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face. “Easy. There was only one possible way… the cat was betrayed.”
    The war maiden expected some tall tale, a lengthy explanation of bravery and skill. She was surprised by the Warden’s short and truthful answer. “By whom?” she asked.
    “Her mate,” he said heartlessly. With the question answered, he ushered Kitra and the rest of her company into the holding tent. Dox followed and closed the flap behind them.
    Dox hurried to the front of the group and led the entourage through the spacious tent. They walked between crates, boxes, and other containers stacked as high as the tent ceiling would allow.
    Kitra said nothing as she followed the Minotaur. She was too busy taking mental notes of everything she saw. The group passed a number of large glass jars, each containing a floating corpse, organ, or other body parts from a variety of animals and creatures. Next they passed several large crates stuffed with straw filled with what appeared to be eggs, massive eggs of various sizes and colors. The Warden’s collection was impressive and became more exotic with every step they took deeper into the tent.
    Suddenly, the war maiden froze as she saw the large, thick body of a giant serpent lying against the far wall of the tent. Her hand shot to her sword handle, but before she could draw the weapon another hand gripped her forearm and stayed her attack.
    “Not to worry, my lady, this one’s passing was more than a week ago. The giant serpents are a troublesome race, that’s for sure,” said the Warden as he released his grip on Kitra’s arm. “Right through here,” he said as he motioned to the back of the tent.
    A low roar seized everyone’s attention as they closed in on a large, metal cage. The enclosure was huge, some twenty paces long and at least ten paces high and wide. Two more roars accompanied the first, but those were not quite as loud or intimidating.
    The beast-man lit a few more lanterns to produce improved lighting for better inspection of the captured specimens. He retrieved his staff and stood only a few paces from the door to the cage.
    The rest of the group, however, remained at a safer distance as they stared in amazement.
    The female panther was awake now and she slowly paced inside the steel cage. Kelor was still sitting near the cage door, maintaining his self-imposed role of guardian. Meanwhile, Keon and Kai followed their mother, copying her route as they walked behind her.
    “Incredible,” Kitra exclaimed as she took a step closer. “I’ve never seen one this close before.”
    “Very few have. And if that person does, it is usually… a moment before their demise,” said the captor with a smile.
    Kitra couldn’t help it, her curiosity and fascination with the beasts was overwhelming. “She’s bigger than I imagined. The cubs, too.”
    “I very nearly lost her when she bore the cubs. But these cats recover quickly. Within a few days, she was back to full strength, and she nearly tore the cage in half. I have no choice but to keep her drugged while my men construct a more suitable compound to hold her,” explained the Warden.
    Another loud roar from the female panther shot through the tent. Most of the group took a step back, except Kitra. The loud complaint from the beast only added to her enthusiasm.
    The Warden gestured to Dox. The Minotaur ran to another area and returned carrying a hind quarter of a corgan. The beast-man pulled a large key from a ring on his belt and inserted it into the padlock.
    “Dox, wait! Half that portion. We don’t want our new pets too strong, at least not yet.”
    Everyone watched as Dox did as he was told and cleaved a large chunk of meat from the cow-like leg.
    The Warden turned to Kitra. “They’re a very willful race. Stubborn and ill- tempered. But like most wild beasts - control their food, and you control their will.”
    Dox took a deep breath. He removed the padlock and handed it to the Warden. He retrieved his staff, dug his hooves