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II. Way back

Green Valley was a calm and peaceful land. It suffered hard in the Great Drought – jungle on the edge of desert turned instantly to dust under merciless sun. The pride who had been there, extinguished in some disease, caused by malnutrition. But land wasn’t vacant for long time. Group, made of survivors from many packs, came there. They called themselves Green Pride, to salute the land. Just few months after firsts rains, jungle was back fertile and could feed fifteen lion mouths.
The leader of newcomers was Kiduta – old male, who lost his family in drought. He met some other group of survivors – there he met young lionesses Chanua, whom made his mate and queen. Although Kiduta was then dead, his mate and two of his children still were ruling that country in peace.
Main keep of pride was a cave in cliff of river’s bank. The river was artery of whole land – it provided water and food for jungle and when it had dried in times of drought, all life had ceased. What Greenlanders didn’t know was the fact that unnamed river was the same one that was flowing in Prideland and called “Border River”. It also flow through the Mighty Jungle. But take a look on cave – it was rather small one, with entrance directed on north. From doorstep the strong current of river was clearly seen and heard. Cave was containing one main chamber, where lived whole pride and few smaller rooms used as storages for food. Queen was living and sleeping with her lionesses, as well as royal children. It was going that was since the death of king. Pride had no male ruler, at least official.
Horen was elder, almost ten years old lion. Once powerful fighter, still remain a strong male, fast and healthy as his age. His red mane gained some hoary hairs, but rouge was still handsome and witty. Formally he was just a guest of queen Chanua, but his stay lasted since two years. He came to Green Valley with two of his friends – twins Daki and Laki, right after Kiduta’s deatch. Lionesses greeted the males presence with hope and joy, because vicinity was uneasy and dangerous – lions often had to fight they preys with numerous rouges packs and hyenas clans. So when some wanderers came, who didn’t want to take reign by force, they were treated almost as saviours. Daki and Laki died, paying they debt to hospitable pride – a war with some aggressive rouges had claimed their lives. Horen survived (although he got some wounds in that fight too) and became even more esteemed by hosts. Queen Chanua felt in love with handsome stranger. It was rather a platonic feeling, because lioness decided not to have more cubs. There was a successor and a fate of Kwini - Kiduta’s daughter, was worry enough for queen. But even without official title, Horen was real regent and ruler of pride. He knew that in few years he should give his powers to almost mature prince Jino, but he reconciled with this thought long time ago. The most important was that rouge lived a peaceful life, respected and saluted. A calm retirement after a stormy youth and prime.
“You look a bit tired, my dear.” Said one morning Chanua. “Are you all right?”
“Bad dreams.” Replied Horen with unexpected honesty. “I just can’t sleep in such weather.”
Queen came closer, licked his forehead with care and replied.’
“Well, today you should stay in cave. We could send Jino and Kwini on patrol.”
“No, no... I’m not as sick!” disagreed Horen. “I will get up... give me just a minute.”
“Of course, my dear.” Said queen and started to wake rest of the pride. They had to start their duty on time.
Rouge was lying still on the ground, observing as hunting team is formed and Chanua led them away. In cave stayed just prince Jino, who decided - that day – not to participate in hunting. Not that he wasn’t ready and willing to, but his predator’s skills were far from average lioness abilities and seemed pathetic, comparing to mastery of his sister. Prince preferred to stay with Horen and learn from lion’s knowledge as much as he could.
“Again thirsty for a lesson?” asked rouge with sleepy voice. “How do you know if not you could teach me?”
“I doubt, Horen.” Replied sandymaned adolescent lion. He was addressing rouge just with name, but in that was maybe even more respect that son usually express to his father. “If you allow me, I want to go with you on border.”
“It’s your border.” Said redmaned and stood up with surrender. With so conscientious charge he had a little change to spend another day on idleness. “Or it will be your one day. You decide.” So he set off to exit, hearing that prince was following.
For a short moment some dark memory from past dimmed his mind. He had experienced similar scene years earlier. He had heard the steps of young lion, who trusted him absolutely and was looking on every step he take. Horen was leading that youngster almost as... No, it wasn’t matter. That lion had been called Amini and died long before that day. Rouge managed to extinguish an unpleasant recall, before it screamed thanks to whom Amini was dead.
*
Trio of golden lionesses chose a very ambitious quest – to find rouges in wide African savannah, almost with no clue. What they knew were names of lions and fact that they had left Prideland in night of failed Outlander’s counterstrike, probably going west. In Mighty Jungle – place well knew by Yakta, where lion had spent whole his cubhood and youth – they managed to find some tips. Group of three rouges was seen in early rainy season three years earlier. They had gone further on west or north-west – that all what expedition got know from hippo of Border River Backwater. The day after they were on route ahead.
For most of their way Yakta was leading as one who know how to march in dense forest and – at least for some part – knew the way. Lion, usually silent and reticent in that particular situation turned out to be the soul of party. Lionesses were for most of time drowned in their own thoughts, just barely paying attention of road before them.
Danti and Ostasi looked similar, as if they were sisters. Actually they were sisters-in-law and that family resemblance was clear even for beholder who didn’t know their story. They both were short, of fragile constitution and agile paws. Lionesses were perfect scouts and restless huntresses, valuable supports of pride in hardest times. They fur was sandy, but a bit darker than coat of typical desert one. Spotty, named that after her special sing – spots under her left eye, looked just like Golden One should – she were perfectly shaped, lean, but muscles were clearly seen under her sandy fur. Among her friends she looked most like Outlander – she still was much slimmer than lionesses on Priderock, and her walk, many impulses and habits showed she was the same wild huntress, who just happened to find herself outside her rough home. All three females presents a wild beauty – a kind of flower that could grow only on harsh Outlands. Probably most of lions would envy Yakta such an extraordinary pride. Of course redmaned never thought about his group like that – he were on mission, ordered by his king. To lead and guard his subjects.
As a leader Yakta also looked a bit funny. Giant and strong male, handsome and domine-looking at first sight could been taken as a real king, leading his pride. Lion would probably felt embarrassed, hearing that. His absolute lack of social routine, made staying with lionesses a bit hard for Yakta. For he had never lived in pride, at least after exile and before reuniting with Golden Ones, he had no idea how to treat females. Finally he started to handle with them as if they were just bigger cubs, or at least it seemed like that. Yakta was charming, patient, nice and gallant, what turned out to be unbearable in longer perspective.
“E... what you mean by <stay here>?” asked about the midday, when they made a stop for hunting. “I could hunt with you...”
“I have no doubt you could.” Replied Ostasi. “But we will handle it. Just wait for us and we will get something...”
“You’re a lion. It’s our, females job to hunt.” Added Danti, but it wasn’t exactly what she shouldn’t tell.
“No, no, no...” said Yakta. “We are on unknown territory and I’m personally responsible for your safety. I have to go with you and...”
“You grown here!” noticed Spotty. “If that place was safe enough for a cub, why do you think it would be dangerous for three huntresses?”
They were talking on a slope of jungle-covered valley, Green Valley in particular, although they didn’t know about it. Sun was almost in zenith, but shade of dense forest made that place a fine to stay and sleep airily. But Yakta was focused more on potential threats of Mighty Jungle Border.
“I’m sure you will manage, but just in case...”
“You’re too ***** big and heavy to sneak for preys!” exclaimed Ostasi with nervous voice. “Yakta, we are very grateful, that you are so kind, but understand that this is the task for us.”
“So what I shall do? Sit here and idle, while you are hunting?”
“Is that sounds so bad?” asked Spotty. “You should have some experience in that...” added as a joke, but then she noticed as lion’s eyes narrows and lips shrink to painful grimace. “Ow, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...” said, knowing she summoned memories of orphaned lion.
“No, it’s nothing.” Replied redmaned. “So go on... but just be careful, right?”
Huntresses nodded their heads and departed into jungle. Lion stayed on clearing with uncertain stare on his face. He felt very uneasy – both because he let them go alone and because some mysterious premonition he had. To survive cubhood alone one has to have some sixth sense, warning him about dangers. And in Yakta’s head some voice was whispering a strong suggestion, they weren’t alone in that forest. Some big creatures, possible other lions were near. So redmaned waited about five minutes, then started to track his charges.
Yakta’s cuphood was special – to survive, lion had to learn many extraordinary skills, usually unknown to lions. But on the other hand, he lacked few abilities important for predators. During his days in jungle he seldom had been tracking a prey. He managed to feed on rodents, sometimes even on insects and fruits. His diet was just from time to time supplemented with accidental bigger game. So redmaned lost track of his wards quickly, although he didn’t know it. He follow some older prints that belonged also to lionesses, but not his lionesses.
Formally Chanua was a leaderess of hunting team. But mother very often was leaving that task to her daughter, what was even better for pride. Princess Kwini was skilled hunter, very well substituting old queen in her duties. That day she was leading group on track of warthogs family. Game was running in deep jungle, so chase turn to be more accidental run on patch shown by Kwini. Finally princess got the strong scent and called to companions with joyful roar. The hunt was on.
Yakta didn’t hear that roar, what wasn’t strange – in so dense forest every sound was quickly muffled by trees. He missed also sounds of chase and killing poor prays. When he got closer on lionesses track he still didn’t notice a thing, because he was spotted. After quick order of Kwini, team hide in deepest bushes, waiting for intruder to come. They left warthog’s carcasses as a bait and took a position to attack. Yakta, still unaware of company, entered clearing with bodies with no suspicion.
The fight took place in almost absolute silence. As for lionesses it was routine not to alarm eventual companions of victim and Yakta repressed a scream for help for not to let attackers know he wasn’t alone. Only sounds audible there was cracks of branches and heavy pants of effort.
Kwini, Pili and Tatu pounced on intruder, easily overturning him. Then rest of the pride, led by Chanua jumped on clearing to immobile lion. But happened something they didn’t predicted – redmaned, although surprised, quickly prevailed shock and shook off three attackers from his back. Just like that – he stood and threw away princess and her two friends. Because he didn’t know by whom he was struck, Yakta reacted violently. With instant blow of paw he hit head of first of attackers, pushing her away for over two meters. Knocked Kwini fell on grass, for a while completely immobilised. Redmaned jumped top second persecutor and opened his jaw to bite her throat with deadly blow. But he froze just few feet from Pili. He was attacking lioness.
“Ow, excuse me, ma’am.” Said Yakta with confused voice but then he was deluged by wave of incoming huntresses.
Chanua ran to daughter, but rest of team pounced and pinned Yakta to the grass. Lion – probably more thanks to luck than combat skills – rolled on the ground, overtook attackers and manage to stand up. Then another wave of huntresses came, he crouched, standing firmly and with front-right paw shielded his head. With two fast moves he pushed away two jumping lionesses and when rest got to his side, he started to draw back into edge of forest direction.
“Don’t kill!” called Kwini to her friend. Princess was hit hard and her cheek was aching like hell, but she didn’t lose her temper and still was thinking rationally. She wanted to interrogate that amazing stranger.
“Yes, ma’am!” automatically replied Yakta, who was just pushing away another lioness, probably Tatu.
“Stay here, dear.” Whispered Chanua and ran to fighting.
Although Yakta was giant and extremely strong, he was just one. It was impossible to resist against so numerous enemy and redmaned knew that. Minute of desperate dodging – especially that he didn’t want to hurt his enemy – had drained Yakta’s strength completely. So he did only thing he could.
“I’m so sorry.” He whispered. “But I have my duties.”
He grabbed Pili’s neck and pinned her to the ground. Lionesses, shocked after missed pounce failed to escape that grasp and fell down on the grass. Yakta extended his claws and closed them to lioness throat.
“Don’t move!” he shouted. Then he looked on his hostage, laying beneath him and asked with quiet voice. “Ow, sorry! Am I strangling you, miss?” <Slash!> a sound lioness paw, hitting redmaned’s face sounded. “You could just say: no!” yelled Yakta, shaking hit cheek, but he didn’t lose his grab.
“Stop!” called Chanua, repressing strike of her lionesses. “Release her!” shouted on Yakta.
“Good idea, ma’am.” Agreed lion. “But how could I know you would release me?”
“Get him, girls!” called Pili, for a moment loosing grasp of male.
“Silence!” growled Yakta and presses his paw. One of claws pinned a little on lioness fur, making a cut. When redmaned noticed it, instantly he loosen his grab. “Sorry! Are you all right!” Again, freed Pili’s paw hit Yakta’s face. “You could say just: yes!” cried lion, barely repressing burning pain on cheek.
Kwini stood up and – a bit uncertain due to being half-stunned – came closer to arena of fight. She looked on captured Pili, then on rest of team.
“Mom, I will handle it.” She whispered then turned to Yakta. “What do you want?”
“I want to apologise you, madam!” replied redmaned. “I didn’t know whom...” in then moment Pili made another attempt to free herself, but lion pressed her lower to the ground. “Lay low...” gasped. “And... what is your name, by the way?” asked. “Or should I call you just <Hitty>?” Pili in one, desperate try freed front left paw and – not seeing any better idea – once again hit Yakta’a cheek. “Ugh!” gasped lion. “How the hell should I spell that?”
“Pili, calm down!” called Kwini. “Hey, stranger, what do you want?”
“I have no hostile intention.” Assured Yakta, still holding his hostage. “I want just walk away from here.”
“Why have you entered our land?”
“I didn’t know it is yours.” Said redmaned. “I was just passing by...”
“You were tracking us!” noticed queen Chanua. Yakta froze for few seconds but then he replied with so blunt honesty, that it couldn’t be taken as truth.
“Well, I wasn’t tracking you but some others lionesses. But it’s a long story...”
“Release Pili and we will talk.” Demanded Kwini, slowly coming closer to lion and lioness. On her cheek was a deep cut, made by impulsive blow of Yakta. Redmaned just had noticed it and opened his mouth with shame. “If you won’t hurt he, we won’t...”
“You’re bleeding, ma’am.” Said Yakta with confused voice, pointing on Kwini’s head.
And because he was pointing on her head, he wasn’t able to hold Pili. He just let loose lioness, what she used instantly. Huntress rolled aside, stood on four paws and wave her tail to give a sight to others. Suddenly from behind Kwini’s back came a wave of lionesses, jumping on surprised Yakta. That time male was quickly pinned to the ground before he managed to react.
“Stop!” called princess, but it was too late. intruder was lying unconsciousness, under a layer of huntresses beating him. “Leave him!” repeated Kwini. “Ow, stars!” she exclaimed, coming closer. “What have you done?”
“It happened bad.” Agreed queen. “We have to get him to cave. Horen will fix him – knows some shamanic medicine stuff.”
*
Horen and Jino were marching west on river’s cliff. It was a peaceful region, but few weeks earlier a pack of hyenas had been seen there. Just in case, regent decided to scout that area. But if they wouldn’t find anyone, a beach on Western Border was nice place to stay, take a nap and wait for evening, what for Horen was hoping. But they found some unexpected guests, although those weren’t hyenas.
“Wait here.” Whispered redmaned, stopping Jino with wave of tail. “Some lions are on the beach.”
“Wait?” amazed prince. “You want to go alone!?”
“I want to sneak alone.” Replied Horen. “Until I don’t know whom I would charge, I won’t charge.”
So lion started to march in dense bushes of cliffs, carefully not to mane any unnecessary sound. He was looking on silhouettes on river’s bank and with every step heart in his chest was beating faster and louder. Those visitors meant troubles – he knew it well. But when he recognised the leader or of intruders he understood that those troubles would be even heavier.
It was so called: <Gerge> - a big pack of rouges, wandering from one land to another. Usually such a groups were gathering most violent and depraved ones. Horen knew it well, because he started his mature life in one of such gerge. As well as grayfurred and yellowmaned male among intruders.
“Keme!” thought redmaned. “You are still alive, rascal!”
Seven strong rouges were force beyond defensive abilities of Green Pride. Of course – if Horen ordered every singe of his lionesses to fight, join the battle himself and had a luck it was possible to drive them off. But for what cost? “Those outcasts are determined, don’t fear of death, because they inflict it so often... Fight with them will be a slaughter!” thought regent. “I have to negotiate!” So he left his camouflage and started to walk easily in lions direction.
“Boss, look!” called some of younger rouges. Whole group turned their stares on cliff.
“Good day, Keme!” said Horen, faking airy voice. “What a coincidence to meet you here.”
“Who the hell...” growled yellowmaned, but them he noticed a face of newcomer. “Horen?”
“In person.” Agreed redmaned. “I’m happy to see you too.”
“Horen...” repeated Keme quietly, but with move of tail he stopped two of his stalkers from instant attack on lion. “Surprise indeed... What are you doing here?”
“Living.” Replied regent. He knew that was the crucial point of talk. He had to discourage gerge from interesting in his land. “Am I acting like a king?” he asked himself silently. “No, I’m just acting reasonably.” And he added louder. “You know... temporally place to stay.”
“Where are you boys?” asked Keme. “Daki, Laki and that young one... your favourite... I guess he’s name is Amini.”
“They took a separate ways.” Replied Horen, trying to look calm, although he was sweating with cold sweat.
“Haven’t you settled down here?” asked rouge, looking with careful stare on regent. “I bet you are living with some cute pride here. Tell us, don’t be afraid... I’m expecting we will be neighbours soon... Because we decide to settle here too.”
Horen gasped in mind. That was the worst thing that could happened. But he had to play the role he could.
“There is a small pride here... But this is very poor land. I guess not worthy of interest.”
“I guess that wealthy enough to be worthy of your interest...” smiled Keme. “I like you, rascal, and that why I will let you live. Do not resist us and we will let you flee from here. Is that clear?”
“Absolutely, Keme.” Replied Horen with breaking voice.
About fifty meters from there, in high bushes of bank, Spotty, Danti and Ostasi were hearing the scene with terror. They said nothing, but all seemed to be clear for lionesses.
“Gilrs...” said finally Spotty. “I know we have own mission, but we can’t leave it this way. We must warn local pride from those intruders...” she looked with hatred on silhouette of Horen. “...and that traitor!”

