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"I'm glad Skulk didn't see me, " he chortled. "Shaking like a pup afraid of the dark." There was another sound, and he glanced around nervously.
A pair of glittering eyes floated towards him out of the mist, their pupils burning red as hellfire in the morning light. They were joined by another, then another...he wailed as he saw he was surrounded by them, the eyes closing rapidly to reveal the dim sihoulettes of lions, too many to count, their stocky bodies moving silently through the dewy grass.
The form nearest him resolved into a lioness which bared her teeth at him and snarled. "Greetings, friend, " she said. Her hindquarters bunched as she prepared to spring.
“Ga-ghu-gah-greetings, ” he stammered. “Hunting so late? You know, I once heard that hyenas are not part of your diet. Good thing you know. You never know what we’ve been eating. Nasty stuff, really. Dead for days sometimes, you know. Sometimes, you know, the heat makes the bodies swell, but beggers can’t be choosers.” He looked at the hard eyes staring at him. “Oh my God, I’m going to die! ” Griz'nik suddenly found his voice. "HELP! " he screamed, legs scrabbling in the dirt as he turned to run. An immense weight bore him to the ground, sending the air whuffing out of him as he impacted. He felt claws digging painfully into his shoulders and back as he struggled for air. A voice suddenly spoke in his ear.
"Shut up and sit still, or you'll be fodder for the buzzards, " Uzuri whispered savagely. Turning her head, she nodded to Simba. "Sire, I've got him. Bring the others in."
Simba nodded back and signaled with a low grunt which carried clearly through the fog. The lionesses streamed past him, eager to join battle with their foes. A sudden chorus of yelps and snarls resounded through the thinning mist as they overcame the hyenas just inside the graveyard. Abruptly an eerie howling arose as someone raised the alarm.
With surprise lost, Simba forewent silence and let loose with an earsplitting roar that shook Griz'nik's bones. The hyena cowered as the king loomed over him, his eyebrows beetled together in anger.
"Where is the cub Habusu?" Simba snarled. "Tell me and you will be shown mercy."
Griz'nik gaped senselessly. "Sire?" he sputtered. “All they told me is to watch for strangers. They don’t tell me why. Please let me go. If they find out I failed, they’ll kill me. I just want to run away. Give me a chance, please?”
"Let him go, " Simba said. Turning, he padded into the graveyard proper. The mist was burning off quickly as the sun began to make its prescence felt, but steam and vapors concealed the shadows as he made his way among the bones. A shape hove into view as Uhuru emerged from his cave, yawning.
"Sire! " he said, surprised. "What an honor." The Incosi cocked his head curiously as he looked at Simba's grim visage. "No news on your missing child, I'm afraid."
With a snarl, Simba bounded up to him nose to nose and bared his teeth. "What in God’s name do you think you're doing with our cub? Did you think we wouldn’t find out??"
Uhuru shook as he stared at the massive fangs that were only inches away from his face. "S-Sire? I don't understand-"
Isha padded up to join them. "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?"
Overhead, on a jutting lip of rock, Shenzi sat quietly, her sides heaving with barely suppressed laughter. “Oh MY, ” she thought, “This is too good! Uhuru looks like a whipped pup! ” She bit her lip to keep from giggling her head off. After a few minutes, she regained some semblance of control and returned her attention to the scene below.
Uhuru huddled in the alcove where Simba and Isha had backed him. "Sire, please! I don't understand! It’s not my fault! I helped you once, risked my life for you! "
Simba started to speak, but Isha cut him off. "It’s obvious you don’t understand, " she hissed. "Let me spell it out clearly. If my son is not brought before me immediately, I'll rip you and leave the meat for the jackals."
Uhuru bared his teeth at her, growling. "Fine, then. Rip me. Aiheu will avenge my innocent blood."
Isha raised a forepaw, but a voice stopped her. "Now, now, my dear; such conduct is not very ladylike." Rafiki tapped her extended claws with his staff. "Put those away before you hurt somebody."
"That WAS the idea, " she snapped back. "He won't even admit his guilt, Rafiki. Can you believe it?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Is it possible that he has no guilt?" The mandrill turned to Uhuru. "Peace, my friend. The truth will out."
Uhuru said, “Forgive me Sire, but if the child was here, I'd at least show him to you. That way, I'd have a tangible threat; I can't hurt something I don't have."
Sarafina stepped forward. "Oh, really, " she grated. "Then what was that lion cub doing in the north esacarpment of the graveyard last night? Don't deny it; I saw him myself, ringed about by at least a dozen guards."
Uhuru was aghast. "Oh gods! " He trailed off for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. Abruptly his whole form slumped, and he looked at the ground for a long moment. "Sire, I was not ready to be Roh’mach. You chose me out of gratitude, but that cannot make me a great leader." Lifting his gaze, he looked up to the ledge where Shenzi sat in the shadows. "I know how it may have happened. But should any harm befall the child of Isha while he is in my care, I will take full responsibility. I offer my life in exchange."
“I want to believe you, ” Simba said. “I really do.”
“What do you have that I want? Why would I kidnap one of your children? I’m already Roh’mach. I might understand a jealous rival trying to undermine me." He glared at Shenzi. “By the gods, I’ll help you tear them apart when I catch them.”
Simba nuzzled Uhuru. “Forgive me.” Then he glared up at Shenzi. “Are you responsible for this?"
"And what if I am, cubby? What are you going to do about it?" Her voice was full of contempt. "Touch me and your little babykins is going to be tonight's dinner."
Isha took a sharp breath as 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?" Simba rumbled.
Her eyes widened in mock surprise. "Why, dearie, I thought you'd never ask. I'd be delighted to volunteer."
"I'm sure you would, " he shot back. Simba roared loudly enough to shake the bones on the ground. "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 confronted Shenzi. “Let’s end this here and now. I call on the gods to witness our Shih’kal. I challenge you 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 said coldly. "Accept the challenge, or forefit 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 spat at Uhuru's feet. "Fool. You would have lost your title. Now you lose your life."
"Really?" His eyes bored into hers intently. "We shall see."
SCENE: TO THE DEATH
SCENE: FAR AWAY FROM THE REST
SCENE: MAKING SENSE OF DEATH
SCENE: PARTS IS PARTS
A pair of glittering eyes floated towards him out of the mist, their pupils burning red as hellfire in the morning light. They were joined by another, then another...he wailed as he saw he was surrounded by them, the eyes closing rapidly to reveal the dim sihoulettes of lions, too many to count, their stocky bodies moving silently through the dewy grass.
The form nearest him resolved into a lioness which bared her teeth at him and snarled. "Greetings, friend, " she said. Her hindquarters bunched as she prepared to spring.
“Ga-ghu-gah-greetings, ” he stammered. “Hunting so late? You know, I once heard that hyenas are not part of your diet. Good thing you know. You never know what we’ve been eating. Nasty stuff, really. Dead for days sometimes, you know. Sometimes, you know, the heat makes the bodies swell, but beggers can’t be choosers.” He looked at the hard eyes staring at him. “Oh my God, I’m going to die! ” Griz'nik suddenly found his voice. "HELP! " he screamed, legs scrabbling in the dirt as he turned to run. An immense weight bore him to the ground, sending the air whuffing out of him as he impacted. He felt claws digging painfully into his shoulders and back as he struggled for air. A voice suddenly spoke in his ear.
"Shut up and sit still, or you'll be fodder for the buzzards, " Uzuri whispered savagely. Turning her head, she nodded to Simba. "Sire, I've got him. Bring the others in."
Simba nodded back and signaled with a low grunt which carried clearly through the fog. The lionesses streamed past him, eager to join battle with their foes. A sudden chorus of yelps and snarls resounded through the thinning mist as they overcame the hyenas just inside the graveyard. Abruptly an eerie howling arose as someone raised the alarm.
With surprise lost, Simba forewent silence and let loose with an earsplitting roar that shook Griz'nik's bones. The hyena cowered as the king loomed over him, his eyebrows beetled together in anger.
"Where is the cub Habusu?" Simba snarled. "Tell me and you will be shown mercy."
Griz'nik gaped senselessly. "Sire?" he sputtered. “All they told me is to watch for strangers. They don’t tell me why. Please let me go. If they find out I failed, they’ll kill me. I just want to run away. Give me a chance, please?”
"Let him go, " Simba said. Turning, he padded into the graveyard proper. The mist was burning off quickly as the sun began to make its prescence felt, but steam and vapors concealed the shadows as he made his way among the bones. A shape hove into view as Uhuru emerged from his cave, yawning.
"Sire! " he said, surprised. "What an honor." The Incosi cocked his head curiously as he looked at Simba's grim visage. "No news on your missing child, I'm afraid."
With a snarl, Simba bounded up to him nose to nose and bared his teeth. "What in God’s name do you think you're doing with our cub? Did you think we wouldn’t find out??"
Uhuru shook as he stared at the massive fangs that were only inches away from his face. "S-Sire? I don't understand-"
Isha padded up to join them. "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?"
