Animation Source Forums

Thanks!
I was afraid that idea of making dark and very ambiguous character as a daughter of Jenna and Balto (btw. I really grew fond of Cher, during progress of writing, doesn’t matter, what she was doing.) would be rejected by readers. But I had to create some original heroine – I just can’t write a merry stories, or at least, others are doing it much better than I.

Actually, I have a TLK story already written, but only in Polish version. I’m thinking about translation, but I’m a bit scared by than task – text is long (over 300 000 chars) and quite hard due to few reasons. First of all – I’ve written it without thinking about translation, so my language there is quite “baroque”. Second: important role in that tale have my “poetry” parts, that could sound awful (and I suppose they do!) to people speaking English as their first language.
But for some time I’ll probably get another bolt of inspiration and I’ll have to write something;)
I don’t know what it would be – I’m thinking about a) translating TLK-fic or b) writing TAoS sequel and a short novel as an appendix to TDoF (a story about mackenzie sisters).
What do you advise?

Ps.
Polish TLK story is called “Kolejny obrót” what means “The next round (of The Circle of Life)”.
Plot is about generation of children of heroes from “the Scar’s Heir” (i.e. : sons of Vitani and Tanabi and son of Kiara and Kovu). An introduction to that story is in epilogue to “The Golden Queen”.

You're right about one thing: your stories can't always have a merry main character, sometimes they have to have some darkness.

Since you have a TLK story in the polish version, you're right, it might take you a while to translate it. 300 000 words is a lot! Don't worry about any poetry parts. To be honest I don't mind it. It makes the story flow.

Truth be told, I could use another TLK story to read. It's all ready been written so it needs translation right? Well, work on that then ease your way into 'The Age of Steele' sequel. But that's my opinion and sort of advice.

Either way, your stories are worth the read!

Take care!

Oh, no, I’m not as creative yet <lol2>. I meant: 300 000 characters, that is almost the length of The Scar’s Heir of The Golden Queen. You have convinced me – I’m trying to translate it, but it really hard work. I’ll be publishing chapters much slower that in case of previous stories (for sure – not so often like TDoN) but I’m going to do it, sooner or later.
So today I’ll display the first chapter. Be honest in rating it (that is ask not only for BaltoLuver, but for all of You) – if that story isn’t your cup of tea, I’ll thing about Balto-stories.
So TNR is story starting about six years after events described in TLK:SP and my earlier fanfics (TSH and TGQ).
If there are readers who have problems with understanding my “globish” poetry, say it. I’ll make some kind of glossary;), because those songs are sometimes important in plot.

Ps.
I just remind, that Prideland and Golden Sands are on the southern hemisphere.

Pps.
As usual – text is filled with grammar errors. This time could be even worse, because I haven’t done a solid proofreading. But I hope the final version (on the site) will be technically better.

The next Round (of The Circle of Life)

Dramatis Personae (in alphabetical order):

Akra – lioness from Golden Sands.
Amali – daughter of Vitani and Tanabi, mate of Mtanga.
Anasa – mate of Dhahabu
Baka – young lioness from Golden Sands.
Baridi – rouge lion from Mtanga’s pack
Beluwa – lioness from Golden Sands.
Biti – lioness from Prideland.
Cheka – lioness from Prideland.
Dahabu - older son of Vitani and Tanabiego, new king of Priderock
Dhalimu – son of Kiara and Kovu, king of Golden Sands.
Hodari – king of Sahel Plains.
Hofu – rouge lion from Mtanga’s pack
Kadiri – lioness of Green Valley.
Kauli – ball python, adviser and chamberlain in Golden Sands court.
Kijani – young king of Green Valley.
Kimeta – queen of Green Valley.
Kinamu – shaman, mandrill.
Kivuli – lioness of Sahel Plains.
Kota – lioness from Golden Sands.
Mtanga –Amali’s mate, rouge who came to Priderock in beginning of the Second Drought.
Niva – white lioness, queen of Golden Sands.
Njaa – old leader of rouges pack.
Raia – lioness from Golden Sands, queen Niva’s sister
Simmi - lioness from Golden Sands.
Taka the Second – son of Vitani and Tanabiego
Udole - rouge lion from Mtanga’s pack

[About six years after The Scar’s Heir]

I. The new sun rises.

[Starting song. As in previous stories – you have to invite melody. I suggest something dignified and a bit mysterious. Three, two, one, go!]
[A capture of Prideland from air. Sun is slowly setting, now is half-sunken on horizon. Priderock is enlighten by blood-red light. We see mournful procession of lionesses and lions, coming down from main rock-ledge. Two males – one mighty, golden-furred and golden-maned and the second – a little smaller, significantly thinner with sandy fur, black mane and light-red beard: they are carrying motionless body of just deceased ruler. Old lion has red mane and scary-looking scar on face (precisely: on left eye). We recognize that is Tanabi – weaken and wearied by long years of ruling on Priderock. After then a group of lionesses is going. On it’s tail is walking a pair – golden-furred lioness and lion with grey mane. She is crying, he tries to comfort her.]

Since the day of our birth and a days of cub’s time
Life is flowing down, faster quickly passing its prime
Waterfall of our youth, backwater’s maturity
Divine spark going further to fade out in the sea
And like river ends its float in the ocean of night
Breathing of every creature meets the end of its plight

[Zoom-out – we see that savannah in area is dried and sun-scorched. In few places we can see piles of bones of dead animals. Over that sad-looking landscape slowly is flying old, green-feathered hornbill. We notice that is Tiko.]

You just won’t stop that current with the dame of your will
It is floating since always and it’ll be floating still

[Tiko lowers his flight and stops over lions, that are carrying dead king’s body. Then bird look with sadness on setting sun.]

You can stand on its bed but you know there’s no use
To prevent run of water – like your end you can’t choose

[We see distant host of animals, slowly coming to Priderock.]

And image you did it – and the current is gone
That means death, nothing more, you put down spark you own

[Creatures are gathering in ranks, almost like on new ruler’s presentation. But now on animals faces a great grief and concern. Zoom-in on the body of fallen king – his motionless paw suddenly falls from shoulder of smaller lion and hangs freely. Young antelope, standing nearby, turns her sight with heavy emotion.]

Chorus:
So go ahead and swim ahead
Don’t waste your time

[Golden-furred points with tail on pile of rock on Priderock’s foot. Few lionesses come to that pan and slowly push away the stones. Tiko lands on boulder nearby.]

There’s no use to stand and cry
Cause to live that means to die
And your days are going shorted every night

[A shot of stones, rolling on dried soil and causing a small clouds of dust. Black-maned looks on it with sad stare and golden-maned proudly is looking on horizon on fading sun.]

Torrent’s running into sea
Sun is fading in night’s dim
Like an echo – death just a life’s reply

[Zoon-in of face of black-maned: in his tired eyes we see some pictures from the past. Vitani and Tanabi over tiny cub with dark fur, few meters away his older siblings are looking on that – a golden-furred young lionesses and adolescent, golden-maned lion.; Tanabi and Vitani leading the hunt, a bit older lion is going after parents.; Death of Vitani – lioness is passing with a peace on her face, lying in royal cave, surrounded by family. Black-maned pretends to be easy and proud but two tears are flowing on his muzzle.; Old Tanabi is speaking with three of his children – black-maned is listening with sadness, he says something to father, but he just nods with paw, calming down his son.; end of the vision – black-maned is putting father’s body to the stone-pan.]

