is getting.”

“Imoo you don’t see things as I do. I have a duty to this kingdom, as heir I always knew a betrothal would come one day. Marrying Aketch wouldn’t be so terrible would it? At least we can be friends, if she loves me and I can always care for her as friend. It could be a lot worse,” Kopa chuckled softly.

“It could be a lot worse. Look Kopa after tomorrow your relationship with Aketch will change for good. No more you, me Aketch, Dumisa, Sudi and Akil having fun together all day. You have to be ready for that. She is half expecting you to fall in love with her. If you want this then I can respect that,” Imoo said looking at Kopa straight in the eyes.

“I can’t walk away from this, as scared as I am that just isn’t an option.”

     As the sun set across the savannah Kopa and Imoo looked out across the Gorge. In the evening air both lions felt a sense of the changes to come. As many heirs before him Kopa had chosen the path of duty, willingly making a sacrifice for his kingdom.

_____________________________________________________________________ 

            At dawn the following morning the subjects of the Pridelands gathered at the base of Pride Rock. High above them Rafiki stood in front of Kopa and Aketch who stood side by side. On the surrounding rocks the lions watched with bated breath, Ni, Simba and Nala standing just behind the young couple. In the mornings light Rafiki performed the ceremony, binding the pair as intended mates. In front of the assembled crowd Aketch and Kopa were told the importance of the steps and the responsibilities. As the ceremony drew to a close Rafiki recited the betrothal vows.

“On this day I Aketch or I Kopa proclaim in front of all those assemble my intent to marry Kopa or Aketch. I will honour and respect my intended. Until the times for us to marry I will seek no other. I will do all within my power to support my intended in all that he/ she undertakes. Should any fault be found by either side I understand our agreement may end. Kopa and Aketch both do both of you swear to these vows?”

“I swear,” Aketch replied.

“I swear,” Kopa replied.

“Kopa as heir there is more to which you must swear. Repeat after me. I Kopa present Aketch to my subjects as my future queen.”

“I Kopa present Aketch to my subject as my future queen,” Kopa said.

“With the blessing of the Great Kings of the past I Rafiki proclaim Kopa and Aketch to be betrothed within the laws and customs of this kingdom!”

    At his words Simba let out a might roar which was taken up by the entire pride. The assembled subjects took the roar as a might cheer to which all added their own voices. The joy Aketch felt was written on her face, her fairy-tale was on the first step to coming true. Standing next to her Kopa had forced himself to smile, there were worst things in life than marrying your friend. The future was secure.  

 

           Refuge

         A few days after Kopa and Aketch’s ceremony found found Kopa, Imoo and Kiara were patrolling by the river. Standing on the banks of the mighty river the three lions looked out across the water, all around them birds and animals drank and bathed. Lifting a paw Imoo caught a strange scent on the wind. Looking into a shallow part of the river he saw a leopard the same age as him clinging onto a large log. Even at that distance Imoo could see the creature was badly hurt. As if seeing his gaze the leopard looked up. With an effort the leopard slipped from the log, falling into the water with a great splash. Instantly the lions ran into the river to help their fellow cat.

“Where am I?” the leopard croaked as Imoo placed him on Kopa’s back.

     Together both lions half dragged half carried the leopard to the riverbank, gently laying him down on the sand. Looking at the lions the leopard coughed as he fought to regain his breath.

“Safe within the Pridelands, I am Kopa son of King Simba. The guy on your left is my cousin Imoo and the little female is my sister Kiara,” Kopa said laying down next to him.

“Thank the Ancestors I have arrived, please I need your help,” the leopard said weakly.

“We need your name first.”

“Bakari. I must speak to Simba, I,” Bakari stammered falling into a coughing fit.

“You need medicine,” Imoo cut in, running his eyes over Bakari's emaciated body. “If you let us Kopa and I can carry you between us.”

“Relax Bakari you're safe,” Kopa replied catching sight of Akil above them. “Akil we need your help!”

