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VIII. At the Mountains of Madness

Plan of rouges was simple – to enter in middle of night, using tiredness of sentries, kill king and draw back. Then think what they could do after. Shababu knew that lionesses of High Pride most likely loathed of idea of giving up to murderers of rightful ruler. But old rouge was sure that every resistance breaks in the face of extinction, so slow and gradual harassing and killing members of pride would finally make situation clear. Those lionesses who wish to fight, would die and those who want to live would surrender in the end.
Maybe gerge hadn’t a crushing advantage over lionesses – six lion was against from nine to eleven Highlandresses. Attackers could win that fight, but it could mean serious casualties. But Shababu didn’t intend to fight with fair and open battle. He focused on long run – consequent hitting and running would blood pride out and rouges hoped for that.
But assistance of four newcomers spoiled that plan. Although Dhalimu was too old and Sparthi a bit too young to consider them as lion males in prime, with experienced lioness and young kitty of unknown potential they significantly reinforced defenders. Maybe gerge even decided to wait for newcomers to go away, but Shababu was already determined to reach his goal.
“We are looking for it since so long time…” growled leader, hearing suggestion of drawing back. “We even let those fools attack to weaken our prey… and you want just leave it?”
“No leave it.” Corrected Keme. “We were waiting so long so we could wait few weeks more. I doubt if those strangers would stay for good.”
Another night was falling – a time they had fixed for attack. The decision had to be made quickly. Tariki, Mhamiji and Gebali showed not too much enthusiasm, but for sure they couldn’t openly disagree with Shababu. Sukari would support Keme in anything that yellowmaned say, so gerge was – as usual – on the edge of another inner conflict. They laid on the brink of desert, near grove where Goldenlanders camped two days earlier. That was a comfortable place, moreover with easy access to food. To be exact – everywhere on desert-border food was at paw, because tired and dehydrated animals turned out to be an easy game. However waiting in doorstep of eventual new home was useless, without perspective of claiming the land.
“You will obey me, Keme.” Growled Shababu. “I’m sick of your constant complains. Decide – you are with or against us?”
“I just spoke out my doubts.” Replied lion with calm voice. “If you like to attack now, let’s attack. Just don’t be surprised if something goes wrong.”
“It won’t, if you fight with half of spirit you talk.” Snorted leader.
They stood up and set off to forest. Leader was guiding his gang, while Keme – in spite that he knew the terrain best – stayed in the tail of unit. He stopped Sukari and held him while three older rouges followed Shababu.
“Just let’s settle few things.” Said yellowmaned with quiet voice, being careful that Gebali – who was walking nearest to them – didn’t hear it. “You must stay sharp and use your reason.”
“I learnt that most reasonable action I could make is following you.” Replied brownfurred.
“If I am at paw.” Sighed Keme. “But we are going into the battle… Perhaps there will be no time for any advises. You just choose instantly what is best for you. Remember that, if something happens to me.”
“No…” whispered Sukari. “You’ll be all right… You have to be.”
“And most likely I will.” Replied yellowmaned, sensing some strange feeling inside is heart. Voice of younger rouge was not simple show of fear. It was also fear about him personally. Keme understood that what he felt was sense of responsibility. He never had tasted that emotion since… Since that time he didn’t want to recall. But it was back somehow – again lion had someone for whom he should take care. It was obvious on desert for those almost two years when they were travelling together, but Keme named it just in that moment.
“Not go in first line, let Shababu fight whatever suicide tactic he choose, just take care about your own business.”
“And your.” Added young lion.
”And mine…” nodded Keme. “But think about yourself in the first place. Be sure that I will understand that concern.”
“Keme…” said Sukari after few minutes of silence, when they were already in half of slope. “That lioness I saw… I was Zira… That strange cub I met in oasis, year back.” Older rouge smiled.
“Oh, you chose your prize… I will try to take her alive and unhurt if that is possible. Of course I can’t guarantee for behaviour of others, but you should get your lioness as you with.”
“Thanks, Keme.” Replied Sukari, not being sure if yellowmaned understood him.
For over year when youngster was travelling with gerge he actually didn’t kill any creature, except of kills to eat. Ruthless way of thinking that he saw in other rouges was odd and scaring for him. Yet, he had no way to change it – Shababu and his companions were older and mature – showing youngster how he should act. Keme was surely different – he didn’t share those violent impulses and distain for lives of others. If not that dark crack of his personality – gloomy memories of family he once had lost – yellowmaned wouldn’t fit to gerge at all.
“There is no shame in giving up to stronger enemy.” Said older lion to Sukari’s ears. “I’m repeating it just in case. We want hit them and run… but if you stay…” Keme was quiet for a while, then added with softer voice. “Just surrender. Survive. I will come for you.”
Then they got to edge of widdringtonia forest.
*
Dhalimu was a wise lion and additionally for long years he was a rouge himself. He easily put himself in place of attackers and predicted their possible moves. After some consideration, he came to rather ambiguous conclusions – in the same time they had advantage and were cornered in serious troubles.
King Kilele woke up three or four times, but he was barely aware of world around him. He managed to eat a little, drink and fall asleep again. Recovery after operation made by Dhalimu was going smoothly, but too long. White lion hoped that ruler would wake up for good and although he knew that High King would be unable to help his subject in substantial way, even a short speech, showing that monarch was about to heal, would be important support of morale.
But it hadn’t happened. Dhalimu estimated sheer forces of two parties – according to recons made by High Lionesses, aggressive gerge consisted six lions, five full grown and one adolescent. Against eight lionesses (six of High Pride, plus Zira and Rama) and two lions, six rouges were slightly weaker army. Additionally Dhalimu planned to clash with foes just next to home cave, so three wounded females would support defenders as a last resort. Generally – situation of locals was even better than when gerge of seven attacked them ten days earlier.
But that estimation was based on some optimistic assumptions. Dhalimu counted Zira as ready to fight (“She will combat with us.” Thought white lion. “Her mother, when was in her age, supported me in everything.”) and was sure he was ready as well. In fact Zira was still just a bigger cub – maybe mature as for her age, but still inexperienced and Dhalimu was nine – at age when first weaknesses of passing time show.
Plan of defence was simple – to be efficient. To kill or would as many of attackers as it was possible, to threat others and persuade them leaving pride alone. Dhalimu ordered all lionesses to be ready, but fake chaos and lack of any preparations. After all he hoped that actual fear of Highlandresses was part of cover too.
When all was set, white lion went asleep, leaving command to Rama, while ordering Sparthi to rest. Zira wasn’t considered as person reliable enough to oversee local guards alone, but after all she was still a child. She became a shadow of Rama, standing for two additional eyes and ears for experienced, yet lazy companion.
“There is very quiet here.” Whispered goldenfurred.
“In our home there is no birds singing and that doesn’t bothers you.” Noticed Rama.
“But there is always some noise… wind blowing in cracks of massif, sand hitting rock…” she said with voice of funny, dreaming tone, as if she already longed for her family cave. Perhaps it was true.
“The quieter it is, the easier for us.” Replied Rama, but then froze, just extending here ears.
“There!” whispered Zira, after few seconds of listening. She pointed slope down due west – direction so obvious for attack, that actually no one expected it. “Roar?”
“Try to wake up Dhalimu and Sparthi without any noise.” Ordered older lioness and she steeped ahead.
From forest emerged several silhouettes, but Rama wasn’t sure if she stopped all attackers. They were going in one unit, only leader came on front. Then – completely leaving his camouflage, called with calm, yet strong voice.
“Good evening.”
Rama instantly roared, sensing that the were circled and surrounded. She didn’t ask herself if that was really the best idea to split small group of rouges, but she was looking on sides in search for hidden foes.
“I guess you decided to drop all formalities.” Added one-eyed lion. “But what makes you so scared? Don’t want you talk?”
He made few steps ahead, finally leaving grasses and entering the clearing. Only five metres divided Desertlandress and trespasser. Other lions stopped exactly on edge of glade, waiting for leader’s moves. Rama was looking on that with amazement, because all actions suggested that rouges wanted to talk.
“What the heck!?” gasped Dhalimu. “False alarm!?” But then he noticed one-eyed wanderer. “Step back, or die!” called into night.
“I’m curious, who are you.” Said Shababu. “I don’t need your name, just I want to know what for you interfere in our business. You are not of this pride… or you want to be?” smiled attacker. “You look like a rouge yourself… maybe you decided that it is high time to settle down? Tell me, is king already dead? Has he… an accident?”
“Leave, whoever you are.” Replied white lion. “You won’t scare us, so you will have to fight for land. Are you ready to die for it?”
“I wanted to ask you the very same question.” Smiled one-eyed.
Meanwhile Sparthi and Bonde stopped next to Dhalimu, measuring enemies with careful stares. It was two hours after midnight and although moon was new, but stars alone gave enough light to see clearly on the glare. Yet still bushes was covered in darkness and none of defenders couldn’t tell how many rouges were there. Rama was commanding High Lionesses.
“Watch your space. Most likely they are coming from sides.”
“And who are you?” asked rouge leader, looking on Sparthi. “Usurper’s son? How sweet and charming. You killed local king for the great glory of your family.”
“Kilele is rightful ruler of this land.” Said sandymaned with decisive voice. “We are guarding his rights and assisting his pride. You have no chance to make us retreat.”
“I see a slope behind you. I don’t want to make you retreat. I wish to make a deal or kill every singe of you.” He made another step and Sparthi barely repressed want to pounce on him - the enemy was in range of jump.
Meanwhile remaining rouges just waited in shades of bushes. There was no sophisticated setup – Shababu had gone on his own, just suggesting that he ordered his companions to attack from side or from behind. Gerge leader hoped that lionesses nerves would cause the panic and random charge in darkness. But even without that, plan was simple. They were waiting for an error of defenders or for chief’s order. The only mission of that strike was to would or kill lioness or two and draw back. Rouges had no reason to be hurry.
“That is Zira.” Whispered Sukari. Looking on golden furred on clearing. She barely recognised cub he saw year earlier, but when he made sure that was the same person, some strange feeling sprouted in his heart. He felt that it went very, very wrong – he didn’t want to attack that pride. “Hey, Keme…” called brownfurred into darkness, but older lion didn’t hear him, preparing himself for charge.
“So, what it could be?” asked Shababau, almost coming to Dhamilu, Sparthi and Zira (who sopped next to brother, covering his left side). “We will talk, or you stay in your heroic madness? That is not your fight.”
“Report!” called white lion to Bonde, commanding local lionesses.
“Clear at sides, sir!” replied lioness.
“I sense you are bluffing.” Smiled Dhalimu. “There is no second team, sneaking to us from behind. You are just scaring us.”
“Yes and no.” replied one-eyes. “In fact there is no backstabbing team. But when I noticed that you are brain of that pity lot and defence is based on your idea, I came to conclusion that I could take you down and win this easily.”
“But what was about that <no>?” asked Dhalimu, a little confused.
“I’m not scaring you.” Explained enemy. “And there is no trick, except of that one, the easiest…” white lion stepped ahead, bending his head down, as Shababu kneeled. Rouge continued with quiet voice. “About you… You uncovered perfectly to cut you down in one blow!”
He finished with roar and rushed ahead. It was almost impossible, but old and experienced warrior as Dhalimu allowed enemy to surprise him. In moment when one-eyed attacked he was in very uncomfortable position, unable to react quick enough. Rouge leader sprang ahead with extended claws, aiming at neck of white adversary. But then came a player that no one expected to join. Zira pounced in the air even before Shababu did and grabbed enemy’s paw.
Lions don’t use advanced match and physics. But simple rule that energy is a product of half of mass and square of speed was intuitively know to Zira. She was much lighter than giant lion, but she knew she could be almost as efficient – the only requirement that she was moving fast. Her instant charge couldn’t stop serious momentous of enemy, but blow of kinetic energy delivered directly to head of rouge almost squashed his spine and pushed his out of the trajectory.
“Zira!” called terrified Sparthi, seeing as his sister falls down, in wrestling embrace with Shababu.
Dhalimu regained his cold blood. He allowed Sparthi to engage rouge leader, but he stayed in place. He knew that it was just a signal for rest of party to attack. And in fact – from grasses emerged silhouettes of lions, running in tight line to defenders. They wanted to pass their leader by, but white lion attacked nearest opponent, making a break in formation.
“King!” roared Shababu. “Kill the king!” and grabbed Zira’s throat with single paw.
Sparthi plunged his teeth into limb of enemy. He clenched his jaws with all might he had and he felt one of this fangs reaching bone. In next second came a terrible blow into his head, because pain didn’t stopped Shababu – it only enraged him even more. Young lion was thrown aside (with some of enemy’s fur and meat in mouth) and rolled several times. He was on the edge of consciousness and he failed to regain initiative before one-eyed struck again.
That blow would be deadly one, but it was intercepted before reached sandymaned’s head. Zira bit leader’s paw and simply pulled it down with all her mass. Shababu lost his balance and fell down on Zira. Sparthi was still confused, he even hadn’t regained his clear vision, but he frantically rushed in direction of enemy. Slapping at random, he hit rouge few times. Right on time – seconds before Zira’s trachea would be squashed by Shababu grip. But rouge leader let loose for second to push prince away. Using that opportunity, princess rolled aside, regaining partially her freedom and bit side of enemy. Just after she felt as her hind legs were freed from Shababu’s body. She stood up and jumped aside. Fighting giant male in point blank range was a bad idea.
Meanwhile Dhalimu was put in even worse danger. He was commanding High Lionesses, trying to stop remaining five enemies. But rouges knew perfectly that white male was a mastermind of defence, so it seemed that all attackers targeted him. All was going according to the plan. Dhalimu backed to the centre of clearing, letting lionesses surround enemies and they all were close to finish their trap. But to made it successfully, wandered had to give that final order and to give it, he had to survive – what was at that moment very unlikely.
Dhalimu was fighting with at least two enemies, when rest of rouges just covered companions from attacks of local lionesses. Unfortunately they quickly noticed that Rama was skilled and independent fighter, who was able even to take over command, when white lion was down. That was why rouges took down greyfurred in initial strike, knocking her down. They had no time to finish her, but the expected result was done anyway – second in command stayed unable to give any order.
Meanwhile wandered was drawing back, feeling more and more bruises and cuts on his paws. He was blocking every blow struck at him, but his body yelled for a break. Rouges recognised his weakness – as old lion he got tired quickly. So they just were keeping exhaust him, waiting for any error he could make.
Dhalimu was desperately looking for any opportunity to stop that danger process. He gave a careful look on his enemies, then noticed that his main adversaries were two lion – one mature, yellowmaned, looking as experienced warrior, but second was brownmaned youngster, fighting with not more than half of his companion spirit. That was his chance – he aimed and when another strike of younger foe came, he didn’t block it, but just grabbed youngster’s paws, pulling hard. Young lion tripped and fell down to enemy’s paws. Dhalimu raised his paw to finish him, but then heard a growl of second foe.
“No! You won’t hurt Sukari!”
Keme rushed on white lion with all his mass and thanks that enemy was unshielded, overturned him. Both felines rolled back, but prepared rouge managed to severally blow defender’s head, knocking him down.
Zira and Sparthi were fighting for life and they both felt a bit strange as they succeeded. While princess was with desperate strength holding front paws of rouge, Sparthi managed to deliver powerful blow in enemy’s head. He stood up, ready to finish the job, but then he was hit in back by some great mass. He fell down to learn that object was his unconscious uncle Dhalimu. Sparthi managed to jump aside in last second before Keme’s paws reached him.
And then circle of lionesses broke. Five rouges got inside, circling knocked leaders, Zira and Sparthi. Keme managed to plunge his claws deep into Sparthi’s shoulder and press down. Prince gasped in pain and tripped down. Zira rushed on enemy, trying to rid him off her brother, then froze in place, seeing brownmaned lion just next to Keme.
“Sukari…” she gasped, shocked.
“Zira…” replied young rouge, standing right next to kitty.
“It’s you… why…” whispered Zira. She wanted to pounce on yellowmaned, but Sukari was blocking the way.
“It just…” started lion, then finished with almost crying voice. “I didn’t want it!”
“Sukari, finish him!” called Gebali. “We can’t hold them much longer.”
Rouges were surrounded by circle of lioness – they had pierced line of defenders and breached in, but because they were so successful, they became trapped. In centre laid two knocked down lions, Sparthi wrestling with Keme and Zira, standing against Sukari.
“Do it now, boy!” called yellowmaned. “Just finish their leader and were victors.
“I won’t let you do this!” gasped Zira and stepped aside, to shield her helpless uncle.
Sukari looked on her, then of unconscious whitefurred and then turned to Keme. His muzzle narrowed in sudden decisiveness and he said with quiet voice, for only Keme to hear.
“I’m so sorry, Keme, but I can’t do it. As you said – I’m choosing instantly what is best for me.” Then growled with all his might. “STOP!” Before Zira stopped him, he jumped ahead, but not to Dhalimu, but to Shababu. He put his paw on rouge’s throat. “Keme, go away!”
“WHAT!?” yelled in the same time yellowmaned, Sprathi and Zira.”
“I guess I have to save your neck for the second time.” Smiled brownmaned to princess. “Just do what I say and we all be fine.”
“Haven’t you confused your team?” asked goldenfurred.
“I did. But you have no reason for complaining on that.” Smiled. Then called again aloud. “Sorry, buddies, but I won’t let you slaughter those helpless lioness. That’s not fair what we are doing now.”
“Just few hours back, you had no scruples.” Growled Mhamiji.
“Just few hours back I had no full image.” Replied brownfurred. “I grateful to you for year that you took care over me… but it doesn’t mean I could support your every action.”
“That’s a trick?” asked Sparthi with panting voice.
“I don’t know.” Replied Zira. “Pray that is not!”
“So… what you are going to do. Side with this pride?” asked Keme.
“If that is only way to stop you… yes.” Rouges growled with rage. “Listen to me, that has no sense. You won’t win.”
“We took down their boss.” Noticed Tariki.
“I guess they are fighting still.” Replied Sukari. “And now… You are just four. Shababu is down and I will stand for Highlanders. However, if you draw back, we will spare boss’s life.”
“Will we?” asked Zira with doubtful voice.
“Do what I’m saying if you want to live!” snorted Sukari.
“We were doing fine without your help!” murmured princess.
“I see.” Smiled brownfurred, looking on unconscious body of Dhalimu. “Zira, if you want to save your uncle, just trust me!”
In Keme’s heart storm was raging. The failure would be nothing, if it came just from badluck. But that stalemate was result of betrayal. “No!” thought lion. “I told him myself that he has to take care of won business. If he hopes to join the pride… oh, hell… I’m glad if he succeed.” Then his stare met Sukari’s. Eyes of young lion were full of fear, despair but also something different. Keme followed his lips movement. “Trust me!” seemed to whisper Sukari.
“All right…” said yellowmaned finally. “If you promise let Shababu live, we will draw back.”
“And leave the High Pride!” called Sparthi, still holding enemy’s paw.
“And never harass us again!” added Bonde.
“That not a decision I could make without word with boss.”
“Please, be quick, Keme.” Said Sukari with shivering voice. Bit his tone was filled not with panic, but determination. “Soon boss would be unable to speak.” And he put his claws on throat of one-eyed.
“Done!” called rouge. “We will let you alone. But free Shababu! Sukari, I trust your word.”
“Don’t worry, Keme.” Replied young lion. “I always keep my word. Believe it!”
Two parties started to divide. Yellowmaned grabbed Shababu’s neck in his jaws and started to step back to line of grasses. Other rouges, seeing that their chief and companions weren’t stopped, stepped there two. Sparthi knelled down to charge, seeing as they were passing Rama by, but nothing happened – attackers ignored presence of knocked down lioness. Meanwhile High Lionesses gathered around unconscious Dhalimu.
“What with him?” asked Sukari.
“He is alive. Wounded, but alive.” Replied Bonde.
“So, we both kept our terms.” Called brownfurred into darkness. “Go away!”
“We will, Sukari.” Replied Keme. “Believe that I also keep my promises!”
Zira ran to uncle and seeing his life wasn’t in danger, rushed to Rama. When she got there, older lioness already was regaining her awareness. Princess just held her on the grass.
“Don’t move… just let me see your head.”
“Just a scratch…” replied Rama. “But… have we won?”
“I guess so…”
Rama and Dhalimu were taken to cave and put next to earlier wounded lionesses and king. Then Sparthi ordered Highlandresses to fall in rank to see their eventual injuries. It seemed that except of two commanders, all were generally intact.
“Sukari!” called Zira to lion, still standing on the doorstep of cave. “What the heck it was!? Why have you left them?”
“One of reasons was to hear your <thank you>, not reproaches.” Smiled lion.
“Yeah, right…” said Zira. “Thank you… it seems you saved us all.”
“You’re welcome…”
“But why?” inquired princess.
“Perhaps I just didn’t want to hit a beautiful girl.” He replied with gallant smile. Zira turned around, looking for some lioness behind her. When she found none, she against turned to lion.
“What? You meant me?”
“I think that disquisitions could spoil any compliment.” Sighed lion. “Yes, I meant you.”
“Oh…” said Zira, feeling embarrassed. “I… I just…” Then she leave those swampy thought to focus on something logical and practical. “But what would you do now? They could be mad on you? How would you back to them.”
“I guess I won’t.” replied Sukari. “I will ask local lionesses to host me for few weeks, then go in direction where I don’t expect to meet any of my gerge.”
“So… you saved us… disowning your coalition for us!” said Zira with amazed and grateful tone.
“I could say that.” Replied Sukari. “You see – not hitting pretty girl could be very expensive habit.”
“You are guest of our pride!” said Zira. “If you wish to go with us, you could…” Then she stopped, looking back. “Or I should ask Sparthi about it. But if I ask, he will give his agree for sure.”
*
On morning both Rama and Dhalimu were already awake, bruised but fully aware. Sparthi and Zira told short version of night events, presenting Sukari and mentioning about his assistance. White lion was looking on nephew, then on niece and then on rouge with mix of pride, amazement and anxiety in his stare.
“Zira asked me, if I allow Sukari go with us to Golden Sands.” Said prince. Dhamilu narrowed his eyes in hostile appearance. “But in fact I should have proposed it him myself.” Added Sparthi. “We owned him much – most likely without him there would be casualties or – who knows – we would be defeated.”
“Needless to say, I’m flattered with such dose of trust.” Said brownfurred.
“Indeed, that’s a great dose of trust for a traitor.” Snorted Dhalimu.
“Uncle!” growled Zira. “If not that <treachery> you would be dead.”
“Sparthi is the prince.” Replied white lion calmly. “I will follow every his decision.”
“So, if you want, Sukari, you will come with us.” Concluded prince and stood up. “And for now you could help me with collecting some leaves on compresses.” Rouge smiled to Zira and went after prince. Princess stayed with her uncle.
“So, I see that I owe you my life.” Said white lion slowly. “And perhaps whole pride owes you. If you didn’t convinced that rouge to defect, they would squashed us. I…” he looked in eyes of his niece. “As you most likely know, I feel strange, saying it. But still I think that your mother would be proud.” He closed his sleepy eyes, before he noticed a wide smile on Zira’s lips.

