Chapter One: The New Arrival
He stood watching the den where the pride lived. He was unsure of what to say to them about what he was going to do. But as he walked, the wind carressed his mane, as if speaking to him, and he understood what had to be done. Somehow he had always known, inherently, what this land needed. Surely this was why he was called the Great Spirit by those who'd known him. So he went on and climbed up the steep rocks until he found the mouth of the cave. The lionesses looked weak because there was no food around. The land did look barren... but he knew what they had to do.
The herds had almost left this barren land. It pained him because this land had a lot to offer. That's why he'd come. Their King looked worried to say the least. His intense, brown eyes found the new arrival soon enough. "Who are you?" the King asked. "And why are you here?" The lion replied in a deep voice. "I'm Aiheu, Sire. I'm a rogue... I'm looking for a new home." "I'm sorry to say that you've arrived at a bad time. Under any other circumstance, I would've welcomed you. But there's not enough food for all of us, let alone a new arrival," the King said as pleasantly as possible.
"I know, Sire... I noticed. That's why I've come here. I can help," Aiheu said. "You can help?" another lion asked in a voice that was a sneer. "Forgive my son," the King said, "but I can't help but agree with him... How can you help?" "You'll find out soon enough, Sire. I'm not here to usurp the throne. I'm only here to help." The King nodded and said, "I'm Kopje," the King said, "and this is my son Giza. He's a little guarded sometimes. And... Safidy, would you come here, please?" he called out to a lioness far away. she was a lovely lioness with sharp, blue eyes. Aiheu smiled at her politely. She nodded. "This is my daughter," Kopje said.
All three of them were still young. And although Giza didn'tlike Aiheu at first, he found that the lion really didn't want to take his place. Soon the three of them became friends. Aiheu's openness surprised everyone; most of all Giza. Everytime Giza thought of something that disturbed him about Aiheu, Aiheu's friendliness and kindness would totally catch him off guard. Finally he gave up. He decided that Aiheu would only be a good friend. And so Giza didn't question Aiheu's intentions again. They became good friends.
Safidy was another matter. Aiheu liked her in a way he hadn't expected at all. One day as she walked to the river for a drink, he followed her. The minute his paw hit a stone and made a bit of noise, she pounced on him and pinned him down to the ground, teeth bared. The minute she looked at him, though, she released him apologetically. "I'm... so sorry... We're just not used to not being on guard... Hyenas are everywhere... attacking us whenever they got the chance!" "That should teach me not to sneak up on anyone," Aiheu said as he winced. "How did you do that?"
She smiled at him and left. Aiheu looked on, not paying attention to anything else. "You know, Aiheu, you ahould ask her to consider you before she chooses someone else as her mate. Otherwise, there's no point!" Giza told him. Aiheu looked at Safidy, then back at Giza and said, "Thank you, my friend... I'll think about that. But for now, I'll go home." Aiheu walked back to the den. He saw Kopje who looked worried. "What's the matter, Sire?" Aiheu asked him. "Nothing... nothing, really... It's just... The herds are moving out faster than we had anticipated, Aiheu... There's nothing to hunt!"
Aiheu considered this for a minute. "Why don't you call a truce, Sire? I mean... There is very little water left... Why fight when we're all in trouble? Call a truce. That'll make them stay," he said. Kopje looked skeptical, but nodded. "I'll think about it. Thank you, Aiheu. I will definitely consider it," the King said. Aiheu went to take a nap. But only a while later he was being nudged by Giza. "Get up!" he was saying. "Get up, Aiheu! Father's making announcement. He wants you there when it happens." Aiheu nodded and got up. They walked to the edge of the viewpoint.
"Thanks to Aiheu, here, we're going to make some reforms. We are calling a water truce until this situation changes for the better," Kopje was saying. All the animals cheered. They seemed happy about this development. And so the new rule had been put into effect. No one would hunt at the water hole. And no animal had to fear attack. But no hope came in the form of rain. Kopje was getting worried. "This isn't working well, Aiheu!" he told him once. "We have to be patient, Sire. We'll have good rains this year, and we will all prosper," Aiheu said reassuringly.
Aiheu's predictions proved right. Soon, the land received abundant rains, and more herds came to call this land home. This pleased Aiheu more than anyone in the pride. He was happy at how wonderfully things were going for all of them. Soon his purpose would be fulfilled. All he'd ever wanted was for this land to prosper. And now it seemed like things were changing for the better. The herds were content and the pride was doing well. Everyone was thinking of how wonderful this season had turned out to be. But none of them knew what Kopje was thinking about.
