The priestess was kneeling at the altar where she lit candles in a circle around about her. She lined up the stones and then took the Kuguar skull of the ancient beast before the days when Kuguar walked upright. She was distressed in her spirit for runners had brought her news that troubled her. Her dreams had been riddled with warnings and mayhem, no, she had not slept well since Raschen had left on the qest. She was his mother and although she would not admit it aloud, he was her favorite son.<br/><br/>From a child, Raschen had honor and courage.She could depend on him to corral his younger brother, who had few scruples and no shame.Raschen was smarter, faster, stronger than the other of their kind. He learned the law, both the letter and the spirit. He never used his strength to hurt the weak. There was only one she loved better than that, the Goddess. She would cut off all her paws for that man child of hers but she would not betray her people and their deity.<br/><br/>Luz entered her sanctuary without so much as a discreet huffing at the door.<br/><br/>"Mother, the prodigal returns. Hail the conquering hero." he sneered.<br/><br/>The priestess rose and amid the jangling of her beads and swishing of her robes,she  moved serenely, gracefully.<br/><br/>"You are well, my son." she said simply