birth canal, looking down it after a fashion, that it wouldnt be quite as painful for her.  The only problem with that was that the stress it put on the neck put the baby in danger of suffering injury during birth, stress the midwives couldnt alleviate.  That was why Amber was more relieved to hear that it was very painful, because that meant she was delivering the baby crown first.  That was excruciating for the mother, but much safer for the baby.
	Not everyone liked hearing her scream, though.  Tiella looked decidedly pale, and Jenna winced with each new cry.  Phandebrass had a compassionate look on his face, and the shouting was upsetting all three drakes, making them nervous and unsettled.
	But, in a surprisingly short time, the screaming died off, and they all started standing up and waiting for news.  That came after several moments, as they obviously cleaned up the baby and the mother and delivered out the afterbirth.  It was quiet, impatient waiting as the twins put their ears to the door and tried to hear what was going on.  Both of them staggered back and nearly fell as the door opened, and a beaming Rallix stepped out, cleaning his hands with a towel.
	Well? Jenna said quickly as Sarraya abandoned decorum and zipped past the badger Wikuni and into the room.
	We have a crown prince, he announced with bright eyes.  Please, everyone, come in, he invited, turning back into the room as he pushed the door open.
	They filed into the room as Sarraya flitted in circles around the grand bed of the chamber.  Tarrin pushed the twins out of his way and stalked up to the bed, leaning over it to look down at his beloved sister.  Keritanima looked exhausted and her fur was matted heavily from sweat, but her weary face was glowing, and she cradled a tiny wrapped bundle in her arm.  On her face was the gentlest, most loving smile he had ever seen.
	Congratulations, Tarrin told her with a gentle touch on her face.  Rallix told us its a boy.
	They all gathered around the bed to see, as the twins and Jasana climbed up onto the bed and Sarraya landed on Tarrins shoulder, as Keritanima silently reached down and uncovered her new infant son.
	Tarrin looked down upon this new life with wonder in his eyes.  Keritanimas son was a tiger, with red fur and black stripes touching the fur on his tiny, tiny face, and white fur under his chin.  He opened his eyes, and Tarrin saw that they were the most dazzling, translucent green he had ever seen.
	And behind those eyes, Tarrin could see a formidable power.  He could sense it within the infant, just as he had so many times before, but much more dramatic, much more prevalent.
	To his surprise, Keritanima had not just born a Sorcerer.
	Keritanimas infant son was a suikun.  The tenth suikun.
	Keritanima looked at him with love in her eyes, then looked at Tarrin and smiled.  Tarrin, meet your nephew.  His name is Faalken.
	Tarrins eyes snapped to his sister, and he saw the glowing love within them.  She had named her son after the fallen Knight to honor him and his memory, and also to honor Tarrins towering respect for the man whose life and death had had so much of an effect on him.  Speechless, unable to even find the words that would convey his approval, his satisfaction, his regard that his sister would abandon the opportunity to give her child a name of her own choosing and instead choose a name that would please him more than her, he reached out and put his paw on her furry face, the most exquisitely tender and gentle of touches.  She reached up and put her hand over his paw, smiling up at him gently.
	Allias hand reached over and covered hers, joining them together, and in that moment he felt the powerful, indefinable bonds that joined the three of them together, made them closer than siblings, strengthen anew, and he could find no reason to worry about anything.  The same powerful bonds that had gotten them out of the Tower so many years ago, had kept them together through Tarrins dark change, had kept them together even after Keritanima was stolen away to Wikuna, they were unbreakable, they were eternal.  They were friends, they were family, and it would be so forever.  No matter what happened, nothing could break those bonds, nothing could change the unity that existed between the three of them.
	A Selani, a Wikuni, and a Were-cat.  What an odd and unusual combination.  But to them, there was nothing but family.
	He was with his sisters, they were all well, and they were celebrating the birth of Keritanimas new child, the Crown Prince of Wikuna.  There could be nothing wrong in that moment, with that day, no matter how terribly it began.  There was nothing but happiness and peace and joy in that moment, and no matter what had happened to him earlier, what he had become, and what uncertainty lay in his future, he could not be anything other than utterly content and truly happybecause he was with his sisters, they were together, and they loved one another.
	Everything was just perfect.
 
Chapter 18

	There was just something about the arrival of a new member of the family that just made everything else seem like it wasnt a problem.
