“Yeah, right.” He coughed as if to drive the point home. “We all have to die sometime. But before I go, I want to meet my sons. I want to look into their eyes and tell them I love them.”
“Are you sure you have that much time left?” Rafiki asked, amused but a little judgmental. “You’ve been very busy.”
“I don’t have much time left,” he said. “And you know I meant Togo and Kombi. They’re the only sons I have--all the rest are daughters. Ah, that’s it, rub further to the left....oh, yes!”
“Those two are quite a sight,” Rafiki said, rubbing harder.
“They’re Uzuri’s. That’s good enough for me. I love that girl.”
“You love all lionesses.”
“I LIKE all lionesses. I LOVE her.”
“Well you’d BETTER love her!” Rafiki said sharply.
“What do you mean by that??”
“If you ever hurt her, I may be only an old monkey, but I’ll get you. I swear I will! You take care of that girl, you hear me??”
“Calm down, will you? Not so hard with the hands, you old monkey!”
“She means the world to me. I won’t have you treating her like a plaything to toss aside when you’ve had your fun!”
“Calm down! Your face is turning red! Besides, you’re rubbing my fur the wrong way!”
“I’m sorry. I guess I’m playing the honey badger.” He gave Ugas’ shoulder a pat. “So you really love her?”
“I’m deeply in love with her. Just like you are.”
“Well I....” Rafiki was supremely embarrassed. “I love her, but I wouldn’t say I’m IN love with her. I mean, not THAT way.”
“Come now,” Ugas said, patting his shoulder with a large paw. “Let’s be honest. I won’t be upset by the truth. Now before Aiheu, can you truthfully say that you’ve never had one small inkling of attraction to her? Your wife has been dead all these years. Uzuri does practically everything for you a wife would do. She has even groomed you.” He smiled. “I can tell by looking at you that you feel threatened. You’re very transparent, and the guilt leaves tracks all over your face.”
Rafiki looked down. “Ugas, you wouldn’t understand. I mean, sure. Sometimes I wish we were--the same kind--you know. But I pray about those feelings and they go away.”
“You’re giving me half an answer. Rafiki, Aiheu knows your heart. And so do I.”
Ugas drew him close with a paw and patted him gently, nuzzling him with his large face. “She has that effect on people. In your heart, you know that even the stones and the grass she step on love her. I count myself lucky that I can act on that love. We see each other as often as possible, and not only when she’s in season. Sometimes we sit under the stars and talk for hours.”
“About what?”
“Oh, one thing she really likes is star lore. What she doesn’t know about the night sky isn’t worth knowing. I can tell--in my younger days, I was quite a scholarly type. As deadly serious as a baobab tree in a rain storm.”
“I didn’t know that.” Rafiki cleared his throat. “Does she ever talk about me?”
“Oh does she ever! How cute your little girl was and how pretty your wife was, and how you work miracles on her stiff shoulder--I can tell from personal experience that you do. You’d think she was your mother the way she talks about you. And did you really stop Akase’s miscarriage with Heartleaf?”
“Yes. With Maraliscus. The combination kept it from poisoning her but stopped the contractions. It was touch and go there for a while.”
“Uzuri has good taste in friends--she doesn’t smile at everyone that nods their head at her. She cares for you a great deal. More than she probably lets on.” He drew close and said in a near whisper, “If you were a lion, I’d be insanely jealous. Odds are five to one she’d be married to YOU right now.”
Rafiki rubbed more and more slowly as a dreamy expression crossed his face. “Don’t be foolish,” he muttered. “What an odd notion!”
“I want her children to inherit my kingdom,” he said matter-of- factly. “That was our understanding from the beginning. I would give her love, and she would give me sons. And she has--twin sons when I thought I only had daughters in me. We must not let them slip away.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Can you arrange a meeting? Just them, their mother and I?”
“I’ll do what he can.”
