“I’ll not cast you out unprepared, son.” Simba laid a paw gently on his head. “We’ll patrol the Western plain tomorrow...together. Each morning, we’ll go out on patrol. Talk with your Mother; she knows a lot about the lay of the land. When we get back, I’ll show you how to fight.”
CHAPTER: A STRANGER WALKS
For the longest time, Ugas’ pride managed to hold together the fragile deception that kept their sovereignty intact. The lionesses doubled border patrols after reports from several revealed a rogue male had been observing the pride carefully.
Then one evening when Adhama said in her deepest voice, “This land is mine!” a distinctly male voice answered her from the bushes.
“Nice try! Now all you need is a mane!”
The worst had happened. Through long observation, the stranger had learned the patterns of the watch, and he easily slipped through where there were no sentries.
“The king will make you pay for this!”
“Are you the king?” He laughed. “What’s the problem, Sis? Am I that ugly?”
The lion stepped out into the moonlight. Indeed, he was anything but ugly, but she did not like his attitude one bit.
“He will be back soon,” she said. “Then you’ll pay!”
“Fine.” The stranger sat down and began to groom a forepaw. “I’ll wait for him right here.”
For several minutes that felt like several hours, Adhama stared at him icily. There was no sign of nervousness in his manner. He knew that he had won.
She bowed her head. “What good is it pretending. He’s dead.”
“Good. That saves me the trouble of killing him. In the meantime, I’m hungry. What do you have?”
“A little bit of wildebeest. Not much.”
“Not much?” He uttered a short, ugly laugh. “It’s an acquired taste, lady. When you’ve eaten ‘not much’ as long as I have, you never turn it down.” He frowned at her. “Well, do I have to draw you a diagram??”
Adhama’s heart sank. She rose and led him to the larder, watching in despair as their rations for the next two days disappeared in a matter of minutes.
“Is there any more?”
“No. There is no more.”
“Too bad.” He burped. “I was still hungry.” Licking off his paws, he said, “I’m Ambia. King Ambia now. You’re really lucky, you know. I almost went east, but instead I headed west, and here I am.”
“Well hooray and hallelujah.”
He looked at her with half closed eyes and scowled. “You must be the one that peed on the shrubs. The urine was very sour.”
CHAPTER: WALKING THE BEAT
As the days passed, Togo and Kombi began to feel the weight of a lion’s responsibility settling on their shoulders. It was a remarkably heavy burden.
Well before sunrise, Simba would rouse them and head off into the early morning mists, each day choosing a particular section of border or area to patrol. At night, as the sun set, they would return to Pride Rock, where Simba would instruct them in various modes of attack and defense. Only after finishing their lessons, far after the sky had turned dark and the stars had emerged, were they allowed to rest and eat their dinner.
Once Kombi protested this. “With all due respect, if I could eat first, I could concentrate better.
Simba simply looked at him. “This is no game, son. If you lose your meal in a fight, you go hungry. Concentrate on that.”
There were no further complaints after that.
The demands of patrolling and sparring practice were shaping the young lions. Their low, swinging bellies had given way to firm muscle. The young lionesses began to notice, and Kombi would strut about with a conceited swagger, showing off the merchandise. Togo was a bit more shy, and he shuddered when Visima rubbed along his body and ran a curious paw down his thigh.
Simba and the brothers began to range farther afield, even patrolling the dry and empty Western plains together.
Early one morning, the three had gone out to examine the border between the Pride Lands and hyena territory. Simba expected no real threat from Uhuru’s clan, and after greeting the hyenas who were doing their own guard duty, the morning passed slowly. Kombi ranged ahead slightly, practicing his rudimentary hunting skills as he followed the trail of an impala who had passed by recently. Togo and Simba followed at a distance, padding slowly across the ground in the gradually increasing heat.
“Sire?”
“Mmm-hmm?”
“Why do we patrol the hyena’s lands when they’re friendly? Isn’t it a waste of time?”
“Well, for one thing, it helps to keep an eye on things. If things turned ugly, we wouldn’t know about it until it was too late.”
Togo looked surprised. “You mean they might try and take over again?”
Simba grinned. “No, I doubt that would happen while Uhuru’s in charge. No, if they had problems, or needed help, though, we’d never find out by sitting at home lying in the sun. Besides, patrolling does more than establish your borders. Sometimes Uhuru meets me out here in the morning, and we talk together. He’s too busy to come to Pride Rock..and, well, I can’t go see him, either. He tells me what’s going on with the hyenas, we ask after each other’s families...”
