hting techniques with axe, dagger, and even some unarmed self-defense. In town, with the stinking carcass of the werewolf strapped to Rabidous, they incurred the strangest look

front door. The manse was an enormous place, three stories high and built of mortar and black and gray stones placed over a wooden frame. Surrounding the house was a ro

ok the iron bar on the large, wooden door, and pounded. A moment later, a squat woman with r

id, jokingly, and pointed t

m both inside in such an overt, jovial manner,

. A white poodle came out then and slobbered all over Holden, who kneeled and practically tongue kissed the animal, asking how

l of flashy jewelry, and even more cosmetic powder. Her lips were painted bright red, and her eyelids were dark blue. Matriarch Vaughn had the

of the wolf, my lady, " he said

rch Vaughn's business, Holden was only playing along to his own enjoyment. He didn't care about any of that stu

en introduced himself, "Greetings,

ou do, "

ll, I guess, "

the lady Vaughn. They met the guard from earlier, who was apparently waiting by the rose garden. He led them to stables. A few, young, stable workers were t

and with a deep, but parrot-like voice. It seemed to bounce when she spoke. "I shal

gned jubilance. "A contract is a contract, an

n a small, wooden chest, which stood atop a sort of high table with tiny wheels at the base. It rolled around to maneuver the chest, which must have

too much trouble, " Mrs. Vaughn said. "This sma

May we have this split int

laimed the need to lie down. The guard humbly handled everything else. Holden and Larson waited politely outside in the shad

. He was looking off into town. "Stable's over there. Ricky'll help you pick out a good horse. Then, you