Chapter Two: Kopje's Decision
The King was delighted at the changes in his Kingdom. All of them had plenty to eat and drink. Their Kingdom had turned from barren plains to cool, green pastures. The river flowed majestically through the heart of this Kingdom into the waterhole. There were signs of prosperity everywhere. Kopje knew that his time as King would have to end soon, but how soon he couldn't yet say. All he knew was that he'd seen his Kingdom through during one of it's worst ordeals. That was good enough for him. As for when he'd step down, he still had time to make that decision.
Aiheu and Safidy were spending a lot more time together. This irked Giza a bit, but he let it go because nothing would make him happier than to see his sister marry his best friend. One day, Safidy and Aiheu were at the meadow, just talking... But there was something on Safidy's mind. "What's going on, Safidy? You seem troubled," he told her. "Well... I'd like to ask you a question if it's not too personal," Safidy said slowly. Aiheu looked at her and asked, "What is it?" "Well, you've been here only a while, and things have changed for the better for all of us! Why are you helping us?" she asked simply.
"Are you saying you have a problem with that?" Aiheu asked her, smiling. "No, no... Not a problem. I mean... you and Giza are such good friends, and... I don't want to offend you, but... I was just curious." "Aren't we friends?" Aiheu asked her, as if affronted. "Well, I thought we were more than just friends," Safidy said with a smile. Then she went up to him and nuzzled him lightly. He'd never felt this elated in his entire life. Somehow, he felt strange when he was with her, but it was a wonderful feeling. "Do you still want to know why I came here?" he asked her. "No... I'm just glad that you did."
Aiheu and Safidy chose each other as mates in a small ceremony witnessed by the pride. Kopje was very happy for his daughter and was glad that she had chosen a fine mate for herself. He roared to the herds to assemble and said, "Today is an important day for all of us. Not only is my daughter getting married, she is also going to be the new Queen! After due consideration of what Aiheu has done for us, I have deicded to name him and Safidy future King and Queen of these lands," he said and the pride cheered. But in all the festivities, no one noticed Giza's horror stricken face.
Chapter Three: The Rift
Giza's mistrust of Aiheu came back in full force the minute he heard his father make the announcement. He walked away to far off hillock by a small pond. Then he heard the grass rustle against softly against paws. "What're you doing here?" Giza asked angrily. He knew it was Aiheu. "I thought I might find you here," Aiheu said slowly. "I want to be alone, Aiheu. I don't want to talk about what happened," Giza said slowly. "Giza... I didn't ask for this to happen! I know you're the Crown Prince and I'm not even related to you..." "It was very well done, Aiheu... I believed you, too.
"I truly believed that you were my friend... and that you weren't here to steal my throne. You masked your intentions very well. I actually believed that you were here to help. I guess I shouldn't have believed you. My instincts told me that this lion was not to be trusted. But I trusted you... and look where that got me!" Giza said in disgust. ""Believe me when I tell you this, Giza... I didn't have a clue that your father was going to do this. If I had known, I would've left immediately. I still don't want to take away what's yours. I care for you like I would for my brother. Don't resent me," Aiheu said.
"Please leave me alone, Your Majesty. I can't be around you right now," Giza said sarcastically. Aiheu sighed and left. He had to speak to Kopje. So he walked back to the den and found Kopje there. Ã need to speak to you, Sire," he told the old King. "What is it, Aiheu?" "I'm not the right choice, Sire! Giza is your son! He's the rightful King! I can't take his place when he's alive!" "Aiheu... I chose you because you've done more for this Kingdom than Giza ever has. Since I'm King, I'm sure I have the right to choose my heir; even if he isn't my son," Kopje said.
"But Giza is my friend! He thinks I betrayed him! And I can't let him resent me!" "Aiheu... you've just been told that you''re going to rule over these lands after me. Enjoy that! Why dampen your spirits because of someone else's envy?" "He is your son! He's supposed to be King! Not me!" "I named you Crown Prince because you're the reason for our prosperity. This land is prosperous now because of you! Without you, we would've starved!" "I understand that, Sire... But I didn't come here to be King! I only came here to help!" Aiheu said defensively. "I won't be changing my mind, Aiheu.
"You will be King after me. That's final. You'll be able to do much better as King. You seem to have an innate connection with this land... and that's exactly why I want you to be King," Kopje told him. Aiheu sighed and realized that he wouldn't be able to sway Kopje now. He regretted deeply the fact that Giza would resent him for this. "Sire... I must thank you... for all of this. I won't let you down... with Safidy or the Kingdom," Aiheu said sincerely. "I know, Aiheu. I know you will do right by her. I know I've made the right choice," Kopje said approvingly.
Aiheu left to find Safidy. She was waiting for him by the river. "You seem troubled, Aiheu... What's going on? I thought you wanted this day to come!" she joked. Aiheu smiled and said, "I did, Safidy... But not like this! Giza will resent me for the rest of our days here. He's been like a brother to me! How could I possibly do this to him?" Aiheu asked. "He is upset... Father's decision did catch him off guard. He is a Prince, after all..." "That's exactly what I mean!" Aiheu said. "But," Safidy said, cutting him short, "father was right to choose you. You're a much better leader than Giza.
