Fighting to remember all his mother had taught him about combat, Uhuru kept his head low to the ground, trying to give her the smallest target possible.
“Kill her!” Azuba shouted. “See if her Roh’kash comes to her aid! I think not!”
Suddenly Shenzi lunged, jaw snapping and claws swinging for purchase in his living flesh. Most of the lions watched spellbound as the battle raged on, but all Isha could think of was her son. She began looking about frantically calling, “Habu! It’s Mommy! Answer me, Habu! Oh gods, answer me!”
Hyenas began to gather, watching the two combatants. Ber shouted, “Bite her once for me! Make a guard out of me, will she!” Hopping mad, Ber shoved through to take a position where he could see well. “Come on, boy! I’m praying for you!”
Shenzi managed to get in a blow, raking Uhuru’s shoulder and bringing blood. A couple of adolescent females began to chant, “Shenzi, Shenzi, rule forever!” Ber snarled at them viscously and they hushed up.
Isha frantically went from one hyena to another. “Please help me! Please! Have you seen my son? I’ll do anything, just tell me where he is!”
Most of them denied any knowledge. Some of them truly did not know, and many others were afraid. But a few were obviously Shenzists and they took great pleasure in her discomfort. Isha wished she could tell who those were and kill them one by one. At last she came to Makhpil, who pawed her gently, fell to the ground and tried desperately to concentrate. All the noise and the confusing Babel of thoughts conspired to drown out her inner voice, and she whined in frustration. “Honey Tree, I’m trying but I can’t hear myself think!”
“Quiet!!” Isha roared. “Quiet down all of you if you want to live!!”
Makhpil rolled on her back, pressing her paws against her face. All the aggression and excitement flowing through her from all sides was dizzying and she could make little sense out of it.
The battle seemed to take forever as two combatants struggled to stave off death. There could be no other conclusion. Uhuru was getting the advantage, however, and it seemed likely to all the witnesses, lion and hyena, that Shenzi would lose.
Shenzi began to gasp. Her body was riddled with wounds. Jackals had gathered to watch, ready to claim their share of the action. If the enemy is respected, they would get a body snuffed with a merciful neck bite. If the enemy was held in contempt, they would get a miserable, pleading victim that would shriek as its flesh was ripped away. Either way, they would be well fed.
Uhuru's paw struck her high on the face, sending her sprawling. A paw slapped down on either shoulder, pinning her neatly to the ground. He bared his teeth, but paused a moment to think. Should he make it quick? Shenzi looked at him pleadingly. “Please show respect. Kill me quickly.” She closed her eyes and began to pray.
Skulk came in, doing his best to look grief stricken. "I am saddened by the heavy burden of the news I bring, but it is my duty to inform you, Roh'mach."
Uhuru cocked an ear toward him, but kept his gaze locked on Shenzi, wary of a trick. “Speak up, Skulk, and be quick. What do you want?”
Skulk spat a mouthful of golden fur into the circle before the two combatants. "There is all that remains of the lion cub. One of Shenzi's traitorous guards decided to have him for a snack."
Isha shrieked. She hurried forward and scented the tuft of fur, then rolled on her back in agony. “Oh gods!” she sobbed. “They killed my baby! My son, my son!” She took the small furball in her paw and held it against her chest sobbing. “Why?? Why did you want to hurt him?? He was an innocent little boy! Why??”
Makhpil fell moaning by her side and lay across her trembling body, kissing her and stroking her with a paw. “My koh’met! My poor little koh’met! You can be my mother. I will find the guilty ones and bring you their hearts! You will grow fat on their hearts!”
Kako wailed and Uzuri leaned against her. “So close!” Uzuri sobbed. “We were so close! Uhuru, don’t finish it! Leave her to the jackals--I want to hear her scream, and every time she does, I’ll laugh!” She looked at the jackals and cried loudly, “Don’t rush it! I promise you a gazelle if you do a good job!”
The jackals nodded greedily. “Leave it to us!”
Uhuru looked at the fur disbelievingly. "You mean..."
Skulk nodded sadly. "I'm afraid so. I'm afraid that once the combat is complete, you will have to be executed, milord. You did swear with your life to redeem the cub."
