The staccato clapping of hands slowly filled the chamber. The priestess' only reaction was to stand a little more erect.<br/><br/>"Well played,brother mine, well played. How proud the clan and Mother must be as the conquering hero returns with a token and magnificent scars!" the voice of Loz was dripping with sarcasm.<br/><br/>The handsome scamp had grown into a vain,worthless Kuguar. His movements were languid and his emerald eyes cynical. Were he not the son of the priestess and the brother of the Sheriff, he would have been driven into the Warren for he contributed little to the people other than to the gene pool. Where his brother was a leader, Loz was vapidly charming. Where his brother was a diplomat, Loz was cunning and sly. He wanted what his brother had but more than, he wanted Mother to take him seriously and give him the respect that was given to Raschen. He felt that respect was his birthright.<br/><br/>"Wanderer come home. Welcome, brother."<br/><br/>"Loz, my pet, Mother is tending to business and perhaps you could run along. Perhaps, you could be a lamb and see a feast prepared.<br/><br/>Loz' face was a mask of unperturbed charm as he bowed to the priestess.<br/><br/>"Of course, priestess, as you will. I am yours to command." he said aloud, while in his mind he was screaming, Bitch! I am not some child to be dismissed.<br/>"The Sheriff brought others from his war party. I'm sure they will be afforded a place of honour by your side." he continued smoothly. "I am sure they will have tales to offer this fine regaling of victory."<br/><br/>She nodded, smiling at her youngest son fondly.<br/>"Yes, yes, now hurry along."<br/>The priestess rarely made mistakes as to the nature of others,but with Loz, she was blinded. He was her last cub. He had been sickly, nearly dying several times before adulthood. He was beautiful and charming and never in a million years would she have believed the poisoned nature that lived just below the surface of his tawny fur.