“I thought you were headed out with Isha,” she said, startled.
“Lannie,” Uzuri’s voice said from behind her, “would you mind looking after these two until I get back? I may be a while.”
“Zuri! How much did you hear??”
“Enough.”
Elanna bit her lip. “You won’t tell anyone, will you? You’re such a good person, Zuri. I hate to cry like a cub, but sometimes I get so depressed, and it seems like there’s no way out....” Elanna shuddered. “Nala left the Pride. Oh gods, Zuri, if you left me, I’d go crazy! Stark raving mad! Never leave me, Zuri! Whatever you want, I’ll make sure you get it! I’ll give you my portion. Anything, Zuri! Don’t leave me! Please!”
“Did you say you’d do anything? Then would you consent to be the Nurse-mother of my children? If I died, would you take care of Togo and Kombi?”
Elanna’s chin trembled and her eyes flooded with tears that spilled over and ran down her cheeks. It was a few moments before she could speak, and her first words were, “I love you, Zuri! I would offer them the blood of mercy if need be!”
With her paw she fondled Togo and Kombi, and kissed them. “See, Uzuri, God has not abandoned me!”
“Of course he hasn’t,” Uzuri said, kissing away her tears.
“You do know I love you, don’t you? You know I’d do anything for you, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. Now buck up. You don’t want your husband to see you’ve been crying, do you?”
“No.” She sighed. “It would be one more thing for him to worry about.” She took in a deep breath, let it out slowly, and smiled.
THE LOST SON OF AMALKOZI:
Whenever Rafiki told stories, he would bring some of his jerky for the cubs. It always ensured a large crowd, but it also fostered the close ties of love and trust that made Rafiki an integral part of the pride. Sometimes when Rafiki would examine a wounded lioness or massage a pulled muscle, he would have to bend painful joints and prod aching abdomens. These things and many more he did for many years, and never once was he bitten or scratched, though he could have been killed with a single well-placed blow or bite.
Rafiki was always happiest surrounded by cubs. He loved their antics and always laughed at their jokes, no matter how many times he had heard them before or how poorly they were told. And within the limits of his strength and durability, he would play games with them. He had to make those limits clear to each new generation. Indeed, among the few phrases of leonine he learned in his long life, “I love you,” “Let go,” and “Claws in, please!” figured most prominently.
Misha would always get jerky with the other cubs, but as he once did with Taka, he would save a piece of rare Tiko root for her alone. He gave her the treat, and as always her eyes half closed in pleasure as the fragrance and flavor permeated her. And as always, he quietly whispered, “Misha, mabinti penda,” which is to say, “Misha, my beloved daughter.”
She kissed him. “You’re my bestest friend. Did you give my mother Tiko root?”
His face clouded. “Some. I wish I could have given her more.”
“What do you mean?”
“I loved Mufasa very much. When he died, I was heartbroken, especially because Taka looked like he didn’t really care. I had no way of knowing that he killed Mufasa, but I was plenty upset, and I said some things that really made him angry. He confined me to this tree and for almost three years.”
“Three whole years?” She snuggled against him.
“Three years is a long time, but doubly so because I was prematurely old. I lost my youth over him, and it seems I did not lose enough of my life to suit him.” Absently, he began to stroke her as he spoke. “I missed your mother’s coming of age. I wasn’t able to be there for Nala and Habusu, and to think of poor Simba wandering around in the jungle like a lost soul! I try to be philosophical about all this and go on with my life, but sometimes its hard. But just you wait till someone tries to hurt my little girl, and they will know what fear is! I’ll move heaven and earth for my little Missy.” He put his arms around her and hugged her. “Maybe I’m giving you all the love that I kept stored up inside of me all those lonely moons. You know, I used to plan on one day walking out of this baobab and never coming back. But now that I’m free to come and go, it’s a funny thing--I just can’t find a home as nice as this one. I guess I’m stuck with it. And you have to help me.”
“How?”
“You’ll help me make some happy memories that will sweep away all the sad ones. It’s easy. See, you’re doing it right now.”