Overhead, on a jutting lip of rock, Shenzi sat quietly, her sides heaving with barely suppressed laughter. “Oh MY, ” she thought, “This is too good! Uhuru looks like a whipped pup! ” She bit her lip to keep from giggling her head off. After a few minutes, she regained some semblance of control and returned her attention to the scene below.
Uhuru huddled in the alcove where Simba and Isha had backed him. "Sire, please! I don't understand! It’s not my fault! I helped you once, risked my life for you! "
Simba started to speak, but Isha cut him off. "It’s obvious you don’t understand, " she hissed. "Let me spell it out clearly. If my son is not brought before me immediately, I'll rip you and leave the meat for the jackals."
Uhuru bared his teeth at her, growling. "Fine, then. Rip me. Aiheu will avenge my innocent blood."
Isha raised a forepaw, but a voice stopped her. "Now, now, my dear; such conduct is not very ladylike." Rafiki tapped her extended claws with his staff. "Put those away before you hurt somebody."
"That WAS the idea, " she snapped back. "He won't even admit his guilt, Rafiki. Can you believe it?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Is it possible that he has no guilt?" The mandrill turned to Uhuru. "Peace, my friend. The truth will out."
Uhuru said, “Forgive me Sire, but if the child was here, I'd at least show him to you. That way, I'd have a tangible threat; I can't hurt something I don't have."
Sarafina stepped forward. "Oh, really, " she grated. "Then what was that lion cub doing in the north esacarpment of the graveyard last night? Don't deny it; I saw him myself, ringed about by at least a dozen guards."
Uhuru was aghast. "Oh gods! " He trailed off for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. Abruptly his whole form slumped, and he looked at the ground for a long moment. "Sire, I was not ready to be Roh’mach. You chose me out of gratitude, but that cannot make me a great leader." Lifting his gaze, he looked up to the ledge where Shenzi sat in the shadows. "I know how it may have happened. But should any harm befall the child of Isha while he is in my care, I will take full responsibility. I offer my life in exchange."
“I want to believe you, ” Simba said. “I really do.”
“What do you have that I want? Why would I kidnap one of your children? I’m already Roh’mach. I might understand a jealous rival trying to undermine me." He glared at Shenzi. “By the gods, I’ll help you tear them apart when I catch them.”
Simba nuzzled Uhuru. “Forgive me.” Then he glared up at Shenzi. “Are you responsible for this?"
"And what if I am, cubby? What are you going to do about it?" Her voice was full of contempt. "Touch me and your little babykins is going to be tonight's dinner."
Isha took a sharp breath as 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?" Simba rumbled.
Her eyes widened in mock surprise. "Why, dearie, I thought you'd never ask. I'd be delighted to volunteer."
"I'm sure you would, " he shot back. Simba roared loudly enough to shake the bones on the ground. "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 confronted Shenzi. “Let’s end this here and now. I call on the gods to witness our Shih’kal. I challenge you 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 said coldly. "Accept the challenge, or forefit 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 spat at Uhuru's feet. "Fool. You would have lost your title. Now you lose your life."
"Really?" His eyes bored into hers intently. "We shall see."
SCENE: TO THE DEATH
Shenzi began circling Uhuru slowly, sizing him up. The male was not as well built as Skulk, but his quickness and agility were well known. One of the reasons Taka had chosen him to guard Rafiki was his ability to quickly think his way out of any situations that might have arisen; Shenzi faced an opponent who matched her own intelligence, and that made him doubly dangerous.
Uhuru sat quietly, keeping a wary eye on the bigger female. He was trying not to show it, but deep down he was terribly frightened of this hyena; she had already shown in the past what she was capable of. Fighting to remember all his mother had taught him about combat, he kept his head low to the ground, trying to give her the smallest target possible.
She suddenly floated toward him, jaws agape as a snarl ripped the air. Twisting desperately, he flung himself out of the way, sending her crashing to the ground. Befor he could react, however, she was up and away, out of reach.
"Oooh, quick little one, aren't we?" She leered at him, panting. "How long can you keep dodging before my teeth find your throa-" Her sentence ended in a shriek as he darted forward. She copied his move, spinning out of harm's way, coming to rest with her legs braced for action.
Uhuru returned her smile. "You'll find I'm full of surprises." He charged again, his jaws closing on her shoulder, tearing away a chunk of flesh and hair. Gnashing her teeth in pain, Shenzi drove forward with her hind legs, using her greater weight to bear him to the ground. He writhed like a snake under her, wriggling away from her snapping jaws and escaping her grasp to stand before her again.
He began circling her now, his face grim in the dim light. She staggered in a circle, feeling the blood running down her foreleg, her shoulder ablaze.
Skulk cursed inwardly as he saw her face. She had gone in overconfident, sure that her superior size would intimidate Uhuru, but it had backfired, and she was now paying the price; the fear on her face indicated that it would only be a matter of time before she went down under his onslaught. The rules of Shi'khal were strict, however; there was nothing Skulk could do to interfere. Glancing over, he saw the lions watching the fight, utterly absorbed in the combat taking place before them. His eyes fell upon Isha, and a grin spread across his angular face.
There might just be a way to solve this problem after all, he thought. He glanced around furtively, and seeing everyone's attention fixed on the fight, he melted into the shadows and disappeared, heading off towards the elephant graveyard as fast as his legs would carry him.
Though his departure had been flawless, his arrivial did not go unnoticed. Scrambling down from atop the skull where he had been sitting, Bashak sped across the open area where the clan held its meetings to where Losara sat. "Mama, " he said breathlessly, "he's comin'! "
She nodded, a disgusted look on her face. "I expected as much. You remember what to do?"
He nodded eagerly. "Uh-huh."
"All right, then let's get moving." The pup shot away towards the far end of the graveyard as fast as his legs would carry him. Losara turned and trotted over to the entrance, where she sat down, waiting.
Skulk's form slowly emerged from the dark. "Greetings, Losara."
She nodded. "Skulk? Why are you not with Shenzi?"
"Things are not proceeding as planned. I'm here to rectify the situation." Brushing past her, he headed towards the skull which sat in the distance. "Our great and glorious Roh'mach challenged Shenzi to the Shi'Khal, which she immediately has proceeded to lose." He looked at her sidewise. "I plan to give the lions a little incentive to solve our problem. Uhuru pledged his life with the cub's. Let's hold him to that promise."
She trotted past him, cutting him off. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to plant his little carcass right in front of our glorious Roh'mach. Then I can sit back and watch the fun begin." His eyes narrowed as he saw her cut in front of him again. "You'd be well advised not to get in my way again, wench, " he said, his lip curling back to reveal his fangs.
"Idiot! You don't have to worry about that anymore." She sneered at him. "Your foolish choice of guards has already been his undoing." Her face pinched in sorrow. "Gods, can't you hear it?"
He stared at her, puzzled, and cocked an ear. Faintly, he heard a distant wailing coming from the northern escarpment where the lion cub had been incarcerated. Eyes widening in realization, he looked at her in shock. "NO! "
Tears sprang to her eyes. "I tried to stop him, but he was too strong." She was abruptly knocked aside as Skulk took off, heading toward the distant skull. Picking herself up, she laughed softly. "Idiot." Shaking herself, she padded off after him.
Griz'nik stood stoically at the mouth of the skull, trying desperately to ignore the horrible sounds coming from within.
"Almighty Roh'kash! " he muttered, "why does stuff like this always happen when I'm on duty?" He gritted his teeth as a drilling shriek issued from inside the dank recesses of the skull where the cub was imprisioned. Kh'tel had ordered him and the other guards to stay outside while he went in there to "interrogate" the prisoner. Judging from the sounds the cub was making, Griz'nik doubted if Kh'tel was in there making polite conversation. He felt a muffled impact thorough the bone at his back, punctuated by an abrupt CRACK. A horrible scream resounded from inside. The guards looked at him, their eyes wide.
Griz'nik winced and shook his head in sympathy. "Gods, that’s gotta HURT."
Skulk ran like one posesssed, the cries of the cub filling his ears, lending a desperate urgency to his straining muscles. As he neared the escarpment, he saw the other guards ringed around the skull, various looks of disgust and glee on their faces. Abruptly, the cries from within the skull ceased, and Kh'tel emerged from the mouth of it, licking his lips in obvious enjoyment.
Skulk bounded up and confronted him immediately. "What the devil are you DOING?! " he screamed.
Kh'tel shrank back, frightened. "Calm down, Skulk. Our little guest decided to get antsy, here, so I had to take care of him." He frowned deeply. "I tell you, though, lions are almighty tough to stomach." He abruptly held forth with a tooth-rattling belch.
