Under the Acacias cotpl-4

by John H. Burkitt

  “Sarafina, Isha, help me!”

  “Adhama?? What’s wrong??”

  “I must see the King at once. It’s an emergency!”

  Not long afterward, Togo and Kombi showed up for guard duty and training. Simba stared at them with somber intensity and they felt something awful was afoot.

  “Whatever it was,” Kombi said, “we didn’t do it this time.”

  “I’m not upset with you,” Simba said, giving his shoulder a sympathetic pat. “My dear son.”

  The strange lioness fell before them. “My Lords! You are our only hope!”

  Togo nosed her carefully. “You’re crying! What’s wrong?”

  Simba shook his head. “This is your Aunt Adhama. You are indeed her only hope. Your father is dead.”

  Togo and Kombi took in a collective gasp.

  “Ugas never met you,” Adhama said, rising from the earth. “But he cared for your mother a great deal, and he tried to arrange a meeting with you before death took him. Now you must come back and rule in his stead. This is what you were born to do--it was your destiny.”

  “If you insist,” Kombi said casually. “Mom told us already. You don’t have to cry. We accept. We’d be delighted. Honored too.”

  “You don’t understand. It’s not that simple.”

  Kombi sighed. “With us, it never is. What’s the catch?”

  “Your family is being hurt by a rogue lion. Lionesses, cubs, people that your mother knew and cared for. People that your father loved very much. You must help us now. He is terrorizing us.”

  “Is he big?” Kombi said apprehensively.

  “We’ll do it,” Togo said quickly. “I don’t care how big he is. He can’t push you around like that.”

  Adhama fawned on him, kissing him and nuzzling him as tears streamed down her face. “Oh thank God!”

  “I’m so proud of you,” Simba said. “I’ve always thought of you as one of my sons, but never have I been more proud of you than I am this moment. Togo, my dear son, God be with you.”

  “Hey, we’re in this together,” Kombi said, patting Togo’s shoulder with his paw. “That’s it, a joint effort--fifty fifty!” He readied himself for the kiss that never came.

  Simba said, “One day I’ll hear great things about you two. You must be given your mantlement quickly. You’ll be leaving as soon as you’re blessed--there’s no time to lose.” He looked at Zazu who was sitting near the entrance. “Go bring Uzuri here, and tell her nothing about the reason.” He looked at the brothers. “You must say nothing of the emergency to her. Ugas asked you to come early, understand?”

  “Why not tell her the truth?” Kombi asked.

  “Picture this,” Simba said. “Your mother fighting a strange lion that weighs half again as much.”

  “I’d never let her fight my battles for me!” Kombi said indignantly. “What do you think I am??”

  “As old as she is, your mother can still outrun you. She’d fight him to the death out of love for you. Never underestimate the power of a mother’s love. It’s stronger than any spell in Rafiki’s baobab.”

  “He’s right,” Togo said. “We have to be strong for her. Smile, Kombi. Like you really mean it, understand? We’re going to see Dad, and you’re happy.”

  “Is this good?” Kombi asked. His smile was weak but acceptable.

  Just then, Uzuri came in. She saw Adhama and her face fell at once. “It’s Ugas, isn’t it?” She tensed up. “How did it happen?”

  “He’s fine,” Adhama said with a forced smile. “He just needs to see Togo and Kombi at once.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  “Alone,” Adhama said.

  Uzuri glared at her suspiciously. “Alone? Without me? He’s my husband.”

  “That’s what ‘alone’ means. Relax, hon. It’s one of those male things--he wants to see them before he steps down. Maybe he wants to choose which one will be King.”

  “Oh.” She glanced at Togo, then at Kombi. “I guess that means it’s time.”

  Simba nodded. “Yes. Now. I’m sorry I didn’t give you more warning, but I only just found out myself. You know how impulsive Ugas can be.”

  Uzuri hurried to Togo and nuzzled him, then she nuzzled Kombi. “My little boys are lions now. There is so much I wanted to tell you. I will come to see you--I promise. Soon.”

  Adhama said, “In a couple of days it should be OK. I’ll send for you.”