“Wow,” Togo said. “All that just by walking the border?” He looked out across the savanna. “But doesn’t Zazu tell you about things like that?”
“Yes...but hearing about something, and seeing it for yourself are two different things. Besides, I can’t just sit at home. It means a lot to the other animals to see the King out and about, doing his duty. It’s a way to let them know he truly cares about them. My father did the same, as did his father before him.” Simba breathed deeply as he gazed about the plains of his home. “This land is mine. I was born here, I fought for it, and I will die here. I love it, and I will protect it along with my family and friends.”
Togo looked at the king with admiration, but his smile faded quickly. “It's a shame that we finally became friends too late.”
Simba stopped and glanced at him. “Too late? Why do you say that?”
“You know.” Togo sighed. “We only have two more weeks left. Then we have to leave your Pride Lands for good. I was born here, but I’ll never see it again. I’ll die out there somewhere far from home and I’ll never see you or Mom again!”
Simba nuzzled him on the shoulder. “Listen to me, Togo. In the next realm there is only one kingdom, and it belongs to Aiheu for his children. We will share that Kingdom forever, so friendships never really die unless you let them.” The king wrapped a huge forepaw around the young lion and hugged him close. “Enjoy this time while it lasts. Someday, you’ll be a King yourself. You must be strong enough to let Aiheu’s will be done.”
“What is it like to be king? Neat, huh?”
"It's like I told my son Tanabi--being King is not all fun. You think this is a long walk? Just wait till you’re walking your own borders in the driving rain with only Kombi to help you. You get lots of respect, and that’s nice. But you also work hard, and you have to make some unpopular decisions--even decisions that are unpopular with your own self, like your mantlement. I love you, Togo. I’m going to miss you terribly, and if there was some way to keep you here, I would."
"You mean that?"
"With all my heart. I’ll miss that scamp of a brother of yours too. I can truly say it won't be the same here without you."
CHAPTER: JUST BETWEEN US
Togo and Kombi had never been on a hunt before. Increasingly aware of the perils that prideless lions faced, they went to their mother and pleaded for a few lessons. Uzuri agreed, for she wanted to spend some time with her sons in their old home. She knew the land intimately. Like all lionesses, she thought that the land was alive. Its breath stirred in the wind, and she could almost feel its pulse beneath her feet. Pride Rock was the heart of the land, and it had a permanent place in her own heart. Could she learn to love Pride Kopje? Yes, if Ugas was there. But she would always feel regret for what she had left behind.
Uzuri was initially delighted by their request. She had no daughters of her own, and now that the opportunity presented itself, she jumped at the chance to pass on some of her knowledge to her offspring. She began instructing them in some basic skills, and looked forward to sharing some of her secret tricks and tips to help ensure a successful kill. She was a patient teacher as well as a huntress beyond compare, but as time wore on it became readily apparent that none of her natural ability was in them. They had the facile charm of their father Ugas, and they looked like a couple of likely fighters if territory must be defended. But they were no hunters.
Late that afternoon, she stood in the tall grass at the foot of Pride Rock, bending her head now and then as she imitated a grazing gazelle. Several yards away, Togo and Kombi were flattened in the depths of the grass, breathing rapidly as they practiced a pincers maneuver for the umpteenth time. They had been going at it since before high-sun, and the heat was oppressive in the lush vegetation.
Togo eased his head up gingerly, his russet mane matted with perspiration as he peered through the grass. Sweat ran into one eye, stinging, and he winced. Blinking furiously, he saw his mother about six body lengths away, her back to him. A grin split his features and he sank down again. Motioning to Kombi, he eased off sideways, intending to line up on an oblique angle while Kombi executed the main attack.
Kombi nodded and crept forward slowly, placing his paws carefully. His forelegs quivered with exhaustion and nerves, the result of the last five failed attempts to successfully get within striking distance. His tail lashed, and he stepped forward again.
“Movement!” Uzuri shouted. “Movement is the key to hunting. A lion has to have discipline, else instinct takes over, and control is lost.” Her voice hardened. “Togo is five lengths behind me. Kombi, you are to my left at the same distance. What do you intend to do, drive your prey by thrashing at the grass like humans?”