"But more importantly," Safidy continued, "we should be celebrating this joyous occasion." "There's nothing joyous about it for me without my friend," Aiheu said simply. "We can deal with that later. I was talking about us finally becoming mates! I'm so happy about it!" she said as she smiled radiantly. Aiheu nuzzled her and said, "I am, too. Truly... It's just that... this whole heir business put that out of my mind," Aiheu said apologetically. "Be that as it may... Never forget your priorities when you become King," she said jovially. "I promise," Aiheu said as he laughed.
Chapter Four: Heir to the Throne
Giza maintained his distance from the pride for quite some time. Then one day, he was gone. No one could trace his path. It was as if he'd vanished. But none was more hurt by this than Aiheu. He asked Kopje where Giza had gone. "He decided to go on his journey to find a mate. he didn't want to cause a commotion, so he left quietly," Kopje said slowly. "How could you let him go like this? He's your son!" Aiheu thundered. "He is a grown lion and can take care of himself. Disappointment isn't new to Giza. he was very disappointed when he lost his mother, but the feeling passed. He recovered from it.
"And he will recover from this as well. Once he sees how well you've done, he'll accept the situation for what it is," Kopje said calmly. Aiheu didn't reply. But he realized something. He had been chosen by this land. Was it a coincidence that he had journeyed all this way and then be chosen as the future King? That was when he knew what this land was telling him. He was meant to be King. "And I will do it justice," Aiheu thought firmly. From then on, things changed. Giza's departure upset him, but he knew that he needed time to recover from this turn of events. "Giza will understand soon enough. And when he does, I will welcome him back.
"He is my friend, and I know he means no harm... He just needs time," Aiheu thought. Soon, Kopje fell ill. Safidy and Aiheu sat by him so as to give him company. They would talk of many things. But for a change, Kopje mentioned his mate. "She died looking for food. I would've done anything to prevent that from happening. You and Giza were so young... I wish she could've seen us now," he said in a weak voice. "The ones we love never truly leave us, Sire. Look at your cubs! Your mate lives on through them, for they are part of her," Aiheu said comfortingly. "This is why I know you'll be a good King," Kopje said slowly. "You bring comfort to all of us, Aiheu...
"You bridge a gap between us and these lands. I don't know why I feel that way, but I do." "It is only because he feels so deeply for all the creatures here," Safidy said with pride. Aiheu didn't smile. He was, after all, the Spirit of these lands... He was the force that bound these creatures together... the force that gave all the herds nourishment. He was the river flowing through the heart of these lands, quenching the thirst of the herds living here. To him, it was ll the same. "We are all one. We come in different forms, but we are the same on the inside... we're all forms of life. Some of us might have darker ways for achieving our means...
"But those means are only to make ends meet! Even a hyena steals only because it needs food," Aiheu thought. When Kopje was ill, it was Aiheu who had taken to resolving matters. He'd go on strolls to take a good look at the Kingdom to see how everyone was doing. Things were going well. The herds found it easy to approach Aiheu. They came to him with their problems, and he would do his best to solve them. Soon, they came to trust him and respect him for his kindness and his judgement. One day, as he was talking with a giraffe, Safidy came to him. "It's time, Aiheu... We have to go see him!" she said. Aiheu nodded and they set off.
Kopje's time ended that evening as the sun set over these lands. Aiheu and Safidy were the new King and Queen. Although sadness loomed over the Kingdom for a while, signs of prosperity could be found in abundance. The herds were content, and so was their King. As some time passed, the King got better news from his mate. They were to be parents soon! Aiheu couldn't imagine what this cub would be like, nor could he wait too long to find out. But he knew these things would happen in due course, and nothing could rush them. He would find out soon enough.
Then one day, as he went back home, he noticed that a few lionesses were missing. "Where have they gone?" Aiheu asked one of the lionesses. "They're in the den over there, Sire! You must go, as well! The Queen is giving birth!" she said. Aiheu had never been more excited. He rshed to the den she had mentioned. By the time he got there, he saw a tiny furball in Safidy's arms. "Is that our cub?" Aiheu asked his mate incredulously. Safidy nodded, not taking her eyes off the cub. One of the lionesses there said, "The Crown Prince is born today, Sire!" Aiheu nodded kindly at her.
