What did these brownies tell you? I'd no idea such Folk…

““What did these brownies tell you? I'd no idea such Folk could help a Black Hound." He took my hand. "Shadow is ill, Em. Some congestion in his blood--- that is how the creatures described it. An illness of age, which they might have prevented before it set in, but which they could not cure." I sank back against my chair--- I had not realized I was leaning forward, my body rigid with tension. "However," Wendell continued, "I did not lose hope at this, for the information was useful. I'd heard rumors that this half-bogle woman, who aptly calls herself the Wordmonger, had amassed a great collection of forgotten Words. Including one intended to cleanse the blood--- used mostly, I suspect, to rid the body of alcohol, and thus its aftereffects. Perhaps one of the most useful Words ever invented! And I thought to myself, why should it not be useful in this case? The Words have more than one function, and it stands to reason that their effects should be stronger in beasts. If ever I regained my kingdom, I told myself, I would venture to the rhododendron meadow to interview her as soon as could be." "A hangover remedy!" Niamh exclaimed. "You thought to cure the dog with that?" "I already have," Wendell said. "Come here, Em." I knelt beside him and placed my hands where he indicated. I felt Shadow's heartbeat--- with which I was acutely familiar, for the old dog liked to sleep pressed against my back at night. I didn't notice the change at first. But then--- "It's stronger," I cried. "Wait--- is it?" I listened again. "Yes--- I'm almost certain that it is!””

— Heather Fawcett