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that,” Imoo replied scrutinizing her. “Now Simba.”
“I have heard his name and that of your kingdom before. My father told me he lived in the Pridelands until a king called Scar forced him and his friends Togo and Chumvi out. He said Scar became king when the old king Mufasa died.”
“Then your father is my Father’s old friend,” Kopa said jumping in. “I am Simba’s son.”
“I am Scar’s son,” Imoo replied, swiftly relaying the events of Scar’s demise.
“Then we all victims of events before our births.”
“What do you want in return? These leopards might be naïve enough to think you are doing this just because you don’t agree with your pride. I don’t, every lion has their price, what is yours?” Imoo asked scrutinizing her.
“You’re right Imoo I do have a price,” Karamria replied a sly smile on her face. “I want freedom and the right to decide my own destiny.”
“I can give you that Kamaria,” Bakari said standing up. “If you help me take back my kingdom I swear you will have your freedom.”
“Thank you Bakari.”
“Then we are all of agreement,” Kofi said facing the group. “We need to act soon for I fear the lion’s actions.”
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Over the next few weeks the rebels planned their assault. Kopa and Bakari regularly slipped over the border at night to talk to watch and for Kopa to talk to the leopards.
Walking back from a scouting trip one night Kopa stopped in his tracks near a waterfall as the scent of a leopard and blood drifted towards him. Walking up to the waterfall he stepped onto the rocks surrounding it, the rocks snaking up either side to form a path. On the opposite side he knew there was a small cave that was obscured by water and foliage. Stepping into the water Kopa’s eyes gazed through the mist. A pair of golden eyes filled with fear met his. The midst cleared to reveal a leopardess the same age as him crouching on the opposite bank. The female was thin, a multitude of cuts crossed her body, blood caked her fur and her eyes showed utter fear. As Kopa approached she hissed.
“Please, you don’t need to be scared, I’m not going to hurt,” Kopa said gently.
“LIES! I am not a fool,” she hissed.
“I am not trying to trick you. I am a friend of Bakari.”
“Not trying to trick me yet to mention that name. Well lion I am in no state to fight, kill me if that is your order, just make it quick.”
“I am not a member of the pride who took your kingdom. What can I say that will prove to you….? My name is Kopa, son of King Simba and Queen Nala and heir to the Pridelands.”
Hearing the names the female’s expression changed from fear and hatred to that of first disbelief then of awe. Gingerly she climbed to her paws, her eyes searching Kopa’s face of any hint of deceit. Finding none she walked into the water.
“You’re Simba’s son. The lion who my parents and Uncle Tafari told me about. How did you?”
“Bakari arrived in my kingdom two months ago. We took care of him, I and my cousin Imoo are here to help him retake his kingdom.”
“I knew Bakari was alive,” the leopard replied smiling. “I am sorry for any insult.”
“I understand, you have been hurt and feared for your life. I will protect you. I can take you to Bakari and the other rebels.”
“Thank you Prince Kopa, they are what I have been seeking.”
“I thought they might be. Could you tell me your name?” Kopa asked.
“Enitan, it is a pleasure to meet you,” Enitan replied walking over to him.
Smiling at each other the pair slowly began to walk away from the waterfall towards the rebel’s hideout. As they went Enitan asked Kopa about his home while telling him more about her life growing up. As the daughter of Leena she was a member of the royal family and princess in her own right. Mindful of her injuries Kopa avoid the recent past time and kept their pace while constantly being alert for danger.
Arriving at the cave the pair found the rebels laid outside, some on the ground while others including Bakari lounged peacefully in the tress. Seeing the pair emerge from the undergrowth Leena, Kofi and Bakri ran forward, all nuzzling Enitan with delight. “Oh Enitan my darling you’ve escaped,” Leena whispered.
“I had to. They nearly killed me as I escaped,” Enitan replied dissolving into tears.
“None of that matters now, you are alive and safe,” Leena replied nuzzling her.
“I would have died had Kopa not found me when he did.”
“Then he is a hero,” Kofi said proudly.
“Thank you for saving my life Kopa,” Enitan said looking at him.
“It was nothing……I was glad to help,” Kopa replied blushing furiously.
That night the rebels gathered around Enitan as she told them her story and of recent events in the kingdom. Bakari felt rage boil inside of him as he listened to her tell of the lions beating other members of his clan. Listened to her tale Kopa couldn’t help but admire the bravery Enitan had shown. Seeing his gaze Enitan looked over and smile, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks as she did. As the rebels fell asleep that night Kopa and Enitan felt a slight shift in their world view.
Over the coming days Kopa and Enitan developed a close friendship that routinely meant they volunteered to go on patrol together. Running parallel to Kopa and Enitan were Imoo and Kamaria regularly undertook scouting duties together. The pair gradually began to learn more about each other, Imoo’s initial hostility dispersing as he learned about Kamaria’s difficult and tragic upbringing. Kamaria’s story was one of neglect, prosecuted for her looks, forced to fight from an early age yet at times doted on. Malka had openly acknowledged her yet saw her purely as a prize to be married off. Mystery surrounded her mother who had vanished shortly after Kamari had been weaned. Behind her manipulative exterior was a lioness who craved love. Her willingness to defy her pride and help Bakari came from that desire. Hearing her story Imoo felt his heart reach out to her seeing how similar their lives had been.
Over three months had passed since Imoo, Kopa and Bakari had made contact with the rebels. In the rebel’s mountain cave they were gathered listening to Kamaria tell them news from the kingdom. The rebels were in shock. The lion’s cruelty had increased, the slightest criticism of the lions rule was punished harshly. To make matters worse Tameka was pregnant with Dwanh’s cubs. Rumours swirled around the kingdom about the fate of Bakari’s mother.
“The time of waiting is over, we have to attack,” Kofi said facing the group.
“I agree, we have no idea what the lions will do next,” Reuben said.
“We must act soon, I fear what will happen once Tameka’s cub are born,” Leena said softly. “Tameka is the heir, they need her while she carries the cub, once they are born………”
Looking at the group Bakari felt the weight of their expectations. Then a white hot rage coursed through his blood, a fiery determination to defeat the lions rose in his heart. Glancing at Kopa and Imoo he saw their confidence and strength.
“We attack in four days’ time. Mosi could we count in your support?” Bakari said facing his serpent friend.
“Certainly. The snakes in the kingdom are eager to strike. They have a plan. Trust me those lions will be taken care off.”
“Excellent. Kamaria can I count on you?”
“I will do whatever you ask,” Kamaria replied.
“Then we all agreed,” Bakari said looking around at the group, all of whom were nodding in agreement.
Breaking of Oppression
Under the light of a waning moon Bakari and the rebels slipped into the kingdom using the foliage and mud as camouflage. With the snakes help the lions on guard were incapacitated, the snakes sending most into a deep sleep while Mosi hypnotized the highest ranking ones. One hypnotized the lions were able to guide the rebels towards where the royal family were kept. In the foliage they were able to see sleeping leopards in small groups with lions dotted about. The leopards were fewer than the lions. Yet the rebel’s advantage was their knowledge of the kingdom and the skills of the snakes.
Splitting up Bakari, Leena and Reuben headed off with Mosi to find the royal family while Imoo and Kopa attacked the lions who remained on guard. Arriving at the prison glade Bakari, Leena and Reuben sprang from the shadows, taking the guards utterly by surprise. Seeing Bakari alive the royal family leapt to their paws, nuzzling him and Lenna with joy.
“I knew you lived,” Bakari’s mother whispered.
“I’m home to reclaim my kingdom,” Bakari replied nuzzling
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