DO YOU CALL THAT A HOUND?

The Beast Tracking Division had its location in the southern part of the Outer Circle, close to the East Gate of Limerock City. Mage Pile, therefore knew nothing of the exploits of Sue in the northeastern circle, much less of the escapades in the book division.

As a Trainer, he did, however, know about the dangers of pill modification. Countless records existed during the inception of the Hound division which told of numerous pills and their later detrimental effects. With the close bond that existed between Trainers and Hounds, no one would willingly feed their beast companion a life-threatening pill.

"I object. Pill modification is something that cannot be taken lightly. Blood boosting pellets are vital within the first year of development. Even if the problems do not surface immediately, then in two years they might cripple a Hound. Grandmaster Bing, you of all people should know of this."

Mage Pile said while looking at the old alchemist. Grandmaster Bing had always maintained vigilance when it came to pill modification.

Before anyone could speak, the redhead jumped off her chair.

"This one has respect for Senior Pile because he shows concern for his Hounds. Very well, this one has long postponed a trip to the Beast Tracking Division. Sue, send a message to Elder while we visit the division. Come, let us tour this place."

Sue shrugged her shoulders when Council Mage Tarot glanced at her.

"Just let her take a visit while we wait. I need a message delivered to our villa."

***

Mage Pile never felt better. Even though he objected to the idea of allowing this little girl to modify a pill for the entire Military to use, she did provide him a great opportunity. During the wagon ride, he constantly impressed upon the accompanying alchemists of the importance of the hounds.

By the time the carriage rolled to a halt before the large building of the Beast Tracking Division, the riders heard about the history, improvements and future plans concerning beast training. While disembarking, Mage Pile glanced and frowned at the sleepy face of Sue. He had noticed this girl staving off sleep during the trip.

"Why is she here? Since we decided to place this modification thing on hold, shouldn't she return to her duties?"

Mage Pile inquired. The redhead he needed since he planned on showing her what a true hound looked like. By the time he finished with this closeup shock and awe, all he expected to see was a dust trail accompanied by screams. After this, he could take his time in convincing these alchemists to focus on his supplements.

Elder Shi, however, looked at him as if staring at an idiot.

"Mage Pile might not have heard the news since we did not have the chance to explain. Young lady Sue is responsible for a breakthrough alchemic process which allows even apprentices to concoct the Blood-boosting pill. She is the reason why the Alchemist Guild and Masters are here."

"Very well... eh?"

Mage Pile stumbled a little before recovering. If any apprentice could now concoct a pill, Mage Pile, much less an idiot could figure out the meaning in terms of scarcity.

Scanning over this normal looking girl to this world-breaking news, he failed to see the connection. Even when he swiveled his head around and received nods of confirmation from the old men he just couldn't grasp it. Logically this report boggled the mind. This was like saying the girl was a mage--unbelievable.

"Ahem. Like I said, if the young girl feels tired, let her rest inside one of the offices."

"Thank you, Senior, but I will wait here until Elder arrives."

Receiving a genuine smile, Mage Pile felt that this girl had the temperament of an angel free from spite and grudges. He led the visitors between the two stone buildings housing the offices towards the rear. A large training field greeted them with a long rectangular building on one side.

"These are the kennels of the Hounds belonging to the Tower. Here we raise, train and research into making them stronger, faster... eh?"

Each kennel in the barrack occupied a large room around four hundred square feet. The rooms had large windows to allow light and air. The front wall of the kennel, as well as those windows, consisted of vertical iron bars as security. Unbeknownst to him, the redhead stood with her hands clasped behind her back while peering through the bars.

"Ah, Seniors should not worry too much. That kennel is empty as the trainer probably took the hound to the field."

Mage Pile said while forcing a stiff laugh. If things remained the same, he would have no problem with this. Leave the inquisitive girl near the cage and have a huge hound scare the daylights out of her. Now, however, he needed to avoid offending the girl outside.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

He walked up to the girl with the intention to steer her clear of the kennels less she comes across an occupied tenant. The redhead, however, turned her green eyes towards him and the accompanying group with a slight frown.

"Is this a hound?"

Mage Pile sported a bewildered look when he stopped a few feet from the bars. Trainers cleaned the large room daily, ensuring fresh bedding of straw and water. This room was far from empty, however, as the occupant stood in the far corner. A mixture of growls and whimpers emanated from its mouth while the fur bristled upwards.

"Ha ha ha, this hound is only two years old. It's probably under the weather, which explains why it shies away from the bars. Normally, the hounds are very aggressive and territorial, preventing you from viewing them up close in the absence of their trainer. This is a great chance to view the results of administering blood-boosting pills and body supplements. We..."

"This one is probably sick also. Ah, this one also since he's shivering."