Don’t cry for those who’ve passed in that current of time
They have own days of glory, swimming in youthful prime
But then used to that truth there is all comes to end
And they peacefully drowned just behind river’s bend
So let learn from theirs waves, hear the voices from past
There no use to save moment, in eternal put trust

[With his brother, he buries king’s body with rock and gravel and when the last boulder is in place, all animals knell in absolute silence.]

Chorus:
So go ahead and swim ahead
Don’t waste your time
Life is fading every day
But there is no other way
So this is the only way to be fulfilled

[Both lions are standing over the grave, looking on it but in the same time giving a discrete looks on each other. Camera is zooming-out and we see crying pride, still holding in bow and Tiko, flying over them.]

Look on those who paid their fare
We are there where once they were
They are now - where some day we certainly will
[Sun fades out. Music stops.]

All the world, a warmth of evening, scorching dryness of desert wind and quiet sobbing of lionesses were coming to Taka like from beyond the thick veil. For long minutes he was standing over father’s grave, next to the tomb of mother. In fact, he was barely aware where he was. Finally the voice of Dahabu called him back to the reality. His older brother started a funeral speech. Previously they had decided that they told it together.
„My father...” said golden-maned, just like he was the only child of Tanabi. “...was a great king. His reign finished a tragic conflict between Golden Pride and Pridelanders. He and my mother restored a harmony in the Circle of Life, that had been disturbed by argument between Scar and Mufasa. For the common good of your land and creatures living here, he decided to oppose his own father, Simba. He was ruling with strong but gentle paw, in spite of disablement he suffered. He was a master but also a father to every animal in our land. That why his deeds and achievements will be remembered here for generations. He left us in hard times, but he showed us the way how to survive the drought.” Dry wind intensified and showered with sand gathered lions. One of lionesses sneezed, when dust got to her nose. But she instantly fell silent, ashamed by her faux-pas. Dahabu was talking still. “That why I humbly ask you: don’t cry, because every drop of water is required to outlive that disaster. Holding in times of trial we will celebrate the memory of Tanabi the best we could!”
In spite of common grief among lionesses sounded a murmur of approval and admire to touching word of golden-maned. But Taka was standing indifferent, looking on father’s grave. Amali came to him and nudged his side.
“Will you say something?” she whispered.
“For what?” murmured black-maned. “Dad knows what I want to say. Dahabu won’t heat it, even if I was screaming with all my might.
It was because older son of Tanabi considered himself as a king already. He was standing before gathering – straight and serious, but sparks of pride were blinking in his eyes. Deceased king left no last will but everybody knew what was about to be. Amali knew too – she left her younger brother and went to funeral stones. Taka even didn’t listen her speech, but he believed that she told something beautiful and wise.
Ceremony was over – lionesses went back to cave and Tiko flied to farewell gathered animals. On the cemetery left just Tanabi’s children and Mtanga, Amali’s mate. Taka was still standing closer to the grave, until mayordomo came. Bird sat on Dahabu’s shoulder (“Why on his shoulder?” asked Taka in mind. “My brother isn’t king yet!”) and golden-maned whispered something to his ear. Hornbill raised to further flight and Taka narrowed his eyes.
“Brother, we are going.” Announced Amali. Obviously, she was talking to Dahabu, although her brother was also Taka. But golden-maned just nodded his head and replied with calm voice.
“Good. Let Kings of the Past show you the way and let you establish a powerful pride. South Forest?”
“Yes, there still could be some herds there.” Agreed grey-furred rouge.
“You know, that if something goes wrong... you could return here.” Added Dahabu, but with tone that was suggesting something opposite.
“I’ll be missing you, bro.” Whispered Amali and licked golden-furred cheek. “And you too, take tare...” added quieter, coming to younger brother.
“Take care of what?” asked black-maned but too quiet to be heard..
Pair of lions set off to south, to a bit wetter parts of savannah. If shock in Taka’s mind and burning pain after his father’s death, Taka would have wished them the best. But not in that moment. The youngest of Tanabi’s children was slowly overcoming the emotional paralysis, but only to feel a growing anger on Dahabu. They were standing in silence, maybe even for few hours, still aren’t knowing what to do and how to act.
“And what then?” asked Taka and coming blow of wind cover them in sandy dust.
“Come closer to Priderock.” Instructed older brother and not waiting for reply he set off into home direction. They hid from wind in rock-pan next to western slope. Golden-maned stood in centre of hutch, where was a big boulder. In cubhood, Tanabis’ children were fighting for that stone, claiming that holder of boulder would be Prideland king someday. Of course, younger and weaker Taka had been getting a regular beating in that struggles, but sometimes a wheel of fortune turned his way – he was inducing his sister to help him in fight and that way they sometimes overcame Dahabu. But Amali was not there to help and tiny Taka remained alone.
“You know, what is about to be.” Said Dahabu.
“No.” Lied black-maned. “And father didn’t know too. What why he hasn’t decided who is to be successor.” Older brother smiled maliciously, hearing that.
“So, what it will be?” he raised his right paws and showed his claws. “Do you want to fight for the throne? Father would never allowed on this, but now...”
For shot moment young lion was seriously considering accepting a challenge. He didn’t hope for victory, because that was possible only by miracle or thank to support from Kings of the Past. But for pure perversity, some voice in his mind was calling to extend this claws to and stand to the duel. “He wouldn’t kill me.” Thought Taka. “And if even Kings of the Past bless me, I wouldn’t kill him too. We are brothers and blood-bond is a sacred thing. And he is older brother... I can’t ignore that simple truth. Throne is destined for him.” He extinguished in mind memories of humiliations from cub’s times and replied.
“No. You will be king. I will leave Priderock.”
“You always could...”
“Ow, shut up!” gasped Taka, hearing a mockery in brother’s voice. “I will set of to Golden Sands tomorrow to announce aunt Kiara about dad’s death. When I leave, you will do what you want.”
“I’ll do it even if you stay here.” Golden-maned smiled in malicious way. “Dawn is nearing and Tiko is already gathering animals...”
“WHAT?!” growled furious Taka. „Call them off! Don’t you try to assume the throne until bereavement after out father is going on!”
“Kingdom has to be ruled by a king. Subjects have to be ruled by ruler.” Reminded older of brothers.
And then Taka extended his claws. He even didn’t realise what he was doing because wave of anger washed his mind. Dahabu wanted to proclaim himself as a king before his brother left the land. This not what was fixed in their unwritten agreement. Just like Amali, Taka was about to leave Prideland before coronation and that why he hadn’t had to pay a homage to new ruler. He wanted to remain prince. Maybe prince without land, but still free creature with undeniable title. As a king’s son he could establish a new pride when drought would be finished or to marry some queen from other kingdom. But Dahabu tried to humiliate him in front of Pridelanders and force to homage. For few heart-beats Taka wanted to pounce on brother and finish it for good. But he restrained his rage and just growled.
“You start your reign with betrayal! Godspeed, brother!” and instantly, without any other word of farewell, he started to run due north.
Golden-maned was looking on speeding lion for long minutes, chewing in silence last curse of Taka. He hadn’t wanted to finish in that way. But what other choice he had? He had to assume a throne after his father, for common good of kingdom and pride. For keeping the peace and order in Prideland in times of the Second Drought. Land couldn’t afford for war, even just cold war of two claimants. In spite Dahabu loved Taka (or least he was convinced of this), that love couldn’t disrupt his reason and ability to judge the things as they were. Especially, state-matters. Younger of Tanabi’s sons had to go away and any of bitter reproaches could change it. When black-maned disappeared behind the hill, Dahabu whispered to northern wind.
