It started with a snowstorm.  The snowstorm was only about 10 meters across and covered the Regent and Prospect intersection with a blanket of snow.  Traffic stopped in all.  People got out of their cars and stared at amazment.

The storm drifted slowly along Regent street down the hill and towards downtown.  All of Regent Street was blanketed in minutes. People stood around wondering what to do.  40 cm of snow now covered the street and did not look like it was going to melt.

Then came the wolves. They looked like timber wolves, except they were the size of horses.  They apeared out of a cloud at the top of Regent and ran down the street howling as they went.  They split off, each wolf taking an intersection.  They snapped at anyone trying to enter Regent Street.

Next came a line of snow leopards.  They too were larger than life.  They had silver harnesses that were attached by silken cords to a large sliver and white sledge.  The sledge was shaped like a swan.  It had a large prow, low sides, and was wider at the back.

Seated in the back was the most lovely woman in the world.  She had firey red hair, flashing emeral eyes, and skin as pale as the snow. She wore a necklace that looked like it was carved out of fire.  Over her shoulders she wore a cloak made of white feathers.  She was attended by women all dressed in white furs.  They kneeled at her feet and gave the impression of an armed guard.

The sledge proceeded down Regent Street.  After she passed, the wolves took their place behind the sledge.

This strange procession went down Regent street to the bottom where it met Queen Street.  It turned left and wove its way around the parked cars.  People rushed to their office windows to see what was going on.  The female attendants lept gracefully from the sledge and distributed flyers to all passerbys.  They tucked them under windsheild wipers.

The flyers announced the coming of  the "Ultimate Fighting: Valkyrie Event."

Men openly oogles the women.  They in turn fluttered their lashes and tossed them kisses.

Th procession took a few more turns and ended up at Wilmot Park.  Norville had arranged a small musical ensemble to play to the valkyries.  There was a harp, a flute, and a singer.  They too were dressed in white furs.

Sledge stopped ant the grand lady stepped out and posed by the gazebo.  The media had been warned and they were not disappointed.

Freyja raied her hand with a soft bentle motion.  The murmurs of conversation stopped as well as the click of the camera.  The music died down and she was ready to speak.

"I am Freyja, leader of the Shield Maidens.  We have come to test your expertise in the combat arts.  To wit, we are holding an Ultimate Fighting Event named after my girls, the Valkyries.

"We have travelled long and hard during this bitter time of year.  We shall take refuge in one of the local Inns for the night.

"The competition will take place at the Aitken's Centre at 8:00 tomorrow night.

"All those who wish to test themselves against your metal can contact Norville Van der Linde at 555-1212.  There is a cash prize of $10,000 for anyone who can last 3 min against one of my girls in hand to hand combat.

"I hope to see you all there, either as a participant or a spectator."

Freyja decended into the comfort od the sledge and waved her good byes.  The leopards were directed to take the sledge to the Delta.  The Valkyries mounted the woves and followed the sledge.