Skulk stuck is head into the mouth of the skull. Peering about, he made out vague bloodstains on the inside walls. Casting his gaze down, he saw a small tuft of golden fur, ruffling gently from his breath. Emerging slowly, he glared balefully at his companion. The corners of Skulk's jaw clenched tightly as he fought to repress a shriek. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"
Kh'tel stared at him blankly. "What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you liked the little furball?! "
"No, imbecile! But at least with a body I could have proved he was dead! I could have solved all our problems with one stroke. Now I've got to figure out how to make them think he's dead! " Skulk sat seething for a minute, then brightened. "It's a long shot, but it just might fool them." Ducking his head into the skull, he snatched up the small bit of lion fur lying on the ground. Emerging, he shouldered past Kh'tel roughly as he stalked away, grumbling, but stopped abruptly and looked back. "Hold it, " he said, peering at Kh'tel intently. "You finished him off awfully quick."
The corner of Kh'tel's mouth twitched slightly. "Well, uh, he was kinda small-"
Skulk shook his head in disgust. "You greedy slob." A peevish note crept into his voice. "Couldn't you have saved some for me?"
Kh'tel grinned shame-facedly. "Sorry."
Skulk stared at him a moment longer, then trotted away quickly.
Kh'tel held the grin until the sounds of his footsteps had faded away into the night. Rounding on the remaining guards, he bared his teeth viciously. "Well, what are you laughing at? Dismissed! Go on, get lost! "
Grumbling, the others slowly dispersed. He watched them carefully until the last form had vanished into the dark. Creeping over to a secluded alcove, he sat quietly, listening. Several long moments passed. Satisfied, Kh'tel whooped a sigh of relief and turned around. "C'mon out, kids."
Habusu's head emerged from an eye socket above him. "Did it work?"
"Yeah, kid. Now come on down here, quick." As the cub clambered down the face of the skull, Habusu giggled softly. "I can't believe he fell for it! "
A dark shadow detached itself and trotted over. Losara nuzzled the cub gently. "Rho'kash bless you for what you have done tonight, Kh'tel. For now, however, we have no time to celebrate. Bashak! Come on! "
The pup skittered out from behind a concealing rock. "Where are we goin' Mama?"
"We're going to take Habu home, my son, " she said, grinning. "I'm afraid it's way past his bedtime."
Shenzi's breathing had begun to come in great ragged gasps of air. She shook her head, fighting to clear her vision as she staggered about, bleeding from half a dozen wounds. Across from her, Uhuru panted rapidly, a nasty gash on his ribs giving evidence of Shenzi's prowess in the prolonged battle. But his confidence showed clearly now; the other hyenas merely waited for the combat to draw to its inevitable conclusion. Outside the circle, the jackals had begun to gather, smacking their lips in preparation for the feast which would follow, for neither lion nor hyena will eat the dead bodies of Roh'kash's Chosen Ones; they are corban to all but the lowliest of scavengers.
Shenzi caught Uhuru's eye and gave a silent snarl of defiance; she did not intend to sell her life easily. She slowly gathered her strength, preparing for a final spring. It would leave her wide open for attack, but she would get at least one clear shot at his throat before she went down.
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. She saw the starlight gleaming off his fangs as he prepared to tear out her throat. Closing her eyes, she prayed it would be quick.
Skulk shook his head in despair as he rejoined the circle of his bretheren. "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 strode forward and 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."
Complete silence fell, broken only by the sound of Isha's sobbing. Uhuru looked at the fur disbelievingly. "You mean..."
Skulk nodded sadly. "I'm afraid so." He staightened and cleared his throat. "I'm afraid that once the combat is complete, you will have to be executed, milord. You did swear your life with that of the cub's, and I will not wrong our mighty king with lies such as Shenzi has spoken."
Shenzi glared at him in shock, a smile spreading slowly across her lips. You sneaky little cur, she thought. I didn't know you had it in you. She shook her head. If only I'd known earlier....
Sudden movement caught her eye as a tawny shape padded past a gap in the circle. "Hey, Shenzi! "
"Shut up, Habu, " she snarled. Freezing, she did a double take. "Habu?!! "
Skulk gaped at the little form. "What? But he-, I mean, you..?" His eyes flared with rage as he stepped forward, growling. “No matter. I’ll deal with you myself! ”
"STOP! "
All movement ceased as Isha bludgeoned her way through the circle to stand next to them. Interposing herself between Uhuru and Shenzi, Isha gently but firmly separated them.
"My son has been rescued, Uhuru. There is no need to finish her." She turned to Losara and Kh’tel, who stood protectively over the cub. Uhuru stared for a moment, disbelieving.
"Outrage! " one of the crowd yelled. They turned to look as one of the hyena priests stepped forward. “You cannot interfere with the Shih'kal! "
The hyenas moved to close in, but they had barely gotten one paw forward before a familiar shape dropped into the circle.
"Wait just a minute, friends." Rafiki brandished his staff, warning the hyenas away. "The Shih'kal is indeed inviolable; no one may interfere. One way or another Shenzi must die."
Isha felt the blood drain from her face.
"But, " he continued musingly, chin cupped in hand, "If Shenzi concedes defeat, Uhuru gets to pick the method of Shenzi’s death, does he not?”
“He does, ” the hyena priest said.
“And if it were something slow, like being sealed alive in a cave, would that do?”
“Indeed it would, ” the priest said with barely concealed enthusiasm.
“In that case, may I suggest a method that would be very slow and utterly inescapable?”
“By all means.”
Rafiki went through the crowd and stood next to Uhuru. The male still had Shenzi pinned trembling on the ground. “I have a suggestion. Are you open to it?”
Uhuru looked up at Rafiki, ready to object till he caught the slight wink. “As you say, shaman, it shall be done.”
Fabana came and fell at Rafiki’s feet. “Mercy! Mercy! Do not torment my daughter. Let me die in her stead.”
“I thought you renounced me, ” Shenzi hoarsely whispered. “I’m sorry I renounced you. Let me die your daughter.”
“You will live. I will die your mother.”
“As you wish it, Fabana, ” Rafiki said. “In Shenzi’s stead, Fabana is to die slowly—of old age.” The mandrill chuckled heartily. “I have chosen the instrument of death. Do you concur, Roh’mach?”
“Indeed, ” Uhuru said, beaming. “You are wise beyond measure.” Uhuru looked down at the quaking hyena. "I will send you away with the same blessing you gave Simba. Get out of here, far away. If you ever come back, I'll kill you. And this time, it won’t be of old age. And take Skulk with you. You are both corban."
Shenzi staggered to her feet, swaying unsteadily. She looked at Uhuru for a long moment, then turned and headed away. Banzai and Ed came foward, supporting her gently on either side.
"Don't worry, sis, " Banzai whispered as gently as his gruff voice would allow. "We'll come with you. We ain't turnin' our back on family."
Fabana looked after them, then turned and smiled at Simba sadly. "God go with you. I touch your mane."
"I feel it."
She trotted off slowly to join them. Abruptly, one of the remaining hyenas broke away and ran to join them. Two more followed, and then another two.
They hurried over to Shenzi’s group, spreading out to form a protective phalanx.
A weak smile slowly crept acorss Shenzi’s features as she surveyed the growing party. Turning to Skulk, she chuckled. “On the other hand we may be able to salvage something from this after all.” She lowered her voice. “Listen up. I want you to....”
His cold eyes locked with hers. “Shut up.”
The group froze, their startled gaze turning to him as he shook his head. “Just shut up and keep walking. I’ve had it with your schemes. From now on, I’m going to handle our dealings with outsiders.” He glanced furtively over his shoulder. “In case you didn’t notice, most of our bretheren have sided with the King. The Roh’mach has graciously allowed us to leave.” His voice curdled with contempt at the mention of Uhuru. “We still have our lives. Or would you rather go back and have the little weasel finish the job?” He looked at her intently. “I can arrange that if you’d like.”
Banzai strode forward angrily. “Hey, you can’t do this! ”
Skulk stared at him. “I just did, ” he said softly. “Now be silent.” He returned his gaze to Shenzi who looked back at him with an incongruous smile on her face. “Well, I’m waiting.”
Limping forward, she rubbed his cheek against his softly. “Ah, Skulk, I love it when you talk dirty to me.”
Leaning on his shoulder, she moved off with him, her companions following behind as they paced slowly away from the baobab, calling softly to each other in their own tongue until they were swallowed up by the darkness.
Uhuru watched them go quietly, uttering a small prayer of thanks. For a moment he had feared there might be civil war. He fought away his fatigue and turned to the jackals who still sat near, hoping to take advantage of the situation.
“Is there something I can help you with?”
The jackals looked at him sourly, realizing that there would be no chow tonight. Reluctantly, they turned and left.
Isha groomed her son gently, tears of happiness streaming down her face as he babbled on about his adventures. "Mom! You should'a been there. Bashak and I played in the biggest skull in the world, and we made Skulk look stupid in front of everybody, and..." Raising her head, Isha looked over at Losara.
The hyena was nuzzling her cub playfully, talking softly to him and laughing at his little antics. She glanced up and caught Isha's gaze. Lioness and hyena looked at each other for a long moment. Slowly, a small smile crept to Isha's face. She bent to Habusu's ear: "Habu, if I ever catch you running off to play with that hyena again..."
