Jageena smiled to herself as she gazed out of the window over the awakening city. In the streets below were the first signs of activity as the people of Thundera rose to meet a new day, blissfully unaware that while they had slept soundly in their beds, an event had occurred that would one day touch all their lives.

It had been difficult, but it was a triumph. No, it was her triumph, her idea that had been executed to perfection. From that slut of a cheetah, she had taken the very essence of life and left poison in its place. By the time the painkillers they had implanted inside her wore off, it would be too late. She would be dead within days, a fitting, agonising end for her deceitful use of their powers. Her people would fret and grieve, but not question her fate. They would blame it on the ill-fortune that had plagued her family for decades. No one would ever know the truth.

It had been done this way for centuries, but where other jaguars had failed, she, Divine Mistress Jageena, had succeeded, with just a little help from the Ancient Spirits of Evil. In the Hall of Mysteries, she had witnessed their awesome power when they had replaced the DNA of the jaguar male who had provided the seed for the joining with her own. Then, with the male element added to the female, compatibility had been forced. A new life had been conceived, part-cheetah, part-jaguar, which Jageena now fostered within her womb. In nine months she would give birth to a daughter, in full possession of the mystical abilities of both her parents. She would be the most powerful jaguar that Thundera had ever known. Then all would see who really ruled this planet.

For now, however, other matters had brought her to Cat's Lair at this early hour. Saturnus was not in his rooms, and she found herself growing increasingly impatient at his prolonged absence. When he finally appeared, his look of surprise at finding her there was soon tempered by a warmer glow of anticipation.

"Well, my lady," he purred, pulling her into his arms. "What brings you to my rooms at dawn? Lonely without me?"

"Not quite," she said tersely. "Actually, there was something I had to tell you."

"Do go on," he said, starting to nuzzle her neck. "I love it when you talk business."

Jageena extracted herself from his embrace and returned to her position by the window. "Your nephew's distraction should be removed once and for all today."

"Really?" he said, raising a quizzical eyebrow. "Did you have to compromise yourself?"

"You mean, did I have to lie? No, I didn't. You find that surprising?"

"Slightly."

"I don't see why. After all, she was a Thundercat. You know how highly they value honour."

"I imagined that temptation would get the better of them. They were on Third Earth for a long time," he said, thoughtfully stroking his chin and eyeing her glowing silhouette with appreciation. "I know I would never be able to resist for so long."

"Then perhaps that explains why you were never thought fit to be a Thundercat."

Saturnus frowned. "Oh dear. What am I supposed to have done this time?"

She fixed him with an unfriendly eye. "When exactly were you going to tell me what you had planned for Lion-O?"

He chuckled heartily. "I wondered when you would get round to that. How did you find out?"

"He came to me and asked to speak to Jaga. I overheard him say he was losing his sight."

"And I thought such consultations were meant to be private. Isn't that just a little unethical?"

"Not when it concerns the Lord of Thundera. How am I expected to operate when you keep such things from me? Why do I have to hear it from that little creep Ravenglass?"

Saturnus sighed and sidled over to her. "Come now, don't be angry with me, my love," he said. "I was going to tell you. I didn't expect Lion-O to turn to Jaga for advice so soon. Whatever Ravenglass said to him, it must have been good. My nephew relies on me for his very breath now."

Jageena huffed with displeasure. "You still haven't said what you're doing to him. And don't you dare try to fob me off with some story about it being congenital. I looked it up. I know why Claudus went blind and it was nothing to do with an inherited disease."

He led her back to the desk, from where he took up a small, delicately carved wooden box. Removing the lid, he took out a vial of purple liquid, which he held up for her inspection. "The juice of the Lacklight plant from the Dark Moons of Plun-darr. The story goes that when the Moons were cursed with perpetual night, all that loved the daylight died. Only the Lacklight flourished. With nothing else, the starving people were forced to eat it. They found too late that it was poison. You see, this plant has a rather unique defence mechanism. It contains a toxin that affects the sight. A single leaf can cause permanent blindness within the hour. I suppose the reasoning is that if you can't see the plant, you can't eat it. A warped, but effective means of protection. Simple, really."

"So, if a single leaf can render a person blind, then a whole plant...?"