Interesting thing about Horen. Well at least he has a good life with the Green Pride. He acts like a King... that's just what the Pride needs.

Now that Yakta has been taken by the Greenlands lionesses, how will they react to his story?

Sounds like a few rogues want the land but knowing Horen, he won't let that happen. Spotty seems to want to keep the land to it's true Pride and that's good but what about Horen?

Good chapter! Update soon!

The best thing Horen can hope for is soliciting help from the Pridelanders - after all, rogues are the enemy of every settled pride. But I doubt he'll want to show his face 'round those parts ever again, espeacialy since the Golden Pride he betrayed now lives there as well. And if Spotty reaches the Green pride before he does, he'll stand to lose them as well. And since he's allready way past his prime, he can't realy go wandering again.
Caught in between a rock and a hard place.

Welcome back. There is another chapter, with more about pride of Green Valley and more about our good (sic!) friend – Horen.

Anticipating the question – the name of rouge have nothing to do with Mufasa and isn’t a sing of my crypto-anti-pridelandism (sic!), but pure coincidence. Mafasa means in swahili: a run.

III. Bloody meeting

It was a grave mistake, a terrible error to turn back. That why he was looking on scene which he both wasn’t able and didn’t want to interfere. Or at least – he thought that initially. Horen was marching on the bank of Border River, about hundred meters after twins. He didn’t know why he stayed behind, but he was ready to bless the Stars for that, because Daki and Laki didn’t see that horror in water.
From high cliff the river bed was seen clearly. Stream was raging, what he was rather hearing that seeing in darkness of the night. But moonlight was shining on the centre of river, showing the silhouette of floating lion. He was wounded, bleeding from numerous cuts on his chest, barely awake. He was keeping his head over surface only because extreme effort – but it was clear that without any help blackmaned would drown quick, maybe even before he reach the waterfall.
Horen war gazing on struggle before him. He was like in parlays. Some voices were calling and ordering him to jump down in furious stream, to catch and get out dying lion. But body was disobedient – lion was standing still, as if he was only half-aware of drama in river.
Amini passed next to him, giving the last stare in lion’s eyes and screaming something through the roars of closing waterfall. That was the turning point – Horen opened his lips and shouted with terror, trying with all his might to jump ahead and get to drowning one. It was too late – blackmaned was floating helplessly to the edge. Also older lion couldn’t make any move, stopped by overwhelming force. Tears came to his eyes. He was still calling the name of Amini, but voice couldn’t change the unavoidable fate. Blackmaned disappeared on edge of waterfall, still looking in his eyes. A silent “Help me!” died on his lips. That was dreadful stare of fear and amaze of betrayed trust. Horen cried with pain and opened his eyes.
“Ugh!” gasped regent. Once again he repressed the scream in the last moment. Nightmare returned to him and was even stronger that at previous night. Horen stood up, carefully not to wake Chanua. He took a look around, on silent pride, Kwini and Jino and additional guest in cave – unconscious prisoner of war. But regent ignored that slight variation of landscape, because he had his own problems. He shook his mane from sweat and took a deep breath.
It was absurd – in reality, three years earlier all had come in different way. Yes – he did look on river and saw Amini. But blackmaned was then dead already, he couldn’t scream for help. And Horen was unable to help him... at least in that moment. Lion ran instantly he understood what had happened, so the memory of dead friend and ward was just a few seconds of terrible view. It was enough to haunt Horen for years.
“I haven’t killed him!” whispered lion in darkness of cave, probably repeating that statement for thousandth time in his life. But then he froze, when redmaned lion, lying in corner of cave murmured in his sleep. Regent felt silent and carefully came to prisoner. “Who are you?” asked quietly. “You are not from Keme’s lot, I’m sure of that!”
On forehead of stranger was a giant bump, making identification difficult. But even if Yakta was in perfect condition, Horen wouldn’t have recognize him. He had never seen that lion and had no idea that he was somehow connected with Golden Pride... his and Amini’s pride once. So the view of prisoner made no impression on him.
“Psst... my love...” he whispered to Chanua’a ear. “Your guest is waking up.” Queen opened her eyes with fear. “It’s all right, he is still knocked out.” Added Horren. “I was just wondering if you want to see his awakening.”
“Of course, I’m not afraid.” Said queen with sleepy, yet somehow humorous voice. “You are here and you will defend me in every distress.” Horen narrowed his eyes, but she didn’t notice that. “So let’s wake him.”
Regent and monarchess went to lying prisoner and stood over him. Horen carefully, ready to defend, nudged lion’s side. Meanwhile, although none had waken them, Kwini and Jino stood and came to mother.
“...you should get a compress with wet leaves and...” stranger continued a sentence from his last seconds before knock-out. “He? What?!” gasped, raising his head, but agile paws of Horen pinned him again to the ground.
“Easy, boy, so you won’t get hurt... more.” Murmured regent with dreadful tone.
“Be careful, my dear.” Said queen. “We don’t know if he is friend or foe.”
“We are guarding him, mom.” Said Jino, waiting next to Horen.
“What... Where...” yelled Yakta, awakening most of the pride. Then he recalled events of previous day. “NO!” He called. “I’m sorry, madam, it was an accident!”
“What he is talking about?” asked prince surprised.
“About me, I guess.” Replied Kwini, impulsively rubbing cut on her cheek. “He greeted me yesterday... in very expressive way.”
“If only I were there...” whispered prince.
“I’m sorry, ma’am.” Repeated Yakta, but fell silent, seeing he isn’t listened, or at least that part of his speech wasn’t bothering auditors.
“All right, let’s start from very beginning: who are you?”
“My name is Yakta and I’m rouge from Mighty Jungle, sir.” Said redmaned, being unable to lie. But in critical situation he was able to tell not all truth. “Are you king of this land?” Hearing this Chanua smiled instinctively. She wouldn’t had anything against if Horen confirmed that.
“No, but from authorisation of lady Chanua I’m responsible for safety of this land.” Said regent and just second later he scared of own words. “*****! I guess I should show similar courage in front of Keme’s thugs... not only before some wounded prisoner.” He thought.
“I’m terribly sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to interrupt pride’s peace.” Said Yakta with genuine apologising voice.
“I think he could be a scout of those rouges we met on Western Border.” Added Jino. Horen narrowed his eyes, because he didn’t wish to recall burning threat of his old friends.
“Maybe.” Nodded regent. “So what we should do with you, stranger?”
Most of lionesses came to centre of cave to look on prisoner. Among females Yakta noticed scratched Pili and swollen Kwini. He moaned, recalling his recent acting.
“Ma’am, is that serious?” asked princess, pointing with head on her cheek.
“I guess I won’t be pretty for next few days, but as you can see, I’m still alive.” Replied lioness.
“If I may add something, I suggest you look beautiful... even in that condition, madame.” Replied Yakta, but he instantly felt that such a statement sounds quite weird.
“Stars!” murmured Horen. “Have you hit him in head?”
“Release him.” Said Kwini. Regent looked on her with amaze on his face. “I know what I’m doing, Horen.” Said princes and Yakta, hearing that name, barely repressed a yell. “Apart from my new make-up and few Pili’s cuts he did nothing wrong to us. Yes, I’m sure, mom.” Added, anticipating queens doubts. So Horen and Jino carefully loose prisoner, but Yakta stayed on the ground, still uncertain what to do in such situation. “Ow, he is exhausted. Give him some meat.” Ordered princess.
Pili, not hiding her anger but also extreme interest in exotic guest brought him some leftovers for supper. Mean while redmaned came to queen and – being carefully watched by Horen and prince – bowed before her.
“What should I do to make up you that embarrassing entrance?” asked.
“Nothing, I guess.” Replied monarchess. “Kwini seems to forgot about whole case... Or wait, I want you to swear you won’t attack or break peace on our land. If you do this, you will be our guest.”
“Milady, I’ve never intended to harm your pride... and even if, your subjects would have quickly stop me... But of course, I swear not to raise my paw on your people...”
Talk become quite polite and pleasant, but – of course – Golden Ones heard little from that. All they knew was that Yakta had been captured and being kept in cave.
“We must free him.” whispered Ostasi. “The frontal strike when pride go on hunt is the only way.”
“So let’s wait until morning.” Agreed Spotty. “And for now we must find some safe place to sleep. Far from path, for not to let them track us.”
Friends went deeper in bushes, choosing a lone hill with dense forest to hide from locals. They didn’t organised any sentry, but sleep of former Outlanders was light as a feather.
*
Keme was waiting for scouts, so he still was awake. He was old lion, so he needed a little of rest and he was curious to hear any news. He sent three younger and skilled trackers on reconnaissance in valley to search for leftovers, tracks and others sings of life. It was required to estimate enemy’s strength before attack. Keme was an experienced leader – he knew that few days of waiting would greatly increase chances of success. And he wanted to win that time. He was sick of wandering around. He was ten year old and the place to stay for calm retirement was his current aim. Of course, he would never say that straight to his lions. If they sense any weakness in leader, they would depose him. But if he had a pride... not bunch a treacherous thugs but lionesses, loyal and constant... That was he was aiming at.
“Just like Horen...” thought Keme. “Ow, you old rascal... you know what’s the best... I’m almost ashamed, taking it all from you!”
*
Horen returned to his brushy bedding next to Chanua, but he stayed awake for about hours. Partially he was afraid of returning nightmare. Although it had never come to him twice on night (at least until then), but when rouge closed his eyes, picture of drowning Amini flashes in front of him. False picture, unreal memory, but it was so alive and convincing, that redmaned was almost ready to believe he indeed had seen death of his ward. So after few moments he stood up again, passed next to sleeping pride and exited cave.
Day was coming and east side of sky started to turn grey. No one saw this scene, because Greeners were asleep and Golden Ones already had hidden farther in bushes. So Horen was observed only by fading stars. Old lion seldom was thinking about eschatological matters but that night was as close to ultimate question as he could be. He turned his head to the sky and asked blurred points of light.
