PROLOGUE

In a large room divided by pillars of light two men were in a heated discussion. The first, an old and wrinkled man wearing a white toga like garment and carrying a long staff to support himself as the weight of ages seemed to be upon his shoulders. The second a man of indeterminate age with short black hair, bronze skin and wearing two crowns upon his head.

The old man could be heard to say, “Atum, my people are being neglected. People wouldn’t treat a dog in the same fashion that my people are treated every day, something must be done.”

“What would you have me do Geras? You know that my role has passed and that I cannot create a solution to the workings of the world.”

“But Atum, you still have access to the world beyond. I beseech you, from those who have changed our world bring another to be the champion of my people.”

“Geras, while I do have access to the world beyond, and I can try to find one who would be receptive to your cause, if you want a champion you will have to mold him and you will have to influence his actions. I cannot interfere any further than that. I would advise you to use the ages of knowledge you have to push him where you want him to go. You are prohibited from informing him of the role you wish him to play. If he accepts your mantle he must do it of his own free will. Agreed?”

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“Yes Atum, I agree.”

“Geras, feel free to cheat when you build your champion, all of the others have. I will look the other way.”

“Thank you Atum.”

“It’s the least I can do. I am not very happy with what’s happened either.”

At the conclusion of this conversation both men disappeared from the room.

A short time later an attractive woman in her late 50’s who seemed to be struggling with the problems of the world received a pop-up ad on her phone and at the same time her ipad. The ad read:

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As she read the ad a small smile crept onto her face.