Father’s Day

0. Prologue

It was a grave mistake, a terrible error to turn back. That why he was looking on scene which he both wasn’t able and didn’t want to interfere. Or at least – he thought that initially.

From high cliff the river bed was seen clearly. Stream was raging, what he was rather hearing that seeing in darkness of the night. But moonlight was shining on the centre of river, showing the silhouette of floating lion. He was wounded, bleeding from numerous cuts on his chest, barely awake. He was keeping his head over surface only because extreme effort – but it was clear that without any help blackmaned would drown quick, maybe even before he reach the waterfall.

Silent beholder war gazing on struggle before him. He was like in parlays. Some voices were calling and ordering him to jump down in furious stream, to catch and get out dying lion. But body was disobedient – gazer was standing still, as if he was only half-aware of drama in river.

Blackmaned passed next to him, giving the last stare in lion’s eyes and screaming something through the roars of closing waterfall. That was the turning point – gazer opened his lips and shouted with terror, trying with all his might to jump ahead and get to drowning one. It was too late – blackmaned was floating helplessly to the edge. Also gazer couldn’t make any move, stopped by overwhelming force. Tears came to his eyes. He was still calling the name of drowning lion, but voice couldn’t change the unavoidable fate. Blackmaned disappeared on edge of waterfall, still looking in his eyes. That was dreadful stare of fear and amaze of betrayed trust. Gazer cried with pain and opened his eyes.

*

Redmaned lion muffled his yell in last moment – his lips were opening to cry and his awaken consciousness closed them right on time. Predator blinked his eyes, casting tears away. Then he gulped, swallowing saliva from his mouth. Took a deep breath trying to banish every memory about nightmare.

Next to older, red-hoary-maned lion was lying lionesses of sandy-brown fur. She was sleeping still, in airily slumber. She was even smiling, feeling the touch of lion on her side. Redmaned carefully stood up and went few steps aside. There he shook his mane to rid of the cold sweat from his head.

Once again – it was close. But no one discovered it. Lion still had his secret only for him and no one suspected him. Dreams weren’t pleasant, but after all they were just a dream.

“It’s just a past.” Thought redmaned. “It doesn’t matter now. I have new life now, and shadows of old one should not disrupt me.”

He looked on young lion and lionesses – adolescent sibling of queen’s children. He smiled with dose of affection – after almost two years of living on Green Valley he start to treat prince and princess not just as wards, but almost as own children. Like once the had been treating...

The leash of memories hit his mind. He cast away the burning thought that mixed present sight with dream’s horror. Lion shook his mane once again and went back to the centre of royal cave. Then he laid down next to queen Chanua. It was still middle of the night and redmaned was still sleepy. The fear of absurd nightmare couldn’t prevent him from rest.

“Just a past.” Murmured lion and cuddled to lionesses side. He closed his eyes and soon fall asleep, not dreaming at all.

[“The New Dawn (The Circle of Life pt. 2)” song. Tune of well known opener of TLK. Scenery of the Priderock, when the first sunrays are shining on it. Silence, calm morning – no visiting animals, no ceremonies – only two prides sleeping in caves of rock.]

World is waking again from the slumber
Open eyes – sleepy after long rest

[Scenes of waking savannah – with rays of sun from grass small creatures awake from sleep. The edge of light is closing to Priderock.]

There so much in here
That the only time heals
And that day also heals at his best

[We see the edge of sunrays, moving to rock. It lights up the remote pile of rock in Gorge, most likely place where Nuka died, then it moves on plain to illuminate two piles of rocks, probably Sakia’s and Sarabi’s graves. Then it comes to royal cave of Priderock.]

Painful wounds – but yet clear from decay
Need a day, week, a year more to cure

[King Tanabi is sleeping on the doorstep of cave. Sunrays hit his face – we see the fresh scar of ripped eye, that is slowly skinning over with white fur. When light illuminate the second ruler’s eye, he opens it and instantly blinking, blinded by day.]

But with each breath we do
World is born as a new
So we’re all remedy for injures

[He narrows his face in bolt of pain, but after few moments he stands up with growing smile, nudged queen Vitani in side. She wakes up too and royal couple stands on doorstep of cave, looking on their kingdom.]