Shenzi glared at him, a smile on her face. “I didn’t think you had it in you!”
“Slow and painful!” cried the jackals. “Leave it to us! Leave it to us!” They began to edge closer, their eyes glowing red with anticipation. “We eat well tonight!”
Suddenly, a small cub gamboled past. “Hey, Shenzi! Hey, Uhuru!"
"Shut up, Habu," she snarled. Freezing, she did a double take. "Habu?!!"
Habusu ran to his mother who wept and rolled on her back, hugging him to her warm stomach and kissing him. “Oh, I could eat you up!” she stammered, and kissed him repeatedly, uttering little cries of joy and rubbing his small golden body. Makhpil wept with joy, kissing the cub. One of Isha’s large paws caught her and drew her near. What Taka and Shenzi could not achieve through force, Uhuru and Makhpil accomplished through love. The dark days were over and all was set to rights under Uhuru’s watchful eye.
CHAPTER: PARTING OF THE WAYS
Sarafina was settling down for her nap. Uzuri and Isha were together, as they tended to be, asleep side by side. Life was returning to normal, and they did not have to spend hours every day on the hunt anymore. Life was good.
When Zazu flew excitedly overhead shouting, “Great news!” Sarafina glanced up for a moment and muttered, “That’s nice.” She snuggled into Kako’s side and drew in a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh.
Under the warmth of the sun, the world moved at a slower pace. No one was expected to do anything important at high-sun, and it was an unspoken rule of leonine society that you let sleeping bodies lie. With one exception, of course, and that was an emergency.
Simba roared. Sarafina’s eyes popped open abruptly. “What the devil??”
“Pride meeting! Come to me!”
Sarafina half closed her eyes. “This had better be good.”
“It’s happening!” Simba said, standing over her.
“What’s happening??” Sarafina asked
“You’ll see!”
Something about the infectious excitement in his voice made Sarafina’s heart light. She lost her scowl and followed him eager to see what the mystery was about.
Isha came over and Simba nuzzled her warmly. “Isha, I want you, Habusu and Miss Priss to come with me. We’re having a Pride Moot at the eastern meadow. And your family will sit by me.”
“I’m honored.” She looked at him worriedly. “Is today the day I lose him? I’m supposed to get two days notice.”
“You will never lose him. I swear.”
“But the gods?”
“The gods will rejoice!”
“It’s him, isn’t it. He’s come back for me?”
Simba kissed her. “I’ll give you two guesses.”
Isha’s face beamed with joy. She nuzzled him back, tears in her eyes. “Bless you. Bless you!”
“Now now, you don’t want to smell like another lion when your husband comes!” He smiled slyly. “I don’t think he’s going to want to share you with me.”
When the Pride had assembled on the eastern meadow, the lionesses began to speculate on what was happening. Some said Simba planned a special mantlement for Habusu. Others thought Rafiki had found a reason for Habusu to be adopted or stay as Prince Consort. “What’s wrong?” some of them asked. “Couldn’t he produce a strong heir?” But others said, “I don’t think he’d look so happy if there was something wrong with him.”
Several minutes passed, but it felt more like an eternity. Simba waited patiently, and as long as he sat there, no one would stir. A few cubs played in the grass, but as long as they k
ept it quiet no one seemed to mind. But the adults and older youth sat stock still, waiting for Simba to give the word to begin.
An hour passed. Many of the lions were very restless. Sarafina began to wish she had stayed on her rock and napped.
Then Zazu shouted. “Here he is!”
Several of the lionesses took in a gasp when a large, shapely lion came out of the trees. “Isn’t he handsome!” one of the lionesses whispered.
“What a catch!” another one answered.
The stranger looked at Kako and quietly said, “Mother.”
Kako stared for a moment, her heart full to bursting, then she sprang to her feet and rushed to him, putting her arm over his shoulder and nuzzling him. “My son, my son!”
Sarafina started. “Mabatu??”
The stranger nodded, and a wave of shocked delight spread through the pride. They all remembered the adolescent that skulked away with ears and tail drooping. This was a lion.
Kissing his mother, Mabatu gently led her aside, then went to Simba. Falling down before him, he said, “I touch your mane.”