He slipped her an extra piece of Tiko root and said, “I shouldn’t do this. I’ll spoil your appetite for red meat.”
“Thank you, Rafiki.”
She snapped up the treat and closed her eyes, savoring the fragrant treat. “Will you tell me a story now?”
He looked at her with a smile but a trace of reproof. “You forgot to thank Aiheu for your food.”
“But YOU gave it to me.”
“I know, but when you look closely enough, all blessings come from Aiheu.” He said, “I know just the story, Missy. You listen carefully and you might learn something from this foolish old monkey.”
“King Amalkozi, the son of Baba, had a son named Zara. And Amalkozi loved Zara with a marvelous love. Indeed, between his wife and son he divided his whole heart, and Aiheu whom he had not seen he had no great love for.
“’You should thank the Lord your God before you eat,’ the shamans would warn Amalkozi. ‘He has provided for you, and it is at your peril that you neglect him.’
“’I will thank my lionesses before I eat,’ he said. ‘It is they who work hard that I might not go hungry.’
“And then one day when Zara was playing with his sister M’hetu, a giant eagle swept down from the sky and grabbed him in his talons. And before Amalkozi could stop him, the eagle bore Zara away screaming.
Misha’s ears flattened. “That’s terrible!”
“Hold on, Honey Tree,” Rafiki said, patting her cheek. “I’m not done yet.
“After this, Amalkozi grieved as no lions grieved before and few have grieved since. And when the shamans told him that the Lord had taken his son, he said angrily that where he had once neglected God, now he hated him and with just cause. And for six years the name of Aiheu was corban in his presence, and he would not bless the lionesses before the hunt.
“Then one day a strange lion showed up asking to see the king. He called Bavisi by name and several members of the household as well, so that Bavisi was afraid and suspected magic.
“Bavisi fell before his brother the King and said, ‘The strange lion will tell his name to no one but the King.’ And King Amalkozi wondered if he was being challenged, and he went out to greet the stranger with kind words while judging his strength as an enemy.
“But when the strange lion came before the King, M’hetu, the faithful sister humbled herself before him and cried, ‘Behold it is Zara who once was lost but now is found. Look, my King, my brother the cub has returned a lion!’ And the King looked closely and saw the scars on his back from the talons and knew that it was his son. He wept and lay on the ground, pawing the sky and praising Aiheu for his mercy. And Amalkozi put out a decree that all lions should thank God before they eat and remember the Lord before they sleep.
“Now this, my child, is the importance of the story. That Aiheu loved Amalkozi and returned his son BEFORE he repented, for Aiheu loves all of his children.”
“But why did he tell the eagle to take away his son?”
“Who says he told the eagle to take away his son! But if he had prayed to Aiheu and asked his help, he might not have had to wait six years.”
Misha bowed her head quickly. “Aiheu abamami! Aiheu provides!” She looked up sheepishly and said, “I don’t want to take any chances.”
ASK YOLANDA:
Yolanda was trying to rest. She was at an age gracefully referred to as “looking westward,” and she needed more sleep than she once di
d when her carriage was straight, her stomach was firm and her step was lively.
“Oh good!” young Misha said, gamboling over and rubbing against her face. “You’re not busy.”
With a sigh, Yolanda rolled over. She managed a smile despite her aches and pains and reached out with a comforting paw to draw her granddaughter to her side and begin grooming her. “Something on your mind?”
“It’s not really important, but I was just wondering....”
“About what?” Yolanda began to groom behind Misha’s ears and the cub half closed her eyes in luxury.
“All these spots. I have more spots than Wajanja. I wish they would go away. My mom’s spots never all went away like Nala’s did. Does that mean I’m going to be spotty all my life?”
“I hope so,” Yolanda said.
The answer got Misha’s full attention. “Why?”
“Those cub spots were left where Aiheu touched you when you were born. He blesses all new cubs.”
“Boy, he sure must have blessed me one good!”
