stickmaker | Excerpt From a Fantasy Novel in Progress

The huge mastiff rose quickly, growling like distant thunder.

   "Easy, Beast," said Lord Edgar, calmly. "You know me, and this is a friend."

   At the first words the dog's demeanor changed, and after the noble finished the large canine trotted over, tail wagging, to sniff and then greet the big man.

   "These dogs are trained not to trust sight," said Edgar, as he patted the now friendly dog. "Many illusion spells confuse vision, and some sound, but few affect scent."

   The large noble made certain to introduce the small elf to the huge dog, who took her scent, regarded her for a moment, then responded in a friendly manner. Bergen tentatively patted the dog, a bit unnerved by both its size and its enthusiasm.

   "Good dog," said the Baron. He gestured. "Go back to your post, now."

   The dog obediently returned beside the door and sat, then watched as the pair passed through.