Well, once again I say that the younger Keme is a lot different from his old-self from Father's Day. He worries with Sukari as much as he worries with himself. So, now Sukari changed sides? Well... deffinetly surprising. Probably Keme accepted that, but I wonder if Shababu and the other rogues will... well, Sukari, Zira, and the High Pride are in big trouble now. I wait for more!

i hope to show why Keme baccame Keme from FD. But it will take some time. For now - return of the heroes...

IX. With Honour and Pride

Recovery of combatants took more than two weeks. Of course Rama and Dhalimu were able to walk or even travel on desert sooner, but Goldenlanders decided to stay longer, for lion and lionesses to heal fully and – what was even more important – to make sure that king Kilele recovered as well. Fortunately further healing of ruler passed without any problems.
“Bonde told me, what you did.” Said king with weary voice. It was just few days after battle, when Zira and Sparthi still had to carefully take care about hoarymaned lion.
“We had to be really unbearable, if she had to complain on us.” Said Zira ad whole three laughed. Kilele giggled and then burst with coughs, so princess gave him gourd of water. Then helped to water king.
“All right, I’m fine. Thanks.” Said hoarymaned. “Then he looked on siblings. “I was serious… I just can’t believe how stupid you acted.”
“You regret that, sir?” asked Sparthi.
“You stood for my pride, although you have no reason to do that. Your uncle told me about you… princess and price. If something happens to you, your kingdom would be in trouble.”
“As was your.” Said sandymaned. “You sound like uncle Dhalimu.”
“He had right.” Replied monarch. “But of course I’m glad you disobeyed him. You have great spirit inside… both of you.” He looked in eyes of prince. “You will be a great king some day and you…” turned to Zira. “I’m not sure how lioness with such attitude, but I guess you will find a way to show it somehow.”
“You forgot about Sukari, sir.” Said goldenfurred. “After all it was his merit that no tragedy happened.”
“Yes, Sukari…” Kilile closed his eyes. “Sure, we are grateful to him. But still that was your deed to make him switch sides. But now… excuse me, I’m so sleepy…”
But as I said – in next ten days weakness of king ceased and lion was again ready to take his duties. Dhahabu’s and Rama’s injuries were just a past – the same as wounds of other High Lionesses. After official funeral ceremony of late queen and three Highlandresses, guests decided to go back.
“Forward my greeting to king Ahadi.” Said Kilele. “And remember that High Pride has good memory. We will keep your help deep in our hearts. If drought make you to leave your land, we will try to host you, if that is possible.”
“Thank you, sir.” Replied Sparthi. “But we saw that Golden Pride is not only that has problems. We will try to manage on out own soil. Until we have your Mouth Oasis, we will manage.”
“Let Ancient kings and queens of High Range protect you in your way.” Finished Kilele with traditional farewell. After that five lions turned back and set off to brink of forest. Just Bonde, when Dhalimu was passing her by – whispered with voice full of emotions.
“We will miss you.”
White lion didn’t answered, however he looked as if he wanted to.
Zira and Sukari were going on end of array. As lionesses of High Pride waved to leaving guests, brownfurred replied that gesture with proud stare.
“*****!” murmured. “Perhaps for royal family that’s an usual stuff, but for me it’s nice to feel like a hero.”
“Just feel or to be?” asked Zira with smile.
“I should be the last person to judge that.” Replied with shyly tone, but then smiled with proud smile.
“I guess you really demand some praise. But you earned for it.” Said princess and driven by some impulse, she licked rouge’s cheek. “My hero!” laughed quietly.
*
Way back wasn’t hard. A sandstorm came day after setting off, but they easily found shelter in some desert ravine, where they managed to drink and hunt some minor game. Then travel seemed to be an easy walk. Sukari’s survival skills turned out to be really impressive. In instinct of wanderer he was very alike to Dhalimu. However white lion still was surrounding rouge with cold wall of hostile indifference.
“Uncle, what’s wrong with you?” Asked Sparthi on their second night-stop. “You haven’t spoken a word to Sukari. I think it’s rude.”
“What about I could speak with him. About rouge’s life? Maybe I know something about it… but that’s why I am so careful. Thanks to you and Zira, we are letting traitor enter our pride.”
“He chose the good side.” Replied prince. “You can’t blame him for that.”
“I don’t.” Murmured wandered. „I’m just wondering when he decide to make another choice.”
Third stop was the last one before Golden Sands. Five lions choose a grove of desert thistle – maybe place not very comfortable, but giving shelter from wind and dust and moreover giving opportunity to collect decent amount of dew. Each lion dug own dew-hole and put a brush on it, so everyone was responsible for own drink on morning. That was a common custom on desert, teaching each wanderer to always remember about own needs.
“Any help?” asked Sukari, watching as Zira was digging own collector.
“Is something wrong with it?” asked princess, looking on collector she prepared. It was ready and fully functional – hole reached stone pan and brush put over it would stop any evaporation.
“No, it looks good.” Said brownmaned. “Sorry for suggestion you could have any problem. I see you are doing just fine. I’ll be going…”
“And you?” asked Zira. “Are you doing fine?”
Sukari stopped and turned back to goldenfurred. She noticed that on his face a tension and anxiety was seen. Also whole posture of rouge expressed some inner struggle or pangs of consciences. “I know about it well.” Thought princess ironically. “I saw that expression each time I looked on my own reflection in water.” Then she added aloud.
“Something is wrong.” She put paw on Sukari’s shoulder, making him to sit down. Of course that was not a pressure (and after all rouge was much stronger than two years kitty) but touch a calmness and sympathy. Sukari laid down on sand and Zira sat next to him, stroking his mane.
“And it could be right?” asked brownfurred. “Perhaps you look on my gerge as criminals, but that was my coalition… my pride for over year. A… family.”
“You made your choice.” Said Zira with soothing voice. “I know it cost your dear, but we - at least I for sure – will try to make up it for you. You will have new pride. Golden Pride.”
“Sure, I’m glad of it. But still…”
“Anyone of them was your kin?” asked princess. “Brother? Cousin?”
“No, my family is all dead…” replied Sukari with tensed voice. “But that yellowmaned, called Keme. Do you remember him? In fact you survived that event year ago thanks to him – he let your brother go… Keme saved me and took me over, even before we joined the gerge. He isn’t bad… just… hardly experienced.”
“But he didn’t stand for us. You did.” Said Zira.
“I regret he didn’t.” replied Sukari. “It makes whole thing harder.”
“I don’t want you to forget your past.” Murmured princess, still gently stroking his mane. “Just… focus on what was good and expect what could be good in future. That was what I learnt year ago.”
“It’s not so easy.”
“I will help you.” Said Zira. “At least in way I can.”
They said nothing more, just stayed that way. On morning they woke up, nestled to each other, what maybe was a bit embarrassing, but sure saved them from coldness of night. They simply stood up and saying nothing about this, went to dew collectors. Day seemed to be hot one – without clouds to shield from sun.
*
Even Shababu’s wrath and malice was somehow restrained by view of Keme. In normal conditions rouge leader would unleash all his anger and blame yellowmaned for failure in High Range. But he didn’t, because of two reasons.
It was almost beyond any doubt that Keme saved Shababu’s life. According to what other said, rouge leader understood that only to awareness and decisiveness of younger wanderer, High Lionesses didn’t tear enemy to pieces. It wasn’t proper to complain on own saviour. But there was another reason.
Keme was walking in complete silence, indifferent to surrounding word. He didn’t complain on poor tempo of march (wounded Shababu slowed them down significantly) nor on often stops (for injured to rest). Just walked when other walked, coming on tail of array. Other lions knew why that was. Their companion was betrayed.
“I knew we couldn’t trust that brat.” Snorted Gebali, but Mhamiji nudged him in side painfully.
“Just… don’t talk about it. Keme is really furious.” But yellowmaned had to hear that.
“Don’t bother with that.” He said with seemingly calm voice. “I hold no grudge against him. He just chose what was best for him.” But saying that he instinctively extended his claws.
*
Hatibu was too old to perform his scouting duties, but Golden Cave was forewarned about return of lions. Some desert quails flew to king with that news, so whole Golden Pride was waiting on edge of Home Grasses to welcome wanderers. Even routine hunt was postponed because of that.
“We would have gotten that gnu!” snorted Wivu to her mother.
“We will get her another time.” Said lioness. “For now you should be happy about your sister’s return.”
“I will be another time.” Snorted greyfurred.
Group of lions appeared from behind the dune. They were closing to Home Grasses – an island of dry, yet living savannah, placed on south of Golden Massif, between Malkha’s Waterhole and Dried Oasis. Although kingdom was much larger, that point was conventionally considered as a border. There were a miles of land beyond that, but it was mostly sand. King and his pride went in usual place where guests were welcomed.
“I guess they made some real party for us.” Noticed Rama with smile. “And just because we are back. What they do, when we tell them about our achievements in High Range?”
“I guess they regret all the trouble.” Replied Dhalimu with irony in his voice. “After all we failed to find what king hoped for.”
“A little smile won’t hurt you, Dhalimu.” Said Rama and nudged older lion in side. Seeing that didn’t worked, she licked his cheek. However that didn’t work neither. Meanwhile Zira was explaining Sukari basic <who is who>.
“The king is easy to recognise… but don’t call lioness next to him queen, just <Masa>.”
“Isn’t that your mother?” asked rouge.
“Well… adoptive mother. Actually she and my father aren’t officially mates. But of course, still she runs this place. But listen to me… That brownfurred lioness next to her is Wivu, my step-sister. Be nice to her, please… And that lioness of light fur, standing next to father is Ghera. In her case, you should be extremely nice, because she is my bro’s fiancé. And – most likely – future queen of Golden Sands.”
“You seem to take all this hierarchical stuff very seriously.” Noticed Sukari. “That is your family!”
“But some hierarchy must be. Even… or maybe especially in family.” Replied princess.
They came to edge of grasses. All five wanderers (or four in first place, then Sukari, nudged by Zira) bowed their heads just before brink of savannah. Arista stepped ahead to his subjects and touched forehead of each, making a sign they could enter. He stopped in front of Sukari.
“You could explain it later.” Said to Zira. “Just tell me, if we are letting him in.”
“Yes, father.” Replied princess.
“So come, lad.” Ordered king and rouge stood up.
“It’s so good to see you back.” Exclaimed Masa.
She ran to Sparthi and hugged him – hard, but quick, as she know prince wanted to be welcomed by Ghera in the first place. Then she came to Zira and embraced her adoptive daughter. Sukari instantly felt unsure – as Zira was busy, Sparthi ran to lightfurred lioness, seemingly forgetting about world around, there left just Rama and Dhalimu of Goldlanders known to him. Fortunately white lion ignored rouge, while Rama waged her tail, calling guest.
“Come with me.” She said. “I will be replying on most irritating questions.” And they moved after king, guiding his pride to waterhole.
But Masa stayed, still hugging Zira. Wivu waited just behind them, seemingly calm, but it was obvious that she hadn’t even half of joy of her mother. Finally Masa let princess loose and Zira came to step-sister.
“Hi, sis.” She said. “I hope you took good look on hunts while I was gone.”
“I could manage such situation.” Replied greyfurred.
Sisters hugged – but at Wivu’s side that gesture was clearly shamed. But Zira was actually glad she saw grey lioness. When proper dose of family tenderness was done, princess looked on adoptive mother again.
“Mom, there is a thing you shoul…”
“Easy, my dear. You will tell it all when you are ready. For now, let’s go drink.” She followed rest of pride.
“Who’s that.” Wivu looked on Sukari, going at side of Rama. “You found a boyfriend?”
“It’s hard to say who found whom.” Replied Zira with giggle. But then added with more serious voice. “Boyfriend. I wouldn’t say that…”
“…unless it’s too late.” Finished Wivu and her step-sister burst with laughter, taking that as usual, Wivu’s black joke.
*
When most of lionesses went on hunt, wanderers told king, Masa and Kauli short version of their adventures on east. Wivu was listening that too – Masa stopped her daughter from going with hunting team, although lioness wanted to. So brownfurred sat down in circle in main chamber, listening to brief report of Dhalimu, with more enthusiastic additions of Zira and Sparthi.
“So, we judged that High Range is beyond our interest.” Finished white lion. “There is lions pride and overcrowding of mountains will sooner or later make an impact on water supply.”
“But it’s good we are in friendly term with other pride.” Added Sparthi. “No one knows when it would be useful.”
“To sum it: instead of finding a place as sanctuary, we brought just another mouth to water.”
“Uncle!” snorted Zira and quickly looked on Sukari. But rouge spoke in own name.
“Sir!” he addressed king. “You daughter allowed me to go with them, but I understand if you decide in times like that you can’t host me here…”
“We are grateful to you for assistance.” Replied Arista. “You are guest of our pride… if you prove you could appreciate it, one day you would become one of us.”
“I guess that is step too far, my lord.” Interrupted Dhalimu. “Fact we are grateful, doesn’t change the fact it’s not proper that lion male outside royal family lives in royal keep. Keeping rouge here is against our tradition.”
“I guess tradition used to be upheld perfectly.” Smiled Sukari with cheeky smile and looked on white lion. Dhalimu in fact didn’t resisted that stare. Newcomer was right – if pride let white lion stay, there was no reason to ignore that precedent. “But still – I’m wish king to make this decision.”
“As I said – you could stay.” Replied Arista. In spite that was quite obvious from the start, Zira smiled and nudged side of Sukari.
“Thanks, my lord.”
Dhalimu didn’t say a word, but he sensed something wrong in easiness that king was persuaded.
*
Dry season had still over three months to end, but Sparthi wanted to perform that ceremony as soon as it was possible. He didn’t linked those two facts, but since his return from High Range Ghera became unbearable. Prince loved his mate-to-be and he was unable to judge her in fully objective way, but Zira saw whole thing from aside and noticed that lighfurred became very possessive. That meant: she stayed with Sparthi for all time she wasn’t on hunt (that wasn’t a tragedy and even seemed to be rather natural, but Zira needed her brother not less than Ghera her boyfriend) and started to treat both princess and Sukari with clear distance.
It was generally hard time for rouge, because from new pride there was only Zira to help him adapt to new home. Dhalimu was avoiding newcomer, what should be taken as sign of kindness from old lion, Rama was constantly busy with hunts and Sparthi – as I already said – was constantly busy with Ghera. Zira wanted to hunt with team and after return from High Range king ultimately gave his agree on that, but on the other paw she tried also to stick with rouge when she could.
“Do you feel all right here?” asked princess, about week after return.
She met brownmaned in Mouth Oasis, when he was measuring the regression of grove. That was rather funny activity, because the estimation was done, using Kauli as a measure. Python was put on sand, rouge marked a point where was snake’s head, then took reptile’s tail to that point and put Kauli extended, closer to brink of forest. Number of “Kaulis” from old edge of grove to actual one was result of that experiment. That had it’s problems – for example: snake was still growing. Year earlier he had about one metre, while then reached metre and half and there was no guarantee it was an end. But still – that was seemed to be most accurate anyway.
“Yeah, sure.” Replied lion, putting reptile on sand. Bored python slid away to some shade. “Your pride is really great.”
“I don’t believe you mean that.” She said. “For example: my uncle.”
“Believe me.” Murmured Sukari. “I’m with much better terms with him than with chief Shababu!”
“Oh, in that case…” Zira still wasn’t full aware could hard could be cubhood in rouge coalition. “That’s good. But just tell me, if you feel something is wrong, right?”
“Cease it.” Smile Sukari with gallant smile. “I guess you just want to hang in good company, miss. There is no shame in admitting that…”
“What?” gasped princess. But then she smiled as well. “Sukari, have you finished with measuring?”
“Sure. Ten and half Kauilis to the forest.” Replied.
“So… tag! You’re it!” lioness nudged him and set off to run in gorge direction.
Rouge stayed for few seconds, thinking what was that, but then he rushed after Zira.
*
The day of ceremony came.
Arista ordered to call all animals – the same as in other most important events of kingdom, like cubs presentation or funeral. As prince gats his mate, land – with high probability - gets his future queen. Joy and excitation were widespread – in time of drought, unsure season, some landmark of constancy, and every ceremony connected with monarchy was read in that way, seemed to be soothing and calming. If prince was taking a mate all was going smoothly ahead. Only birth of royal cub would cheer up subjects more.
“I just don’t get it.” Said Sukari to Zira. They stood in shadow of Golden Massif, waiting for animals to gather. “How it work? How it’s possible, that no one hunts today. I know – you can’t control pride, but other predators? And what would be, if someone break the ban?”
“Pity of him.” Replied Zira. “In that case every animal has right to kill the murderer. It’s sacred tradition… and very useful custom. Only because of strict ban we could persuade subjects to gather here.”
“I bet that there are always some sunstroke victims. Could we take their carcasses?” asked rouge, but then noticed as Zira narrows her eyes in expression of disgust. “Sorry. Old, rougeish thinking. My life not always allowed me to behave properly.”
“I assure you, here is no need to feast on leftovers… but hush. They are ready.”
King stepped out of cave, with Masa at his side. They were guiding young couple to the end of alley. Meanwhile Dhalimu was securing enough space, making sure subjects were in proper distance from place of ceremony. Pride exited cave just after Sparthi and Ghera, then took its place around young couple.
“I’m sure that most of animals even don’t hear what they talk.” Noticed Sukari. “And even if, most of them would fail to understand.”
“You don’t have to understand something to know it’s important.” Replied Zira. “But be quiet. Come closer.”
They steeped to king, who was blessing his son and subject in new way of matehood. Ceremony of wedding was in fact very simple – the main part was mates announcing their relationship and king confirming that and – of that was important couple for kingdom – all subjects watching. Finally Ghera and Sparthi joined in one roar, that was soon after echoed by roar of whole pride.
“And that’s all?” asked a bit surprised Sukari.
“And what did you expect?” asked Zira.
“I expected… well… more of romanticism.”
“I guess that lays in paws of young couple.” Smiled princess. In spite of few elements spoiling that day, she was really happy about her brother.
Meanwhile Dhalimu was still keeping animals in distance, preventing from any stampede or other incident. He hardly saw a moment when his only and favourite nephew acclaimed he had a mate. But it didn’t matter – white lion was happy even to secure the technical side of ceremony.
“It all comes in good way.” He thought, roaring on herd of zebras that came to closer to meerkat family, scaring it. “Soon future of kingdom will be secured and Malkha’s son will be sure heir to the throne.” But then his stare came to Zira and Sukari. Lioness and lion were jesting, seeming to be completely aside of rest of pride. Dhalimu read slight traits of what could come. He narrowed his eyes in bolt of anger and anxiety. “But Zira… I thought she could really followed her mother, but now… She brought here that rouge… This is a warning, I must keep an eye on Sukari. He won’t endanger Malkha’s heir. The real Malkha’s heir!”
*
In cave everyone could feel an atmosphere of excitation and celebration. Sparthi and Ghera took as their own side chamber of main complex, insulated enough to secure privacy to young couple. But feast in main hall continued, as king and lionesses had to give some vent to general great mood of pride. But Zira somehow was bored with that.
She noticed that Dhalimu went away too, but that was perfectly normal, as her uncle often left cave in least expected moments. But Sukari was also not there. She found him in some back chamber of complex, trying to help Kauli in calculations.
“It was ten messsss and half.” Said snake, pointing lion to make a mark in stone.
“That <sssss> was your misspell, or we damaged something?” asked rouge, while python hissed with irritation.
“Oh, I see you are here.” Said Zira, entering room. “Why are you bothering with that drought reports so late at night?”
“It’s hard to sssssleep, miss, when all are singing and shouting like ssssskined alive.” Noticed reptile.
“You could always join the party.” Said Zira.
“Your pressssence here is clear suggestion that it isn’t worthy.” Concluded Kauli.
“Perhaps.” Replied Zira. “But sitting here is also bad choice. Sukari, are you going?”
“Ten and half – I will remember it.” Said rouge and ran out from cave, leaving snake on half carved report.
“But how I ssssssuppose to remember it?” asked reptile. “Making knotsssss on myself?”
Meanwhile two young lions just ran on desert into Mouth Oasis. Without word they reached green grove and stopped on the shore of lake. There Zira didn’t restrained herself and pushed Sukari ahead, throwing him to water.
“With what I deserved for free batch?” asked rouge coming out of water. “And if you ask me, I prefer to be cleaned in more feline way…” They both laughed and Sukari pulled princess to water as well. When they both exited lake, snorting and shaking water off their furs, rouge asked. “So… why we came here?”
“I don’t know.” Replied Zira. “I just was sick of that elevated atmosphere inside.”
“You don’t like such parties, or simply don’t like those aren’t prepared for you?”
She looked on him with narrowed eyes. “Come one. I’m very happy about my brother.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Replied brownmaned. “But maybe you are simply jealous? You envy them.”
“About what I would be jealous?” asked a bit confused Zira.
“In fact, about nothing.” Smiled Sukari. He looked up to see full moon over desert. “Look there. Isn’t a perfect night for love?” asked.
And when Zira raised his head, he stopped just at her side and slowly nestled to her. As he felt he wasn’t stopped, he licked princess’s cheek and when also that wasn’t greeted with any resistance, he kissed her with long kiss. It took longer while when he slowly moved back from lioness.
“Well…” said Zira with confused tone. “Don’t you think you went too far?”
“I’m the last person to judge it.” Smiled Sukari. “But I would risk a judge that you enjoyed it.”
“Maybe I did.” Replied Zira and started to walk in Golden Cave direction. “But don’t pull the string too much. I’m a princess, your princess and I’m in charge here.”
“Yes ma’am!” replied Sukari with laughing voice, then followed goldenfurred.
*
It happened that Dhalimu saw whole scene, but hard just last few sentences. Perhaps words of young couple were too little to make any theory, but white lion had been observing her niece since long time and he already suspected few things.
“As I thought!” he gasped silently. “She is actually ready to do it!” He clenched his jaws and narrowed eyes in expression of anger. “She is not her daughter! She is a traitor!” He ran down from gorge slope and got to beach of lake. Then looked on desert, to see two lions silhouettes, walking side by side in intimacy closeness. He waited about half an hour longer to return to Golden Cave.
When he returned home, feast was already over and pride placed itself to sleep. White lion walked in direction of his bedding, passing by place where used to be rest royal sibling. Sparthi’s bedding was empty, but Zira laid on her usual place, already in deep slumber. She was smiling wide in her sleep and looking on that Dhalimu once again asked himself if those gentle Malkha’s features could hide a cold-blooded murderer and usurper.
But then he walked to his corner, giving just one, quick look on Sukari. “Well, lad.” Thought without emotions. “Perhaps you are just a tool… but for kingdom’s sake I will look for opportunity to… remove you. Son of Malkha - Sparthi - will be king of Golden Sands!”

