It's a very busy next several days with the mystery of the eluvians deepening and the hunt for the Dread Wolf growing ever more convoluted and troubling. Cullen has precious little time to spare. He does check in with her a few times to be certain her treatment has no cause for complaint and to make sure she doesn't fully run out of books.

Finally one afternoon it hits him that perhaps she'd enjoy a visitor of a different sort. The mabari he has liberated seems friendly enough, a puppy's temperament, so Cullen packs a basket with dog treats and a few tidbits from the banquet of state being held for the various dignitaries. No one will miss a few canapes and the like.

He knocks on the door with the mabari close to his side and the two guards outside the room looking a bit bemused. They seem to know better than to say anything.