You can't believe your luck. Everything is falling into place -- and you didn't have to do anything. For years you've planned to seize control of the world, and now it's going to happen by itself.

For you have tried and failed before. Sixty-five millions years ago, you were infuriated with the People of the Swamp. Your race had only ten million years to rule the world, and here these lizards were in control for more than six times as long! It was unfair.

So you gathered together the combined will of the People of Fire and called upon the Fist of Grotar, your god. He gathered his power, nurtured over the years of anger and fury from his worshippers, and brought a giant asteroid down to crash upon the earth. You thought it would turn the world into a fiery mass, suitable only for the People of Fire.

But it didn't work. There was an impressive explosion, but in the end the world turned dusty and cold. When the People of the Swamp gave up custody of the world, there was no thought of giving it you, nor did you really want it just then. The People of the Air took custody instead -- not that it did them much good. It was years before those high-and-mighty Elves could venture out of their castles and walk under the clear blue sky.

But you haven't forgotten your earlier plan, and it's still your ace in the hole. If, somehow, you don't get custody after the People of the Trees are driven out, then you will call upon the Fist of Grotar again. This time, no asteroid will be necessary; the humans have provided all you need. If your will is thwarted, you will signal your god Grotar to reach out his mighty will and detonate all the world's nuclear weapons in their silos. That should turn the world into a ball of radioactive fire and waste! Who else but the People of Fire would be suitable to take guardianship?

However, you must keep these plans secret. Only those of the People of Fire can learn of them. If anyone else found out about the asteroid, or about the detonations, then your race might be accused of tampering with the Cycle of Races. It's possible that the People of Fire would be removed from the Cycle, and never be allowed to rule the world again.

But these are needless worries. Your victory is inevitable. Already some of the human and their Gods are groveling at your feet. They wish to survive in your age, your world, your realm of fire. Perhaps you will grant them the privilege of serving you as slaves.

In the meantime, it's important that tonight's Meeting take place, and that all goes smoothly. If the humans start fighting among themselves, or if there's some other obstacle to the Meeting, you'll intervene. Otherwise, you'll sit back and taste of the power that is to be yours.