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Tears filled her eyes and she touched his cheek with her tongue. “You love him, don’t you.”
“Yes, I love him.”
She kissed him again. “Then send him away now while his heart is pure. You know what it is like to suffer from the inside. There is nowhere to hide.” She looked down and moaned. “No one knows what torment there is in the wounds we bear inside. We try to smile when our heart is breaking!”
Taka looked at her in the eyes. His chin began to tremble. “I’m stove through,” he muttered. Tears began to stream down his face. “Go, Shimbekh.” The hyeness’s ears drooped and her tail hung limply.
“Old friend, we are both stove through.”
“Go, Shimbekh! Please, just go!”
Shimbekh trudged outside, the weight of the world stooping her shoulders and bowing her head. Shenzi said, “Very convincing. You really sounded concerned.”
“Go to hell!”
“See you there, Shimbekh!”
As Shimbekh walked away, she heard behind her the soft, deep sobs of a lion. Somehow, like a fugitive from a daydream, a memory came back to her of playing with her sister Kambra. What would the pup she was think of what she had become? “What I wouldn’t give to lay at my mother’s side again and nurse myself to sleep! My heart is so tired, Muti. So tired! If I could be your pup again just for tonight and feel your love once more!” Tears spilled down her cheeks and she slinked to her quarters like a forgotten shadow.
Mabatu was told two days in advance that he would get a commoner’s mantlement so he could prepare himself, but he was not told the reason why. Taka was clearly heartbroken, and Mabatu could sense it. Mabatu could not hate him, and no matter what his mother said, he kept faith that deep inside Taka loved him as much as ever.
Mabatu and Kako were both in a bit of a panic. Baba was not ready yet—he had minimal hunting skills and he was still not what most lions consider mature. Kako made an impassioned plea for a little more time—that not waiting a moon or two would condemn him to death--but Taka was insistent. “He will learn. It’s nature’s way. Besides, I will pray for him every night.” Tears slid down Taka’s cheeks and even Kako could see the horrible pain he felt.
“Won’t you at least tell us why you’re doing this?”
“Sometimes love must be firm,” he stammered. “I’m so sorry.”
CHAPTER: LOVE TRIUMPHANT
Mabatu spent the night before his mantlement with Isha. She wanted to teach him everything she could about survival before he faced the unforgiving challenges of “The Big World.”
Mabatu was a good fighter for someone his size. Playful wrestling with the other cubs had gracefully prepared him for the serious challenges of battle. Isha still remembered the time he threw her in a wrestling match by grabbing one of her hind legs. They spent little time on fighting except for Isha’s advice that running away was not always shameful or cowardly.
Hunting skills were a different matter. Isha had plenty of fond memories of hunting rabbits and antelope with her mother. Luckily Isha grew up in a time when the savanna rejoiced in abundance. Mabatu was a child of hardship, and his mother had to spend toilsome hours hunting just to survive. Little wonder his education was sorely neglected.
Mabatu had almost no knowledge of stalking and pursuit. And it was clear if he ever caught up to an antelope, he wouldn’t know what to do with it. It was an unpleasant surprise to her, for all lionesses believed a cub born at night would make a great hunter, and he had literally been born on the hunt. Maybe when old folk wisdoms failed, a little determined teaching would have to do.
“We must look at holds,” Isha said. “Here on the arm, you can restrict movement.” She gently gripped his arm above the elbow. “Here on the flank you can rip. But the throat hold is one of prime importance....” She put her arm across his back. “You strike them here and push with your weight.” Isha leaned into him, nearly pushing him over. “It’s important to let your weight do the work. Then you go for the throat and cut off his wind.” She gently mouthed Mabatu’s throat.
Mabatu trembled. She quickly let go and looked him in the eye. “Your heart is pounding. Are you all right?”
He stared back. “Isha....”
“I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. It is I who have offended you.”
“Nonsense,” she said, nuzzling him softly.
He returned her nuzzle and nibbled at her ear. Before she could pull back with surprise, he said, “Don’t hate me. You don’t know how long I’ve waited to do that.” He sighed. “How VERY long.”
“We need to get back to hunting,” she said unsteadily, recognizing the look in his eyes. “We don’t have much time.”
“We DON’T have much time. I must hunt now. I may not have a chance, but I’ve stalked for a long time. Now I must break my cover and rush to you.”
She took a step backward. “Even though I’m old enough to be your mother? I’m flattered. Really I am. But when you’re older, you’ll find someone more your own age. Then you’ll look back on this and laugh.”
“You know I’ll never get much older. I’m being sacrificed to help the others. You know it.”
She looked down. “I wish you wouldn’t say that.”
“But you don’t deny it.”
“How can I?” Tears began to roll down her cheeks. “My poor Baba! My precious little Nisei! I love you more than the food I eat or the water I drink. Even more than the air I breathe. I would give them up if it would save you.”
“I love you, Isha. I’ve always loved you.” He kissed away her tears. “Remember, I said when I grew up, I’d marry you. You laughed then, but if you laugh now, I’ll die. While life holds my soul and body together, I will love you. Even in death I will love you.”
“In death?” She pawed and nuzzled him. “Don’t think of death. You are alive. There is still hope.”
“How can I be alive? I’ve never lived!” He looked her intently in the eyes. The fire in his hazel eyes was unmistakable even if it was uncertain. “If I could only be close to you, just for tonight, I would have LIVED, Isha.”
She looked deeply into his eyes and saw the sincerity of his love. Isha was held captive by its overwhelming purity and depth. She pawed him affectionately and he playfully batted back at her. She drew off a length and began to circle him, looking for an opening. “If you hunt big game, prepare to exert yourself.”
He watched her lithe body as it crept gracefully but forcefully about him. Any moment the huntress could rush her prey. A flick of her ears betrayed her attack, but it was not enough warning. She pounced, collaring his throat and wrestling him. Laughing and panting, she nearly shoved him to the ground. He flailed at her with his arms, but struck her very gently.
"I can still throw you," he said.
"Prove it!" She threw her weight on him with a mighty thrust and easily pushed him over.
Mabatu regained his feet and circled her. He tried to use his weight to push her over, but she had the advantage and sidestepped him. She put her arm over his shoulder and began to lean in on him, causing his legs to start buckling. Then when it seemed victory was hers, she relaxed and did not move. He put his head under her arm and pushed her over into the grass and looked down into her face. “Gotcha!”
Her paw reached up and gently traced the curve of his cheek and fondled his chin. She looked deep into his eyes smiled alluringly as his breath came and went like a wild wind. “Now that you’ve caught me, do what you will.”
“Oh gods!” Breathless, he knelt down and began to nuzzle her passionately, nibbling her ears and pawing her cheek gently. Her fragrance made him tremble, and he kissed her on the cheek and forehead murmuring, “Isha, beloved!”
She whispered, “Not here. Come, my lover, where the night shall hide us away.” They rose from the verdant grass and he walked, pressed against her warm, soft body into the shadows.
When they were alone, he stroked her thigh with his paw. “How could one lioness be so beautiful?” He expected a reply, but suddenly she broke away from him and began to run.
“Isha, wait! What did I do??”
She looked at him reassuringly. “If you want me, you’ll have to catch me!”
He realized it was a game. Laughing like a cub, he began to pursue her through the tall grass. She cornered sharply like a wise huntress, keeping him off balance and maddeningly at bay. They bounded over the hill and down the other side, splashed through a small creek, and ran around Anteater Kopje. She looked back and laughed. “Can’t you run faster than that??”
“Are you kidding?? You haven’t seen anything!”
Driven by the fierce heat of desire, he lunged forward and began to narrow the gap with each spring. Sensing his approach, Isha plunged through a field of gold and purple blossoms, somewhat wilted by the drought but still holding an essence of their former beauty. And amid the blossoms, she stopped and looked back.
Mabatu came to a halt and looked at her wonderingly. “Give up?”
“You’ll need some of that great strength,” she said. “I wouldn’t leave you drained. We'll start out simple.” She took a couple of steps and crouched among the fragrant blossoms. “Come, Baba. Make love to me.”
He stared at her apprehensively. An awkward moment passed.
“Do I not still please you?”
“Isha, you ARE pleasure. It’s just--well--this is my first time. I don't know my father and my mother did not speak with me. All I know about making love is a lot of cub gossip.”
She smiled. “I’ll help you if you need it. Just remember, you are saying farewell to cubhood. Once you’ve taken this step, you will be a lion.” She smiled disarmingly. “Come and kiss me. Would you like that?”
He trembled. “Always!” He shyly came forward and reached down, touching her cheek with his tongue. She looked up and kissed him passionately, pawing at his mane. She rolled over and stroked his throat and chest with her paws, setting him on fire. “I can feel your heart throbbing.” She reached up with a paw and drew his face toward hers, kissing him passionately. In a sultry voice, she purred, “Deep inside, you know what you want. Forget what your head tells you. Go where your feelings lead you. Make love to me.”
His feelings were strong and clear this time. She rolled back into a crouch, purring softly. “It’s OK. Don't be afraid.”
