"Original HGM" by Leo Annakin Belkin

Henry George Matzuna (HGM). One of the three Makhaya. New scanner = better quality...or so I hope. This was the picture that started the entire Makhaya "movement" in my head. Henry George was born in the royal court of a king who's empire is long gone. In those days humans knew about the existence of the breed and often called upon them for help. It so happened that this king wanted to live forever. For years he had a pact with one of the summoning beasts. He kept feeding it souls and the creature prolonged his life. Finally, it was HGM's turn to be given to the beast, but the boy (8 at the time) did not want to die. In his desperation he called out for help. Elaya heard the cry and chose to come to the rescue. He took the boy away from the king and made him and apprentice. Years later HGM became a Makhaya, rendering him and Elaya as equals, and decided to make the first move to change their relationship...after he murdered the king, every single one of his supporters and the summoning beast with whom he had the deal.