Chapter Text
After breakfast the five of them sat in the kitchen talking; the same conversation that had occupied them for the past weeks: how to go on, how to rebuild Dimilioc after so much had been lost. Seven black dogs, however formidable they might be individually, were not enough. Particularly with no allies, and no Pure women to strengthen the sept with their magic.
Zachiarah and Ezekiel began clearing away the dishes: the huge Dimilioc house was virtually empty and they had not, so far, taken on any new human staff. When the phone rang Grayson picked up, but with black dog hearing the caller was audible to everyone.
Afterwards, Grayson looked around, smiling slightly. “So, Ezekiel, if you would like to take a short break from housework, perhaps you would be able to, ah, see off these strays, if that’s what we have here.”
Ezekiel put down the plates he held, carefully, not wishing to look eager, although he was definitely pleased to investigate this incident, particularly if there was an opportunity to deal with intruders. He nodded.
“Certainly.”
He left at once, pulling on a jacket, although the cold did not much affect black dogs. He thought the jacket would give a better impression. It was soft, expensive black leather, and Ezekiel knew he looked good in it. And it was perfect for the Dimilioc executioner.
He was disappointed by his first sight of the trespassers. Just kids. One, perhaps a couple of years younger than himself, was a black dog. One human boy, maybe fourteen or so. And a girl. His attention sharpened as his shadow became suddenly alert. A Pure girl! He was certain, even at this distance.
The trio had stopped to rest. As he came nearer, Ezekiel saw the girl was passing food of some kind to the younger boy, surely her brother. The black dog was looking around, keeping watch, but he had not yet sensed Ezekiel standing just inside the edge of the forest. Ezekiel paused for a moment to examine them more closely; confirming his earlier impression. Yes, definitely a Pure girl. He stared at her. Not quite such a child as she seemed at first glance, he thought. The big coat which enveloped her was deceptive. She was pretty, too.
Oh, he was going to enjoy taking these trespassers back to Dimilioc. First, however, he would take a moment to intimidate them a little, to make them realise how fortunate they were not to be killed.
He stepped out of the trees. “Well, look at this,” he said, with his cool, sardonic executioner’s smile.