"Can kill," Saturnus said. "The body can only tolerate so much toxicity. After the initial deaths, the people of the Dark Moons became resistant to it over time. A side effect of their prolonged exposure seems to have been an over-developed infra red sensitivity. I believe that allows them to compensate to some degree for their lost sight."

"And this Lacklight juice is what you're giving Lion-O?" Jageena asked.

"In carefully measured doses, of course."

"What a devious mind you have," she smirked. "As he gradually loses his sight, you have him convinced that he's suffering from the same condition as his father, and so he turns to the one person he thinks he can trust." She clapped her hands together and laughed. "The irony is too delicious! But what happens when he finds out you've been lying to him about Claudus?"

"Who will tell him? By the time I've finished with his friends, they won't be able to help him. All anyone else knows is some heroic story about Claudus losing his sight in an epic battle against the Mutants. I can easily persuade Lion-O that was a fiction put about to bolster his father's reputation. Besides, he's had it straight from 'Jaga's' mouth, so to speak. Why should he doubt his former mentor?" So saying, he carefully stowed the vial back in its box. "Now do I have your approval?"

"Hmm, but don't keep things from me in future. I might think you don't love me any more."

"How could I not?" he said, pulling her towards him and kissing her deeply.

***************

Light filtered through the gossamer curtains and reached out to the slumbering figure in the bed. Sleep slowly lifted from her mind and Cheetara opened her eyes, squinting at the brightness of the room. For a moment, she lay still, trying to remember where she was. Certainly not in her room at the Lair, she decided, noticing her plain surroundings. Then the memories of the day before reasserted themselves, and all she could do was to groan and pull the covers up over her head. Getting up demanded the courage to face a day as an ex-Thundercat, however that was meant to feel. She wasn't sure she had the strength.

Try as she might to ignore it, she was increasingly aware that something was very wrong. Concerned, she tossed back the sheets and sat up, trying to pinpoint the source of the feeling. In the silence around her, all she could hear was her own breathing. It made the hairs rise on the back on her neck. Silence, where there should have been a familiar, comforting murmur at the back of her mind. Silence, where only yesterday her sixth sense had warned of danger in this place.

It had finally gone. She had wished for this moment for so long, yet now it had happened, she felt strangely empty.

Deciding that nothing was to be achieved by remaining in bed, she made an effort to get up. She slid out of the bed, only to crumple to the floor as her stomach was gripped by a pain so strong that she was left gasping for breath. Then, as mysteriously as it had come, it vanished. In its wake was an almost complete lack of sensation. That was a blessing, she thought. The last thing she needed this morning was to be slowed down by unexpected aches and pains.

Wary of its return, however, gingerly she pushed herself up using the bed as a support. Up on her feet and feeling no ill effects, she made her way to the bathroom. The splash of water on her skin was refreshing, but the reflection she saw in the mirror betrayed any sense of well being. She hardly recognised herself. Purplish circles hung under bloodshot eyes and her mane was a mess. Even on her worst days as a Thundercat, she had never looked this bad, she thought gloomily.

But there was no time for brooding. The stars had not yet fully surrendered the sky to the sun, which meant she had time to beat Histor out of bed. Finding something suitable to wear for her daring escape, however, presented a problem. The wardrobe offered a long, sleeveless cream dress, low cut at the bosom and slashed to the thigh. A traditional cheetah style, it was designed to show off a fine physique. It was also too revealing. Today, she felt as though she wanted to hide away, not draw unwanted attention. That left the orange dress. The sight of it brought back unwelcome memories, but it was all she had. She could only pray that a second wearing might improve its luck.

Slipping out of her room, she was relieved to find that the house was quiet. Histor's advanced years gave him a good excuse to forgo the dawn training sessions. Even so, she crept past the other rooms on tiptoe. Every step brought her nearer to freedom and before long she was downstairs and hurrying towards the front door. Then, the sound of a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Cheetara, my dear," said Cheetina as she emerged from one of the side rooms. "You're up at last. Did you sleep well?"

Cursing her bad luck, she turned to face her, forcing herself to smile and politely answer her question.

"Excellent, because you have a busy day ahead of you. Come, I want you to meet someone." Cheetina gestured to someone inside the room she had just left. A moment later, her brother, Castor, wandered out, hands clasped behind his back and a thin smile on his lips.