“I feel it.” Simba nodded to Mabatu and fought to keep a straight face as the other lion rose. “And what brings you to my kingdom?” He half laughed and winked.
Baba glanced over at the row of lionesses that flanked Simba on one side. “I come to claim what is mine—if she still wants me.”
“Yes, yes, YES!!” Isha sprang forward and raising on her hind legs wrapped her arms around his neck, pawing him and nuzzling him. “I’m yours forever!”
Sarafina cried, “Big boy, you’re in for some loving tonight!”
“I’m the real Isha!” Ajenti yelled. “She’s an impostor! Take me, take me!”
“Enough of this,” Simba said. “Can’t you see they have unfinished business?”
“Can we watch?” Sarafina said.
“Shame on you, Fini.” Simba chuckled. “Remember, you’re the queen’s mother.”
Mabatu greeted Isha warmly, but he clearly had some unfinished business. He went to the adolescent lion that bore a certain resemblance to the one that was driven out long ago. A smile spread across his face, and Habu brightened. “Dad?”
“So this is Habusu.” Mabatu’s jaw trembled, his eyes brightening as he lifted a paw to touch the face of the youth before him. “My son....” He looked around. “He is my son, and the one true heir.” He nuzzled Habu gently and added, “It is a small kingdom. I share it with an old lion who lost a challenge. We are a matched pair, a sunrise and a sunset. But he is a dear friend, and you will grow to love him.”
Lisani came up and nuzzled Isha.
“And who is this? My daughter?”
“Lisani, but we call her Miss Priss. She is Beesa’s daughter--my sister died some time ago.” Isha looked at her compassionately. “What do you want to do, Miss Priss?”
“Auntie Isha, you’re my family. I want to go wherever you go. But the nickname stays here, OK?”
Mabatu smiled. “Fair enough, Lisani. I guess that makes five of us.”
“You’re taking two of my best lionesses, and a second son,” Simba said. “You better leave before I change my mind.”
“Three of your best lionesses,” Kako said with little modesty but great effect. “Someone has to make sure my son is eating right....” She glanced at Isha. “....and my daughter.”
Thus the visitor from the east went back the way she came. Many of the lionesses watched Isha’s departure wistfully, especially Uzuri. “There go some of my best friends,” she said.
“Don’t you think of leaving too,” Simba said, nuzzling her. “We love you, Zuri.”
“Oh, you can’t get rid of me that easily,” she said, kissing his cheek.
CHAPTER: HOME AT LAST
Mabatu grunted softly as he shifted position, trying to ease the ache on his flanks where Umande lay, her head pillowed comfortably in the curve of his haunch. Mabatu loved his daughter dearly, and enjoyed the moments they spent together more and more--of late she had spent more time with her young friends, leaving the old lion feeling very alone since Baba had left. With a smile he reached back and caressed her cheek, drawing a sleepy smile and a purr of contentment. She was his daughter, and would make some lion a fine mate one day....
....But right now, she was putting his leg to sleep.
He laid back and tried to relax. A botfly settled on his side, seeking blood. He flicked his tail, but it only disturbed the insect which fluttered a bit and settled right back. Another try met with the same result, and he began to wonder if the thing was going to explode before it quit feeding.
Without opening her eyes, Umande reached up with a paw and swatted his side firmly, splashing his fur with a crimson stain.
Mabatu eyed it with distaste. “Messy.”
“But effective, and SO satisfying.” She opened an amber eye and smiled.
“For you, maybe.” He rubbed his sore ribs gently.
“Poor old lion! Aren’t you glad I’m here to take care of you?” She giggled and stood, moving forward to nuzzle his cheek.
“Absolutely. I feel better already, now that the blood can get to my leg again.” He chuckled softly.
“Dad!”
His smile fell as a deep roar cut the air. “This land is mine! Mine!”
Mabatu’s ears pricked up and he answered with a roar of his own. “Who land is this?? This land is MINE!” He struggled to an upright position despite his tingling leg. Cursing his aging body, he staggered forward and roared back, “This land is MINE!”
The challenger’s voice was much nearer. “Then all is still as Aiheu wills it, then.” The grass parted to reveal Baba’s smiling face. “Hello, Father!”