“You’ll do better than that. Her happiness means everything to you. You’d do whatever it takes.”
Rafiki looked down again. “Yes, I would.”
“And Rafiki, I’ll be gone long before Uzuri. You know I’m rather old.”
“You shouldn’t think that way.”
“Why not? It’s true. And I know I’ll be leaving her alone.” He looked at Rafiki intently. “I want to know she will have someone to look after her. Swear to me--swear by Aiheu’s holy name--you will see she is well tended to. Let no harm come to her.”
“I swear.”
Ugas put his large paw on Rafiki’s shoulder and gave him a soft pat. “Someday, somehow God will reward you for all this.”
The mandrill looked up. “He already has, my old friend. More than you could imagine.” He hugged Ugas around his strong neck and said, “She talks about you too. All good things. I just thought you’d want to know that.”
Rafiki said a quick blessing over Ugas’ land, then walked away. When he was safely hidden in the rushes between the two kingdoms, he clasped his hands and bowed his head. “Merciful Aiheu, I can’t help it if I’m in love with her. Help me! I’d die if she ever found out!” Tears ran down his cheek and he sniffed, rubbing his eyes.
CHAPTER: LIEBESTOD
Adhama flicked an ear absently at a buzzing fly as she shouldered her way silently through the high grass. As she emerged from the surrounding brush, she spotted Ugas atop a small rise, looking into the west toward Pride Rock.
Padding to his side, she craned her head to look at him. “Who is it this time?” she asked with a wry smile. “Do I know her?”
He glanced at her and grinned dazzlingly. “It’s not a lioness, Addie! My sons are coming to visit me! My sons, Addie!”
Adhama beamed. “Togo and Kombi? Coming here?”
“And why not?? My sons can go anywhere they please!”
“When are they coming?”
“I don’t know. Within a few days. But what’s a few more days after all these moons?” He leaned over and nuzzled her warmly. “After I’m gone, I’ll feel good knowing that my sons are taking care of you.”
“And who says you’re dying first? You may outlive us all.”
“I hope not.” He reached out with a paw and fondled her cheek. “I’ve lived a long life, a full life. I’ve had a lot of happiness, and now I have peace of mind. I prayed for a son, and I got twin boys! Aiheu has been good to me.”
“You forgot to mention your sister that loves you.”
Ugas smiled and nuzzled her again. “Yes, I have a sister that I love.” He thought a moment. “Addie, I’m going to try and talk Uzuri into staying. Things are fine in her pride now, and she said she would come to me when things improved.”
“Does she know about the others?”
“No.” He looked worried. “It’s better that she never knows. She’s my wife, you know. I pledged to her.”
“She’s the Queen?”
“Yes. You sound surprised.”
“No, not at all. I think she’ll make a good Queen. But do you think you can remain faithful to her?”
“Addie!” He smiled, somewhat embarrassed. “If she’ll only stay this time, I’ll be faithful to her. It’s an even trade. She’d be giving up her pride, and I’d be giving up....” He half closed his eyes and looked pensive, counting on his paws. “Well, maybe it’s not an even trade, but I’ll do it for her.”
“Be serious!”
“I AM serious. I’d do anything for that girl. When she’s here, she makes my world. But every time she leaves me, I feel this horrible emptiness. If she will make sacrifices for me, I’ll make them for her.”
“She might just do that. At least I’ll never leave you.”
Ugas smiled and his eyes sparkled. “Have I told you I love you recently?”
“Many times, Honey Tree.”
“Well I’m telling you again.”
Adhama smiled and slipped silently into the grass headed for Pride Kopje. The hunt would begin in an hour or so, and already the Pride Sisters were starting to gather to discuss plans.