"Good morning to you, Lady Cheetara," he said, giving a curt bow. "Please accept my condolences for the unhappy events of yesterday."

She nodded, only half hearing him. Her eyes wandered longingly to the front door. So near and yet so far. A burst of super speed would get her there, but time spent fumbling with the locks and bolts meant they would stop her before she could get away.

"Of course, it must have seemed terrible," Castor went on. "But all things happen for a reason. Actually, this could not have happened at a better time. I'm sure you know there is much speculation over our next leader. You'll have many wanting to claim your hand now you are eligible again. And none as ardent as me, I can assure you." Sidling up to her, he slipped his hand around her waist. "See, we fit perfectly together."

His boldness took her by surprise. "How dare you!" she said, shoving him away.

"Come now, Cheetara," he said. "I know young ladies are wont to be modest, but there is no need to play games with me. Histor has said that today he intends to name his successor. I think we all know who that will be."

"Then Jaga help us all. Excuse me."

"Where are you going?" Castor asked mildly.

"Out. What's it to you?" The bolts back easily enough and the door opened. She had a brief glimpse of a vivid blue sky before the door was slammed shut and she found herself staring at the back of Castor's hand on the wood panel.

"Let me out!" she yelled at him.

Castor smiled indulgently. "You don't want to do that, Cheetara."

"Don't tell me what to do!"

"Someone has to. You've lived an unruly life and now you must learn to bow to a greater will. Today, whether you like it or not, we are to be engaged. Histor has practically promised me the leadership. All I need is your hand to strengthen my claim."

"Dream on," she said, pulling the door open. Once more Castor slammed it shut.

"You will not defy us," he said. "You will do as your Leader says. If not, you will be made an outcast."

She caught her breath. It was no idle threat. People had been declared outcasts for lesser offences than defying their Leader's will.

"Think about it," Castor went on. "A life as an outcast. Your people, your family never acknowledging you, never speaking to you. No one would take you in, for fear of incurring our wrath. You would be dead in all but fact." He grinned nastily. "Is that the life you want, Cheetara? Where you could fall down dead in the street and people would step over your rotting corpse? Choose wisely, my dear. There are worse things than the pleasures of the marriage bed."

He held out his hand, expecting her to take it and accept him. Instead, she backed away, furiously shaking her head. "No, this isn't right," she said. "I want to see Histor!"

"What, that old fool?" Castor snorted. "It's about time he had the decency to die and leave the way clear for a younger cheetah."

As he said it, Cheetina gave a gasp of horror. The smile slowly died on his lips as it dawned on him that they were not alone. Cheetara looked over his shoulder to see Histor standing a few feet away, his face a mask of anger.

"Cheetara, I would speak with you," he said brusquely. "Come with me."

Glad of the excuse to leave, she side-stepped the still stunned Castor and made her way to the open doorway of Histor's study. Not sure if she was leaving one unpromising situation for another, she found herself pausing on the threshold. What if Castor had spoken the truth? She fervently prayed not. But Histor clearly had something in mind.

No sooner had she entered the room than the door was closed behind her. Histor shuffled over to his desk and gestured for her to sit. Obediently, she did so, taking the chair opposite his, and waited for him to speak.

For a long moment, he stood with his back to her, as if lost in contemplation of the volumes on his bookshelf. Then, with a deep sigh and a sad shake of his head, he turned to face her. "Ah me, what times we live in," he murmured. "Where is the respect, the regard? Gone, all gone." Again, the sigh. "They wish me dead, you know that?"

Cheetara nodded. "Castor has ambition."

"Which has been bolstered by my faithless wife all these years."

"Well, I..."

Histor snorted. "There is no need to spare my feelings. It is as well to know these things. That way we can prepare for what must come." He wandered over to where she sat and rested his hand upon her shoulder. "And that is where you come in, my dear."

"Me? What about me? I'm just--"

"The precious daughter and heir of my predecessor," Histor said. "People still speak fondly of your father. Your recent ill treatment at the hands of the Lord of Thundera has grieved them greatly. I was woken early with news of disquiet in the town. It seems they would storm Cat's Lair itself if you wished it."

"I don't," she said. "But it's very kind of them to offer."

