Sea Lion Shores a rat who gnaws at a cat's tail invites destruction

Challenge accepted, apparently. Vlad narrowed his eyes, studying the Rat for signs that he was joking before concluding that the wretched creature probably didn't know how. "You much seek wulf een head, Rett," the Russian concluded with a shake of his head, but morbid curiosity pushed him to do as the Rat had asked. "You vaiting," he commanded, and disappeared towards the grotto. Plenty of rats sought refuge in the dark.

He returned half an hour later. The Rat had made pulp of his flank by that point, chewing at the civilization of invisible pests that had settled there. Vlad dropped a large, dazed rat into the sand, pinning its wriggling body with a salt-stained paw. It squealed and struggled, snapping at the Russian's toes. The resemblance was uncanny. The true rat was in far better condition, sporting a coat that was mostly free from gaps and host to far fewer fleas. "Eef fail," Vlad warned, displaying his yellow teeth in a conniving smile, "Vlad geev Rett job." It was high time the creature earned his keep - he was all but useless as an aid to recruitment, but as a sneak he might do rather well.