	It was early morning, just after sunrise, and Tarrin and Allia were sitting in Keritanimas private bedroom, alone, on either side of the bed as the Wikuni queen reclined within it, still recuperating from a very difficult birth.  Keritanima had banished everyone else from the room, even her own husband and bodyguards, so the three of them could spend some intimate time together and so they all three could get to know Keritanimas newborn son, who was absolutely adorable.  Allia was holding him at the moment, tracing her finger along the black stripes that crept onto his face from under his chin and neck, creating a frame of sorts that highlighted those dazzling green eyes and cat-like black nose of his.  He had an abbreviated muzzle, like most cat-type Wikuni did, but his nose was smaller than most cat-type Wikuni, more button-like, like Mirandas nose.  He was a tiny thing to Tarrin, but as Wikuni infants went, he was absolutely huge.  That was one of the reasons Keritanima had so much difficulty giving birth.  Little Faalken was a monster of a newborn, and the size of his hands and feet told Tarrin that he was going to be massive.
	A suikun.  That wasnt lost on Tarrin, for more than one reason.  Long ago, Mother told him that there would only be two extra suikun, nine of them.  But this was a tenth, a third extra suikun, and one that wasnt supposed to be there.
	Tarrin knew almost immediately what that meant.  They had already replaced him.  That way, if they had to kill him, there were still going to be two additional suikun to support the Weave and prevent another Breaking.
	But he wasnt really thinking about that rather unpleasant possibility right now, for he was focused on his new nephew, as they all were.  He was awake, looking up at Allia with those eyes of his, trying without much success to raise his furry little arm and grab hold of her delicate fingers as they traced his wide, rather handsome little face.  As she did that, Tarrin and Keritanima watched, her clawed hand in his paw lightly.
	Tarrins ears flicked as the bells outside paused, and then started again.  Every chapel, church, shrine, temple, and cathedrals bells were tolling, and they would toll in celebration until sunset.  The day had immediately been declared a holiday, the news spread through the network of Priests that allowed information to reach every Wikuni all over the world in a matter of moments.  All the world now knew that the Wikuni queen had produced an heir to the throne, and the Wikuni were celebrating.  No Wikuni anywhere on Sennadar would do a lick of work this day.  Ships would anchor wherever they were, shops would close, and everyone would celebrate.  The only places open this day would be the churches and the festhalls.  Quite an unusual combination.
	So, Allia, when are you going to present us with a niece of nephew? Keritanima asked as Allia cooed at Faalken.
	Im working on it, deshaida, she chuckled, tapping Faalken on his little nose, which made the little baby smile.  I come in season next month.  Ive already made arrangements.
	Arrangements how? Tarrin asked.
	Im staying at our village, she replied.  We have a better chance of conception if were not moving.  Well have about nine days, and we have to make them count.  We dont have much time.
	Youre going to wear that poor boy out, Keritanima told her with a sly grin.
	Thats not the problem, sister, Allia said seriously.  Children arent allowed to have children.
	I--oh, she frowned.  Allyn has to be branded.
	Allia nodded.  Before I conceive.
	Is he ready? Tarrin asked.
	I have no doubt he can take a good brand, but he has to prove that hes ready beforehand, she told him.  That means he has to know what has to be known.  Father will test his knowledge.  If he can pass that test, hell be given the chance to have the iron put to him.  Then it comes down to the Holy Mothers assessment of him.
	That wont be much of a problem, Tarrin told her as Allia carefully handed the infant to him, and he cradled little Faalken in his arm carefully.  Allyns a fast learner, he assured her as he looked down into the little cubs dazzling eyes.  He extended a claw, a claw almost as long as the infants arm, and dangled it over his head.  Faalken reached up and grabbed hold of it, showing tiny little claws of his own hiding inside his fingers.  He has quite a grip, Tarrin told them as the infant pulled on his claw.
	Try nursing him, and youd be surprised what kind of a grip he has, Keritanima grunted.  He finds my fur entirely too convenient a handle.
	Shave it off, Tarrin told her absently as he bounced the infant very gently in his arm.
	Right, she snapped heatedly, glaring at him.  Ill do that just as soon as you shave the fur off your arms.  That way we can both look stupid together.
	Tarrin held up his free arm, glancing at his black fur and the shaggy fetlock that grew on the outside of his wrist and lower forearm.  I guess I would look a little silly, he agreed.  But you can cover your shaved areas with a dress, sister.
	You were being serious about me shaving my fur? she asked in surprise.
	Halfway, he admitted.  But now that I see that hes got claws, maybe him grabbing your fur is better than him sinking those little needles into you.