Histor laughed. "Spoken like a true diplomat, my dear," he said, patting her shoulder. "Yes, you will serve our people well."

"How?" She followed his progress around the room until he finally came to rest in his chair. "Histor, what are you planning?"

"I will be dead soon," he said. "My time on the Astral Plane will be much happier knowing that I have left my people in safe hands."

"But I can't lead our House," Cheetara protested. "Tradition forbids it."

"That is why I want you to marry."

Before he had finished speaking, she was up on her feet and heading for the door.

"Cheetara, my dear," Histor called after her. "I understand you are upset, but this must be addressed."

"Then you can address it without me," she returned. Opening the door, she found the way blocked by two of Histor's personal guards. "You can't keep me here," she said, turning back to face the old cheetah. "Tell your goons to step aside."

"Hear me out first," he said. "Before a decision is forced upon us, one way or another."

"Meaning?"

"Outcasting is such a radical step, and so unpleasant for all involved."

She hesitated, hearing the quiet determination in Histor's voice. He meant it. He had the power to declare her an outcast on the spot. Then where would she go? Cat's Lair was out of bounds for an ex-Thundercat. Even if Lion-O did take her in, Histor and the other leaders would put pressure on him to uphold their laws. Given what had happened yesterday, she had no doubt that he would do exactly as they asked. That left her friends. However much Tygra wanted to help, the other tigers were as concerned with honour as her own people. They would not tolerate her presence. Nor for that matter would any of the other Houses of Thundera. Experience had long since taught them not to interfere in the affairs of others. She could not see Panthro being so easily intimidated, but even if he did take her in, the other cheetahs would never allow such an obvious show of defiance. Punishment came swift to the wayward and their accomplices. She could risk her own safety, but not Panthro's. It was rapidly developing into a no-win situation.

"If you care so little for yourself, then at least consider your people," Histor went on. "What will become of them after my death? You see how the pretenders to the leadership already conspire to ensure their victory. Civil war will be inevitable. If you desert us, Cheetara, the deaths of many will be on your hands."

She knew it was calculated emotional blackmail of the worst kind, but he did speak the truth. It had happened before, long ago. Families had been divided. Brothers had killed brothers, fathers their sons. Friends had denounced each other and stood by while former comrades had been cut down. The poets had wept and the artists drenched their canvases with red. Fearful times indeed, to be avoided in future at all costs. And Cheetara knew that for her the cost would be high.

"Histor, I cannot," she said.

"Well, I cannot force you accept this marriage. As you know, the choice must be yours."

"You ask me to damn myself," she returned. "You've heard the stories. My father--"

"Was wise in many respects, but he allowed himself to be deceived by old wives' tales," Histor said scornfully. "A curse on his family, indeed! If so, why did not your mother die?"

"She did."

"Only after your birth. By such reasoning, your mother should never have made it to the altar. No, I will not countenance such nonsense."

She could almost feel the very net of his plan closing about her. One faint light of escape remained, although she balked at what she must say. "Then I'm... I'm not..." The hateful words caught in her throat, refusing to come forth. "You were right, Histor. Certain things happened on Third Earth without my consent. Because of that, I am no longer--"

"Yes, you are," said Histor.

"No, I'm not," she insisted. "As I said, it was forced upon me. I couldn't--"

"These lies do you no credit," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "We checked."

She stared at him. On some level, his words had registered, for a chill had spread through her body. Consciously, she could not believe her ears. "Histor, what are you saying?"

"An examination was performed," he explained. "We had to know."

"You did what?!" she roared. "I gave you my word, and still you doubted me?"

Histor shook his head. "Come now, let's not make a fuss--"

"A fuss?" she said angrily. "I've been molested under your roof and you tell me it was all in a good cause. Am I meant to be grateful?"

"Can you imagine what would have happened without confirmation? You would have lived forever under suspicion and your children would have been denounced as bastards. We did this for you, Cheetara."

"No, you did this for the good of your accursed succession. How dare you! My father--"

"Acted unwisely in allowing you to associate with those people. They corrupted you and led you astray. I will never forgive Lord Jaga for stranding you on a planet in such difficult circumstances. What you must have suffered."

"It was never like that."

