did not discuss it. Neither he nor Kiara pushed him for information but they did leave hints, something that Baraka always hated. It was his business and no one else’s. No one had to know his personal trials.

            Has his father, Kovu understood but it was still so hard for him to watch his son go through something no one could comprehend. Baraka had grown up with three lionesses and he did not love any of them. The same was said for Arif but he found his life partner in Akase, a former rogue. Was that what Baraka would have to do? Find a lioness from another pride? Something like that was easier said than done, Kovu knew. There weren’t many kings in neighboring lands who would betroth his daughter to another king. It seemed to the Prince Regent that his son would never have a life partner… that his bloodline would just begin and leave this world with him.

            Kovu lowered his head, his mane tuft falling over his eyes.

            “Dad,” said a voice.

            Kovu turned, seeing Baraka make his way towards him. He wanted to talk, to ask a question, but instead he just smiled, a look of surprise crossing his face. “Baraka? What are you doing home so early, son?”

            The king shook his head wearily and sat down. “Not much to do today. Though I did have to solve an issue between the elephants and the hippos... it was something about one species using up too much water in one of the big waterholes on the south side.” He managed to smirk. “They never learn, do they, Dad?”

            Kovu laughed. “Hippos and elephants are stubborn animals, Baraka, but they play a part in the Circle of Life has the rest of us.”

            Baraka nodded and they talked silently, Baraka filling his father in on what his day was like. The Regent listened with interest, giving his son small bits of advice on what to do when another issue rose amongst the animals. They talked for a while longer until another voice interrupted. The two lions turned to see Kadiri, his head bowed deeply. Baraka and Kovu looked at each other and the king rose, stepping away from his father. He walked over to the guardian.

            “Rise, Kadiri,” Baraka said kindly and the gray lion lifted his head. “What brings you home so soon?”

            “My lord and king,” Kadiri began with respect. “I have two lions… actually a lion and a lioness who wish to meet you. They would be appreciated if they could stay here in the Pridelands.”

            Baraka’s eyebrows rose. “I see. Bring them up.”

            Kadiri bowed again and went down to the stones. He looked down at the lioness and the lion she said was her father. He smiled and jerked his head. A few minutes later, they stood beside him and the guard was amazed at how the blind lioness, or ‘Etana’, as she called herself was able to climb the stones without trouble. Kadiri silently wondered how she coped with being blind. If it were him, he wouldn’t have been able to do it.

            He turned to Baraka and announced in a formal voice, “King Baraka, this is Takata and his daughter, Etana. Takata, Etana, this is Baraka, king of the Pridelands. The lion on the promontory is his father, Kovu, Prince Regent.”

            At the mention of his name, Kovu walked down and stood alongside his son. He bowed his head kindly to the two and smiled.

            Baraka stepped forward. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Takata. You as well, Etana,” he said with all respect. He bowed his head but then noticed something about the lioness’s eyes. He thought he was seeing things but he wasn’t. Etana was blind but her head was pointed directly at him.

            Takata stepped up. Baraka looked at him. He was a completely black colored lion with a white colored mane, muzzle, and forepaws and tail tuft. His back paws were the same color has his body and his eyes were red.

            He dipped his head. “It’s an honor to meet the king of the Pridelands. Sire, I have heard many stories about this kingdom and I am honored to set paw in a land that has so much history to its name.”

            Baraka smiled. “I thank you, Takata. Now, please, will you and your daughter come with me into the den? We can talk privately there.”

            The black lion nodded and turned to Etana who faced him. He walked towards the entrance of the den with her following easily, keeping in time with his steps, much to the amaze of the king, his father and the guardian, but Kadiri already knew for he had seen it with his own eyes. He still couldn’t believe it. When they disappeared into the darkness Baraka made a move to go in but he turned and came to Kadiri, the guardian standing at attention when he did.

            “Make sure no one enters the den until I come out,” the brown lion whispered. The guard nodded and followed Baraka but Kovu suddenly approached, clearing his throat. Baraka turned and came to him, also giving another whispered message. “It’s alright, Dad. When the pride returns… including Mom, Akase and the huntresses with the kill, go ahead and eat. Do not wait for me to come out. I do not wish to hold the pride up.”

            The Regent nodded and Kadiri stood in front of the cave as ordered.

            Moments later, the pride returned.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

“How much longer is he going to be?”

            “Be patient, Hasira. He is talking with a lion and a lioness. They wish to join the pride,” said Kadiri calmly.

            Hasira’s eyes grew wide with shock. “He has a lioness in the den? Our den?” she said, growling.

            Before Kadiri could reply, Dailia came up. “Hasira, leave my mate alone and stop asking so many questions. Baraka will come out when he is through. Shut up and go eat your part of the kill.” Her sister made a move to speak. “Now!” the gray lioness hissed. Dailia sighed, watching her go. She turned to her mate, smiling weakly. “I’m sorry,” she said.

            Kadiri smiled and nuzzled her but Dailia pulled away. Kadiri tilted his head then turned, seeing Baraka come out of the den. Dailia stepped away from her mate and bowed to her friend. Baraka gave her a reassuring stare and walked out. Takata and Etana followed. Baraka made his way up to the promontory, his guests still following. The whole pride gathered together, some whispering to each other, the cubs keeping quiet.

            Suddenly a yell of pain rang through the crowd. All eyes looked ahead, to the side or simply turned to the source. Hasira was sucking on her tail, wincing in pain. She turned her to look up at a gray colored lioness. “Watch it you klutz!” she snapped, growling.

            The lioness turned her head to her and what Hasira saw caused some of her anger and pain to cool, a little. “Oh, sorry,” Hasira said rudely, something which earned her a few cold glares from the pride. She didn’t care. The lioness smiled forgivingly and continued on her way. The pride had mixed expressions. The lioness they saw walk up without problems and sit down beside a black colored lion was blind.

            “Attention everyone,” Baraka’s voice yelled. “I am sorry for the delay but I had some urgent business.” He turned to the two lions that sat beside him. “This is Takata and his daughter, Etana. They have decided to join our pride.” He paused. Murmurs spread across the pride. He could see that his parents already approved. His brother, sister-in-law and their cubs nodded their heads in acceptance. The guardians just smiled, Kadiri especially. Baraka shook his head in amusement. Whatever happened with him to find the lions it caused Kadiri to be all smiles.

            After a while, a lioness in front rose. Baraka acknowledged her with a nod. “Sire, if these two wish to join the pride, I have no problem. We have enough food and I’m sure the guardians could always use some extra help.”