Then he looked at his son. He had scaret eyes and brownish gold fur. "He's magnificent!" Aiheu told Safidy. "What do you want to name him?" he asked her. "We'll call him Mfalme," Safidy said. "He will lead us well in good times and bad." Aiheu nodded and sat down beside her. He couldn't help but stare in wonder at his cub. "You will be a great King, Mfalme... I'll see to it. And I'll see to it that no harm befalls you... at any rate," Aiheu said seriously. The cub just blinked at his father and smiled at him, trying to paw at his face. It was all Aiheu could do to stop himself from nuzzling him.
Chapter Five: Mfalme
Mfalme was a rambunctious little cub who'd scare the living daylights out of his parents by disappearing every once in a while, but he also endeared himself to them with his innocent questions and blatant curiosity. One day, the cub was standing right at the edge of the den and looking around. When Aiheu went up to him, the cub asked, "Is all this ours, dad?" Aiheu smiled and said, "No, my son... We don't own this land, we help it gorw to it's full potential. There's a difference. This land is an entity unto itself. It gives life to all the creatures that call it home; we lions being one of them."
"Really? Then how come we rule over all the others?" Mfalme asked him, a little surprised. "Because all creatures need someone to turn to when they face problems," Aiheu told him. "Don't we face problems?" Mfalme asked simply. Aiheu laughed and said, "We do, son... It's just that we're better at coping with those problems than they are. You see, we can live without food and water for a longer time than most animals here. That's why they turn to us. But more importantly, we lions have always had the support of the herds because we never kill for sport," Aiheu told his son seriously.
"Who does?" Mfalme asked his father. "Some hyenas, among other animals," Safidy told him. "Why do they do that?" he asked them. "That's enough questins for today, Mfalme... Go out and play..." "Make new friends..." "And don't stir up a fight with anyone until they attack you. Do you understand?" Safidy and Aiheu told him in turns. Mfalme looked a little disgruntled and said, "Fine... Promise to tell me more about hyenas soon?" "We will," Safidy said and nudged him in the direction of the slope that led to the ground. "Now go have fun!" "And stay safe!" Aiheu finished.
Mfalme nodded and scampered towards the meadow, where he'd usually meet his friend Malkia. She was a young cub born around the same time as Mfalme. They would play everyday and return only by unset, unless Aiheu called on him for a stroll. Today was no different. Malkia was chasing Mfalme and pinned him down, but they landed on a slope so they rolled down it. When they were done laughing, they looked around and found that they'd never come this far before. "Where are we?" Malkia asked him. "I dunno... We've never come here before," he said and looked around.
Then he saw a frail lioness resting by a small pond with her cub. They looked very weak. "Who are they?" Malkia asked. "Should we help them?" "I think we should. They're alone... and they don't look like they mean any harm. We have to help them," Mfalme said firmly. "Let's go tell your father! He'll be able to help," Malkia said. "You go. I'll stay with them. I'll wait until you get my father here," Mfalme said. Malkia tore off in the direction of the den. Mfalme sat down and looked at the mother and cub. "What could possible have made them leave their home?" he thought.
Back at the den, Aiheu was resting when he felt a tiny head nudge him. He opened his eyes to find Malkia. He smiled kindly at her and asked, "What is it, Malkia? Where's Mfalme?" "He's just fine, Sire... It's just that... well... we found a lioness and her cub resting here. They're alone... and... Mfalme said they might need help." "Lead the way," Aiheu said and followed her. As they walked, Malkia seemed a little wary, because she didn't want to get Mfalme in trouble. "You came this far while playing?" Aiheu asked jovially. Malkia tried to smile, but it came out wrong.
"Don't worry, little one... You're not going to be in trouble and nor is Mfalme. I was just curious." They walked past the waterhole and into the meadow. "They should be here," she told him. They went to the spot where they'd found the mother and cub, but they were nowhere to be found. Mfalme was gone, too. This worried Aiheu more than anything. "Mfalme!" he called out. "Where are you?" "He was here when I left, Sire... I..." "Well, Malkia... I'm used to Mfalme disappearing like this. What worries me is that there was a strange lioness here with her cub; and now they're all gone!"
Chapter Six: Maya and Adhimu
Mfalme was waiting for Malkia to return when he felt sleep creeping over him. He would usually be home by this time, sleeping in his mother's arms... He tried to stay awake because he didn't want these two to go away, but his eyes slowly drooped and he couldn't resist it any longer. So he took a nap. Next thing he knew, he was staring into a pair of inquisitive, brown eyes. Mfalme was alarmed. It was the cub. But he was smiling. "Hi!" the cub said. "I'm Adhimu. Who're you?" "I... uhm... I'm Mfalme," Mfalme said hesitantly. "I... just meant to ask you... what're you two doing away from your pride?" Adhimu's smile faded at this.
