Count Henri Talonstrike, an aging griffon with brown feathers and possessing a long flow of white down cascading from the base of his beak, was seated facing the large round window of his study. The light poured in, illuminating the luxuriously appointed room. The normally bright surroundings were darkened this day by the rail thin shadow of the duke who was currently sitting on his haunches facing the window, his claws clasped behind him.