“Good luck, Taka. Let the Kings of the Past guide you, wherever you want to go.” And then he went back into Priderock’s direction. Dawn was coming and he had to be ready for announcing his new subjects a good news.
Meanwhile younger lion was quickly passing the kilometres of savannah to the border. Actually he understood perfectly motives of his brother and just after few minutes he regretted so cold and furious farewell. But he had no time to stop and get back. Dawn was nearing mercilessly and he had to get outside his homeland before Dahabu’s proclamation. That wasn’t too long distance but exhausted and thirsty lion, who was deeply sinking in dust of savannah, was not just running but marching to the desert. He was a hard male but he was also forced to effort much above his limits. After about hour he felt dizziness and soaring in throat. Brother even hadn’t let him to drink before the journey. Only fully safe and clean source in kingdom was nearby Priderock and Dahabu was responsible to distribute the precious liquid. Taka hadn’t quenched his thirst before burial, too touched by whole situation to think about body’s needs. But before he reached border he had understood his error. He knew that he was trying something crazy – march through the desert in the middle of drought, additionally during dry season. He was hungry, thirsty and sleepy. But he also had no choice – he had to leave his home. Even for short moment he didn’t presume that his brother was wishing him death, but whole this pitiful situation could ended in that way. “I must drink from slime of Border River.” Thought disgusted lion. “Or I won’t last long.”
To almost dried backwater of river he got few minutes before dawn. He submerge a thirsty lips into mud and tried to suck every gram of water from it. Liquid was salty and lion knew what salt could do with dehydrated organism. But he trusted in his luck and strength of his body. He drank till he was full and his stomach refuse to receive more poisoned water. Then he got through the streak of mud and fell motionless on sand of the Great Desert. He did it – escaped from own home.
And a moment later a distant roar of lion sounded. Taka barely heard a proclamation of brother. In that moment he was lying, shrunken on dry sand, fighting the overwhelming weakness of body. He knew that it wasn’t time for sleep. He had to go ahead, for good or bad, but do everything for not to fall asleep under scorching rays of sun. When calls of animals announced common joy on Prideland, Taka stood up and made a first step north. When sounds fell silent, lion was already thirty steps away from home. He was ignoring the celebration behind him – he had only one task. To go ahead and ahead. “Maybe... somewhere there a new home and a new home is waiting for me?” Thought but then even his thoughts he hid deeply. He couldn’t afford constant disruption of uneasy mind. He had at least five days of way before him. Or less, if he would died on route, what after few hours of marching turned to him as a tempting perspective.
Sun raised up from east and quickly climbed on the sky, going to northern part of firmament. Wind was blowing weakly, however it was causing a clouds of dusk that was soaring his nose and mouth. Taka had eyes shut – he was guided by burning sun from above and saw it through eyelids. But also he was led by ancient instinct of desert wanderer. And additionally he was guided by someone else, however he didn’t know that.
“Just great!” was murmuring Sparthi, walking next to grand-nephew. “You have a quarter of golden lion’s blood in your veins, but won’t help too much if you have no water in your stomach.”
Even if black-maned took a look aside, he wouldn’t saw dead Golden King. King from the Past was calmly staring on his kin, didn’t try to establish any contact – as a patron of desert wanderers he had many duties and was limited by numerous prohibitions. He couldn’t even help Taka with his heavenly might, because it would be transgressing the laws of Circle. So he was just looking, but it’s good to remember that sight of Ancienit Ones is much sharper than ours. Sparthi saw not only weary and hobbling silhouette of Zira’s grandson but he was able to look inside dehydrated organism. Living lion was marching with remnants of his strength and dehydration and impossibility of removal of toxin from his tired body was pushing lion to the edge of consciousness. Until dusk there were still three long hours that Taka had to walk through or at least to stay in shelter, without falling in deadly sleep.
Sparthi was unable to do anything. With the wind he was just whispering the words of encouragement but lion, focused on his slow march was ignoring them. “And good.” Thought desert patron. „Let him go. If he survive this way it means that he is strong. He will survive! He is grandson of Zira! This will be a sign that the Circle of Life has chosen him to important quest.” And Golden King was right – in spite of dizziness, burning cuts on paw-pads and body, boiling with its own toxins, about an hour before sunset Taka got to Far Oasis.
“That means...” thought Sparthi with bitterness. “This was once <The Last Oasis>, a part of Golden Sands. When Zira was cub and made a pranky trip on the desert, she made it to here. If not a local source and I didn’t find her quickly, she would be dead.” He threw memories away when he noticed what pathetic remnants remained from once great oasis. Instead of <The Last Oasis> it should be written: <The Last Cluster>. From sand was growing just a bunch of green-yellowish stalks of desert thistle and in place that once had been running a source then was just a pool of half-dried mud. “Well, better that than salt from Border River.” Murmured Golden King silently.
And Taka fell down and submerged his muzzle into stinking slime. For few minutes he was staying motionless, absorbing with fur that pleasant moisture. Then stood up and with both paws started to dig the mud in order to find some water. Fortunately quickly got to stock of liquid. He submerged his muzzle into wet darkness and once again that day drank to full. That water was dirty, but fresh. Few litres that Taka was able to suck turned out to be saving for weary wanderer. Sweat that came after that instantly expulsed most of toxins from lion’s body and dried throat felt great relief. Black-maned wanted to fall asleep there, still bended over waterhole, but he gathered his strength and covered source with gravel. He didn’t expect that until morning oasis would be able to restore the water-stock for next drink, but he thought about the others wanderers. He couldn’t destroy that last chance for thirsty ones and if there was a possibility or even slightest chance that waterhole would gather some moisture during upcoming week, Taka had to help it.
“Cheers!” he whispered to unknown, future user of oasis. Then he laid down in shade of thorny bushes and instantly feel asleep.
Moon raised up on northern sky and enlighten with faint light the desert isle. Quickly it turn to be colder but in times of drought every cold was welcomed. Through sleep, lion smiled when cool wind from desert made him to roll into ball. The colder it was the slower he was losing water of his body. And every water was as worth its weight in gold and meant life. Taka was not afraid to die, seeing no way before him. But the Circle let him survive his first day of exile, like it was preparing some important path for black-maned.
“Well, my boy, indeed you are tough one.” Whispered Sparthi with serious admire. Ghost was standing next to thistle bushes, over the sleeping lion. Then he bended down and friendly nudged his shoulder. “But this was just a one day. We aren’t even in quarter of the way. You must recall the legacy of Desert Lion. Recall that heritage that you have taken from your grandmother.”
Sleeping Taka nodded his head.

Nice beginning!

The sun sets of Tanabi's time on earth and as king. Now Dhahabu will take his place as a rightful king.

At least there was no a blood fight between Taka and Dhahabu, that they're not like their grandfathers.

At least the older brother was kind enough to send a prayer.

Good ol Sparthi, he's there to guide his grand nephew even in death.

Looks like Taka will taking after his mother, recalling lineage where it truly belongs.