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to offend you. But I've sent my friend to get help for you. You can meet the King... and you can stay here if you want!" Mfalme said brightly. Adhimu smiled and sat down beside him. "Wanna play?" he asked in about a minute. So they ran all across the meadow and ended up play fighting. By this time, the mother had gotten up and started looking for her cub. Then she saw another cub growling at her son. She pounced to protect him in any case and growled at Mfalme. Then, out of nowhere, a large lion stood shielding the cub and looked at her angrily. "No, dad, wait! We were just play fighting!" the cub said.
"That's right, mom! We were just playing!" her son said. Her expression lightened and she stood looking at the lion, who had loosened up as well. "Forgive me... It's just that I don't want my son to be beaten up... He's too frail already... He hasn't eaten anything in days!" "I see... My son Mfalme here found you. And he sent his friend over there to get me here. I'm Aiheu; and I'm the King of the land you're in. If you wish to stay here for a while, you may," the lion finished. "I'm Maya. My mate is fighting a battle for his own land... which is why he sent us away against our wishes. We do need a new home, and we thank you for taking us in," she said.
Aiheu nodded at her and said, "You must come to our den at once. You can eat and rest for a while. I'm sure you need it after your long journey." And so they all left. The three cubs started talking and seemed to be getting along well. Aiheu smiled at this. "Young frienships are precious!" he thought. Then he thought of Giza... and his heart sank. He missed his friend, and he wondered if he'd ever come back home. So it was with that theought that he went back home to introduce Maya to the rest of the pride... and it was with the same thought that he vowed to make it up to Giza if he ever saw him again.
Chapter Seven: Welcomes and Goodbyes
The three cubs had become thick friends very soon. They did everything together all day. Everything was going smoothly for them. It turned out that Maya was adept at finding prey and sniffing out danger, which made her a very good addition to the pride. So one day, when she was on the lookout, she spotted a lion approaching the den. She reported to Aiheu immediately, who set out with Safidy to meet them with a few lionesses. But upon going closer, Aiheu's heart soared; for it was Giza who'd chosen to return home. He walked up to him and smiled at his old friend, and more importantly, got one in return.
"Welcome back, old friend!" Aiheu said warmly. Safidy nuzzled him lightly and said, "Welcome back, brother!" "It's good to be back. This is my mate Epesi. We're here to join your pride, Aiheu," Giza said. "Nothing would make me happier than to have my old friend back, Giza," Aiheu told him. When Mfalme came home with his friends that day, he looked at the new lion and went directly to his mother. "Ah! You're a mother, are you, Safidy? Come here, little one... I won't harm you," Giza said. Safidy nudged Mfalme and said, "Go on, Mfalme... This is your uncle Giza." Mfalme smiled lightly at him. Giza smiled back.
"Mfalme, is it?" he asked him. "Yes, sir... I'm sorry, but... I don't know what to call you, sir." "I'm your uncle, Mfalme. Call me Uncle Giza," he finished. "Alright, Uncle Giza..." "Good... Well, then... Now that we all know each other, things should be really pleasant around here," Giza said. And so it was for a while... Giza and Aiheu were now on good terms with each other, which lifted the heavy burden of guilt off Aiheu's shoulders. But something was different about Giza now... He seemed more reckless to Aiheu. He didn't want to mention it because he was relieved to have his best friend back.
Maya and Safidy had bonded well over time. She had finally told them the story of her mate. "Lebo was born a prince, but he had to be raised a rogue because his mother died defending him from the new pride that had killed his father. As a cub, he'd been shunned by the new pride because he was the sole heir to the throne. So they tried to keep him as malnourished as possible. Somehow he escaped that tyranny and wandered into my father's territory. My father was kind to him, and he helped him prepare for the battle that he would soon have to fight. Lebo was against getting married, but when I told him that I might never see him again, he agreed.
"And then we had Adhimu... For a while, it seemed to me that Lebo was content with our family; but he couldn't forget what had happened to his parents. "I have to avenge them, Maya... What will I tell my son when he grows up and asks me what I've done with my life so far? All I've done is run away! It's time I faced my past... and set it right. Our son will have a bright future. Leave these lands as soon as possible... I don't want you or Adhimu to get hurt. I will come back for you, wherever you may be. I will find you," he had told me. I don't know what has happened of him... I've been waiting for him ever since," she told Safidy and Aiheu once.
"I hope your wait ends soon, Maya. Lebo will find you in victory. Then he'll take you back and make you a Queen, like he had wanted it for you and your son," Aiheu reassured her. She smiled at him and said, "You are too kind, Sire... but the Great Spirit has never favored Lebo. He has only known hardships, pain, abandonment, and disappointment so far... Why will this be any different?" "It will be different, Maya, because he has braved his fears and faced them without hesitation. He has gone to take his rightful place. More importantly, he has something to fight for. Don't lose hope. It is the only thing that drives him.