  Uzuri began to cry. “I know I haven’t said it as much as I

  should, but I’m so proud of you. Both of you. I hate to see you grow up, but I know you’re going to be King and Prince and you’re going to have a safe home of your own. I’m happy for you--so happy!” Her chin trembled and she sniffed back tears. “I’m stepping down as hunt mistress, and as soon as I’m sent for, I’ll join you and take my place at your father’s side.”

  Togo and Kombi nuzzled her fervently. “Don’t cry, Mother! Please don’t cry!”

  Simba put his paw on Kombi’s shoulder, then he touched Togo’s shoulder. “Unto the keeping of the gods I send my sons. Long life to you and success in your endeavors. Remember the Lord who formed you from the ground and breathed life into you. Go forth with my blessing.”

  Uzuri said, “You will always be my sons, but you are no longer my cubs. Remember that by the standards you set, you shall be judged yourself. What you require of others, it shall be required of you, and what you forgive of others, it shall be forgiven you.” New tears welled up in her eyes. “Go forth with my blessing!”

  CHAPTER: THIN ICE

  They were anxious to prevent Ambia from hurting their family, but they knew better than to run. Ambia would be well rested, and they must be prepared to fight him. At a fast trot, they headed across their old home for the last time. Every landmark was associated with a dozen memories. They quickly glanced about, trying to remember as much as they could. And Togo also glanced over at Kombi. He had a horrible feeling that one of them might not survive, and he wanted to remember his brother. Oh if there was only time to sit and talk! He had wasted the morning napping in the grass when he could have said so many things that were suddenly so important!

  The three lions paused a moment at the border. The stream had always kept them in before. Now it would keep them out. As Simba had taught them to do, they bowed their heads to the ground at the bank of the stream and thanked their parents for giving them life. Then they headed into the water. Togo deliberately splashed water on his face to hide his tears.

  No sooner did they emerge on the opposite bank than they could smell the new male’s mark. “Well, now we’re in trouble,” Kombi said. “At least some things never change.”

  “He’s the one in trouble,” Togo said, shaking water out of his mane. “It’s either him or me. I’m not running.”

  “Yeah. Me neither.”

  Adhama briefly bowed before them. “Welcome home, my King. I touch your mane.”

  Togo glanced at Kombi and nodded at him.

  “I feel it,” Kombi said. Then he nuzzled his brother and whispered, “You’re OK, kid.”

  There was an unearthly quiet over the land. No birds sang, no crickets chirped. Even the wind did not blow. Adhama expected to be met by some of the pride sisters. But there were no sentries, no messengers, no hunting parties. It seemed like the calm before the storm. Could it be that Ambia had forced one of the lionesses to reveal her plan? Were they walking into a trap?

  They got to the Pride Kopje. Ambia was nowhere to be seen, but there were several lionesses around with pained expressions.

  “Does he know?” Adhama asked. “Is he watching us?”

  “He’s behind the rock--with Amara.”

  Adhama’s jaw trembled. “Not my little girl! If he hurts her, I’ll kill him!”

  Togo and Kombi crept quietly around the rock. They saw a large lion looking very smug. Lying on the ground with a paw over her face in shame was Amara.

  Ambia got up and sauntered over to her. “Admit it, I’m fun to
be with. Someday you’ll come to appreciate me.” Trembling, he nosed her slender thigh. “Try to relax this time. It will be good for you too.”

  “Stop!” Togo cried.

  “Says who??”

  “The true king!” Kombi cried.

  “The what??”

  Togo and Kombi took advantage of his momentary surprise. They snarled and mounted a viscous frontal attack. Amara cowered back as Ambia flailed back at them with swipes of his bared claws and snaps of his powerful jaws. One well-placed blow and he could even up the match.

  Suddenly, Ambia felt a hot pain rake down his back leg. He turned around for one fateful moment to look into the burning eyes of Amara. “Was it good for you too?” she hissed.

  Before he could look back at Togo and Kombi, they grabbed him by the throat and forced him to the ground. Wide-eyed he stared up, pushing with his paws but unable to dislodge himself. As Togo’s grip threatened to crush his windpipe and choke the life out of him, Kombi came about to face the desperate opponent.

  “Spare me!” he cried, gagging. “Spare me! I’ll go away and never come back!”