Nicely done as always!

Thanks!
Your encouragements gave me more energy to work. I’m translating next chapters – the second will be checked and displayed tomorrow.

That's good to hear! I look forward to the next chapter!

Next chapter. Finally I could present You Golden Sands that numerous characters were speaking about so much in previous tales;)

II. Dry sands

Taka got to the Golden Sands on evening, five days after leaving Prideland. In theory, he could been there one day earlier, if he was going normal rate of march. But for previous two day he was not marching but crawling. Literally – sandstorm that burst in middle of way, forced wandered to taking many sections of route on his kneels, nestled into sandy surface. Usually Taka was resting in pans between dunes then he crawled to the top of hill, fighting the overwhelming wind and going downhill to next shelter. In those days he drank almost nothing. Only a few times he managed to finds some rock piles, where under stones he found rests of dew. But dry wind of desert finally took away even that simple source of liquids. As a last resort, lion tried to chew roots of desert thistle – at first to suck every drop of juice from it, then just to stimulate salivary gland. Finally he was ruminating bitter sprout to cut his gums and drinking blood, trying to ease own thirst.
During one of stops (he found a dense cluster of cactuses, where he spent most of day. Thanks to that he was able to walk during the next night) he thought airily, wearing out whole is stock of optimism: “Because of that thirst I feel no hunger!” And that was true – his stomach was too tired to call for meat.
Taka was marching in so dimmed state of mind, that he didn’t notice Golden Sands. Majestic rock, the keep of desert kingdom, appeared before him, but wandered didn’t raise his weary head. He didn’t see how huge the residence of Golden Pride was – almost hundred meters high, three hundred meters wide. Massif was heart-shaped, pointed with sharper end on north. On the south side was the entrance to monarch’s cave, and that was its main advantage – thanks to that residents of Golden Cave were shielded from scorching sun in zenith, mercilessly falling from northern sky. So shape was making rock perfect shelter and moreover – it was hiding inside a real treasure. Through the numerous gaps and crack in massif a dew was dropping down to caves and creating small source of fresh water. It wasn’t giving too much liquid but it was exactly enough to provide a pride of fourteen lionesses and their king.
Before the entrance was a square, shielded from sun by shade of rock. Thanks to source in cave, few dozens of acacias and cactuses was growing there, creating a decorative hedge from desert to front of stone-wall. Additionally, a sand on square, that tiniest, blowing by gentle eastern wind, in light of fading sun was actually looking like a golden dust. Taka would probably admire the beautiful keep and agreed that Golden Cave deserved its name, of course, if he could. In that moment he was hobbling with muzzle near the ground, automatically chewing a root of thistle and from time to time swallowing a nauseating mixture of blood and saliva. In that condition Kota and Raia found him.
“Look!” whispered young, sandy-furred lioness. “A lion!” Her companion, golden-furred, gentle female, gave up her previous work (that was: searching for dew under flat stones) and took a look in direction shown by friend.
“A lion.” Agreed without emotions. „He won’t hurt us. He looks so exhausted like he was crossing the Great Desert recently.”
“Desperation could also add strength.” Murmured Raia. “Kota, go for the king and I’ll stop him here.”
In spite of weariness, irritation of useless hunt and general amusement caused by both seriousness and fear of friend, Kota was a bit surprised. She judged that exhausted wandered was a minimal threat for kingdom, but if she was Raia, she would go for Dhalimu and announce his that news. To be closer to monarch, prove her loyalty and usefulness... Sandy-furred never hid that she loves the new king of Golden Sands. She had been loving him since cubhood, in times of lady Kiara and lord Kovu and through years since that nothing has changed. Although young prince, then young king, was ignoring his admireress, to take care of favours of her older sister – Niva, Raia has never resigned from silent and devoted service to her monarch. She was a perfect example of devotion and loyalty - always first to hunting and hard duty of searching dew. She was severely eradicating every sign of discontent or disobedience towards the ruler. As a first she kneeled before the new queen and with absolute honesty she acknowledged her power. But she did it only because her love to king. And that why Kota expected that lioness wouldn’t lose a chance to endear herself to Dhalimu. But no – she was only concerned with her duties, seeking no private benefit in it.
“He won’t eat me! You go.” Said golden-furred, wanting to a good turn to friend. Raia nodded her head with gratitude and run to royal cave. And Kota covered dew-giving stones with bunch of thistle branches and set of to stranger. “Raise your head, hunk, or you won’t notice out cave.” She called friendly.
And black-maned instantly picked up his muzzle but in the same time he tensed his face in expression of pain, when muscles of his neck, used to bended pose, disobeyed him. Lioness saw under blond-red beard hollow cheeks and noticed that his eyes were bloodshot due to effort and weariness. Also they were begging for a draught of water. Paws of guest were cut thanks to long way and sharp rocks and on lion’s back lioness noticed a spots of blood. Black-maned had to fight with sandstorm on open air.
“Ow, Arista!” yelled Kota and run to support hobbling wanderer.
She didn’t make it – black-maned had already fallen on soft and golden sand of square, hitting it with muzzle. He unwittingly opened his mouth and a trickle of blood flowed from it.
Desperate lioness understood that stranger was dying. Without hesitation she clang with her mouth to his lips, trying to support him with that portion of moisture. Then she draught motionless body of unconsciousness male into a shade of cactuses. She extended her claws and cut plant’s stem. In spite of pain in pricked paw-pod, she excised a juicy fragment of trunk and put it in mouth of guest. Black-maned started to suck a cactus juice. Seeing that he was able to independent swallowing of wet pulp, Kota instantly returned to wounded cactus and covered a cut in stem with few stones. Even one drop of plant’s moisture couldn’t be wasted. And in that moment came Dhalimu with lionesses.
“What a mess! Have you done it alone?” asked giant brown-maned male. “Not bad!”
“No, sir. That is...” started golden-furred, but then she realized that he had no idea whom she was introducing. “I don’t now, sir. We found him with Raia. He is exhausted and probably he was marching through the Great Desert.”
Apart of ruler all fourteen of lionesses (counting Raia and Kota) were outside the cave. Just behind monarch was standing Niva – light-furred, gentle lioness, recently crowned mate of Dhalimu. Raia run to wanderer and stood between him and king, like he was ready to defend lion (almost twice big as she) from exhausted and barely awake stranger.
“What we should do, my lord?” she asked.
“He resemble me someone...” murmured Dhalimu. “Don’t kill him, I want to interrogate him.”
That last sentence got to dimmed mind of Taka and forced him to open his eyes. Eyelids reluctantly obeyed the order of brain, but lion managed to notice a giant lion and his court in light of fading sun. For few seconds he was wondering if that wasn’t a dream, but then he came to conclusion he had to act like that dream was real.
“I am Taka the Second.” Whispered with effort. “Son of Vitani and Tanabi. I came to you from Prideland.”
Or at least he tried to say that, but wasn’t sure if he fully succeed and host understood him. But declaration of lying one came at least to ear of ruler because he went to wanderer and bended down to him with curious smile.
“What? My cousin and prince of Prideland? Don’t you mind... if I don’t believe you?”
“My brother, Dahabu is king of Prideland.” Replied black-maned, trying to stand up, or just to raise his head. When he failed he just moaned quietly and Kota went to him. She lifted his head and pointed his muzzle on monarch.
“Hmm... maybe. You even look similar to my family. But what are you looking for here? This pride already has its lion!” he finished with hostile tone.
“I came...” started Taka but after few seconds of effort he burst with dry cough. “Water!” whispered.
“Sir?” asked Kota. “Should I give him a gourd from source?” Dhalimu just snorted with irritation and look on subject with nervous stare.
“No! Not until he tells us, why he came here. Then I decide if he is a guest... or an intruder.”
“Sir, if we don’t water him, he will tell us nothing.” Noticed golden-furred.
„Silence! King is speaking!” gasped Raia, with stare pointed in muzzle of ruler.
“Niva...” whispered Kota with desperate pleading and turning to sister of friend.
„Silence, I said!” repeated sandy-furred with furious tone.
And Taka, supported by Kota, carefully stood up or better to say: he unbent his paws and based on them, still nestling to Kota’s side. Although he was looking like a living dead, he mustered a fresh portion of energy. He turned his sure stare on Dhalimu and said aloud.
“Lions of Golden Sands. I came to my aunt Kiara, to announce her a sad news. Her brother, king Tanabi is dead.”
“So you are late, stranger.” Replied monarch. “My mother...” he instinctively lowered his head and lionesses (all, even Kota) followed him. Taka, devoid of support, hobbled and almost fell on the sand next to cactus. However golden-furred managed to quickly stoop up and support him. “...went to the Stars in previous season. You have nothing to do here.”
“You won’t shed a tear for your uncle?” asked black-maned with bitter voice.
“Maybe in better times.” Said king. “But now we are saving water. Good...” he estimated guest with curious stare. “...let it be. Akra! Bring one gourd of water.” Young lioness went into cave and Dhalimu was talking still. “You will drink and you will go away... go back to new king of Prideland. You tell him, we are sorry about Tanabi’s death and that we wish him and Prideland to live long and prosper.”
