A few pairs of eyes flashed from the thick undergrowth, and the growling grew louder. A large, majestic jaguar slowly stepped out of the shadows. Its golden fur shone in the sunlight, its eyes fixed firmly on the group of children.
Then Amaru entered, led by the priests of the temple. Her dress shone in the sunlight and she moved with grace, as if she herself were part of the earth and the sky. The crowd fell silent in awe as she stepped beside Lloque Yupanqui.
Inti laughed gently and shook her head. "Today is not about danger or wealth. It is about the heart. **Lloque Yupanqui**, the wise third Inca, is a great ruler, but he is alone. His heart longs for a companion with whom he can share his life.