Hatano steps into the inn. She looks like she's spent the last few nights in a ditch, which is accurate enough. She orders some pottage and a saucer of milk. While she is eating, a cat uncurls itself from its bed on top of her pack and eagerly laps up the milk, before standing in front of Hatano's food, meowing loudly. "No! Go find a rat or something! she says. Then she sees the disapproving stare of the inn's proprietor. "Not saying you got any! But if'n you did, he's the best mouser this side o' the woods!"

A few minutes later, the cat returns, rat in mouth, and drops it at Menander's feet proudly, before winding around his ankles.