[Tevildo]

"I can not say for sure. But I have seen things, great and terrible things when I dwelled in the household of Melko, that reminded me of what I have heard tonight." The cat stopped a moment, then sidled up close to the Owl and whispered, "We are not so different, you and I. We are creatures that must kill to live. It is our nature to do so, and I will not deny that the game gives me great pleasure at times. Yet I have no wish or ambition to put a blanket over the entire world, a shroud of darkness and evil. A bit of mischief in one corner is quite enough for me....."

"Still, that thing, whatever it is...." the cat stopped, shook his head and shuddered, and only then went on. "That cold, hollow ring in the shapeshifter's voice....it sends chills down my spine. Whatever that thing is out there, it is one of the creatures sent by the Lords of Darkness. Pehaps a spirit that has unwittingly escaped from the void or some leftover from the days of old: a houseless spirit, or some creature that has been trapped in the form of a vampire. I tell you that was no mere Man or even an Orc who frightened the woman, not on a night like this when the Yule Log glows bright. But perhaps if the woman regains her wits, she will be able to tell us more. Or perhaps you yourself know something of this." Tevildo glanced sideways at Mori. " For, despite your look of innocence and simplicity, I know you to have great knowledge of ancient lore. You may be able to sense more of these matters than even I can."

But before Mori could answer, Wenda showed signs of awakening.