It's good that the king of High Pride has already recovered. At least ,now they are free of trouble. Well, Keme is actually angry. I just don't know if he's angry on Sukari, for having left him, or on Zira, for taking Sukari away from him. Dhalimu still doesn't trust Sukari that much... but it seems Arista does, and that's... well, uncertain. It seems a little bit unusual that Sukari was accepted so quick. So, Sparthi and Ghera were married... and more , that's what missed in Sukari's opinion. In mine, it didn't miss anything, because I agree with Zira on romantic stuff. So, Dhalimu wants to drive off Sukari, just for real Malkha's heir to be king of Golden Sands? But Sparthi would be king, anyway, as first born! Dhalimu is getting paranoic. With a paranoic Dhalimu and an angry Keme... I wonder what will happen when the two are mixed together. It won't be cool, surely... I wait for more!

Okay, it's been a while since I've been here, so let's get started:

Prologue: Really nice start. It was sad but there’s a reason for the sadness. The beginning reminded me of the start for Lion King but where that was happy and celebrating the birth of the new heir to the Pridelands, the Golden Sands suffers tragedy. The lands lose their queen and a princess but in place of this, the firstborn of the king and queen’s second litter, a princess. Nicely done, I must say. It’s sad and joyous.

Chapter 1: Another good chapter. Now it seems that the pride must adjust to the death of the queen but it looks as though the queen was doomed to die very young and in cub birth. She was lucky to have survived that avalanche with her brother. Least Arista’s father showed mercy and accepted them into the pride. Dhalimu seems like a nice guy and even though he’s lost his sister, he feels that his presence in the Golden Sands is no longer required. I was thinking that Arista would throw his brother in law out but unlike most kings, Arista is a lion who doesn’t jump to conclusions right away so he allows his brother in law to stay, despite Dhalimu’s worry about doing so. Masa is a good lioness and offers to take care of the newborn princess, something which Arista is very grateful for. It’s clear that Masa likes him a lot but knows her place. And the year old Sparthi will have to adjust to his mother and second sister’s death but he should be alright, mainly with Ghera, who seems to want to help him get through it. All in all… nice chapter

Chapter 2: This one was interesting. The cubs playing the gorge, was a good way to introduce their personalities and how they act towards one another. While Busara, Msikizi, and Epesi maintain peace around each other, there’s a rivalry between Zira and Wivu but surely that was bound to happen anyway. Wivu knows that the queen is gone and that left Zira motherless until Masa was kind enough to take her in. It’s not like Zira understood what had happened to her mother by choice, the pride still misses her as do her father, brother and uncle. It seems as though Wivu could never imagine what it’s like losing a parent so she has to blame Zira because her mother spends so much time with her. Maybe she’ll understand one day but it’s highly unlikely. At least they made up, now they have to tell Masa what happened and spare Sparthi any blame. Dhalimu is starting to freak me out a little. I know he loves his niece but even he blames her for the death of his sister. Should Zira threaten her brother and his rise to the throne Dhalimu won’t let it happen which, is understandable but in a sense, wrong… Malkha would never want blood spilt. She knew it was meant… that she would die so that Zira may live.

Chapter 3: I liked this chapter. I sense a future relationship between Sparthi and Ghera. They would make a good couple. That prank the cubs pulled on them though was partly funny but then again, not so. What if Zira had really been in quicksand, then Sparthi would’ve been extra cautious of his own surroundings but at least it was a joke and that nothing really bad happened. Sparthi is a good brother and doesn’t want to cause his father heartache to lose his last child of his queen. The python is very into the Golden Sands laws but Masa had a point. The python couldn’t a kill such as that, maybe the tail but that’s it.

This is all I can give for now but I will be reviewing the others, no worries there

All right, thanks for feedback and support. As for current situation, Sukari seems to be quite useful… but also stars to spread troubles in pride.