He gently mouthed her neck, and trembling with desire he pressed himself against her soft golden body. With faint utterances of contentment and pleasure, Baba filled his senses with her love, the love that made her his lioness. Feeling her shudder in his gentle embrace, he lived out all the tender fantasies that filled his dreams. Never had he felt so alive as he had in that moment.
“Beloved,” she purred, “Are you happy?”
“Delirious! And you? Do I please you?”
“Yes! I feel...I feel...” She jerked and moaned. “Oh, Baba! Yes!”
Mabatu was drunk with her pleasures, and just as he thought his heart would burst, he knew in his own body the ecstasy that made her cry out. He gasped and wanted to let it out in a roar, but he dared not. Only a gentle sigh of fulfillment left him, and overcome he nuzzled her and stumbled away.
“Will that ever happen again?”
“Many times," Isha said. "The night is still young.”
Panting, he fell in the grass. "Many times," he said, heaving a contented sigh. "Imagine that! I must have done something good in my life. Aiheu has been good to me--so have you."
He patted with his paw on the ground, and Isha came and snuggled next to him, rolling on her back and stroking his mane with her paw. “I love you,” he said simply. “You're everything I've ever wanted. And at every special moment of my life, you were always there.”
"Always," she said. "Because I love you."
Cubhood was over--he was a lion at last.
CHAPTER: MID-MOON
CHAPTER: THE SEPARATION
CHAPTER: A LIFE FOR A LIFE
CHAPTER: THE CONFRONTATION
CHAPTER: SETTLING IN
CHAPTER: TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER
CHAPTER: THE BIRTH OF THE CUBS
CHAPTER: NO ROOM IN THE INN
“Yes, I love him.”
She kissed him again. “Then send him away now while his heart is pure. You know what it is like to suffer from the inside. There is nowhere to hide.” She looked down and moaned. “No one knows what torment there is in the wounds we bear inside. We try to smile when our heart is breaking!”
Taka looked at her in the eyes. His chin began to tremble. “I’m stove through,” he muttered. Tears began to stream down his face. “Go, Shimbekh.” The hyeness’s ears drooped and her tail hung limply.
“Old friend, we are both stove through.”
“Go, Shimbekh! Please, just go!”
Shimbekh trudged outside, the weight of the world stooping her shoulders and bowing her head. Shenzi said, “Very convincing. You really sounded concerned.”
“Go to hell!”
“See you there, Shimbekh!”
As Shimbekh walked away, she heard behind her the soft, deep sobs of a lion. Somehow, like a fugitive from a daydream, a memory came back to her of playing with her sister Kambra. What would the pup she was think of what she had become? “What I wouldn’t give to lay at my mother’s side again and nurse myself to sleep! My heart is so tired, Muti. So tired! If I could be your pup again just for tonight and feel your love once more!” Tears spilled down her cheeks and she slinked to her quarters like a forgotten shadow.
Mabatu was told two days in advance that he would get a commoner’s mantlement so he could prepare himself, but he was not told the reason why. Taka was clearly heartbroken, and Mabatu could sense it. Mabatu could not hate him, and no matter what his mother said, he kept faith that deep inside Taka loved him as much as ever.
Mabatu and Kako were both in a bit of a panic. Baba was not ready yet—he had minimal hunting skills and he was still not what most lions consider mature. Kako made an impassioned plea for a little more time—that not waiting a moon or two would condemn him to death--but Taka was insistent. “He will learn. It’s nature’s way. Besides, I will pray for him every night.” Tears slid down Taka’s cheeks and even Kako could see the horrible pain he felt.
“Won’t you at least tell us why you’re doing this?”
“Sometimes love must be firm,” he stammered. “I’m so sorry.”
CHAPTER: LOVE TRIUMPHANT
As Bor the monkey pounds his fruit
Upon the tree to free its juice
And savor its elixir sweet
So pounds against my anxious chest
my trembling heart.
-- The Love of Kigali and Lisha
Mabatu spent the night before his mantlement with Isha. She wanted to teach him everything she could about survival before he faced the unforgiving challenges of “The Big World.”
Mabatu was a good fighter for someone his size. Playful wrestling with the other cubs had gracefully prepared him for the serious challenges of battle. Isha still remembered the time he threw her in a wrestling match by grabbing one of her hind legs. They spent little time on fighting except for Isha’s advice that running away was not always shameful or cowardly.
Hunting skills were a different matter. Isha had plenty of fond memories of hunting rabbits and antelope with her mother. Luckily Isha grew up in a time when the savanna rejoiced in abundance. Mabatu was a child of hardship, and his mother had to spend toilsome hours hunting just to survive. Little wonder his education was sorely neglected.
Mabatu had almost no knowledge of stalking and pursuit. And it was clear if he ever caught up to an antelope, he wouldn’t know what to do with it. It was an unpleasant surprise to her, for all lionesses believed a cub born at night would make a great hunter, and he had literally been born on the hunt. Maybe when old folk wisdoms failed, a little determined teaching would have to do.
“We must look at holds,” Isha said. “Here on the arm, you can restrict movement.” She gently gripped his arm above the elbow. “Here on the flank you can rip. But the throat hold is one of prime importance....” She put her arm across his back. “You strike them here and push with your weight.” Isha leaned into him, nearly pushing him over. “It’s important to let your weight do the work. Then you go for the throat and cut off his wind.” She gently mouthed Mabatu’s throat.
Mabatu trembled. She quickly let go and looked him in the eye. “Your heart is pounding. Are you all right?”
He stared back. “Isha....”
“I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. It is I who have offended you.”
“Nonsense,” she said, nuzzling him softly.
He returned her nuzzle and nibbled at her ear. Before she could pull back with surprise, he said, “Don’t hate me. You don’t know how long I’ve waited to do that.” He sighed. “How VERY long.”
“We need to get back to hunting,” she said unsteadily, recognizing the look in his eyes. “We don’t have much time.”
“We DON’T have much time. I must hunt now. I may not have a chance, but I’ve stalked for a long time. Now I must break my cover and rush to you.”
She took a step backward. “Even though I’m old enough to be your mother? I’m flattered. Really I am. But when you’re older, you’ll find someone more your own age. Then you’ll look back on this and laugh.”
“You know I’ll never get much older. I’m being sacrificed to help the others. You know it.”
She looked down. “I wish you wouldn’t say that.”
“But you don’t deny it.”
“How can I?” Tears began to roll down her cheeks. “My poor Baba! My precious little Nisei! I love you more than the food I eat or the water I drink. Even more than the air I breathe. I would give them up if it would save you.”
“I love you, Isha. I’ve always loved you.” He kissed away her tears. “Remember, I said when I grew up, I’d marry you. You laughed then, but if you laugh now, I’ll die. While life holds my soul and body together, I will love you. Even in death I will love you.”
“In death?” She pawed and nuzzled him. “Don’t think of death. You are alive. There is still hope.”
“How can I be alive? I’ve never lived!” He looked her intently in the eyes. The fire in his hazel eyes was unmistakable even if it was uncertain. “If I could only be close to you, just for tonight, I would have LIVED, Isha.”
She looked deeply into his eyes and saw the sincerity of his love. Isha was held captive by its overwhelming purity and depth. She pawed him affectionately and he playfully batted back at her. She drew off a length and began to circle him, looking for an opening. “If you hunt big game, prepare to exert yourself.”
He watched her lithe body as it crept gracefully but forcefully about him. Any moment the huntress could rush her prey. A flick of her ears betrayed her attack, but it was not enough warning. She pounced, collaring his throat and wrestling him. Laughing and panting, she nearly shoved him to the ground. He flailed at her with his arms, but struck her very gently.
"I can still throw you," he said.
"Prove it!" She threw her weight on him with a mighty thrust and easily pushed him over.
Mabatu regained his feet and circled her. He tried to use his weight to push her over, but she had the advantage and sidestepped him. She put her arm over his shoulder and began to lean in on him, causing his legs to start buckling. Then when it seemed victory was hers, she relaxed and did not move. He put his head under her arm and pushed her over into the grass and looked down into her face. “Gotcha!”
Her paw reached up and gently traced the curve of his cheek and fondled his chin. She looked deep into his eyes smiled alluringly as his breath came and went like a wild wind. “Now that you’ve caught me, do what you will.”
“Oh gods!” Breathless, he knelt down and began to nuzzle her passionately, nibbling her ears and pawing her cheek gently. Her fragrance made him tremble, and he kissed her on the cheek and forehead murmuring, “Isha, beloved!”
She whispered, “Not here. Come, my lover, where the night shall hide us away.” They rose from the verdant grass and he walked, pressed against her warm, soft body into the shadows.
When they were alone, he stroked her thigh with his paw. “How could one lioness be so beautiful?” He expected a reply, but suddenly she broke away from him and began to run.
“Isha, wait! What did I do??”
She looked at him reassuringly. “If you want me, you’ll have to catch me!”
He realized it was a game. Laughing like a cub, he began to pursue her through the tall grass. She cornered sharply like a wise huntress, keeping him off balance and maddeningly at bay. They bounded over the hill and down the other side, splashed through a small creek, and ran around Anteater Kopje. She looked back and laughed. “Can’t you run faster than that??”