"The hope that you're here, waiting for him to return, is what has sustained him thus far... He will return to you soon," Safidy said. "I couldn't agree more," Aiheu said, smiling. The moon waxed and waned, and the cubs' bond grew stronger. They had grown in size, too. Mfalme nw had strong forlegs and his paunch was almost gone. His head had started sprouting a reddish brown mane, too. Malkia had grown into a swift and agile lioness. She was training with the hunting party to join them soon. Adhimu had started to grow a jet black mane that would match his brown fur magnificently.
One day, as Maya scanned the horizon for any strange movements, she found a lion lurking at the border. When she saw who it was, she couldn't believe her eyes. He was limping slightly, but he seemed to have escaped grave injury. "Lebo?" she asked him. He looked at her and nuzzled her. "I've missed you," he told her. "I've missed you, too! You must see Adhimu! He's grown so much!" she told her mate. She helped him get to the den. Aiheu looked at the pair of them curiously, but then he smiled. "Well, then... You must be Lebo! I'm glad you've come to give your family it's rightful place," he said warmly. Lebo smiled and said, "Kisouli is now ours."
The three adoloscents were playing when Maya came to take Adhimu back to the den. "Come with me, Adhimu... There's someone you have to meet!" she said. Mfalme and Malkia followed slowly, talking in hushed tones. "Who could it be?" Mfalme asked her. "We'll find out soon enough... Let's wait here," she said as they reached the mouth of the cave. Soon they heard cries of joy. "Mfalme... Malkia... Come here! You've got to come here!" Adhimu said. The two of them went inside. "Dad... meet my friends... Mfalme and Malkia," Adhimu was telling a scarred lion. "I must thank you for helping my family find a home when they needed it.
"I'm indebted to both of you; for it was you who found them. Had it not been for you and your King, they would've starved," the lion said. "You're Adhimu's father?" Mfalme asked him. Lebo nodded. "And you've come to take them home?" Malkia asked him. He smiled and nodded. "I think it's time, don't you?" he asked, looking at his son. Adhimu nodded, although a little sadly. Aiheu and Safidy were watching. "I'll miss both of you,"Adhimu told them. "We'll meet again soon. I promise," Aiheu said solemnly. Both cubs nodded, but they knew as they watched him go that the chances of them seeing him again were very slim.
Chapter Eight: Giza's Redemption
Giza and Epesi had been blessed with a son. His name was Kuchinja. He was just a little younger than Mfalme and was now growing fast into an adoloscent lion. And the best news was that Epesi was to give birth to their second cub very soon. Giza was very happy with his family. He loved and cared for Epesi and their cub more than anything. He was the same with Mfalme. He spent time with his nephew as much as he could because Kuchinja loved spending time with Mfalme, too. He told the story of his many adventures to Mfalme once. Mfalme was fascinated and sat to listen.
"Well, I was a little upset when I left... and I hoped that a little time away could help me... And it did. When I left I didn't know at all where I was going to go... I just kept travelling... Then one day, I came across a beautiful Kingdom... and I didn't know whose it was. When i walked in, I wasn't welcomed easily... You see, being a fully grown lion, the King might think I had come to challenge him for the throne. It took some time for them to take me in. But they did... That was when I met your aunt. She was the Princess... And a more beautiful lioness you wouldn'y find anywhere," Giza said with a smile. Mfalme could only laugh.
"Laugh if you will, Mfalme... But there's going to be a time hen you'll end up doing the very same thing!" Giza said with a chuckle. "That's a long time away, Uncle Giza... I'm fine the way I am right now," Mfalme said laughing. "Anywho... We got along just fine and we decided to get it done properly. We were married with a beautiful ceremony... And we stayed there for a while until I realized I wanted to come back home... I told Epesi that I wouldn't be able to make her Queen, but I would give her the support of a good pride. She told me that she was fine with that, and that's when we came here," he finished.
"So did you have an eventful journey?" Mfalme asked him. "Well, I did... For the most part, I got to see a lot of creatures that we don't see here... Like... we don't have many gazelles here, do we? The neighboring kingdom does. They're beautiful creatures... and make for fabulous meat when you're hungry!" Giza said with a smile. Mfalme smiled slightly at this, and said, "Well, uncle Giza... I guess that's why we become their nourishment once we die." "Right you are, son," Mfalme heard his father say. "Why don't you go to the meadow? I'll meet you there soon. There's something I need to talk to your uncle about." Mfalme nodded and left.
"And what is it that you wanted to talk to me about, Your Majesty?" Giza asked him after Mfalme left. "Is that a taunt, Giza?" Aiheu asked him. "I'm only being civil to my King. Is that wrong now?" Giza asked him shortly. "I thought we'd gone over this, Giza. Clearly, you still can't seem to get past what happened," Aiheu said calmly. "How do you excpect me to do that when everything I was supposed to have... everything that I'd been promised, was taken away from me? My own father didn't think I was capable enough to rule over this Kingdom! That's why he chose you! And you accepted!" Giza roared.