X. Two Rouges

Sukari was a good hunter. As raised in males coalition he had to hunt on his own since very young age. Keme gave him a real school of sneaking and chasing, however he was unable to teach him everything. For example – rouge was almost helpless in mountain hunts. But still he had to catch a very specified prey in Rumble Range.
Zira told him about mountain quails, their tasty eggs and very hard available nests. She even showed him few places where birds dwelled and Sukari hoped that he would find those animals. Brownfurred was too poor climber to get the slope from its foot, but the just climbed on checked path on brink of Rumble Gorge, then started to descent from stone wall. That was smart tactic when we talk about easiness of getting to destination, but not so perfect if one wanted return safety. Sukari had no idea if there was good way down, but he decided to find out. First was the need to find a quail.
Lion successfully slid down to ledge about three metres below bluff. There he noticed a small nest, placed in rock crack. He smiled, seeing that nest was filled with eggs. Those were very tasty, however that wasn’t the reason hunter felt satisfied. He extended his paw and waited.
It didn’t take long – small, grey bird his side of his head in desperate and doomed try to defend her offspring. With second paw Sukari grabbed female bird and pressed her to the rock. He looked on animal, struggling with all strength of panic.
“All right, my score. Give up.” Said rouge. But quail didn’t obey. “All right, listen!” growled brownmaned. “If I wanted your eggs I would have eaten them already. I need to talk.” Bird suddenly froze in surprise. “I’m serious.” Added rouge. “But if you don’t be cooperative, I will look for another pair of wings… And eat your eggs.” Bird shook her body I last try, but then stopped, just looking carefully on predator. “Good. Let’s make a deal.” Smiled lion. “I will leave you alone, if you do me a favour.”
“A favour?” asked finally female quail, amazed she could do anything for giant feline.
“Yes…” nodded Sukari. “Are your mate is somewhere around?” Seeing that bird again shivered in fear, added with angry voice. “I don’t want eat him neither! Believe me, if I were hungry, you would be dead right now.”
“Yes.” Said quail carefully. “He is looking for food.”
“I need him to be my messenger.” Said Sukari. “He will leave you…” seeing another spark of fear in bird’s eyes, added. “Don’t panic, just listen to me. I thought about everything. I will help you to feed. I will bring you some meat that would sway flies and other insects that you will easily catch them. But listen: task for your mate. He had to fly northeast and find a coalition of lions… Then speak with one particular lion, yellowmaned called Keme. Will you remember?” Bird nodded her head. “So listen what your mate should tell him…”
Meanwhile to gorge entered Zira and Wivu. As for that time it was strange view – since princess’s return from High Range sisters were rarely spending time together, except of common hunts. They even speak seldom, but that day was an exception. After all they had no chance to settle their old bet. Zira climbed wall of gorge just before setting out on the desert trip. Wivu claimed she did the same few days later. Not that sisters didn’t believe each other – their merciless rivalry was subjected to strict rules where cheating was not an option – but still there was a draw. A play-off was needed and step-siblings play-off often turned out to be painful.
“Could be better.” Murmured greyfurred, looking on wall of gorge. “I was climbing with sun against my face. It was much harder.” That time sky was almost fully clouded.
“Wind is blowing.” Noticed Zira. “I suspect in the middle of ascend you mind change your mind.”
“It could blow as hell, but I will take that wall.” Said Wivu. “I did it once, and I will do today.”
“Who’s first?” asked Zira, gently stroking rock-surface and choosing optimal way. “If you are scared I could fall on you, I might let you lead.” Added with irony.
“No, suit yourself. As older, you should go first.” Replied greyfurred and in spite of polite tone, irritation could be easily heard.
“As you wish…” said princess and rushed up.
With first few metres she was going easily, finding solid basis in crack. She knew the way and knew that real problems would start in about middle of ascent, where easy basis ended and she would be exhausted. “And there will be no Kauli to support me.” She thought and felt blows on wind, pushing her side. From higher mountains masses of air were passing down via gorge. If wind was so strong on the beginning of her way, princess wondered how it could be near the brink of bluff. And in that second she cried in mind. “Stars, what we are doing? I’m on the best way to kill myself and possibly Wivu! And for what? In fact I had no idea why were are so wrapped up by that stupid rivalry.” She looked down, but noticed that her stepsister already had started her ascent. Their stares met and greyfurred looked up with so fierce look and Zira dropped all thoughts to speak about giving bet up. “It’s done.” She thought. “I won’t persuade her going down. I will only make fool of myself, letting it go.” So she speeded up her moves – if Wivu overran her, in spite of later start, that would be a disgrace!
*
When Sukari finished his instruction, he went to the edge of ledge and looked down, in search of some way out. He examined all possible descends, then his stare stopped on fragment of wall in distance of about hundred metres. There he noticed Zira and Wivu, climbing on almost vertical wall. At first he wanted to shout, but then realised that none of lioness should be disturbed in that moment. And there was a second reason – they didn’t noticed him and wouldn’t ask any awkward question.
But still lion decide to leave ledge quickly and go there just in case. He returned to descend he came there and looked up. There on upper bluff he noticed Dhalimu, looking on lionesses. Before rouge said anything, white lion turned his stare down and smiled.
“Oh, what a pleasant surprise! I guess you also decided to train your climbing skills. Going up?”
“Sir, I think you should interfere in that… whatever it is.” Said brownmaned, pointing on climbing sisters. “Whatever good they are, a risk is significant and…”
“I’m Zira’s uncle!” interrupted him Dhalimu. “Do not teach me, what I should do as her kin.”
“Sorry, sir.” Replied Sukari with atoning voice. But when he noticed as old lion was standing still, asked with surprised tone. “So… what are you waiting for.”
“Let them be.” Said Dhalimu with perfect calmness.
“Excuse me…” murmured rouge.
“Let them climb.” Said whitefurred.
“You are out of your mind, sir!” snorted lion and started to ascend on steep path up. “If you don’t…” he extended his body, reached with paws to bluff. He grabbed a brink and started to lift himself.
“Don’t what?” asked white lion. “What would you do?” and when rouge managed to attach his claws to surface of ledge, Dhalimu put his paws on limbs of rouge in silent threat. Pushing brownmaned back, to the gorge was easy and Sukari in that moment had no means to prevent that.
“What the hell you’re doing!?” yelled rouge.
“Talking with my new pride-mate.” Smiled white lion. “And… who knows – maybe to future mate of my niece.” His voice tuned to faked fondness. “And that is why we must talk, Sukari.”
“Do you always chat in such conditions?” asked rouge, trying to get any basis with his hind legs.
“No, just when I want make clear some things” replied wanderer. “I’m keeping an eye on you.”
“I noticed that!” gasped brownfurred. “Let me climb.”
“Wait a second… we must settle few issues.” Dhalimu shook his head. “If you had a slightest idea of deposing Sparthi in future and ruling at side of Zira, forget about it now, or you won’t live long enough to try it.”
“What!?” gasped rouge. It was hard to say if he panted due to amazement or to pain – holding his position with claws was extremely uncomfortable task. “You lost your mind!” Then he took a quick look aside. “Stop Zira, before she gets hurt.”
“Don’t interrupt me!” said white lion. Maybe he wanted to roar, but he said it with normal tone, not wanting to draw attention of climbing lioness. “I know you and your kind. You are rouge to the core and will be, doesn’t matter what would happen.”
“So, it’s opposite to you?” smiled brownfurred, however he was at the edge of panic. He could jump down of ledge where he found quail’s nest, but it was extremely risky. If he landed in awkward way, he could fall down from that place and die in the bed of gorge. There was no chance to survive over fifty metres of flight.
“No.” white lion shook his head. “I am rouge myself… and I know what is in your mind… You are already thinking about taking over that land. But you won’t! I will make sure that son of my sister will be a king!”
“Right, I got your point.” Snorted Sukari. “Could you know make sure that your niece will survive?” Seeing that facial expression of wanderer didn’t change, added with genuinely surprised voice. “You want her to die!”
“Shut up!” growled Dhalimu. “She could take care about herself. But about you… I will kill you, if I notice you are plotting against Sparthi.”
“Rouges are deadly and treacherous indeed.” Smiled Sukari, thinking heavily about pulling white lion to the gorge. In that position it was very risky, but perhaps not as risky, as hanging on the edge of bluff with mad wanderer over. “How would you do it?”
“It wouldn’t be me.” Replied Dhalimu and slightly extended his claws. Brownfurred sighed with pain, as he felt his paws being scratched. “Just a mountain accident. Fatal accident.”
“Zira didn’t kill her mother!” yelled Sukari with rest of his strength. “Understand it! How long you will be punishing her for crime she didn’t commit!?”
“What would you know, outsider…” replied white lion, but in his voice sounded a tone of confusion.”
“I heard many, and joined few simple facts.” Panted Sukari. Then plunged claws of Dhalimu were saving ones – if that their grip, brown lion would have slid down to gorge. “Queen Malkha and the second cub, called Kira, died just after labour. Zira survived and she left for you to blame. All her life she wished to atone that… gain redemption in your eyes… but still, you are treating her like murderer! She saved your life… If not her, my gerge would have torn you apart! I even wonder if I did wrong, standing for you… But I have to…” He lowered his voice, almost to crying whisper. He was on the edge of loosing his grip. “I… love... Zira.”
Dhalimu was looking on him in complete silence (interrupted only by rouge’s heavy breath). His face was suddenly narrowed by some new expression – Sukari noticed pangs of conscience in that look. But it ended soon after – wanderer again make an angry grimace. “And you expect me to warmly welcome you in family?” asked.
“I expect you to let us live…” whispered rouge and felt he started to slide down.
Dhalimu let loose his paws, but then grabbed his mane and pulled up. Brownfurred gasped with pain, but used that opportunity. He found a small crack with hind leg and based on it. Then extended his front paws even farther and grabbed brink of ledge. White lion caught his shoulder – fortunately for rouge first hiding his claws – and pulled again. Sukari rushed ahead and in next second he found himself lying on bluff. He closed his eyes and was breathing hard, waiting for his heart to slow down. After about minute, he felt ready to stand up. He succeeded, but he still had dizziness.
“We must… take them down.” Panted rouge.
“You must, your highness.” Smiled rouge and slowly walked away.
Sukari ran to path east and with tempo he was able to, he speeded to place of lionesses climb. His paws were burning and bleeding a little, but he even failed to notice that, due to cloud of confusion in his head. He barely focused his sight on wall and noticed that Zira was almost at the top of ascent, while Wivu in middle. But Zira stopped, unable to make a move. Strong wind was pushing her body away from wall.
“Zira, hold on!” called rouge and jumped down on ledge that was most likely the destination point of both lionesses.
“Sukari… leave me alone!” replied princess. “I’m doing fine!”
But then she failed to plunge her claws in rock properly and her paw detached from certain grab. She hung on second paw and unsure basis of left hind-leg. Rouge cursed badly and got to edge of ledge. Then he hit in rock with own claws, barely repressing yell of pain. Then let his body lower into abyss. Fully extending himself and hanging as low as was able to, he sensed that his hind legs were not more than metre adobe Zira.
“Get to my legs!” he called.
“Go back, I will…” started princess but then she slid down about half a metre.
“Quick… I can’t hold this way!” yelled lion.
Goldenfurred based with rear paw some rock crack, prepared herself and rushed up in desperate jump. She grabbed Sukari with front paws, but without claws that was very unsure hold. However if she had extended claws and cut rouge, he most likely would fall with her.
“Just a bit higher!” called brownmaned and when Zira lifted her body, basing on wall, he grabbed her neck into awkward grip of his hind legs. “I bet it looks funny.” He gasped quietly, thinking in the same time how could he return to ledge.
