Watching the giant bear fall, clutching his chest, Carl is reminded of the day the leader came to power. A day that all who knew him did not believe would happen. Yes he was popular, but a leader? Looking back he should have realised it was inevitable. Standing on the podium, addressing his new subjects, spelling out his plans for purifying the forestlands, no-one could quite believe what they were hearing. There were mutterings of disapproval, some believed what he was suggesting was ludicrous, yet he spoke with an assuredness and fluency that washed away doubt and nurtured confidence. He made us believe, that was his strength.

Looking into the bears eyes as he died, Carl saw a look he had come to take for granted, the sight of a friend betrayed, and allows himself a wry smile and one thought.

'Brian always was hard to resist'.

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