“Darling, he is exhausted!” Niva whispered to ear of monarch.
“Silence!” gasped brown-maned quietly, but loud enough for Taka to hear. “If he stays here even for one night, he will be treated as a rival and claimant. And I guess we don’t want to do it. Right, my sweet?” King raised his right paw and extended his claws. Evening wind caused few clouds of dust and shivered with it lions gathered on square. But desert lionesses knew what that blow was meaning. A sandstorm was nearing – a storm so powerful that previous winds seemed to be just a cubbish entertainment.
“So let him at least to rest in cave...” started queen, but seeing the stare of mate, finished. “I mean: in shade of our rock...”
“He stays, I count it as a challenge.” Replied proudly ruler.
“Bu he’ll...”
Pong!
Without any warning, Dhalimu hit his mate’s muzzle with right paw. If his claws were extended, he would probably cut her severely, maybe even wounded her eyes. Claw were hidden, but punch was powerful anyway – white-furred faltered and based on acacia’s trunk, in last moment repressing the scream of pain. Then she fell on the sand, holding with paw her hit muzzle. Golden Pride, just like someone gave an order, turned theirs stares away, pretending they don’t see that disgraceful scene. Only Taka clenched his jaws and instinctively extended his claws.
“Are you staying, my cousin?” asked Dhalimu with venomous voice. He went closer to guest and...
“No, sir!” replied shivering Kota. “He will just drink a little and go away.” She pushed wanderer to Akra, hodling a vessel. Lioness put a gourd before black-maned and humble got back to rest of the pride. With amaze she was looking on silent lionesses and lying queen – she was too scared to ask what had happened.
Taka was judging with his stare a vessel with live-giving liquid but then came to it. He lifted it up and went to crying Niva. He sink a wounded paw in vessel and sprinkle with few drops hit muzzle of queen. She opened her eyes and instantly opened her lips, trying to stop him. But Taka ignored it and bedew a bruise of lioness with almost all water. She shook her head and run from gentle black-maned’s hug, she went back to pride. So wandered dropped an empty vessel on the sand and without a word turned south and started to walk. He was clenching his jaws hard and with remnants of his will was repressing the body’s call for water. Whole organism was begging him to return to the vessel and to lick it dry from rest of moisture – it was probably, that it had been his last drink in life.
“Sir...” yelled Kota. “Your cousin won’t survive the way back home.”
“Should I announce a bereavement also after him?” murmured king with burning irony. He was looking with angry stare on slowly standing mate.
“But he’ll...”
“King said!” growled Raia. “This discussion is over!”
“Indeed. Let’s back.” Instructed monarch and started in cave’s direction. Lionesses followed him and on the tail of that sad procession was walking Raia, supporting shocked and half-stunned Niva.
“You have done wrong, my lady.” Whispered sandy-furred. “Very wrong.”
“But sister...” yelled queen.. “He...”
“Hush. Better say nothing.” Stopped it Raia and speeded theirs steps.
On square in Cactus Avenue, only Kota stayed. She was still staring at wanderer’s silhouette, going away into the darkness of evening and she was thinking intensively. For first minute she was considering the consequences of disobedience to monarch. Then she judged she had no choice and she had to risk. So she focused on the main problem – water and food for stranger. She once again took a look on walking lion and turned to royal cave.
Maybe it was a impulse of noble heart, or maybe an advice of desert wind. Lioness was almost sure, that in sounds of growing blow she heard name of wandered. But she left that strange thoughts. After she had transgressed Dhalimu’s laws once, she had no inhibition to do it again.
And Taka wasn’t looking forward, just marching with stare pointed down. He was guided by his paws – for few minutes he unwittingly turned more on east, sensing harder ground under paws. He didn’t know he entered a route to <Dry Oasis>. He was in half a way, when sandstorm burst.
*
Kota was sneaking through the Golden Hall. Her hear was beating loud, so loud that she was almost amazed that sound hadn’t awoken Dhalimu. King was sleeping among loyal lionesses in main chamber.
Of course, he had to call of the hunting due to growing storm. It irritated him hard, but he also knew that useless death of subject won’t gave him meat. So he ordered silence and fell asleep. Kota used that, by taking from storage elan antelope’s haunch. She knee that those few kilos of meat won’t save wandered if he didn’t find a water but she hoped the guest found it himself – if he was able to march through the Great Desert, maybe he was able to find some dew too. She was more scared of...
“Oh, no!” she yelled, but due to meat she was holding in jaws it sounded like: Oyyno!
She heard a dreadful howl of sandstorm. Tiny grains of sand, blowing by merciless wind, turned to deadly projectiles and started to hit walls of Golden Rock. Although reason was calling to lionesses to stop and acknowledged her failure, heart was guiding her ahead. “There is still a hope if he got to Dry Oasis!” she thought, completely ignoring a fact that she had to make that way too, additionally: during a rage of element and with heavy load.
She run out the cave and went from the shelter of Golden Massif, then wind almost blew her away. Fortunately (as for that general very unfortunately situation) wind was blowing from west, pushing Kota almost in intended direction. Lioness speeded up, like she was trying to outrun the wind, but it was no use – sand grains was flying over hundred kilometers per hour. After a while the unpleasant soaring on back turned to bolts of pain. Kota in desperate idea, tossed antelope’s haunch on her neck, creating a sort of shield of her head. That way she was running and miraculously avoiding the deeper cuts. After three kilometers of that crazy speed she reached her aim.
She jumped to Dry Oasis’s pan, coughing hard. She fell on bottom of hollow and for long minutes was trying to regain normal breathing. She was fighting a temptation to spit out all dust from her mouth with saliva, but she knew that it would be an unacceptable waste of water. Finally she repressed impulses of defy body, stood up and opened her eyes.
Dry Oasis was the only pan in that region of desert. Small valley was three meters deep and five meters long. Also it was overgrown with dwarf desert plants and two acacias. Its name shelter took after that little of moisture that allows trees to live. There were no real source and only a tiny mood on den of pan – one for few days it fulfils with portion of water enough to drink for few animals. Golden Pride was sometime quenching its thirst there after hunting. But water fro oasis was always dirty and salty.
“Are you looking for him, my sssweet?” hissed a voice next to Kota’s paws. Lioness jumped away in impulse of fear but then she notice well known friend. Kauli was two-meter long ball python of golden and black scales. Once he had been a major-domo and advisor on Golden Court. But new ruler wanted no advisors – when queen Kiara died, Dhalimu decided to left most of old customs. He sacked, or maybe even exiled old snake and reptile hid in Dry Oasis. Kota admired python, because he knew many stories, even from times before The Exodus of Golden Pride to Prideland. He was serving until Arista’s reign, he was tutor of young princess Zira and as the only creature who decided to stay in home during The Great Drought.
“Ow, that’s you, Kauli...” sighed lionesses and instantly looked in shown direction. “Yes, I was looking for him.”
Taka was lying on the bottom of pan, unconscious and wounded. On his beck and sides were nasty wounds and fur’s cuts. Caused by the storm. Python seemed to already clean most of them but as a snake he was unable to give other help to stranger. Golden-furred got to wanderer, ignoring her own injuries and joined her ear to his side. “He’s alive!” thought with relief.
“Water?” she gasped with hope and Kauli pointed with tail on rock-well.
Lioness grabbed with jaws a gourd and bended down to hole. She filled her vessel with dirty water and put it before mouth of unconscious lion smelled a smell of drink – at first he narrowed his nose and then opened his eyes. When Kota flipped vessel to his lips, Taka relaxed and surrender to careful endeavours. After some time he drank all and smiled.
“Why did you...” whispered a question.
“Never object Dhalimu. Never challenge him! Never!” murmured golden-furred with grave voice. “He will kill you.”
“What happened to that white one?” asked anxiously lion.
“What happened to you?!” gasped angry Kota. „Think about yourself and thanks to that you won’t endanger anyone else. Queen will suffer because your excess...”
“Queen?!” yelled wanderer. „That was your queen?”
“Easssssy, my girl.” Said Kauli, looking on Kota and crawling to Taka. “He knows nothing and understands nothing. Don’t be angry on him.” Python rolled around visitor’s neck – Taka shivered, maybe not because of fear but most because of amaze. But snake was going just to clean another wound of guest. “And you...” reptile looked with calm and hypnotizing stare on golden-furred. “You have to go back to your king. Sssstorm is almosssst gone and you musssst return to cave before dawn. He will be fine... I make sssssure about that.”
“But don’t let him out on desert!” banned Kota willfully, looking on wounded paws of guest.
“I won’t. But you go now.”
In short moment stares of Kota and Taka met. Lion wanted to say something, but her sagacious eyes muffled his speech. From under of angry mask was shining a wild beauty of willful lioness. Prince of Priderock tried to express it some way, at least in grateful smile but she turned back in run into night.
“Well, bearded one. This night you will ssspend in not so pleasant company... that isss; wit me.” Murmured snake with ironical tone. “But that issss good. You musssst get know more about thissss land, if you want to get out of here alive!”

