…..
The sun casts a warm glow on the trees and roads as the cart rattles along the dusty road, carrying Isolde and Gwyneria away from the kingdom of Laghi.
The little puppy, once Mark, is curled in Isolde's lap, trembling from the terrifying gaze of Isolde. He whines, making a pitiful sound that breaks the quietness there.
"Hush, little one," Gwyneria murmurs, stroking his head with a gentle hand. "It's all right. It's going to be all right, you'll meet and make some friends soon."
Her words are soft, but one can exactly feel the power amd evil simmering beneath them. She watches her mother, her eyes wide with awe.
"Did you have to turn him into a dog, mother?" Gwyneria asks, her voice a whisper. "Couldn't you have just... left him? Perhaps he'll be more help finding Griselda that way."
Isolde smiles, and looks out of the cart.
"He lied to me. They took away my lovely little girl from me and he promised to keep her safe from watching eyes.
