From the introduction of
THE KNOWN WORDS OF FABLE AND LORE

by

Libris the Bookseller

Cats are creatures with short tempers and long memories.

Very long memories.

Lore tells stories that can be dated back to the Eleventh Dynasty, when his ancestors were worshipped as deities. It’s little wonder that the ancient Egyptians regarded felines this way—of all the members of the animal kingdom, cats are the most comfortable with magic. To those who aren’t, it must seem strange, how they stare at nothing in a way that sends chills up your spine. Or how they disappear for days on end, only to return with frost on their whiskers at the height of summer. Where exactly did they slip off to? What wonders have they witnessed?

One can wonder.

Or one can ask.

Perhaps I am writing myself out of a job… for if you take the time to understand Felis catus, you may never need to set foot in a bookstore again. Their knowledge is encyclopedic. Their adventures can be Odyssean. (Hence the need for very long and luxurious naps.) They may choose to share such things with you. Cats will talk quite a lot, once they deem you worthy. This test varies from cat to cat. I won Fable’s trust by scratching her under the chin three times a day. Lore claimed me by peeing on my finest rug and then staring as I scrubbed the spot clean. I did not shout. He did not repeat the offense.

Find your cat.

Earn their respect.

Learn their words.

And listen.