Adhama had spoken of sacrifices. Never had she understood sacrifice more keenly than as she went over the night’s plan with the other lionesses. Despite her advanced age, her slowing reflexes and her weakening eyes she was still hunt mistress for Ugas’ pride. With her renowned hunting abilities and keen sight, Uzuri would surely replace her, but so great was her love for Ugas that she would willingly step aside for Queen Uzuri. Adhama, who loved cubs, would tend the children in her remaining days and dream of nights on the trail. She determined to remember every moment of what might be her last hunt as a leader.
Ugas watched her tawny form fade into the grass, a smile on his face. Settling his bulk gently to the ground, he started to doze off for a nap when he heard a soft padding in the grass. “Addie, did you forget something?”
“I’m not Addie,” a sultry voice replied.
Ugas looked up. A smile of delight blossomed on his face. “Sarafina! My sweet Fini!”
Sarafina nuzzled him as he lay on the ground. Quickly he raised off the ground, closing his eyes in bliss as he rubbed down her full length. “Oh, girl, it’s good to see you!”
“I missed you, beloved,” she said.
“I missed you too.” He kissed one of her cheeks softly, then kissed the other cheek. A deep, quiet purr rose from inside her.
“You’re in your season,” he said gently. “It seems like the only time I ever see you around. Don’t you ever just want to share the view from Pride Kopje when the sun is setting and the stars come peeking out?”
“I wish I could, my darling. I love you so much, but I have too many ties to my Pride to just walk away from them.”
“So how’s my little girl?”
“I’m fine,” she said, kissing him again.
“I should have said OUR little girl.”
“Oh, Nala. She’s expecting cubs soon.”
“My Nala, a mother?” He smiled warmly. “Wonderful! I hope they look like you. Is Simba good to her?”
“Oh, as good as gold.”
“If he isn’t, you call me. I’ll teach him a little respect.”
“I believe you.” She laughed. “You sure taught ME a few things.”
He smiled and nuzzled her passionately. “Is that a hint? Are you back for another lesson?”
She laughed again with anticipation and nosed him playfully on the thigh. “Come with me. I thirst for knowledge.” Then she turned and darted into the reeds.
Ugas pursued her. “So you want to learn something?? See if you can handle this!”
From the depths of the reeds, Sarafina gasped in a breath and issued it in a moan.
“Oh, Fini! I love you so much! So much!”
“Ugas!” she stammered. “I love to have you next to me! I live for your touch!”
“Oh, Fini! My dear girl!”
“Oh gods, I love you, Ugas!”
“I love you too! Oh! Oh yes!” He gasped and roared loudly.
She answered his roar with a cry of passionate fulfillment.
Suddenly Ugas shrieked--this time it was a cry of pain.
“What’s wrong??”
“Oh gods, no!”
“Ugas, what’s wrong??”
“My chest!! I can’t breathe!!”
“Ugas! My darling! Ugas!!”
He came out of the reeds, his eyes wide, gasping. “My heart! I’m dying!! Fini, I’m dying!!” He staggered a few more steps, then fell to the ground and rolled on his side. “Tell Rafiki to send for the twins.”
“I’ll go get him right away!”
Ugas gasps, then begs her, “No! Fini, please don’t leave me! Don’t leave me here to die alone!”
She began to sob hysterically. “Ugas, don’t die! For God’s sake, please don’t die! Don’t leave me, Ugas!” Looking around, she screamed, “Help! Somebody help us! Adhama! Rafiki! Anybody!!”
A flock of ravens was startled out of an acacia tree. Flapping and squawking they formed a black cloud that whisked away on the wind. No one else could hear her.
He reached out with a trembling paw and placed it atop hers. He stared at her, but his eyes didn’t seem to focus. He drew in a hoarse breath and whispered something.
“I didn’t hear.”
He closed his eyes. “Uzuri? Uzuri??” A look of pain and desperation crossed his face. “Uzuri??”
Sarafina lowered her voice slightly. “Yes, Ugas?”
“Uzuri, beloved. I don’t feel so good.”
“I know.” Tears streamed down her face.
“Uzuri, forgive me. I’ve cheated on you, dearest.”
