Jet immediately took to higher ground at the approach of Grigori and Jakov.  His head tilted as recognition crossed his mind.  "There he is!  That is the large two-legged walker!"  A quick glance at his mistress's face froze further exclamation.<br/><br/>Daenan's hedgehog quickly scurried back to her master's pocket.  She was accustomed to Dina and Grigori, but not this new person.<br/><br/>Jakov nodded to the other two witches as Grigori introduced him to the coven.  He winced at Dina's cold stare and almost took a step back before catching himself.  Daenan and Dina instantly recognized the man as one of Count Galdana's entourage.  He was muddier, smelled of sweat and muck and looked years older than he should have been, but it was certainly one of Galdana's men.  He had been there when Galdana staked Dina's mentor. He had also been one of the hunting party that killed the first animal Grigori ever spoke to.  Jakov bowed low, one hand over his heart, the other outstretched.<br/><br/>"I am Lord Jakov Milovanovic."  He returned erect from the flourish.  "Thank you so much for taking me in."  Jet let out a caw at such formality, the two-legged walkers were so weird.  Daenan's headgehog poked her head out from the safety of the pocket to see the man who was speaking.  She was uneasy, but curious.<br/><br/>Jakov nodded at Grigori's words.  "Quite right.  I will understand if you choose to rescind your offer of hospitality once you hear what I have to say.  I only ask that you hear me out."  The man swallowed hard working up his courage before continuing.<br/><br/>"I was formerly adjutant to Highborn Count Lucinean Galdana."  His eyes showed no recognition of the witches before him.  Those times were ages away for the man now despite the relatively short time that had passed.  "Recently, the Count has changed.  I became aware that he had dealings with..."  Jakov suddenly looked around him, eyes searching the trees.  Jet followed the man's eyes expecting to see whatever it was Jakov was searching for.  Jakov moved a bit closer to the witches and continued in a whisper.  "...The Whispering Way."<br/><br/>"At first I did not want to believe it.  Then I heard the Count planning on killing me and giving my title to one of the Way's loyal followers.  I fled that night."