Zira tried to be cooperative, but she was already too tired to be efficient. Moreover she was much lighter and much weaker than male so her hold had small chanced to push up them both. Desperate Sukari took a look aside.
“Will you get there?” asked with panting voice. Princess looked on ledge on her left and nodded her head. Rouge didn’t see it, but sensed movement by Zira’s tension of muscles. “So I will swing you and you will jump there… right?” he felt another nod. “One, two, three!”
In fact he didn’t care to move himself enough, but to rid off her weight, that was endangering their both. But Zira already regained her breath and managed to throw herself to safe ledge. She rolled to stone wall, as if that was only sure point in while universe. But after few more breaths she looked back to Sukari. Rouge was just sliding down, trying to keep that move in borders of control. More or less.
“Go up!” yelled goldenfurred. “Wind will blow you out.”
“Your sister…” replied Sukari with high pitched voice, moist likely venting pain that was enflaming his pawpads.
“*****!” snorted Zira and looked down.
Wivu stopped in about two-third of slope, about ten metres below Zira. Sukari was already in the middle of way to her, but that was what princess feared most. Rouge was still moving down and if he hit barely hanging lioness with all his mass, both of them would fall. But then she noticed as he moved his paws, changing direction of craving slide. His claws miraculously held that load and lion glided a bit on right. Using even his tail as point of basis, he stopped on the level of Wivu.
“Are you holding?” asked Sukari with shivering voice.
“Y… yes.” Replied greyfurred.
“Maybe we’ll try to slide down on my claws…” said rouge. He already had lost any feeling in paws, so he didn’t care for more pain. “Could you hold me?”
“Are you sure?” asked Wivu.
“Any better…” but before he finished, greyfurred lost her balance and let wall loose.
With impulse she rushed to rouge, landing on his back and grabbing his neck. That was too much for one of lion’s claws (Sukari even didn’t know which one) that broke. Two felines started their way down, accelerating much faster to call it <emergency descent>. Brownfurred spread his paws wide, nestling to wall and hoping to stop on any protruding shard (and hoping it wont happen to hit him in perineum). Wivu reacted correctly and also hit rock with her paws, partially plunging them and starting a braked slide down.
But after about ten seconds they both lost any control. Another claw of Sukari broke with nauseating crack, then both felines fell away from stone wall. But way down was short from that point. About for metres lower they hit a ground.
Rouge landed quite fortunately, not breaking any limb and even amortizing most of kinetic energy. But then Wivu knocked on him with all her impetus, sending him on rock surface. He hit ground with head and then was additionally pressed down with body of lioness. Wivu instantly rolled aside, freeing him.
“Are you alive?” asked rouge, slightly lifting his head. However before she manage to answer, he lost consciousness.
Dhalimu got there about quarter later, with Zira on his back. Princess was conscious, but her bleeding paws made her unable to walk on her own. She was calling Sukari and Wivu with scared voice. After short moment of real danger, where goldenfurred kept her blood cold, she become again young and scared lioness.
Seeing brave yet extremely stupid charge of Sukari, white lion decided to help his niece and Wivu eventually. He slowly descended to ledge where Zira laid and was calling in panic, seeing her step-sister and rouge falling down. In fact Dhalimu was angry on himself – he let Wivu risk her life and Wivu had nothing to do with private test he was applying on niece. So he just let goldenfurred climb on his back and went down to gorge.
“Wivu…” sighed Zira with relief, seeing that her step-sister – except of wounds on paws – was unhurt. But then she looked on brownfurred and yelled. “Sukari!” and jumped down from uncle’s back, what cause a gasp of pain. Princess landed just next to unconscious lion.
“Alive…” murmured Wivu, who was still confused after fall. “Last time I checked…”
“Uncle, help him!” cried princess.
“Easy.” Replied white lion, kneeling down to rouge. “As you see, he is alive. Just he was hit in the head.”
Zira noticed a solid bump on rouge’s forehead and started to lick it gently. In that moment Wivu sighed painfully, as if she wanted to show she was also bruised, or maybe she didn’t like what she saw. Zira narrowed her eyes and wanted to turn back to step-sister, but then sensed that brownmaned regained his awareness.
“A rain?” asked, reaching with paw to forehead, licked by Zira. It looked a bit scary, because his pawpad was still bleeding.
“Sukari!” called Zira and in burst of joy she kissed him.
“Yeah, that’s me.” Replied still confused lion. He looked around. “I guess that we all made it…”
“Stars!” gasped Dhalimu, looking on swollen pawpads and broken claws of rouge. “That was a ride… I guess.” Then he looked on Wivu. “You seem to be in best condition here. I will take Zira to Golden Cave. You may wait and I’m not sure if I could transport Sukari alone. It would take an hour or so. Just wait here, don’t move and don’t let him move. I will bring someone to carry you both. Understood?” Lioness and rouge nodded their heads, although Sukari was tooo weak to lift it, so he just moved it on the ground. “So, let’s go. Zira, take your place.”
Princess climbed on uncle’s back and then old lion set off in Golden Massif direction. Goldenfurred just turned back to see Sukari and whispered quietly that rouge read only lips movement. “My hero…”
Then brownmaned and Wivu stayed alone. Lioness carefully crawled closer to lion and put her paw on his shoulder. Sukari didn’t yelled with pain only due to extreme exhaustion.
“Listen…” said Wivu with shivering voice. “Thanks…”
“Not a problem.” Replied rouge weakly. “I’m doing it more often…”
“You risked your life.” Said lioness with honest admiration. “You…” but then she stopped for a while, then added slower. “You wanted to save Zira…”
“Definitely I didn’t want to see her die.” Replied brownmaned. He was looking right into Wivu’s eyes and lioness admitted in mind that was hypnotizing stare. She cursed her sister – what was not so unusual – but that time she was cursing her ten times harder, because of Sukari. “However…” added rouge, gently licking his lips and smiling with gallant smile. “I had to make a free way to come for you.”
“Yes… that was very brave.” Replied lioness. Then she felt like wave of cry almost exploded in her chest. Zira took a boy from here before she could do any move to get him. “You… love her?” asked Wivu with tensed voice.
“What!?” called rouge in faked confusion. “Why have you taken such an impression?”
“You risked your life here.” Replied bbrownfurred.
“I couldn’t leave her.” Snorted Sukari. “But I was going for you…” then he paused, as if that was unwilling mistake. “I mean… for you both…”
“As a good friend?” asked Wivu with wave of sudden hope in her voice.
“I could say so.” Replied rouge. “Listen, whatever princess is doing…” he said word <princess> with clear distance. “…I’m not responsible for her affects and behaviour. In fact she is unbearable, what she showed daring you with that stupid bet.”
“Yes, you are right.” Replied Wivu with smile wide as desert itself on her face. She ignored simple fact she also wanted to climb.
“To be honest, I’m tired with her lordly behaviour and constant huffs… But still, when I see lioness in distress…” Maybe that wasn’t too humble, but Wivu was looking on handsome rouge, completely ignoring meaning of his words, more focused on movement of his lips.
“Yeah, you are very brave.” She replied with dreamy voice. “May I… finish, what she started?” asked, but second later she froze, scared by own boldness.
“Well…” Sukari thought about cut made by Zira, when she was holding him, but then understood what greyfurred meant. “I would be honoured.”
“So…” Wivu smiled even wider. “Lay low and tell me where it hurts.” Then she started to lick rouge’s bump.
*
Dhalimu returned with Sparthi, Cheza and Rama for assistance. Older hunter was leading the way, clearing path in loose sand, while prince took Wivu on his back. Cheza and white lion were carrying Sukari. For most of way back they were silent, just Sparthi was instructing Wivu what to say to keep version consistent with Zira’s story and somehow reduce eventual punishment from Masa. But just before Golden Massif, Dhalimu stopped and said to young lioness.
“Go with prince and Rama, then prepare a comfortable bedding for Sukari. I will carry him myself for that short distance.”
“Sir…” started goldenfurred.
“Do what he says.” Threw Sparthi in. “If uncle told he will manage, he will. Period.” So they went further.
Meanwhile Dhalimu put Sukari in shadow of small cluster of thistle. Rouge expected anything, after what he saw that day. But all those events made him too weak to call for help or defend himself. Only thing that was bothering him, was why white lion chose so idiotic and sheer way to kill him. Then he felt really surprised and paw of wandered didn’t hit him, but was placed on his shoulder with almost fatherly tenderness.
“Lad… perhaps I was very mistaken about you.” Said Dhalimu, looking in eyes of rouge. “I assumed that you have worst intentions and you are just using Zira to gain our trust… and who knows – maybe even power. But today you showed that you really loved her. What you did was suicidal… but very moving in fact.”
“If I know how it would be, I would have taken a second thought.” Said honestly Sukari, looking on his wounded paws.
“But what you did matters.” Said Dhalimu. “Listen… I’m sorry what I said and did today. Forgive my…”
“Sir…” replied shocked lion. “I just want to assure you…”
“I was wrong.” Interrupted him wanderer. “Once about Zira and then about you. Just listen why…” Sukari nodded his head, waiting for explanation. “As you already know, I once was a rouge myself. My mother was exiled from pride, after she mated with rouge, while king disapproved that. She was drove away while being pregnant with my sister, Malkha. I was just two then, but somehow I helped her and we survived. But not for long. She gave birth to my sister and died soon after. I had to take care about Malkha… And we both were living with life of outcasts. I had a sister, beloved person to take care and that should have made me resistant for bitterness and evil… but it happened not true. When we were going to Golden Sands… I was corrupted and hateful, in spite my care about Malkha. I wanted to kill king in ambush and take the pride over. I was explaining that to myself I was doing that for Malkha… but it was lie. I never told her, why we were going there... I was simply evil, as most of those who had been wronged and suffered once. As most of rouges, who live in exile in many cases because of someone’s cruelty or stupidity. Only reason I didn’t try to kill Arista and his father Ananias, what that they saved my sister. I was unable to stand against ones who helped my dear Malkha… and then she mated with Arista, became a queen…” White lion floated back to his memories, but returned soon, after, seeing expression of confusion on Sukari’s face. “Listen… understand what for I’m talking that. I just suspected you, because I was the same… I was worse than you and measured you with my measure. But I won’t make this error again.”
“Thanks for such trust, sir.” Replied still amazed brownfurred. “I hope I will surprise you… I mean, in good way.” Added.
*
Mountain quail, mate of bird that Sukari found in Rumble Gorge, found gerge two days later. He was scared to speak with giant predators, but oath his mate had made was stronger than fear. In the night he landed on Keme’s head and gently pecked his cheek. Just second after he was struggling for a breath, being squeezed in lion’s grasp.
“What the heck!” murmured Keme with sleepy voice. “Have you mistaken me with crocodile?”
“Wait!” gasped terrified quail. “I have a message, to Keme’s ears only. If you eat me, you will never know.”
“Message?” asked yellowmaned. “From whom?”
“From lion called Sukari.” Replied bird. Then Keme put his pawpad on animal’s bill.
“Hush! Not here.” He took a look around to make sure that on one from his companion woke up. “Let’s go aside.”
Lion took quail in thistle grove about fifty metres farther and there listened to the message. With every word he heard, on his muzzle – since long time narrowed with sadness – smile was returning. Instead of eating bird, he just let him go – not to keep his word, but just because of joy that was burning in his chest.
Sukari spoke about kingdom to conquer… But actually Keme wasn’t so happy about what he could gain, but in the very first place about that what he had never lost, against all appearances.

Ah well... Sukari actually has his uses... and he's brave. Trying to help Zira was actually brave. But finding a quail to send the message to Keme... I wonder what may happen if Keme and his friends return. Knowing Keme, probably it won't be good... oh, here am I saying that I know Keme, when he surprised me at least two times! Maybe he'll surprise me a third... I wait for more!

Here is more of Sukari's mess.
I'm soprry for that odd song, but it just came to my mind.