It’s a new dawn of life
In the ways of old
With the same path it finds
The same voice it calls

[Tabani stars to laugh like small cub. He runs on ledge and looks on beautiful land in front of him. Vitani follows. But for short moment, king turns his head east, in Green Den direction. Switch the capture to Green Den – picture of Simba and Nala in front of that keep. They seemed to be delighted by stunning morning too, however on their faces sights of recent adventures and burdens are seen.]

Till it take proper place
Under our sun
It’s new dawn of life
And our day began

[Just after Timon and Pumbaa are coming out from den. Meerkat is clearly sleepy and discontent with so early wake. But when Pumbaa notices some fallen trunk and lift it up, Timon discovers some insects under, leaves his grave grimace and starts to feast.]

[Zoom out, music stops.]

I. Painful Treatment

The new order of living on Priderock was – what admitted almost everyone – strange, but for then no one had better idea. Pridelanders were still living in main complex, including royal cave and few smaller rooms and Outlan... I mean: Golden Pride took as own back chambers, once used by Scar and previous generation of Golden Ones. Few lionesses, old enough to remember those times were unrest – history made a full circle and once again on lions keep two prides were living in fragile harmony. In fact subjects were exhausted of war, coup d’etats, deceits and constant danger, so lionesses were event too tired to feel hostility towards each other. But war was still a fresh experience and – what was quite obvious – rulers were still living with recent past.

That morning Kovu stayed on Priderock only with Yakta. Lionesses had gone on hunting (two prides separately) and Tanabi had decided to visit Green Den. Golden King was close to go with him, but ultimately he chose to stay. He had something to talk about with Yakta.

Redmaned lion was a strange figure on Priderock. He was a strong male and in normal conditions every ruler would be anxious about eventual rival. But Kovu would have rather suspect Yakta for being meerkat that for slightest thought of disloyalty. Son of Shakisa was strange element in both prides – on the fist look completely useless, but somehow appeasing every growing conflict. Also he was like a shadow stepping behind Kovu, still reminding him, who he was. It was unbearable – to be each day ordered to rule.

“What do you need, my lord?” asked redmaned.

Both lions were on back ledge of Priderock, in front of entrance to small cavern, once private chamber of Scar and Zira. In those days it became the private chamber of Kiara and Kovu. It was placed on south-west side of keep, so then was in deep shade. Yakta had been lying on path uphill, but when Kovu came, instantly stood up with readiness both to serve and advice, what always was extremely disturbing Golden King.

“Need...” repeated lion with thoughtful voice. Suddenly he woke up from reverie and looked on Yakta with almost angry stare. “Do you know what I need? I need judgement and most likely solid punishment!” Yakta didn’t change is stoical expression and replied.

“I think that everyone needs to be judged, sometimes punished.”

Kovu once again asked himself if Yakta’s folly and naive appearance wasn’t just a mask that lion was wearing to cover irony and some kind of malicious intelligence. But in that moment redmaned was looking on his ruler with so honest and simple-hearted stare that Kovu again left that idea.

“You know what I mean!” he gasped. With fear he discover he was starting to be angry, because nothing on earth would drives him mad in so much as Yakta’s stoical calmness. “You should be the king, not I!” Finished ruler.

“I beg your pardon, sir?” replied redmaned. When Kovu murmured with anger, second lion added. “I’m afraid that is impossible. I’m your and lady Kiara’s subject.”

“I could free you from any oath.”

“But I still wouldn’t be royal descendant, sir.” Noticed redmaned, as if he was treating king’s words as grave serious.

“You would find some princes to marry.” Said Kovu, still not knowing why he was talking that.

“It not so simple, sir.” Answered Yakta. “I’m afraid I’m not gifted to be a ruler.”

“I heard that children inherit their intelligence after mothers.”

“Sometimes I’m not sure about it.” Replied redmaned still looking with calm stare on king. Kovu narrowed his head for few second thinking if it was some kind hidden allusion to him. But Yakta’s eyes were still so honest and simple-hearted that...

“Stop it!” called lion. “Don’t look on me like that!”

“Like what, sir?” asked Yakta with his natural courtesy.