He looked at her, ears laid back in contriteness. "Yes, ma'am?"
She looked at him and grinned. "...you'd better tell me where you're going, okay?"
Habusu's smile filled her with such a warmth that she felt like weeping. "Yeah! No problem."
Simba came forward and Uhuru fell before him. "I touch your mane."
"I feel it." He purred deeply. “There can only be true peace where there is justice. I say this before the gods and the great kings of the past: the ban which great Ahadi placed on scavenging in the Pride Lands is over and done. There is no reason why you cannot live as Aiheu intended.”
Many hyenas flocked to Simba, falling to the ground and humbling themselves. “Ebu Simba, Roh’mach aka Roh’mach! ”
Uhuru sat quietly, keeping a wary eye on the bigger female. He was trying not to show it, but deep down he was terribly frightened of this hyena; she had already shown in the past what she was capable of. Fighting to remember all his mother had taught him about combat, he kept his head low to the ground, trying to give her the smallest target possible.
She suddenly floated toward him, jaws agape as a snarl ripped the air. Twisting desperately, he flung himself out of the way, sending her crashing to the ground. Befor he could react, however, she was up and away, out of reach.
"Oooh, quick little one, aren't we?" She leered at him, panting. "How long can you keep dodging before my teeth find your throa-" Her sentence ended in a shriek as he darted forward. She copied his move, spinning out of harm's way, coming to rest with her legs braced for action.
Uhuru returned her smile. "You'll find I'm full of surprises." He charged again, his jaws closing on her shoulder, tearing away a chunk of flesh and hair. Gnashing her teeth in pain, Shenzi drove forward with her hind legs, using her greater weight to bear him to the ground. He writhed like a snake under her, wriggling away from her snapping jaws and escaping her grasp to stand before her again.
He began circling her now, his face grim in the dim light. She staggered in a circle, feeling the blood running down her foreleg, her shoulder ablaze.
Skulk cursed inwardly as he saw her face. She had gone in overconfident, sure that her superior size would intimidate Uhuru, but it had backfired, and she was now paying the price; the fear on her face indicated that it would only be a matter of time before she went down under his onslaught. The rules of Shi'khal were strict, however; there was nothing Skulk could do to interfere. Glancing over, he saw the lions watching the fight, utterly absorbed in the combat taking place before them. His eyes fell upon Isha, and a grin spread across his angular face.
There might just be a way to solve this problem after all, he thought. He glanced around furtively, and seeing everyone's attention fixed on the fight, he melted into the shadows and disappeared, heading off towards the elephant graveyard as fast as his legs would carry him.
Though his departure had been flawless, his arrivial did not go unnoticed. Scrambling down from atop the skull where he had been sitting, Bashak sped across the open area where the clan held its meetings to where Losara sat. "Mama, " he said breathlessly, "he's comin'! "
She nodded, a disgusted look on her face. "I expected as much. You remember what to do?"
He nodded eagerly. "Uh-huh."
"All right, then let's get moving." The pup shot away towards the far end of the graveyard as fast as his legs would carry him. Losara turned and trotted over to the entrance, where she sat down, waiting.
Skulk's form slowly emerged from the dark. "Greetings, Losara."
She nodded. "Skulk? Why are you not with Shenzi?"
"Things are not proceeding as planned. I'm here to rectify the situation." Brushing past her, he headed towards the skull which sat in the distance. "Our great and glorious Roh'mach challenged Shenzi to the Shi'Khal, which she immediately has proceeded to lose." He looked at her sidewise. "I plan to give the lions a little incentive to solve our problem. Uhuru pledged his life with the cub's. Let's hold him to that promise."
She trotted past him, cutting him off. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to plant his little carcass right in front of our glorious Roh'mach. Then I can sit back and watch the fun begin." His eyes narrowed as he saw her cut in front of him again. "You'd be well advised not to get in my way again, wench, " he said, his lip curling back to reveal his fangs.
"Idiot! You don't have to worry about that anymore." She sneered at him. "Your foolish choice of guards has already been his undoing." Her face pinched in sorrow. "Gods, can't you hear it?"
He stared at her, puzzled, and cocked an ear. Faintly, he heard a distant wailing coming from the northern escarpment where the lion cub had been incarcerated. Eyes widening in realization, he looked at her in shock. "NO! "
Tears sprang to her eyes. "I tried to stop him, but he was too strong." She was abruptly knocked aside as Skulk took off, heading toward the distant skull. Picking herself up, she laughed softly. "Idiot." Shaking herself, she padded off after him.
Griz'nik stood stoically at the mouth of the skull, trying desperately to ignore the horrible sounds coming from within.
"Almighty Roh'kash! " he muttered, "why does stuff like this always happen when I'm on duty?" He gritted his teeth as a drilling shriek issued from inside the dank recesses of the skull where the cub was imprisioned. Kh'tel had ordered him and the other guards to stay outside while he went in there to "interrogate" the prisoner. Judging from the sounds the cub was making, Griz'nik doubted if Kh'tel was in there making polite conversation. He felt a muffled impact thorough the bone at his back, punctuated by an abrupt CRACK. A horrible scream resounded from inside. The guards looked at him, their eyes wide.
Griz'nik winced and shook his head in sympathy. "Gods, that’s gotta HURT."
Skulk ran like one posesssed, the cries of the cub filling his ears, lending a desperate urgency to his straining muscles. As he neared the escarpment, he saw the other guards ringed around the skull, various looks of disgust and glee on their faces. Abruptly, the cries from within the skull ceased, and Kh'tel emerged from the mouth of it, licking his lips in obvious enjoyment.
Skulk bounded up and confronted him immediately. "What the devil are you DOING?! " he screamed.
Kh'tel shrank back, frightened. "Calm down, Skulk. Our little guest decided to get antsy, here, so I had to take care of him." He frowned deeply. "I tell you, though, lions are almighty tough to stomach." He abruptly held forth with a tooth-rattling belch.
Skulk stuck is head into the mouth of the skull. Peering about, he made out vague bloodstains on the inside walls. Casting his gaze down, he saw a small tuft of golden fur, ruffling gently from his breath. Emerging slowly, he glared balefully at his companion. The corners of Skulk's jaw clenched tightly as he fought to repress a shriek. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"
Kh'tel stared at him blankly. "What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you liked the little furball?! "
"No, imbecile! But at least with a body I could have proved he was dead! I could have solved all our problems with one stroke. Now I've got to figure out how to make them think he's dead! " Skulk sat seething for a minute, then brightened. "It's a long shot, but it just might fool them." Ducking his head into the skull, he snatched up the small bit of lion fur lying on the ground. Emerging, he shouldered past Kh'tel roughly as he stalked away, grumbling, but stopped abruptly and looked back. "Hold it, " he said, peering at Kh'tel intently. "You finished him off awfully quick."
The corner of Kh'tel's mouth twitched slightly. "Well, uh, he was kinda small-"
Skulk shook his head in disgust. "You greedy slob." A peevish note crept into his voice. "Couldn't you have saved some for me?"
Kh'tel grinned shame-facedly. "Sorry."
Skulk stared at him a moment longer, then trotted away quickly.
Kh'tel held the grin until the sounds of his footsteps had faded away into the night. Rounding on the remaining guards, he bared his teeth viciously. "Well, what are you laughing at? Dismissed! Go on, get lost! "
Grumbling, the others slowly dispersed. He watched them carefully until the last form had vanished into the dark. Creeping over to a secluded alcove, he sat quietly, listening. Several long moments passed. Satisfied, Kh'tel whooped a sigh of relief and turned around. "C'mon out, kids."
Habusu's head emerged from an eye socket above him. "Did it work?"
"Yeah, kid. Now come on down here, quick." As the cub clambered down the face of the skull, Habusu giggled softly. "I can't believe he fell for it! "
A dark shadow detached itself and trotted over. Losara nuzzled the cub gently. "Rho'kash bless you for what you have done tonight, Kh'tel. For now, however, we have no time to celebrate. Bashak! Come on! "
The pup skittered out from behind a concealing rock. "Where are we goin' Mama?"
"We're going to take Habu home, my son, " she said, grinning. "I'm afraid it's way past his bedtime."
Shenzi's breathing had begun to come in great ragged gasps of air. She shook her head, fighting to clear her vision as she staggered about, bleeding from half a dozen wounds. Across from her, Uhuru panted rapidly, a nasty gash on his ribs giving evidence of Shenzi's prowess in the prolonged battle. But his confidence showed clearly now; the other hyenas merely waited for the combat to draw to its inevitable conclusion. Outside the circle, the jackals had begun to gather, smacking their lips in preparation for the feast which would follow, for neither lion nor hyena will eat the dead bodies of Roh'kash's Chosen Ones; they are corban to all but the lowliest of scavengers.
Shenzi caught Uhuru's eye and gave a silent snarl of defiance; she did not intend to sell her life easily. She slowly gathered her strength, preparing for a final spring. It would leave her wide open for attack, but she would get at least one clear shot at his throat before she went down.