Good chapter!

What's up with Dhalimu? How did he get so mean? Kicking out his cousin? His own flesh and blood, not caring that his uncle has died? That's messed up!

Hope to see more! Keep it up!

Thanks! For now I'm working hard with 3rd chapter translation...

III. Late Lessons

Taka’s wounds turned out to be much more serious than they had seemed initially. Since that night when he got to Dry Oasis, for almost week black-maned was barely standing (to say nothing about walking). Kauli estimated that lion had to recover about a month before he would be able to cross the Great Desert again. Taka hearing this only nodded his head with indifference, because he wasn’t in hurry – he actually had no home to return. Additionally he realized that he wasn’t so avid to left Golden Sands, however he couldn’t explain why was that.
He survived only thanks to care of Kota. Lioness was bringing him meat from pride’s resources and in time she was trying to teach him how to hunt in desert conditions. Slowly recovering prince seemed to start whole live again – he was again a clumsy cub, who was learning the ways of the Circle of Life. Role of untypical parents played Kota and Kauli. Almost like in real pride – she was feeding him and teach how to be a hunter and python was telling him about desert, its mysteries and way of life in that inhospitable land.
“Because it’s your land.” Said Kauli one day.
Lion and snake were lying next to muddy well, slowly swallowing a portions of dirty slime and sucking a water from it. Sun had already risen above the desert and was scorching the dead sands. Trees of Dry Oasis provided shelter from direct rays but heat was barely bearable anyway. Place was just slightly better than dunes of desert outside the pan. Tired and weary Taka was aloud wondering about possibility of return, complaining on desert dangers.
“Don’t blame dessssert. This isss your land.” Repeated python.
“Hm?” murmured lion still with mud in his mouth.
“I know who you are. You are desssscendant of Zira, Golden Queen. In your veinsss is floating a heritage of thisss country. If you have sssurvived the way from Prideland, this isss the sing that desert accepted you assss own. You have to use it and remind yourssself how to be Golden Lion.
“Well... I think that this land is running very well without me.” Murmured Taka sarcastically, recalling scenes from day of visit in Golden Cave. With effort he stood and made few steps back away from well. He laid on his bedding, made from acacia branches.
“And that why you have to became one of usssss.” Hissed python. “Your coming issss a sing that something could and will be changed. You are needed to Golden Sands... and maybe to all Lions Landsssss.”
“Are your a kind of shaman?” asked Taka. He recalled sage of Prideland – mandrill Thamath. Monkey had been always talking with riddles, and even those turned out to be real predictions, no one had use of those on time. Even shaman himself. Black-maned didn’t believe in wisdom that had to be describe by riddles. If rules of the Circle of Life were obligatory to all being it was rather unusual that only chosen ones could understand those.
“No, I’m just a bard, or better to ssssay: historian. The recalling one.” Replied reptile. “But in my ssssongs I find more wisdom than in all prophesies in this world. “
“Songs won’t water the pride.” Murmured black-maned.
“No. But bard could.” Hissed Kauli. “How have you ssssurvived a way through the desert?” asked, climbing on his back and rolling on his neck.
“Somehow.”
”What have you drunk?”
“Water from dew and mud.” Answered Taka harshly. “And so what?”
“How did you know where to find it?” asked reptile and ssssa... that is: sang with his gentle voice. “Just before sun rises up // Get your paws under the stone // Drink a tasty fresh dew's cup // Until sun would make it gone.”
“What?” exclaimed lion and stood instantly. This effort cost him a serious bolt of pain in side but amaze was greater. He shook snake off his back and grabbed him with paw. Then looked in his green eyes. “How do you know that song? My mother was singing it to me, when I was a cub...”
“Easssy!” replied python trying to get out from lion’s gasp. “Everybody in Golden Sands knows it. It our lullaby from generations. This issss exactly what I was talking about – wisdom of songs that teaches ussss how to live. It givesss us pride, knowledge and in thisss case also a water. Lady Vitani sung it for you? You were living on Prideland... or nearby, it doesn’t matter, but you mother was very wise lioness. Sssshe knew that you needed that voice of ancesssstors. And you have needed – you live thanks to it.” Finally reptile slid out from black-maned’s paws and returned to his favourite place on lion’s neck. There we was still whispering directly do Taka’s ear. “Come with me. To acacia.”
They went closer to old and dried tree, then lion climbed on slope of pan to reach for the edge. They took a look outside the shelter and saw a morning landscape after sandstorm – dead and dusky horizon of desert. Calm and perfectly silent.

