"Oh shit," Hawk said, startled. "Did you know 'em? Jeez, Vlad, I--"

"No, no," Vlad broke in quickly. "Their species. Since Shinobu's away in Enodia, I'm the one at the University with the most expertise on the bestiary. I got called to identify the victim's species."

"Fuzhu," Vlad said. He stood in the blue light coming through the half-obscured entrance, somewhat disheveled, with his scarf looped loosely over his shoulders. Two olive-coated officers stood at either shoulder; one was tall and blonde and disinterested, and the other hung on Vlad's every word, a notepad at the ready in their hands.

Vlad stared at the head, which sat at the edge of the water, spots of dark blood surrounding it. The fur of it was white otherwise; the ears were pierced in several places with round gauges and small silver rings. The antlers were relatively short, tawny, and smooth.

< The four antlers give it away, > Vlad said.