“Are you kidding?? You haven’t seen anything!”
Driven by the fierce heat of desire, he lunged forward and began to narrow the gap with each spring. Sensing his approach, Isha plunged through a field of gold and purple blossoms, somewhat wilted by the drought but still holding an essence of their former beauty. And amid the blossoms, she stopped and looked back.
Mabatu came to a halt and looked at her wonderingly. “Give up?”
“You’ll need some of that great strength,” she said. “I wouldn’t leave you drained. We'll start out simple.” She took a couple of steps and crouched among the fragrant blossoms. “Come, Baba. Make love to me.”
He stared at her apprehensively. An awkward moment passed.
“Do I not still please you?”
“Isha, you ARE pleasure. It’s just--well--this is my first time. I don't know my father and my mother did not speak with me. All I know about making love is a lot of cub gossip.”
She smiled. “I’ll help you if you need it. Just remember, you are saying farewell to cubhood. Once you’ve taken this step, you will be a lion.” She smiled disarmingly. “Come and kiss me. Would you like that?”
He trembled. “Always!” He shyly came forward and reached down, touching her cheek with his tongue. She looked up and kissed him passionately, pawing at his mane. She rolled over and stroked his throat and chest with her paws, setting him on fire. “I can feel your heart throbbing.” She reached up with a paw and drew his face toward hers, kissing him passionately. In a sultry voice, she purred, “Deep inside, you know what you want. Forget what your head tells you. Go where your feelings lead you. Make love to me.”
His feelings were strong and clear this time. She rolled back into a crouch, purring softly. “It’s OK. Don't be afraid.”
He gently mouthed her neck, and trembling with desire he pressed himself against her soft golden body. With faint utterances of contentment and pleasure, Baba filled his senses with her love, the love that made her his lioness. Feeling her shudder in his gentle embrace, he lived out all the tender fantasies that filled his dreams. Never had he felt so alive as he had in that moment.
“Beloved,” she purred, “Are you happy?”
“Delirious! And you? Do I please you?”
“Yes! I feel...I feel...” She jerked and moaned. “Oh, Baba! Yes!”
Mabatu was drunk with her pleasures, and just as he thought his heart would burst, he knew in his own body the ecstasy that made her cry out. He gasped and wanted to let it out in a roar, but he dared not. Only a gentle sigh of fulfillment left him, and overcome he nuzzled her and stumbled away.
“Will that ever happen again?”
“Many times," Isha said. "The night is still young.”
Panting, he fell in the grass. "Many times," he said, heaving a contented sigh. "Imagine that! I must have done something good in my life. Aiheu has been good to me--so have you."
He patted with his paw on the ground, and Isha came and snuggled next to him, rolling on her back and stroking his mane with her paw. “I love you,” he said simply. “You're everything I've ever wanted. And at every special moment of my life, you were always there.”
"Always," she said. "Because I love you."
Cubhood was over--he was a lion at last.
CHAPTER: MID-MOON
Late that night near mid-moon, he looked at his resting consort and said, “Isha, my lover, can I ask you a favor?” She smiled and said, “Again, my little brush fire?” She licked her paw and groomed her face. “Let me prepare myself.”
“No, not that. When I face Aiheu, I want to face him as your husband. Would you please pledge to me? Please? I hear you’re not the marrying type, but when they ask me who I’m praying for, I want to say it’s my wife.”
She was stunned. She’d never been asked quite that way before. She only had to think a moment. “That’s the only thing that could make this night any better. I’d be glad--no--honored. And when I go into the east, I’ll sit next to you throughout eternity.” She nuzzled him and kissed him gently on the cheek, between the eyes, and then rubbed his face with her own. “Maybe I was saving myself all along for my little Baba. My heart is swift prey, and no one else could catch it.”
He smiled warmly and nuzzled her. “I don’t want to catch it. I want to set it free the way your love set me free.” He put his paw on her shoulder. "Before the gods, before the stars, before the assembled host I swear to give you my protection, my life, and my comfort forever."
She pawed his face and kissed him. "Till the last beat of my heart, to the last breath I sigh, our lives are one, so help me gods." She kissed him again. “It is done, husband.”
A moment went by when neither of them spoke. Then, almost abruptly, Isha said, “I HAVE to teach you how to survive out there! I won’t let it end like this! I can’t!”
“No more lessons. These memories have to last me, my wife. Let’s lose none of this time together.”
Tears began to stream down Isha’s cheeks. “Baba, I love you!”
“I love you too, but please don’t cry. I’ve known love all my life, first from my mother, than from my King, my friend and my lover. I have no enemies, and no one I’ve loved has ever left me. I’m the luckiest lion in the world, and you should be glad for me.”
She kissed him and nuzzled him. “I am. I love you so much, Mabatu! Who in heaven or earth wouldn’t envy me tonight!”
“I’ll come back within the year. If I don’t, then consider yourself free to remarry. Only death can stop me.”
She wept again. “You must come back! I’ll pray for you each night--you can’t die! You mustn’t break my heart!”
“Please don’t cry.”
“Don’t forbid it. It makes me feel better.”
He pawed her. “But I don’t want to remember you sad. Can’t I make you happy? Just for a little while? Be sad tomorrow, but not now--this night belongs to us.”
She said, “Yes. Make love to me. Let me feel you next to me once more.”
He nuzzled her passionately. “Habusu am I, a prisoner of your love.” He rose to his feet and awash with mixed pride and passion he tenderly mouthed her throat.
“No, not that. When I face Aiheu, I want to face him as your husband. Would you please pledge to me? Please? I hear you’re not the marrying type, but when they ask me who I’m praying for, I want to say it’s my wife.”
She was stunned. She’d never been asked quite that way before. She only had to think a moment. “That’s the only thing that could make this night any better. I’d be glad--no--honored. And when I go into the east, I’ll sit next to you throughout eternity.” She nuzzled him and kissed him gently on the cheek, between the eyes, and then rubbed his face with her own. “Maybe I was saving myself all along for my little Baba. My heart is swift prey, and no one else could catch it.”
He smiled warmly and nuzzled her. “I don’t want to catch it. I want to set it free the way your love set me free.” He put his paw on her shoulder. "Before the gods, before the stars, before the assembled host I swear to give you my protection, my life, and my comfort forever."
She pawed his face and kissed him. "Till the last beat of my heart, to the last breath I sigh, our lives are one, so help me gods." She kissed him again. “It is done, husband.”
A moment went by when neither of them spoke. Then, almost abruptly, Isha said, “I HAVE to teach you how to survive out there! I won’t let it end like this! I can’t!”
“No more lessons. These memories have to last me, my wife. Let’s lose none of this time together.”
Tears began to stream down Isha’s cheeks. “Baba, I love you!”
“I love you too, but please don’t cry. I’ve known love all my life, first from my mother, than from my King, my friend and my lover. I have no enemies, and no one I’ve loved has ever left me. I’m the luckiest lion in the world, and you should be glad for me.”
She kissed him and nuzzled him. “I am. I love you so much, Mabatu! Who in heaven or earth wouldn’t envy me tonight!”
“I’ll come back within the year. If I don’t, then consider yourself free to remarry. Only death can stop me.”
She wept again. “You must come back! I’ll pray for you each night--you can’t die! You mustn’t break my heart!”
“Please don’t cry.”
“Don’t forbid it. It makes me feel better.”
He pawed her. “But I don’t want to remember you sad. Can’t I make you happy? Just for a little while? Be sad tomorrow, but not now--this night belongs to us.”
She said, “Yes. Make love to me. Let me feel you next to me once more.”
He nuzzled her passionately. “Habusu am I, a prisoner of your love.” He rose to his feet and awash with mixed pride and passion he tenderly mouthed her throat.
Far from the crowd whose prying eyes
Would violate our solitude
We shall make love among the reeds
Here unobserved by jealous hearts
We shall caress.
CHAPTER: THE SEPARATION
Isha looked at Kako and her heart sank. Kako had always been so friendly to her and smiled so beautifully. The beauty was still there, but she looked like she was at a funeral, not a mantlement. Deep inside, that’s how she felt too. Mabatu looked very small, pitiful, and frightened. The proud lion of last night shrank down like a disciplined cub, pacing about, lost in the whirlpool of his inner turmoil.
Taka stalked into the meadow with slumped shoulders and dragging tail. He looked like the weight of the world was on him, and indeed he looked back as if to see what sat on his back. He was really watching Elanna who filed silently behind him.
Only Shenzi seemed to be upbeat. She had never seen a mantlement before, and she sought to satisfy her idle curiosity with a little pageantry and culture.
There would be little pageantry. It was a very private ceremony and very somber. Standing in the midst of the blossoms where the night before Baba and Isha had first made love, Kako put on her best smile and looked at her hapless son. “Where has my little cub gone? All I see is this lion.” She shuddered to say it.
“I’ll always be your son,” Baba replied, and nuzzled her.
“Remember me,” she said. “When you are a great king, do not forget that I gave you milk.”
He looked deeply into her eyes. “When you are gone to be with your fathers,” he stammered, “pray for me.”