	That would be unpleasant, Keritanima laughed in agreement.
	Well, how does it feel to be a mother, sister? Allia asked, giving her a smile.
	Its weird, she answered.  Its strange to think that I brought him into the world, but at the same time, it seems totally natural.  And I fell in love with him the first time I saw him, she said with a dreamy kind of contentment that only a parent could display.
	And think, youre responsible for making him a king, Tarrin told her.
	No, I dont think he ever will be, she said seriously.  Hes a suikun, Tarrin.  Im a little shocked about that, but I think it means that he might not have the time to sit on my throne and play king.  That might end up being the job of the next one.
	Next one? Tarrin chuckled.  Already thinking of expanding the nursery?
	A little, she admitted.  But Ill bet after I deal with raising him, Ill never want another one ever again.  I surely dont want to be the one to have to give birth, she said with a sigh, flopping back onto her pillows.  I seriously thought I was going to die.  Ive never felt that much pain before.  I dont think crossing over was even that painful.
	But it was worth it, wasnt it? Allia asked.
	Oh yes, she said immediately, beckoning for Tarrin to give her back her baby.  He did so carefully, and she cuddled him to her with a loving expression gracing her furry face.  It was worth having to do it ten times.  She looked up at him.  Did you sleep alright, Tarrin? she asked.  I mean, this was the first night that, you know, she said, pointing at his shoulder.
	I didnt have any problems, he replied.  They stay retracted unless I want them to come out.  It seems to be some kind of natural position for them, just like when theyre out.  I dont think about how they look, they just take that shape and size by themselves.
	Well, thats good, she said, and then she grinned.  I was afraid Id have to have Amber change your sheets every day.
	Why? he asked.
	Scorch marks, she winked.
	Allia laughed, and Tarrin gave her an unamused look.
	How long are you staying? the Wikuni Queen asked.
	As long as you want us to stay, silly, Allia replied.
	I dont ever want you to leave, she answered with a toothy grin.  But since Im not going to get that, whats the other option here?
	Well, I was hoping to get back to the tribe in three or four days, so I have as much time as possible to get Allyn ready for the ceremony, she answered, scratching her shoulder absently.  In the meantime, Im going to go over things with him here, where the shaman and father cant hear me breaking all sorts of rules about what I am and am not allowed to tell him.
	Both of them laughed.  Weve ruined her, Tarrin, Keritanima told him with a wink.  Shes just as bad as we are now.
	Posh, Allia said dismissively.
	That made Tarrin chuckle anew.  Allia was never one to be all that strict about the rules, at least not when it benefited her not to do so.  So long as it wasnt a matter of honor to break a rule, or she was sure she wouldnt get caught, she was quite willing to break it if there was gain in it for her.  That was one of her very few un-Selani traits.
	So, if all goes well, when will there be a little Selani joining the family? Keritanima asked.
	Fourteen months from now, she answered, assuming I conceive immediately when I come in season.
	Then the next little family reunion will be in the desert.
	No, Tarrin told her.  Itll be in Suld.
	Why is that? Keritanima asked.
	We had breakfast with the others this morning, he told her.  Tiellas pregnant.  I could smell it on her.
	Really? Keritanima asked, then she laughed.  I knew Dar had it in him!
	Id think that he had it somewhere else, Allia said slyly.
	Keritanima gaped at her.  Allia!  Thats nasty! she declared, then laughed even harder.
	Youre a married woman now, Kerri, Tarrin told her with a slight smile.  Besides, you were throwing around even worse statements last night.
	Oh, I dont believe you remember that! she said with a growl, leaning back and putting a pillow over her face, but being careful not to disturb her infant.  I am so embarrassed!
	Given the circumstances, Im sure the others will understand, Kerri, Allia told her, but she had a slight, roguish smile on her face.
	I hope so.  Id hate to have Binter and Sisska make them forget.  She looked to Tarrin.  Tarrin?  What about Miranda?
	She almost had a nervous breakdown when I asked her, Kerri, he said gently, carefully.  She wasnt ready to come.  Im sorry.
	She was quiet a long moment, then she sighed.  Well, if she wasnt ready, then she wasnt ready.  Im sad she wasnt here, but if it was that hard for her even to think about it, then maybe it was best that she didnt come.  We can always show her Illusions, she said with a sudden brightening of her eyes.
	We can at that.  Including sound Illusions of you howling like a banshee and cursing out the entirety of existence.