[Song „Roots”. Music rather merry, but with slight tone of pathos, mid tempo. Kauli sings without his <ssss>, but in normal way. Music starts.]
[Snake is hanging on lion who is looking over the edge of pan. Kauli raises his hear in front of Taka’s muzzle and pointing the desert. Black-maned is looking on it, initially without interest, squinting his eyes in morning sunlight.]

Kauli:
What a dried and lifeless land
Where’s the life that once was here?
When you walking on this sand
You see dust by sun was seared

[He points on inside of pan, down to acacia’s roots. When Taka doesn’t react, he tried to tighten on his neck, but this attempt of choking looks rather funny – snake is small and lion powerful. Finally black-maned is following reptile’s stare. They went down and lion bends down over roots of tree. Kauli gets out from predator’s neck. Taka carefully is digging in the sand.]

But look closer, deeper, here!
On that net of roots below
They’re alive and they grow still
Cause they know that means to grow

[Taka uncovers root of acacia, going to the lowest point of pan, just next to muddy well but a bit farther. There lions digs and with amaze discovers that sand becomes more and more wet. He turns his stare on Kauili – snake is pointing with tail on tree.]

Look, there is like everywhere
Both in soil and in the soul
Until the memories guide us well
The life is dwelling proudly forth

[Suddenly from under Taka’s paw spouts a small but strong stream of clean water. Lion sees that and initially lowers his muzzle to quench his thirst but just after he jumps out the hole and grabs python in steel grip. He raises him to his mouth. They are eye themselves up and down for few seconds.
Taka: Wait! You knew that source is here!
Kauli: Well... yes.
Taka: And you haven’t told me! You haven’t told Golden Ones!
Kauli: I forgot. Aging dementia... [Taka grabs reptile’s neck and shakes him with anger.] Wait, wait! That the hell you think! I’m the boa here! [gasps python with effort. A bit ashamed lion puts him down but still is looking on him dreadfully.] Leave me alone! I didn’t have to ssssay anything because Golden Ones are doing great without this ssssource. We will keep it as a lassst resort and time for that still hasn’t come. Thissss place is called Dry Oasis, because ssssource could dry out. But wisdom we have in mindsss and hearts is source that will never dry. Remember that. Write it down... [surprised lion scratches his head.] Yes, you. I can’t [He points his body wit end of his tail.] I have no paws!

Chorus – Kauli:
So sing aloud this memories song
And take what gives you, makes you strong
And this great priceless precious show the world

[He crawls to the source, <grabbing> black-maned with his tail. Taka bends down and drinks few draughts then suddenly Kauli hit him in chest, so lion spit part of the water out.]

If life is growing to the sky
It’s sing that root gave it supply
So if you want to grow – hear of roots word

[Then he points on the longest root of acacia that has guided them to the source. He pushed lion’s head to the trunk of tree and then up, to branches.]

Sceond verse - Kauli:
[Python sings and draws with end of his tail an <animation> scene on the sand. He sketches tiny Taka the Second as a cub in Vitani’s hug. Thanks to moves of lips we know that queen is singing.]

All the past times are future times
Because they’re living still and thro
So give what you have dear and raise
Like those who passed have built for you

[We also short shots of Taka’s face and pictures of lion’s memories. And on sand appear more and more sketches: Zira with small Vitani, then Arista with small Zira. Later we see unknown lions, but we could assume those are Taka’s ancestors from Golden Line.]

Like thousands beings in just one voice
Like rank through ages goes to top
<Yesterday’s> forging <today’s> choice
And <today> sowing <future’s> crop

[Mature characters from pictures raises up and forming a rank. Scenery is changing and turning into starlit sky. Flash-black to scene when Taka leaves Prideland and ghost of Sparthi is following him.]

So gather what your fathers sown
And return children even more
That is the way of world we own -
- the rank through time to heaven’s door

[Again a shot of inside of pan, but for short moment Taka is convinced that he sees a vivid silhouette of mother, grandmother, granduncle and great-grandfather. But ghost fade quickly, lion shakes his head. Then listen to Kauli’s song with growing interest. Finally he joins to singing.]

Chorus – Kauli and Taka
We sing aloud this memories song
And take what gives us, makes us strong
We’re showing that great precious to the world

[Singing, they both bends down over sand. From soil a little sprout is sprouting with unnatural speed, almost like it is raising to hear more of lion’s and snake’s song.]

If life is growing to the sky
It’s sing that root gave it supply
So if we want to grow – hear of roots word

[Black-maned and python (who again climbed on lion’s neck) are going back to slope of pan. They peep out the edge. With amaze Taka realizes that on desert he could see many creatures: tiny grass clusters, kangaroo mice, running among stones, some other small rodent, digging in sand. Black-maned smiles with surprise but also with admire. For a second we see almost unseen in daylight ghost of Sparthi.]
„All right, but now you must rest.” Said finally Kauli. “Kota would be furious if she know how I’m healing you.”