Sarafina’s breath caught. “Oh?”
He gasped, sweat matting his fur. “Forgive me, my angel. I’ve been unfaithful, but only because you were so far away. I wanted you here by my side--Gods, I was so lonely without you. I sought comfort in my solitude, but it was only you I loved. Only you, my dear wife.”
Tears brimmed in Sarafina’s eyes. She felt her heart crumble into pieces. “No one else?”
“Our sons will be king and consort. It’s the least I can do. I wish I could have been a better father.”
“That’s all right,” Sarafina said, stroking his pain filled face with a paw. “We all have regrets. That’s part of life.”
“Then you forgive me?” He became very agitated, and pain twisted his features into a mask of suffering. “Please, Uzuri! Say you forgive me!”
“Yes, my darling. But you’re going to get well again. Dear God, you must get well again!”
“Come,” he stammered. “I feel so tired. Let us rest in the shade under the acacias.”
The air rushed from his lungs in a sudden sigh and his paw slipped down.
Sarafina hung her head and began to sob, stroking his mane with her paw. He looked almost like Nala when she slept. Never again would his kind eyes look in hers. Never again would his gentle voice speak of love. The sun that had risen on her joy would set on her grief. And not hers alone, but Uzuri’s.
“What will I tell her? How could I tell her?” She had no idea what to say, or even who to tell. She couldn’t tell Uzuri that she had seen him die! Rafiki would have to tell her, and when he wouldn’t reveal his source, Uzuri would be suspicious.
With a trembling paw, Sarafina drew a circle around Ugas’ eye and touched him beneath the jaw. Then giving Ugas one last kiss, she turned and trudged away toward home. She could not roar, but had to keep her feelings locked away inside her. She wiped her tears and tried to freeze her face into a mask of deceptive calm. Her sister’s husband had died making love to her, and out of love for Uzuri she would suffer in silence.
CHAPTER: THE PANIC
The next day Adhama was sunning herself with Agavi when she noticed vultures circling some distance away. “That’s odd. I don’t remember a kill to the west.”
“Maybe it’s the hyenas again. That brother of yours is probably napping again.”
“My brother the king, you mean,” Adhama chided gently. “Still,” she sighed, “you’re probably right. I’ll go have a little talk with him. But first, let’s check out that kill.”
They headed west to what would have been the gateway to the eastern meadow from Pride Rock. The number of birds seemed to indicate a rather large animal down, and Adhama felt her spirits perk up despite her irritation at Ugas; the pride might eat well tonight if it was fresh.
That was when Agavi saw the body. “It’s a lion!”
Adhama trembled. She sniffed the air, then froze for one awful moment like a statue of grief. “Oh my gods!!”
“It’s Ugas!!”
Adhama ran to her brother, scattering a flock of vultures, and began to paw and nuzzle him. “Ugas!! Brother!! Oh gods, he’s dead!!” She fell upon him, running a paw gently over where the birds had sadly abused his body. “Oh, you poor, sweet angel--walking the border! Oh gods, how tired it made him! He always said how tired he got, and I didn’t want him to take a nap!” She began to sob.
“Honey Tree, he lived a long life. He was happier at the end than I’ve seen him in years. Don’t blame yourself.”
“He wanted to see his sons and tell them he loved them.” She stroked his mane and wept. Her grief was deep, but the urge to roar for him and release her grief was suppressed by a more immediate concern. “Agavi, we have no male heir till the twins get here. We’ll have to hide him.”
“HIDE him? Hide HIM??”
“You get the pride sisters together. We have to do something. Maybe we can mark the territory--scratch a few trees--pee on a shrub--I don’t know!”
“They’ll know it’s not a male.”
“Well, maybe if we freshen up some old marks. We can’t just sit here--we’re in danger!”
