gerge. Perhaps they had excellent scout. Whatever was the souse of their knowledge, it meant troubles.

“Right.” Said Dhalimu, when they were gathered in front of cave at evening on next day, talking about coming fight. “I removed that shard from king’s chest. He survived operation and I believe that worst is already behind him. But still, it could take even month before he recover to his old strength and readiness to king duties. That’s why we can’t play on time – we must confront attackers now. But it’s prince’s duty.”

“Thanks, uncle.” Said Sparthi. “As you already know, we will try provoke enemies to foray here and we will wound or eliminate as many of them as it’s possible. Then I believe – rest will leave the idea of harassing pride. We must get some solution, because hunting in that condition, when we must constantly watch our backs is highly ineffective. But detail of you plan will tell you my uncle.”

“Thank you, sir.” Said Dhalimu. In fact he was a mastermind of all preparation, but he wanted to present those as effort of Sparthi. So white lion was obeying every command of nephew, but he also cared those commands were reasonable. “According to Zira’s and mine recon, we expect they are camping on slope of mountain you call <White Peak>, in widdringtonia forest…”

Although rest sentence was clear for Highlanders, other listeners had problems with perception. And that was highly fortunate for besieged pride, because eavesdroppers were two rogues of aggressive gerge.

“You heard anything?” asked Keme.

“Sorry… just something about us… they know were we sleep… but then nothing. I didn’t understand.” Replied Sukari.

“Anyway, we know enough to attack the cave.” Judged yellowmaned. “Let’s back to Shababu and boys. Next night would be fine for strike.”

“Yeah, right.” Nodded Sukari and stood up from grasses.

For that year since event on desert he grown to be strong and almost mature lion, well trained in fight and survival skills by his carer, Keme. His fur bore marks of many fights, also with other rogues of gerge, but lion survived, under protection of yellowmaned and thanks to own luck. Keme would never say it loud, or even admit in mind, but he was proud of his adoptive son.

“So, let’s go.” Said yellomaned, but then Sukari stopped.

“Wait.” He said. “Look on that young lioness… golden one. Doesn’t she remind you someone?”

“No…” Keme shook his head. “Fine chick I guess… She could be yours, when we take this pride over.”

“Yeah, it would be nice.” Murmured Sukari with a bit embarrassed smile on his lips. “But I swear, I saw her once.” However then he followed his carer.

Two lions disappeared in hot night, carrying news to their companions. Although evening was peacefully and calm, night-birds somehow sensed coming trouble and didn’t sing at all.

 

VIII. At the Mountains of Madness

 

Plan of rogues was simple – to enter in middle of night, using tiredness of sentries, kill king and draw back. Then think what they could do after. Shababu knew that lionesses of High Pride most likely loathed of idea of giving up to murderers of rightful ruler. But old rogue was sure that every resistance breaks in the face of extinction, so slow and gradual harassing and killing members of pride would finally make situation clear. Those lionesses who wish to fight, would die and those who want to live would surrender in the end.

Maybe gerge hadn’t a crushing advantage over lionesses – six lion was against from nine to eleven Highlandresses. Attackers could win that fight, but it could mean serious casualties. But Shababu didn’t intend to fight with fair and open battle. He focused on long run – consequent hitting and running would blood pride out and rogues hoped for that.

But assistance of four newcomers spoiled that plan. Although Dhalimu was too old and Sparthi a bit too young to consider them as lion males in prime, with experienced lioness and young kitty of unknown potential they significantly reinforced defenders. Maybe gerge even decided to wait for newcomers to go away, but Shababu was already determined to reach his goal.

“We are looking for it since so long time…” growled leader, hearing suggestion of drawing back. “We even let those fools attack to weaken our prey… and you want just leave it?”

“Not <leave it>.” Corrected Keme. “We were waiting so long so we could wait few weeks more. I doubt if those strangers would stay for good.”

Another night was falling – a time they had fixed for attack. The decision had to be made quickly. Tariki, Mhamiji and Gebali showed not too much enthusiasm, but for sure they couldn’t openly disagree with Shababu. Sukari would support Keme in anything that yellowmaned say, so gerge was – as usual – on the edge of another inner conflict. They laid on the brink of desert, near grove where Goldenlanders camped two days earlier. That was a comfortable place, moreover with easy access to food. To be exact – everywhere on desert-border food was at paw, because tired and dehydrated animals turned out to be an easy game. However waiting in doorstep of eventual new home was useless, without perspective of claiming the land.