“Like... that!” king went to redmaned, stopped just in front of him and looked in his eyes. “Show what you feel. I just can’t believe that you just ignored that what I did during Battle of Reunion! How could you be loyal to someone who wasn’t loyal to cause you support?” Yakta was silent. “Judge me!” called Kovu with even louder voice. “You are so smart with all those royal laws. I want you to judge me!”

“I know just the dead formulas.” Replied redmaned with his normal, indifferent tone. “Only king speaking it and applying it, makes the law.”

Blackmaned raised his right paw, extended claws and hit the ground below him with anger. He roared quietly, closing eyes, then took few deeper breaths.

“Yakta, I humbly ask you to judge me. Not as the king... as Kovu, just a lion.” When redmaned said nothing in a while, he added. “Please.”

And then something changed. Yakta inhaled deeply, started to walk, passing by his ruler. He started to speak, but different – with some new tone in his voice. Kovu never heard redmaned speaking in that way.

“As You wish, sir.” Said lion. “But I must ensure you that everything I will say is not about Golden King, just about Kovu of Outland.” In that moment blackmaned realised he actually didn’t want to hear what his subject had to say. “I studied recent history of both prides and was thinking about your role in it... sir.” He added official form of address after few seconds, as if he initially forget about it. “And it looks amazing indeed. I think a bit too amazing... to recall it.” But because Kovu said nothing, Yakta continued. “It’s hard to believe, but in one day of battle you contributed to death of your brother, you left your mother in distress and betrayed the memory of your father... In fact – you betrayed memory of two lions you could name <father>.” In progress Yakta turned from indifferent speech almost to growl. “I describe it as, because in one day you disowned more than I have in whole my life... sir!” finished with half-shout.

Kovu felt shunned. In fact he asked Yakta for talk because he had been sure that lion wouldn’t criticise his ruler. But blunt truth, said by redmaned was burning like fire. Blackmaned sat on the rock, hiding his head in shoulders. After about minute of silence, interrupted only by breathing of lions. Finally Kovu asked with almost weeping voice.

“So... what I should do?”

“Who you’ve hurt?” asked Yakta with sharp tone.

“Mother...” whispered Kovu.

“So what you could do now, to make up for it?”

“I don’t know!” yelled Kovu.”

“Wrong answer! You know it well...” replied Yakta, with no sign of recent courtesy towards king. For that short moment a jurist became a judge. “What she loved... except of you and your siblings?”

“Scar...”

“Your sister took care about memory of king Scar.” Said Yakta. “That is not your quest. What then?”

“Pride... her pride...” whispered Kovu. He looked on Yakta, who was still - angry and severe – watching his king. “And land... pride and kingdom are one.” Added blackmaned. “I must revive the Golden Sands... I must... lead the pride back!” finished Kovu, surprised by what he was saying.

“Those are word of wisdom, sir.” Said Yakta, instantly returning to his natural, polite tone. All signs of recent anger vaporised in one moment. “It’s good to have so conscientious ruler.”

Before Kovu managed to reply or even react, redmaned jumped down from ledge on path below and disappeared over the rock’s corned. King was gazing after him for a while, but he didn’t hear a whisper of his subject.

“Well, my queen.” Said Yakta to unseen auditor. “We have much work to do. I’m sure we could teach your son everything he needs.”

*

Spotty didn’t intend to eavesdrop. It was a pure coincidence that she was there in that moment and she heard some from Kovu’s talk with Yakta. If she had choice she would hadn’t hear a word. She dropped a haunch of adaks – which she was bringing home from hunting – and froze for long time, waiting for Yakta to go away. Finally, when lion entered some on minor caves on southern slope, she took meat again in her jaws and ascended on path.

“Sir, your lunch.” Said, stopping in the entrance to Kovu’s cave. King went from inside, still confused, barely paying any attention on his subject.

“Ow, thank you.” Said and automatically took a haunch.

“Queen send me here to bring you meal.” Said Spotty. “Do you need something more or I should get back to pride?”

“E... what?” asked ruler, lost in thoughts, whom words of lionesses seemed to wake from slumber.

