Katherine Lyons made arrangement with her Aunt Malora as a young girl; she wanted one of her aunt's pets. The pet was a boy around Kate's age of ten or eleven. Malora had plans to teach the boy the art of love, educate him with the finer things, and ready him tailored for his niece.  Years passed and Kate forgot about the promise. She was packed for her return trip to Wildwood. It was the end of Fall Semester and the Mage College in Seville. Kate had one last errand to run before boarding her father's trade ship "The Mage's Favor". At a quarter till 10, just two hours before high tide, Kate entered her suite on the 2nd Floor. She walked over the table and held  a letter sealed in red wax with the head of a dragon.<br/><br/>My Dear Nice,<br/><br/>I have a graduation gift that I promised long ago. If he is still alive, you will find him at the animal pens. He has been especially enhanced and trained just for you. I am sure he will bring you much pleasure and serve you well. I sorry I am unable to be there to celebrate your graduation. I once attended the Seville Mage College and have fond memories as a student. May you enjoy your gift.<br/><br/>Your Aunt Malora<br/><br/>Kate could not believe her eyes and was relieved she had all her baggage and trunks were brought to her father's ship. She clutched the letter and ran to the entrance of the mage college. She rushed to the main drive and hailed a coach. "Down to the docks and hurry. This is a matter of life and death."<br/><br/>A well dressed footman opened the door for her and the driver sped the horses down the main road to the docks. Kate paid the footman and ran into the wearhouse. She spoke to a guard who led her a man with a bill of lading. He led her to the animal pens. Kate found a heap of a figure inside on pile of hey. He was wrapped in burlap and smelled of rotten food,  sinew, dried blood mixed with sage, musk and sweet spice. Kate felt drawn to him as if an unseen force, or scent aroused deep inside her. She winced as she pealed back the stiff and dirty blanket. There before her was ... a man, naked and shackled.<br/><br/>"By the gods! Are you alive?" She gasped as never in her life had she seen anyone beaten to near death. The mage quickly rummaged in her satchel. She carefully cradled the man's head in her arm as she sat in the straw. Kate poured a few drops of water to his bloody lips and dabbed oils of sage over his bloody lips and face. "Easy... now" Kate removed her hood...bright green gaze upon him with a worried expression, reddish fox ears on her head lay flat on her head.