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. She saw the starlight gleaming off his fangs as he prepared to tear out her throat. Closing her eyes, she prayed it would be quick.
Skulk shook his head in despair as he rejoined the circle of his bretheren. "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 strode forward and 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."
Complete silence fell, broken only by the sound of Isha's sobbing. Uhuru looked at the fur disbelievingly. "You mean..."
Skulk nodded sadly. "I'm afraid so." He staightened and cleared his throat. "I'm afraid that once the combat is complete, you will have to be executed, milord. You did swear your life with that of the cub's, and I will not wrong our mighty king with lies such as Shenzi has spoken."
Shenzi glared at him in shock, a smile spreading slowly across her lips. You sneaky little cur, she thought. I didn't know you had it in you. She shook her head. If only I'd known earlier....
Sudden movement caught her eye as a tawny shape padded past a gap in the circle. "Hey, Shenzi! "
"Shut up, Habu, " she snarled. Freezing, she did a double take. "Habu?!! "
Skulk gaped at the little form. "What? But he-, I mean, you..?" His eyes flared with rage as he stepped forward, growling. “No matter. I’ll deal with you myself! ”
"STOP! "
All movement ceased as Isha bludgeoned her way through the circle to stand next to them. Interposing herself between Uhuru and Shenzi, Isha gently but firmly separated them.
"My son has been rescued, Uhuru. There is no need to finish her." She turned to Losara and Kh’tel, who stood protectively over the cub. Uhuru stared for a moment, disbelieving.
"Outrage! " one of the crowd yelled. They turned to look as one of the hyena priests stepped forward. “You cannot interfere with the Shih'kal! "
The hyenas moved to close in, but they had barely gotten one paw forward before a familiar shape dropped into the circle.
"Wait just a minute, friends." Rafiki brandished his staff, warning the hyenas away. "The Shih'kal is indeed inviolable; no one may interfere. One way or another Shenzi must die."
Isha felt the blood drain from her face.
"But, " he continued musingly, chin cupped in hand, "If Shenzi concedes defeat, Uhuru gets to pick the method of Shenzi’s death, does he not?”
“He does, ” the hyena priest said.
“And if it were something slow, like being sealed alive in a cave, would that do?”
“Indeed it would, ” the priest said with barely concealed enthusiasm.
“In that case, may I suggest a method that would be very slow and utterly inescapable?”
“By all means.”
Rafiki went through the crowd and stood next to Uhuru. The male still had Shenzi pinned trembling on the ground. “I have a suggestion. Are you open to it?”
Uhuru looked up at Rafiki, ready to object till he caught the slight wink. “As you say, shaman, it shall be done.”
Fabana came and fell at Rafiki’s feet. “Mercy! Mercy! Do not torment my daughter. Let me die in her stead.”
“I thought you renounced me, ” Shenzi hoarsely whispered. “I’m sorry I renounced you. Let me die your daughter.”
“You will live. I will die your mother.”
“As you wish it, Fabana, ” Rafiki said. “In Shenzi’s stead, Fabana is to die slowly—of old age.” The mandrill chuckled heartily. “I have chosen the instrument of death. Do you concur, Roh’mach?”
“Indeed, ” Uhuru said, beaming. “You are wise beyond measure.” Uhuru looked down at the quaking hyena. "I will send you away with the same blessing you gave Simba. Get out of here, far away. If you ever come back, I'll kill you. And this time, it won’t be of old age. And take Skulk with you. You are both corban."
Shenzi staggered to her feet, swaying unsteadily. She looked at Uhuru for a long moment, then turned and headed away. Banzai and Ed came foward, supporting her gently on either side.
"Don't worry, sis, " Banzai whispered as gently as his gruff voice would allow. "We'll come with you. We ain't turnin' our back on family."
Fabana looked after them, then turned and smiled at Simba sadly. "God go with you. I touch your mane."
"I feel it."
She trotted off slowly to join them. Abruptly, one of the remaining hyenas broke away and ran to join them. Two more followed, and then another two.
They hurried over to Shenzi’s group, spreading out to form a protective phalanx.
A weak smile slowly crept acorss Shenzi’s features as she surveyed the growing party. Turning to Skulk, she chuckled. “On the other hand we may be able to salvage something from this after all.” She lowered her voice. “Listen up. I want you to....”
His cold eyes locked with hers. “Shut up.”
The group froze, their startled gaze turning to him as he shook his head. “Just shut up and keep walking. I’ve had it with your schemes. From now on, I’m going to handle our dealings with outsiders.” He glanced furtively over his shoulder. “In case you didn’t notice, most of our bretheren have sided with the King. The Roh’mach has graciously allowed us to leave.” His voice curdled with contempt at the mention of Uhuru. “We still have our lives. Or would you rather go back and have the little weasel finish the job?” He looked at her intently. “I can arrange that if you’d like.”
Banzai strode forward angrily. “Hey, you can’t do this! ”
Skulk stared at him. “I just did, ” he said softly. “Now be silent.” He returned his gaze to Shenzi who looked back at him with an incongruous smile on her face. “Well, I’m waiting.”
Limping forward, she rubbed his cheek against his softly. “Ah, Skulk, I love it when you talk dirty to me.”
Leaning on his shoulder, she moved off with him, her companions following behind as they paced slowly away from the baobab, calling softly to each other in their own tongue until they were swallowed up by the darkness.
Uhuru watched them go quietly, uttering a small prayer of thanks. For a moment he had feared there might be civil war. He fought away his fatigue and turned to the jackals who still sat near, hoping to take advantage of the situation.
“Is there something I can help you with?”
The jackals looked at him sourly, realizing that there would be no chow tonight. Reluctantly, they turned and left.
Isha groomed her son gently, tears of happiness streaming down her face as he babbled on about his adventures. "Mom! You should'a been there. Bashak and I played in the biggest skull in the world, and we made Skulk look stupid in front of everybody, and..." Raising her head, Isha looked over at Losara.
The hyena was nuzzling her cub playfully, talking softly to him and laughing at his little antics. She glanced up and caught Isha's gaze. Lioness and hyena looked at each other for a long moment. Slowly, a small smile crept to Isha's face. She bent to Habusu's ear: "Habu, if I ever catch you running off to play with that hyena again..."
He looked at her, ears laid back in contriteness. "Yes, ma'am?"
She looked at him and grinned. "...you'd better tell me where you're going, okay?"
Habusu's smile filled her with such a warmth that she felt like weeping. "Yeah! No problem."
Simba came forward and Uhuru fell before him. "I touch your mane."
"I feel it." He purred deeply. “There can only be true peace where there is justice. I say this before the gods and the great kings of the past: the ban which great Ahadi placed on scavenging in the Pride Lands is over and done. There is no reason why you cannot live as Aiheu intended.”
Many hyenas flocked to Simba, falling to the ground and humbling themselves. “Ebu Simba, Roh’mach aka Roh’mach! ”
SCENE: FAR AWAY FROM THE REST
Six months had passed since the rescue of Habusu from Shenzi and Skulk, though it did not seem so long to most lions.
Still, in that time the miracle of new life had come and left changes in the Pride Lands. The grass was green, the trees were full, and the savanna was grazed by herds once again. Even Khemoki deigned to grace the Pride Lands with his Zebra’ha.
Misha, one of the new children, was sitting on a high rock outside her mother's cave. It was one of her favorite spots because she could see far in all directions.
Her mother Ajenti asked, "What are you looking for so intently?"
"Grandmother is coming. It's time for our walk."
"Come in, Misha. She's not feeling up to it today. I'm sorry."
"But she promised. She was sick yesterday and the day before."
"If you love her, let her break the promise. That's what happens to you when you get to be her age, " her mother Ajenti explained.
"Will I be like that someday?"
"Yes, but it will be a long, long time."
Misha sulked. She had grown to love those walks to the water hole with Yolanda in the early morning hours. Her grandmother was an encyclopedia of great stories of the old kings, of the gods, and even the latest gossip. And while they were supposed to take these walks for their exercise, Yolanda would always end up seeing something that brought back a memory, and the walk would become a talk.
Misha was bright, and it didn't take her long to figure out that her grandmother would only get older with time. 'That age' was keeping them apart more and more, but never for three days in a row. She tried to imagine life without her grandmother--even the thought depressed her.
Ajenti nuzzled her affectionately. "Why don't you go play with Tanabi? He really likes you."
"He's OK, " she answered half-heartedly. Misha was really crazy about Tanabi, but it was just not the same. That was Grandmother's special time, and it was for no one else. If Grandmother couldn't come to her, she would go to Yolanda. It would be a pleasant surprise.
There were several places Yolanda loved to go. Some of the more challenging ones, like her favorite branch in a low-hanging tree, had been neglected lately. She was more apt to be dozing on one of the large rocks that caught the morning sun. Misha went to the rocks, but no one was there. She wasn't at the tree, either. And the small cistern where rainwater filled a cave in the rock was visited by two lionesses, neither one of which had seen her.