“Has something happened, my lord?” asked Spotty with concerned voice. She was actually concerned and worried, but not exactly about what was troubling blackmaned.

“No, it’s nothing.” Replied Kovu. “Go back to Kiara...”

Huntress nod her head in bow, then turned back and started to descend on savannah. It was a bad moment to ask him. But if there would be better? Every day is improper if we want to do something hard. But it had to be done.

*

Kiara was on the lead of Outlandresses and she was feeling terrible. She knew that her subjects were almost crawling along, being careful not to overtake her. Young queen was exhausted, opposite to her team. Golden lionesses after day of running and chasing were a bit tired but also ready to do twice an effort if it was necessary. Kiara was barely standing and walking with heavy steps. With all her might she was trying to move on her own, because she knew that her lionesses were ready to take her on backs, just like some game’s meat.

Two months from Battle of Reunion and month from abdication of Simba had changed lot. Kiara’s pride was no longer pack of Outlanders but Golden Lionesses. Just few weeks of proper feeding on fertile plains turn skinny outcasts into healthy and strong creatures. Muscular silhouettes of females were nothing like those skeletons who had been fighting Simba. If then – what was, of course, impossible – another conflict divide prides, Pridelanders would be quickly squashed by deadly trained, then being in perfect condition, desert ones. Kiara shook that strange thoughts off and made another heavy steep. Just next to her were walking Danti and Ostasi, as if they were waiting to support monarchess.

“That is not far, ma’am.” Murmured Danti quietly. Kiara almost gasped from shame, cursing herself for showing the weariness.

But then they all noticed Pridelandresses. There a situation was quite opposite – whole pride was crawling with effort, only Vitani – fresh and firmly – was marching on lead with a heavy piece of meat in mouth. Her lionesses were trying to catch her up, but only Maitha seemed to be in condition able to match with queen.

“How’s hunting, girls?” called Vitani to Golden Ones. Just two months earlier they had been her friends, but then they turned to be subject of other pride. However it was hard to cease with informal familiarity between former Outlandresses.

“So-so... ma’am.” Replied Dotty, adding <ma’am> in last moment, probably only because of Pridelandresses. “But we won’t starve.”

Quickly both groups got mixed – in rays of setting sun two prides merged. It was instinctively acting: Vitani wanted to speak more with Dotty and Kiara joined to well know ground of Pridelanders. Other lionesses followed subconscious example of leaders. After few minutes of chats, three Golden Ones exchanged stares and finally Spotty came closer to Vitani.

“Vi... I mean: ma’am. Can we talk?” asked lionesses. Prideland queen looked a bit surprised by serious tone of old friend but then nodded her head. She gave her piece of meat to Dotty and steeped from column aside.

“Sure.” She replied. “What do you need?”

Spotty stopped, waiting for other huntresses to pass by. Because since Vitani stopped too and Kiara became a leader, it took a while, because teams were marching slower. But after about two minutes, when others disappeared over a hill, lionesses took a look around and said with muffled whisper.

“I have a problem, ma’am.”

“Hm?” surprised queen. “Just leave it. My name is Vitani. I have nothing against if you recall that... if there are no Pridelanders around.”

“It would be hard, ma’am.” Said lioness. “Now you are Pridelander.” Vitani burst in laughter and suddenly pounced on friend, overturning her and pinning to the ground.

“Kovu spoiled you!” called queen, still laughing. “Spotty I knew would have never allow me to surprise her!”

Spotty instantly ran from back on paws, throwing Vitani with strong push. Queen landed firmly on paws and crouched to another charge. But Spotty sat still and shook her head, showing that play is over.

“Vitani, I really need your help.”

“Right, straight to business.” Murmured queen and sat on the grass. “I’m listening. What I – your friend, because now not your queen – could do for you?” Spotty sighed and sat next to blue-eyed lioness.

“You know... the war is over. When your mother was still alive and we all were preparing for returning here... We have a clear aim and duties. But now that is finished. Maybe not exactly as queen wished to...” Spotty noticed that Vitani shook her head, hearing that. “But the goal is fulfilled – Scar’s heir is on the throne.”

“What is your point?” asked Vitani. “Are you bored by peace? It’s not surprising. Comparing with our life in Outlands, existence here is plain as savannah.”

