alright…”

            Baraka smiled. “You may take your leave, Kahuni, and thank you.”

            “The honor is mine, sire,” said the cheetah. He looked to Etana. “Ma’am, thank you for helping, you truly are a noble lioness.”

            “Thanks, Kahuni,” Etana replied. “I can understand why Baraka chose you as an advisor. You’re very good at your job.”

            Kahuni bowed. “Thank you. Good day. Your highness, take care and if you see your brother, tell him I am praying for him and his family.” With that, the cheetah bounded away.

            Baraka had given a smile and watched him go. He side glanced at Etana. It was just them now. They continued walking together, going in no particular direction. Baraka was happy that the dispute between the leopards and cheetahs was over and he had her to thank. He wouldn’t have been able to make a good decision without her help.

            “Etana… thank you for your help,” he said slowly.

            “You’re welcome, Baraka. If you need help again, let me know.”

            He smiled appreciatively. “I will.”

            They were silent for a while then Baraka broke it. “I… never thanked you for helping Njozi.”

            “No thanks needed. Those cubs have been through a lot. It’d be too much for anyone to bear.”

            Baraka shook his head. “I’ve heard both Arif and Akase’s stories and I have to agree with Arif… Is that wrong?” His voice was a whisper.

            “No, he’s your brother. You should stand up for him and you are. I don’t know Akase that well but…”

            “I don’t think he does, either… or any of us for that matter. She’s a good lioness, but her kids… She wasn’t there when Njozi needed her…”

            “Baraka… Akase is just worried.” Etana grew quiet. She didn’t know what to say.

            Their walk continued, and though no more words were exchanged, at least for the present time, Baraka was comfortable in Etana’s presence and again, he was feeling better.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

“Why didn’t you tell me about your dreams sooner, Njozi,” Arif asked as he and his daughter walked through the grass. He told his sons that he wanted some time alone with Njozi and to his surprise the brothers didn’t mind. In fact, they encouraged it, saying they would spend time with him later. Arif had to smile. He was amazed at how caring his sons were and at such a young age. Then, the words Prince Kopa had spoken came back to him…

            “Your children are special…”

            Arif shook his head slightly. The late Prince had been right. His children were special. He looked down at Njozi, who opened her mouth to speak.

            “I don’t know, Dad. I guess I was scared.”

            “Scared, why?”

            “I was scared you would think I was crazy, or that I was a freak.” Njozi stopped and trembled.

            “Njozi… you’re my daughter. You’re blood of my blood and flesh of my flesh.” Arif chuckled a little. “You’re more like me than your brothers… Does your mother know of your dreams?”

            “No. I can’t tell her. I think they may scare her.” Her jaw quivered. “Dad, I’m not normal. My name means ‘dream’ and I’m living up to it against my will. I can’t stop the dreams; they just come without warning, but only when I’m asleep.” She lowered herself to the ground. “Dad…” she trailed off.

            Arif lay on the ground next to her. With a foreleg around her tiny yet still growing body, he pulled her close, and purred. “Njozi, you’re Akase’s daughter, but you’re also my daughter. You will grow into a beautiful lioness one day…” He looked down at her. “I want you to promise me something, okay?”

            Njozi looked up at her father with tears in her eyes. She sniffed and nodded. “Okay, Dad.”

            He smiled warmly. “You have these dreams for a reason. You may or may not already know this but the dreams are special. While they may scare you at times, they will also fill you with joy and happiness. Things happen for a reason, honey. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re bad.”

            “I have to endure them, Dad. It hurts…”

            “I know, sweetie… believe me, I know.”

            “Is… is what I’m going through like what you’re going through?”

            Arif was stunned. He hadn’t expected her to ask that. He licked his lips. “Sort of, but see where you have dreams, I have a message and I cannot reveal it to anyone, not even your mother.”

            “Is that why she’s so angry with you?”

            He felt the heartache again. “Yes,” he said, drawing the word with caution. He looked at his daughter, expecting to see a flash of anger and look of disappointment but there was none. Instead, Njozi leaned against him, her head all but disappearing as she placed it on his mane.

            “It’s not your fault, Dad. Is the message important?” Arif gave a nod and Njozi also nodded, in understanding. “Okay. Dad… would it be wrong if I told Mom about my dream?”

            Arif leaned down and kissed the cub’s cheek with his tongue. “I don’t think it would be. I’ve always told you and your brothers that honesty is always good, but… when you get older you’ll find it’s not so good to be openly honest. Njozi… I love your mother, and I love you and your brothers. But, your mother was right about one thing… my job is important but not as important as you, your brothers, or even her.” His ears lowered and his voice drifted. “If I could, I would quit and be a full time father and husband, but I can’t…”

            “Dad… I wouldn’t want you to quit something you love just for us. That wouldn’t be fair…”

            Arif smiled. “You have a kind heart, Njozi, both you and your brothers. I am indeed blessed with good cubs.”

            “Dad, please don’t quit. You’re a good shaman and Rafiki would be sad if he lost you…”

            He looked down at her, his eyes confused and shocked. “You really don’t want me to quit?”

            The cub shook her head again and the look in her eyes was truly serious. “No, Dad, I don’t, and if Adabu and Adisa were here they’d say the same. You do spend time with us, even if it’s a short amount but it’s better than nothing.”

            “All three of you feel this way?”

            “Yes.”

            “Njozi… I love you. I love you and your brothers with all my heart.”

            “We know, Dad, but we can’t be selfish. We like things the way they are… or used to