I was still trying to count heads around my grandfather's gazebo when I heard the excited whispers behind me. Children's voices. Several of them. I glanced back just long enough to see a small group gathered a few paces away. They were staring at Flurry with wide eyes and pointing fingers. The boy who led them looked about eight or nine. He seemed thrilled rather than afraid.

I turned back to the gazebo. If there were only two or three people with my grandfather, I could approach without overwhelming him. But the children's whispers grew louder. More excited. I was trying to focus on both things at once when I heard small footsteps running toward me.
[b]"Dogie!"[/b]

A little girl broke from the group. She couldn't have been older than three or four. Her arms stretched out in front of her as she ran toward Flurry with unsteady steps. [b]"Pet the dogie!"[/b] she called out happily.

I moved without thinking. I tried to step between Flurry and the approaching child. I kept my movements smooth and deliberate. No sudden gestures that might startle anyone.

[b]"I'm afraid this doggie bites,"[/b] I said gently. I kept my voice polite but firm. The tone my mother used when correcting behavior at formal dinners. [b]"He's not safe to pet."[/b]

I raised my hand. The sapphire gems in my arcane glove began to glow softly. I spoke a few quiet words. The golden channels that connected the gems pulsed with light. The air shimmered in front of me. A cat appeared. Not a real one. An image made of light and magic. It was whimsical and strange. Its grin was too wide. Its body faded in and out like smoke. Its tail curled in impossible spirals.

[b]"But perhaps you'd like to follow the kitty instead?"[/b] I suggested.

I moved my fingers slightly. The phantom cat turned and began to drift across the lawn. It moved with a bouncing, playful gait. Its tail swished back and forth. I guided the image away from me. Away from Flurry. Toward an open space on the lawn where the children could chase it safely.