“Not exactly I meant that.” Replied Golden One. “Vitani, I heard... don’t ask me how or from whom, that king Kovu wants return to Golden Sands.”

“Great!” called queen with sudden amaze and genuine joy. “It’s best news I could hear... Mother would be happy about that.” She added quieter.

“Well, yes... but this is the problem.” Said Spotty. “I... and not only I – also Danti and Ostasi hoped that now, when war is over, we could...”

Vitani understood it instantly. Three of lionesses had spoken about it many times. And although they hadn’t want to share those plans and questions with others, blue-eyed had discovered it long time ago. Her friends were daughters of three wanderer lions, who had named themselves “Windy Rouges”. That pack joined Outlanders in early days of exile, promising help in Zira’s reclaimation in exchange for home to stay. But only Amini, youngest of rouges and father of Kovu, had fulfilled his oath. Three lions: Horen, Daki and Laki left the scene when they found the battle looked grim. All younger lionesses in Golden Pride were daughters of some rouges, that visited outlands. No one of those lions decided to stay, but none of them had been asked about it. But the case of Windy Rouges was different – they promised and ran. Zira and others lionesses have never – even for one second – blamed daughters for theirs fathers guilt. But burden of that shame was heavy anyway – three Golden Ones were living with consciousness that they fathers doomed the cause of pride and allowed Amini and Rama to die. Maybe as no one else, Vitani knew that hard past need to be confronted.

“I know. You don’t have to say more.” Said queen. They were silent for a while, then Vitani added. “But... why didn’t you tell it to Kovu? I’m sure he wouldn’t make any objections.”

“Such a journey could take some time...” replied Spotty. “Crucial time, if we are going to Golden Sands.”

“Stars dammit!” gasped Vitani. “Kovu would surely say what I’m saying. Pride is in debt in you. For your loyal service for years you all deserve not just a holiday, but that we all... I mean: all Golden Ones help you finding them!”

“No, Vitani. That is a private matter.” said Spotty. “But because of that we should fulfil every duty to pride first.”

“Speak with Kovu about that.” Replied queen. “I’m no longer Golden One, as you noticed.” But when she saw as her friends eyes narrow and she turned her stare to the ground, Vitani added. “What happened? Few months ago, you wouldn’t have scruples to tell him whatever you wish to.”

“But know he is a king.” Said Spotty.

“Sometimes I think you all understand it better than he does...”

*

So Vitani decided to take care about whole business. On evening, when both prides, after supper, were lazily laying in caves, she entered Golden One’s chamber and asked brother and her three friends aside.

“What’s the matter?” asked Kovu, a bit nervous about official and grave expressions of his subjects. “Some pride problems?”

“Some sort.” Agreed Vitani.

“Yakta!” called Kovu. “Could you join us?” Seeing the surprised stares of lionesses, he added. “I prefer not to make any decision without a word with advisor.”

So all six: Prideland queen, Golden King, three lionesses and Yakta exited back chamber and went on ledge nearby. Sun had set about two hours earlier, but clear sky was full of stars and full moon was also bright on firmament. From the ledge lions could see shapes of distant Green Hills on west. Except of Vitani, no one had even slightest memories about that place. But queen, looking on dark range, recalled a distant pictures of four lions, she had seen in her cubhood. “So...” she thought. “Girls want to find their fathers... Those who left us. Probably I should be the last person who have right to judge rouges. I betrayed family myself.”

“So, what’s the problem?” asked Kovu, when all went far enough from cave. Vitani was nudged in side by Spotty and said with serious voice.

“Bro, I suspect you want to return to our home in Golden Sands.” King nodded his head, not showing surprise that someone knew that. “But I presume your pride won’t set off before next rainy season.”

“Yes, we all need to rest, before that.” Agreed blackmaned.

“Or do some others businesses.” Added Vitani. “Things that couldn’t be done during war. Spotty, Danti and Ostasi need your permission to leave the pride for few months.” She discrete waved her paw, stopping him from questioning. “Family matters.”