“What I should do? Amini... do you hate me so much, that you haunt me even from there?” Of course, no one answered him, but redmaned continued. “But what do you want? Who will have a profit if now I confess everything? Who will gain on my shame... You want me to lose love of Chanua and respect of her children? Do you see it? I’m no longer taking care just for myself... I want save them, take them from here before Keme comes... Amini, be generous one time more... Help me!”
But in that moment he tensed and fell silent. It was stupid to talk to the stars, waiting for answer to come. Those lights upthere were nothing more than... lights upthere. Too far from earth to have any influence on those who stayed low. “I will do, what I have to.” Thought Horen. “Whatever it takes!” Old lion returned to cave.
*
The life on Outlands was definitely a hard trial. But passing this trial brought some prizes that no Outlandresses were initially aware. What once had been necessary to survive during expeditions on Prideland, turn out to be mastery in camouflage and sneaking. Three lionesses discovered that Green Pride wasn’t even half careful than they expected – Spotty, Danti and Ostasi easily tiptoed almost to cave and watched hunting team going out. However, they didn’t hear most of talks among Green Ones.
“I do not like it.” Said Horen, looking on Chanua on lead of lionesses. “I still think we should all go on hunting, including our host... I mean: guest.”
“My dear, we will be careful.” Said queen. “We’ll try to go only in south-east regions, okay? And you have to keep our cave... and assist our guest.”
“Well... yes, but...”
Queen looked on regent with her special stare. In fact it wasn’t a request, even not kind ask, but something different: a gesture of total and unconditionally trust in Horen’s judge and will. If then redmaned decided to order lioness to strike on intruders, stay in cave or flee from land, she would have do it without hesitation. She was trusting her regent and love. If Horen had no scruples to use common naivety of creatures around that particular kind of naivety was so temping to use that old trickster felt a shame, as honourable hunter, waiting on game next to waterhole. For several seconds he considered situation, then he decided. “Good, go. I will keep our stranger and guard our keep, my queen.” In thoughts he added. “And if Keme go here I will try to negotiate peaceful surrendering.”
“Sure... Jino will help you.” Smiled queen and regent narrowed his eyes.
“No, not Jino!” thought redmaned. “It only complicate whole thing...” But it was too late to develop another plan. So lionesses set off on south and queen, before she left, ran to Horen and licked his cheek. After few minutes any sounds of hunting team ceased in dense forest and in cave stayed just four lions: Horen, Jino, Yakta and Kwini, still recovering after fight with guest.
“Hey, you...” said regent, trying so sound firmly and forcefully. “Are you going to be good?”
“I beg your pardon, sir?” asked stranger.
“I ask you, if I could trust in your honour and left prince and princess with you.”
“Of course you could!” replied a bit offended Yakta. He also added after few seconds with simple-hearted impulse. “But if I was a traitor, I would say the same.”
“Horen...” Kwini came to regent and whispered him to ear. She also was treating him with mixture of parental respect and familiar fondness. “He won’t hurt us... and even if, we won’t be able.”
“You want to spy those intruders?” asked Jino with growing amaze. “Alone?
“I’ll be all right.” Replied regent. “And we have to know more about them...” said and added in mind. “...to know what bargain we would do.”
“May I help?” asked Yakta with polite voice.
“Yes.” Replied Horen. “Sit here and do not let any bad, big rouges inside, if they happen to came here.” Then he whispered to Jino’s ear. “If something goes wrong, you escape through back-corridor and search for queen.”
“I want to go with you!” replied prince, with breaking voice.
“You primary quest is to guard your sister.” Said Horen. “Leave the rest to me.” Then he looked on Kwini and said. “Do not go far from cave... But if you see nearby those herbs I gave you yesterday, try to gather them and make a compress.” Then, not saying more, he set off on west.
“I don’t want to be rude, but I very curious, what is going on here.” Said Yakta. Kwini came to him and looked on him through her left eye. Her right eyelid was still swollen, what made princess looking like real veteran.
“Don’t worry, Yakta. We have some local problems, but nothing to do with you... You said that you are looking for some lion... relative of yours.”
“Far relative.” Said redmaned. “Or in fact, relative of my pride-mate. I was asked to find him. But if I would be useful in defence of your land, it’s my duty to support so generous hosts.”
“Yes...” murmured Kwini, rubbing her cheek. “You would be serious support for us...”
“We will handle it ourselves.” Murmured Jino. “Horen will do something smart.”
“I have no doubt he will.” Said Yakta, oiling the works. “But if you allow me to help, I wish to search for those herbs.”
“You said you like me in that condition too.” Smiled princess. “But as you wish... Jino, keep an eyen on home, we will be near.”
*
Horen wasn’t sneaking or even cared for being quiet. He was running to the beach, where he hoped to find Keme and his pack. And he was right – on river’s bank gerge’s leader was present, with two his younger underlings.
“Horen?” smiled yellowmaned. “How nice to see you again. Are you done with your businesses? Could we take over land right now?” asked with bored voice.
“No, there are some problems.” Said redmaned, playing to be firm and calm. For all his life, Horen was lying – to survive in pack of rouges, then to gather his own team, later to keep them in one piece after disaster on Prideland. And for his all life he had been lying in own business. “But no more.” Thought lion. “Now I have to deceive that rascal in good of Chanua and kids. Amini, do you hear that? I think it makes me better. I’m no longer a liar. I’m the trickster!” He smiled to his thoughts and continued. “You have to wait few days... the better in some distance, not to scare lionesses. Then we will leave...”
“You with your queen and – if he wants to – with that young lion.” Added Keme, waiting for shock on Horen’s face. His scouts did excellent job with spying the pride. But redmaned remained calm and even with slightest grimace didn’t show his fear and surprise.
“Ow, Stars!” he thought. “They have us like in sack!” then he added louder. “Keme, my friends, why you are tiring your boys so much. What for all those games... I would tell you everything about pride, if you asked me.” Keme smiled. “We will soon go. I with Chanua, prince and princess...”
“No, Horen.” Said rouge leader, shocking his head. “There won’t be so easy. I want your pride, but also I want queen on my side. Girl stays here and will me my mate.”
Redmaned repressed impulse of fear with heavy effort. Negotiations turn out to be harder than he initially had thought and a new threat appeared. “Stars! We must retreat! This monster really want to get Kwini!”
“I will tell her about your proposition.” Said Horen carefully.
“Convince her.” Replied leader. “You could be very cogent, if you want to... Because you want to, right?”
“I will do my part of deal, friend.” Said Horen. He tried to still sound firmly, but his voice sounded tensed.
“So, go now...” said Keme. “But do not try to escape with whole pride!” added with freezing growl. “You will not cheat me. If you try to take my pride... I will track you and kill you in way you couldn’t now imagine...”
“I’m not a daydreamer-type.” Replied regent. “I prefer to focus what is real. I will do what I have to.”
“Good, good...” smiled Keme again. “Remember – do not escape!” Horen turned away from rouge and started to walk ahead, pretending he was calm and airily. In fact his heart was beating and his head was full of screaming voice. His paws were burning him to run, but he had to play still. Because of heavy effort with keeping his pose, he didn’t hear a strange sounds from bushes nearby. It was a muffled crying.
In few moments whole Spotty’s world turned to ashes. In the same moment he got know that redmaned lion was her father and understood he was about to leave another pride, betray someone else... do the same what he had done three years earlier. She had spied on lion, because she had suspected he would pack with intruders against local pride. She ordered Danti and Ostasi to keep an eye on Yakta and went after redmaned. She saw whole scene and heard every word of that bargain. Only thinks that were calling in her head were yelling with disgust. “He sold pride that hosts him!” “He is ready to give that poor princess in paws of those brutes!” And one, louder: “IT’S MY DUTY TO STOP HIM! BECAUSE I’M HIS DAUGHTER I HAVE TO!” And in the same moment to her ears came another order of Keme.
“If you think I trust this liar, you are wrong.” Said leader to Masafa, young, brownmaned scout. “I want you to track him... If you judge he wants to betray us... finish this scum!”
*
Horen was so drowned in his thoughts that he had no chance to hear the enemy. In normal conditions it would be difficult anyway, because Masafa was skilled stalker. However – not so skilled to take down old Horen in one blow.
Brownmaned pounced on old lion with outstretched paws and extended claws. He jumped out from wall of dense bushes and overturned his victim. But redmaned – in well-trained impulse – managed to fall down on the ground, letting attacker to fly above him, not inflicting a fatal blow. Stalker’s claws ripped back of regent, but missed neck artery. Redmaned yelled in pain, trying to turn to adversary direction.
“I’m tired to spy you.” Murmured Masafa. “I will solve your problem here and now!” Then he pounced on bleeding lion.
Horen knew he had a limited chances against younger scout, so he decided to act as unpredictably as he could. He jumped too, but lower, trying to pass under attacker and gain some time. Masafa was too surprised to inflict blow in the air, so regent’s plan worked. Partially.
They collided about four feet above the ground and joined in one swirling mass of paws and claws. Horen managed to cut enemy’s belly hard, but only with one hit. Then the game was over – because older lion was below, he was pinned down by heavy scout, falling down. Redmaned was close to victory, but he failed due to badluck. Both predators hit the grass, but regent laid unconsciousness. Scout shook his head, prevailing pain and confusion and raised his paw to finish his job. But then Spotty came.
Lionesses pounced with deadly accuracy, grabbing the raised paw in her jaws. Landing, the raging Outladnress clenched her teethes, smashing scout’s bone. Masafa cried from pain once again, but he reacted instantly. With left paw his Spotty, immobilised with her grab. Lionesses in last second managed to shield her face with left paw and thanks to that she lost orientation. In desperate attempt, she rolled her body and struck at random with rear paws. She hit some flesh, sensing she tear it hard. Masafa screamed for the last time, hit again with left paw, almost stunning his enemy. But them he stopped, like paralysed.
After a while, when no other blow came, Spotty opened her eyes to see body of assassin, laying in growing pool of blood. His crotch-artery was cut by desperate attack of lionesses and then the last drops of life were floating out from brownmaned. Spotty sighed with pain but also with relief and fell to the ground between the dead body of stalker and unconscious father.