"I didn't know!" Aiheu fired back. "And the worst part is that you were my best friend! If there's anything I regret, it is the fact that you didn't even think of what this would do to our frindship!" Giza thundered. "A good friend supports always supports his friends no matter what! I would've supported you had Kopje decided to make you King! Why can't you support me?" Aiheu asked Giza. "You weren't born a Prince! Your head hadn't been filled with dreams only to have them taken away from you and given to someone else right in front of you!" Giza said, disgruntled.
"Giza, please... we were best friends! We can get past this! I never meant for this to happen! It just did!" "Yes, but you had a choice. You could've turned him down!" Giza said slowly. "What good would that have done? Do you have any idea how many times I told him that you were supposed to be King and not me? He refused to listen!" "That's the worst part, Aiheu... My own father didn't think i was good enough to take his place!" Giza said slowly. "Then he was a fool, Giza... You know you're better than that!" Aiheu told his friend. "Just leave me alone for now, Aiheu... I'll talk to you later," Giza said.
Aiheu sighed and left. He was hoping to avoid this, but he knew that wounds like these rarely ever heal... and even if they did, they would take a very long time. He walked through the gorge, forgetting the fact that his son was waiting for him. He didn't know what he could do to make Giza feel better about this. Then he heard a sudden movement. He turned around to find an army of hyenas eyeing him greedily. Even if he roared for help, no one would hear him. "What're you doing here?" he asked them. "We're in our own territory. You, on the other hand, are not!" one of them said.
Aiheu knew they were right. "You know... We haven't had a decent meal for a very long time!" one of them said to the others. Aiheu winced. This wasn't good for him at all. He looked around to see if he could find a way out. There was none. All the cliffs there were steep. He didn't know what he could do to save himself. "Alright, then... You've got a point," Aiheu said with a smile. "But you forgot one thing." "And what is that?" one of them asked him. "You'll have to hunt me down first," he said and started running. He thought it was prudent because there were too many of them to fight off.
They growled and ran after him. Soon they were upon him. Aiheu went down in a hail of paws. But he fought them off with grit. He'd managed to jump on to the nearest cliff. He clawed his way up the cliff until all his legs refused to budge. Then he saw a lion sitting up there, watching. "Giza! Giza, please... help me!" Aiheu said as he slipped back a bit. Giza looked at Aiheu and remembered the friend he had once cherished above all others... But then he also remembered how he'd been overlooked because of him. He sunk his claws into Aiheu's forelegs and said, "I will miss you, my friend." Then he threw Aiheu off the cliff towards the waiting hyenas.
He landed on the harsh ground with a deafening roar. Then the hyenas were upon him. He didn't have the strength to fight them all after the fall. They mauled him badly. Then the pain stopped. Aiheu slowly opened his eyes and found his friend looking at him. "I'm sorry it had to come to this, Aiheu. Truly, I am," he said and clawed at Aiheu's chest. Then Aiheu felt himself succumb to the pain. He watched as Giza asked the hyenas to go away. Then he said, "I'm sorry, too, Giza... I'm sorry that we grew apart because of something like this." Then he closed his eyes, never to open them again. Aiheu was dead.
Chapter Nine: A New King Arrives
Giza calmly walked back to the den. Soon, he was resting with his mate Epesi. But she soon woke him because she had to give birth. "How fitting," Giza thought, "that my son be born on the day I get my rightful place back." That's when Mfalme came rushing in. "Uncle Giza... have you seen my father? He was supposed to meet me hours ago!" he exclaimed. "Calm down, Mfalme... He just left this place after a talk with me... and I haven't seen him since. I went on a stroll and then came back here. Come meet your new cousin, Njaa," Giza announced proudly. "I'm very happy for you," Mfalme said. "But I have to find my father."
Then he went to find his mother. "Mom... was dad here?" he asked her. "No, Mfalme... I haven't seen him since this morning." Mfalme was positively alarmed by then. He ran in the direction of the meadow again. But when he got to the forked path, he chose the one that led to the gorge. Then he saw a sihouette lying unnsturally still. He slowly walked towards it. Something inside him told him that he didn't want to look at whoever was there. He didn't want to know why the lion lying there was so bruised... or cry the way he did when he saw his father lying there, lifeless, bloody, and dead.
He couldn't let the body lie here... not like this... But he couldn't even nudge the head up to lift him. Mfalme somehow felt that his father would've wanted to be left here like this... but he didn't know why. So he slowly said, "I'll miss you, dad... I'll really miss you." Then he left with a heavy heart. What would he tell his mother? How would he even face her? "Mfalme! What happened to you?" he heard her say as he entered the den. He didn't realize he was there already; nor did he realize that he was covered in his father's blood. "I went looking for dad," he said slowly. "Who did this to you?" "No one... I'm not hurt... I found dad... dead," he said sadly.