Kombi stood up and shouted, “Damn! What did I do wrong NOW?”
“Watch your mouth, child.”
“I’m not a child, mother!”
“You are until your mantlement, which is only a week away, in case you’ve forgotten!” Uzuri snapped. “You are too noisy; you thrashed your tail and gave away your position easily. Togo, you were silent enough...but you moved against the grain of the grass when you began the flanking maneuver; I saw the trail cutting through the grass as soon as you moved.”
Togo sat up miserably. “I’m sorry.”
“And have you forgotten about the wind?! I was downwind of you the whole time; I smelled you coming. You can conduct an upwind attack ONLY if you have superior speed or numbers to cut off fleeing prey...and neither of you is fast enough.” Uzuri stopped, claws extending in frustration.
“Mom? I’m sorry.” Kombi hung his head. “I didn’t mean to smart off like that.” He blinked pathetically at her, eyes bright with pain at her obvious disappointment. Kombi cursed himself for being so clumsy. His mother was the best hunter he had ever known, and here he was, embarrassing her.
The shame came across clearly, and Uzuri felt anguished as she saw the cub buried inside the huge frame, hungering for her approval, desperate to prove himself the son of a great huntress. Her eyes burned, and she looked away. “It’s all right. Sit here and rest. We’ll try again in a moment.”
Togo began to cry. “We’ll never learn this! We’re going to starve!”
“No, you’ll have lionesses to help you.”
“Oh?”
“What I’m about to tell you must be just between us. Togo, Kombi, you are not going to be wanderers. One of you will be a King, and the other will be a Prince Consort.”
“Sure,” Kombi said. “When we find us a Pride of our own.”
“I’ve made an arrangement already. But you must tell no one, understand?”
“Yeah,” Togo said, tears starting down his cheeks. “Mom, you’re the greatest!” He nuzzled her and kissed her. Kombi fell to the ground and rolled over on his back, pawing at the sky.
“Blessed Aiheu,” he muttered. “Thank you, Aiheu! You’ve saved us! Mighty God, King of all Kingdoms, thank you!”
For several moments, all the brothers could do was nuzzle and kiss their mother as her warm tears of joy ran freely down her cheeks. In her heart, she knew she could find happiness with her husband and sons by her side. They would be a family the way Simba, Nala and Tanabi were.
She looked again at the beautiful vista of the Pride Lands. She had been born here, raised to maturity, learned her craft on these plains. It had been her pride and pleasure to serve three generations of kings as the hunt mistress, her skills respected and unmatched by any lion for miles around. She would be laying that down and passing the leadership to another younger set of shoulders. Misha was a quick student, and one day she would be Queen. The question was not whom to pick but how to break the news to her. It was a heavy responsibility for one so young, but she was the same age Uzuri was when Kiva had anointed both her cheeks with the blood of her prey and kissed her.
At first Kiva was relieved to lose the burden, but Kiva was alone. Her brothers had left after a commoner’s mantlement, and she had no mate or cubs of her own. Shortly after losing her position, she began her decline into depression, bad health, and eventually death. Uzuri had always thought she had died of grief. But that would not happen to her, she determined. Not to Uzuri....
CHAPTER: THE TRUTH OUTS
Togo and Kombi were flush with optimism. They believed that they would not be leaving the Pride Lands, and that some way, somehow, Tanabi did not want to rule the Pride on his father’s death. That one day they would stand on the promontory of Pride Rock and proclaim the new kingship.
They had promised their mother to keep strictest silence about the arrangement, but they went to a few of the attractive young lionesses and spread the wonderful news that two of them would marry the most eligible bachelors in the land. Each of them promised to keep it to themselves, but gossip started to circulate.
“Why doesn’t Tanabi want to be King?” Isha asked. “Is there something wrong with him? Has he lost his nerve?”
“Not our Tanabi,” Ajenti said. “He’s plenty brave enough. Maybe he has a weakness--one that he’d rather talk about. The poor boy!”
Barata drew close and whispered, “Fact is, I think he has weak eyes.”
“No!” Ajenti said, taking in a gasp. “The poor boy! How bad is it?”
“I’m not sure,” Barata said. “He bumped right into his mother the other day.”
“I thought that was an accident,” Isha said.
“It was. He didn’t deliberately do it. But Nala said, ‘What’s wrong with your eyes, son?’”