Good chapter! Nice to see Horen and the Pride treating Yakta kindly. Keme is one scheming lion. His scout is dead thanks to Spotty.

I wonder what she'll say when Horen comes to. How they react to the fact they're father and daughter? This should be interesting!

Horen will not leave his Pride. After his mistakes in the past, he wants to make things right for the future.

A story goes on. I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist and I’ve written another song. It’s rather important for understanding Spotty’s character.
I probably failed to create talk of Kwini and Yakta properly but it supposed to be funny and not so naughty;) Whatever, have a nice reading.

IV. Years too late

The plan was simple – Danti and Ostasi had been told to stay near cave and have an eye on Yakta. Spotty asked them just to gather information and try to stay unseen to locals, before they all decide what to do next. But after just few hours Golden Ones understood that their friend wasn’t kept in normal custody. He was just... carefully observed guest.
“So, tell me something about you.” asked Kwini, when they were carefully cutting down herbs for compress. “After all I still know nothing.”
“Well, I doubt if there is something interesting in my story, ma’am.” Replied Yakta, but seeing the inquiring stare of princess, said. “I was separated from my pride in early cubhood orphaned soon after. For few years I was living nearby, in the Mighty Jungle. But it happened that I managed to find my pride... And now.” He stopped for few moments, carefully choosing his words. “I’m doing my best to my pride, the only family I have.”
“Pride!” amazed Kwini. “You, so powerful male, are living with pride? Not as a king...”
“I’m a subject of king Kovu, ruler of Golden Pride.” Replied redmaned, trying to express it proudly.
“Well... interesting...” murmured princess. “But you have never thought about founding own domain?”
“It’s a bit complicated.” Replied Yakta. “Somehow I’m supporting my king in starting his domain... Or rebuilding it.”
“You are very mysterious, mr. Redmane.” Said Kwini. „All right, I will wait until you will wish to say me more.”
And it took few hours – princess and Yakta were walking in bushes in vicinity of cave, collecting herbs. Meanwhile, Golden Ones were trying to get closer to friend and report to him in discrete way. But it was hard, because Kwini was for the most of time close to redmaned. Unwillingly, lionesses were eavesdroping that strange pair.
“Not many of those plants.” Murmured Yakta. “But maybe you will lay here and we will try do some compress on your cheek, ma’am?”
“Don’t be so caring, Yakta.” Replied lioness. “As you see, I can walk without problem and the sooner we gather those herbs the sooner you will fulfil your <penance>. But if you believe me, I took no offence after that... misunderstanding, you could get back to cave. I’m sure I will manage it myself.”
“If that is not a problem I wish to help you. Not only to make up for my behaviour but also for pure honour to talk with you, ma’am.” Kwini smiled.
“And on morning you said I have beautiful bump. Yakta, I guess that you easily flatter lionesses.”
“I would be extremely carefully with generalizing, ma’am.” Replied redmaned with indifferent tone. “As for now I have never paid compliments to another lioness than you.” He thought a while and added. “And I disagree with your word <flatter>. Some says I’m not witty enough to lie, especially in that matter. I still claim that every my statement about your fairness is true.”
Princess looked on him with wide open eyes and burst in laughter. She was laughing to a longer while and then said with playful voice.
“You are good! Those are the prettiest flatters I’ve ever heard and your juridical tone makes me almost believe me. Who taught you that?”
“Legal matters? Master Tiko of Mighty Jungle.” Replied Yakta with pride. “And thanks to that I’m now official jurist on Golden Court.”
“Come on, Yakta!” whispered Danti, hidden about ten meters away in bunch of orchids. “You are doing well!”
“Ow, I doubt if he is really picking her up. I guess he talks what he thinks.” Noticed Ostasi.
“Who cares, the result is the matter.” Replied lioness. “And as far as I see, she seems to be delighted.” And that strange talk between guest and princess continued.
“So, when you find that cousin of cousin or whatever you are looking for... What you will do?” asked Kwini.
“I will return to my king to continue my service.”
“Don’t want you to live on your own?” asked lioness.
“I was living on my own, solitary for all my cubhood.” Replied Yakta with a bit tensed voice. “Such kind of freedom is the cruellest captivity than you can imagine.”
“Ow, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...” said confused Kwini and came closer to lion. She cuddled to his side, trying to conform him. Because Yakta was almost totally deaf on such kind of social sign, he stayed like paralysed for those seconds she was close. “But maybe some day you could take your way – own but with someone?”
“I haven’t thought about that.” Confessed lion. “And I probably won’t until I have my mission.” Kwini moved back a bit, hearing that, but she was still smiling with enigmatic smile.
“What?” gasped Ostasi, looking on whole scene. “I can’t believe it! She was his already. Is he so silly that he made a pass at princess and even didn’t notice it!?”
“I see some real progress here.” Disagreed Danti. “He dropped with <ma’aming> her to about two per minute. But what you are going to do?” asked. “Have you a plan to help him?”
“Not yet, but, I’m working on it!” replied lioness.
“So lay low, ma’am.” Instructed Yakta, carefully putting on princess cheek a wet leaves of greening herb. “I will try do it proper. Are you feel comfortable?”
“I can’t move now.” Replied lioness. “You could itch me on right tight?” Yakta sighed with genuine confusion.
“Ma’am, I guess it’s a bit indecent.” Murmured lion and she burst in laughter.
“Go ahead - No one sees us.” Said princess with innocent tone.
“With that assumption we should use nights to give vent for our lowest inclinations.” Noticed Yakta carefully.
“All right.” Replied Kwini with tempting voice. “I’m for!”
But anyhow Yatka understood that ask, his reply was interrupted by some unexpected event. Datni and Ostati – who decided to take a bit in their paws – sneaked to tree above princess and redmaned and then carefully pushed a small colony of tree-ants. Hive fell down on lying lions, squashing on Kwini’s side. Thousands of insects ran out from broken home, creeping on lioness. She screamed, standing up and throwing a compress away. Surprised Yakta, looked on whole scene of about half a second then started to rub ants out from Kwini’s fur. To do it quicker, he used all tools to do that... including his tongue, which he licked and devouring numerous insects. After a while Kwini stopped to scream, seeing Yakta is about to solve the problem, so she surrender to agile moves of his paws and mouth.
“Ow, that what I call <bite of love>” smiled Ostasi, carefully withdrawing from area. Although alarm stopped, it didn’t prevent Jino from panicking. He ran out from cave and speeded to clearing with bared claws. He get there, ready to pounce on enemy, stopped seeing his sister being... licked by guest. He froze in place and opened his jaws.
Yakta froze too, understanding the... weirdness of whole situation. He stood next to Kwini, discrete removing last of insects from her fur and looked on prince, then again on princess.
“Ow, Jino?” asked surprised lioness. “It... it’s nothing. We have handled the problem.” Added with voice confused as stare of prince. Lion was looking for while on last ants being removed from sister’s fur, then went away without word. However, before he entered the cave he took an inquiring stare on pair.
“E... did you get some serious bites?” asked Yakta awkwardly.
“No, you was very quick.” Replied Kwini. Without any discussion, they took scattered herbs and set off to pride’s keep too.
“I think they were going better without our intervention.” Noticed Danti.
*
Spotty awoke about dusk. She opened her eyes, feeling weakness in whole body and hearing a monotonous buzzing in ears, most likely a keepsake from recent fight. She instantly stood up, almost jumping and took a quick look around. But after few seconds she came to conclusion that if she was alive, not devoured nor even bitten, she was safe.
Lioness looked on Horen. Her father – she spelled that word in mind with kind of morbid fascination – was unconscious, but surely alive. He had no serious injuries, aside two light cuts on his neck and swollen paw. It could be broken or just twisted. Maybe it wasn’t to pleasant, but wasn’t also a life-danger.
Brownmaned scout, called Masafa, was long dead – Spotty cut his groin-artery making him bleed-out quickly. Handsome face of rouge expressed not even any pain, but an amaze that some unexpected force had drained his life so fast. Although he was a murdered, lioness couldn’t stop herself from a wave of sympathy and regret. “You was punished for even try of leonicide. Some others succeeded in it and are still alive.” Thought with freezing irony and looked again on Horen.
“Why!” she whispered in the air of dusk. “Why it turned this way? For years I was dreaming about finding you. I was praying to the Stars to find also that your leaving had it purpose. That you weren’t as bad as I feared... But know? I had to meet you while you are forging another treachery!” She touched his front-right paw to examine the injury. But when her paw-pads touched – for the first time in her life – father’s body, she froze. She had been doing it in harsh way, but she wasn’t sure if only because of hurry. “Did I wanted to hurt him? To make him feel a pain?” she though with disgust. And then her touch became gentle and carefully like she was touching a cub. It was her father! A creature she was obliged to love and respect. But why it happened to be so hard?
“I wonder if you even remember mother.” She said to knocked lion. “Ow, don’t worry. Except of me, you have no family to disturb your peace. She died one year ago. She never told me about you – I had to seek any information from others. It doesn’t mean she didn’t love you. I guess she said me nothing, BECAUSE she loved you. But I was taken in vain – now I found by myself who you are and why I shouldn’t know more.” Lion moaned, still unconscious, but Spotty stopped and with fear looked on swollen leg. If she wasn’t gentle enough? “And what he do now?” she asked the coming night. “You are going to left this poor pride, that trusted you. And I’m your daughter, blood of your blood. What ever you do, I’m somehow part of it. If you leave them, I will have to stay instead of you.”
Evening breeze blew on lion and lioness. It was a cooling and pleasant wind after hot day. It did one good thing more – because the body of Masafa was still there, just few meters away and it started to rot, breeze dispel any sign of smell. Spotty was so wrapped up by her strange mono-dialogue that she didn’t notice it.
“So the story is going to make a full circle.” Smiled Golden One, however in her eyes appeared tears. “Again you leave. After you left our pride, I made everything I could to replace you and make up for your betrayal. I was working so desperately hard to atone for you... But I failed it anyway!” she sobbed louder. “In final moment I betrayed too and left my queen to die... I guess my genes kicked then. I’m your daughter after all.” She bended down to his ear and whispered to Horen as if he was awake. “But this time I will mend it! I won’t allow you to hurt anyone else, I promise... dad.”