“I will pray for you.” Tears began to stream down her cheeks. She looked at Taka with desperation and cried, “Oh gods, my son, my little son!”
“Don’t cry, mother.” Mabatu kissed away her tears. “You must be strong for me. I will carry this moment with me for the rest of my life.”
“I’m sorry.” She sniffed back her bitter tears and managed a smile. “Besides, we will meet again among the stars, and nothing will separate us. May the Lord Aiheu smile upon you. May the grass be soft beneath you. May the great kings enfold you. May you find love and safety wherever you go.”
“I’ll be safe. The gods are with me.”
Isha trembled and tears flooded her eyes. Mabatu noticed and went to her, kissing away her tears. He whispered, “I’ll come back for you. If Aiheu lets me live, I’ll make a place for us. Will you wait for me?”
“I will. I swear.”
“I will always love you. If I die, look in the stars. I will be watching over you.”
“Don’t die. Promise me you won’t die!”
“I promise you I’ll try not to. You are everything to me--wife, lover and friend. I will fight to hold on for your sake, and someday I’ll make a life for us and for our children.”
Isha turned from him and began to sob. Mabatu quietly walked back to his mother and nuzzled her. He wanted to remember how she felt, smelled, and sounded. He peered into her sad eyes and said, “Mother.”
“My son.” She touched him with her tongue for the last time and stroked his cheek with her paw. “I release you to God.”
Silently, he turned to the north and walked away without looking back, as custom dictated. He reached the edge of the forest and drew close to the border of the Pride Lands. One more small meadow caressed his feet in fond farewell. One last clump of reeds stroked him as he stopped for a moment at the far side of the meadow. “I’ll come back for you,” he murmured quietly. “Isha, my dearest Isha, I must leave you now.” He stepped across the threshold of The Big World and immersed himself in uncertainty.
Taka stalked into the meadow with slumped shoulders and dragging tail. He looked like the weight of the world was on him, and indeed he looked back as if to see what sat on his back. He was really watching Elanna who filed silently behind him.
Only Shenzi seemed to be upbeat. She had never seen a mantlement before, and she sought to satisfy her idle curiosity with a little pageantry and culture.
There would be little pageantry. It was a very private ceremony and very somber. Standing in the midst of the blossoms where the night before Baba and Isha had first made love, Kako put on her best smile and looked at her hapless son. “Where has my little cub gone? All I see is this lion.” She shuddered to say it.
“I’ll always be your son,” Baba replied, and nuzzled her.
“Remember me,” she said. “When you are a great king, do not forget that I gave you milk.”
He looked deeply into her eyes. “When you are gone to be with your fathers,” he stammered, “pray for me.”
“I will pray for you.” Tears began to stream down her cheeks. She looked at Taka with desperation and cried, “Oh gods, my son, my little son!”
“Don’t cry, mother.” Mabatu kissed away her tears. “You must be strong for me. I will carry this moment with me for the rest of my life.”
“I’m sorry.” She sniffed back her bitter tears and managed a smile. “Besides, we will meet again among the stars, and nothing will separate us. May the Lord Aiheu smile upon you. May the grass be soft beneath you. May the great kings enfold you. May you find love and safety wherever you go.”
“I’ll be safe. The gods are with me.”
Isha trembled and tears flooded her eyes. Mabatu noticed and went to her, kissing away her tears. He whispered, “I’ll come back for you. If Aiheu lets me live, I’ll make a place for us. Will you wait for me?”
“I will. I swear.”
“I will always love you. If I die, look in the stars. I will be watching over you.”
“Don’t die. Promise me you won’t die!”
“I promise you I’ll try not to. You are everything to me--wife, lover and friend. I will fight to hold on for your sake, and someday I’ll make a life for us and for our children.”
Isha turned from him and began to sob. Mabatu quietly walked back to his mother and nuzzled her. He wanted to remember how she felt, smelled, and sounded. He peered into her sad eyes and said, “Mother.”
“My son.” She touched him with her tongue for the last time and stroked his cheek with her paw. “I release you to God.”
Silently, he turned to the north and walked away without looking back, as custom dictated. He reached the edge of the forest and drew close to the border of the Pride Lands. One more small meadow caressed his feet in fond farewell. One last clump of reeds stroked him as he stopped for a moment at the far side of the meadow. “I’ll come back for you,” he murmured quietly. “Isha, my dearest Isha, I must leave you now.” He stepped across the threshold of The Big World and immersed himself in uncertainty.
CHAPTER: A LIFE FOR A LIFE
As he wandered the strange land, memories of the blissful moments he spent with Isha came crowding in on him. He was unprepared to be out on his own, but his greatest fear was not death. There was a chance that Isha would bear his children in the middle of a drought and there would be no husband to see to her. What if the hyenas turned on the lion cubs? What if there were no more rains?
Isha had begged Taka to be freed from her obligations and leave with Mabatu. Of course, she could not say she had married him, for Taka would not have recognized vows taken before mantlement. It was a mistake to speak of leaving to the King. Not only did he refuse her passage, he sent hyenas to trail her every move to prevent her from fleeing. It seems he knew more than he was admitting.
Grief came to many that day. An old king had driven off some rogue lions that tested his authority. He and his brother were weak from age, and while they had both sired many daughters, there was no son to shoulder the load of defending the pride territory from the jealous eyes that wanted it.
Prince Baliaha’s life was flowing away in a crimson river. Remnants of his once splendid mane lay scattered on the ground, and he gasped for breath. He looked up with eyes that strove to focus. “Are they gone? Brother, have we driven them off?”
“Yes, we have.”
“Good,” he said with a sigh of resignation. “They’ll come back, you know. And I’m afraid you’ll have to handle them alone.”
“You’ll recover, but there will be scars.”
Through his pain, Baliaha managed a smile. “You always were an optimist.” His eyes closed tightly, and he went into a seizure. The king looked away in horror and did not see his dying breath escape.
There was a quiet moment, and a couple of lionesses peeked out of the brush. “How is he?”
“He’s gone.”
They bowed their heads low. “We will see to him. I’m sorry, but there’s another rogue male to the east by the termite mounds.”
He was tortured by grief, but the grief became a terrible rage. Whomever this lion was, he would kill! “A life for a life!” he shrieked, foam on his heaving nostrils as he ran like a thing possessed across the grassland.
Isha had begged Taka to be freed from her obligations and leave with Mabatu. Of course, she could not say she had married him, for Taka would not have recognized vows taken before mantlement. It was a mistake to speak of leaving to the King. Not only did he refuse her passage, he sent hyenas to trail her every move to prevent her from fleeing. It seems he knew more than he was admitting.
Grief came to many that day. An old king had driven off some rogue lions that tested his authority. He and his brother were weak from age, and while they had both sired many daughters, there was no son to shoulder the load of defending the pride territory from the jealous eyes that wanted it.
Prince Baliaha’s life was flowing away in a crimson river. Remnants of his once splendid mane lay scattered on the ground, and he gasped for breath. He looked up with eyes that strove to focus. “Are they gone? Brother, have we driven them off?”
“Yes, we have.”
“Good,” he said with a sigh of resignation. “They’ll come back, you know. And I’m afraid you’ll have to handle them alone.”
“You’ll recover, but there will be scars.”
Through his pain, Baliaha managed a smile. “You always were an optimist.” His eyes closed tightly, and he went into a seizure. The king looked away in horror and did not see his dying breath escape.
There was a quiet moment, and a couple of lionesses peeked out of the brush. “How is he?”
“He’s gone.”
They bowed their heads low. “We will see to him. I’m sorry, but there’s another rogue male to the east by the termite mounds.”
He was tortured by grief, but the grief became a terrible rage. Whomever this lion was, he would kill! “A life for a life!” he shrieked, foam on his heaving nostrils as he ran like a thing possessed across the grassland.
CHAPTER: THE CONFRONTATION
Unwittingly, Baba was heading right into the eye of the storm. He was a gentle-natured soul and knew nothing of what he would face in The Big World. He kept a piece of advice that Isha had given him in the forefront--let Aiheu be your landmark and he will lead you home.
Baba came to a stream. Under the searing sun, he sought to slake his thirst in the cool, clean water. He dipped his muzzle in and drew out refreshment, then he reached in with a paw and threw the cold, invigorating drops in his face, heaving a sigh of relief. A nearby acacia tree offered some shade, and he crossed the stream and settled down for a moment to rest.
For a moment, all was deceptively peaceful. Then in the distance, he saw the powerful charge of a male lion. He felt his stomach knot up and rise into his chest.
“Now you pay!” the King snarled, coming to a halt in front of Baba. “Defend yourself!”
The youth cowered back and bared his teeth. “Leave me alone! You may kill me, but I’ll leave some scars on you!”
The old yet powerful lion looked down at Baba. “What is this?? You’re just a boy!” He softened. “Are you lost, son? Are you looking for your mother?”
Still cowering, but with a trace of pride, he answered, "I'm a lion now. I've been given my mantlement, and what's more, I've taken a mate."