Histor held up his hand for silence. "Please, you don't have to explain. I am old enough to know the wicked ways of this world. I can only admire you for retaining your honour. You are truly an example to us all."

"I don't want to be an example," she retorted. "I want my own life. Can't I just give my approval to your successor and leave it at that?"

"And what of you? Do you think you will be forgotten? No, quite impossible," he said with a disdainful snort. "You say you want your own life. Yet your life has never been your own. You are a noble lady of the highest rank. The people look to you to uphold the traditions of our ancestors. You will marry and secure the leadership. That is your duty to your House and to your people."

She sank down a the chair, feeling the heavy burden of defeat settling about her shoulders. Duty, Histor had said. As a Thundercat, her duty had been to protect Thundera, risking her life for the safety of every person on the planet. A day was supposed to make a difference, but here she was, still being asked to lay down her life for the good of the people. The cause was worthy, the outcome certain. They would live and she would die. In the end, there really was no doubt about her decision.

And so she gave her consent. Histor was elated and enthused on the subject. Cheetara, however, found her thoughts straying beyond his talk of feasts and grand celebrations to what was likely to be her immediate future. How long did she have left? How would it be? Quick, with the sudden cessation of her beating heart, or some long, drawn out end, full of pain and wasting? If any, she hoped for the former. Offering a fervent prayer to the ancestors that she would never know what it was to be deprived of her speed and confined to a sickbed, she tried to concentrate on what Histor was saying.

"Now, it is time to meet your future mate and my heir," he said, making his way to the door. "Come, my dear."

Dutifully, she followed him out into the hall. Castor was waiting outside and fairly flung himself at Histor's feet, begging forgiveness for his hasty words.

Histor smiled indulgently and patted him on the head. "You are forgiven," he said. "Let us not hold any grudges on such a happy day."

"You have good news then, my love?" Cheetina asked expectantly.

"I have indeed," he declared. "Today, I will announce the name of my chosen successor." Glances passed between sister and brother, in the certainty of Castor's selection. "And my choice will be confirmed by an alliance between him and our dear Cheetara. May their union be blessed."

"Thank you, Leader," Castor said, bowing reverently. "I will make our House great above all others."

But Histor slowly shook his head. "I am sorry, but that responsibility falls to another."

Castor stared at him, open-mouthed. "Who?" he asked in a strangled voice.

In answer, there was a knock at the front door. A guard moved to open it and admitted a tall, lank male cheetah. For a moment, Cheetara could only stare at the newcomer, feeling a tingle of recognition somewhere at the back of her mind. She knew him from somewhere, from a time long past. The face was thinner now, more defined, and his mane, which had once been close-cropped, was drawn back into a long ponytail. The years drifted away and the hall filled with people clad in finery of many colours, guests at one of the many receptions held in the Leader's house. He had been younger then, when she had been stood in this very place and had seen him for the first time. Then, as now, their eyes met.

"Tanis," she whispered.

"Ah, good, so you do remember each other," said Histor approvingly. He shuffled over to Tanis and clapped him soundly on the back. "Tanis, my boy, I'm glad you could make it. Castor, Cheetina, Cheetara, you are my witnesses," he said with considerable pride. "I present to you, Lord Tanis, my heir and your future Leader."

A muffled gasp of horror escaped Cheetina's lips. "Where did he come from?" she demanded.

"This peace has proved beneficial in more ways than one," Histor explained. "The end of hostilities has seen many of our brethren released from the tyranny of their Mutant captors. None was more pleased than I to welcome Tanis back home."

"You've kept this very quiet," Cheetina said bitterly. "You lied to me, Histor. How dare you treat my family so shamefully in selecting this outsider over my brother!"

"Tanis is no outsider, my dear. His family was numbered amongst the fleetest of our House." He sighed and patted Tanis on the arm. "I count myself truly blessed to have been present when your dear father broke the land speed record. Such endurance and determination, surely a sign of true nobility."

"If I could run half as fast as him, I should think myself fortunate," said Tanis.

"Modest too. What a fine Leader you shall be."

"Yes, about that. I don't think I'm ready--"

"Nonsense," scoffed Histor. "This position should have been yours years ago. I know that Cheetarn was always very impressed with you. You do know that, had he not lost his wits and sent Cheetara away to Cat's Lair, you would have had her hand in marriage."