[“Joined by blood” song. Tune is grave, melancholic and a bit romantic.]
[Dusk, stars slowly appears on darkening sky. There are some clouds, being blow by wind. Half moon is low over horizon. On clearing there are three silhouettes – dead Masafa, knocked – although slowly returning to consciousness – Horen and Spotty over him. Lioness sings, in the same time she puts some brushes under father’s head. It looks strange, contrasted to harsh words of song.]

Way – whatever I wish take
- Lead me into prints me makes
Lead me to repeat the old, sad song

[Spotty noticed three lines of track: of Masafa, of Horen and hers. She discovers her pawprints, although smaller, are very similar to her father’s.]

Although I wish live a new
I just can’t deny that truth
I’m his daughter in all good and wrong

[She looks east, in Priderock direction but then Horen moans quietly. She instantly turns to him, paying all attention on wounded father. She goes to bushed and gets a wide leaf with a little fresh water on it. She returns to redmaned and water his forehead.]

Joined by blood and joined by sin
What he did I did with him
I know I can’t just escape from my fate

[Memories of Spotty: she as a young cub with Doria in Outlands on Border River bank. Mother and daughter play together, although face of mature lioness is sad and absent-minded. In background we see Zira with young Kovu. They stay in small pile of rock where is sketch of Amini on it. Spotty is very curious about that silent memory-ceremony, but before she goes there, mother stops her.]

If my reason to live on
Is to better sing his song
I will pay for all wrongs that he made

[Cub looks on mother and asks about something. From moves of lips he could presume that there was word <father>. Doria replied nothing in return just takes daughter back to mounds.]

Chorus:
From his blood I grew and breathe
Bond too strong to be relieved
Doesn’t matter what will come
It won’t part us - we’re the one
And however it hard’ll be
I must love his part in me

[Capture of mature Spotty over Horen. She clenches her paw and puts it on own chest. There is expression of determination and will on her face. Redmaned moves in his sleep but she fails to notice it.]

If I manage to improve
Some his tracks, go them a new
I will also find goodness in him

[Another lioness’s flashback: she and others Outlandresses in day of Battle of Reunion. She as one of the firsts goes after Vitani to give up. A stare of amazed Zira – Spotty shrinks under it. ]

Every try that I succeed
Is point for all of my breed
One less sin from list for to redeem

[Flashback of final part of fight, when Zira is slowly sliding to the gorge. Lionesses – including Spotty – are looking on it, standing like paralysed. Then vision ends – lioness shakes her head (that gesture is similar to Horen’s gesture we know from The Golden Queen) and look around with sane stare.]

Maybe – if I do this all
Stand for him where he did fall
Mend all errors, fix damage he’d done

[Unexpectedly – probably even for lioness herself – she crouch down and hugs father.]

We’ll no longer be apart
Joined by blood and joined by heart
We will be the family to live on

[Sings with stare pointed in stars. From her face disappears tears, claw fully hides to pawpads. Expression on face takes a determined tone]

Chorus:
From his blood I grew and breathe
Bond too strong to be relieved
Doesn’t matter what will come
It won’t part us - we’re the one
And whatever pain it brings
I must sing the songs he sings

[She stands and with decisive moves comes to Masafa’s body and pulls him into bushes. Music stops.]
“If you even aren’t hero... I will make you to be.” Smiled Golden One, looking on father. We will fix all this mess.”
And then on jungle clearing ran numerous lions silhouettes. However Spotty – touched and drown in thoughts – wasn’t so absent-minded for not to take an defensive position. For her first target he picked a young sandymaned male, seemed to lead that pack. Because attacker turn out to be surprised by lioness’s readiness, she manage to overturn him quickly and slash right in face. She was aiming just to inflict possible the heaviest pain to at least temporally knock out the most dangerous adversary. It worked because male yelled with pain and rolled aside, holding his mouth with right paw.
“Spotty! Wait!” called terrified Ostasi. “We are the relief.”
“What?” gasped amazed lioness. “You mean... they are all on our side?” Then she looked on sandymaned, rolling still on grass and hardly repressing himself from loud gasps of pain.
“They were... recently.” Murmured Danti with hopeless tone. Yakta, who ran to first row of gathered predators, when noticed another royal family member seriously hit by guest, discretely withdrew back and his face became almost as red as mane was.
Few lionesses from Green Valley ran to Jino and Chanua jumped to Horen. Then all of them noticed a lifeless body of Keme’s scout and some Greenlanders murmured with admire.
“Thank Stars!” called queen, examining redmaned. “Just a twisted paw.” She licked lion’s cheek and he opened eyes, looking around in shock.
“Nice hit.” said Ruka, one of Green Huntresses. She stopped over Masafa and with experienced eyes judged Spotty’s cut.
“No, it wasn’t me.” Said Golden One, trying to sound convincing. Maybe it was her merit, maybe some gene heritage, but she played it well. “I was attacked but he...” she pointed on standing up father. “...saved me and killed that rascal.” Lionesses turned to Horen with silent admire expressed on their faces.
“Spoty...” said Danti with uncertain voice. “We found that this lion is most likely...”
“Windy Rouge, Horen.” Said lioness and came to still confused redmaned. “My father.” A silence fell on clearing and all eyes turned to newcomer and regent. All eyes, except of Jino’s – lion was still gasping from pain and two lionesses were helping him to stand up.
Horen looked on lioness next to him and desperately tried to find out what was going on. “Father?” he thought. “Who is she?”
“Dad... I’m you daughter, Spotty.” Said sandyfurred female with emotional and touched voice. Then she added quieter, for only regent to hear. “Hold on with hugs and tears and DO NOT recognise me! You left us before I born.” Although Horen had very little data to analyse, hearing that he thought that such a lioness could be actually his daughter. She seemed to be trickster as good as he was.
“You?” asked confused.
“Me. Daughter of Doria from Golden Pride.” Then she gasped a quiet hint. “More amaze, a bit of confusion and disbelief.”
“How it’s possible?” asked lion, fulfilling daughter’s requirement, although completely unwillingly.
“I don’t know, but it happened.” Replied Spotty aloud and added to Horen. “Now a hug. You are shocked and still as a log. I will make all emotional stuff.
Then Horen – in deed still as a log – felt a warm touch of his daughter. His mind was struck by numerous thought. Some of them were totally irrational – for instance: touch of young lionesses, even if it was only playing emotion, was pleasant and soothing. But most of voices in his mind were thinking hard about all that extreme situation. From few Spotty’s words he figured out that if she could be really his child. He remembered Doria well and felt unusual – as for him – sentiment for left mate. Lionesses before him was similar to her – had a sandy fur, green deep eyes. Even voice of stranger was reminding Doria to Horen. So regent finally verified most obvious hypothesis and understood he was in trouble. He was a father.
“Our hero...” Chanua came to regent and licked his cheek, interrupting his hug with Spotty. “You took out that awful intruder...” Queen seemed not to surprised by Spotty’s confession, so probably she had been told about it earlier. “How many was told about me, when I wasn’t listening?” asked himself Horen but returned Chanua’s caress. “How sweet and luckily you managed to help your pretty child...”
“Ow, Stars!” yelled Spotty, who instantly stopped her role when she notice that Jino was still holding his bleeding face. “Sir, I’m terribly sorry!”
“Yakta, is that some kind of custom?” asked lioness standing next to redmaned. “You – Golden Lions - are greetings in the one scheme: to hit the host and apologise then.”
“Have we return to that, ma’am?” asked Yakta with painful voice.
“What we should do with body?” asked one of Green Ones. Horen hearing that reminded whole situation just before the fight with Masafa and shivered.
“Stars!” he gasped and look on Spotty. “You’ve killed... I mean: I’ve killed Keme’s rouge! That is the worst thing what could happen!”
“It spoils your little business?” asked lioness quietly, that only redmaned heard her. Then she added louder. “We will manage. You will defend us all, father.” Then she again left her role because she returned to apologising Jinu. “I was so shocked I took you for those rouges... Can you forgive me?”
“No offence taken, ma’am.” Said prince, both still confused by a blow and enchanted by lioness’s charm. “Do not talk about this. Let’s back home.”
“Spotty!” whispered Ostasi, coming to her friend. “We know everything...” then she noticed that Golden One is still weak and tired. “Or... let’s go to their keep. We will tell you about all this.”
*
Horen was slowly returning to awareness. He was decisively ordering all information in mind then he found he understood a bit from things around him. So Keme had sent his pawn to track him. To kill him? Possible, but not probably – so why he had done all comedy on river’s bank? It was accident, caused by over-zeal of young scout, who wanted to impress his leader. But accident or not, the Keme’s lion was dead. It complicated all things twice. But on the other hand, if not that unexpected relief, redmaned could be dead then. And who did it? His daughter from Prideland... It was a coincidence so am amazing that Horen hardly believe it. He looked on young beautiful lioness, walking next to Jino and chatting with him, from time to time taking a look Horen. But even when theirs stares met, lion read nothing from green eyes of child.
“You have daughter and you said me nothing.” Whispered Chanua, walking next to him, gentle cuddled in his side. Nine out of ten lionesses would say that sentence with reproach, but queen expressed only her surprise. Horen was amazed that she loved him so much and looked on him with so trustful eyes. He would have never trusted a creature like himself.
“My dear... I can assure you, I’m surprised as much as you.” Said, accidentally telling pure truth. But his mind was far from family matters, focused more on unavoidable confrontation with the gerge. Situation once grim, turn to be obvious catastrophe.
“Yesterday we were standing on the edge of doom.” Murmured Horen with hopeless voice. “Since that time we have made a significant progress.” But he said nothing aloud and was walking farther, between queen Chanua and his new-found daughter.

“Yesterday we were standing on the edge of doom.” Murmured Horen with hopeless voice. “Since that time we have made a significant progress.”

Progress, albeit towards doom in stead of away from it.

Horen is definatly a "weak" character, and I like that: characters without flaws whatsoever are boring, after all. It's the flaws that give characters depth, and Horen seems to have flaws aplenty.
I of course meant flaws in the way of their personality, by the way, not as if they were somehow badly concieved! Vices might have been a better word.

