pop riddle 3

The beast had the haunches of a lion, but when the cask-maker looked into its eyes he saw the face of an eagle.

“Dost thou remain amongst the List of Five-Hundred?” asked the cask-maker.

“Son of Man,” answered the beast, “This is not only the beginning of a new year, but also of a new season.”

And every time the beast spoke the name of the Son of Man, there was a shot in the distance.

But which year, and which season, and where did the beast and the cask-maker stand?

[Outside research is always allowed on riddles, and is often necessary. If you'd like to guess the answer, please post it in the comments box. If you want a clue, or want me to give you the answer for free, post your request in the comments box.]