And so began a time in the life of Ugas’ pride known as The Panic. At all times there were at least two lionesses awake that traveled together. If trouble came, they were not to fight but to head back to the others at a run using separate paths. Cubs were not to play by themselves under any conditions. And no matter what, Ugas’ name was not to be mentioned aloud except at certain times. In front of Zazu’s family (who were notorious gossips) they would talk of Ugas’ latest accomplishments. Reports would be given to Ugas’ dour-faced majordomo Ichabod that the King was busy patrolling and just drove off some hyenas. The crane would nod and take to the skies, gleefully squawking at the top of his lungs at the King’s latest exploits. And Atika, who had the deepest voice of the lionesses, would drop a register or two and do a decent imitation of Ugas’ evening call. “This land is mine! Mine by the will of Aiheu! I will protect my family and my own!”
She meant it too....
CHAPTER: GRABBING AT THE WIND
Kombi did not know he was a prince. Indeed, he did not know his father’s name. And so to him The Big World was still a great mystery into which he would be thrust one day to eke out a living.
Like most lions his age, he was looking around for a lioness that would come with him to share his existence and comfort him in his loneliness. Vianga would not even speak to him, much less face the unknown by his side. But somewhere there must be another, and he was determined to find her.
Lately, Kombi had his eye on Wajanja, a lovely creature whose gentleness was a stark contrast to his own brashness. It was precisely this contrast that had kept them apart. Now the lioness cub that he had once held in contempt, and who had tattled on him often as a child became the object of his greatest desires.
There lay the problem. Some of the young lionesses were interested in him, but he could not return their affections. He was attracted to someone who did not even like him, much less love him.
Wajanja was the type that found deep meaning in everything and made remarks to her friends how Simba's love for Nala reminded her of Mano and Minshasa, casting them as romantic hero and heroine. Wajanja loved to roll in the flowers, but was sad to see their fragile beauty crushed. Her three hundred pound weight, rapier claws, and passion for hunting red meat on the hoof aside, she had a very gentle disposition when compared to Kombi.
He would follow her at a discrete distance, watching her while his brother felt like a lonely widower after so much attention for so long.
She noticed his attentions, and she made every effort to show she was spurning him, even going to the trouble to change paths once and take the long route to the watering hole. As if that were not enough, she would talk with her friends in his hearing and insult his “infantile attempts” to woo her.
Finally, one day, Kombi decided to force the issue. He ran a few steps ahead of her, blocked her path and blurted out, “Wajanja, we need to talk.”
“Wrong. You need to talk. Why don’t you find someone that wants to listen.”
“That’s very cold, Jannie.”
“My friends call me that. You can call me Wajanja. Now repeat after me--‘so long, Wajanja.’”
She tried to push past him, but he moved in front of her again. “You’ve never even given me a chance. I have the right to just one fair chance, don’t I?”
“No. Love is a privilege, not a right. So is conversation.”
“Well, just grant me the right this once and I won’t press the issue further, OK?”
“You promise?”
“I promise.”
“Very well. You are not my type. I want the quiet, sensitive type like Habu. If he wasn’t smitten with Lisani, I’d be all over him like green on leaves.” She sighed. “I’d leave the pride for him. I don’t think Miss Priss would. Love is wasted on the wrong people.”
“I know. Deep down inside I am really sensitive and--uh--quiet. But I have to put on a brave front for the others. See, I can even cry.” He tried to force tears to come, screwing up his face into all kinds of promising but unproductive expressions. He turned and bit his paw. Then he got tears all right, but ended up hopping around, holding his forepaw to his chest and licking it.
She laughed at him and said, "You never had a serious thought in your whole life!"
He looked at her, hurt. "Oh really? I’ve had lots of serious thoughts." Turned his back to her and sat down.
"You wanted to talk. Well, this is your chance. Name one," she said derisively. “Can you even name one?”