V. The Truth to be confronted

It happened that Greenlanders and theirs strange guests set off back in last moment. About hour after that Mshauri – second in lead in the gerge – found that clearing. He was too experienced scout and tracker to ignore a plenty of alarming signs there. He quickly determined that thirteen lion females and three males had been there recently. Then he recognised all prints as made of Green Pride... apart of five others. Four, made by unknown lions and fifth made by Masafa.
“Masafa...” he whispered, sniffing a dead scent from bushes.
He ran to wall of plants to find lifeless body of companion, laid in shallow grave. The surprising fact that killers were kind enough to bury enemy seemed to be burning mockery comparing to the death of rouge. Mshauri closed his eyes and breathed slowly. He wasn’t a completely heartless machine – he felt serious pain in chest, reminding lion with whom he had talked just day earlier. But in that particular moment he was focused not on fate of friend but own and his living companions fate. And what would happen when Keme get know about that.
A whistle sounded – that was a special hunting-sign of gerge. Scout shivered, because he recognised who whistled – it was boss himself.
“Mshauri?” called rouge-leader. “Are you there? I’m waiting for report...”
Scout slowly came out from bushes to meet his superior with unusual, feared expression on face. He had never seen Keme looking like that.
“Kiunda and Fumo haven’t found him... even any trace...” was talking leader with emotional, extremely feverish tone. “Something went wrong... Horen tricked us... *****! Where is Masafa!?” finished with breaking voice. Mshauri was standing still, with no idea what to do. After a while of silence, nervous leader noticed his fear and asked with inquiring tone. “What? What did you see?”
When Mshauri made no move, Keme looked behind lion to notice squished bushes nearby. Without any more word, he walked slowly to exhumed grave of dead scout. Then a ear-piercing roar sounded.
Mshauri gathered his courage and after about two minutes turned to chief and came closer. Old lion was holding dead body in his paws, looking with hollow stare on lifeless face. When he noticed that his stand-in is near, he just growled.
“Go away.”
“Sir, they still could be around... They could hear you. Let’s go back... We will come here tomor...”
“AWAY!” roared Keme, even louder than before. Although night was warm, scout felt as if temperature in front of him suddenly dropped to level long not recorded on that latitude. Mshauri said nothing just turned back and started to quickly marching in beach direction. When he disappeared from chief’s sight, he started to run, intending to warn others as soon as possible.
And Keme stayed there, still holding Masafa’s body. Although it was hard to believe, from eyes of rouge were floating tears. Lion sobbed and bended down to lick motionless face of scout.
“Masafa...” he whispered. “It can’t be... It can’t be, my boy... My son...”
Horen heard both of roars from rouge-leader, but even he didn’t fully understand what whose meant.
*
So strange family (we could call it family, because Horen was somehow joining all lions together) reached the cave. Redmaned was still shocked and was paying a minimal attention to whole chaos around. He was automatically responding on questions, smiling when was talked away by Chanua or Spotty. He even completely ignored a pain in front-right paw until it grew so intense, that redmaned overturned and fell to the ground.
“You are so alike and...” was still talking Chanua. “Horen? HOREN!?”
“*****!” gasped lion.
“Ow, Stars!” yelled queen. “Your leg!”
“No, it’s nothing.” Replied Horen, but he was still gasping with pain. “Just...”
“Let me help you, father.” Said Spotty and supported redmaned. She lift him up, however regent was to injured to stand by himself. “Let’s go. I will hold you.” Added lionesses, still supporting him set off ahead.
“My dear... maybe we stop?” asked queen with fear in her voice.
“No, we must get back home.” Replied lion. “It’s much better if we sleep tonight in our keep. Those rouges are much more aggressive that we thought.”
“So there is now other way, father.” Whispered Golden One. “So we must resist them.”
“E... we?” surprised regent. “Spotty, I must talk with you... But not now.”
“As you wish... daddy.” Smiled lioness with some mysterious expression on her face.
During way back Horen and Spotty were told about events that had happened in pride’s keep. When hunting team had returned from expedition, some to huntresses noticed odd tracks in cave’s vicinity. So Golden Ones decided to left their cover in last honourable moment. They came to queen Chanua and tell her true. Since that moment the chain of surprised had started. Danti had a tears in eyes, saying this, but she reported to Spotty what he had discovered. Windy Rouges had come to Green Valley and stayed there. But Daki and Laki were long dead for then. Hearing that Spotty felt perfectly what were feeling her friends – a lost chance. Theirs fathers were no more, so lionesses had no chance to confront lost parents. And they... deceased Daki and Laki had no chance to make up for error from past. Golden Lionesses were mourning not only their loss, bur loss of their fathers – then unable to apologise and reconcile with past. Lionesses didn’t know the real events behind twins departure from Prideland. The only living testimony of that was Horen himself. And Spotty had own, others matters to do with him. “And what I should do with you, dad?” she asked in minds. “You have a chance that Daki and Laki had not. You have to use it. I must make you to do that!”
They got to Green Cave about midnight, when moon was in it’s zenith. Pride and guests filled the main chamber almost completely, so Chanua had a difficult task to laid all her household members and newcomers. Kwini quickly took initiative and ordered lions according to her own idea. It could be a coincidence, but it could be not – it happened she was to lay next to complete confused Yakta.
“Don’t worry.” Smiled princess, looking on lion. But when redmaned was still looking on her with uncertain stare, she added. “I’m terribly sorry for my behaviour today. Just forget all nonsense I said today, right?”
“I’m afraid I’ve already forgot.” Replied Yakta, shocking Kwini a bit. “It’s shame to confess, but your presence both delights me and distracts my mind so much that I hardly analyse what you are talking about, ma’am.” She looked on him with eye-pupils extended in extreme amaze, as she was thinking what he had said. “But I’ll try to correct myself.”
“Yakta... you are most weird creature I’ve ever met.” Confessed lioness honestly. Then she smiled.
“Thanks for a credit, ma’am.”
“Are you serious with all those fla... I mean juridical objective statements about me?” asked with mixture of perversity and curiosity.
“I think I’m not able to lie about that.” Replied Yakta. “And even if I could, in that particular case I have no reason to do that.”
Meanwhile Horen and Spotty went before cave. Redmaned hobbled with fast tempo to hear sooner what his new-found daughter wanted to tell him. She was both in hurry, but also she was extremely scared by this talk. She was afraid by old, wounded lion who was supporting on her side. When they reached a small pan with waterhole, redmaned sat heavily on the grass, waiting for her to start. But she couldn’t say a word.
“All right... so I will open it.” Murmured Horen. “I know it’s a bad time for that. Every time is bad for such a matters. I think that in spite of all that comedy you played in front of Chanua and kids, you are here to judge me for what I’ve done to you and Doria.” She nodded her head, but in her eyes some tears appeared. “Listen, I won’t play fool before you. You could name me whatever you want, curse me with every curse you think is proper... but give me just three days. For now I have to solve that rouge crisis and...”
“WHAT!?” gasped lioness with amaze and sudden bolt of hope. “Are you not going to escape?”
Horen wanted to reply: “Of course I have to escape, because I have no chance to survive here. Keme won’t let it go... and I’m unable to defend pride. All I want is to take Chanua, Kwini, Jino... and you with me.” But he just again took a trickster-pose and replied with firm voice.
“Believe or not, but I’ve changed for all those years.”
“You will stay...” whispered lioness with smile of her face.
“I will do what is necessary.” Said redmaned and however it wasn’t exactly the confirmation, Spotty took is as confirmation. “And when it all is over, we will talk about all thing I did in past. Just give me three days.”
“It doesn’t matter, dad.” Sobbed Spotty. “I’m not here to judge you... I have no grudge against you... just now I see...” she stopped for a while and suddenly hugged her father tight. “I love you, whatever you say about it.” Finished with cry.
“I would say I don’t deserve it.” Said absolutely honestly Horen. This time he felt that impulse of lioness was true and it shook him hard. It was something hypnotizing in touch of daughter that regent for one second wished that all what he was saying was real.
“You won’t leave me... you won’t leave them...” added Spotty with delighted voice. It wasn’t a question but a informing statement. Horen felt something similar to watching Chanua’s reaction. Another lioness trusted him so much that she ignored the obvious truth.
“So go rest, daddy.” Whispered Golden One. “But tomorrow remember that you could count on me... as your faithful child... In anything you intend.”
They stood up and once again redmaned had to support on Spotty’s side. Marching back to cave regent felt as if – however it was impossible – fur on his neck was strangling him.
*
The next morning on Border Beach was a continuation of recent nightmare. Five remaining lions were looking on their leader with stares full of pain. Keme returned just before dawn and laid sleep without a word. But his silence was more scary that every roar. For instant: he hit Fumo, who was waking him – so hard, that if scout wouldn’t have dodged, the blow could broke his neck. Then leader went to river, swill himself from sweat in cold water and got back on beach. There he laid in indifferent lay with hollow face. But from time to time he was repeating some murmurs.
“I will rip his eyes out and fill his sockets with sand... Or no... I will cut his tendons and leave his swirling, yelling body in a termite colony... or I...”
“Boss, shouldn’t we go on hunting?” asked Mshauri carefully. Leader looked on him with madness in his eyes.
“Do you know erka-plants?” asked with dreadful tone. “In wet area small sprouts grow about two feet per day. I wonder if I rip Horen’s belly... you know, not to damaging his arteries...” explained lion with voice of true expert. “...and put some erka spout inside of his stinking bowels, would it blow his body out after few days?” he stopped for few seconds and added. “But he had to outlive those few days. Well, it would be interesting...”
“Boss!” called Mshauri with fear. “Drop it! We need to hunt.”
“On lions, in particular.” Smiled leader with malicious smile. “Call boys, it’s time.”
Mshauri understood that his chief had something more on mind that just getting next meal, but he followed that order. Scout knew what sort of relationship had been between Keme and Masafa. From few scattered rumours he even build a whole theory explaining it. He heard that Keme, before he joined to his first gerge, was living next to some established pride and had even mate there. Of course – in secret. But when his lioness gave birth to a cub, furious king of that land killed it and almost killed also Keme. And some said that this event turned young and simple-hearted rouge into monster he was in those days. With death of his newborn son Keme lost every feature of kind and sympathising creature. He left mourning mate, joined the first gang of rouges (he also met Horen there) and quickly became a leader of gerge, thanks to his mercilessness and aggressiveness. But his group one found a strange prey – a newborn male cub. Shocking all old and brute rouges, Keme decided to keep that child and raise it in pack. Not surprisingly it was Masafa. Lion became leader’s favourite and it had been well known that he was destined to become Keme’s successor. Outsiders like lions of gerge seldom use words like <family>, <father> and <son>, because the merry world where those terms are common is unavailable for them. But with his sixth sense Mshauri felt that relation between his chief and orphan could be described only by such a word. That meant Keme was kept on the edge of basic moral instincts (and also sanity) thanks to presence of growing ward. But when his bond was cut, Mshauri wasn’t sure if he still had a lion being in charge of him. When he brought pack to chief, Keme called with decisive and loud voice.
“Gentlemen, our plans have changed. We are not to conquer that pride.” Rouges looked surprised on leader, expecting words of mourning after deceased friend. But what they heard was too confusing to easily believe it. “With death of Masafa we are weaker. Nor now we can’t just attack that pack, kill Horen and force the obedience of lionesses.” In his voice – at the first hear – wasn’t any tone of sadness nor anger. But careful auditor would have already detect a madness creeping through tongue of chief. “So we won’t get a pride this time, we are not here for that. As I say, we won’t enslave them. We will...” he didn’t changed melody of his voice even for one note. “... eradicate every single of them, leaving nothing but cold bodies behind us. No questions?” asked with airy tone. “Good! Let’s go hunt.”
*
Yakta woke up before most of pride. He used this advantage to discrete withdraw back, because he noticed that Kwini’s paw somehow found itself on side of redmaned during the night. Then he stood and noticed that there were neither Danti nor Ostasi. He took a look around and seeing he can’t find them in main chamber, he exited the cave.
Both of them were in the bushes just next to entrance and both of them were crying, holding each other in tight hug. Yakta would have return to cave for sure, but in spite of loud sobbing, skilled huntresses heard him instantly.
“It’s... nothing...” whispered Ostasi with breaking voice. “Go sleep...”
“I guess I showed lack of my manners already.” Murmured confused lion. “So maybe I use that pitiful situation and anyway ask you, what has happened.” In one second redmaned became pressed by hug of two Golden Ones who were indeed seeking any support in that moment. Lion felt uncertainly and it was completely different kind of uncertainness he felt in paws of Kwini. “I don’t know if everything will be all right...” started with his natural honesty. “...but I’m ready to everything I’m able to, to make things better.”
The case was simple – lionesses were mourning death of theirs fathers. It wasn’t any jealousy towards Spotty, but because Spotty succeeded to find her parent, she was no longer person appropriate to talk with Danti and Ostasi. From sobbing and whispering tale Yakta concluded that both his friends felt in one moment not only miss for dead fathers, but also long muffled guilt because of them.
“Zira would beat up any lioness who remind us betrayal of our fathers.” Sobbed Ostasi. “But it was, is and will be the truth – thanks to Horen, Daki and Laki, Amini died and our pride starved for years... And mister Horen is on the best way to atone for that...”
“What it can’t be said about ours...”
In that moment Yakta understood that caring about females is ten times harder than caring about cubs.
“I heard they died standing for they new family.” Said infirmly. “I’m sure it was the sign of their true, noble nature.”
“But we have no way to confirm that.” Sobbed Danti.
“Mister Horen know everything... if he only say us whole story, he...”
Horen didn’t hear that talk but if he heard, he would have thought something like that: “Well, it nice to be a father again, but if that meant to confess about my others secrets, I prefer to stay silent.”
*
Horen’s paw was hurting like hell, but redmaned paid limited attention on that. He was more concerned on doing something completely without purpose – on training Green Pride. “We won’t stand a chance.” He thought. “The sooner they will give up, the greater is the chance Keme will restrain his rage... But they will surrender, right after they notice that they defender... ran away. Stars! Why it has to go the same was over again!?” yelled in mind.
Training looked weird. Three Golden Ones plus Yakta were more deadly fighting force than rest of the pride. Skilled in combat, especially lion-to-lion combat, former Outlandresses and natural-gifted male were equivalent of ten Greenlandresses. Horen quickly mixed both groups and tried to continue the training, but then his daughter took him aside and whispered to him.
“Dad... Please, do not take it as a lack of respect, but I think that we: Danti, Ostasi and I should be in command. We have a fresh experience from...”
“You lead.” Interrupted her redmaned. “But just try to play my adjutant. It would be better for morale if I’m still considered as chief.”
“Sure, dad!” smiled lioness and licked lion’s cheek in bolt of enthusiasm. “Do we will do something like... hm... just you have to repeat aloud what I will whisper to you, right?”
And exercises were going in new way, up to midday. Then Horen decide to do a break and sent lionesses on hunting. Of course on the most directed east part of jungle to avoid danger from rouges.
“Dammit!” gasped regent to Chanua and Jino, standing next to. “I just can’t find a good way. We all should be here, do be ready. But if we don’t hunt we will starve.”
“Don’t you even think about that.” Said queen. “With your paw you have to stay here. We will be all right.”
“Jino, could you go with them?” asked regent.
“Sure, Horen. I will make sure we all make it.” Chanua went back to hunting team and prince came closer to redmaned. He whispered on his ear. “I have some... quite difficult matter to cope with.”
“Go straight.” Replied regent. “I hope I could help.”
“It’s about... your daughter.” Said prince in so awkwardly way that it sounds almost funny. In fact Jino and Horen knew each other for two years. Spotty and Horen know each other for about twelve hours. But still... his carer was Spotty’s parent. “Do you have something against if I would try to... know her better?” asked with almost breaking voice.
“Definitely not.” Replied Horen, but in the same time he felt that new circumstance made his situation even harder. “Ow, Stars! Not now! In any other time I would be delighted... But for now I will be happy if I get Jino alive from this mess! If she eventually convince him to stay and defend pride...” he added quickly. “I think she will be glad of that... but boy, not now, please!”
“All right, all right.” Replied prince, but he was in the same time smiling like a tiny cub.
Horen returned to cave and laid himself on brushy bedding. He was unable to sleep, but he had to have some time to gather his thoughts and make some plan. The negotiations. Then not with enemy but with his friends. To convince them to give up. To make Chanua and kids escape with him... And then? “I’m not leaving them.” Thought regent desperately. “I just can’t solve problem alone. I will go to some lion land and help local pride for help...” And then he realised that in only two prides he know well he was probably the most hated lion ever. “Who will help me?” yelled in mind. “Pride of Kovu? Kovu would help murderer of his father? Or maybe that Pridelanders? I killed just Kilia, but they probably don’t know about it... is that possible that one error in past could escalate to such a stalemate?” And Spotty. What she would think about him, when he confess her they have to leave. What he hadn’t said it was he hadn’t been completely unconscious then on clearing when lioness was first talking to him. Barely but he remembered her words and that sad song. “Again I have to be a trickster.” He concluded. “No one will die, Chanua, Kwini, Jino, Spotty and I will temporally withdraw and return when time will be right... I will convince them. I can be very convincing.” Finished his plans, almost believing he was actually good guy then.