  “Kiss her feet,” Togo said.

  “What??”

  “I said kiss her feet! Now DO IT!”

  Trembling, Ambia crawled across the ground on his stomach toward Amara, kissing her forepaws, then rolling on his back. “Tell them to spare me! Please, for God’s sake!”

  The lioness looked at Togo and Kombi. “He defiled me. Do with him what you will.”

  Kombi came to him, raising his claws as if to rip him.

  “Please, for God’s sake!” Ambia cried. “I surrender!”

  Kombi smirked at him. “My mother always said to put personal feelings aside and have mercy on the helpless.”

  “Oh thank God!”

  “But you’re not dealing with my mother.” He raked Ambia’s face with his claws out. Ambia screamed hysterically, blood staining his cheek a bright crimson.

  “Now you know how it feels. Get out!”

  Ambia squirmed before Togo and Kombi. “I’m going! Thank you!”

  Togo roared with his full voice, “You heard him--DO IT NOW!!”

  The intruder bolted wild-eyed across the savanna and into the shelter of the rushes. It was safe to assume he was gone for good. The lion that terrorized lionesses and their cubs was a coward.

  Then in the quiet left after the storm, lionesses and cubs came from the bushes and tall grass as if they were popping out of the ground. “Look everyone, it’s Ugas’ sons!”

  Lionesses came from all sides and rubbed against them. Cubs stared at them, noting the uncanny resemblance Kombi had to Ugas.

  “Is it safe now, Mommy?”

  “Yes, honey tree.”

  Togo nuzzled some of the small cubs. He turned on his back and began to play with them, the way he had played with Tanabi and Misha long ago, bouncing them on his legs.

  Adhama saw that and began to cry. “Look, Kombi! Look at your brother! Ugas lives on in you!”

  Kombi nuzzled her and pawed her cheek. “Auntie Adhama, I miss my mother, but it’s good to be home.” He went to Togo and whispered, “Hey, let's not mess this one up."

  As everyone watched in gratitude and relief, Kombi climbed to the top of the kopje where Ambia had so recently held sway. But to Kombi it only meant one thing--it was where his father had ruled. It was the closest he would ever come to meeting Ugas in the world of Ma’at. Feeling his father’s blood surging in his veins, he lifted up his muzzle and roared--loudly. The lionesses answered him. He felt shivers go down his spine. As the echoes died away across the savanna, a distant reply caught his ears. His blood rushed as he recognized the voice of Simba answering him from the Pride Lands, acknowledging Kombi’s sovereignty and proclaiming his own. He heard Simba’s lionesses declare their allegiance as well, tears stinging his eyes as he recognized the voice of his mother. He bowed his head to the ground. “Thank you, God. It’s good to be alive.”

  CHAPTER: TO THE VICTOR GOES THE SPOILS

  Togo felt a thrill as he watched his brother atop the kopje, the breeze blowing his mane back from his forehead. It was hard to believe the rambunctious brother he had grown up with had grown into the stern faced lion making his way down the rocks. Togo sighed deeply at the wonder of it all.

  He was about to join his brother when he felt a gentle touch at one shoulder. Glancing around, he saw a lioness beside him, a smile on her face as she gazed at his hazel eyes. “Your Majesty,” she said, bowing her head in a curtsy.

  Togo chuckled. “Oh, hello. I’m sorry, but I’m not--”

  “Oh no you don’t!” Another lioness trotted rapidly over. “I saw him first, you hussy!”

  “WHAT?!” The first lioness flattened her ears and growled. “Don’t even THINK about trying that stunt, dear. He’s big, he’s beautiful, and he’s all MINE!” She looked back at the shocked Togo. “I’m sorry,” she giggled, her voice returning to normal. “Forgive her, Sire. Now where were we?”

  “Nowhere, really,” Togo stammered. “You see, I’m not the--”

  “See?!” The second lioness shouldered her way in roughly. “His Majesty has taste AND class...qualities you obviously lack, hon. Now get lost.”

  “Ladies, PLEASE!!” Togo thundered. They fell silent, staring at him in adoration. “Please don’t argue like this.”

  “And sooo assertive,” the first crooned. “What a monarch! Please, Sire, choose me! I shall rule by your side with loyalty. We’ll bear our children in happiness and joy. Our love will shake the earth!”