"I did hear something to that effect," Tanis said softly, glancing over at her. She held his gaze, wondering what thoughts were passing behind those light brown eyes.

"Good, then it's settled," Histor said. "You are to be my heir and you will marry Cheetara."

"But, Histor," Tanis began.

"But nothing. My decision is final. Lead our House well, my boy, and enjoy your new mate. They make a pretty pair, don't they, my dear?" he said, looking to Cheetina for her approval.

If he was needling his wife and her brother on purpose, it worked. At that, Castor curtly excused himself. His sister scurried after him, trying to pacify him, but he was too angry. The door banged behind him as he went, leaving Cheetina flapping helplessly in his wake. But she did not give up so easily, and railed against the injustice, putting Castor's claim to her husband. Histor, however, had other matters on his mind, and was too busy issuing orders to his chief personal guard. Seeing her cause was lost, Cheetina gave Histor a look that would have made a more sensible man uneasy for his future and then stormed away upstairs.

"It is all arranged," said Histor, rubbing his hands together with evident glee. "I have instructed that word be spread forthwith. How the people will rejoice. A noble wedding is always a cause for celebration, especially one as important as this."

"I would say that all marriages are important, Histor," Tanis remarked.

"Forgive me, dear boy, I had not forgotten your previous attachment. Of course you mourn. But time passes and we must move on. I think our little beauty here will be some consolation, hmm? Why, were I ten years younger..."

"If that were so, then we would not be having this conversation. You have led our House through troubled times, Histor. We lose a great leader when you step down."

"Perhaps as Castor said, I have lived too long," Histor said, sighing deeply. "The gods have granted me time enough to see the suffering of feline kind in all its many forms. But before I go, I wish to see the small spark of hope that we have planted here on Thundera flower. Give me your hands, my children, that I might seal your union."

Any second thoughts she might have had were firmly quashed when Histor took her hand in his and forced a ring onto her third finger. After having done the same to Tanis, he placed their hands together and stepped back to admire his handiwork.

"Perfect," he said. "You make a beautiful couple. May the gods bless your union with cubs who can outrace the wind. Now, go forth, and let our people offer you their good wishes."

"I'm afraid we must decline," said Tanis. "I have much to do this morning, and Cheetara has a prior engagement."

"I do?" she said.

"I was at the Lair earlier. Someone, his name was Panthro, I think, asked me to tell you he would be leaving for Third Earth soon after dawn. I took the liberty of asking him to wait for you."

Histor fairly spluttered with indignation. "My dear Tanis, you don't propose to let your fiancée go wandering off somewhere with those people? Why, anything could happen."

"With respect, Cheetara has managed before."

"Well, she is to be your wife and I will not interfere," Histor said, clearly unhappy with the situation. "But I would have your assurance, Cheetara, that you will not disgrace us. You will return as you have left. Do you understand?" She nodded meekly. "And your word?"

"Yes, I swear it," she said.

"And now we have to go," said Tanis. "Cheetara, may I accompany you to the Lair?"

Obediently, she took the arm he offered to her, knowing that she could hardly refuse such a request from her future mate. Out in the warm morning sunshine, he set a comfortable pace and, arm in arm, they walked along in silence, trying to ignore the stares of passers-by. Their intimacy would be duly noted, confirming the news of their engagement currently being spread throughout the town by Histor's messengers. That they should be seen was important. Tradition demanded it and, more practically, it sent a very clear message to anyone with ambitions on the leadership that their cause was lost.

All the same, deep down, Cheetara found herself hoping that Tanis saw her as something more than a means to an end. She had memories of a handsome young cheetah, who had danced till dawn and made her laugh. A simple friendship had blossomed into mutual attraction. On their third date, which happened to be the eve of her eighteenth birthday, he had kissed her. It had been nothing more than a chaste peck on the cheek, but it had served to confirm their feelings for each other. After that, Tanis had gone to ask her father for his blessing on their union. A better match could not have been found in all of Thundera. Tanis' father was a respected diplomat and his son was expected to follow in his footsteps. Great things were expected of Tanis. Some had dared to suggest that he might one day lead his House to fame and glory. Even Cheetarn smiled kindly upon him. Under such circumstances, they had not anticipated any resistance.