	Oh, you two are terrible! she growled, grabbing the pillow over her face and throwing it at him.
	That makes us a matching set, sister, Allia said with an evil smile.
	Well, we cant let that become common knowledge now, can we? she answered primly.  I have a Royal reputation to maintain.
	Speaking of royalty, I wonder what happened to Shiika, Tarrin mused aloud.
	Shiika?  That witch was coming here? Keritanima asked sharply.
	Tarrin glanced at her, then chuckled.  May as well tell you.  Yes, she was, he affirmed.  But she should have been here by now.  I wonder what happened.
	No doubt she wanted to catch me after I gave birth so Id be more tractable, Keritanima said with a hawkish look, her amber eyes narrowing.
	No, she said she wanted to crash your big day in revenge over some kind of trade proposal.  She considered it relatively outrageous.
	Which one? Keritanima said with a wink.
	Yar something or other, he said with a wave of his paw.  I wasnt paying much attention.
	Yar Akram, Allia announced.
	Oh, that one.  Well, it was my get-back for that ridiculous gunpowder proposal.
	What proposal?
	She wanted our formula for gunpowder! she said in shock, almost outrage.  And if that wasnt bad enough, the only thing she offered for it was a deserted rock fifty miles off the coast of Yar Arak!
	That was relatively serious.  The formula for gunpowder was probably one of the most closely guarded secrets in the world, and it was amazing that it remained a secret so long, given the avarice nature of the Wikuni.  It was amazing that a Wikuni that had the knowledge hadnt sold the formula for his own gain yet.  If Shiika wanted the formula for gunpowder, shed better offer up half her empire in payment for it.  Thats what it would take to buy it from Keritanima.
	There was a sudden commotion at the door to her bedchamber, the sound of scuffling, and then it burst open.  Shiika stepped in, brushing her hands together as if to rub dirt from them, and the legs and tails of Binter and Sisska could be clearly seen beyond that door, hanging in midair.  Will they never learn? she said in irritation as her unnatural scent touched his nose.
	Shiika!  What did you do to my guards! Keritanima demanded with heat, sitting up in the bed.
	I moved them, she said curtly.  They didnt want to get out of my way.
	If you hurt them--
	Oh, calm down, she said, then she snapped her fingers.  Both Vendari suddenly dropped, landing on the floor on their feet, and their weight caused the entire floor to shake ominously.  Binter immediately came through the door with his hammer raised, preparing to crush the Demoness through the floor with it.  Keritanima quickly put up her hand to warn him off, and he pulled up short.  If Shiika knew he was there, she never registered it, never so much as turned around, simply folding her wings neatly as she wiped her hands on her red silk gown.  Binter gave a single nod and backed away, then withdrew back out into the parlor, his huge hand on the door.
	Not so fast! Shiika shouted, then she put her fingers to her lips and whistled shrilly.
	All three of them started when a massive black shape stalked through the door, looking like a shadow, but one that stood as high as Shiikas chest.  Its sulfurous scent told him immediately that this was one of Shiikas Hellhounds, denizens of the Abyss, intelligent dog-like animals that were tainted with evil and could breathe fire.  It was the biggest Hellhound Tarrin had ever seen, almost the size of a pony.
	Alright, now you can close the door, she said without looking over her shoulder.  The Hellhound padded into the room, then started bounding towards the bed, its tongue lolling out of its mouth in a playful canine grin.  Congratulations, Kerri, Shiika said with a sudden smile.  Sorry I couldnt be here last night, but I was unavoidably detained.  Is that the new crown prince?
	What did you bring that Hellhound for? Keritanima asked, giving the animal a worried look as it put its paws on the bed and leaned towards her.
	Its your present, she answered.  Just like the one I gave Camara.  Shes been fixed so shell be loyal to you and your baby, and you can ask Camara how effective Hellhounds can be at guarding.
	Youre giving me a gift? Keritanima said hesitantly, warily.  She understood the intrinsic danger that could represent.
	No strings, no conditions, she said with a sudden smile, holding up her hands as if to show them she was holding nothing dangerous.  The Hellhound is my gift to you, given freely and without expectation of favors in return.
	Keritanima looked to Tarrin, who nodded slightly.  The way she said it was a formula, a method of saying just what the statement meant that could hold no hidden meaning.
