Taz

A medium-sized guard dog with a brindle coat, sturdy shoulders, and a short muzzle. He keeps close to the place or person he protects, ears pricked at unfamiliar sounds and teeth bared only after a warning growl.

Taz was raised beside The Tree Spirits tavern and learned the smell of every regular visitor before he could reach the latch. During a winter break-in, he followed a trail of lamp oil through the snow and cornered the thief beneath the old bridge. Since then, his handler trusts his nose more than any lock. Given to Milo after meeting in Elventree.

Taz now patrols the area around the wagon every night. He greets familiar people with a slow tail wag but plants himself between strangers and his charge. A low rumble means warning; two sharp barks mean danger is already close.

• Taz rarely leaves the wagon, growling whenever he smells an intruder. He guards the area and the wagon even when Milo is away. Taz is capable of hunting on his own for his meals. Taz is not owned by Milo but stays out of love and duty.