Chapter 1- The Introduction
A dark-haired man stood at Lord Downey's desk. He had the appearance of a comely young man from the World War Two era on Roundworld.
He dressed in the manner of an Executioner and appeared to be in his mid-thirties.
His ebony eyes didn't look at the master of the Guild as he spoke, but seemed to be aiming his gaze at an invisible force behind him. There was also something vaguely lupine about his features.
He had with him a canine that resembled a very large, solid black husky. It could have been called a wolf, but it was well known wolves didn't live in cities. It must have, however, had a significant amount of wolf in it. You could see it in the eyes. The left one was a circlet of golden sap, the right a glistening ring of silver. And for some reason, an unknown essence drew your gaze to latter.
"….. And that is why you have to take her from us.", Spoke the mysterious figure.
His voice was a mixture of intimidation and calmness. It cut through your soul like a claymore slices your bones and was hard to deny.
"We have tried every other alternative. Besides…. She will be of great use to you."
Lord Downey smiled and petted the dog on her head. She eyed him as if to say "Okay, enough with the petting. I'm not your lap-dog!".
"I suppose we'd better find you a suitable student to care for you, girl. What did you say her name is?"
"Aleva. Aleva Lakeblood."
The Executioner's voice had a sudden strict but solemn tone, almost as if the name he spoke of belonged to a person he mildly despised but also felt some adoration for.
"And it would be preferred if you allowed her to choose the carer. If you choose for her, there is a high risk the person you choose could become her victim. Only she can know whom she will be loyal towards."
"And I suppose some form of restraining accessories are necessary. That is, a collar and lead.", Downey suggested.
"No. Aleva prefers to be treated more as a companion than a pet. Her mind is remarkably human! In a…. sadistic, bloodthirsty kind of way."
"I see. Will that be all?"
"Yes"
"Then we shall take her."
"Thank you."
The man turned to walk out and Downey took the ebony-haired "wolf-dog" with him.