manners! But what is more astounding, is that the young cub of two years named Pallat now has a litter of four joyful cubs! Yet on more important issues, you are looking for a place to stay. Well follow me. I am sure my females will have no objection to new members, not with that large group of males on the horizon!’

Frel and Reath followed Jaurt hurriedly. Pallat rounded up the cubs and ushered Tareth forward.

‘Come, we need somewhere to stay, or would you rather be eaten alive on someone else’s territory!’

Tareth sped up, she ran as the cubs tottered around her paws, and she playfully pawed at Rolin as he nipped her legs. Pallat chuckled at the sight. She could hear the low growls of females greeting Jaurt, and she hurried Tareth and the cubs.

She reached Frel and Reath as Jaurt was introducing them. They were each greeted by three older females. Pallat felt at home here, she was surrounded by a feeling of love and yet she could not help but feel a little uncomfortable. She did not know these females, and her cubs were still very vulnerable. She lay down with her cubs and let them suckle, while Frel and Jaurt sat amongst the females and Tareth and Reath groomed each other in the shade.

They were safer here, and Pallat wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity of help with hunting.

p>Pallat smiled sweetly. ‘Thank you for your suggestion, Kar. However I do not want my cubs being carried by anyone who they do not feel comfortable with. And at the moment they are only comfortable with Frel and Tareth. You may look out for the cave, as you are the only one here who knows where it is. And I will look after the cubs. I am sure they wont mind walking a little further if they are so full of energy through the night. It will make them finally sleep easy.’

‘Very well’ said the female beside Frel.

‘Hush Reath, please. We must travel in almost complete silence. It makes for a quicker journey and gives us less chance of an ambush.’ mumbled Tareth.

Pallat chuckled and followed Kar to where he said the cave was.

Frel, Reath and Tareth walked together to make sure that no cub wandered off, and Kar walked slightly ahead to show the way.

There was a low growling from behind. Pallat was the first to react and padded in front of the females and her cubs. The figure now standing before them was a large male lion.

Frel gasped in delight. ‘Jaurt! I thought I would never see you again!’ she nuzzled the males fur and licked his nose fondly.

Pallat smiled at the familiar figure, while Tareth, Reath and the cubs cowered in fear of the new comer. Kar stood stark still.

‘Grandfather? Is that you?’ he growled uncertain.

Jaurt looked up at Kar. He nodded meekly and looked towards Pallat. ‘I always knew you were a strong character, Pallat. And, oh young Tareth! You wont remember me, I left the pride shortly before your father was killed. It was such a shame, he was such a wonderful lad.’

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previous Page

1 2 3