Huaisang's surprised by the information that he's metaphorically holding the creature's leash, though maybe he shouldn't be. It's here and cooperating, isn't it? But then what about the generations of his ancestors--at least two generations, according to the records--that had failed to get this creature to cooperate? Why hadn't they held the leash? Had Huaisang really somehow been deemed 'worthy'? But under what criteria?

He eats as he mulls this over, often adding morsels to Dieke's bowl in addition to taking some for himself, encouraging him to eat.

"I think I would expect an ordinary hound to want ... a comfortable bed, plenty of food, training and encouragement, hmm ... space to run?" Huaisang never had a pet dog before. He generally preferred birds. "What else?"