Ajenti bowed her head. “The poor boy!”
“Hi,” Tanabi said, nodding at the lionesses.
Ajenti came right up into his face. “It’s me, Ajenti.”
“Uh, yeah. I know.”
“Taking it easy, dear?”
“Well, I guess so. I had a little unexpected free time today. I thought I’d go to the water hole and just kick back.”
“You’re so brave,” she said, giving him a big kiss. “You’re so much like your father.”
“Thanks.” Tanabi shrugged, then walked away.
“The poor boy!” Ajenti said, a tear running down her cheek. “I wonder if he’ll go completely blind?”
It wasn’t long before Habusu came to see Simba. He fell before him and said, “Haven’t I loved you as much as Togo and Kombi?”
“Yes, son.”
“And longer? When they were still playing pranks on you, wasn’t I good to you?”
“I know who my friends are,” Simba said cautiously, but with a warm nuzzle. “What would you have of me?”
“Can’t you fix it for me too? The way you did for them? I don’t want to be King any more than Tanabi did. I just want to live here in peace. Please don’t send me away into the big world!”
Simba nuzzled him again. “I did not ‘fix’ anything for anyone. They will receive their mantlement on time. My boy, don’t cry. Rely on Aiheu, and keep to the path of righteousness, and you will find a home of your own. That is the duty and the privilege of a male lion.” Simba nodded gravely. “I’ll be right back. There are a couple of people I need to see.”
Simba encountered Togo and Kombi near the watering hole. They started to nuzzle their King and benefactor, but not when they saw the look on his face. “Boys, we need to talk.”
Uzuri was asked to join the group by Zazu. “I’d hurry if I were you. He’s really upset.”
“Oh gods,” she said. “What have they done this time??”
CHAPTER: BAPTISM BY FIRE
“ADHAMA!!!” Ambia shouted. The cry sent a flock of birds into a panicked flight. “Adhama, get up here!”
The lionesses looked uncertainly at one another. “What are we going to do??” young Amara cried. “Why won’t he just leave us alone??”
Adhama padded up behind her and nuzzled her. “Easy, sister. I’ll handle it.” Adhama closed her eyes briefly, sighed, then slowly made her way up the rough slope of the kopje, muttering a prayer as she went.
The last few weeks had become a living hell for the lionesses as they struggled to cope with Ambia’s fickle moods and whims. And most of that ill will was directed to Adhama whose leadership qualities and proud bearing made her a threat. He looked for every chance to humiliate and intimidate her, especially in front of the others.
She heaved a small sigh as she reached the top of the kopje where he lay, waiting. “Yes, Ambia?”
“You will address me as SIRE!” he snarled.
“Oh, yes, I forgot. You’re supposed to be some sort of King.”
Fury blazed in his eyes. With a low grunt, he cuffed her nearly senseless with one massive blow. Adhama shook, tears streaming down her face as blood welled from a cut lip. “I’m hungry,” he growled. “You’d do well to find me something fresher than your dry wit.”
Adhama ran her tongue out and licked the blood from her lips, feeling the sting. Her eyes narrowed. “So you can outfight a lioness,” she said, frightened but indignant. “I knew there was SOME reason you called yourself King. What would you do when another male comes around? Will you hit HIM like that?”
With an inarticulate roar of rage he surged forward, sending her scrabbling off the kopje in an effort to keep from falling. “GET OUT! Find me some dinner before I hit you with my claws out!!”
Trembling, Adhama’s turned away from him and headed down the rock to gather her hunting party. She detailed two of the older lionesses to stay behind and baby-sit the cubs.
“No,” Ambia said.
Adhama blinked and looked up to face him. “What?”
“Take those old cronies with you.” He jerked his head at Amara. “Leave her here to watch the cubs.”
Amara’s eyes widened in fear, and she looked pleadingly at her pride sisters. The two older lionesses returned the look helplessly. And Adhama felt sorry for the pretty young female. She was just coming into her first season, and there was no doubt what Ambia had in store for her. But to refuse him would be to risk terrible consequences. Adhama moved to her side and nuzzled her ear. “It’ll be okay, hon.”
“Addie, please take me with you!” she whispered hoarsely. “Oh gods, I don't want to stay here with him! I beg you!”
“Easy, hon. He’ll leave you alone. Just pretend you’re sick. We’ll pray for you.”