	Well, uh, thanks, she said uncertainly as the Demoness slinked over and sat sedately on the edge of the bed beside Tarrin.  She was trying very hard not to look at him, but he could see the corner of her eye, and how her eyes kept trying to glance over at him.  Could she tell?  Could she sense the change in him?  Now that she was much closer, he could clearly and distinctly sense the sense of disharmony about her, and it was quite strong.
	We are going to talk, her voice echoed in his mind.  As soon as Im done here.
	Tarrin could tell somehow that her mental voice went no further than him.  It was a private communication.
	Why were you detained, Shiika? Keritanima asked.
	She blew out her breath.  I had to put down a rebellion.
	All three of them gave her a sudden start.  A rebellion? Keritanima scoffed.  I thought the Arakite nobility were happy with you.
	It didnt come from them, or the military, or the citizens.  It came from Anayi.
	Anayi?  Your daughter? the Wikuni gasped.
	I guess she felt that living under me wasnt worth it anymore.  Its about time, she announced with a chuckle.  Ive all but pulled the rug out from under her.  I just didnt expect her to try to raise an insurrection against me while she went out the door.
	Youve been goading her? Tarrin asked in surprise.
	Of course I have, she said with a wink at him.  Anayis the smartest and strongest of all my daughters.  She has potential, a lot of potential, and shes not going to realize it if she stays in the palace all her life.  She needs to be out and about in the world to realize that potential.  Ive been goading her into leaving home for a long time now, but shes so dense she wouldnt take the hint.
	Shes not dense, shes loyal, Tarrin told her.  Anayi actually loves you, Shiika.  Gods know why, but she does.
	Im her mother, she said primly.
	That doesnt mean too much to Demons, Ive noticed, Keritanima observed.
	What did she do? Tarrin asked.
	Used her powers to turn some of the Royal Guard against me, she said with a laugh.  She stirred up the palace like an anthill kicked over by a petulant child.  There was open fighting in the hallways between the guards shed managed to dominate and the guards still loyal to me.  She used all the confusion to steal some of my spell books and a couple of magical objects from my collection, then she ran.  Such a clever girl! she said with another laugh.
	You let her steal from you? Allia asked in confusion.
	Of course I did, she grinned as Keritanima inched away from the Hellhound nervously, which was getting more and more up onto the bed.  It was a test of sorts to see what she was capable of, what she could manage to get away with, and she did quite well!  She didnt steal anything I cant live without, and I have copies of all my spell books, so it wasnt like it was any great loss for me.  Oh, dont be surprised to find her in Aldreth when you get back, Tarrin, she noted.  She was flying in that general direction.  Shes on the way to your house.
	Why my house? he asked.
	Kimmie, she answered.  Shes been wanting to learn magic for years now, and she knows Kimmie is a skilled mage.  She also knows that she doesnt have any apprentices, and that Kimmie is one of the few people on Sennadar who would look past the fact that shes a halfbreed Demon and treat her kindly.  Shes going to try to get Kimmie to take her on as an apprentice.
	Tarrin remembered Anayi saying something about Kimmie the last time they talked, and he knew that Anayi had hot resentment towards Shiika because she wouldnt teach her Wizard magic.  Shiika could very well be right about her seeking out Kimmie as a teacher.
	Um, Shiika, could you get that beast to back up? Keritanima said nervously as the Hellhound jumped up onto the bed, cradling her infant protectively away from the animal.
	Shell obey you, Kerri, Shiika told her dismissively.  Utterly.  And she knows Wikuni and ShaKar, so you can give her commands you want others to understand, and commands you dont.
	Keritanima glanced at the winged Demoness, then fixed her amber eyes on the glowing red eyes of the Hellhound.  Down, she ordered in a quavering voice.  Those eyes widened in surprise as the Hellhound obeyed, turning and jumping down off the bed, then sitting beside it.
	Enough about me and my family troubles.  Let me see your baby! she commanded with a wide smile.
	Unable to resist showing off her infant, even to Shiika, Keritanima sat up and let Shiika take a good look at her son.  His name is Faalken, she told her proudly.  Isnt he beautiful?
	Hes a little furry, but despite that, hes quite handsome, Shiika answered with a sly smile and a wink.  Odd, Tarrin noticedShiika was almost bubbly.  That was very much unlike her.  Perhaps she truly was happy about Anayi finally leaving home.  A tiger, eh?  Those are pretty rare.
	I know, Keritanima replied, and Tarrin felt her weave a very gentle Mind weave and use it to touch the mind of her son.  Hes a little tired, she announced.  I think Ill put him down for a short nap.
	Youre cheating, Kerri, Allia laughed.