XI. Let it blow!

Injuries of ill-fated climbers turned out to be rather superficial ones, so just after few days Wivu and Zira were able to walk and even hunt. Broken claws of Sukari needed more time to grow back, but that wasn’t a tragedy – after all male had no specified job to do. He could sit whole days on slope of Golden Massif or in shadow of rock, eventually wander in nearest vicinity of pride’s keep, worrying about nothing in particular. Lionesses hunted for him, because he wasn’t a king, he had no duties. Overall – he could say that he never had such pleasant and airy time in his life.
But still he was anxious and uneasy – he waited for an answer form the desert. He asked Rama to gave grey quail from Rumble Gorge a portion of gnu’s meat, telling that she helped him notice Zira in distress and that’s why he was grateful to bird. Then was thinking how go to nest again and hear the report of male quail. However before he take any decision, bird found him.
“Sir.” Quail landed before brownfurred. He was just walking on path up the Golden Massif, what was were favourable condition – no one was there and no one could hear the talk. “I have message from Keme of Shababu’s gerge. Should I tell it now?”
“Sure.” Replied rouge with tensed voice. “What he said?”
“Keme said…” started bird, sitting on rock just before lion. “I don’t know the context, so I’m just repeating his words. It makes limited sense to me.” Sukari nodded his head. “He said he is sorry, he doubted in you. And he want to meet you, for now without others. He asks, if that offer is for whole coalition or him exclusively.”
“For him, of course!” snorted rouge, smiling. He knew that Keme understood and he would come. “But maybe, we need whole coalition to fulfil our plans. Fly to him and tell him…”
“No!” chirped bird. “I won’t. As far I understand, I think that is some kind of treason. I don’t won’t do have anything to do with that. I will tell king Arista…”
“Your mate swore to serve me!” called Sukari with anger.
“That one time.” Replied quail. “After I fulfiled that promise, there is no treaty between us.”
“Oh, yes, that’s right.” Murmured lion. “So that means you are not obliged to help me, nor to keep the secret.” Bird nodded his head. “So I guess again I’m just lion and you are just a quail.” Animal nodded again. “A predator and pray.” Smiled Sukari. “How pity!”
And before grey quail managed to make move, rouge’s paw hit him and pressed to the rock surface, squashing bones and killing in second. Bird just few times fluttered with broken wings, then stopped in brownfurred’s grasp. Predator lifted small dead body.
“Killing you – I guess – is all right in the Circle of Life. You are just a game for me…” then he looked on north-east. “But where I should look for another messenger now?”
*
Hunt was rather successful one. Masa led her team (actual leader was Rama, but due to common respect for greyfurred lioness, she was considered as chief, officially) more south, to Home Grasses. They encountered a huge herd of buffalos, about twenty animal. In normal condition that would be a risky try, but game panicked and scattered at first sign of predators. Perhaps those were also refugees from some farther land, seeking sanctuary in Golden Sands. “It’s strange to look a haven from drought on desert.” Thought Rama. “But thanks to Mouth Grove we are still well provided with water.”
They killed just one bovid – that was anyway plenty of food for whole pride and king ordered to carefully hunt preys. Easiness of getting game shouldn’t be taken as proof of general fertility – Arista wanted to <save> herds for worse times.
“Great, girls!” called Masa. “Let’s eat some… or maybe even more.” We won’t be able to get this all meat back to cave.”
Feast began. There was discrete, yet almost always kept hierarchy in order of eating. Usually team leader started first, except of cases when king was there, because he had a first bite. Then came prince, if there any in team, then lioness who took down the pray or at least make a first wound to it. That was purely covenantal order, especially with preys like that buffalo – it was so huge that twelve huntresses could feat at once. And slight negligence of that sequence was ignored in normal conditions. That day conditions turned out to not be normal.
“Wivu, wait!” snorted Masa, seeing as her daughter came to buffalo just after her. “That’s not your turn.”
Lioness had already a portion of meat in mouth, so she swallowed and looked on mother with surprised voice. “But mom…” she said. “I pinned it down… really. All saw that.”
“No, we did it together!” snorted Zira.
“Zira - as a princess - goes first.” Said team leaderess.
Wivu was so surprised that for first moment she fail to reply on that. Meanwhile her step-sister came to prey and make a first bite. In that moment all reasons to argue should disappear – then all members of team could eat, without looking on any kind of social status. But Wivu was just sitting on sand, few metres from meat, silently repeating what she heard. “As a princess. As a princess. As a…” She even didn’t cared that Zira doubted her kill. The main matter was mother’s attitude.
“Darling, your turn.” Said Masa, swallowing a portion. Because she told it with so airy and calm voice, as nothing had happened, Wivu fest as sandstorm hit her face. She looked on Masa.
“As a princess?” she asked slowly and quietly. Only her mother and Zira – but only because princess was carefully listening – heard that. “And my turn is as whom? If she is princess, who am I?”
“Wivu, don’t make a scene. Eat.” Said Masa just in that moment noticing her words could somehow hurt her child.
“I have already eaten!” called greyfurred with crying voice. “When I had right to!” She spat on sand a piece of meat that stayed on her teeth, turned back and set off to run. All lionesses raised their heads from kill and looked back on running companion.
“Masa, what’s wrong?” asked surprised Rama.
“Did I do anything wrong?” asked Zira, also not fully aware what had happened.
“No, it just… I don’t know.” Said Masa. “She seems to returning home. We will check it, when we are back.”
Meanwhile Wivu was running in random direction, just accidentally choosing –more or less - way to home. When she was sure, no one could hear her, she started to cry. In tears she barely saw the way and because of that she got to thistle cluster in middle of way, without noticing Sukari. Rouge was so surprised by that view, that he let loose quail’s body, that he held in mouth.
“Wivu!” he called after her. “Wivu, what happened?”
She wanted to go further, but she had to obeyed his command. She stopped, still crying and waited as rouge came to her and put his paw on her shoulder.
“You must tell me!” said brownfurred with anxious voice. “Is all right? Did something happened on hunt?” Lioness nodded her head and then shook it just after. “I don’t understand. Is anyone hurt?” asked rouge. She gave him another shake. “So it’s just you?” She made a nod. “Come here.” He said and pushed her in direction of thistle cluster. She walked there with no resistance. In fact she even didn’t care that she was crying in front of lion whom she tired to charm. Sukari placed her on ground in shadow of plants.
“All right.” He said finally. “Tell me, what happened.”
“Z… Zira.” Sobbed Wivu.
„Yes, but Zira <what>?” asked rouge, but then he understood it was not the best approach. “Listen… I don’t known what happened, but perhaps there is a solution, if only…”
He stroked lioness’s head, but then she embraced his paw, crying on it. Brownfurred awkwardly hugged Wivu. She was crying for longer white, before she said anything. What was worse for lioness, apart of all humiliation she had experienced, she was also hungry. In her first bite she ate just a minimal portion of meat, what her stomach reminded, rumbling aloud. In spite that didn’t sounded too proper, she sobbed.
“I’m hungry.”
Sukari was surprised, but just for a second. He took from sand body of quail, he dropped just before. Then he gave it to lioness.
“I guess it’s all I have for now.” He said, thinking hard what was going on there.
Without word Wivu ate the bird in few bites, leaving bones and feather… or at least most of them. Of course she wasn’t so hungry and that portion of food couldn’t satisfy, but she had to gain some time to restrain her cry. Sukari was looking on it with amazement, thinking in the same time. “Well, that is total removing of evidence…”
“Sorry…” said Wivu finally. Her voice was firmer and calmer. “I’m terribly sorry for my burst.” She stepped back from rouge. “Just… a bad day. I have to go…”
“No wait!” called brownfurred, stopping her in place. “You won’t go, before you tell me everything. I want know, why did you cried.”
He said that with decisive tone and it sounded in lioness’s ears as sweetest music. He cared. “As mother and Zira give no heck… he cares!” thought greyfurred. “I guess only he cares for me here! He, the outsider! Who just came. An alien… so handsome alien.” She was looking in Sukari’s eyes, as hypnotized. She opened her lips, although she didn’t want to.
“It’s all about Zira. Mother loves her more than me… than me, her real daughter.” And she burst with tears again.
This time Sukari was prepared. He didn’t know what he could expect, but sensed that lioness was hiding a family secret that could help him. He gathered all data he got from Zira herself, Sparthi and Dhalimu, that started to add what he heard from Wivu. For the first glance Golden Pride was a monolith, hard rock unable to be crushed. But in every rock there is a crack. Sometimes small, barely visible, but still possible to extend by small, yet well placed drops of water.
Wivu started to tell her story. In fragments, not ordered chronologically – Sukari had to figure much on his own. But he knew some basics, heard the story of Zira’s mother and Dhalimu’s reaction on princess’s birth. But it seemed he found a crack.
“I… I don’t care about what pride thinks…” still sobbed Wivu. “But my mother… Even king considers me more as his child than my mother. She sees only Zira.”
“I doubt if that’s true.” Said Sukari. “I think…” he was indeed thinking heavily what he could say. “…that your mother seems to favour her… because Zira needs it. You know, death of lady Malkha…” Seeing that wasn’t working, he added quickly. “You simply don’t need any easy going. You are doing fine at your own, without any support. You can’t be jealous, because your mother considers you as stronger…” Wivu opened her crying eyes and looked on him. “You are ten times better princess as Zira, so your mother have to… make some kind of handicap. I guess kings thinks the same. You are Masa’s daughter… so if he considers Zira as own child, the same goes for you as well.”
“You really thinks so?” asked lioness. Sukari sensed he pulled the right string. “But it doesn’t matter. Mother hates me! And rest of the pride the same. If something happens to Sparthi, I would never be heir, because of Zira. And in what she is better than me? I should have been acclaimed as princess too!”
“As we already settled, you should have.” Automatically replied rouge. He stroked Wivu’s fur even harder, feeling storm in his mind. another piece of puzzles came to its place. “Who knows, maybe one day should be.”
“But they will never let me prove, I’m better than Zira.”
“You are, Wivu. I know that.”
“But…” she sobbed and then kissed brownmaned in impulse. “I… love you, Sukari!”
I all seemed too easy. Lion smiled even wider then return kiss to Wivu. They stayed in intimate hug for long while then rouge gently pushed her away. He looked on her face and saw that all tears dried to sunny smile.
“Listen… I promise, that will change. I will give you a change to show who is the real princess of Golden Sands… just you must trust me.”
“What do you mean?” asked lioness.
“I might seem to be interested in Zira… flirting with her. But that’s not true. We both know she isn’t lioness that could meet anyone’s needs… mine especially.” She nodded her head, looking on him with absolute trust. “But she is considered as the second in line to the throne, just after Sparthi. It’s against all – what I think it’s right and against vital interests of this land… but someday we could be able to change it.” He embraced her once again. “I want you to be Golden Queen!”
“But… but how!?” asked amazed Wivu.
“Details are secondary to our will.” Replied rouge. “We will find a way… But for now, we must play roles of good and humble subjects of princess Zira… all right?” He said <princess Zira> with poisonous, mocking tone, making her to smile even wider.
“Of, course, my love.” Replied Wivu.
“Let’s go back to cave.” Said rouge. “We will talk again… but when no one would see us. Especially Zira.” They set off to Golden Massif.
*
When they reached cave, hunting team was there already. Wivu slipped to main hall, avoiding anyone’s attention, but sharp eyes of Masa noticed her, as she was entering some back chamber. She left feasting king and Sparthi, then followed her daughter.
“Wivu, that the heck possessed you?” asked lioness, a bit harsher than she intended.
“No, it was nothing, mom.” Replied Wivu with perfectly calm tone. Her mother sensed that something was not right.
“What it is all about?” she asked. “Sit down and tell me, what made you to get so huffed.”
Daughter sat on the ground and waited as her mother do the say. They were in corridor to chamber used as food storage. In partial darkness Masa couldn’t read from her child’s face, just listened to her words. She didn’t see ironical smile on lioness’s face.
“So, what do you want to know, mother?” asked Wivu.
“Why did you take offence, when I asked you to wait, as Zira got her share?”
“Share of my kill.” Replied Wivu instantly with angry tone. But just then she added calmer, faking atonement. “Sorry, mother. Just a stupid huff.” Masa sighed with relief. It wasn’t serious in the end. “…I just thought you still consider me as your daughter.” Finished young lioness with sweet tone, sharply contrasting with content of sentence.
“WHAT!?” gasped shocked Masa.
“You see? That’s a stupid conviction, my queen.” In first impulse Masa wanted to hit Wivu. But her paw stopped just before daughter’s face. Old lioness froze, looking into stare of her child. Those eyes were cold and filled with anger. “Go on. I guess I deserved for some real disciplining, because I’m not Zira.” Masa helplessly lowered her paw.
“Why did you say that?”
“I ask you one, simple question, mother.” Said Wivu. “Zira and I are in hunting team since some time. We should be announced as mature members of pride, right? So tell me – will I also be recognised as princess of Golden Sands?”
“Wivu, stop that!” snorted lioness. “It’s stupid question, because Sparthi is the heir of our kingdom and it doesn’t matter of…”
“Yes or no?” asked Wivu with freezing voice.
“Zira, as daughter of king is princess of Golden Sands and second in line to throne. Only her.”
“Thank you, mother.” Replied Wivu with voice washed out from emotions. “That’s all I wanted to know.” And before mother managed to stop her, she disappeared in darkness.
Wivu run to main chamber, where pride was finishing its supper. She stopped next to Arista and whispered to his ear.
“My lord, may we talk for a while… aside.”
“Sure, my child.” Replied ruler and followed lioness.
“Child?” thought Wivu, guiding monarch outside. “Do you really consider me as child, or just speak like that? I guess that mother gave me the right answer. Zira and only Zira!” They stopped in alley in front of Golden Cave. Sun was just setting, painting all desert red. “Red as blood.” Thought young lioness. “As blood of that buffalo that should be mine!” Then he looked on king.
“Sir… Have you heard that today Zira got her first real kill? She pinned buffalo as first of team.” She said, trying that sentence sounded natural. Although her voice was clam, inside she was burning. “That was my prey… But I’m sure no one would protest if it comes to Zira’s account.” Thought greyfurred. “So that is the way I could check king… if he is my father, or just… Zira’s father.”
“That’s wonderful.” Said Arista. “I guess that team already congratulated her and…”
“Sir, I mean that she could be considered mature already.” Interrupted him Wivu. “It’s high time to announce her princess, isn’t it?”
“Well… actually I haven’t thought about that.” Said monarch and for short second in heart of lioness sparked a light of hope. “But I guess you are right.” And that light died. “We should do it. Thank you for reminding me, what should be already done. I see you are Zira’s real sister and friend.”
“I’m trying as I can.” Replied Wivu with cold tone. Then added silently. “And I will show you, I am. If I’m her sister, I’m also kingdom’s princess!”
“Right… we could call animals for day after tomorrow. First, we should find someone who carry the news, because Hatibu won’t make it…”
“I could do it, sir.” Said Wivu. “I will find some quail in Rumble Gorge….” Then added in mind “…or we use some vulture that came to remnants of my prey!”
“I’m very grateful that you think about it all.” Said king with a bit embarrassed voice. “But maybe you want Dhalimu to help you?”
“No, I wish to do it myself… for my beloved sister.” Replied Wivu. Sun set just in that moment and Arista failed to see bloodthirsty smile of young lioness.
She left monarch on acacia alley and set off to run west. Sukari knew it was useless to hide or pretend he didn’t hear, so he just waved, stopping her. They both waited as Arista returned to cave, then Wivu asked.
“Have you heard that?”
“I’m terribly sorry.” Replied rouge. “I didn’t plan to eavesdrop…” And that was fact – it was pure coincidence that king and lioness talked exactly in moment he was setting out to rendezvous point to meet Keme. However in spite he didn’t plan, he used opportunity to hear. As usual.
“It doesn’t matter. You know what it was about?” asked Wivu. Anger already dimmed her mind and reason.
“More or less.” Said Sukari. “I guess they all are doing great mistake… They neglect lioness who would be the perfect queen of Golden Sands.”
“Zira, it’s all about Zira!” gasped greyfurred, although words about <queen> touched some deep place in her heart, filling her with excitement.
“We could show them all, who is really princess here.” Said rouge with emotions. It wasn’t faked – he was really excited, hearing as more and more factors supported his plan. “I know, how could we do it!”
“How?”
“My old coalition might come here.” Replied Sukari with proud smile. “And they could – hypothetically – attack our pride. But – of course – they will be prevailed… Thanks to heroic stand of real heroes of kingdom… Namely: us!”
“Are you serious!?” asked Wivu with shocked voice. But with every heart beat she discovered that she was able to do anything to put her sister in shame. “But what about Zira?”
“That depends on you.” Whispered Sukari right to her ear. “Just beware that accidents happen.”
Wivu’s pupils extended. Her jaw dropped and lioness gave a weak gasp of amazement. Rouge cursed himself silently for pulling the string too hard. But it was wrong guess. Opened lips of lioness suddenly turned to be just extended in wide grin. Wivu needed some time to accustom to idea of killing her step sister. It took her five seconds.
Of course, that was a process that happened long time before, but in that moment she understood that she was wishing Zira were dead. And she didn’t consider any plot as murder – it would be just a test that goldenfurred should be subjected to pass it or to die. If Dhalimu heard thoughts of Wivu, he would be understood her idea easily. But Dhalimu would also ask another question. “That was about Zira. But what with Sparthi.”
“You will be the queen of Golden Sands, as you deserve to be.” Whispered Sukari to fuel her zeal.
“I don’t care about that.” Replied Wivu with tone suggesting that wasn’t total truth. “But I will show Zira her place. And you will help me!”
“Sure thing, my princess.” Murmured rouge and kissed her.
“But… how it could be?” asked Wivu, when she backed from Sukari.
“Today I’m going to meet my friend from old coalition.” Explained rouge. “That’s only person I trust there and only he will know what it is all about. Don’t bother with detail. I can prepare everything.”
“I love you, Sukari.” Said Wivu. “Only you care about me on this word.”
“Soon they will all have to… for you as for their queen!” called brownmaned with conviction, or at least it sounded like that. “But for now I must leave you and meet Keme. Then we will settle our plans.”
Wivu barely heard that. She was marching in direction of Rumble Gorge, totally wrapped up by thought of incoming glory. Finally she could win with Zira… of course perspective of mating with Sukari and becoming queen was also tempting, but the first wrong demanded to be fixed as first.
When she was running on desert, first signs of storm started. It wasn’t unusual in that season – short but violent rages of elements, bringing clouds of sand and sometimes lightning with them. Storms rarely meant raining, and were most often in early dry season – as it was on that night. Normally Wivu should be scared, or at least uneasy – if blow of sandstorm hit her while walking on plain, without cover, it could killed her in seconds. “But it won’t!” thought lioness. “One day I will be queen of this land. Kingdom won’t kill own monarch!”
She got to Mouth Oasis when first blows of storm hit the grove. Dry sand kept falling on leaves of forest, filling the air with most unique sound one could imagine. But soon after that noise died in overwhelming howl of wind. Wivu stopped right in mouth of Rumble Gorge.
She came there… well, that wasn’t clear. She told king she would find some messenger to help pride in preparing Zira’s ceremony. “And I will prepare that ceremony myself. Or with help of Sukari.” She snorted with hateful tone. First thunder roared above her.
Wind was already speeding with dangerous speed and if lioness was still outside rock-shelter, her life would be drained by powers of elements. But she just started to laugh, watching storm that whipped forest, lake and sandy plains.
[“Let it blow” song. The melody is taken from Sammy Cahn’s and Jule Styne’s “Let it snow!”, but with some significant changes. Tune is generally the same, but verses are extended. Also the instrumental line is different – there sound low-keyed strings, especially contrabasses and cellos. Saxophone/trumpet lead from original is played few octaves lower by tubas and French horns. Piano lines are made by harpsichord. In later stage, orchestral assemble comes in. Also wind blowing on crack of Rumble Gorge makes a constant background with it’s howling noise. Lightings strike constantly during whole the song, making scene contrastive – from almost all black, where we barely see Wivu and her surroundings to all flashing whiteness of strikes. Sky over oasis and gorge is covered by dust-clouds, quickly moved by fast wind. But many times a full moon is shinning in bore of cloud-layer.]
[Wivu walks on the shore of oasis lake. Above her storm is raging, making her no harm only thanks to shield of grove. Some trees are being pulled away from ground and carried away. But lioness seems to ignore all that. She just sings]
All the world outside is falling
And the shades of death are calling
All the beauty as we see
Comes out from catastrophe
[Some mightier lighting hits, flashing scene to all white. Then view back to normal, but that is another shot – from front of Wivu. She comes to the edge of grove. Just before border of raging element. She stops inches before will of wind and sand.]
But it’s how the world should go
But it’s all for us to show
And it’s all for now I know
Let it blow, let it blow, let it blow!
[On words <let it blow!> she extends her paw and with its end she touches a wall of wind and sand. Her paw instantly covers with small cuts and abrasions, she moves it back.
Then a lighting strikes just behind her. She turns there too see that cluster of dried bushes – just next to almost vertical slope of Rumble Range. She smiled, walking that direction.]
Let the flames cover our rushes
Cleansing to the purest ashes
Let them hide what once went wrong
Let them start a fair new song
[Shot from above, as flames cover silhouette of lioness – from air perspective she looks like consumed by fire. But that is just an illusion. Again, shot from side – she comes to fire and extend right - that cut - paw to it.]
Let it level low and higher
In the equilibrant fire
Fourth element has its turn
Let burn, let it burn let it burn
[On words <let it burn!> flames reaches her fur, that starts to glow. She instantly put paw on ground, extinguishing flame in sand. Then, looks on limb, as it still hurts. She looks back to see lake. She smiles and moves ahead, in spite that water at least twice was hit with thunder.]
As the water comes for clearing
To wash all what once we’re fearing
Cover what we loathe and hate
Drown the past in endless wave
[She submerges her paw into lake. Wind is blowing there, making waves on pool and even constantly throwing drops into the air. It seems at it is raining and Wivu – standing on leeward is showered with that “artificial” rain. As her fur gets wet, dust is being cleaned from it.]
Let it soothing and cold stream
Water down the heat we’re in
As you pull away the strain
Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain
[On words <let it rain!> she raises her front-right paw up to the sky. In the same moment a lighting strikes to lake. She is standing just half a metres from water, filled with electric bolt. But greyfurred pays no attention, or even if, she isn’t scared. When lighting-flash died, fade to black.]
Let it reborn us with feeling
That there’s no wounds reappearing
Let that death to makes us certain
Our second life is perfect
[Shoot of Wivu walking through forest into mouth of gorge. We see more trees fallen by wind. Then a powerful blow simply extinguish fire from lighting. Wivu passes it by, paying no attention, just singing. He stops where bed of seasonal torrent ends.]
Make real what I knew from start
I’m burning bridges in my heart
[Some tree falls down just behind her, as if it was blocking way back.]
I want put all back - inverted
Let it hurt, let it hurt, let it hurt!
[On words <let it hurt!> she hits the rock-shard, cutting her front-right paw. She raises it and looks with evil smile on blood dripping and being carried away by wind.
Slow zoom away, higher and higher – we see whole Mouth, then whole oasis and then whole Rumble Range. Scene slowly faded to black. Music stops.]

