Since Grimm's return to Crar with General Quelgrum's technology-using army in tow, Shakkar had spent much of his time in acquainting the General's soldiers with the ways and customs of Crar, in an attempt to integrate fifteen-hundred armed men into the populace. Grimm had also had to endure many a lengthy, tedious meeting with the city council, so he felt more than happy to be able to devote a little time to his gigantic friend at last.

"Too long, Shakkar," Grimm agreed. "I never knew that so much of the time of a Baron was taken up with adjudicating grazing rights, settling disputes and appointing minor dignitaries. Still, I guess you're only too familiar with that."

"Greetings, Shakkar," a familiar voice piped from a pocket in Grimm's robes, and the tiny head of the ever-present Thribble popped into view. As ever, the Questor had all but forgotten that the resourceful, six-inch tall demon was there: the minuscule creature might be an invaluable companion, but he seemed somehow easy to overlook or forget.

"Greetings, Thribble," the titan boomed. "It is good to see you again."

Shakkar fixed his eyes on Drexelica, who still sat on the divan. Her expression was nervous in the extreme.

"Grimm, will you not introduce me to this lovely, toothsome piece of mortal flesh?" The demon bared his fearsome array of dental weaponry once more, and Drex shrank back from the dread apparition.

Grimm suppressed a chuckle. "Drexelica, this is my good friend, Shakkar. Don't worry; he won't eat you, for all his terrifying aspect and his occasional lack of tact." He shot a hard look at the demon, who appeared unaffected even by the commanding gaze of a Guild Questor. "Shakkar, this is Drexelica, who will be keeping house for me."

Since sensual relations between mages and women were regarded within the Guild as unseemly, Grimm and Drex had agreed that the fewer people who were aware of their true relationship, the better.