Mage Pile was in the middle of his speech when the words interrupted him. He turned to look at the girl who kept strolling down the length of the barracks.

'What the hell?'

"Oh, this one looks a bit better but I expected more."

This time the girl paused in front of the kennel belonging to Brutus. Brutus held the reputation of being the most aggressive and frightening of the lot. The senior apprentices assigned to the Beast Tracking Division usually welcomed new members by walking them down this path.

Many a time, Scribes and Apprentices left here smelling of piss and sometimes even worse. Brutus for his part had developed a sadistic approach where he inched slowly towards the bars before launching into an iron-jarring, piss-breaking, sphincter-loosening attack. Today the hulking figure of Brutus stood to sniff inches away from the bar while his puzzled eyes gazed into a pair of green ones. A huge paw extended from behind the bars and stooped inches away from the girl.

Before Mage Pile could react, Dyna reached out her tiny hand and shook the paws that dwarfed her arm.

"That reminds me of when my grandson shakes hands with his dog."

"The Hounds here seem friendly, or even cowardly. Is this an aftereffect of the pills?"

"Maybe they really are sick like Pile said but I expected them to be more terrifying."

Mage Pile turned green on hearing the comments behind him as he made his way towards the source of his troubles. It didn't take him more than a breath to figure out this girl, somehow caused this strange occurrence. With a stiff smile, he patted her shoulders while steering her away from the barracks. God alone knows the damage to his reputation today.

"Young miss must have seen enough. Heavens, it's already late, let's have lunch. Come, come, I am sure you must be hungry."

'The sooner I toss this brat out of here, the better. Those alchemists must think I am running a pet shop instead of an important Military division.

Since the old men had no interest in touring the field, they decided to make their way to the offices for continued discussion. The group had just left the kennels when Dyna spotted a Scribe leading Sue and Mr. Thomas towards them. She turned towards Mage Pile and the group of Alchemists.

"Do you have any hounds loose and out in the field?"

Mage Pile gave her a puzzled look before glancing at a nearby trainer. It didn't take long for the man to return stating that all the hounds had completed their morning training.

"Follow me."

Dyna led them up to Mr. Thomas and made a quick bow and greeting. Mr. Thomas left them with a trainer and then returned while driving a covered large wagon. When he parked a little distance away, he nodded. Dyna turned towards the curious men.

What occupied their mind at this moment was the identity of this one-armed man. Not only the redhead but even young lady Sue showed respect to him. Unknown to Mr. Thomas, he had ventured to the top of the 'Most valuable person to become acquainted with' list, in these old codgers' eyes.

"Let me show you what my modified pills can produce. Keep calm and whatever you do, don't panic."

Dyna said while moving her thumb and index finger to her mouth. A shrill whistle sounded since she knew that the door to the cage never had a lock.

In front of the shocked eyes of the onlookers, three massive wolves exited the cage. With the exception of Council Mage Tarot who had heard the reports, all the onlookers stifled their breaths.

After a month of separation, Dyna probably would have been bowled over by the rushing greeting but with a casual wave, the three beasts skidded to a halt and sat in a line with their heads towering above her.

Shock and awe...

"This is what my pills created."

***

"I find that when you double Hooseberry for a Strengthening bath solution, it produces a greater effect."

"Yes but by doing so, you increase the blood flow under the skin. Soon you will find yourself dealing with fleas and ticks."

"I did have this problem but I solved it by dusting dry charcoal powder on them."

Dyna and Mage Pile stood discussing like mechanics at a car show. No matter the angle, it looked strange considering one was an old man and the other a little girl. What made it even more strange was the oversized wolf standing between them.

Not too far, Sue, Elder Shi, Grandmaster Bing, and a few Alchemist Masters sat on some chairs circling a wolf sitting on the grass.

"Substitution of an ingredient like the fox bone would have definitely shown repercussions by now. This wolf not only has healthy skin and teeth but lacks the yellow stain that appears on the claws."

"Even more amazing is its aura. I swear I feel this wolf sprawled on the ground feels much more terrifying than an aggressive hound."

"Have you fed them Meridian-opening pills, lady Sue?"

"No, Grandmaster Bing. Back home I have only managed to make low tier pills since Meridian-opening pills require spiritual power. Dyna tried to find out about them but we never could find any."

"Amazing. These animals are still young and possess the ability of a ten-year-old hound. Imagine what spiritual injected pills can do to them."

Over on the far end, Mr. Thomas stood with his hand on a wolf while staving off some strange questions.

"Master Thomas must be very pleased with his young daughters. I wonder if Master Thomas has given any thought into arranging a marriage?"

"Haha, I know the young miss is young. I have a grandson of similar age and wondered if Master Thomas would love to drop by with his family?"

When everyone had their fill, Dyna called them all together.

"Well then, let's have the offers for the Blood-Boosting pill..."