"Wfff! A lion you are! But a very young one, my lad. Drink, have something to eat from our kill, and remember that I was kind to you when you say your nightly prayers."
"Thank you." He drank again from the stream and followed the old lion to a zebra kill. Famished, he looked at the half-eaten kill and wondered that so much food could possibly be in one place. Desperately, he tore pieces from the haunch and downed them, feeling the warm meat comfort his empty stomach. “Oh gods, you must be wealthy!”
The king laughed. “I do all right.”
After the edge was off Baba’s hunger, they talked.
"What is your name, son?"
"Mabatu."
“Then we are both the same name! Do you have a nickname?”
“They call me Baba.”
"So who drove you off so young, Baba?"
"Scar."
"Scar??" He looked at him intently. "By any chance, do you know Kako?"
"Sure. She’s my mother."
A look of tenderness warmed the old king’s face. “Kako’s son?” He reached out with a paw and fondled Baba’s cheek, then turned his face with it from side to side as he saw the resemblance. “So you are.” Purring deeply, King Mabatu came forward and nuzzled Baba very gently. "The shaman spoke truly. If Kako is your mother, then you are welcome here. My brother died today, but Aiheu has sent me a son. Welcome your new father, Prince Baba!"
Filled with wonder at his good fortune, and moved by the gentle lion’s plea, Mabatu nuzzled him and pawed his right shoulder. "I touch your mane! Aiheu make long and happy your days."
King Mabatu sat down in the shade of some acacias and heard Baba’s story. He nodded solemnly and mused that even though his son had bad luck, perhaps Aiheu meant it for good. He introduced one of his lionesses--his youngest daughter Umande. “Mandy dear, show the new prince around his kingdom. If he’s going to rule someday, he needs to know the boundaries.”
Baba came to a stream. Under the searing sun, he sought to slake his thirst in the cool, clean water. He dipped his muzzle in and drew out refreshment, then he reached in with a paw and threw the cold, invigorating drops in his face, heaving a sigh of relief. A nearby acacia tree offered some shade, and he crossed the stream and settled down for a moment to rest.
For a moment, all was deceptively peaceful. Then in the distance, he saw the powerful charge of a male lion. He felt his stomach knot up and rise into his chest.
“Now you pay!” the King snarled, coming to a halt in front of Baba. “Defend yourself!”
The youth cowered back and bared his teeth. “Leave me alone! You may kill me, but I’ll leave some scars on you!”
The old yet powerful lion looked down at Baba. “What is this?? You’re just a boy!” He softened. “Are you lost, son? Are you looking for your mother?”
Still cowering, but with a trace of pride, he answered, "I'm a lion now. I've been given my mantlement, and what's more, I've taken a mate."
"Wfff! A lion you are! But a very young one, my lad. Drink, have something to eat from our kill, and remember that I was kind to you when you say your nightly prayers."
"Thank you." He drank again from the stream and followed the old lion to a zebra kill. Famished, he looked at the half-eaten kill and wondered that so much food could possibly be in one place. Desperately, he tore pieces from the haunch and downed them, feeling the warm meat comfort his empty stomach. “Oh gods, you must be wealthy!”
The king laughed. “I do all right.”
After the edge was off Baba’s hunger, they talked.
"What is your name, son?"
"Mabatu."
“Then we are both the same name! Do you have a nickname?”
“They call me Baba.”
"So who drove you off so young, Baba?"
"Scar."
"Scar??" He looked at him intently. "By any chance, do you know Kako?"
"Sure. She’s my mother."
A look of tenderness warmed the old king’s face. “Kako’s son?” He reached out with a paw and fondled Baba’s cheek, then turned his face with it from side to side as he saw the resemblance. “So you are.” Purring deeply, King Mabatu came forward and nuzzled Baba very gently. "The shaman spoke truly. If Kako is your mother, then you are welcome here. My brother died today, but Aiheu has sent me a son. Welcome your new father, Prince Baba!"
Filled with wonder at his good fortune, and moved by the gentle lion’s plea, Mabatu nuzzled him and pawed his right shoulder. "I touch your mane! Aiheu make long and happy your days."
King Mabatu sat down in the shade of some acacias and heard Baba’s story. He nodded solemnly and mused that even though his son had bad luck, perhaps Aiheu meant it for good. He introduced one of his lionesses--his youngest daughter Umande. “Mandy dear, show the new prince around his kingdom. If he’s going to rule someday, he needs to know the boundaries.”
CHAPTER: SETTLING IN
Umande was in very high spirits. “Mabatu?”
“Maybe I should go by Baba. It’s less confusing. Besides, that’s what my friends call me.”
“I’d like to be your friend, Baba.” She smiled broadly. “You don’t know what your coming has done for us. You’re the son my father never had. You’re our hope for a future.”
“Whoa!” he said. “Really?”
“Would I joke about a thing like that?” She nuzzled him playfully. “You think you’ve had a run of bad luck, but you’re really very lucky, you know?”
“I don’t think I’ve had any bad luck. God has been very good to me. Your King is the second one who asked me to be his son. I never knew my real father, but I've known a lot of love in my life.” He nuzzled her back. “So your Dad knew my Mom?”
“I suppose so. They hit it off well, I’d say.”
A few clouds passed in front of the sun giving a moment of blessed respite from the mid-sun heat. A cool wind began to blow with the promise of moisture for the thirsty land. A drop fell, playfully teasing the end of Mabatu’s nose. Then a couple more fell. “Hey, it’s going to rain!” He almost danced. “Imagine that! Rain at last!”
“What’s so great about that? It rains all the time.”
“It does??” He remembered something his mother told him long ago and sighed. “I guess she was right. It’s only back home that it never rains. It’s been many moons since we’ve had any rain.”
“Many moons, you say? What’s happened to the grass? It looks like that would ruin hunting.”
“Hunting? Half-rotted fish trapped in pools as our beautiful river dries up to nothing. Dead birds, snakes, lizards. Do you realize that zebra is the first thing with hair on it I’ve eaten since I was belly-high to my mother?” He sighed. “Some day I’m going back for her, hyenas or no hyenas, and I’m getting her out of that hell hole. There will be a lot of scores settled that day, I promise you.”
“Poor Baba!” She trotted in a lope that was easy and looked casual but moved a lot of ground beneath her. “These trees form one corner of our land. Note the scent, Baba. Note it carefully--it’s my Dad’s, and it’s all that comes between us and danger.”
Baba sniffed of a tree trunk, closed his eyes and grimaced. The fragrance of his father’s urine was a safe smell, one that he would remember and respect. Then he lifted his leg and marked the tree. “There! You try to touch that old lion, you’ll have to kill me first!” His face lost its cublike timidity and he was the lion that made love to Isha once again. “I wish I’d known my Uncle Baliaha. He sounds like a decent sort of lion.”
“He was more than decent. He loved us with his whole heart. He was a lot like you--he said they’d have to kill him first, and they did. Don’t take foolish chances, Baba. You’re our only hope.”
“But I’m young. At least I have a chance.”
“You have more than a chance. Aiheu sent you to us, and he never does anything halfway. I believe you are blessed, our little Nisei.”
Baba smiled. That’s what Isha had called him so tenderly as they made love under the moon. He reached over and touched Umande with his tongue.
It was a long trip from the copse to the termite mounds, or so it seemed to Baba who had never had to walk boundary lines before. As a lion, short-legged or no, he had to satisfy the mandates of lionhood laid down by Aiheu to the first Baba many generations ago. Again, he added his mark to the termite mounds, then turned to face Boundary Kopje. Another long walk, and another scent mark later, they followed the creek from Boundary Kopje to Bontebok Copse, and then back to where they started. It was part of his leonine heritage that he remembered the border vividly after one trip, even as he remembered his new father’s scent. He looked out into the lands beyond his domain, raised his muzzle and uttered a loud, deep roar. “This land is mine! Baba, son of Mabatu! Trespass at your peril!”
Umande said, “This time, let’s see YOU find the markers.”
Baba looked around, wide eyed. “Again??”
“Maybe I should go by Baba. It’s less confusing. Besides, that’s what my friends call me.”
“I’d like to be your friend, Baba.” She smiled broadly. “You don’t know what your coming has done for us. You’re the son my father never had. You’re our hope for a future.”
“Whoa!” he said. “Really?”
“Would I joke about a thing like that?” She nuzzled him playfully. “You think you’ve had a run of bad luck, but you’re really very lucky, you know?”
“I don’t think I’ve had any bad luck. God has been very good to me. Your King is the second one who asked me to be his son. I never knew my real father, but I've known a lot of love in my life.” He nuzzled her back. “So your Dad knew my Mom?”
“I suppose so. They hit it off well, I’d say.”
A few clouds passed in front of the sun giving a moment of blessed respite from the mid-sun heat. A cool wind began to blow with the promise of moisture for the thirsty land. A drop fell, playfully teasing the end of Mabatu’s nose. Then a couple more fell. “Hey, it’s going to rain!” He almost danced. “Imagine that! Rain at last!”
“What’s so great about that? It rains all the time.”
“It does??” He remembered something his mother told him long ago and sighed. “I guess she was right. It’s only back home that it never rains. It’s been many moons since we’ve had any rain.”