Yet her father had turned Tanis down, declaring that the marriage could never take place. Instead of preparing for her wedding, Cheetara had found herself being packed off to Cat's Lair with no explanation other than that it was expected. It was several years before she saw Tanis again, by which time he had married a fair cheetah called Chee'jayna and had taken a position in the Thunderian Guard. Any bitterness had long passed, but not the feelings. Once she had dreamed of becoming Tanis' wife, of the flowers and the dress and the guests and the wonder of the day. Now she knew the reason for her father's reaction, she dreaded going through with it.

Wondering how Tanis felt about it, she plucked up the courage to speak.

"So, you're back."

"Seems like it," he said.

"I didn't think I'd ever see you again. I thought you were dead."

"Pleased to see you too," he grunted in reply.

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that."

"Yes, I know. Sorry, I didn't mean to take my frustrations out on you." He sighed. "Cheetara, I'll be honest. I hadn't planned on getting engaged today."

"Nor did I," she said.

"No, I guess not. You didn't seem exactly overjoyed about the prospect. Although..." He turned sympathetic eyes on her. "I heard. About what happened at Cat's Lair, I mean. I know how much your insignia meant to you. I can't imagine how you feel now."

For a moment, she struggled to answer him. Words hardly described it. Empty, hollow, lost, devastated were all adequate enough, but they barely touched the depths of despair and misery in her soul. "I feel different," she said at last. "It was only yesterday, but I can't remember now what it felt like to be a Thundercat." It was still too raw to dwell on and she deliberately changed the subject. "I haven't seen you around. When did you get back?"

"I was a slave on the Hyenas' ship," he said. "My release was part of the peace deal. I journeyed home to Thundera with the Leaders."

"Which is how Histor knew about you." She glanced up at him, noticing the change in the face she had once known. "I'm sorry, Tanis, I didn't know. It must have been a hard life."

"No worse than any other slave's. Actually, I should thank them. They did save me from certain death."

"The Hyenas did? I find that hard to believe."

He shrugged. "Live long enough and you'll come to believe that anything is possible."

"How did it happen?"

"I was in command of our ship during the evacuation. Like many others, we were picked off by Mutants as we were trying to escape. They destroyed our ship and told us that our next stop would be the slave markets. Instead, we ended up on a gods-forsaken planet, light years from anywhere. They had sustained damage and were forced to put down. Thundera's parting shot, no doubt." He gave a small, ironic laugh. "Much good it did us. The Mutants were low on fuel and people. They turned us out, saying we were more trouble than we were worth. We were abandoned, and glad of it. We had a new home, a lush, green paradise, just for us. Little did we realise that the bounty of this world was poison. Many died that first day. The rest of us survived on what we could and that was precious little. Then came the winter. There was nothing to eat. I had to watch my friends and family starve to death. Chee'jayna died in my arms." He shut his eyes against tears of past pain. "We left Thundera as several thousand. We were but fourteen by the time the Hyenas found us."

Cheetara gave his arm a reassuring squeeze and waited for him to go on in his own time. Since her return to Thundera, she had heard many stories like this, each a personal tragedy. No words could offer comfort for such losses. At times like these, she always thanked whatever kindly fates had guided them to Third Earth. Compared to some, their life had been easy. Whatever the hardships or trouble, at least they had come through it and had done so together. If they had lost their way since, she couldn't help thinking it was their own fault.

"We were split up," Tanis went on. "I never saw the others again. I don't know if they are alive or dead. I often thought I wouldn't make it. Then came the news that Thundera was reborn. Wondrous miracle! I had hope again. And yet now I'm here..." He stopped in front of a shop with a large bay window and pink painted walls. "The sweet shop. I remember spending all my pocket money in here."

"Brings back happy memories, doesn't it?"

Tanis shook his head. "It's a sham. Is old Timon behind the counter with his jars of candy? No. He's dead on some alien planet. We should have moved on, not tried to recreate the past. I've returned to find that Old Thundera still exists. But it's gone, Cheetara, gone!"

He had taken her by the arms and his grip was a little too tight to be comfortable. He had worked himself into a state and his eyes were blazing. Then, as suddenly as his rage had appeared, it faded.

