regained its balance back onto its roots. The wolf boasted, “I’m Mosley, the new, dynamic, vigorous, vehement, forceful God of War. Don’t challenge me, or I shall mark you all with my godly smell.” He lifted his back leg again and peed in the direction of the closest grouping of bushes. The stream hit the ground and splashed a number of them. Annoyed, each bush uprooted, shook their limbs and then hurried away to another spot in the garden.
The wolf redirected his attention to the bush that he had caused to tumble. He extended his right, front paw and used one of his nails to point at the plant. “You shall bow before me, you foul smelling floral being. This nail could strike fear throughout the expanse of this garden. Remember me, for my stream is to be feared.” The wolf opened his mouth and breathed on the bush’s limbs. Just like Shalee had done on the griffin’s platform, the plant fell asleep as its limbs drooped toward the ground.
A random thought popped into Mosley’s head. His smile widened as he shouted, “To all the giant cats of the worlds, I will shed, and you’ll choke on my deadly fur balls!” The wolf laughed and then another random thought entered his mind. I wonder if I can fight better than my ability to talk garesh.
A moment later, Mosley concentrated and thought of Sam’s face. Before he knew it, the new God of War was standing in front of the human.
Sam and Shalee were caught off guard by the wolf’s sudden appearance inside Sam’s preparation room beneath Angels Arena. Shalee jumped up from the bench she was sitting on and raised her staff while Sam reacted by throwing himself into a defensive posture and raising his fists.
Mosley overreacted. He closed his eyes, and his defensive instincts took over. He blew on the humans in an effort to protect himself, and since he was now a god, his breath filled the room like wind.
Hearing two thuds, the wolf opened his eyes. Ouch! he thought.
Seeing the awkward position Sam had landed in, Mosley shook his head and continued to think, That’s not good. That had to hurt. Normally, the wolf would have panicked, but instead, he grinned. Good thing I’m a god now, or his leg would not mend before his fight.
With nothing more than a nod, Mosley commanded Sam’s leg to slowly twist out from under the fighter’s body. The crunching sounds the bones made as they ground against each other caused the wolf to cringe as the appendage shifted into its proper alignment. After a few more minor pops, the leg finished mending.
Another nod was given. Both humans woke and slowly got up off the floor. Mosley looked at their confused faces and produced his best, cute, wolfish grin as if nothing had ever happened. “Hey, guys. Did you miss me?”
Shalee leaned Precious against the wall and crossed her arms. “Mosley, you scared the bejesus out of me. Since when do you know how to pop in on us like that? And how did I end up on the floor?”
“Yeah, what the heck was that about?” Sam added.
Mosley was not sure where to begin. He decided he would answer their questions later. “I have much to say, but most of it will need to wait until we have a greater number of moments available to us.” He looked at Sam. “I won’t answer any of your questions ... so, for now, I will say that Bassorine has been destroyed. He’s no longer the leader of his own pack.”
“Destroyed?” Sam snapped. “What are you talking about?”
Mosley shook his head. “That would qualify as a question, Sam. I said I would not answer them, so don’t ask. I need you to listen right now. I’m here because Bassorine was destroyed, and it was his choice that I take his place amongst the Collective.”
Mosley stuck out his furry chest. “I am the new God of War, but not as powerful as Bassorine … I think. Anyway, for now, I have two gifts for you, Sam ... if you’ll allow me to give them to you. It was, after all, Bassorine’s wish that I do so.”
“Okay, okay. Hold up a moment. What gifts? And why would Bassorine want you to give me anything? And what do you mean, you’re a god? How’s that possible?”
Mosley smiled. “Sam, you’re unable to refrain from questions no matter what the circumstance. I expected as much. Allow me to put