Ah, some background on the antagonists from the gerge. I am allways enthousiast for that. Pitty for them they are pretty much doomed, though, with Keme descending into a madness that is likely to estrange him from his acomplishes.
But Horen is at least making progress, of sort, placing Chanua, Kwini, Jino and Spotty's life on par with his own. But caught in his own web of lies and deciet, his chance for a hapy ending is becomming rather marginal.
I feel a slaughter comming up soon (Rwanda style if it's up to Keme).

Keme is thinking of extermination on the Green Pride I see. Well he's deep into his own madness it seems. At least Horen is trying to make up for his mistakes in the past... but still his plan to save his family doesn't make up for what he originally did.

So we had a touching-over-spoken-sublime-tragic-and-so-on-part. Now, let’s have some action. Keme’s plan is in motion... but not only his plan!

VI. Facing the enemy...

It sounded paradoxically, but Keme’s mad plan to kill Green Pride was easier to apply than just a plain conquest. All what rouges needed to do was to hunt down lionesses, one by one until they were all gone. Of course, many of gerge noticed serious lacks of that idea. For example, if they were Greenlanders they would have ran away finding what meant rage of Keme. But this was just a secondary, technical matter. Mshauri was thinking about something else – mainly about: WHY THE HELL THEY WERE GOING TO MURDER WHOLE PRIDE!?
“Stars!” thought rouge. “Keme is mad! I don’t want to participate in his sick vendetta. Masafa was a cool guy, but it doesn’t mean we should celebrate him with such a mess!”
Leader’s adjutant couldn’t be described as too noble or too kind-hearted, however he knew some boundaries – slaughtering of lionesses, most likely innocent (Masafa was the attacker and whoever killed him, did it in self-defence) was not his cup of tea. But how tell it to Keme? In such state of mind chief was ready to tear every rebel to pieces. Mshauri knew that rouges were too scared to disobeyed Keme and if leader ordered to kill his advisor for betrayal, they would have done it. For the very first time the idea of deflecting aroused in Mshauri’s mind. It sounded funny, almost ridiculous, but somehow it was chance to survive without spotting his paws in blood... too much. But how could he? He was with gerge for three years and pack saved his life. Even if adjutant chose to leave his chief, he still had some duties to companions.
“Ow, I just can’t! I couldn’t imagine myself , fighting against boys... I don’t know what we will do, but we have to do it together.”
But then he left dismal thoughts and focused on his hunting quest. He was waiting for Kiunda and Fumo to bait him a warthog. So he turned his head in direction of expected chase and heard a sounds of run. He was observing a moves of leaves and bushed and when target came on right distance, he jumped out from his hiding behind a fallen trunk. Easily he pinned prey to the ground and killed it with single bite.
“Good shot!” smiled tired Fumo. “That one will be plenty for us, even if boss and guys found nothing more.”
“So go for them.” Ordered Mshauri. „We will divide the meat.”
*
In second group were – apart from Keme – two younger rouges: Epesi and Hahiri. They were new recruits, obedient and trusting their leader. So they didn’t asked any question when chief ordered them something very far from classic hunting. They were beating up the game but not for Mshauri. For Greenlanders.
“Excellent.” Smiled Keme seeing that by roars and loud run they had scared most of creatures east. “It will provide them some fun. Now, let find...”
“Boss!” called amazed Fumo, who just found the second group. “What are you doing?”
“Right thing.” Replied leader. “Do you have something to eat? We have to gather our strengths...”
Rouge came to his superior and whispered on ear, for young recruits not to hear.
“Did you beat all game to them?” Keme just smiled. “But why! It’s madness!”
“It’s a bait.” Murmured Keme. Fumo instantly understood whole plan of lion.
“But... but...”
“Do you have food or not?” asked Keme harshly.
“Yes... Follow me.” Replied scout. Leader turned to younger underlings.
“We will feast and then follow the game. We have a chance to took out lionesses one by one while they are scattered in finding food.”
“But boss, how do you know they won’t recognise our trap?” asked Mahiri.
“They are thinking rationally and that why they want to gather as many food as they could to prepare for siege.”
“Listen to the chief.” Murmured Fumo with tensed voice. “He is absolutely right.”
Scout thought Keme was indeed right, especially about one thing – Greenlanders were acting rationally, and gerge was not. Although gang was about to fulfil its quest, Fumo had more and more doubts if that could be described as a victory.
*
Jino left Horen and quickly joined the setting off hunting team. So only wounded regent left in cave, but queen ordered him not to engage intruders at any cost – redmaned was told to hide in escaping tunnel in case of attack. With hunting group were going also Golden Ones and Yakta, whom Horen ordered to be constant guard of pride.
Spotty left his father with some anxiety but she trusted in his wit and carefulness. “In fact, it’s the best thing what could happened – I’m worried about dad if he is too courageous. But anyway I hope that some of his cold reason stayed with him and he won’t do something stupid.”
”Something is wrong, ma’am?” asked Jino, marching next to her.
“Eee?” Spotty seemed to awoke from daydream of her thoughts. “Ow, sorry, I was thinking about recent events.”
“Are you really going to stay with us, during we will be defending from those rouges?” asked prince with esteeming voice.
“It’s obvious.” Replied Golden One. “I’m Horen’s daughter and - as far I as figured – he is responsible for your safety and sovereignty.”
“He is doing it also just by his own will...”
“Prince, tell me one thing.” Interrupted Spotty. “I mean if that is too personal...”
“Ask what you want. I hope I could answer.”
“Who is my father to you, your mother, sister and pride?” asked with uncertain voice. “You know... I wish to understand him and I have to make up for few years...” Jino sighed, took a look around as if he was checking if nobody listen to them. Then answered with serious voice.
“There is no secret that my mother loves Horen. He stays here as her... not an official mate, but person as close to that status as it’s possible. And he actually raised Kwini and me... so he is our carer and tutor in the best meaning of that word.”
“Do you remember Daki and Laki?” inquired lioness.
“Hardly.” Confesses Jino. “They came here and died shortly after when I was just year-old. But I know they were heroes, as your father is.” Spotty narrowed her eyes, but instantly then appeased her face, not to show any emotion.
“He didn’t tell them!” she thought. “They know nothing about his past... Well, not surprisingly, because they were quite amazed about my existence. It’s bad, very bad that dad said them nothing. But if he is going make up for leaving us by defending this pride, I have no right to tell Greenlanders about his past.”
“Ma’am?” asked Jino.
“Again I went away?” smiled Spotty, returning to reality. “I’m sorry... by the way, why do you address me <ma’am>?”
“Shouldn’t I? You look like a princes.” Said Jino, who prepared that compliment few hours earlier and was trying to say it since some time. It sounded a bit rigidly, but Spotty’s fur on neck raised a little what was sing of pleasant embarrassment.
“Nice to hear that, but I’m just lioness of pride. And you are prince.” Jino wanted to say something, but she added. “And for know I’m not thinking about titles, prides nor such a stuff, but I – and we all – have some serious work to do: secure your people.”
“Ow, how touching!” murmured Keme, laying in bushes in hill over them. He was observing marching column of Greenlanders, waiting as lionesses start to scatter in search for preys. Epesi and Mahiri were at his side, ready to fulfil leader’s orders. In second division Keme sent Mshauri, Kiunda and Fumo to follow the pride on its path. On given signal they had to attack on random likeness, kill or cripple her and withdraw from scene. And then repeat it until final victory...
“Good. They are splitting” Murmured leader and raised his tail in fixed sign. “I give the free paw for Mshauri to do his part.”
“*****!” yelled Fumo, about two hundred meters away in valley. “Keme gives orders.”
“We will fulfil them.” Murmured Kiunda. „What’s a big deal?“
“He will find there is no Mshauri here!”
“We will... avoid boss as we are avoiding lionesses now.” Replied scout. “Come on, trust in Mshauri. He will take us out from that swamp.”
“I hope he will do it quickly.” Murmured Fume. “Boss tells us to engage...”
*
Gerge’s adjutant was about five kilometres away, in front of Green Cave. He knew that his mission was risky and he was revealing his presence to eventual defenders of keep. But according to his expectations, cave was guarded by none but one creature.
“Horen?” called darkmaned lion. “I know you are there.”
“Have we been introduced?” asked voice from main chamber of complex.
“You could remember me, my name is Mshauri.” Said adjutant. When no response came, he added. “I’ve joined gerge few week before you, Daki and Laki left it.”
“Right. I remember some lion named Mshauri.” Said regent. “But what about it?”
“I came to talk.”
“I will talk with Keme.” Replied redmaned, but then he added with curious voice. “Or anyone who speaks as the leader of pack. Are you going to depose him?”
“No, you won’t beat us with your games.” Replied adjutant. “I won’t leave chief in the eve of battle. However for now I’m speaking in name of gerge, excluding him.” In that moment Horen exited the cave, trying to hide his hobbling. Of course he failed in front of so skilled scout. “Don’t be ashamed by your weakness. I’m not here to fight. I’m here to make a deal.”
“I’m listening.” Said regent and sat in doorstep of cave. Mshauri was waiting in scorching heat of midday and Horen was covered in shadow of rocks. But it was necessary to show who was a host there.
“You killed Masafa.” Said rouge with serious voice.
“I’m terribly sorry.” Replied redmaned with irony. “And I’m terribly sorry that I’ve interrupted him murdering me!”
“Whatever happened there, you are in big trouble.” Said Mshauri. “Masafa was Keme’s favourite.”
“He had five more underlings to rule. I guess he won’t be mourning that poor rascal too long.”
“You are wrong!” replied rouge with tensed voice. “Masafa... was indeed his favourite... like his... I don’t know... son?” Horen pretended he wasn’t scarred, but in fact he understood what it meant. “This is no longer matter of gerge, this is also personal matter for Keme. He is about to kill you... as well as rest of the pride.”