"Well, for one, I have to leave the Pride someday, and I have nightmares about it. I mean, I'll have Togo and all, but I’ll never see my mother again and I’ll never see you again, Jannie. No matter how you feel about me, I love you and I’ll miss you and hope you fall in love with someone who can love you back. Sometimes I was dumb enough to think I might get you to notice me, or even like me a little. I say dumb enough because love can make clever guys act so stupid. Well, I hope you got a good laugh out of it--at least one of us will."
"No, I wouldn’t laugh at you."
"Daria is crazy about me. If I would say hello to her, she would melt like dirt in a good rain. But I don't really care--you know--and it's sad that she wants what she can't have, and so do I. Maybe Daria and I are more alike than I realized. I mean, we both are grabbing at the wind, and we'll never catch it."
She looked at him intently. "You know, I believe that somewhere VERY DEEP DOWN INSIDE you really do have a thoughtful side."
"Thanks--I guess." He started away. “Don’t worry, I promised I wouldn’t bother you again, and I won’t.”
"Wait." She came, nuzzled his sad face and said, "I'm sorry I laughed at you. I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings. I’m not really a mean person."
“Aw, no problem.” He nuzzled her back. "Does this mean I can see you again?"
"Why not. Maybe tonight."
"I'd like that. Heck, I'd love that. I feel like I can talk to you. I could tell you things I wouldn’t share with another living soul. But Wajanja, if you laugh at me or you tell anyone else what I say, I’ll just die!"
“I’d never do that!” She looked into his sparkling eyes and smiled. “I’ve misjudged you, Kombi. You’re really very sweet.”
He smiled back. “Do you think so?”
“No, but I’ll still see you tonight.” She reached over and kissed his cheek.
He walked away, a blissful, innocent smile on his face. Togo met him behind the bushes. "So, did you pull the old 'grabbing at the wind' story on her?"
"Yep. Works every time!"
Togo nudged him and grinned. “The Love Doctor strikes again.”
He rubbed his cheek where she kissed it. “I wish you wouldn’t put it that way. I’m going to see if she’ll come with me. This is serious.” He looked off into the distance for a while, then rolled on his back in the grass. Togo joined him.
“So, Togo, have you narrowed down the field?”
“Who, me?” Togo had an embarrassed grin on his face.
“Who is she? Don’t hold out on me now.”
“You’d laugh at me.”
“No I wouldn’t.”
“Well, it’s Lisani.”
“Miss Priss??” Kombi giggled.
“There you go laughing at me!”
“I’m sorry,” Kombi said. “Really I am. But you and Lisani? You know she’s stuck on Habu.”
“So is Wajanja. But that doesn’t stop you from trying. I guess we’re grabbing at the wind.” Togo took his paw and ruffled Kombi’s mane. “Hey, I hope you catch it, you dog.”
“What the heck. Why don’t you hit on Lisani? I mean, maybe one of us will get lucky.”
“You don’t ‘hit on’ a girl like Lisani. And I don’t suggest trying it on Wajanja if you want her to marry you. ‘Get lucky’ indeed!”
CHAPTER: PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW
Togo and Kombi were showing changes in their maturing bodies. They lost that long-legged look that once made them appear awkward. Their manes were filling out nicely, their chests were broadening, and one day out of the sheer will to make a grand noise, they both let out with a roar that would have made Ugas quite proud.
Uzuri would look at them appraisingly, and some of the time she was proud of the fine lions they were becoming. Other times she would mourn the loss of their cubhood and the approach of their commoner’s mantlement. She would eventually have to tell Simba that they were sons of a King and entitled to a royal mantlement hosted by their father. And doing so, she would also be saying her farewell to her old life and old home. Uzuri loved Ugas and longed to be by his side, but his words came back to haunt her. It would never be easy to leave old friends and old haunts and start again. But if Togo and Kombi could do it, she could too. When she was depressed, she would close her eyes and look inward at her dream--Ugas by her side as Togo and Kombi stood on Pride Kopje and surveyed their kingdom.