  “But I’m NOT the king!” Togo finally said. “My brother is.”

  The lionesses fell silent and peered over at Kombi, who was already beginning to attract a crowd of his own, then looked at each other.

  “He’s YOURS,” they chorused, and sped off towards Kombi. “Sire! Your queen is here! Our love will shake the earth!”

  Kombi groomed his mane and looked at his nails. "Check it out, Togo! They're fighting over me!”

  "Which do YOU want?"

  He looked at both of them. "Decisions, decisions! Oh, it’s not easy being King."

  Togo smiled quietly and sat down, wondering if Kombi would survive the realization of his dreams. He lay down, resting his maned head on his forepaws, watching the tips of the grass sway and move in the gentle breeze that caressed the land. The sound of feminine voices drifted back to him and he sighed deeply.

  A slight touch at his shoulder startled him and he turned his head to see a young lioness standing close by, the quiet one he had noticed earlier, the one who had been cowering under Ambia’s abuse and had then suddenly slashed at him, giving the brothers the crucial instant they needed to make their move. She smiled nervously at him. "Are you still undecided? Do I have a chance?"

  "The line for queen is right over there. It looks like you'll have some stiff competition."

  "I don’t want to be queen. I'm standing in THIS line."

  "Really?"

  Her smile quivered and vanished, and she looked away quickly. "You find me unattractive?"

  "Oh no, it's not that."

  "Is it Ambia? Has his touch made me unworthy? Togo, I have to know."

  "It's just--I've been number two all my life. Nobody's ever preferred me before--for anything. This is so strange."

  "I find that hard to believe. You’re so much handsomer than your brother." She smiled shyly. “My name is Amara.”

  Togo smiled. "Hey, you're all right. My name's Togo."

  "Yes, I know. That's a pretty name." Tears came to her eyes.

  “What’s wrong? Why are you so sad?”

  “I was saving myself for you.” Her jaw trembled. “Ambia forced himself on me.”

  “Oh gods!”

  “I either came to him, or he would have killed little Saieti.” She looked away. “What will I do if the cubs are his? I mean, we weren’t together long, but it could happen.” She reached over and nuzzled him. “Could you still want me? Could you want the cubs?
”

  “You poor thing,” Togo said, wiping her eyes with his paw. “What a thing to say!” He nuzzled her in return. "Amara, I want you. I’ve wanted you ever since I saw you beautiful, frightened eyes full of tears. I wanted to kiss those tears away and make you happy.” He half whispered. "You will be their mother, and that is all that matters to me. That and the chance they might be mine.” He smiled and put his paw on her left shoulder. She purred softly and rubbed him down his whole length, then nuzzled him passionately.

  "Hey Togo!" Kombi shouted. "Help me make up my mind!" He was surrounded by five amorous lionesses, clearly in his element.

  "Have a race or something," Togo said. "Can't you see I'm busy now?"

  Togo nuzzled her, and she lay her head against his mane and walked away, leaning on him.

  Without seeing him, Kombi was rubbing the lionesses and giggling. "Where did he go, anyway? You'd think he wasn't interested in girls!"

  CHAPTER: SAD TIDINGS

  A couple of days after Togo and Kombi’s mantlement, Uzuri began to watch the eastern border, hoping for news of her sons. “Come on, Ugas. Why the secrecy??”

  All of the lionesses had been strictly charged to escort Adhama to Uzuri’s spot the moment she appeared. It seemed likely that she would be the messenger.

  Rumors had circulated about the goings-on. Uzuri was none too free with her information, and while most of the lionesses knew that Togo and Kombi were going to see Ugas, not one of them fully understood the situation.

  “He had no sons,” Ajenti said.

  “I think he wants someone from our pride,” Isha told her. “I have my own personal reasons for believing that. Good reasons.”

  “Not as good as mine,” Ajenti said with a sly wink. “What do you think, Sarafina?”

  Fini sighed. She had been moody for the past few weeks, and this business with Togo and Kombi only renewed her melancholia.

  At that moment, Habusu came among them, very excited. “I saw them!”

  “Who??”

  “Togo and Kombi!”