The Dun Fort

[Tallahar]

"Thank you. I have come here about Ser William's Direwolf."

[Deleted]

"Ah, the direwolf," the leathery-faced castellan smiled. "Fine animal, fine animal. His half-wolf pups are quite well grown now, and there are new litters, and still some pregnant bitches. Come, let us go to the kennels."

"Are you going to the dogs?" the six-year old boy piped up. "I want to come!"

"Yes, we must not leave out our little Wulf," Ser Patrek's chuckle sounded rough, but it was warm. "This is Lord Brynden's young brother, Wulf Pyke," Ser Patrek said to the Reach knight, as the nurse brought the little boy forward. "He's fond of Raider."

The boy Wulf eyed the stranger, looking both curious and slightly shy, but then he led them out to the kennels. The great grey direwolf paced in his own pen - he would never allow the kennelmaster to put him in a kennel - while the half-wolves and pureblood wolfhounds barked at the newcomers. The kennelmaster greeted them. Wulf picked up a wolf pup, with golden eyes and dark fur, and cuddled it.

[Tallahar]

Cregan bowed to the Kennelmaster. "I see you have breed some fine wolfhounds but I must regret I have come here to ask for Raiders return."

[Deleted]

"Of course," the kennelmaster smiled. "We will return him to you at once, with much thanks. Lady Aranya would have been pleased with these," he said, sobering. "Lord Royce is very pleased with them as well, and very impressed with Raider."

"Bring him on out, Polliver," said the castellan. The kennelmaster, Polliver, went to the direwolf's pen and soothed the wolf, who had grown used to the man and tolerated him. Then he led him out.

The others began barking as the direwolf stalked past the kennels, while some of the wolfhounds fell silent. Wulf Pyke quickly shut the wolf pups back into their kennel, as they were getting out of hand.

[Tallahar]

Cregan walked over Raider. The Reach knight offered his hand and Raider smelt before wagging his tail and rubbing his head against Cregan's leg, "I think I remind him of William. My friend has missed Raider very much."

[Deleted]

"We would not keep Sir William parted from his wolf longer than necessary. He has been a generous and good friend, as Lord Brynden shall be to him," Ser Patrek said. "Go, with our blessing and thanks."

[Tallahar]

"Thank you Ser Patrek may the new pups grow to be fine hounds." Cregan turns and leaves with Raider after the direwolf takes one last look behind him.