Simba wished Misha a cheerful good morning. "Tanabi was looking for you. That is, if you're not taking your morning walk."
"But I am, Your Majesty, if I can find my Grandmother. You haven't seen Yolanda, have you?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
"I thought you were supposed to know where everyone is. You're king, aren't you?"
Simba smiled pleasantly. "Indeed I am. But I'm not a miracle worker. If I see her before you do, I'll tell her you're looking for her. She's been kind of sick lately. Maybe she's still asleep."
"I checked, " Misha said, distracted.
Without saying good bye, Misha hurried on, but she had no idea where she was going. Everywhere her Grandmother usually stayed was deserted. So she must be somewhere unusual. On a whim, she took the path down to the savanna that stretched out before Pride Rock. The grass was tall, and it was easy for a lioness to disappear completely, a thought that was most upsetting to the antelopes and zebras. "Grandmother! Yolanda! Are you out there?" She hunted everywhere, which was not easy for a fully grown lioness, much less a cub. "Grandmother! It's me, Misha! "
Just when she was about to give up, she saw Yolanda walking alone into the distance.
"Grandmother! It's me! " Misha hurried over to her in the tall grass. "Wait up, will you! I've looked everywhere for you! Couldn't you hear me calling you?"
Yolanda stopped for a moment to let Misha catch up, then resumed her slow, steady tread. "I'm sorry I didn't come by for our walk. I haven't felt well."
"But you feel well now, don't you? I mean, you're walking now."
"Honey tree, I'm walking now because I don't feel well. I don't want to be at home when something happens to me. They would either have to move me to a more suitable place, or let the hyenas desecrate my den. Either way, I don't want the ones I love to remember my death, but my life."
"Are you going to die?"
"Someday we all have to die. It's part of life."
"I wish you wouldn't say that. You know I'd be sad if you died." She ran a few steps out front, which was not difficult at the rate Yolanda walked. "Can I walk with you?"
"I suppose I have no choice, and I could use someone to talk to."
"Maybe you'll tell me a story. Where are you going?"
"I'm going to be with my husband. Your grandfather. You never knew him. His name was Simba, too. Just like the King. He was a good mate. Seeing him will make me young again."
"Not really. I mean you just mean feel young, don't you? I thought he was dead."
Yolanda smiled, indulgently.
"Can I see him too?"
"Someday, Misha. Not now." She walked across the plain slowly, painfully. Her joints had been stiff in the morning, but there was something more akin to lameness that was obvious even to Misha.
"Are you all right?"
"That doesn't matter now. I'm tired. I'm just so tired."
"Then let's rest for a minute."
"There will be time for rest later, " she said, determined. "We are not far enough yet."
"Far enough from what? When is far enough?"
"I'll tell you."
She walked on. The exertion made her perspire, and her breath was labored. She stumbled over a small rock the way Misha might fall in a gopher hole. "What are you trying to find?" Misha asked. "There's nothing out here but grass."
“That's the point, " she said. "It is the sort of place no one would go without a good reason."
"Why don't you rest now?"
"Are you tired, Misha? you're so young and strong. I'm so..." Yolanda stopped. Her teeth bared in a grimace of pain. "Oh gods! "
"Grandmother! "
Summoning all her reserve, she calmly said, "You were right, Misha. This is the place. We will rest here." She collapsed into a heap and moaned. "I'm so tired, Honey Tree. I could use
some sleep. Why don't you go play someplace else right now and let me rest. I'll be all right."
"Grandmother?" Misha said in a trembly voice. "Should I call Rafiki now? He's just over there."
"No, honey tree. I'll be all right." Saying that, she lay her head in the grass. "Oh, can you feel the cool breeze, Misha?"
"Yes, ma'am."
She closed her eyes. "Isn't it wonderful? It's been so hot recently with no rains to freshen the air. But it may be a fine day after all. Nice and cool." Yolanda took in a deep breath, and let it out in a long, slow sigh. Misha anxiously watched her chest for a long time, waiting to see it rise and fall. She waited for a long time.
"Wake up, Grandma! You can't sleep here! " She ran nervously around the body, nipping her on the paws and licking her on the cheek. "Don't leave me, Grandma. You can't die. You just
can't! "
Backing back from the body, Misha looked about for someone, anyone who could help. Why did she have to go so far away into the brush? Maybe Rafiki could help. Oh that the gods would let him be at home! "Is anybody out there?"
Finally she spotted a lioness in the tall grass and ran toward her. "Help! Help! It's Yolanda! "
"It's not safe here, " the lioness said. "You must go."
The voice galvanized her. Misha stood frozen to the spot and stared at the sad, kindly face. It seemed to shine with its own inner light, and she didn't know whether to be happy or terrified. "Please don't leave me. I don't want you to go. I'll do anything. Just stay a little longer, please! "
"It's not safe, " the lioness said firmly. "The vultures are here and the hyenas are not far behind. Run, honey tree. Run home now!"
Misha was grief stricken, but she had to flee before the ghastly funeral took place. She couldn't hope to face off the scavengers at her age. And so she ran toward Pride Rock. She ran and ran like a mad thing and did not stop until she found her mother.
Still, in that time the miracle of new life had come and left changes in the Pride Lands. The grass was green, the trees were full, and the savanna was grazed by herds once again. Even Khemoki deigned to grace the Pride Lands with his Zebra’ha.
Misha, one of the new children, was sitting on a high rock outside her mother's cave. It was one of her favorite spots because she could see far in all directions.
Her mother Ajenti asked, "What are you looking for so intently?"
"Grandmother is coming. It's time for our walk."
"Come in, Misha. She's not feeling up to it today. I'm sorry."
"But she promised. She was sick yesterday and the day before."
"If you love her, let her break the promise. That's what happens to you when you get to be her age, " her mother Ajenti explained.
"Will I be like that someday?"
"Yes, but it will be a long, long time."
Misha sulked. She had grown to love those walks to the water hole with Yolanda in the early morning hours. Her grandmother was an encyclopedia of great stories of the old kings, of the gods, and even the latest gossip. And while they were supposed to take these walks for their exercise, Yolanda would always end up seeing something that brought back a memory, and the walk would become a talk.
Misha was bright, and it didn't take her long to figure out that her grandmother would only get older with time. 'That age' was keeping them apart more and more, but never for three days in a row. She tried to imagine life without her grandmother--even the thought depressed her.
Ajenti nuzzled her affectionately. "Why don't you go play with Tanabi? He really likes you."
"He's OK, " she answered half-heartedly. Misha was really crazy about Tanabi, but it was just not the same. That was Grandmother's special time, and it was for no one else. If Grandmother couldn't come to her, she would go to Yolanda. It would be a pleasant surprise.
There were several places Yolanda loved to go. Some of the more challenging ones, like her favorite branch in a low-hanging tree, had been neglected lately. She was more apt to be dozing on one of the large rocks that caught the morning sun. Misha went to the rocks, but no one was there. She wasn't at the tree, either. And the small cistern where rainwater filled a cave in the rock was visited by two lionesses, neither one of which had seen her.
Simba wished Misha a cheerful good morning. "Tanabi was looking for you. That is, if you're not taking your morning walk."
"But I am, Your Majesty, if I can find my Grandmother. You haven't seen Yolanda, have you?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
"I thought you were supposed to know where everyone is. You're king, aren't you?"
Simba smiled pleasantly. "Indeed I am. But I'm not a miracle worker. If I see her before you do, I'll tell her you're looking for her. She's been kind of sick lately. Maybe she's still asleep."
"I checked, " Misha said, distracted.
Without saying good bye, Misha hurried on, but she had no idea where she was going. Everywhere her Grandmother usually stayed was deserted. So she must be somewhere unusual. On a whim, she took the path down to the savanna that stretched out before Pride Rock. The grass was tall, and it was easy for a lioness to disappear completely, a thought that was most upsetting to the antelopes and zebras. "Grandmother! Yolanda! Are you out there?" She hunted everywhere, which was not easy for a fully grown lioness, much less a cub. "Grandmother! It's me, Misha! "
Just when she was about to give up, she saw Yolanda walking alone into the distance.
"Grandmother! It's me! " Misha hurried over to her in the tall grass. "Wait up, will you! I've looked everywhere for you! Couldn't you hear me calling you?"
Yolanda stopped for a moment to let Misha catch up, then resumed her slow, steady tread. "I'm sorry I didn't come by for our walk. I haven't felt well."
"But you feel well now, don't you? I mean, you're walking now."
"Honey tree, I'm walking now because I don't feel well. I don't want to be at home when something happens to me. They would either have to move me to a more suitable place, or let the hyenas desecrate my den. Either way, I don't want the ones I love to remember my death, but my life."
"Are you going to die?"
"Someday we all have to die. It's part of life."
"I wish you wouldn't say that. You know I'd be sad if you died." She ran a few steps out front, which was not difficult at the rate Yolanda walked. "Can I walk with you?"