She had not discussed this with her sons yet. She could not risk either of them making an indiscreet remark. Uzuri had planned out what she would say and how--she did not want her departure to be spoiled by misunderstandings or hard feelings.
And so knowing nothing of their mother’s plans, Togo and Kombi spent much of their time fawning on Simba, trying to ply him with favors. Simba was utterly surprised when they stopped calling him “big guy” and started calling him “Sir.” Kombi brought him a hare Uzuri had caught for him to eat, and Togo even dragged part of a gazelle for him clear up Pride Rock so he could wake up to a surprise breakfast.
Privately, Nala asked Simba if there was a way to let them remain. “They’re trying so hard to please you. There’s is no hate in them--they will not turn on you the way your Uncle did.”
“That’s not the problem,” Simba replied. “I’d trust them with my life, if it came to that. They’re afraid of their destiny, Nala. I don’t blame them, for I know the ways of the ‘big world,’ and they have reason to fear it.” He sighed and glumly ate the haunch.
Later that same day, Togo and Kombi offered to help him with the border patrol. “You have no brother to help you,” Togo explained in what sounded like a prepared statement. “Without a Prince Consort, you have to go around doing everything for yourself and have so little time to spend with Nala.” Togo looked over at Kombi who subtly nodded approval and he continued; “We insist on taking the Western Plain.”
“But that’s very hot and dry,” Simba said. “And it can be very dangerous.”
“We don’t mind, Sir,” Kombi said, bowing with respect. “Danger is our life.”
“And what would you like in return?”
Kombi looked shocked and scandalized. “Sire, we’re just trying to be nice.” He looked casual, but his tail twitched nervously. “Since you asked, I wish we could go on being friends forever.”
Simba sighed deeply. “I know you do.” His heart was not into having them become rogue lions, bachelors on the open fields having to support themselves with marginal hunting skills, being driven from pride land to pride land by a succession of males. Despite their routine truancy, Simba had grown to love them, and he saw in them some of the basic goodness that was in their mother.
Uzuri would be the real problem. Next to Sarabi and Nala, Simba loved Uzuri the most, and he would steal glances of her private grief that weighed on him like an injury. And despite himself, Simba had grown extremely fond of Togo.
The brothers watched him carefully to see how he would react. Simba scratched his mane uneasily and said, “You want the Western Plain, eh?”
“Yes sir.”
“Fine. We’ll start there in the morning.” Simba rose and stretched.
Togo glanced at Kombi quickly, his eyes widening. “S-Sir?”
“You heard me.” Simba looked them up and down. “I’m glad to see you taking on some responsibility. However, a responsible lion also knows his limits, and I’m afraid you aren’t yet up to the challenge.”
Kombi looked indignant. “What do you mean?!”
“Your heart is in the right place, but you’re too soft to go out there.”
Togo sucked in his stomach self-consciously. “We can hack it, sir.”
Simba shook his head. “No.”
“We can take care of ourselves!” Kombi grated. “I’ll beat up any lion who dares challenge our border!”
“Really?” Simba looked at him. “Knock me down.”
“What?”
“You heard me. Knock me down.” Simba looked at him. “Or can’t you even handle that?”
Togo flicked his eyes to Kombi, who was staring balefully at the king. “Kombi, give it up.”
“Yeah?! Watch and learn, Togo!” Kombi gathered himself and leapt towards Simba, intending to tackle the other lion full force. Simba sidestepped neatly and wrapped his forepaws around Kombi, seizing him in mid-air and wrenching him around to bring him crashing to earth, Simba’s weight holding him fast. Kombi gasped for breath, humiliation in his eyes as he looked up at the sad face above him.
“Had this been a real fight, your mother would be mourning your death.” Simba nuzzled him gently. “I’m sorry, Kombi. You and Togo have one month left to you in which to do something.”
“What are we gonna do?” Kombi said in a small voice.