“Well... I guess that we and Pridelanders will manage some time without you.” Replied king. “But where you want to go? After all I’m still responsible for you...” added, looking on in the same time on Yakta. It seemed as of king was staring on lips of advisor, waiting for every word of help and hint. “Is that journey dangerous?”

“Yakta!” smiled Vitani and turned to redmaned.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“You would help us. You would go with girls and help them in search.”
In that moment lion looked with surprise and sudden uncertainness on Kovu. Although male could be firm and self-confident advisor, the perspective of independent mission seemed to be scary for him.

“With all due respect, ma’am.” Said Yakta with uncertain voice. “As a subject of lord Kovu, I’m waiting for his decision in that matter.”

“Yes, yes, I know...” laughed Vitani. “Bro, order him to keep an eye on girls.”

“I think you are bossing among my lions.” Murmured king. “Are your new pride is too small to satisfy your ambitions?”

“Ow, come on, Kovu.” Added Vitani. “I will be good for both of you.”

“Will be, sir?” asked Yakta silently.

“I don’t know...” replied blackmaned. “What do you think?”

“I think that girls shouldn’t go alone, but...”

“You see!” called Vitani, hearing that. “Case is closed. Spotty, Danti and Ostasi go with Yakta. I stay here and take care of my little brother...” She came to Kovu and playfully stroked his mane.

“Not...” started both Kovu and Yakta.

“...in front of pride!” finished Vitani with laughter. “Right, I’m going back boss to my subjects.” She passed next to Spotty. “As in old times. Girls rule the world!”

*

They hadn’t intended it, but it just came – three lionesses, ready to journey, laid down to sleep a bit aside of main part of pride. They didn’t talk about it much, although Spotty was sure that in mind of each one of they there are similar questions. “Why we are doing it?” “Who they, Windy Rouges, are?” “What will we do, when we find them?” Lioness in that night for the first time in her life felt scared by finding her father. She knew only his name: Horen, nothing more. He probably have no idea that she is named Spotty, he most likely didn’t know his child was a girl. And what Horen, one who left pride would say, seeing children he newer wanted? “But I must find you, father.” Thought Spotty. “And I must find why you left us.”

Night was calm and warm, but still not hot – as it would be in prime of dry season. Priderock was covered in silence and only uneasy dreams of three lionesses were breaking that harmony. What Spotty, Danti and Ostasi didn’t know, was that many miles from there someone also had a hard night, interrupted by another heavy dream of half-forgotten guilt.

II. Way back

Green Valley was a calm and peaceful land. It suffered hard in the Great Drought – jungle on the edge of desert turned instantly to dust under merciless sun. The pride who had been there, extinguished in some disease, caused by malnutrition. But land wasn’t vacant for long time. Group, made of survivors from many packs, came there. They called themselves Green Pride, to salute the land. Just few months after firsts rains, jungle was back fertile and could feed fifteen lion mouths.

The leader of newcomers was Kiduta – old male, who lost his family in drought. He met some other group of survivors – there he met young lionesses Chanua, whom made his mate and queen. Although Kiduta was then dead, his mate and two of his children still were ruling that country in peace.

Main keep of pride was a cave in cliff of river’s bank. The river was artery of whole land – it provided water and food for jungle and when it had dried in times of drought, all life had ceased. What Greenlanders didn’t know was the fact that unnamed river was the same one that was flowing in Prideland and called “Border River”. It also flow through the Mighty Jungle. But take a look on cave – it was rather small one, with entrance directed on north. From doorstep the strong current of river was clearly seen and heard. Cave was containing one main chamber, where lived whole pride and few smaller rooms used as storages for food. Queen was living and sleeping with her lionesses, as well as royal children. It was going that was since the death of king. Pride had no male ruler, at least official.

