"I don't think you'd be able to do much running at that point. But really, he won't hurt you." With that large tongue hanging out, jowls pulled back in a big, toothy smile, he barely looked like a creature bred for battle. "Mother practically turned him into a house pet. He's been lavished and loved and pampered since we got the estate."

Hawke grabbed one of the large spoons hanging above the fireplace and handed it to him. "Stir. And then we'll wait for it to boil. Hopefully, the spices will sink a little and then we can get started. Once we throw the crabs in, we'll need to fill up the empty pot with fresh water so they'll cool enough to be handled and cleaned."