ground.

            "It'll be good for you to get out."

            "No, I'm okay."

            "ASHIKI IF YOU DON'T GET OUT OF MY WAY, I WILL SLASH YOU DOWN!"  

            Mawusi leapt at the sound of Abel's loud voice; even Defir started a bit, though he refused to move much beyond that. Mawusi moved to the front of the den where he found the large lion blocking Abel and the black lioness's way.

            Though others would have quelled before the sound of Abel's voice, Ashiki stood strong, which only infuriated Abel more. "MOVE OR ELSE." Behind Abel, Ishonda (who was panting heavily from bursting all the way from the prisoner dens to the top of the Rock) and Yejide were making their move. Out of the corner of his eye, Mawusi saw Zareb, Sarafina, Duka, and Sanaa join them.

            Ashiki did not stir. "I want to know why she is here, and now," he snarled.

            Abel took another step forward. "That is not your call to make. You obey ME. Get out of the way, or else."

            "Ramla?" Mawusi heard Zareb inquire. The black lioness refused to acknowledge him, however.

            "She's a black lioness! You know the suspicions! And suddenly you're allowing yet another lioness waltz in?!"

            Mawusi saw Abel's claws unsheathe.

            "Enough," came a strong voice. It took Mawusi a few seconds to realize it was the stranger, Ramla, who spoke up. "You need him alive."

            Much to Mawusi's surprise, he saw Abel's form relax, his claws sheathed, and the threat of a bloody fight no longer shining in his eyes. Merely he ignored Ashiki, shoving past him with Ramla at his side, and the pair heading down the Rock to find other places to chat.

            When it looked like Ashiki would pursue him, Mawusi blocked his path, signaling him that it was better to stand down. Mawusi knew he was not as intimidating as Abel was, but he knew Ashiki enough that his pleas would not go unanswered. The gray lion reluctantly backed off, and decided that he would go see what his mate was up to. Mawusi watched him go until he found himself set upon by several questioning glances from everyone else who had arrived on the scene.

            "I don't know," he answered, shrugging, before making his way back into the stand to sit beside his old friend.

~ * ~

            Once they had gotten far enough from the chaos of Pride Rock, Abel turned on Ramla, his bi-colored eyes sparkling with interest. "Well? You are a seer."

            Ramla smiled. "That I am."

            That she is, agreed Zuri. I can sense it from her.

            "Then tell me a vision. Any vision."

            Much to his chagrin, Ramla giggled. "Oh, it is not that simple. I have visions when they deem appropriate. It's not something I can do on command."

            Abel's nostrils flared in disappointment; however Ramla added, "However, I will tell you something I did have a vision of. A gray lion, and you, fighting to the death."

            "A gray lion?" Abel's disappointment vanished into intrigue. "Go on."

            But Ramla shook her head. "That was as far as the sight would allow me to see."

            "Hmph, what a disappointment. Was it a lion with a-"

            "Red mane, yes. You seek Judas, The Forgotten Prince."

            "I don't care about his title, I care about him. I already know who he is. You can't tell me who wins?"

            Ramla leaned back, her face looking all of a sudden vacant. Abel, though he would not loudly admit it, was a bit frightened that she would faint.

            No, my love, crooned Zuri. She is experiencing a vision.

            Now this excited Abel, and he began to pace in front of her, expectant of what she was seeing.  "Well, what do you see?" the impatient lion asked her.

            She wasn't there, not in that moment. No, she was experiencing the past, the present, and the future. That was her gift. It was a blessing, not a curse.

            The lion finally stopped pacing, and glared at her. "Well?"

            "The land will become red," she said, her eyes still glossy with the images that ran through her mind. Her voice sounded automatic, like she wasn't even there. "The tide will turn, and the power will shift. And when the rain falls, one shall rise, and another shall fall."

            That was enough for Abel; when Ramla came back from experiencing her vision, she saw that she was alone.

~ * ~

            "Ashiki, I want you to organize our hunting party," commanded Abel as he strutted back and forth in front of the large gray lion. Accompanying them in the back of the den was Yejide, Ishonda, Nunka, Zareb, Sarafina, and Katura. "Take as many as you need with you. We need the strength of twenty lions."

            "We already have that with you here," commented Yejide, not unkindly.

            Abel's nostrils flared. "I will not underestimate this one. We need many others."

            "And the black lioness?" asked Ashiki. "Will she come with us?"

            "No, I want her here to stay."

            "Mawusi?"

            "He will guard Pride Rock in our absence."

            "King Abel, you are accompanying us?" Ashiki's head dipped only briefly when the younger lion shot a scolding glare at him. "Sorry, I was under the impression that you were to stay behind. Wouldn't that be a better call?"

            "No! I need to be there! I need to be the one to-"

            From the shadows emerged Mawusi, with Sanaa and Duka following him. Mawusi dipped his head in apology. "My apologies, King Abel. I heard there was a meeting and I-"

            But Abel had no time for his apology. "My father?"

            "He is being carefully monitored by Chipo and Lindiwe. He is okay. Now, do you require my assistance?"

            "No, you are not needed with us. Stay here and guard my lands."

            "Understood."

            Abel's eyes moved beyond Mawusi. "And you clowns, you stay here as well. You're not needed in the fields."

            Though Sanaa and Duka said little but just nod their heads in understanding, neither could hide the anger they felt for Abel, not because he denied them the chance for blood, but because of his disregard of them as anything but his playthings.

            So when Abel turned his head to resume assigning everyone their roles, Sanaa and Duka quickly departed. "This is bad," warned Sanaa. "You don't think he's going after the Outland pride, do you?"