“Baba! Welcome home!” Mabatu breathed a relieved sigh and trotted to greet his son, nuzzling the fragrant softness of his mane. “I’m so glad to see you!”
“I’m back, and I have the family!”
A lioness emerged from the grass. Baba’s face beamed with pride as he nuzzled her and looked back at his father.
“This must be Isha!”
“Yes, Dad. My wife and the mother of my son!”
The lioness rubbed against the King and kissed him. “You have cared for my husband. I owe you more than I could ever repay.”
“My son has chosen well, I see. You are even more beautiful than he said you were. Darling daughter, I welcome you with a full heart.”
Isha smiled at him. “Baba’s told me a lot about you.”
“Only the good parts, I hope?”
She laughed. “Are there any bad ones?” Isha cocked her head and grunted softly at the grass behind her. “Come on, kids.”
Two gangly adolescents emerged, one an attractive female, the other a young male with the first hints of a mane showing on the nape of his neck. “Sire, this is Lisani, my niece, and Habusu, our son.”
Mabatu craned his great head down and nosed Habu gently, his eyes shining. “You never told me you had a son, Baba.” He grinned and wrapped a paw around the young cub, pulling him close. Habusu smiled up at the friendly embrace and nuzzled the old lion.
“I didn’t know myself until I went back.” Baba looked at his son proudly. “Look how big he’s grown--I can’t believe it!” He glanced back and motioned with a paw, then turned, smiling, to his father. “There’s someone else I want you to see. You said you knew my mother once, and here she is!”
Mabatu nodded and sat quietly, waiting as the last newcomer pushed her way out of the grasses and stood before him. His eyes locked on her lithe, graceful form, and his breath caught, his heart speeding up in his chest until he thought it might burst.
The King swallowed and nodded once. “Kako.”
She made her way forward slowly and tensely. Drawing close to Mabatu, she saw the way his eyes regarded her and how his chin trembled. “I touch your mane.” She reached out and slowly, sensuously traced the curve of his cheek and throat with her paw. Then she drew close and kissed his face. “Oh gods,” she whispered. “H
e didn’t tell me it was you.”
Her breath in his ear made him shudder. “Steady, old girl. Keep your composure.” He nuzzled her quickly and straightened up. “Note well, all of you. This is Kako, mother of the Prince. She will be living with us from now on.”
Baba nosed Isha softly. “Come, let me show you our home. Come on, kids!”
Habusu and Lisani trotted off behind them, leaving Kako and the King behind. Several of the pride lionesses made their way over and fell before Kako’s feet. Shenannii touched her with her tongue. “My sister! God has sent you back to us!”
“Yes, Nani! Oh, I’ve missed you so much!” Kako rubbed her old hunt mistress’s cheek warmly. “I wondered if you were still as good at chasing gerenuk as you used to be.”
“Yes, and still quicker than you are, just like I was then.” Shenannii’s jaw quivered and she lowered her head. “Welcome home, My Lady.”
Kako shuddered. “No! Never call me that. Please!”
“But why?”
“For ALL our sakes. Please address me by name only. At least in front of Baba and his family.” She straightened and looked away. “You know the rules. I’m just a Pride Sister now, nothing more.”
Shenannii bit her lip and nodded. “As you wish, Pride Sister. But you know how I feel inside. Gods, I love you, Sis!” Shenannii rubbed heads with her and pawed her shoulder and throat. “When the children are around, that’s one thing.” She bowed her head to the ground. “When we’re alone, that’s different. Bless me, my Queen.”
Kako touched her forehead with a paw and said, “Aiheu abamami,” then kissed her. The other lionesses lined up for a blessing, each one bending low before her with love and joy as she touched them and kissed them softly. “It’s good to be home.”
CHAPTER: ALONE AT LAST
Isha was amused at all the new attention she received as wife of the prince. It was sweet revenge for all the humiliation she had suffered when her cubs were born. Still she turned away the respectful titles thrust on her, insisting with a disarming laugh that she was not a “Mistress Isha” or a “My Lady.” With a casual nod, she would say, “I’m just plain old Isha.”
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