Prologue

"We have him Great Fang. He is in Japan. Nerima-ko"

The massive figure turned and moved toward the speaker

with ponderous grace.

"You are sure?" The softly growled question matched

perfectly the massive body near seven feet tall, heavy with muscle.

One hand gently stroked the stripped pelt that was his only covering.

"There is no mistake?"

"N . . .none, Great Fang." Zan willed him self not to back

away in fear or turn belly up in submission. He was a blooded First

Claw and Pride leader, with thirty personal kills. Yet his skill was

merely human. The Great Fang was descended from the Tyger and

his power was second only to the gods. Some said, in whispers, that

the Great Fang was a god. Others said he was THE god, made flesh.

Whatever the truth, and Zan knew what he believed----failure was

inconceivable. And fatal. As was proper. Failure was weakness.

Weakness did not serve. And that which did not serve----well, the

Pride needed the hunt, and Tyger always hungered.

"There is no mistake, Great Fang. He has been found."

"And that which was stolen?"

"No trace, Great Fang."

An ominous growl shook the air, signifying the Great Fang's

displeasure. Zan made himself look the Great Fang in the eye. He

could only hold contact for a moment and the effort left him weak

and shaking. But Tyger respected strength. The Great Fang nodded

slightly, inviting Zan to continue.

"That was not unexpected. Further, his mind is still warded.

An attempt to force him to speak will only give us his death."

The Great Fangs eyes gleamed like molten steel in the

flickering torch light and his lips drew back to reveal hard yellow

fangs, flecked with brown. Startled, Zan realized he had interrupted

the Great Fang while he was feeding. In any other of the Tygers

children such an interruption would have meant instant destruction of

the intruder. But, Zan chastised himself, this was the Great Fang. His

control, like his appetites were far greater than those of mortals.

"However," Zan continued. "he can _volunteer_ the

information. He has friends and family now. A son. Daughters by

marriage. His scent permeates their dwelling. "

The Great Fang turned and crossed the room in two lazy

strides. Stopping, he dropped before the alter where he shared his

kills with Tyger. The room was silent except for wet crunching

sounds as the Great Fang communed with his god. After a few

moments he raised back up, face wet with blood.

"You have done well. Tyger is pleased." With a sharp crack

he ripped off a piece of fore-arm and tossed it twenty feet to Zan.

"Share Tyger's kill. Then go. Take one of his family from Japan. He

will follow. He will talk. He will die."