Prologue

The gods have a friendly chat about humans and their cubs

“Oh, look, Baletheon. The humans are in trouble again.”

                A burly man with a thick black beard regarded his younger brother, frowning deeply.  “Of what matter is it to me, Theron? Those creatures are always in trouble. A war here, a plague there. The odd famine. “

                A dark skinned woman giggled. “The wars are fun. They’re always so creative.”

                Theron scowled, ignoring the woman’s comment. “This is your mess. Another one of your…things is loose. This one has gained the throne. If something is not done soon"“

                “The poor little humans will die.” Baletheon said waving his hand. “So what? They were an accident anyway.”

                “I wouldn’t have them gone so soon.”  A voice said from across the room.

                Both Theron and Baletheon’s heads turned in the direction of the voice.

                “Nala.” Theron breathed, stunned by the sudden support from the tall blonde.

                “And why not, dear wife?” Baletheon growled, his cheeks turning pink with frustration.

                Nala stood and began walking toward the two, her pale feet seeming to glide across the floor.

                “Have you not seen their shrines? Heard their songs of praise?” She asked, gently resting her delicate hand on Baletheon’s massive shoulder. “I think you of all people would appreciate the adoration of these…lesser things.”

                Baletheon grumbled something to himself.

                Nala turned to Theron. “I would not doom them so quickly.” She said. “A monster is on the throne, yes, but there comes a great uprising. I have heard time whispering of a human cub that will loose the monster’s grip on their world.” Nala waved her hand, and the image of a female human cub appeared. Its hair was long and dark, but its eyes were bright silver. Something about those eyes made Theron want to look away. “The war that follows will be long.” She added, nodding in the dark-skinned woman’s direction.

                 Her amber eyes lit up with glee. “Their blood will stain the ground red!”

                “Good to see you are on board, Kaela.”  Nala said.

                “What cub can overcome this?” Theron asked, turning his gaze toward the little blue orb floating in the outer darkness.

                “It won’t be alone.”

                Nala turned to Baletheon. “Our children will want to help them again.”

                “They’ve helped enough.” Baletheon snapped. “And my word is law around here. “

                “Then what is your word, brother?”  Theron asked.

                Baletheon’s face twisted into a cruel smile. “This pathetic race of creatures puts its hope in a cub. I shall like to see if their hope is misplaced.”

                “Shall we make a game of it, then?” Kaela asked eagerly.

                “Yes…I think a game would be most enjoyable.” Nala agreed. “A little wager between us.”

                “I cast my lot with the cub.” Theron said.

                “As do I.” Nala agreed.

                “I want to see the cub slaughtered!” Kaela crowed. “Don’t you agree, Tovis?” She asked, turning to the man beside her.

                “Yes…That would be good fun.”  Tovis said, breaking his silence. “It has been a while since I played a good trick on a human.”

                “The twins are in agreement. What a surprise.” Theron said dryly.

                “And I with the twins.” Baletheon said with a smirk.

                “What of our children?” Nala asked.

                “They need not know.”

                Nala nodded. “Then let our game begin.”