“Many moons, you say? What’s happened to the grass? It looks like that would ruin hunting.”
“Hunting? Half-rotted fish trapped in pools as our beautiful river dries up to nothing. Dead birds, snakes, lizards. Do you realize that zebra is the first thing with hair on it I’ve eaten since I was belly-high to my mother?” He sighed. “Some day I’m going back for her, hyenas or no hyenas, and I’m getting her out of that hell hole. There will be a lot of scores settled that day, I promise you.”
“Poor Baba!” She trotted in a lope that was easy and looked casual but moved a lot of ground beneath her. “These trees form one corner of our land. Note the scent, Baba. Note it carefully--it’s my Dad’s, and it’s all that comes between us and danger.”
Baba sniffed of a tree trunk, closed his eyes and grimaced. The fragrance of his father’s urine was a safe smell, one that he would remember and respect. Then he lifted his leg and marked the tree. “There! You try to touch that old lion, you’ll have to kill me first!” His face lost its cublike timidity and he was the lion that made love to Isha once again. “I wish I’d known my Uncle Baliaha. He sounds like a decent sort of lion.”
“He was more than decent. He loved us with his whole heart. He was a lot like you--he said they’d have to kill him first, and they did. Don’t take foolish chances, Baba. You’re our only hope.”
“But I’m young. At least I have a chance.”
“You have more than a chance. Aiheu sent you to us, and he never does anything halfway. I believe you are blessed, our little Nisei.”
Baba smiled. That’s what Isha had called him so tenderly as they made love under the moon. He reached over and touched Umande with his tongue.
It was a long trip from the copse to the termite mounds, or so it seemed to Baba who had never had to walk boundary lines before. As a lion, short-legged or no, he had to satisfy the mandates of lionhood laid down by Aiheu to the first Baba many generations ago. Again, he added his mark to the termite mounds, then turned to face Boundary Kopje. Another long walk, and another scent mark later, they followed the creek from Boundary Kopje to Bontebok Copse, and then back to where they started. It was part of his leonine heritage that he remembered the border vividly after one trip, even as he remembered his new father’s scent. He looked out into the lands beyond his domain, raised his muzzle and uttered a loud, deep roar. “This land is mine! Baba, son of Mabatu! Trespass at your peril!”
Umande said, “This time, let’s see YOU find the markers.”
Baba looked around, wide eyed. “Again??”
CHAPTER: TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER
Baba came home in the evening as the stars were just appearing; quite worn out from walking the beat. He groaned as he flopped to the grass, idly wondering just HOW the King did that every day. His mind kept wandering back to Isha. What was she doing tonight? Out on the hunt with Uzuri and Sarafina and Mom? He thought about Taka who had driven him out, and wondered what he meant when he whispered, “It’s for your own good.” He could not conceive of Taka not loving him, and in this he was right. Isha’s sweet voice came back to him, intoxicating with its subtle nuances of passion as she told him the words he wanted to hear all his life. “Let us make love....”
Umande glided over and settled herself next to him.
"Tired, Baba?"
He nodded and sighed deeply.
There was more than physical pain marking his face. Umande sensed that and was drawn to it. She nuzzled him softly. "Poor dear. You're worn out."
Baba was covered in dust and sweat. Umande began to groom him gently, licking his shoulders and mane, brushing his ears, and cleaning his face.
Baba could feel in her care an echo of his mother’s gentle touch. It transported him back to a simpler life he once lived in the shadow of Pride Rock. He half closed his eyes and purred softly.
“Do you like me, Baba?”
“Of course I like you, Mandy.”
“I like you too. I feel like I’ve known you all my life.”
“That’s nice,” he said, grunting with pleasure as she groomed behind his ears. “Oh that feels good.”
She passed her paw across the tops of his shoulders and along the ridge of his back, fondling his strong but aching muscles. “Oh yes!” he said, taking a deep breath and letting it out in a deep sigh. She kneaded the small of his back and nosed a couple of small abrasions he got in the reeds. It felt heavenly.
Then, without warning, she nuzzled him in the fold of his thigh, touching one of his rudimentary teats with her tongue. His eyes flew open and his ears sprang up. “Mandy?”
“Yes, Baba?” she purred, fondling his buttocks.
“Hey, what are you doing??”
“Doesn’t it please you?”
“That’s not the point!” He got up and walked a couple of lengths away, then turned to look at her, his tail clamped tightly down.
“I’m sorry if I was too forward. I’ve never been with a lion before.” She looked at him contritely but still passionate. She came to him and rubbed him full length. "Let me comfort you tonight. I want to feel you close to me.”
“Umande, please!”
“I want to worship your beautiful body. I want to make you supremely happy. Baba, tell me what pleases you. Love me, Baba! Love me, please! Don’t you think I’m beautiful? Don’t you want me?”
Baba trembled. He struggled to remember Isha and blot out the temptation before him, but Umande was there, alive and warm. He remembered what Isha said about finding another. He also remembered how he replied. Now if he could only wait till things were better, he could come back for her--if she still wanted him.
“You are indeed beautiful,” Baba said. “Everything about you pleases me to the bone. God help me, I want you despite myself.”
She pawed his face softly and kissed him. “From the moment I saw you, I longed for you. Now I’m in the season when my blood burns like a brush fire. Let my fragrance fill you with desire. Everything I am or ever will be I willingly cast at your feet.”
The racing of his youthful passions did not blind him to his responsibilities, and he took in a deep breath and let it out. "I would take you here and now and never let you go. But I am pledged to Isha and I have made love to her. She may even have my children. Do not take advantage of my pain." He bent and kissed her cheek warmly. "I have loved Isha since I was a cub, and someday I will bring her here to live. I love her, and I hope you will be her friend. I hope you can still be my friend as well."
He turned and stalked away silently. She stared heartbroken at him as he vanished into the night. “You could change your mind! I will wait for you, Baba! Love will prevail, and don’t be ashamed to admit it.” Tears filled her eyes and she collapsed on the ground.
Then she heard a step behind her. King Mabatu came forward, his face tight and set. "Umande. I would speak with you."
"Yes, Father?"
"Tears, my darling daughter?” He kissed her. “What you seek can never be.” Gently but firmly he said, “I want you to leave him alone until your season is over. Is that clear?"
"Why, father? I’ve done nothing wrong!"
"I know...and I wish it to remain so."
"Why? He's the first lion I've ever known that I feel safe with, and he needs me--I can feel it!"
"THAT is why you must remain aloof." Mabatu sighed. "There is more at stake here than you realize."
"Are you saying he's bad?"
"No, honey tree. He's very good."
“Then are you saying I’M bad?”
“No, heavens, no, honey tree! I’m so proud of you.”
"Then tell me why it’s so important I leave him alone! What would possibly be at stake? Don’t I have a right to know?"
Mabatu settled to the grass beside his daughter. “You must not breathe a word of this to Baba. If it ever got out, there would be dire consequences from the gods themselves.”
“What are you trying to say?”
Mabatu took in a deep breath, shuddered, and let it slowly out. “I know you love him, but you must not mate with your own brother.”
Umande gasped. “My brother? Him?? Oh my gods!” She began to sob, and Mabatu put a paw across her shoulders, pulling her face into the softness of his mane and kissing her. “Why didn’t you tell me??”
“It is a long and painful story. Every time I tell it, a small part of me dies.”
“Then don’t tell me.” She kissed her father and nuzzled him.
“No, Mandy. I think it’s time you knew the truth about your mother. I owe you that much.”
Umande glided over and settled herself next to him.
"Tired, Baba?"
He nodded and sighed deeply.
There was more than physical pain marking his face. Umande sensed that and was drawn to it. She nuzzled him softly. "Poor dear. You're worn out."
Baba was covered in dust and sweat. Umande began to groom him gently, licking his shoulders and mane, brushing his ears, and cleaning his face.
Baba could feel in her care an echo of his mother’s gentle touch. It transported him back to a simpler life he once lived in the shadow of Pride Rock. He half closed his eyes and purred softly.
“Do you like me, Baba?”
“Of course I like you, Mandy.”
“I like you too. I feel like I’ve known you all my life.”
“That’s nice,” he said, grunting with pleasure as she groomed behind his ears. “Oh that feels good.”
She passed her paw across the tops of his shoulders and along the ridge of his back, fondling his strong but aching muscles. “Oh yes!” he said, taking a deep breath and letting it out in a deep sigh. She kneaded the small of his back and nosed a couple of small abrasions he got in the reeds. It felt heavenly.
Then, without warning, she nuzzled him in the fold of his thigh, touching one of his rudimentary teats with her tongue. His eyes flew open and his ears sprang up. “Mandy?”
“Yes, Baba?” she purred, fondling his buttocks.
“Hey, what are you doing??”
“Doesn’t it please you?”
“That’s not the point!” He got up and walked a couple of lengths away, then turned to look at her, his tail clamped tightly down.
“I’m sorry if I was too forward. I’ve never been with a lion before.” She looked at him contritely but still passionate. She came to him and rubbed him full length. "Let me comfort you tonight. I want to feel you close to me.”