*
Days passed and Taka was learning how to walk and hunt. Also his time was filled with lesions of Kauli. Black-maned had inherited many wonderful songs and stories from his parents, but snake added many to that legacy. For month he spent in Dry Oasis lion got knew about his ancestors from Desert Line.
“When I was young and was just starting a service on Arista’s court, I became Zira’s tutor.” Said reptile. “She was extraordinary lioness and tale you told about her on Prideland only confirmed that. Too bad you have never met her. But when you are in need or danger, ask your grandmother for help.”
“Do you think she would speak to me?” surprised lion. “Time of Heroes is gone. What for Ancient Ones could interfere in living ones matters?”
“Well... they did it once.” Noticed python with amusement. “But don’t think about it now. Anyway, dusk has come and Kota would be here any minute.”
Lion hardly hid his excitement, hearing about golden-furred. He started to discreetly combing his mane, at the same time trying to check himself in reflection of oasis well. Python didn’t comment those endeavours, just smiled. Then he had to bear importunate questions about golden-furred, when she started to be late.
*
“Kota?” sounded a whisper in Golden Cave’s corridor. Lioness froze in fear, still holding a portion of meat in jaws. She was going to Taka, to feed him and almost managed to exit the cave unnoticed, when... “Let’s go outside. We must talk.” Added Raia. It was sandy-furred who spotted her friend. In Kota’s head a thousand thoughts were boiling. Some voices were begging her to escape and instant run to Dry Oasis. “Come on! We won’t speak here, not to wake king.”
Golden-furred sighed with relief, hearing that she wouldn’t be delivered in Dhalimu’s paws. So she obediently went out the cave and followed Raia to Acacia Valley on square. Night was silent and cold as for dry season. There was a gentle wind in the air, blowing from the east – that time gentle wind. It wasn’t blowing with sandy dust. Raia sat under one of the oldest trees and with paw showed Kota place next to her. Lioness put a meat on the ground and looked on friend.
“Is this for Taka from Prideland?” asked sandy-furred with grave tone. Golden-furred wanted to say something, but after few seconds Raia wagged her tail impatient. “Don’t lie to me. I hate when you lie! Is that true?”
“Yes, that is for him.” Whispered Kota, feeling burning anxiety that her companion would call for the king.
“Who know about that?” inquired queen’s sister.
“I can’t...” yelled Kota.
“Who knows in the pride?!” interrupted her Raia. “Because I already figured out that you left him with Kauli in Dry Oasis.” Golden-furred sighed with relief, sensing that in her friend voice there is no anger nor fierceness, maybe just some imperceptible bitterness.
“Only Kauli. I said nothing to the girls.” Then Raia sighed and her severe look relaxed a bit.
“Right. And it must stay that way.” Said queen’s sister. “If pride get know that you are breaking king’s orders, I will kill you.”
“But Raia... understand! Dhalimu did very...”
“Silence!” interrupted her lioness. “Don’t say a word. You have no right to judge your monarch. We are just subjects.” She pointed her stare in eyes of friend. “Why are you protecting that Pridelander? Have you fallen in love hit him?”
“No way!” snorted Kota, but fur on her nape erected a little, showing an excitement. “I just... have to help him. He is king’s cousin after all.”
“And only because of that I turn a blind eye on your insubordination.” Replied sandy-maned. “Good, take that meat and go. But be quick, you must return before dawn.” And when Kota was grabbing food in jaw, Raia look in her eyes. “But I hope Taka will soon go away. Go away with him, if you want. It would be hard for me, but not as hard as killing you as a rebel...” not changing her calm tone, she extended her claws. “...when I found out you are plotting against king.”
“Raia...” whispered golden-furred, but load of her mouth muffled that.
“Go now.” Snorted sandy-furred and went back into cave’s direction. She still had something more to do – to take care about sister. After next argument with Dahlimu, on face and side of Niva appeared more bruises and cuts. Raia asked about nothing, just was cleaning wounds of queen and looking for additional water for white-furred. Also she was hushing every complain of sister.
“Hush, my lady.” She whispered to ear of Niva. “I will clean that cut and it will cease to sore.”
“But sister...” cried monarchess. “You don’t know what I have to...”
“I know.”
*
Meanwhile Kota reached Dry Oasis. She found Taka who was nervously chaffing with Kauli and constantly combing his (already perfectly combed) mane. Usually seeing funny faux-pas of red-bearded lion she bursts with laughter but that time a talk with Raia had annoyed her completely. She greeted with lion and python very coldly, gave black-maned a portion of meat, then laid on sand to rest before way back. Taka gave a discrete (and fixed earlier) signal for the snake and he excused lioness and went <to stretch his tail>.
“We have a beautiful night, haven’t we?” started Taka awkwardly. “Maybe we have some walk on Eastern Dunes, to see the stars?”
“Hasn’t Kauli taught you night-navigation?” asked lioness suspiciously. “But on the other hand, I guess he might have problems with pointing stars with his tail. And estimating angles between stars is surely quite hard for him. Right, so let’s go...”
“No...” murmured black-maned uncertainly. “I mean, to walk just for pleasure...” But lioness growled with irritation. “What happened, Kota? Is there is any problem?” And golden-fured lost her temper.
“Is there any problem? You are asking me if I have a problem? That’s good.” Murmured with annoyance. She stood up and started to circle the lion. “My king is raging, he is pushing about not only ordinary subjects but even his mate. My best friend want me to praise Dhalimu’s madness and additionally I have to spend all nights to feed some desert fumbler who’s...”
Those words hit Taka like a heavy stick. He closed his eyes and instinctively extended his claws. Romantic mood of the night, earlier disrupted by Kota’s restlessness, ultimately fell to pieces. Lion for the very first time asked himself: whom he was for golden-furred. Maybe just an annoying burden, additionally burden that was endangering her. “And I thought... It doesn’t matter. I did wrong, receiving her help.” He thought, stood up and went to lioness.
“Kota!” he interrupted her endless speech. “I haven’t thanked you for all you have done for me. Also I know that I have no facility to repay you that. But I hope, someday I will. I’m sorry that I’m troubling you in so late hour. Go back to your king, until he notice you are gone.” Golden-furred fell silent and look on lion.
“I mean... Taka, I didn’t mean that!”
But he just smiled grimly, nudged lioness with his muzzle and said.
“No. You said what you feel. I regret that you didn’t do it earlier. But now you must go back.” She was standing for a while, looking on black-maned, uncertain what to do. Finally she licked gentle his cheek.
“Good night, Taka.” She said and run out from oasis.
In lions head a hundreds thought were boiling. He was lolling about to do something, as fast as it was possible. He laid down on sand, put his muzzle to well and started to drink dirty water. And then returned Kauli.
“Are you going away?”
“Gulp!” confirmed black-maned.
“You are returning to Prideland?”
“Gulp.” Taka gulped once again, but then he raised his muzzle and looked on snake severely. “You were eavesdropping us!”
“Don’t call it < eavesdropping>.” Snorted python. “I even haven’t managed to crawl ten meters from oasis and you started to almost scream. As you know, I could have plug only one ear with my tail, under condition I had an external auricle... Stop it!” called, when lion grabbed his neck. “You are back in home. And what then?” Black-maned froze.
“I have no idea.” Confessed.
“And I know!” said snake triumphantly. “You want to return here, to Golden Sands. But not as a exiled prince nor ordinary rouge. As a Someone. Someone whom Kota won’t have to feed and protect. Someone who would get her admire.”
“And if... so what?” asked lion.
“That’s wonderful!” replied python. “Because it means that you have just one path before you.”
“Eee... what path?” asked confused Taka and instinctively scratched his beard.
“I think you already know.”
*
“He knows?” asked Tanabi, looking on son from firmament.
“No. Kauli is just bluffing.” Said Sparthi. Both dead rulers were floating over the Great Desert, looking on both Dry Oasis and Golden Sands. “I know him well. This is the Kauli’s manner: to teach by searching knowledge in student’s heart. It would took a while, but your son is gifted one.”
“Gifted enough to manage the quest we are preparing for him?” asked King of the Past. Sandy-maned nodded his head, but in so ambiguous way that it would be both confirmation and negation. “Good, but you have to explain me, why I can’t speak with him. To apologize for Dahabu and advise to...”
“You have to learn many things too, Tanabi.” Interrupted him dead monarch. “For example: that our time on earth is gone and we must trust living ones, as they are trusting us.”
“Taka trusts?”
“Maybe even a bit to much.” Said Sparthi. „Look, he has already set of to Prideland. This kid just can’t sit in place...” and he added with some quieter voice. “Just like my sister.”

Late lessons are better than none at all.

Kauli is a good friend to the lions it seems. He knows alot about the Golden Sands, the past leaders and its history.

Dhalimu is defintetly not a good king.

Taka's planning on going back to the Pridelands eh, that should be interesting.

Tanabi and Sparthi are up in the stars, watching everything and they have a plan... even more interesting.

Another great chapter! Update soon!

As You wish – a next update:)

Ps.
Ught... I have a bolt of inspiration recently, but I won’t keep this rate of writing for long.