	How so? Shiika asked curiously.
	Shes using Mind weaves to assess Faalkens condition, Tarrin told her.  That way she knows what he wants when he cries, and when hes ready to be put down for a nap.
	Thats not cheating, thats keeping my sanity, Keritanima said brusquely as Allia moved, and Keritanima swung her legs out and crawled out of bed.  She moved a little unsteadily at first as she paced over to the crib, as Allia and Shiika got up and went with her, watching as she put the tiger Wikuni newborn into his crib and fussed over him.  Tarrin looked at the Hellhound, who was sitting exactly where shed sat down when Keritanima told her to get down.  The Hellhound looked back at him quite seriously, then gave Keritanima a hauntingly longing look.  Shiika really had fixed the Hellhound.  Tarrin felt a little sorry for it, that all it wanted to do was be accepted, and so far, Keritanima had only shown it fear.
	He could totally identify with that feeling.
	Tarrin reached down and put his paw on the Hellhounds head and patted it, and the Hellhound closed her glowing eyes in a dignified kind of manner and accepted his attention with eloquence.  He felt a strange heat coming off the animal, which he found oddly comforting.  He petted the Hellhound gently and patted her shoulder.
	You want one, Tarrin? Shiika asked, looking at him with a strange kind of smile.  I have about fifteen left.  Id be more than happy to fix one for you.
	No, I have my drake, Shiika, he answered.  Im more than happy with him.  But I think that this little girl needs a name, Kerri, he prompted.
	A name?  Why does it need a name? she asked.
	She deserves a name, he said pointedly, scratching her behind the ear.  Or would you rather act like she doesnt exist?  How would you feel if you were rejected by the people you loved?
	Love? Keritanima began, but a single look from Tarrin cut her off.
	Dont say it, he warned in a low voice.  Look at her, Kerri, he ordered.  Look closely.
	Keritanima looked at the Hellhound in irritation, but she suddenly brought herself up short by the look of utter adulation on the Hellhounds face.  Fixed, you say? she asked Shiika speculatively.  And what does that mean?
	She obeys you utterly, she answered.  You, Rallix, and when hes old enough, Faalken.  Shell do whatever you say.  Shes also about as smart as a human, so she can understand complex commands and carry out complicated tasks.  Shell be your pet, and if the need arises, your protector.  Just ask Camara about Ember.  Shes head over heels about her Hellhound.
	That much was certainly true.  Camara Tal left Ember behind in Amazar because she didnt want to bring her to Wikuna, but she loved her Hellhound like a member of the family.  Just like Fireflash was a member of Tarrins family, Ember was part of the Tal household.  Even though theyd started out on the wrong foot, Tarrin and Ember got along now.  She understood that he was a part of the family and didnt try to attack him anymore, and truth be told, he rather favored her.  She was smart, loving, loyal, and quite affectionate.
	Well, I guess I can keep her for a while, she said with a speculatively look, kneeling down.  See how it works out.  Come here, she ordered.
	The Hellhound got up and padded over to her, then sat down and bowed her head to allow Keritanima to pet her.  She needs a name, Tarrin prompted.
	Shes black as night and I thought she was Shiikas shadow when she came in, so thats as good a name as any, Keritanima answered.  Shadow.  Your name is Shadow, she told the Hellhound as she tentatively stroked her fur, then put her furry hand under the Hellhounds chin and scratched.  Shes soft, she reported in surprise.  I didnt think a Hellhound would feel so fuzzy.
	Youll find her to be full of surprises, Shiika told her, then she looked at Tarrin.  I guess Ill have to get another one ready in about nine months.  Did you know that Tiellas pregnant?
	He nodded.  I smelled it on her this morning.
	I passed her in the hall, she explained.  I think Ill give her a male, she said.  I gave Camara a female because I knew shed prefer one.  You know how chauvinistic she is.  Kerri got Shadow here because this is the biggest Hellhound I have, I wanted her to have the strongest Hellhound in the pack.  Nothings too good for my favorite adversary, she said with a grin.  I have a rather mild-natured male that would be perfect for Dar and Tiella.
	A mild-natured Hellhound? Tarrin asked with a slight scoff.
	All my Hellhounds are fixed in a few ways, she answered.  If they werent, theyd be unruly and very hard to control.  I also dont let them run around and eat people, so I had to do a little alteration on their base natures.  My Hellhounds arent like other Hellhounds.  You know its shown to pass through breeding? she said to him with a little surprise 