Well... with Sukari here, the pride is deffinetly in big trouble, facing a strong group of rogues. So, the offer is just for Keme, but he needs the whole pack? And how will he get rid of them later? It seems Wivu is really furious at her mother and pride. I understand a little bit Wivu's anger... it's not easy to be ignored by all... but wanting Zira dead... well, I'm deffinetly unsure of what might happen. Don't worry about the song, I liked it, really! I wait for more!

here is more of Sukari's mess. His plans take finally a substantial form...

XII. Sow the wind...

Miraculously Keme managed to get to Rumble Range before sandstorm hit. He set off to Golden Sands right after he got message from Sukari and second messenger (whom rouge forced to cooperation in similar way that family of quails) found him already on the way. That second liaison – it was secretary bird – also showed more fondness towards yellowmaned and warned him about coming storm, then guided in shortest straw to safe mountains. He was better motivated – that time Sukari started with promises then eventually put his threat. Also rumours about him and Zira spread wide, so he was considered almost as a fully trusted member of Golden Pride. Thanks to that fortunate chain of circumstances, Keme was guided fast and firmly, avoiding any danger of storm.
Sukari found him on morning. Rouge was searching for Wivu and when he noticed that she was alive and unhurt, just told her to return to cave and himself went further, in search of old carer. He found him in one of northern ravines of range. Of better to say – Keme found him.
“I guess you couldn’t stand too long in one place.” Said lion, hidden in rock crack.
Sukari stopped and looked back. The sun was already high, and after sandstorm, when air was cleaned from any dust, sky was clean and sun shone mercilessly on the dried ground. It took a moment, before eyes of brownmaned, accustomed to daylight – noticed older lion in shadow.
The welcome couldn’t be called <tender> nor <emotional>. Both felines were overjoyed, but didn’t show too much emotions on muzzles. Just Sukari ran to crack where Keme was laying and stopped just before rouge. He said with uncertain voice.
“Keme, I sorry…”
“Stop it.” Interrupted him yellowmaned. “That was most rational decision you could make. The point is that you decided to join me to winning party and that’s a thing I appreciate… and won’t forget.” Just after that lion stood up and short, tight move, embraced his old charge. Of course, he quickly let him loose and steeped back. “And I’m sorry I doubted in you. Now I see we are the team.”
“At least I have an opportunity to return you a favour… all those favours, at least partially.”
“Cut this, before I cry.” Laughed Keme. “Better tell me the news.” He sat again in shadow of crack and younger rouge followed him.
“Well… this is pride of thirteen lionesses, king and his son. They control a hunting area of…” Another burst of Keme’s laughter interrupted him.
“Boy, those details later. Tell me how are you?
“Long story, but in short: fine. Thanks for asking.”
In about hour he told Keme most of vital data – about strength of pride, customs and habits and of course about tensions and arguments, possible easy to use in war against Goldenlanders. Sukari just reported what he saw, leaving most of planning to older friend. He had his plans, but those were just supporting actions. Main task of military preparing that double coup d’etat was in Keme’s paws.
“We have a hard prey to hunt.” Said finally yellowmaned. “We must weaken the pride to level at which I could persuade Shababu to attack, then guide that battle to remove Arista and Sparthi, then switch our side… or I do it, you just stand where you are… Anyway – then to stand against gerge and that way save our new pride. Then you become the king and invite me to pride. Right?”
“And what about Zira?” asked Sukari.
“Huh? You said you want her as mate… I thought you picked up that second chick just in purpose to make some mayhem… But it will be as you wish. As you know, I’m not too conservative in that matter – you may have as many mates and you feel able. Just leave me one or two lioness…”
“I meant: I’m not sure if Zira would just give up, when we kill her father and brother.” Said Sukari.
“That’s why we have to use our gerge as perfect scapegoats.” Smiled Keme. “You know… if they… or we, because we would be both on <good side> then, take some of them alive, no one would listen to their story. Who the heck would trust rouge… No offence.”
“None taken!” replied Sukari and they both burst with laughter. But then brownfurred said. “Right. We will do it. So, if you take care about Shababu’s participation, what should I do?” Keme was thinking for a moment, then replied.
“I know it would be hard, but for now pride is too strong to even think about attack. You must weaken them – both physically and spiritually. That means: you must use every tension and conflict inside the pride to make it quarrelled and focused on itself. Also gerge can’t stand against so well prepared fighting machine. I could lead Shababu to kill king and prince, but still, I need to handicap them. I saw Dhalimu and Rama fighting… and I prefer not to see them again. Can you arrange… a series of accidents? Unfortunate fatalities?”
Sukari was silent for a longer while. Not because he had too serious pangs of consciences, plotting against his new pride, but the case was difficult. He knew that assassination of old lion was the top priority, because white lion could prepare efficient defence of pride. Greyfurred lioness old seemed to be sharp claw of pride and her death would be a serious blow – both to morale and combat strength. However if in first case Sukari had some ideas, killing lioness was much harder.
“I think I will manage to rid off Dhalimu.” Said brownmaned. “He often wanders in mountains, disappears for long time. I could deal with him, before anyone could notice something is wrong. In case of Rama, there might be a problem. She is rarely going outside the pride. She is in cave or with hunting team…”
“Sure, you will decide what is possible.” Replied Keme. “I prefer to fight against Shababu in open field, than send you to kill him, if you aren’t sure you manage. Just… I’m leaving it to you – weaken strength of Golden Pride. The effect matters, not the means.”
Seeing Keme’s stare, full of trust and belief in his strength, Sukari felt he was able to do anything. “I won’t fail you, Keme.” Replied.
“Right… so I’ll be going back to boys.” Said rouge. “I told them I went in search of sources… but if I stay too long, they could be suspicious. Take care, Sukari. Beware not put the string too hard. If you feel something is going bad, just leave it. We could always find another pride.”
“Yes, I know.” Said brownmaned with dreamy voice. “But I want this kingdom be my home. And Zira my queen…” Suddenly he thought about something obvious, but what hadn’t come to his mind earlier. “Keme… why you don’t want to be a king? You know I could give up it to you anytime.”
“First think about conquering stuff to give up.” Smiled yellowmaned. Then added with serious voice. “That’s your plan, your idea, you did the hardest job. It will be on your way. We are team, aren’t we? So in fact it’s just a detail. And after all, Zira is your, so because she is princess…”
“Thanks, Keme.” Replied Sukari. “If we act together, no one could stop us!”
*
In spite of sandstorm, Arista decided to proceed with Zira’s ceremony. Announcing lion of royal family mature member of pride was traditional custom, but not as important as cubs presentation or wedding. However animals came in number almost equal to number of weeding guests. As I said – in hard times every sing of kingdom’s unity and strength was soothing fears of subjects. Creatures of desert came to see new princess with joy and hope in their hearts.
“They expect you to say something.” Noticed Arista, standing next to his daughter.
They were on the end of Acacia Alley – just as two months earlier with Sparthi’s and Ghera’s wedding, looking on hoist of animals, gathered before them. The same seemed process of ceremony. Dhalimu with Kauli on his neck was keeping order in ranks of subjects, while rest of pride stood between acacias, ready to give triumphal roar on viva to new presented princess. There were some changes, of course. Just behind king and his daughter stood Masa and next to her Sukari, who was already considered and actual member of pride. Then waited Sparthi and Ghera. Prince’s mate – so officially first princess of Golden Sands – was very anxious and angry. She didn’t see any point in that whole ceremony.
“I don’t like it.” She whispered to Sparthi. “What for your father presents Zira, if you are the heir of kingdom?”
“Plenty is no plague.” Replied sandymaned with smile. “Oh… don’t be so huffed today… Everyone know you are the first princess of pride.”
“Are you sure that desert stray understands it as well?” asked Ghera, looking on Sukari.
Wivu smiled. She heard that talk and barely repressed laughter. Her plan was already in motion – as pride was showing its scorn and neglect towards her, she had mean to change the scene in paws. Sukari was doing his quest – getting closer to Zira… Wivu sometimes wondered, if that was the best way, but after all she gave her agree on rouge’s plan. Brownfurred had to seduce Zira and <mate> with her. Wivu knew that was just a trick, because brownfurred loved her and only her. But he had to have some legitimation to take kingdom over, after he save it from rouges attack. And Zira could die in progress, then Sukari would become a king with her – Wivu – at his side.
“Zira, princess of Golden Sands.” Called Arista and all lions roared.
Wivu gave her roar too, maybe even louder then others. She just hid her own laughter in that sound. That was just a step to real aim and that aim was surely still invisible for princess. “Rejoice, my sweet sister!” thought she. “Rejoice here and now, because not too much time left!”
*
Keme returned to Dried Forest that was temporally camp of gerge. He knew that he couldn’t start his plans too fast, because they don’t trusted him. After all, he brought a traitor to coalition and some responsibility laid on him. Shababu delighted with that situation, because he had Keme under his total control, at least he thought that. But yellowmaned knew his leader well. He was fully aware about all virtues of his character (a few) and all the vices (a bit more). He knew that quick temper wasn’t a strong side of Shababu and pride of chief was easy to use to manipulate one-eyed. So he decided not to persuade lion to anything – he hoped that leader would act in expected way from his very own will.
“So, where you have been, Keme?” asked one-eyed, when they were feasting on incidentally found carcass of addax. “Why don’t you tell us about your trip… So ashamed you found nothing.”
“I can’t say I found nothing.” Replied rouge carefully. “But I’m not sure if you want to hear what I saw.”
“Cut those secrets!” snorted Tariki. “What is that?”
“Ehm…” murmured lion. He played to gain maximal interest of gerge and make them make him sell the story. “Acquaintance of mine, I could say. Or maybe even acquaintance of our.”
“You mean that lioness we met in Stormy Pass?” asked Gebali with dreamy smile on his muzzle. “Oh, I forgot her name…”
“No, that was not Wakati.” Replied Keme. “That was Sukari.”
“That rascal!” growled Mhamiji, Tariki an Gebali in unison.
“What?” asked Shababu with quiet, yet freezing voice. “You saw that traitor!? And you let him go alive?”
“Yes.” Replied Keme with his usual, cheeky tone. “I left him alive, as well as I left alive his new pride. Eleven lionesses.”
“He…” Mhamiji.
“…is…” continued Tariki.
“…a king!?” finished question Gebali.
“Not yet, but is on best way to become one.” Replied yellowmaned. “Most likely soon be become mate of princess Zira. And then… if… or better to say: when prince Sparthi has an accident, he and Zira take the land.”
“Nice. Very nice! I like this guy!” Shababu burst in laughter. He was giggling almost a minute, then added with freezing voice. “We must kill him.”
“So…” said Keme, faking amazement. “Are you still looking for chance to repay him?”
“Of course, we are!” roared gerge leader with furious voice. “No one could betray Shababu and live! We must punish him, for what he did!”
“Yes… I just thought it was my personal business.” Said yellowmaned, trying to sound vengeful. “I trusted him and he… But, never mind.” he returned to calm voice. “If you all seek for vengeance, we could get it… and even get more.”
“There is more?” asked Gebali.
“Sure, just think!” started Keme with emotions in his tone. “We could wait as Sukari starts his little cup d’etat and kills the king. Then pride would be much weakened and we could simply take it over.”
“Yeah!” called three young rouges at once. Only Shababu stayed indifferent.
“I don’t know…” he said after a pause. “What if that king kill Sukari in duel, before we do?”
“I guess he would have some fun instead.” Replied Keme with sham airy tone. In fact he thought about risk that brownfurred could take by attempting on lives of pridemembers. “But we could easily prevent that. We will go there, hide in mountains nearby and strike when the time is right. It will work, trust me.”
“I trusted Sukari and I regret that.” Noticed gerge leader.
“My loyalty lays where it always laid.” Said Keme honestly. Of course he didn’t explained where exactly. “And besides… we all want this kingdom, aren’t we? So we will get exactly what we deserved.” Finished yellowmaned with hidden irony.
