Habu was trapped in a small fissure in the side of Pride Rock. He’d gotten separated from his mother during the heat of The Great Battle, and fled shrieking from a hyena into the first place he could hide. It was barely adequate at best. If he’d ever had reason to fear hyenas before, he had an even better one.
      The guard that was after him reached in with a paw trying to pull Habu’s small body into his deadly jaws. The cub huddled back as far as he could and watched as the paw swiped slightly closer each time as the hyena wedged himself more tightly into the crack. It was only a matter of time until the claws found flesh and began to tear gashes and finally manage a grip. In mad desperation, Habu timed his next move, snapped at the flailing paw, and held on to it.
      With a shriek of pain, the hyena gave his paw a mighty yank backward. Habu’s canines and shearing teeth had set deeply, and they gouged long parallel gashes into its flesh. Screaming, the hyena turned about in tight circles, holding his paw up. “Krekh toh! Krekh toh, you dirty little bormarkh! I’ll kill you if it’s the last thing I do!”
      Suddenly, a tawny streak passed by and with another shriek, the wounded hyena was raked brutally across the abdomen. He collapsed at once into a pool of his own blood and humors, writhing in his death struggles.
      Habu cowered in the back of the cave, his eyes squeezed shut. He tried to drown out the awful moans of the hyena, putting his head down and clamping his paws tightly over his head.
      “Roh’kash! Roh’kash ne nabu! Roh’kash ne nabu!”
      Habu could smell smoke. At first he thought it was the scent of a dying hyena, for he had never experienced fire, but as the smell grew in its acrid intensity, he felt he must take another look outside.
      What he saw was incredible. The hyenas were being driven off! They were running away! He looked about and saw flames consuming the dry grass. The whole world was on fire! He did not understand the red plague, but some distant ancestral memory told him to avoid it.
      He glanced down at the hyena. The eyes turned to look back at him. Though Habu was still frightened, he understood that he was in no immediate danger. He stepped around the blood-spattered body as the eyes followed him, and trotted off to find his mother. Amarakh still lay twisted in the knot of her final death spasm. He had liked Amarakh, but he was frightened and could not bring himself to touch her lacerated body.
      “Momma! Momma!”
      He ran down the steep switchbacks of the trail leading to the ground. There at the base of Pride Rock, he stopped for a moment to look at his friend Taka who lay with a gaping wound on his abdomen. He trembled and headed to the sad lion that had stared at him balefully. Taka had been his friend, and he shoved him with a paw. “Are you OK? Taka?” He walked about, but the eyes did not follow him or blink. “You’re dead, aren’t you?” It was a foolish question. “Poor Taka.” He reached out and gently stroked his mane. “I guess you’re gone to see Jona.”
      It was his first time to see a dead lion. Sad and confused, he wandered off to find someone--anyone--that could tell him where Isha was. He prayed that she was not with Jona too.
      It began to rain. The pelting drops from the sky were a new experience for him, and he watched as the ash on the ground began to run in gray rivulets across the parched earth before being absorbed.
      “Habu??”
      Habusu’s heart almost went into his mouth. “Mom??”
      Isha came running across the scorched earth. “Oh thank gods!!” She fell to her side and with a quick swipe of her paw, pulled his squirming, happy body to her heart and kissed him repeatedly. “My little boy! Oh gods, I was going crazy with worry! Don’t EVER run off like that again!”
      Miss Priss rubbed against his mud-spattered body. “Habu!” She was usually very affectionate to him, but this time she spared no degree of effort, kissing him and pawing his face until his heart swam.
      A large male lion with a wet but still impressive russet mane strode toward Pride Rock past them.
      “Who’s that, Mom?”
      “That’s Simba! He’s the true king! Wave at him!”
      Habusu rose, covered with ash and mud, and waved his paw. Simba turned and nodded at him.
      “Did you see that, Mom?? He winked at me!”
      “He sure did, honey tree!”
      The old mandrill Rafiki stood at the base of the promontory and hopped impatiently as the lion ascended the trail leading up Pride Rock. He glanced at Taka, shook his head, then spoke with the mandrill.
      “What’s going to happen?” Habu asked.
      “He’s going to climb the rock and roar for us. Then he’ll be king of the Pride Lands.”
      “Is he going to do it now?”
      “Soon. Just watch.”
      Trembling with emotion, Isha drew Habu to her side and watched through the rain as Mufasa’s son ascended the granite promontory. The hyenas were gone, and hope for the future made her heart swell and filled her eyes with tears.
      "Gods forgive me," Isha said, "but I never thought I would live to see this day. Look, Habu! There is your king!"
      Habu watched the lion come to the end of the promontory. He had never known Mufasa, but he heard so many wonderful things about him that he thrilled to see his son come home and take his place as king. The infectious joy and hope affected him deeply, and he nearly danced with an excitement that seemed to fall in the rain, blow in the winds and bubble up from inside all at once.
      Simba looked down at his faithful pride. Habu nudged his Mom. “Look, he’s looking at us!”
      “Shhh, Honey Tree! Watch! You’ll want to tell your grandkids about this.”
      Silhouetted against the sky, Simba looked up expectantly. As if to answer him, a rift opened in the clouds and he saw the stars. Drawing in a deep breath, he sounded a thunderous roar.
      Isha and the other lionesses poured out their soul, their sounds echoing and blending in a joyous song of triumph.