“Umande, please!”
“I want to worship your beautiful body. I want to make you supremely happy. Baba, tell me what pleases you. Love me, Baba! Love me, please! Don’t you think I’m beautiful? Don’t you want me?”
Baba trembled. He struggled to remember Isha and blot out the temptation before him, but Umande was there, alive and warm. He remembered what Isha said about finding another. He also remembered how he replied. Now if he could only wait till things were better, he could come back for her--if she still wanted him.
“You are indeed beautiful,” Baba said. “Everything about you pleases me to the bone. God help me, I want you despite myself.”
She pawed his face softly and kissed him. “From the moment I saw you, I longed for you. Now I’m in the season when my blood burns like a brush fire. Let my fragrance fill you with desire. Everything I am or ever will be I willingly cast at your feet.”
The racing of his youthful passions did not blind him to his responsibilities, and he took in a deep breath and let it out. "I would take you here and now and never let you go. But I am pledged to Isha and I have made love to her. She may even have my children. Do not take advantage of my pain." He bent and kissed her cheek warmly. "I have loved Isha since I was a cub, and someday I will bring her here to live. I love her, and I hope you will be her friend. I hope you can still be my friend as well."
He turned and stalked away silently. She stared heartbroken at him as he vanished into the night. “You could change your mind! I will wait for you, Baba! Love will prevail, and don’t be ashamed to admit it.” Tears filled her eyes and she collapsed on the ground.
Then she heard a step behind her. King Mabatu came forward, his face tight and set. "Umande. I would speak with you."
"Yes, Father?"
"Tears, my darling daughter?” He kissed her. “What you seek can never be.” Gently but firmly he said, “I want you to leave him alone until your season is over. Is that clear?"
"Why, father? I’ve done nothing wrong!"
"I know...and I wish it to remain so."
"Why? He's the first lion I've ever known that I feel safe with, and he needs me--I can feel it!"
"THAT is why you must remain aloof." Mabatu sighed. "There is more at stake here than you realize."
"Are you saying he's bad?"
"No, honey tree. He's very good."
“Then are you saying I’M bad?”
“No, heavens, no, honey tree! I’m so proud of you.”
"Then tell me why it’s so important I leave him alone! What would possibly be at stake? Don’t I have a right to know?"
Mabatu settled to the grass beside his daughter. “You must not breathe a word of this to Baba. If it ever got out, there would be dire consequences from the gods themselves.”
“What are you trying to say?”
Mabatu took in a deep breath, shuddered, and let it slowly out. “I know you love him, but you must not mate with your own brother.”
Umande gasped. “My brother? Him?? Oh my gods!” She began to sob, and Mabatu put a paw across her shoulders, pulling her face into the softness of his mane and kissing her. “Why didn’t you tell me??”
“It is a long and painful story. Every time I tell it, a small part of me dies.”
“Then don’t tell me.” She kissed her father and nuzzled him.
“No, Mandy. I think it’s time you knew the truth about your mother. I owe you that much.”
CHAPTER: THE BIRTH OF THE CUBS
When Isha’s time had come, she had three cubs. Her son looked like the newborn Mabatu, and so she called him Habusu. Maybe he would meet a good lioness who would love him the way she loved her Baba and be a prisoner to her love. The daughters were named Minshasa and Jona after her favorite lionesses in star lore.
Rumors had circulated about the father of the cubs. While it was still uncertain, most of the lionesses would have bet their whiskers that she had mated with Mabatu before his mantlement. Some of her pride sisters filed by to see them, more out of curiosity than of joy. They looked for familiar features in their face. More than a couple stared at Habusu and commented on how familiar his face was. Significantly, Kako did not even show up.
While Isha was not a social outcast, there was tension and a feeling of disapproval in the faces that filed past her. They would say something pleasant only to go outside and gossip. And with Isha’s excellent hearing, there was no doubt she heard many hurtful things before the day was over.
Yolanda said, “She will be a devoted mother. She has SUCH a way with KIDS.”
Ajenti nuzzled her mother and laughed. “Talk about robbing the litter!”
Sarafina said in a quiet voice, “How did he get her in trouble? I mean, I didn’t think at his age they could...well, YOU know.”
“Carry through with it?” Ajenti said. “When those things aren’t on their mind, they wouldn’t think of trying. But when someone puts ideas in their head, you’d be surprised.”
Sarafina was shocked. “Are you saying she led him on?”
“I’m saying if those cubs were a reflection, Mabatu would be standing by the water hole. That’s all I’M saying.” Ajenti winked and walked away smugly.
Just as Isha was ready to cry with shame, her friend Uzuri showed up. Uzuri’s love for Isha was absolute and unconditional and in her eyes, there could be no taint to spoil the beauty of her cubs. Uzuri looked at each cub, sniffed them gently, and touched them with her tongue. “This male looks like Mabatu when he was that age,” she purred. Isha cringed, but she saw that there was no malice in her words. “He’s very handsome. Sometimes I worry about Baba; where he is, what he’s doing, and if he’s missing you. We must pray for him.”
Isha nuzzled her. “I love you, Uzuri.”
“Why? What did I do.”
“Nothing—and everything. Just because you’re you. You’re my truest friend in the world, and don’t think I don’t appreciate it, girl.” As Uzuri left, Isha brought the cubs to her warm belly and guided them to her milk. She rubbed over them with her paw tenderly as they nursed. “I don’t care what the others think. You are my children, and you are wonderful. You are Mabatu’s children. Our children.” She half closed her eyes. “My little Mabatu. Wherever you are, I hope you know how beautiful they are.”
Later, Taka himself came by. “Look at the little angels,” he cooed. “Aren’t they beautiful!”
“Mabatu’s children,” she said. “That’s what you came to find out, wasn’t it?”
“Mabatu,” he said softly. “I will go to my death grieving for him. He was my son, and he always will be.”
“Then why did you let him go?”
“I don’t have to tell you, but I will.” He sighed. “The seer told me he would meet an evil fate if he stayed here. I love Mabatu. I loved him enough to give him a small chance over no chance at all.” He sighed again. “Everyone I love suffers for it. Even my poor Lannie. Do you think I’m completely unaware? I may have many faults, but stupidity is not one of them.”
There was a truthful ring to his voice. Isha looked at the sadness that clouded his face as he recalled his friend.
He looked at the male cub. “What is his name?”
“Habusu.”
“Habusu, you are son of my son. You will be my heir, and the one true King. I am not a seer, but I predict that you will not be hated as I am hated. You have brought some measure of peace to my heart. That is not an easy thing to do.”
“You honor me,” Isha said, but she looked a little worried. “Please don’t tell the hyenas just yet.”
“Why not?”
“If their seer is so good, let her come tell you.”
He half laughed. “Yes. Let her. But aren’t you a little curious what the future holds for him?”
“Yes. That’s why I plan to be there when it happens. We all have to suffer thorns and bruises, and we all have to die, but isn’t it really better not knowing how and when?”
“Why Isha, you’re a philosopher.”
“All mothers are philosophers.”
Only one week earlier, Beesa had become a philosopher. Fortunately, she only had one cub to worry about feeding, a daughter named Lisani. Perhaps someday Lisani would grow to love Habusu. Perhaps Aiheu in his mercy will provide some future for them all. Perhaps....
Rumors had circulated about the father of the cubs. While it was still uncertain, most of the lionesses would have bet their whiskers that she had mated with Mabatu before his mantlement. Some of her pride sisters filed by to see them, more out of curiosity than of joy. They looked for familiar features in their face. More than a couple stared at Habusu and commented on how familiar his face was. Significantly, Kako did not even show up.
While Isha was not a social outcast, there was tension and a feeling of disapproval in the faces that filed past her. They would say something pleasant only to go outside and gossip. And with Isha’s excellent hearing, there was no doubt she heard many hurtful things before the day was over.
Yolanda said, “She will be a devoted mother. She has SUCH a way with KIDS.”
Ajenti nuzzled her mother and laughed. “Talk about robbing the litter!”
Sarafina said in a quiet voice, “How did he get her in trouble? I mean, I didn’t think at his age they could...well, YOU know.”
“Carry through with it?” Ajenti said. “When those things aren’t on their mind, they wouldn’t think of trying. But when someone puts ideas in their head, you’d be surprised.”
Sarafina was shocked. “Are you saying she led him on?”
“I’m saying if those cubs were a reflection, Mabatu would be standing by the water hole. That’s all I’M saying.” Ajenti winked and walked away smugly.
Just as Isha was ready to cry with shame, her friend Uzuri showed up. Uzuri’s love for Isha was absolute and unconditional and in her eyes, there could be no taint to spoil the beauty of her cubs. Uzuri looked at each cub, sniffed them gently, and touched them with her tongue. “This male looks like Mabatu when he was that age,” she purred. Isha cringed, but she saw that there was no malice in her words. “He’s very handsome. Sometimes I worry about Baba; where he is, what he’s doing, and if he’s missing you. We must pray for him.”
Isha nuzzled her. “I love you, Uzuri.”
“Why? What did I do.”
