … interesting?”

Kathin tapped a claw on a mouse skull, “Kathin agree. Bish liked kissing Avera.”

“Ye have no idea, lass.” The dwarf stammered as he shook his head.

Another tail suddenly went missing, “Wish had popcorn.”

The little woman’s eyebrow rose as she grabbed Bishop’s hand to move it away from her face, “If what you are looking for is a payroll then look elsewhere.”

“Popcorn good for this.” The dire wolf had to agree.

“My my, Chicadee. I am hurt that you would take our … friendship so lightly. I don’t need more money. Traveling with you has been the most fun I’ve had in years.”

Kathin flipped a torso into her mouth, “Betting not as fun as this show.”

It looked like Casavir was going to step forward to say, or do something so Duncan moved in between the two men. He couldn’t fathom why the ranger was so interested in his niece all of a sudden but he did not like it, “No no Bishop. There is no need. I’m sorry for before but you have done more than enough …”

With a lick of his lips, Karnwyr pushed a torso about then chomped it up, “Not stage show. But fun, yes.”

“Oh come now, Duncan. I owe you and what better way is there to repay you then watching over your,” He let his eyes roam over the little woman, “Kin here. I mean, a debt is a debt all the way. Isn’t that right?”

The leopard slurped up the rest of her mouse parts and stretched. She settled back down with her head on Karnwyr’s shoulder, “Scents exciting. Hope scents go somewhere tonight.”

“This is all good and well,” Shandra interrupted trying to avoid a fight breaking out between the two human men, “But what am I going to do? I don’t have anywhere to go since my home is all burned down.”

Karnwyr rubbed his cheek on Kathin’s forehead, “You like smell matings?”

“You could travel with us if you like.” Avera let go of Bishop’s hand and happily changed the subject, “I’m sure the others won’t mind.”

A paw dropped onto the dire wolf’s nose and wobbled it about playfully, “Puppy doesn’t? Two-legs’ mating smell … different.”

The ranger could not leave well enough alone. When Avera stole a glance in his direction, expecting him to misbehave, he licked his lips, “Why? So we can have someone who’s easy on the eyes? That’s what I’m here for,” He waggled his eyebrows, “I believe.”

The dire wolf pulled his nose from under her paw and grabbed it in his mouth playfully, “Maybe Bish pushing it.”

Casavir touched Avera’s shoulder to get her attention, “If Shandra is going to travel with us then the danger to her might be greater than within Neverwinter’s walls but that is not certain.”

Kathin mock whined about Karnwyr having her paw in his mouth, “Not sure. Avera tired but amused. Maybe frustrated also.”

Avera shrugged, “She seems capable enough and what she does not know we can teach her. We all work together and learn from each other. We can all help her.”

Karnwyr growled lightly and nipped down on the paw, “Damsel to save more.”

Shandra stood straighter at the halfling’s words, “Oh! Thanks Avera.”

A yawn escaped the cat, “Maybe. Maybe not. Farmers tough.”

The paladin’s hand now rested on the halfling’s shoulder. His expression was tender as he spoke to her, “I believe you are correct in this matter. She is better to be with us than not.” His tone went back to normal as he looked over to the farmer girl, “If you wish to travel with us it is your right.”

Shock ran down the dire wolf’s shoulder as Kathin nipped it. He let go of her paw with a quiet yelp, “Hey! Watch show not bite!”

“Well thank you both but,” The human woman’s words trailed off as she thought for a moment.

“Puppy nip paw, cat nip puppy!” The leopard stuck her tongue out at him.

Bishop took advantage of the lapse from the woman, “No need to thank me, farm girl. Traveling with us is likely the worst decision you could ever make. Trust me.”

Karnwyr put his forepaws on the leopard’s shoulder and pushed her away a bit, “Cat not play nice.”

Khelgar nodded towards Avera, “I agree, lass.” He pointed at the human woman, “If she is going to be with us then she will have to be trained. We can’t have someone constantly needing rescuing, taking out time from our bashing bad guys.”

Kathin swatted his paws as he pushed her, “Mutt had paw in mouth! Say that play nice?”

“Rescuing me!” Shandra became defensive immediately, “I don’t need rescuing! I can take care of myself. Sometimes. When there aren’t too many gith or lizardmen around. I know how to use a sword and I’m no magician but I can learn anything else you try to teach me!” She took a deep breath, “But you have saved me twice now. If there is anything you can teach me to protect myself then it will be appreciated. And if you need an extra sword then I’m there. I just don’t like being left behind.”

The dire wolf lifted his head to look down at the cat, “Perfectly fine play.”

“We will bring you with us and teach you as much as possible.” Avera announced with a gentle smile.

A back paw pushed against one of Karnwyr’s back paws then she swatted the dire wolf’s forepaws with her own, “For wolf maybe. Wolf got big mouth!”

Bishop took a deep breath, sniffing the air, “So the farm girl is going to join our party. Good. We need someone to make up for the paladin – or at least to catch arrows if Grobnar is already dead. For now I say we crack those kegs and drown the Flagon in ale!”

The companions got into a swatting match, making sounds amazingly like chuckling.

As many of the group turned to get something to drink, Casavir went to the door. He glanced over his shoulder to let his eyes wander over the halfling. With a smile he left the building.

A chair fell over as Kathin was pushed back by Karnwyr. Bishop had been watching the paladin leave but as soon as he heard the noise he turned on his heel. The ranger walked to the door, opened it and pointed outside.

The companions stood then walked out the door with their heads down and tails between their legs.

As soon as they were out they ran to the back of the building, giggling into each other’s minds.

“Wish not sent out!” Karnwyr bounced around the cat.

“Oh?” Kathin mused as she rammed the dire wolf with her head, bowling him over then landing across his body.”

“Yes.” He licked the cat’s face as she turned to him, “Will miss Duncan find mouse pieces.”

Kathin flopped backwards off him and yowled in amusement at the thought of how the innkeeper would react when he found the grisly remains. Then Karnwyr jumped her and they rolled over and over playing in the dirt.