ranks.

            Ashiki was as unpleased about the new arrivals as Abel was, and the two often paired up to voice their concerns. Mawusi, his father's guardian, was now beginning to voice his own opinion on matters as well, whether Abel asked for him to or not.

            And then, Yejide returned to them one day. It had been a couple of weeks since her humiliation at the hands of Ashiki, but when she faced off against him once again, she was not alone.

            Ashiki had informed Abel of Yejide's return, and when Abel went to see her, he found her standing over a dark gray lion roughly about her size, with a tawny brown female standing not far from them, petrified.

            "What is this?" he demanded as he approached. His eyes went immediately to Yejide, who looked up with the same determined expression she held when they first met.

            "I found these spies trespassing on your lands," said Yejide, pressing her paw deeper against the gray lion's throat. "I thought you would appreciate the effort."

            Abel's whiskers twitched as he tried to recall who was on duty at this hour. It was Nunka and another, maybe Zareb? Are those two complete idiots? he cursed at himself.

            Ishonda and Ashiki were at Abel's side at once, examining the scene before them. "Impressive," muttered Ishonda, a hint of annoyance in her tone.

            "Hmph," was all Ashiki said.

            Yejide only had eyes for Abel, however. "Now you have to let me join your pride," she insisted, no hint of a plea in her voice. She had a different approach this time - she was commanding him!

            Perhaps he could consider her...

            I would, said Zuri.

            Abel approached them, growling at Yejide to move. She did so without hesitation, and the presence where her paw had been, his now stayed. The gray lion gagged underneath the weight of his paw.

            "Do you know whose territory you've stepped in?" he snarled.

            The gray lion shook his head, his expression mimicking Abel's. "No, but if you don't move your damn paw-"

            "Abrafo, shush!" hissed the tawny lioness.

            "We were only passing through," growled Abrafo.

            Abel threw his head back and laughed. "Passing through? Hah! Spying is more like it! As if I'd let you walk away from here." Zuri, what do you think?

            You're right, Abel. They seek to destroy you. They're messengers, from a lion pride I know of.

            Killing them sounds appealing...

            Too swift. Keep them as prisoners. Make them suffer.

            Abel smiled, liking the idea of that. His eyes turned to the tawny lioness, who was now getting a threatening look from Yejide. "You, your name again?" he demanded of Yejide.

            The lioness blinked once. "Yejide."

            "Yejide. Step away from her, now."

            And so Yejide did so.

            Without moving off of Abrafo, Abel began addressing the tawny lioness. "Your name!"

            The lioness wanted to appear brave, but she was failing miserably. "It's Sarafina," she muttered.

            "Well, Sarafina, how would you like to see red on your brother's handsome coat?"

            Sarafina's gaze shot up at him. "No, don't!"

            "Oh, and why not?" Abel's claws unsheathed, and they began pressing threateningly into Abrafo's mane. "It might be a bit fun to watch, wouldn't you agree?"

            "We didn't do anything-"

            "Silence! Now I'll ask you again - would you like to see red?"

            "No."

            "Then I'll tell you what, I'll let you both live." Abel could feel the sharp intake of breaths from Ishonda and Ashiki. "But in return I require your service."

            Sarafina seemed puzzled by his declaration. "Service?"

            "That's right. You will serve my every whim and command. Whatever I ask of you, you shall do for me, is that understood? If not, I'm sure either Ishonda or Ashiki behind me here would be more than happy to tear your dear Abrafo's limbs one by one."

            "Sarafina, don't!" cried Abrafo.

            Sarafina, her ears laid back, her eyes looking as though they might water with tears, finally dipped her head at Abel, sighing. "Fine, I'll do whatever you ask."

            "No-!"

            Abel's grin grew wider. "Excellent. Now then, Ashiki, escort our friend Abrafo here to the dens below the Rock."

            Ashiki moved in Abel's line of sight, a deep frown on his face. "But my family..."

            "They'll be moved up to the large den on the Rock," replied Abel. "I want this prisoner securely watched at all hours. I don't care who has to do it, as long as it gets gone, okay? You're in charge of that."

            Ashiki rapidly blinked, trying to comprehend what Abel was saying. "Uh, yes, of course King Abel."

            "And me?" spoke up Yejide, her eyes narrowed.

            Abel almost wanted to inwardly groan. But on the other hand, she did bring him some prisoners, spies who wanted to get rid of him... He had to be at least a little grateful to her for that.

            "Fine, Yejide. You shall join and serve under my name and rule."

            Delight rushed into Yejide's eyes. "Of course, King Abel." She gave him a respectable bow.

            Abel smirked at the motion.

 

Later that night...

 

            It was a night without stars, as Abel took his place upon the perch of the Rock. Behind him, everyone was asleep in the dens. Below, it was Ishonda and Yejide who were keeping watch over Abrafo. He had had sharp words with Nunka and Zareb over their level of competency, but while Ashiki interrupted to defend Nunka, no one came to Zareb's rescue. It was amusing to watch the young lion squirm under his gaze.

            Today had been a busy day. He had his own collective circle, whom he was now beginning to refer to (in his mind at least) as his apostles. He had power, and no one was questioning him.

            But something still stuck to him. Something that Zuri had mentioned earlier.

            "Zuri?" he spoke quietly.

            Hmm? The lioness had been proud of his actions today, and was glad that he was proving his strength to rule by making all others bow before him and serve.

            "You mentioned earlier of a lion pride who sent the

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