Amara trembled for a moment, then nodded, swallowing convulsively. “O-Okay.”
Ambia shouted again. “Adhama, I meant TODAY, not next week!”
“All right!” she snapped. Adhama turned and looked at Sh’aari again. “Aiheu abamami.”
Amara nodded jerkily, unable to speak, them moved away to where the cubs lay frozen with fear. “Come on, kids. Want to hear a story?”
The cubs huddled against her, trembling. “Marrie, don’t let him hurt us!” one of them whispered.
“Don’t worry, honey tree. I’ll protect you with my life.”
“I wish Daddy would come home.”
“He’s with God now.”
“If we asked Him, would he send Daddy home?”
“I wish He would, sweetheart.”
Adhama watched her for a moment, then reluctantly turned and led the others away. Padding slowly across the worn ground, she paused as they began to enter the tall grass and looked back. Amara looked after them with the desperate look of a gazelle in a death grip. Ambia was perched atop the kopje again, eyes glinting in the reddish glow of the sunset, a warped smile on his face as he watched them go. His gaze met hers, and his smile widened into a grin.
Cursing silently to herself, Adhama slipped into the deepening shadows of twilight, praying fervently they would find something soon-- soon enough to spare Amara.
Ambia lay silently, watching as the grass rippled in a purposeful wave as the huntresses moved through it, heading away to the west. He began grooming a forepaw idly, listening to the low drone of Amara’s voice as she spun a tale of N’ga and Sufa to the cubs. Her voice quavered, and she was having trouble remembering it straight. Absently, he began running a forepaw through his mane, smoothing the fur and untangling the burrs from it as he continued to watch the grassy field across from them. Finally satisfied, he yawned hugely, then rose. Shaking himself, he turned and leapt to the ground, pacing slowly over to where Amara lay with the children.
The lioness heard the pad of feet near her, she blinked and looked up to see Ambia standing next to her. “Sire?”
He smiled down at her. “Indeed. It’s so nice to know at least someone around here respects my authority.” He eyed her keenly. “You DO respect me, don’t you, Marrie?”
“Well, yes, of course--Sire.”
“Of course. It’s heartening to see respect from one so young.” He cocked his head oddly and smiled. “So young, and so pretty...”
Amara felt her stomach knot with fear. “Not that pretty. I’m just young.” She purposefully coughed.
“VERY pretty, he amended softly. “I’ve been watching you. You move like tall grass in a gentle wind. Everything about you is exciting, even the way you tell stories. I think you would be a good mother.”
“Thank you,” she said tensely. She did not like the way the conversation was going.
“Beautiful and gentle. Good qualities in a prospective queen, I’d say.”
“Me? A queen?” She rose in fright.
He nodded and moved to stand beside her, his heavy body brushing against hers. “And why not? It’s as simple as pledging to a King.” He looked directly into her fearful eyes. “I know I can be a little abrupt at times, but I have lived a hard life. The world makes me hard like flint. You could take off the rough edges. You’d like that, wouldn’t you? We could all get along like one happy family. Once in a while we could slip out and make love under the moon.”
Amara was young, but not entirely na?ve. She understood his terms clearly. And while she could never love him, she could marry for love-- the love of Adhama, the other pride sisters and the helpless cubs that peeked at her from the cover of the tall grass. “So it comes to this,” she thought. “Aiheu, if I must do this thing for my friends, help me to tolerate him. Please?”
“You are a rather handsome lion,” she said with resignation. “I’ve never been with a male before. Be patient with me.”
“I can be patient,” he said with barely suppressed excitement. “Patient within reason. Be my Queen, Amara. Tonight, and for always.” His shaggy head nosed her flank.
“Ambia--I--“
“Yes, Amara?” He nosed her again. “You’re shy. I like that. Don’t worry--I won’t hurt you.” Passionately, he rubbed up her side and then put his paw on her shoulder.
She tried to purr. Only a deep rumbling came out. Tears started down her cheeks. “Please God,” she silently prayed, “let this work. Show me a sign that he’ll honor his promise. Spare my family.”
Trembling with passion, he said, “Before the gods, before the stars, before the assembled host I swear to give you my protection, my love, and my comfort forever.”
He waited a moment for her answer. Instead she stared at him, frozen like a stone.
