After the lioness releases the rope and falls back into the pit, the rope snaps upward like a bow string, sending both Alexander and the palace guard flying up toward the ceiling of the arena. Alexander, being more agile and quicker than the guard, is able to catch the rope as he falls back down. The guard misses it and continues to fall into the lioness pit where the three ladies are indeed in waiting, licking their chops in delicious anticipation of a tasty lunch. But their anticipated feast is once again interrupted when Alexander's quick reflexes perform an almost miraculous feat as he catches the guard by the hand before he falls into the pit. The Emperor seeing all this has a change of heart about a duel to the death and decides he doesn't want to lose either one of these worthy contestants. The Emperor lets out a blood curdling jungle like roar, that echoes and reverberates off the ceiling beams and rattles the marble floors. All the nobility and several of the soldiers are frightened out of their wits for they have never heard such a sound before and they go fleeing from the arena. Indeed, the Emperor has never let anyone know of his hidden talent and his mastery of the animal kingdom. The arena quickly empties out with just a few soldiers brave enough to stay and find out where that ferocious roar came from. As we focus in on the scene, the three lady lions are frightened out of their wits as well and have covered up their ears and a cowering on the floor of the pit. The Emperor gives another mighty roar and the three ladies as if trained to do so, get up and quickly march into their holding pen, where one of the guards is waiting to close the door behind them. The emperor orders another couple guards to help the two duelest down from the rope and bring them up to him, where he engages them both in a lively conversation complimenting them both on their marvelous combative skills. Unfortunately, since there was no real winner in this competition, he informs them, all bets are off. I suspect the General, when he regains his composure, will not be too happy about this. Geez, now what's going to happen? Who can say, but I'll bet it will be interesting to say the least. There are many more layers of intrigue to be exposed before this story ends. Apollo Max, Michael 3 and David characters and the DAZ Millenium big cat rendered in poser 6, post work in PS7. Thank you all for your wonderful support and comments on this story line. I had never thought it would get this far but each scene seems to inspire me onto the next and suggest more and more of the story line. I hope not to bore you too much with my meagre talents, but I sure am enjoying this story as it unfolds in my brain. I am only too happy to share it with you.