      When good news is too good to be true, it’s sure to be followed by something bad. Simba’s return to the Pride Lands offered hope to the despondent and strength to the weary. But Isha found her rejoicing cut short when realized her most precious possession was missing--Habu was nowhere to be found.
      Simba and Nala were just waking up after their first night home. Before they could go for a morning drink at the cistern, Isha bounded into their cave, wild-eyed. "Forgive my intrusion, Incosi, but I can't find my son! Please help me!" Isha was nearly incoherent. "I let him go play with Uzuri's cubs' but they don't know where he went and he won't answer me!"
      "Calm down, Isha." Nala touched her with her tongue. "Think now, where did you see him last?"
      "I was lying in the grassy spot over by the north face. He went off to play with Togo and Kombi. I told him to stay near Uzuri but he didn't listen." She struck the ground with her paw. "I should never have let him go!"
      Uzuri slinked in morosely. "I can't find him, Isha. I don't know where he went, but I found out why." She frowned at her twins who tried to look small and inconspicuous. "It seems Togo and Kombi were playing a little...rough." She patted Isha comfortingly. "Don't worry, Hon, he's probably just sulking somewhere."
      "That's just it; he always comes when I call him, no matter what mood he's in. He's such a good boy." She buried her face into Uzuri’s shoulder and sobbed. “My son! My little son!”
      Simba glanced at Nala. "Oh boy. I'm gonna go ask Rafiki if he can help. Maybe he'll know where to look. In the meanwhile, get some search parties organized."
      Simba worked his way quickly down the rock, then ran unbroken toward Rafiki’s acacia. Isha had taken several bites meant for him during The Great Battle, and he felt suitably grateful. “Aiheu, help us! Isha deserves better than this.” By the large trunk of the tree he stopped breathless, looking up into the branches. “Rafiki! Rafiki?? Are you awake??"
      "Indeed I am. What is all the commotion about?"
      “Habusu is lost. Can you do anything to help us? We have to find him quickly, before something else does."
      Rafiki started. "Aiheu forbid--I will try."
      Back at Pride Rock, Isha was going crazy with worry. Nala was stroking her with a paw, nuzzling her. “We will find him, Auntie Isha. I promise.”
      “How can you promise something like that?” Isha trembled. “You can’t! What if he’s dead already?? What if he’s fallen into a sinkhole?? Maybe he’s calling for me!”
      “Easy, girl! Easy! Don’t think such things!”
      Simba came running back to the cave with a frantic looking Rafiki on his back clinging to his mane.
      Isha stepped out of the cave, looking hopeful, but her face fell when she saw no sign of her cub.
      "Isha, my poor dear," Rafiki said, running up and hugging her neck. "Do not fret. We will find your child." He quickly set up his scrying bowl and filled it with water from a gourd he carried. “Do you have anything that he might have touched or played with in the past day or so? An old bone, perhaps?"
      "No, he doesn't play with toys very much; he likes to pounce and wrestle more than anything else."
      Rafiki frowned. "Hmm. That will make it more difficult; I don't think I'll be able to find him without something."
      Isha said, “How about some dead grass? I made him a soft place to sleep."
      He paused, stroking the flowing white hair which grew from his chin. "Yes. Yes indeed."
      She brought a small mouthful of dry grass, but he only took a few strands. She watched closely as he dropped the grass into the bowl, where it floated about in a small circle. Isha and Simba peered over his shoulder with interest as Rafiki made a short prayer, then studied the pattern of ripples in the water. “Makpelah the Circle. He lives.”
      Simba sighed with relief as Isha sank to the ground. "Aiheu be praised," she whispered. "Where is he?"
      Rafiki scratched his head. "I don't know." But all too soon, he would have a good idea.
      "Hey, your Majesty!" called a hyena voice. "I would most HUMBLY request an audience with you."
      “I know that voice,” Simba said. A distant but horrible memory came back to him. “Oh gods, no! Shenzi!”

