'You're a kandra,' Vin said. 'You can imitate flesh and muscle. What about fur?'

The kandra did not look pleased. 'I cannot imitate it,' he said, 'but I can use the beast's own fur, like I use its bones. However, surely there is—'

'I'm not going to kill for you, kandra,' Vin said. 'And even if I did kill someone, I wouldn't let you. . .eat them. Plus, this will be more inconspicuous. People will begin to talk if I keep replacing my stewards with unknown men. I've been telling people for months that I was thinking of dismissing you. Well, I'll tell them that I finally did—nobody will think to realize that my new pet hound is actually my kandra.'

She turned, nodding toward the carcass. 'This will be very useful. People pay less attention to hounds than they do to humans, and so you'll be able to listen in on conversations.'

OreSeur's frown deepened. 'I will not do this thing easily. You will need to compel me, by virtue of the Contract.'

'Fine,' Vin said. 'You're commanded. How long will it take?'

'A regular body only takes a few hours,' OreSeur said. 'This could take longer. Getting that much fur to look right will be challenging.'