“But you are telling me that...” noticed regent with firm voice. In the same time his terrified mind was looking for any way out of this situation. “I suppose now without purpose.”
“Yes.” Agreed Mshauri. “You will do, what I tell you... without questions nor objections. Only that way you and your queen will survive.” Horen nodded his head. “Musafa was my friend and I’m furious on you too.” Continued rouge. “But it doesn’t make me blind. You must go away, Horen. We can’t forgive you killing one of ours.”
“I can’t leave my ma... queen and my wards...” replied regent impulsively.
“You could take with you your, so called, family. We expect you to persuade rest of lionesses to stay and...”
“...serve you.” Finished Horen with tensed voice.
“Do you really think we will be worse masters than you were?”
“I didn’t hurt anyone!” called lion. “They hosted me because they wanted to and...”
“Keme wants to kill you.” Interrupted him Mshauri. “I offer you life for departure from here. I think I’m able to convince boys... and stop chief. I don’t know how long time it will take we come here. I suggest you to go away before sun sets. Do not bargain with me. I’m too generous anyway.” Then rouge turned back and set off to the jungle green wall. Horen was looking after him with hollow stare. In his mind many thought were boiling but the shape of ultimate decision was already forged. To make Chanua and kids... Stars! He was thinking about Spotty as he was <his kid>, like prince and princess! But it didn’t matter – to make them to flee from valley. It wasn’t sure what was to be done next, but in that moment it wasn’t the most necessary. Just to survive.
Suddenly a terrified roar sounded over jungle.
*
Chanua was commanding the hunt. Seeing that forest was unexpectedly full of game, she ordered lionesses to split in small teams and bait as many preys in centre as they were able too. Jino, Yakta and Golden Ones – responsible for safety - were objecting that, but queen was old and devoted huntress, so she was already thinning with logic of predator. So Greenlandresses scattered on area, seeking for running creatures. That was the moment expected by Keme.
“Now!” he ordered.
His two companions set off after leader. They ran to remote clearing where two lionesses were pinning lone gazelle to the grass. No one was asking what gazelle was doing so deep in jungle, but it wasn’t a concern of huntresses. But in moment when three rouges entered the scene situation changed radically – the predator became a prey. Terrified gazelle ran from lionesses paws and they – extremely amazed – stood to defend from new danger.
“Finish them!” growled Keme with furious blaze in his eyes. “Now!”
Youngsters weren’t too avid to become female-butchers, but will of chief was so overwhelming that they didn’t dare to oppose. Epesi and Mahiri pounced on first of huntresses – Pili and pinned her to the ground. The second one – called Kisima – was targeted by Keme in person. When scouts knocked they enemy down and stopped, uncertain what to do next, leader jumped on Kisima’s back and instantly hit her head. She fainted and fell on the grass then Keme extended his claws and lowered his paw to lioness’s throat.
“Boss?” yelled Epesi with breaking voice. After all he was still a cub inside – his almost three year long life was hard but it failed to kill all moral instincts in him. So he closed his eyes with disgust, not to see the terrifying end. However it didn’t come.
Yakta had limited skills of fighting but in one attack he was undoubtedly the master – in frontal charge with full mass. Heavy lion pounced on gerge’s chief and easily pushed him away. Both males were rolling few meters before redmaned – prepared for such a situation. Stopped and stood on paws. Keme was kicked several metres farther, but he was about to regain initiative soon.
Meanwhile Kwini pounced on Epesi and Mahiri. Under normal circumstances it would be impossible to stop two strong males, but in fact both scouts were so amazed by acting of their leader (and Epesi even had closed eyes) that they were pushed by surprise from Pili’s back.
“Yakta!” called scarred princess. “And what now?” she asked, standing over unconscious body of friend and before two, slowly returning to action lions.
“Shun them!” replied redmaned. “I’m coming to you...” then he was hit by heavy Keme’s paw. However he finished with firm voice. “...ma’am.” Then he jumped aside in dodge.
“Jino! Mom! Alarm!” roared princess and jumped aside too, shunning the firs charge of Epesi.
Spotty heard that distress call and reacted like good commander should. Before of her eyes appeared silhouette of queen Zira, who had been countless times explaining rules of defence in hostile condition. Memories stretched her courage and allowed her to order with decisive voice.
“Pride! To the princess, now!” seeing more and more lionesses appearing from dense bushes, she was still ordering. She localised precise direction of eventual fight and pointed her paw in it. Meanwhile she was waving with tail to call lions. “Go! Tight formation, do not stop unless I told you! To the clearance! To the clearance I said! Break to the open area!”
“Stars! That chick is good!” whispered Kiunda, looking on Spotty, commanding the surprised pride. “What we are doing?”
“I’m afraid we must relieve boss and guys. Engage random lioness outside the group.”
So they both pounced on lone female, who went several metres from pride. However they had an extraordinary badluck – they chose Ostasi. Golden One ran aside, thinking that moves in bushes were sign of another lost Greenlandress. Those disturbance was made by rouges, what Ostasi understood a bit too late to withdraw. But it wasn’t a catastrophe, at least not greater for her than lions.
They pounced on lone female, hoping to knock her off in one charge and pull her to bushes. But she shunned both jumps with unbelievable speed and instantly returned a hit (or in fact – attacked as the first). Fumo felt a burning pain in side and noticed that his belly was scratched by four parallel red lines. It was masterfully inflicted blow – not fatal, of course, but so painful that stopped attacker on almost half a minute to prevail ache in wound. Meanwhile Ostasi jumped on Kiunda.
Former Outlandresses were skilled in combat, much more experienced than rouges, however they weren’t able to transgress natural limits of their sex. Males were much heavier and stronger and lack of their agility was recompensed by significantly greater endurance and pain-insensibility. When Zira was training her pride to eventual fight with Simba, she didn’t dare to order single female do it. There were special three-pieces AMAT’s (“anti males attack teams” how called them Vitani) to deal with that. In trainings – where Kovu was playing Simba – two lionesses had an order to overturn enemy and then keep him immobile, then the third one of group was to try hit in some vulnerable spots like throat, tendons or face.
Of course – there were reports of legendary fights of warrioresses like Zira or Hawaa (however she gave her life in lone fight against Simba), but those were just exceptions to complete the general rule. Golden One knew that she would only slow enemy down and wait for help.
“Danti!” yelled Ostasi and avoided rouge’s blow in last moment.
“Hold on!” called lioness, running with two Greenlandresses to relieve.
Fumo managed to stood up then he noticed three running females. He jumped on one in centre, knocking her down to the ground. It happened too fast for Danti and Tatu to react. Young Theluji was knocked down and instantly cut in leg. Fumo – however far from blood-thirst of his leader – couldn’t resist from paying a little payback to eventual killer of his friend. He slashed not as deep to break a tendon, however wound was extremely painful, what Theluji announced with ear-piercing cry.
“Retreat!” called Kiunda, seeing another lionesses in way. He and Fumo instantly jumped aside in wall of dense forest. “We must regroup and search for another one outside the pack!” panted scout. His friend just nodded and hid deeper in bushes.
“Do not pursuit!” yelled Ostasi, seeing that intact Greenlandress was about to enter the jungle and chase the males. “They are just waiting for that... Now...” she pointed on Theluji, sobbing from pain and grass. “Help me get her to the pride... Before they are back!”
All went wrong – Spotty was hearing the roars of fight before them, where Pili, Kisima, Kwini and Yakta were engaging the unknown enemy, but she was unable to just run to them – she had a pride to lead and now a wounded one with her. “Dad! I need help!” she pleaded in her mind. And louder she called.
“All are breaking through to ambush! Jino, stay with me.”
“I’m here, ma’am.” Replied prince and they both ran to slowly retreating division of Ostasi.
*
Horen was running through the jungle as fast, as he could run on three paws. He didn’t know how much of his route he had done, but felt that it wasn’t enough. Full way to hunting team – four, maybe five kilometres he hoped to make in half an hour. After quarter of running, or hobbling with his injure thought dense forest, he understood that it was extremely optimistic presumption. Suddenly he noticed some silhouette before him. He stopped and it stopped too, but in the next moment a laughter sounded.
“Go on, Horen!” called Mshauri. “You have to get there and make them surrender now. I don’t want to lose my new pride in such a blind slaughter like that. So where we will meet? How about beach of that river?”
“***** you!” gasped regent. “My paw is twisted!”
“Ow... how sad...” murmured rouge. “But I won’t carry you. Do it by yourself. I’m going make sure that boss won’t... damage our spoils too much. And you just think how to appease your ex-pride. So long!” and started to run with full speed.
Horen cried with pain, burning his paw and but then set off again. He had to get there for any cost, didn’t matter if he wanted to play a hero or just sell Green Pride. But in that moment he was trying to think about nothing. He cast out visions of dying Chanua and Spotty. But then a memory of dead Amini’s body came to his mind. Lion roared with rage into deserted jungle.
“Is this your vengeance?” cried into green, but no one answered him apart from distant roars of fight pain and calls for help. Horen clenched his jaws and ran further.

Mshauri is doing a good job in playing his part of the ambitious second-banana, but since Keme's plan isn't really working out as it should, he'll probably miss his shot at usurping himself a pride. Unless, of course, Horen ultimatly (and without knowing it) manages to make Mshauri's plan come true against all odds.
How ironic that Horen's upcoming intervention will probably endanger his loved ones more than just having stayed in the cave.