      Shenzi had offered to help look for the child, but her veiled threats were all too clearly read, and they proved to be more than just a trick to gain influence with Simba. After a long and frustrating day of searching, Yolanda and Sarafina came and bowed breathless before Simba to make a startling report.
      “We found Habu."
      “Where is he?" Isha gasped. Her stomach knotted. "Oh God, tell me he's not dead!"
      "He is alive, Isha. Aiheu forgive me for saying so, but it might be better for him if he had died. The hyenas have him."
      After a moment of pain and anger, Simba roared loudly and said, "Come, Isha. Let's go get your son."
      Every able body was called into the rescue operation. Only the cubs were left behind. Uzuri took charge of the team for all prey was one to her, and she took this particular hunt to heart. There could be no sudden rush, for it is likely the prey would not flee. It required something more subtle than a dash for gazelles, and she was willing to do whatever it took to ensure the safety of her pride sisters as well as that of Habusu. In the back of her mind, however, she remembered Ber, Makhpil, and several others whom she could see no evil in. She prayed they would be safe as well, and maybe that they would help her.
      Quickly and silently, the ghosts of Pride Rock slinked through the grass as silently as a gentle wind, but they were a mighty thunderstorm ready to strike the enemy with lightning.
      The guards posed little problem. The quiet approach caught a couple of cowardly hyenas by surprise, and within moments they were driven off into the uncertain night.
      Uhuru, the Roh’mach, was making his nightly rounds before he slept. He saw the stealthy approach of the lions, and it surprised him that they came unannounced. “I’m going to have a word with Griz’nik,” he grumbled as he headed to meet them.
      "Sire! What an honor!" He bowed. "No news on your missing child, I'm afraid."
      Simba ran to him and snarled viscously. "What in God’s name do you think you're doing with our cub? Did you think we wouldn’t find out??"
      Uhuru quailed and shrank back. "Sire?? I don't understand!"
      Isha stared into his eyes. "Liar! Where is my child? What have you done with him??" She scanned the area frantically. "Habu? Habu, it’s Mom! Oh gods, answer me!" Her voice echoed, mocking her. She turned back to Uhuru, her ears laid flat in anger. "What have you done with him?"
      Sitting above them on a ledge, Shenzi laughed.
      Simba glared up at Shenzi. “Are you responsible for this?"
      "And what if I am, cubby? What are you going to do about it? Touch me and your little babykins is going to be tonight's dinner."
      Simba strode forward angrily. "What do you want?"
      Shenzi laughed. "Are you that dense? I want that pathetic excuse for a Roh'mach replaced. We need someone more qualified."
      "That someone wouldn't happen to be you, would it?"
      "Why, dearie, I thought you'd never ask. I'd be delighted to volunteer."
      "I'm sure you would!" Simba roared loudly. "I will not be dictated to by anyone, especially you. You helped Scar kill my father, and by God I either get Habusu back or I’ll rip you."
      “So she helped kill Mufasa too?” Uhuru asked. He confronted Shenzi, shouting, “Let’s end this here and now. I call on the gods to witness our Shih’kal. I challenge you to fight to the death.”
      Deathly silence fell as Shenzi stared at Uhuru, openmouthed. "What? You can't do this!"
      Azuba stepped forward. "But he has.” She was a loyalist and hated Shenzi. She scrabbled up to the ledge and drew close to her enemy, speaking through the clenched teeth of her rage. “Accept the challenge, or forfeit forever your claim as Roh'mach.”
      Shenzi looked around at the other hyenas. The challenge had been witnessed, and she faced only two paths. "Very well. I accept the challenge." She shoved past Azuba and stood before Uhuru, spitting at his feet. "Fool. You would have lost your title. Now you lose your life."
      "Really?" His eyes bored into hers intently. "We shall see."

      Shenzi began circling Uhuru slowly, sizing him up. He was smaller, but he was very quick and agile.
      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.

      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 kept 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.

      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....