Ydna and Kcokaep were walking in the palace gardens when they saw a pregnant cukid emerge from the plants at the side and look about. It dashed across the garden and was barely halfway across when two tronqaks swooped down and ripped apart the pregnant cukid, killing her and her unborn offspring.
Callahan, the palace’s high priest, entered the garden in time to witness the c*****e.
“It is an omen,” he said, approaching Ydna and Kcokaep.
“What does it mean?” asked Ydna.
“The tronqaks represent your partner, the President, and the cukid represents Zistreotov. It is a sign of victory over Zistreotov. But beware, Buzotl, God of the hunt will be angry that the tronqaks have destroyed the cukid, which is Busotl’s sacred animal. She might seek vengeance by demanding a sacrifice from Kirkland.