Yolanda smiled, amused. “When the spots stay on after you’re grown, it’s a good sign. It’s a blessing, and I think it looks beautiful.” She drew close and said, “Your mother’s spots used to drive your father wild. Lions think lionesses with spots are extra special.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. It probably makes no difference, but why tell THEM that? Hey, if you got ‘em, flaunt ‘em!” Yolanda whispered in her ear, “Don’t tell anyone I said this, but have you ever noticed how many spots Isha has?”
“Whoa!” Misha giggled.
“Didn’t I tell you!” Yolanda fondled her with a paw. “You’re very beautiful, and the older you get the more beautiful you’ll become.”
“That Wajanja thinks she’s so smart and so cute! But you know what? She’s the only one without a steady boyfriend!”
“Aiheu abamami!” Yolanda said with a good laugh. “There are words for cubs like her, and someday when you’re older you’ll hear some of them. Remember now, what I tell you lioness to lioness doesn’t get spread around, OK?”
“Sure!” Misha kissed her and rubbed against her face. “I love you, Grandma.”
“I love you too.”
Misha trundled away happily, and Yolanda watched with a smile as her granddaughter disappeared into the distance. Then she laid her head down, took in a deep breath and slowly let it out.
The African sun warmed her body, loosening her joints and making her drowsy. She rolled over on her back and let the warmth soak in her stomach, then turned on her sleeping side. With a contented grunt, she closed her eyes and waited for sleep to bear her away on quiet velvet paws. All was at peace.
“Oh good, you’re still here!”
One of Yolanda’s eyes opened slowly. She saw Togo barreling down on her just in time to pull her stomach tight before impact. Eyes shining, Togo climbed over her body to put his arms around her large neck and rub her with grunts of love and joy.
“How did you know I needed a good hug, Honey Tree?”
“Just a lucky guess?” Togo said, kissing her with his warm tongue and nuzzling her until she had to smile and then snuggling under her chin.
“Where’s your brother?”
“Over here!” Kombi said, walking over her back, across her ribs and down the other side to end up snuggled by her side.
Kombi watched the tuft on the end of Yolanda’s tail intently. It was all he could do not to pounce on it. “Togo and I were just talking about storms.”
“Arguing about it,” Togo said.
“Whatever. The point is, Togo says lightning is falling stars and I say that’s just nonsense. Everybody knows lightning is when the rain catches on fire! That’s what Wajanja says.”
“Good old Wajanja,” Yolanda said with a sigh. “Thunder and lightning happens because One Who Brings Rain roars a warning to the Makei. He's tells them that the ground is about to be blessed. Makei cannot stand the rain because it is holy and hurts them. But One-who- brings-rain is merciful and would not even hurt the Makei.”
“Wow!” Kombi said. “Mom was right. When you have a question, ask Yolanda.”
“I see,” Yolanda said. “I have a question for your mother next time I see her.”
Kombi ran on his merry way. Togo watched him go and became restless. “Well, I guess I better go.”
“Come on, Togo!”
Togo looked into Yolanda’s eyes and drew close. His pink tongue shot out and touched the tip of her nose. “I gotta go.”
“I understand,” Yolanda said, kissing him. “Come back--later.”
Yolanda smiled and laid her head down on the soft grass. “That Togo is such a dear,” she muttered softly. “If I was a few years younger, I’d want a son just like him.”
Dealing with the cubs was her special pleasure, and it had become her job since her loss of speed and strength on the hunt had made her more valuable as a cub setter. Once in a while she would follow along on the hunt in search of her lost youth. Just a week ago, she brought down a gazelle, and it did wonders for her self esteem. But for the moment the wonders she needed would be found in a good nap.
“Merciful Aiheu,” she whispered, “I love them all, but let me get some sleep? Remember old Yolanda who loves you.”
Lisani came treading quietly toward her. Yolanda glanced up and sighed. “Maybe you’re getting a little hard of hearing with age? Please, Lord?” She glanced back at Yolanda with a forced smile. “You came by to ask old Yolanda for a story? Maybe a quick question?”