“Nothing—and everything. Just because you’re you. You’re my truest friend in the world, and don’t think I don’t appreciate it, girl.” As Uzuri left, Isha brought the cubs to her warm belly and guided them to her milk. She rubbed over them with her paw tenderly as they nursed. “I don’t care what the others think. You are my children, and you are wonderful. You are Mabatu’s children. Our children.” She half closed her eyes. “My little Mabatu. Wherever you are, I hope you know how beautiful they are.”
Later, Taka himself came by. “Look at the little angels,” he cooed. “Aren’t they beautiful!”
“Mabatu’s children,” she said. “That’s what you came to find out, wasn’t it?”
“Mabatu,” he said softly. “I will go to my death grieving for him. He was my son, and he always will be.”
“Then why did you let him go?”
“I don’t have to tell you, but I will.” He sighed. “The seer told me he would meet an evil fate if he stayed here. I love Mabatu. I loved him enough to give him a small chance over no chance at all.” He sighed again. “Everyone I love suffers for it. Even my poor Lannie. Do you think I’m completely unaware? I may have many faults, but stupidity is not one of them.”
There was a truthful ring to his voice. Isha looked at the sadness that clouded his face as he recalled his friend.
He looked at the male cub. “What is his name?”
“Habusu.”
“Habusu, you are son of my son. You will be my heir, and the one true King. I am not a seer, but I predict that you will not be hated as I am hated. You have brought some measure of peace to my heart. That is not an easy thing to do.”
“You honor me,” Isha said, but she looked a little worried. “Please don’t tell the hyenas just yet.”
“Why not?”
“If their seer is so good, let her come tell you.”
He half laughed. “Yes. Let her. But aren’t you a little curious what the future holds for him?”
“Yes. That’s why I plan to be there when it happens. We all have to suffer thorns and bruises, and we all have to die, but isn’t it really better not knowing how and when?”
“Why Isha, you’re a philosopher.”
“All mothers are philosophers.”
Only one week earlier, Beesa had become a philosopher. Fortunately, she only had one cub to worry about feeding, a daughter named Lisani. Perhaps someday Lisani would grow to love Habusu. Perhaps Aiheu in his mercy will provide some future for them all. Perhaps....
CHAPTER: NO ROOM IN THE INN
Isha’s cubs spent a few days blissfully unaware of prejudice. But then Jona managed to waddle unsteadily to the mouth of her cave and look out. It was a strange world that first met her wondering eyes, one with no roof or walls, and a bright yellow eye looking down on her. And playing about were other small, furry creatures that looked just like her. Cubs!
Excitedly, she gamboled back with the news. “There are other lions out there just like us!”
When Isha’s children were old enough to walk a straight line, they would leave the safety of the den and go out to meet those cubs.
“Hi!” Minshasa said to one. “I’m Minnie!”
“I’m Piki! Wanna play tag?”
“Sure. How does it work?”
Piki’s mother stepped forward. “You’re Isha’s little girl, aren’t you?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Well run along now. It’s time for Piki’s bath.”
Piki looked up. “But you just bathed me this morning!”
“Well you’re dirty again. Don’t sass your mother.”
While other cubs were free to make friends at will, there were strange problems for Isha’s children as they sought to be accepted by the parents. Without parental approval, those brief, tantalizing contacts with other cubs went nowhere.
Usually, there was polite avoidance. Outspoken Gobiso gave prejudice a name and face when he came out and said, “My mother told me I couldn’t play with you. Sorry.”
Isha’s children ended up thinking all cubs pretty much stayed only with their mother. They clung to this belief rather than believe there was something wrong with them. Indeed, they looked and felt just like everyone else--they were just more lonely. They played among each other and were an even more closely knit family than usual. Habusu and Jona were an inseparable pair. Minshasa was more withdrawn and would snuggle under her mother’s chin. Ironically, it was Minnie that was more like Isha as a cub. For the first year of her life, Isha was painfully shy. That was a bond between them, and Isha would purr, touching Minnie with her paw and kissing her while Habu and Jona played.
Beesa’s daughter gave them a welcome respite from their isolation. Like Uzuri, Isha showed no favoritism when it came to cubs and treated her niece like one of her own. “Miss Priss” was prim and proper, but she was also a lion cub and subject to lapses in both her dignity and her discipline. Because Habusu was so polite and gentle, he and Miss Priss formed a partnership right away. They were not only cousins but milk brother and sister. When Uzuri came to visit, she showered Habusu with affection and care, sure that someday he would pledge to Lisani and raise a family. “Look at them,” Uzuri would say. “Don’t they make a cute couple?”
While Habusu’s sisters played together, Habusu would follow Lisani around like a puppy. Even Taka noticed this, and he pronounced his blessings on the relationship, a step that Habu did not understand at the moment, but one that made Lisani his betrothed.
But eventually Habusu wanted another male to play with. It was only a natural part of growing up. Uzuri’s twin sons Togo and Kombi heard no dark rumors about Isha and Mabatu from their mother. Uzuri could never see anything in Isha but beauty, though she was aware of her ‘playful’ tendencies. That didn’t matter anymore, for to Uzuri alone Isha revealed that she was saving herself for her young husband. Uzuri understood--she always understood like no one else.
Despite their occasional difficulties, Isha’s family was a happy one, and it seemed with Habusu’s future secured that the happiness would go on forever. Then when Isha’s children were two moons old, Minshasa, who was always a frail and delicate creature, came down with Dol Sani. In most cases, it is a rite of passage. For the undernourished cub, it was a major blow. Helplessly, Isha watched her decline day by day, huddling desperately against her mother as if Isha could protect her against the invisible enemy that was hurting her. Isha would stroke her with her paw and tell her that everything would be all right, and for a while her story fooled the child, and Isha almost believed it herself. Then one week into her illness, Minshasa died in her sleep. Indeed, the pain went away.
Excitedly, she gamboled back with the news. “There are other lions out there just like us!”
When Isha’s children were old enough to walk a straight line, they would leave the safety of the den and go out to meet those cubs.
“Hi!” Minshasa said to one. “I’m Minnie!”
“I’m Piki! Wanna play tag?”
“Sure. How does it work?”
Piki’s mother stepped forward. “You’re Isha’s little girl, aren’t you?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Well run along now. It’s time for Piki’s bath.”
Piki looked up. “But you just bathed me this morning!”
“Well you’re dirty again. Don’t sass your mother.”
While other cubs were free to make friends at will, there were strange problems for Isha’s children as they sought to be accepted by the parents. Without parental approval, those brief, tantalizing contacts with other cubs went nowhere.
Usually, there was polite avoidance. Outspoken Gobiso gave prejudice a name and face when he came out and said, “My mother told me I couldn’t play with you. Sorry.”
Isha’s children ended up thinking all cubs pretty much stayed only with their mother. They clung to this belief rather than believe there was something wrong with them. Indeed, they looked and felt just like everyone else--they were just more lonely. They played among each other and were an even more closely knit family than usual. Habusu and Jona were an inseparable pair. Minshasa was more withdrawn and would snuggle under her mother’s chin. Ironically, it was Minnie that was more like Isha as a cub. For the first year of her life, Isha was painfully shy. That was a bond between them, and Isha would purr, touching Minnie with her paw and kissing her while Habu and Jona played.
Beesa’s daughter gave them a welcome respite from their isolation. Like Uzuri, Isha showed no favoritism when it came to cubs and treated her niece like one of her own. “Miss Priss” was prim and proper, but she was also a lion cub and subject to lapses in both her dignity and her discipline. Because Habusu was so polite and gentle, he and Miss Priss formed a partnership right away. They were not only cousins but milk brother and sister. When Uzuri came to visit, she showered Habusu with affection and care, sure that someday he would pledge to Lisani and raise a family. “Look at them,” Uzuri would say. “Don’t they make a cute couple?”
While Habusu’s sisters played together, Habusu would follow Lisani around like a puppy. Even Taka noticed this, and he pronounced his blessings on the relationship, a step that Habu did not understand at the moment, but one that made Lisani his betrothed.
But eventually Habusu wanted another male to play with. It was only a natural part of growing up. Uzuri’s twin sons Togo and Kombi heard no dark rumors about Isha and Mabatu from their mother. Uzuri could never see anything in Isha but beauty, though she was aware of her ‘playful’ tendencies. That didn’t matter anymore, for to Uzuri alone Isha revealed that she was saving herself for her young husband. Uzuri understood--she always understood like no one else.
Despite their occasional difficulties, Isha’s family was a happy one, and it seemed with Habusu’s future secured that the happiness would go on forever. Then when Isha’s children were two moons old, Minshasa, who was always a frail and delicate creature, came down with Dol Sani. In most cases, it is a rite of passage. For the undernourished cub, it was a major blow. Helplessly, Isha watched her decline day by day, huddling desperately against her mother as if Isha could protect her against the invisible enemy that was hurting her. Isha would stroke her with her paw and tell her that everything would be all right, and for a while her story fooled the child, and Isha almost believed it herself. Then one week into her illness, Minshasa died in her sleep. Indeed, the pain went away.