“What can I do Kopa?” Akil aked fluttering down onto Imoo's shoulder.

“Go to Rafiki, tell him we have a badly injured leopard, and have him meet us at home as soon as he can.”

“Right away Kopa,” Akil replied taking to the air while Imoo and Kopa watched.

      Turning their attention back to Bakari Kiara, Kopa and Imoo slowly began to make their way home. Their progress was swifter than expected because Bakari was underweight for a leopard of his age. Free from the burden Kiara ran ahead filled with genuine concern for the leopard.

    Arriving home at last the group found Rafiki waiting for them with Akil and Simba. On the direction of Rafiki, Bakari was taken to a small cave where he was placed on a hastily constructed bed of grass and leaves. Bending over Bakari, Rafiki opened his medicine shells.     

 “These wounds are deep, inflicted by lion claws and teeth, it will take time for them to heal. Three times in each day they will need clean bindings, this task I will undertake. He has a story to tell. I believe he will want to speak to you Simba when he awakens. He must not over exert himself,” Rafiki said eventually. 

“We will make sure he does as you request,” Kopa replied.

       As Rafiki took his leave, Imoo, Kopa, Akil, Kiara and Simba turned their attention to the now sleeping Bakari. Exhaustion had caught up with the young leopard, during Rafiki's treatment he had drifted in and out of consciousness before finally succumbing to the sleep. With the words of Rafiki ringing in their ears the lions looked down at him with sadness.

      For the next three days Bakari drifted in and out of consciousness as fever ravaged his weakened body. His wounds burned in pain while nightmares and memories raged through his mind. Bakari's calls kept the lions awake, each one sending a spike on pain into their hearts. From his cries it seemed he had suffered much, in his sleep he called out for his parents, begging unnamed adversaries to spare their lives. Watching the leopard sleep Simba felt a spike of fear in his heart. Unknown to the pride the leopard was familiar to him, baring more than a passing resemblance to a leopard he had known as a cub.  

       Six days after arriving in the Pride Lands Bakari was finally well enough to tell the pride his story. Though still weak his wounds had healed considerably. Laying under the shade of a large tree at sunset Nala, Timon, Pumba, Simba, Kopa, Aketch and Imoo listened to his story.

“I was born in the jungle, my father is King Tafari of Osumare (African meaning rainbow). All the leopards lived together in tress close to a river. We all had dens in amongst the foliage, there were lots of tree and bush made thickets. It was a beautiful paradise.

       One night we were attacked by a pride of lions led by strong females. We had no warning, they overwhelmed us. I can barely remember what happened. We tried to fight. My father forced me to run. He told me to go the Pride Lands to find King Simba. I don’t understand why he want me to come here thought,” Bakari explain in a voice filled with pain.

“I do,” Simba replied, a tear running down his cheek. “Your father and I are old friends. He sent you here because he knew I would help you.”

“Tafari, it’s been years since I've thought of him!” Pumba said in amazement.

“You're not the only one Pumba, the amount of time we spent chasing those two through the jungle!” Timon groaned rolling his eyes. “Up trees, down trees, through hidden caves behind waterfalls, tangling with pythons six foot long, it was one scrape after another!”

“I doubt any of us will forget that incident with the snake, the least said on that subject the better!” Pumba replied shooting a glare at Simba.

“Hey that was a long time ago, besides we didn't plan on encountering it,” Simba replied, a sheepish look on his face. “Were there any males in this pride?”

“About three. I didn't see much, I barely escaped with my life,” Bakari replied dissolving into tears.

“Bakari you don't have to say any more,”Nala said, gently placing a paw on his shoulder.

“You did the right thing coming here. Bakari I swear to do all that I can to help you reclaim your kingdom. Rest, heal and plan your return in safety,” Simba said.  

“We will let the entire kingdom know of our decree,” Nala said smiling gently.

“Thank you, all of you. I am grateful for the help you have promised,” Bakari said looking around the group.

      One by one the

Previous Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Next page