Lisani yawned. “Not now. I’m too tired.”
Lisani rubbed her cheek against Yolanda’s face, then she snuggled quietly next to her chest. Yolanda draped her paw over Miss Priss and smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Aiheu. Maybe your ears are still sharp.” And with Lisani’s tiny, soft body cuddled to her, she grunted with contentment and finally fell asleep.
THE PATH OF THE DEAD:
Beesa was funny and sweet and when you looked at her beautiful face, her eyes shone like a warm nuzzle. She was a good and patient mother, and everyone who knew her loved her. And when the moon stood at its zenith enchanting the acacia trees with a silver luster, an angry elephant crushed her body and left her there to die.
Small Lisani huddled by her Aunt Isha and trembled. The enormity of her mother’s death was an inescapable burden wounding her cubhood innocence to the core.
When Lisani was alone with Isha, she worked up nerve enough to ask a question--THE question.
“How did it happen?”
“We had been hunting all night, but by midmoon we had nothing to show it. By the moonlight we could see the small group of elephants in the distance, but Uzuri told us to ignore them. But you know your mother--Beesa saw that a calf had strayed too far from the group and she must have thought she could cut it off and out of the herd.
“Uzuri was calling out our sweep pattern. We were going with the fork pattern, and she was going to lead the left wing. She wanted Beesa in the trail spot, but didn’t see her anywhere. She asked about your Mom, but no one had seen her.
Then Malaika saw her. There was this big elephant cow sneaking up behind Beesa. Uzuri shouted for her to watch out, but by the time your mom turned around it was too late. That elephant charged her and tossed her like a twig, then it stomped on her.”
Lisani gasped deeply and let it out in a shrill shriek. As tears streamed down her face, she ran in tight circles shrieking, then bit herself on the flank so hard that a few red drops stained her fur. “Oh gods!” she shrieked almost incoherently. “Oh gods! Mommy! I love you, Mommy! Oh gods, it stepped on you! Oh gods! I love you! I love you Mommy! Can you hear me?? I love you!”
“Shh, honey tree!” Isha stopped her with a large paw and drew her to her side. “Shh, honey tree. Let it out on me. Isha’s here.”
Lisani buried her face in the soft fur of Isha’s side and shrieked while her aunt gently cleaned and soothed the wound on her leg. She sobbed. Then after a while it died
down to a soft, mournful weeping that lasted for what seemed like an eternity. In the night sky, the two brothers had ascended, and the moon had long passed its zenith. Isha had seemed to drowse off, but her eyes never completely closed.
Finally Lisani spoke again. “Aunt Isha? Are you awake?”
“Yes, Honey Tree. I won’t sleep till you do.”
Lisani rubbed her face against Isha’s and kissed her repeatedly. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Be careful, Aunt Isha. You’re all I have left,” Lisani said. “If you died, I’d have to do my own hunting.”
Isha wept. “Oh child! What a thing to say!”
“Can I go see her?”
“No, Miss Priss.”
“Please??”
“Her body will be corban for a moon--those are the rules, and your mother would want you to obey them. I said good-bye for you.”
“Why are those the rules? Who makes these rules? Taka? He makes stupid rules--everyone says so!”
“Never let him hear you say that! You could get into trouble. But these were not his rules: They were made long ago because we go back to the earth from which our bodies came and our spirits go back to God from which they came. We are not to interfere with that. Aiheu’s pretty smart. He knows what he’s doing. When we die, he gathers us up and takes us to be with him, and he misses no one, no matter how big or small. Now the important point is that death is not an end in itself but a continuing of the path. This life is like swimming across a deep river. If you seek to avoid death, it is like swimming in circles forever, never reaching the other side.”
“But she wasn’t even old! She still had a lot of time left! It’s not fair!”
“I agree. It’s not fair. But honey tree, she left the world a better place than she found it. Her life had beauty and meaning, and through you a part of her goes on.” Isha nuzzled and kissed her.
Lisani considered her words carefully. “What happens then? After you die? I mean, what does it feel like?”
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