“You will obey me, Keme.” Growled Shababu. “I’m sick of your constant complains. Decide – you are with or against us?”

“I just spoke out my doubts.” Replied lion with calm voice. “If you like to attack now, let’s attack. Just don’t be surprised if something goes wrong.”

“It won’t, if you fight with half of spirit you talk.” Snorted leader.

They stood up and set off to forest. Leader was guiding his gang, while Keme – in spite that he knew the terrain best – stayed in the tail of unit. He stopped Sukari and held him while three older rogues followed Shababu.

“Just let’s settle few things.” Said yellowmaned with quiet voice, being careful that Gebali – who was walking neae="text-indent: 9pt;"> 

Plan of rogues was simple – to enter in middle of night, using tiredness of sentries, kill king and draw back. Then think what they could do after. Shababu knew that lionesses of High Pride most likely loathed of idea of giving up to murderers of rightful ruler. But old rogue was sure that every resistance breaks in the face of extinction, so slow and gradual harassing and killing members of pride would finally make situation clear. Those lionesses who wish to fight, would die and those who want to live would surrender in the end.

Maybe gerge hadn’t a crushing advantage over lionesses – six lion was against from nine to eleven Highlandresses. Attackers could win that fight, but it could mean serious casualties. But Shababu didn’t intend to fight with fair and open battle. He focused on long run – consequent hitting and running would blood pride out and rogues hoped for that.

But assistance of four newcomers spoiled that plan. Although Dhalimu was too old and Sparthi a bit too young to consider them as lion males in prime, with experienced lioness and young kitty of unknown potential they significantly reinforced defenders. Maybe gerge even decided to wait for newcomers to go away, but Shababu was already determined to reach his goal.

“We are looking for it since so long time…” growled leader, hearing suggestion of drawing back. “We even let those fools attack to weaken our prey… and you want just leave it?”

“Not <leave it>.” Corrected Keme. “We were waiting so long so we could wait few weeks more. I doubt if those strangers would stay for good.”

Another night was falling – a time they had fixed for attack. The decision had to be made quickly. Tariki, Mhamiji and Gebali showed not too much enthusiasm, but for sure they couldn’t openly disagree with Shababu. Sukari would support Keme in anything that yellowmaned say, so gerge was – as usual – on the edge of another inner conflict. They laid on the brink of desert, near grove where Goldenlanders camped two days earlier. That was a comfortable place, moreover with easy access to food. To be exact – everywhere on desert-border food was at paw, because tired and dehydrated animals turned out to be an easy game. However waiting in doorstep of eventual new home was useless, without perspective of claiming the land.

“You will obey me, Keme.” Growled Shababu. “I’m sick of your constant complains. Decide – you are with or against us?”

“I just spoke out my doubts.” Replied lion with calm voice. “If you like to attack now, let’s attack. Just don’t be surprised if something goes wrong.”

“It won’t, if you fight with half of spirit you talk.” Snorted leader.

They stood up and set off to forest. Leader was guiding his gang, while rest to them – didn’t hear it. “You must stay sharp and use your reason.”

“I learnt that most reasonable action I could make is following you.” Replied brownfurred.

“If I am at paw.” Sighed Keme. “But we are going into the battle… Perhaps there will be no time for any advises. You just choose instantly what is best for you. Remember that, if something happens to me.”

“No…” whispered Sukari. “You’ll be all right… You have to be.”

“And most likely I will.” Replied yellowmaned, sensing some strange feeling inside is heart. Voice of younger rogue was not simple show of fear. It was also fear about him personally. Keme understood that what he felt was sense of responsibility. He never had tasted that emotion since… Since that time he didn’t want to recall. But it was back somehow – again lion had someone for whom he should take care. It was obvious on desert for those almost two years when they were travelling together, but Keme named it just in that moment.

“Not go in first line, let Shababu fight whatever suicide tactic he choose, just take care about your own business.”

“And your.” Added young lion.

”And mine…” nodded Keme. “But think about yourself in the first place. Be sure that I will understand that concern.”

“Keme…” said Sukari

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