"I suppose I have no choice, and I could use someone to talk to."
"Maybe you'll tell me a story. Where are you going?"
"I'm going to be with my husband. Your grandfather. You never knew him. His name was Simba, too. Just like the King. He was a good mate. Seeing him will make me young again."
"Not really. I mean you just mean feel young, don't you? I thought he was dead."
Yolanda smiled, indulgently.
"Can I see him too?"
"Someday, Misha. Not now." She walked across the plain slowly, painfully. Her joints had been stiff in the morning, but there was something more akin to lameness that was obvious even to Misha.
"Are you all right?"
"That doesn't matter now. I'm tired. I'm just so tired."
"Then let's rest for a minute."
"There will be time for rest later, " she said, determined. "We are not far enough yet."
"Far enough from what? When is far enough?"
"I'll tell you."
She walked on. The exertion made her perspire, and her breath was labored. She stumbled over a small rock the way Misha might fall in a gopher hole. "What are you trying to find?" Misha asked. "There's nothing out here but grass."
“That's the point, " she said. "It is the sort of place no one would go without a good reason."
"Why don't you rest now?"
"Are you tired, Misha? you're so young and strong. I'm so..." Yolanda stopped. Her teeth bared in a grimace of pain. "Oh gods! "
"Grandmother! "
Summoning all her reserve, she calmly said, "You were right, Misha. This is the place. We will rest here." She collapsed into a heap and moaned. "I'm so tired, Honey Tree. I could use
some sleep. Why don't you go play someplace else right now and let me rest. I'll be all right."
"Grandmother?" Misha said in a trembly voice. "Should I call Rafiki now? He's just over there."
"No, honey tree. I'll be all right." Saying that, she lay her head in the grass. "Oh, can you feel the cool breeze, Misha?"
"Yes, ma'am."
She closed her eyes. "Isn't it wonderful? It's been so hot recently with no rains to freshen the air. But it may be a fine day after all. Nice and cool." Yolanda took in a deep breath, and let it out in a long, slow sigh. Misha anxiously watched her chest for a long time, waiting to see it rise and fall. She waited for a long time.
"Wake up, Grandma! You can't sleep here! " She ran nervously around the body, nipping her on the paws and licking her on the cheek. "Don't leave me, Grandma. You can't die. You just
can't! "
Backing back from the body, Misha looked about for someone, anyone who could help. Why did she have to go so far away into the brush? Maybe Rafiki could help. Oh that the gods would let him be at home! "Is anybody out there?"
Finally she spotted a lioness in the tall grass and ran toward her. "Help! Help! It's Yolanda! "
"It's not safe here, " the lioness said. "You must go."
The voice galvanized her. Misha stood frozen to the spot and stared at the sad, kindly face. It seemed to shine with its own inner light, and she didn't know whether to be happy or terrified. "Please don't leave me. I don't want you to go. I'll do anything. Just stay a little longer, please! "
"It's not safe, " the lioness said firmly. "The vultures are here and the hyenas are not far behind. Run, honey tree. Run home now!"
Misha was grief stricken, but she had to flee before the ghastly funeral took place. She couldn't hope to face off the scavengers at her age. And so she ran toward Pride Rock. She ran and ran like a mad thing and did not stop until she found her mother.
SCENE: MAKING SENSE OF DEATH
When Misha found her mother and told her what had happened, Ajenti moaned as if from a wound. She ran up the side of Pride Rock and out onto the peak and roared one heart-rending roar. The other lions didn't have to ask what happened, for Yolanda had been expected to die. They roared as well, setting off a wave of sound that washed over the Pride Lands the sorrowful message. It may have lasted a few seconds, or a few minutes--time seemed to stand still. But when Ajenti lithely slinked back off the pinnacle and disappeared into the grass, so did her public grief. From now on, she would discuss it only with friends and family, and only when asked about it. They all understood that she loved her mother--there was no need to keep proving it to everyone. Indeed, if anyone asked her if she was heartbroken, and no one would, they would likely catch an indignant rake of her claws.
For a couple of hours, all Misha could do was huddle next to her mother. Ajenti needed her small, warm presence. But there came a time when Ajenti needed to be alone for a while. It was her turn to remember when she was the cub, and Yolanda would tell her stories of the old kings, and groom her with her warm moist tongue. That was done best alone.
Misha wanted her mother, but she welcomed the chance to head out unescorted across the savanna to the baobab tree. Her heart was full of questions that must be answered--it was her first experience with death.
Rafiki had an odd habit of talking to himself. He put some small pieces of fruit into a bowl and took a bone in one hand while holding the bowl in the other. "Look out, little ones! Here comes the elephant! " He began to mash them into a paste. "Oh no! This is just awful! Shame on you, you ol' elephant! Heh heh! "
He got an egg. Rarely did he use meat in his diet, and then it was only carrion. The egg was the closest thing he had that day, a prize he had filched from a nest only that morning.
"Oooh, it must be done so carefully! " He said, positioning the egg on the edge of the bowl. "A-one, " he said, tapping it once lightly. "A-two! " he said tapping it a little harder. He turned the egg slightly. "A-three! " And at last with a smile, he said, "Here goes nothing! "
"Rafiki! "
The shell shattered in his fingers. Egg loaded with shell fragments dribbled from his hand into the bowl. "A-four, " he said with a sigh, and shook off his hands. "Who's there?"
"Are you busy?"
"Misha! " He smiled, wiping his hands off quickly. "Come in, my dear! Sit! " He planted a kiss on top of her head and giving her a hug. "You honor my humble home."
"Oh Rafiki, she's gone! Grandma Yolanda is gone! "
"I heard the cry, " Rafiki said. He understood a bit about how lions grieve, so he was careful in his approach. "You have questions for Rafiki?"
"Well, yes."
"Come sit beside me, " Rafiki said. He put his arm around her and said, "Now ask your Uncle Rafiki anything at all."
Misha's eyes brimmed with tears. "I didn't want her to die. Why did she have to die? She was so good. Can't you help her? Why do the gods let good people die if they can do anything they want? Why?"
"Oh, the little lady starts with the biggest questions." Rafiki sighed. "For one thing, no. I'm sorry, but it's beyond me to call her back. If I could have helped her, I would have helped Mufasa. As for why there is death, there is a legend among the mandrills about how death came into the world. My father told me, and he learned it from his father. I will not tell you, for it’s not the truth."
"What is the truth?"
"Death has always been a part of this world. It is part of life. Otherwise there would be no more room to move about. It makes room for new generations to grow and flourish. It renews the world. It makes sense."
"I see." She sighed longingly. "But why even live, if all you're going to do is die someday? What's the point?"
"Because if you didn't live, I couldn't put my arm around you and have these little talks." He kissed her again. "Your blood runs red with mud. It is the soil of the earth mother that binds us to the great Circle of Life. When we die, the water which is the life force returns to heaven with the morning dew. We are then freed from the mud, and freed from its pain. All except the pain of separation, and that will take care of itself with time. Remember even here the spirits of the blessed look down on us, and their prayers for us are always before the gods. Watch the night skies, and feel the love surround you. You will know your grandmother is alive."
"I saw her, " Misha admitted. "She told me to run away before the hyenas came."
"You saw her?" He said it like he believed her. She was glad to tell someone about it. "Grandma was shiny all over, lit up like the moon. Mother says the stars are the spirits of the great kings, but where did she go? Will she see my grandfather?"
"The stars cannot be counted. Could there be so many kings in a hundred creations?" He smiled. "She is a star like your grandfather, and if the life she led is any measure, she'll be the most beautiful star in the sky."
"I love you too." He gave her a pat. "Now how about a little snack?"
"What'cha got?"
"It's sweet, it's disgusting. You'll love it."
Rafiki got the wooden bowl back out and stirred the contents up really well. He put it before Misha, who attacked it with gusto.
"What is it?"
"I call it elephant stew."
For a couple of hours, all Misha could do was huddle next to her mother. Ajenti needed her small, warm presence. But there came a time when Ajenti needed to be alone for a while. It was her turn to remember when she was the cub, and Yolanda would tell her stories of the old kings, and groom her with her warm moist tongue. That was done best alone.
Misha wanted her mother, but she welcomed the chance to head out unescorted across the savanna to the baobab tree. Her heart was full of questions that must be answered--it was her first experience with death.
Rafiki had an odd habit of talking to himself. He put some small pieces of fruit into a bowl and took a bone in one hand while holding the bowl in the other. "Look out, little ones! Here comes the elephant! " He began to mash them into a paste. "Oh no! This is just awful! Shame on you, you ol' elephant! Heh heh! "
He got an egg. Rarely did he use meat in his diet, and then it was only carrion. The egg was the closest thing he had that day, a prize he had filched from a nest only that morning.
