"Hey... don't worry about it. We both knew this could happen. Give 'em hell, Xeri..."

---

"Finish it, you damn traitor! JUST KILL ME!!"

---

As the sun rose over the Northern Mountains, a horrible wail of despair echoed from an imposing manor. Guards were roused, rooms were checked. The demand for justice gripped the entire area, but the culprit had vanished hours before. The weakening bond of a family was broken, with no heirs left to claim the Duke's seat.

---

Xerihan limped into the town of Woodswatch, sporting a small bag and a ragged cloak that had seen better days. Following a small ghostly hare, he hobbled up to the edge of town. He paused, tracking the hare's path into a small tavern. Absentmindedly, he tugged at the straps keeping his face wrap taught with his good paw. "No reward without risk..." he murmured to himself. The griffon stepped forth.

Passing through the tavern door, Xerihan caught a glimpse of the hare by the stairs. He followed, drops of blood left behind with every step. His right paw was poorly bandaged, and a cursory inspection would show the bone had been broken and was in the process of healing. Xerihan limped up the stairs. Arriving at a closed door, the hare stepped through to his objective. The griffon swallowed; no turning back now. He gripped the handle and turned.

Stepping into the room, Xerihan could see two occupants: a large unicorn and a dog. The hare wouldn't have led him astray, and he recalled an odd meeting in a moonlit forest clearing.

Xerihan set his bag down, staring at the pup. "It has been a while, Thea."