Author's Note
The word "tainted" is used as both a verb and a noun, to describe a magical occurance as well as a condition. I've capitalized one usage, but not the other.
Likewise, the terms "Sobaka", "Koshka" and "Elf" are sometimes used as inclusive terms for the entire race (plural), in which case the word is capitalized, and other times as a descriptive term (singular), in which case it's not.
And, yes, sometimes I get confused, too. Hopefully I've gotten all the useages straight, but if not, please excuse any lapses.