"Oooh, it must be done so carefully! " He said, positioning the egg on the edge of the bowl. "A-one, " he said, tapping it once lightly. "A-two! " he said tapping it a little harder. He turned the egg slightly. "A-three! " And at last with a smile, he said, "Here goes nothing! "
"Rafiki! "
The shell shattered in his fingers. Egg loaded with shell fragments dribbled from his hand into the bowl. "A-four, " he said with a sigh, and shook off his hands. "Who's there?"
"Are you busy?"
"Misha! " He smiled, wiping his hands off quickly. "Come in, my dear! Sit! " He planted a kiss on top of her head and giving her a hug. "You honor my humble home."
"Oh Rafiki, she's gone! Grandma Yolanda is gone! "
"I heard the cry, " Rafiki said. He understood a bit about how lions grieve, so he was careful in his approach. "You have questions for Rafiki?"
"Well, yes."
"Come sit beside me, " Rafiki said. He put his arm around her and said, "Now ask your Uncle Rafiki anything at all."
Misha's eyes brimmed with tears. "I didn't want her to die. Why did she have to die? She was so good. Can't you help her? Why do the gods let good people die if they can do anything they want? Why?"
"Oh, the little lady starts with the biggest questions." Rafiki sighed. "For one thing, no. I'm sorry, but it's beyond me to call her back. If I could have helped her, I would have helped Mufasa. As for why there is death, there is a legend among the mandrills about how death came into the world. My father told me, and he learned it from his father. I will not tell you, for it’s not the truth."
"What is the truth?"
"Death has always been a part of this world. It is part of life. Otherwise there would be no more room to move about. It makes room for new generations to grow and flourish. It renews the world. It makes sense."
"I see." She sighed longingly. "But why even live, if all you're going to do is die someday? What's the point?"
"Because if you didn't live, I couldn't put my arm around you and have these little talks." He kissed her again. "Your blood runs red with mud. It is the soil of the earth mother that binds us to the great Circle of Life. When we die, the water which is the life force returns to heaven with the morning dew. We are then freed from the mud, and freed from its pain. All except the pain of separation, and that will take care of itself with time. Remember even here the spirits of the blessed look down on us, and their prayers for us are always before the gods. Watch the night skies, and feel the love surround you. You will know your grandmother is alive."
"I saw her, " Misha admitted. "She told me to run away before the hyenas came."
"You saw her?" He said it like he believed her. She was glad to tell someone about it. "Grandma was shiny all over, lit up like the moon. Mother says the stars are the spirits of the great kings, but where did she go? Will she see my grandfather?"
"The stars cannot be counted. Could there be so many kings in a hundred creations?" He smiled. "She is a star like your grandfather, and if the life she led is any measure, she'll be the most beautiful star in the sky."
When you love another soul, you have security,
Because the thing you choose to love will last eternally;
The secrets shared, the way she cared,
The jokes that make you smile
May go away, but not to stay
Except a little while....
Aiheu is wonderful, He knows the pain you bear,
And He will grant a share of comfort in the night;
The ones you hold most dear, His hand will hold most near,
Until you see them clear in His eternal light.
When you’re feeling very sad, the way you feel right now,
You will do well to realize she’s helping you somehow;
She’s holding you, enfolding you to soothe your fears away,
And when you cry, her watchful eye will see you and she’ll pray....
Misha lay her head on Rafiki's shoulder. "I love you."
Aiheu is wonderful, He knows the pain you bear,
And He will grant a share of comfort in the night;
The ones you hold most dear, His hand will hold most near,
Until you see them clear in His eternal light.
"I love you too." He gave her a pat. "Now how about a little snack?"
"What'cha got?"
"It's sweet, it's disgusting. You'll love it."
Rafiki got the wooden bowl back out and stirred the contents up really well. He put it before Misha, who attacked it with gusto.
"What is it?"
"I call it elephant stew."
SCENE: PARTS IS PARTS
The cubs watched, spellbound, as the lionesses tore past them, pursuing the water buffalo as he blundered along, bellowing in panic. Uzuri bounded in from in front, leaping upon the animal's back, her weight throwing it off balance and sending it crashing to the ground in a heap. The bull's limbs thrashed as Uzuri fastened her teeth into it's throat, cutting off the air supply.
"Awesome! " Tanabi looked at Misha. "How does she do that?"
Kombi snorted comtemptuously from where he sat with Togo. "Idjit. When you get older like us, you'll see. It's easy."
Lisani elbowed Habusu who sat next to her and shook her head. "Yeah, right. You guys are so clumsy, you couldn't even tackle Timon."
Tanabi and Misha giggled as the two brothers glared at Lisani. Though they had the gangly look typical of six month old cubs, Lisani had retained the slim and graceful look she had posessesed since she was a cub. Misha sighed as she looked at her own forelegs. At four months old, they had lost the stubby cuteness of babyhood and were lengthening out nicely, though she still thought her paws were way too big. She prayed that she would also be blessed with Lisani's luck, but she doubted it.
Their thoughts were interuppted by Ajenti's voice. "Come on, kids, time to eat! "
The six cubs tumbled out of the grass where they had been told to remain hidden and gamboled down the hill merrily, laughing. They quietened, however, as they approached the downed animal. Uzuri lay crouched over the forequarters, her fangs buried in the bull's neck. Satisfied that it's struggles had ceased, she slowly released her grip, a wary eye on the animal in case it was still capable of flight.
Isha nosed her way along the animal's flank until she found a suitable spot. Nodding to herself, she cleared her throat, pausing until she had eveyone's attention. The others followed suit as she bowed her head. "Aiheu abahami, " she spoke. "Aiheu provides."
"Aiheu abahami, " they repeated. This was not a simple rote recital, for each lion spoke from the heart, thanking their Lord for the food recieved, as well as asking for protection from injury on future hunts. Any lioness who knew her craft was well aware of the evil spirits who plagued the hunt, waiting to turn a chance mishap into a fatal injury.
The blessing said, Isha raised her head eagerly. Seizing the spot she had previously selected with her incisors, she pulled sharply, opening the belly. She growled sharply, fighting for her position as her companions surged forward expectantly.
Ajenti pushed in, burying her head in the carcass, her jaws working as she bolted her food greedily. Grumpily, Isha slid aside-barely; any lioness who was too timid at dinnertime would invariably go hungry. Uzuri crowded in from the other side, dexterously ducking her head in and snatching away a huge chunk of flesh, which she swallowed whole. She growled slightly at Togo and Kombi, who were sidling a little too close for her liking.
Unpeturbed, the two cubs continued to edge closer until they were able to snatch away a sizeable piece for themselves, which they ran off with, each carrying one end whilst simeltaneously trying to yank the whole piece from the other's grasp.
"Awesome! " Tanabi looked at Misha. "How does she do that?"
Kombi snorted comtemptuously from where he sat with Togo. "Idjit. When you get older like us, you'll see. It's easy."
Lisani elbowed Habusu who sat next to her and shook her head. "Yeah, right. You guys are so clumsy, you couldn't even tackle Timon."
Tanabi and Misha giggled as the two brothers glared at Lisani. Though they had the gangly look typical of six month old cubs, Lisani had retained the slim and graceful look she had posessesed since she was a cub. Misha sighed as she looked at her own forelegs. At four months old, they had lost the stubby cuteness of babyhood and were lengthening out nicely, though she still thought her paws were way too big. She prayed that she would also be blessed with Lisani's luck, but she doubted it.
Their thoughts were interuppted by Ajenti's voice. "Come on, kids, time to eat! "
The six cubs tumbled out of the grass where they had been told to remain hidden and gamboled down the hill merrily, laughing. They quietened, however, as they approached the downed animal. Uzuri lay crouched over the forequarters, her fangs buried in the bull's neck. Satisfied that it's struggles had ceased, she slowly released her grip, a wary eye on the animal in case it was still capable of flight.
Isha nosed her way along the animal's flank until she found a suitable spot. Nodding to herself, she cleared her throat, pausing until she had eveyone's attention. The others followed suit as she bowed her head. "Aiheu abahami, " she spoke. "Aiheu provides."
"Aiheu abahami, " they repeated. This was not a simple rote recital, for each lion spoke from the heart, thanking their Lord for the food recieved, as well as asking for protection from injury on future hunts. Any lioness who knew her craft was well aware of the evil spirits who plagued the hunt, waiting to turn a chance mishap into a fatal injury.
The blessing said, Isha raised her head eagerly. Seizing the spot she had previously selected with her incisors, she pulled sharply, opening the belly. She growled sharply, fighting for her position as her companions surged forward expectantly.
Ajenti pushed in, burying her head in the carcass, her jaws working as she bolted her food greedily. Grumpily, Isha slid aside-barely; any lioness who was too timid at dinnertime would invariably go hungry. Uzuri crowded in from the other side, dexterously ducking her head in and snatching away a huge chunk of flesh, which she swallowed whole. She growled slightly at Togo and Kombi, who were sidling a little too close for her liking.
Unpeturbed, the two cubs continued to edge closer until they were able to snatch away a sizeable piece for themselves, which they ran off with, each carrying one end whilst simeltaneously trying to yank the whole piece from the other's grasp.