"If I have to be the leader of our people," he said, sighing deeply, "it will be on my terms. In exile, I experienced a new way of life. Titles and so-called nobility had no relevance. All that mattered was whether you were fast enough to bring in food for the group." He fell silent and his eyes drifted back to her face. "You do understand?"

"Yes, Tanis, I think I do."

"I've heard a little about your time on Third Earth. It must have been difficult."

"At least we had the Sword of Omens."

"Even so, under those circumstances, the continual attacks upon you, the stress. It must have taken its toll. You must have been glad of the company of your friends."

"It's not what you think."

"I don't care," he said firmly.

"Histor did," she said, feeling her throat start to constrict. "He ordered..."

Tanis' eyes widened. "Not an examination?"

She nodded as tears started to streak down her cheeks.

"He had no right," he said, putting his arm comforting about her shoulders. "Curse his eyes! I suppose he told you it was for your own good. A necessary evil, like this marriage."

Cheetara started at the tone of his voice and pulled away from him. "Is that how you see it, Tanis?"

Tanis folded his arms and sighed. "I loved you, Cheetara. I wanted to marry you then and I consider it an honour now. But..." He looked over at her. "I know why you fear it. Your father told me when he refused our union. He said that if you had to die, it would be for a worthwhile cause, not for the love of some callow youth." He smiled at the memory. "He did temper that some by saying that if I was meant to be Leader, then the gods would find a way of making it happen. I guess he was right, although I doubt he would approve of their method."

"What will be will be," Cheetara murmured.

"Not if I have anything to do with it." He came over to where she stood and, putting his finger under her chin, lifted her head so he could look into her eyes. "I've got big plans for our House, Cheetara. I need a mate who will help me in that. I want you by my side."

"Tanis, it isn't going to happen."

He shushed her into silence. "We can defeat this curse," he said. "There are ways and means, which is why I want you away from Thundera, safe on Third Earth. By the time you return, I'll have made the necessary arrangements, then we can marry without delay. Have faith, Cheetara. I won't lose another partner. Do you believe in me?"

"I want to."

"You must," he said. "Now, repeat after me. 'I don't believe in the curse'."

She said the words, knowing in her heart she lied when she told him that she believed she would live to be his bride. Jageena had promised her death. That she believed. Her fate had been sealed with the shiny band Histor had slipped on her finger.

Satisfied by her response, Tanis took her arm and continued on towards the Lair, which was already looming in the distance. When he reached the foot of the steps, he paused.

"Well, I guess I'll see you later," he said. "Have a good journey."

An awkward moment ensued. At this point, she had expected a kiss, but Tanis seemed either reluctant or unsure. Finally, he committed himself, then at the last moment pulled back.

"I'm sorry, I can't," he said. "I'm not ready for this yet."

"It's all right," she said, watching him curiously. The experience had clearly unnerved him. He had become edgy and looked anxious to leave. "Tanis, what is it?" she asked.

"About us," he said. "I'm not sure... if I can be intimate with you."

Cheetara felt her mouth drop open. "Why? Don't you find me attractive? You did once."

"I still do," he said, giving her a faint smile. "But I've changed, Cheetara. Too much has happened. In time, we might, but not now, not yet."

"Well, I'm getting a little old to wait too long, Tanis, especially as you need legitimate heirs to continue the succession."

"Actually, I intend to encourage meritocracy. My successor will be chosen as I was, because of ability, not an accident of birth. Is that a problem for you?"

"I guess not," she said.

Tanis seemed satisfied with that, but she had been left in turmoil. He was right. He had changed. Once he had longed to know her as ardently as she had wished it of him. Yet now he was saying he could hardly bear to touch her. Their life together was going to be lonely and loveless. Suddenly she knew exactly how Liodella felt.

"When will you be back?" he asked.

"Depends on how much there is to do," she replied. "Couple of days at most, I guess."

"I'll be here to meet you on your return. In the meantime, I'll be getting the arrangements for the wedding underway. Well, have a good trip."

With that, he turned and strode purposefully away. And that was it. No fond farewell, no words of endearment, no tender touch. Cheetara watched until he had disappeared into the swelling throng of shoppers. She had hoped that he would turn back, that he would spare her just one smile. But he was gone. Fighting down the growing need to cry, she made her way into the Lair and prayed that Panthro had not left without her.

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