He said, “Answer me, my love.” He nuzzled her face, then worked his way back until he reached the base of her tail. He reached out with an adventurous paw and fondled her intimately.
“No!!” She screamed and jumped on top of a small boulder where she crouched, sobbing hysterically and cowering in fear. “I can’t! I tried, but I just can’t!”
“Come down here!”
“Leave me alone! Go away and leave me alone!”
“You lead me on, then say no?? Do I look like a fool to you??” Ambia snarled, then sprang up on the rock beside her, cuffing her viscously. “Ungrateful WITCH! I’ve been out there in the hot sun of the desert and done without. I’ve paid my dues like any other lion. Now I’m going to get what’s coming to me! You will come when I call you. Sooner or later, you will grow to enjoy this, but you WILL be my queen, understand??”
“What do you think you’re doing??” Adhama cried.
Ambia spun to see Adhama and her hunting party behind him. “Whatever I wish,” he growled, jumping down to confront her. “What are YOU doing here?!”
“Bringing you dinner as ordered, YOUR MAJESTY,” she said. Sh’aari padded forward and dropped the carcass of a small gazelle at his feet.
He glance at it, then snorted. “About time!” Seizing the animal, he padded away towards the kopje, leaping up and moving forward.
There was a cub resting in his favorite spot. He dropped the carcass and shouted, “What are YOU doing here??”
“Oh gods!” Sh’aari cried. “Saieti, get DOWN from there!” The lioness padded forward, looking at the kopje above where her cub sat, crying pathetically.
“Mama I’m SCARED!” The cub cowered away from Ambia, nearly slipping off the edge. “Help me, Momma! He’s MEAN!”
“By gods I’ll SHOW you mean if you don't get OUT OF MY SPACE!” Ambia roared and swung a heavy paw down, scoring the stone with his claws as the cub fled, screaming hoarsely.
“I’ve had a trying day, Sh’aari! Keep your brat out of my way if you know what’s good for you!”
Sh’aari snarled deep within her chest as Saieti huddled against her, shuddering. “You touch her again, and I’ll.....”
“And you’ll what??” Ambia arched his neck and sat up. “You want to tangle with me?? Huh?? Come here--I’ll go a couple of rounds with you? Want to take a poke at me, Sis?? HUH??”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“Oh wouldn’t I??” He leaped down and cuffed Sh’aari viscously, sending her sprawling. “We’re going to lay down some rules here. Rule one: nobody better be laying where I want to nap!” He cut Saieti’s flank with a claws-out swipe and she huddled down, shrieking with pain.
“Rule two: what I want, I get.” He pushed through the shocked lionesses to where Amara stood. He dipped his maned head and rubbed up her side, crossing behind her and repeating the action on her right. Amara closed her eyes, digging her claws into the earth as she felt the loathsome scrub of his body against her.
“Rule three--Nobody better break rules one and two. Three little rules--do you think you can remember that??” Ambia settled back on the top of the kopje and closed his eyes. “When I wake up, I want to smell dinner. REAL dinner, not some lame tidbit fit for jackals!”
Sh’aari whispered, “I have to find the King’s sons. I’ll go to Simba and ask about them.”
“No,” Adhama said. “Stay here with your daughter. I’ll go.” Adhama nuzzled Saieti who was still sobbing uncontrollably. “Honey Tree, I’m going for help. Don’t tell anyone, OK? You’re going to be all right.”
CHAPTER: THE MISSION
Amara fought down her disgust and fear, trying to hold Ambia’s attention while Adhama made a mad dash out to the border.
Adhama, who was no younger than her dead brother, panted at the exertion as she ran and ran and ran. Lionesses often chase down prey, but they will break off pursuit if they don’t quickly overtake their target. She had to run like a gazelle, long and hard.
From time to time she glanced over her shoulder. Good--there was no pursuing lion. Amara’s ploy had worked. And finally when it seemed her old heart would burst, she saw the stream that marked the boundary of the pride. A couple of springs through the cold water and she would be on Simba’s land.
Only at the margin of the water did she slow her pace, stepping from stone to stone but still getting her legs wet--she hated that. And gaining the opposite bank, she breathed in deeply and let the air rush out her mouth and nose. The first obstacle was overcome.
Still she was not entirely safe. As she entered the Pride Lands, she shouted, “Aiheu abamami” several times as she went, and before long two lionesses came out of the brush.
“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.”