*
Zira took a free day. It wasn’t any kind of holidays – she just stretched her paw and Rama judged that princess would slow down hunting team in eventual chase. So goldenfurred was allowed to stay in cave or do whatever else she wanted. She chose a special kind of <whatever else>. She spent that day with Sukari.
Rouge became someone like king’s messenger, liaison and scout. He started to patrol borders, forward king’s decrees and doing many of those duties that once fulfilled Dhalimu or animals asked by that by king. Old wanderer again disappeared, so Sukari’s assistance was welcomed warmly. But on that particular day, Sukari stayed just on Mouth Oasis with Zira. As once Ghera, princess learned that lake in oasis grove is not just boring place of watering, but fine spot to… well, do no nothing in particular, but to be bored in particular company. Sukari stayed in gorge for night, as he said, to check at morning, if herds water themselves in order at dawn. So princess just returned to Golden Cave, but before she entered home, a hissing vice stopped her in Acacia Alley.
“I know where you have been.”
“Congratulation. I know it too.” Replied goldenfurred, completely ignoring Ghera’s anger. “What’s up, sis?”
“Are we sisters?” asked a bit confused, yet still enraged first princess of Golden Sands.
“I guess.” Said Zira with friendly voice. She spent a joyful day, so she was generally friendly minded to whole world, that included her sister-in-law. “If you are mate of my brother, I guess I could call you like that…”
“Cease that sweet talks!” snorted lightfurred. “I know what you are up to with Sukari!”
“Do you?” asked confused Zira. “I guess it’s a bit rude to peep at someone…” But then understood that Ghera had something different on mind. “What’s wrong with you? What you want from Sukari!?” her good mood vaporised in seconds.
“He is a rouge…” replied lightfurred. “But he want to be prince. He is using you to become a family member…”
“Do you judge everyone with your own measure?” asked Zira, who already regained her sharp and cheeky tongue. “Just imagine, he is different than you.”
“How you dare!?” growled lioness.
“Pulling a painful string?” asked Zira, faking a polite tone. “As for mating with big figures and that way joining the family, you should be the last person to judge such an action!” Added with mocking voice.
“You… you… you…” gasped Ghera.
“Me… me… me…” replied Zira. “Do you want anything in particular, sis?”
“I’m watching you.” She murmured with menacing growl. “And if I get a slightest suspicion that Sukari is using you to trample to the throne, I will dealt with him for good.”
“Try.” Smiled Zira. She still didn’t get why her sister-in-law was thinking about such ridicules idea, but replied as her quick temper advised her. “then we will see, who is better princess of Golden Sands.” Then she entered cave, leaving shocked Ghera in Acacia Alley.
*
When Dhalimu didn’t return on fourth day after his disappearance, pride became a bit anxious. Of course lion used to go on much longer trips, but he usually warned about it, or at least he said nothing. But that time, he said he was going to track herds in dried Forest and he would be in two days. So, after four days of absence, Arista started to think about worse possibility.
“Pride, listen.” Said as morning on fifth day. “I will go to look for Dhalimu.”
“Sir, there is no need.” replied Sukari. In his head sprouted an easy plan to rid off white lion. “I could go.”
“Sure, I know you could.” Smiled king with fondness in his smile. In fact he really wished to have such a helpful son-in-law. He already noticed Zira’s inclination towards handsome rouge and had nothing against that his daughter would one day mate with outsider. “I took Malkha and Dhalimu in… I mated with Malkha, in spite she was an alien… And I would never regret that. The point is how we are in hearts, not from where are we from.” Thought king, looking on brownmaned. Then continued. “But you don’t know our land. I wanted to take Sparthi, Zira, Masa and Rama with me. However, it would be good, if you stay here and keep an eye on pride and kingdom this time.”
“Oh, sir…” said rouge, confused. That move spoiled his plan, but also was giving an opportunity to quite different actions. “I’m flattered with such a trust. I’m not sure if I…”
“Of course, you will manage. Just keep an order here.” Interrupted him king. Then looked on his children. “Are you ready to go?”
“Sure.” Replied Sparthi. Then said to Ghera with apologetic tone. “Sorry, but I have to go. Uncle Dhalimu could be in trouble.”
“My… lord.” Whispered Masa to king’s ear. “Are you sure that is the best idea?”
“Perfectly sure.” Replied Arista. “I want to check how this boy could manage at own in basic pride issues.” Then he added louder. “We are going. We hope to find Dhalimu soon, as we most likely will split in two teams, but I’m not sure how long it would take. So… go for hunting as usual. And as usual remember about or new environmental policy. Not more that one big game or two pieces of medium kind.” But then he paused and added after a while of consideration. “But as five mouths are gone… So hunt just one, medium game. For nine of you it would be plenty anyway.”
“As you wish, my king.” Said Wivu, who couldn’t resist that opportunity to stress she could be leader of hunting team.
“Ghera will lead the hunt.” Added Arista, inducing a quiet gasp on Wivu’s anger. Actually that was natural that princess was first to do it… but it remind greyfurred she wasn’t a princess.
“And you, Sukari, just watch the eastern border and take notice of any refugees that come here. Let them enter, but warn about laws of our land.”
“Of course, my king.” Replied rouge, bowing his head. However he did it only to hide smile on his face.
“So, if all is settled, we could go.” He looked on his children. “Ready?”
“Ready!” replied Zira and Sparthi. Although they both were anxious about Dhalimu, trip on west was also a good break in pride’s routine. Zira came to Sukari and without any shame – maybe even for all, including Wivu to see – licked Sukari’s cheek.
“Keep an eye on kingdom, my prince.” She said with playful tone.
King didn’t hear that, because he was turned to Masa. “Are you ready, Masa?” Asked.
“Yes, my lord.” Replied lioness. Then she came to Wivu and said with quiet voice. “Take care… just be good and don’t argue with Ghera. She is in charge now… And try not to embarrass Rama about your hunting skills.”
“Don’t worry, mother.” Replied Wivu with bitter tone. “I will manage… better that you expect commoner to.”
Masa wanted to ask daughter to explain. Perhaps, to talk about it, maybe even to sorry. But Arista was already on way and lioness was called to the group. Pride stayed in Acacia Alley, for few minutes looking on monarch’s retinue, coming to the west. When they disappeared behind a dune, Ghera instantly decided to take over the pride’s issues.
“You heard the king. We are going hunt.” She called with decisive voice.
“Oh, Ghera, wait a second.” Said Sukari, playing a worried and anxious tone. “Let them to drink to Malkha’s Waterhole. From there you will start your hunt.”
“No, I said…” but then she understood that lionesses had not time to water that morning and she was thirsty herself. “We will drink here from cave own source.” She announced with victorious smile.
“No way!” exclaimed rouge, faking amazement. “King didn’t allow to use cave’s resources.”
“He just said nothing about it.” Noticed Ghera. Lioness also learned that most of her pridesisters were looking on Sukari, waiting for instructions from him, nit from her. That made her very discontent and somehow anxious.
“When king is away, Sukari runs the pride.” Said Wivu. Most of lionesses nodded their heads.
“What!?” gasped Ghera.
“You heard that.” Smiled Wivu. “King Arista left the land in paws of Sukari, whatever you say about it.”
“Girls…” said rouge with appeasing tone. “Of course king left overseeing to me, but I have no want to interfere in hunting issues, what was always lionesses job. Ghera is in charge of hunt.” He finished, causing Wivu’s grimace and princess’s smile. But just after greyfurred smiled too, noticing that in fact Sparthi’s mate willingly subdued to Sukari, while lightfurred smile died. “So we are going to waterhole.” Concluded rouge with calm tone and set off the path on south. Pride followed him, without further questions. Only Ghera and Wivu stayed in place for a moment.
“What is so funny?” asked lightfurred with angry tone, looking on her rival’s face.
“No, it’s nothing, princess.” Replied greyfurred, pronouncing word <princess> as if that was a sophisticated mockery.
*
In way to waterhole, Wivu caught up Sukari and walked at his side. Carefully, for nothing else to see, rouge rubbed himself against her side, purring in tender way. Greyfurred smiled and returned tenderness with the same discretion.
“If not that blasted hunt, we would have day just for us.” Said Wivu.
“We could use it anyway.” Replied brownfurred quietly. “Maybe not for pleasures, but for duty… Just let me do my plan and soon we could show everyone we are together!”
They got to Malkha’s Waterhole to see group of buffalos drinking in shallow pool. Reservoir was just a rock crack partially filled with water and shielded from sun and wind by dense clusters of thistle. The descent top the surface was narrow and only two bigger creatures could drink at the same time. Herd of bovids was waiting for its turn – in that moment just pair of leaders watered themselves.
“***** it!” snorted Msikizi. “If that wasn’t a waterhole, we would have already given lunch!”
“King forbade to hunt such big game.” Noticed Busara. “We couldn’t take it down anyway.”
“We could tell him, we found a fresh carcass.” Said Epesi.
“Hush!” gasped Msikizi, looking on Sukari.
“Oh, come on!” called Ghera, sensing an opportunity to argue with rouge. “I bet king wasn’t serious…”
“I think that Ghera is right!” said Sukari and all hunting team – including Ghera – looked on him with amazement. “I mean – king was serious, but he can’t see the conditions. If he knew that there is so hot here and we spotted prey already, I’m sure he would give his agree to hunt down one buffalo.”
“But it still next to waterhole…” noticed Busara.
“No!” called Ghera, scared that Sukari once again took an initiative and outwitted her. “I changed my mind – we can’t get a bovid.”
“Why not!?” asked Cheza with hungry stare, following buffalos. “It would be just one.”
“Still we could say, we found a fresh carcass.” Repeated Epesi.
“That’s king order not to hunt any big game today.” Announced Ghera with decisive voice. “This discussion is over!”
“I give my permission to hunt one.” Said Sukari calmly. “On my responsibility.”
“You cannot give one!” exclaimed princess. “You are not king!”
“But I’m here.” Replied smiling brownfurred. “And I see you are really hungry!”
“My love, what I should do?” Wivu came and asked rouge with whisper.
“Just support me… I thought about everything.” Replied brownfurred quietly. Then added aloud. “We will scare animals away from water and then hunt one.”
“No!” called Msikizi. “If king said <no>, we should…”
“…use our own reason.” Interrupted her Wivu. “King is not here.”
“But he forbade us to hunt such a pray!” called Msikizi.
Some of buffalos, waiting for their turn to drink, heard an argument among lions. Three of them started to carefully coming closer. But no one from pride noticed it.
“King is away and he doesn’t know what effort you put in hunting!” called Sukari. “I’m here and see it!”
“But he gave his orders!”
“He uses you and exploits you!” said Sukari, looking in Msikizi’s eyes. “You are oppressed!”
“No, we’re not!” snorted Msikizi, returning a hard stare.
“Yes, you are!” repeated Sukari. Most of lionesses came closer, standing just behind rouge. Only Ghera and Busara stayed next to goldenfurred lioness.
“No, we’re not!”
“Yes, you are!” repeated brownmaned, coming to Msikizi and stopping just face to face.
“No, we’re not!”
“No, you’re not!” said Sukari with exactly the same tone than earlier sentences.
“Yes, we are! We are oppressed!” replied Msikizi.
“And that’s why I’m going to help you.” Concluded rouge, looking on confused goldenfurred.
“I mean… I wanted to say…” started Msikizi.
Meanwhile three of bovids came close enough to her. Because Msikizi, Ghera and Busara were standing turned back to waterhole, they didn’t noticed that. But Sukari and rest of hunting team did. Animals went far away from water - enough to consider they weren’t waiting for watering. Brownmaned noticed opportunity and gave a roar as a signal.
Then events happened fast. Surprised buffalos understood their error, but for the middle one it was too late to run. As his companions retreat on left and right, he tried to turn back, but Sukari and Wivu pounced on him and pinned down. Before Ghera or Busara managed to protest, hunting team finished the job, killing the prey.
“What the hell have you done!?” yelled princess.
“We… we…” started Epesi with blood dripping from her mouth. Then she looked on Sukari and seeing his calm stare, finished. “We found a fresh carcass and took it. King will hear exactly that.”

Well, Sukari's plan is deffinetly gaining shape... and a dangerous one! And I can't believe this. The other rogues want to punish Sukari, and Keme doesn't oppose them? I thought Sukari meant something for him! Dhalimu's message is not a good thing, surely... and with Sukari convincing lionesses to lie to the king... oh... things are going actually bad. Still, I wait for more!