"He's what?" "He's dead, mother... I saw him. He'd been mauled badly. He's dead," Mfalme said. Safidy just looked at her son. It was hard for her to say anything. She went to her son and nuzzled him. Mfalme felt his mother trying to comfort him. "I'm so sorry I had to tell you, mom... I wish I didn't have to see him," Mfalme said. "I know, Mfalme... I know. We'll be fine." "We need a new King," Giza said. "Mfalme's the heir," Safidy said. "I know, but he hasn't fully grown his mane yet! And you know that until a Prince has fully grown his mane, he can't be King," Giza finished. "That's true... Why don't you act as Prince Regent until he does?" Safidy asked.
Giza smiled and said, "I'll do it... And Mfalme... I'm sure you'll be ready soon." Mfalme nodded and left. Soon, the announcement would have to be made. Soon, everyone would know that his father died... and soon, Giza would be King. And soon, he would have to take his father's plce. Was he worthy? Would he be able to do what was expected of him? He had no idea. He felt more alone than he ever had in his entire life. That was when Malkia came to him. "Are you alright?" she asked him. "No, Malkia... I'm not fine. I feel helpless. I feel completely lost." "I'm so sorry for your loss, Mfalme... I truly am," she said. Mfalme nodded and left.
Chapter Ten: Mfalme's Task
Time had lost all meaning for Mfalme. He hadn't realized at all when his mane had started to grow and spread... and he hadn't noticed how Giza was ruling over the Kingdom. All he knew was that his father was gone, and he would never see him again. He became distant with everyone in the pride, and that worried Safidy It pained Giza to watch his nephew suffer, but he reassured himself that this Kingdom was his to begin with. So he decided that it was best Mfalme left for a while. He sent for his nephew one day so he could talk this over with him. It was when Mfalme came to see him that it hit him.
"Thank you for coming to see me, Mfalme... We're still recovering from a tragedy at this time... and I know it seems insensitive, but I think it's time you left to prove your worth to us," he said. "Prove my worth?" Mfalme asked him. "Yes... As Crown Prince, you're supposed to earn your mane. You're supposed to prove to us that you will be able to protect us if such a need arises," Giza finished. "What am I supposed to do?" Mfalme asked him. "You have to go conquer the neighbouring Kingdom," Giza said. "What?" he asked him. "You heard me, Mfalme... You're old enough. You're strong... You have to do this," Giza said.
"Your father would've done it," Giza said. That did it. "Fine... I'll do it," Mfalme said. How many times had he thought he wouldn't be worthy of his father's place? How many times had he told himself that he still had so much to learn? This was his chance to prove it to everyone, even himself, that he was the future King; and that he was ready to fulfill all the responsibilities of being King. He had to tell his mother... and Malkia. "I will explain it to them," Giza said. "You have to leave now, or you'll reach them a bit too late... You have to leave now," Giza said. "Why does he have to leave?" they heard Safidy ask.
"I'm leaving beccause I have to, mother... I have to prove to myself, if not to the pride, that I'm ready to be King. Please don't try to stop me," Mfalme said. "I won't stop you, Mfalme... All I want is for you to be safe," she said. Mfalme nuzzled her lightly and said, "I will return, mother. I promise," Mfalme said and left. He had to tell Malkia. She was waiting by the river. "Malkia... I have to go," he told her. "Why?" she asked him. "I need some time away... But I promise... I'll come back as soon as I can... I need to do this for myself." "Are you sure?" she asked him. "Are you sure I can't come with you?"
"Your place is with the pride. You need to help my mother while I'm gone. I need to know that someone I trust is taking care of her when I can't," he said. Malkia nodded at him and said, "I'll do my best." Mfalme nuzzled her and said, "I'll be back soon, Malkia," he said and left. Mfalme sighed and started walkin north. He didn't know how he'd do it, but he knew that he'd have to do this to prove to everyone that he was the Great Aiheu's son. As he walked through the savannah, he thought of the task ahead of him, and how he'd accomplish it. He was just hoping that his father was watching over him somehow to guide him through his tough task.
End of Book One
Will Mfalme be able to accomplish what was asked of him? Find out in Book Two
Your characters are realistic and very endearing and while your events within the story are a bit rushed at times it seems, they still flow very nicely together to make for a most enjoyable read. I really like how you intertwined the familiar story aspects from both TLK and TLK2SP into this original work and added in your own unique twists to those events. It's refreshing in a way and really does give your reader a sense of both familiarity and wonder. You had decently length chapters, which I always enjoy and I think you really did plan out this story quite well.
