Yog raised his teacup, took a small sip, and spoke softly.
"Grete."
Startled, Grete immediately prostrated himself on the floor and answered in a low voice.
"What are your commands, Your Eminence?"
Yog continued.
"How long have you been at my side?"
Grete felt his heart tighten, then answered solemnly.
"By this world's reckoning, it has been two years since I received your favor in the Abyss, Your Eminence."
Yog set down his teacup, opened his book, and continued.
"Do you want to go back?"
Of course Grete wanted to return to the Abyss, but for some reason, he could not get the words out.
With a hint of mockery, Yog said,
"For these past two years, the Abyss has been unable to sense you, and you have been unable to sense it."
Yog looked at the black dog prostrate on the floor and continued.
"I imagine you've noticed something by now."
Grete furrowed his canine face. After a long pause, he bowed his head deeply.
"Please enlighten me, Your Eminence."
Yog smiled, then gently closed one hand.
Grete felt as though some shackle had fallen away from him.
He could sense that what Your Eminence held seemed to belong to some majestic being, but he had no idea what it was.
Yog chuckled.
"A clumsy imitation. I wonder what Shub would think if Shub knew that the little fellow saved back then was now prying into the realm of the Unspeakable while bringing shame upon Shub at every turn."
Then Yog murmured to himself.
"Given Shub's temperament, though, I doubt there would be much of a reaction. I've never been able to understand the depth of that love for life. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it goes beyond the definition bestowed by divine authority."
At that thought,