Horen was elder, almost ten years old lion. Once powerful fighter, still remain a strong male, fast and healthy as his age. His red mane gained some hoary hairs, but rouge was still handsome and witty. Formally he was just a guest of queen Chanua, but his stay lasted since two years. He came to Green Valley with two of his friends – twins Daki and Laki, right after Kiduta’s deatch. Lionesses greeted the males presence with hope and joy, because vicinity was uneasy and dangerous – lions often had to fight they preys with numerous rouges packs and hyenas clans. So when some wanderers came, who didn’t want to take reign by force, they were treated almost as saviours. Daki and Laki died, paying they debt to hospitable pride – a war with some aggressive rouges had claimed their lives. Horen survived (although he got some wounds in that fight too) and became even more esteemed by hosts. Queen Chanua felt in love with handsome stranger. It was rather a platonic feeling, because lioness decided not to have more cubs. There was a successor and a fate of Kwini - Kiduta’s daughter, was worry enough for queen. But even without official title, Horen was real regent and ruler of pride. He knew that in few years he should give his powers to almost mature prince Jino, but he reconciled with this thought long time ago. The most important was that rouge lived a peaceful life, respected and saluted. A calm retirement after a stormy youth and prime.

“You look a bit tired, my dear.” Said one morning Chanua. “Are you all right?”

“Bad dreams.” Replied Horen with unexpected honesty. “I just can’t sleep in such weather.”

Queen came closer, licked his forehead with care and replied.’

“Well, today you should stay in cave. We could send Jino and Kwini on patrol.”

“No, no... I’m not as sick!” disagreed Horen. “I will get up... give me just a minute.”

“Of course, my dear.” Said queen and started to wake rest of the pride. They had to start their duty on time.

Rouge was lying still on the ground, observing as hunting team is formed and Chanua led them away. In cave stayed just prince Jino, who decided - that day – not to participate in hunting. Not that he wasn’t ready and willing to, but his predator’s skills were far from average lioness abilities and seemed pathetic, comparing to mastery of his sister. Prince preferred to stay with Horen and learn from lion’s knowledge as much as he could.

“Again thirsty for a lesson?” asked rouge with sleepy voice. “How do you know if not you could teach me?”

“I doubt, Horen.” Replied sandymaned adolescent lion. He was addressing rouge just with name, but in that was maybe even more respect that son usually express to his father. “If you allow me, I want to go with you on border.”

“It’s your border.” Said redmaned and stood up with surrender. With so conscientious charge he had a little change to spend another day on idleness. “Or it will be your one day. You decide.” So he set off to exit, hearing that prince was following.

For a short moment some dark memory from past dimmed his mind. He had experienced similar scene years earlier. He had heard the steps of young lion, who trusted him absolutely and was looking on every step he take. Horen was leading that youngster almost as... No, it wasn’t matter. That lion had been called Amini and died long before that day. Rouge managed to extinguish an unpleasant recall, before it screamed thanks to whom Amini was dead.

*

Trio of golden lionesses chose a very ambitious quest – to find rouges in wide African savannah, almost with no clue. What they knew were names of lions and fact that they had left Prideland in night of failed Outlander’s counterstrike, probably going west. In Mighty Jungle – place well knew by Yakta, where lion had spent whole his cubhood and youth – they managed to find some tips. Group of three rouges was seen in early rainy season three years earlier. They had gone further on west or north-west – that all what expedition got know from hippo of Border River Backwater. The day after they were on route ahead.

For most of their way Yakta was leading as one who know how to march in dense forest and – at least for some part – knew the way. Lion, usually silent and reticent in that particular situation turned out to be the soul of party. Lionesses were for most of time drowned in their own thoughts, just barely paying attention of road before them.

Danti and Ostasi looked similar, as if they were sisters. Actually they were sisters-in-law and that family resemblance was clear even for beholder who didn’t know their story. They both were short, of fragile constitution and agile paws. Lionesses were perfect scouts and restless huntresses, valuable supports of pride in hardest times. They fur was sandy, but a bit darker than coat of typical desert one. Spotty, named that after her special sing – spots under her left eye, looked just like Golden One should – she were perfectly shaped, lean, but muscles were clearly seen under her sandy fur. Among her friends she looked most like Outlander – she still was much slimmer than lionesses on Priderock, and her walk, many impulses and habits showed she was the same wild huntress, who just happened to find herself outside her rough home. All three females presents a wild beauty – a kind of flower that could grow only on harsh Outlands. Probably most of lions would envy Yakta such an extraordinary pride. Of course redmaned never thought about his group like that – he were on mission, ordered by his king. To lead and guard his subjects.

As a leader Yakta also looked a bit funny. Giant and strong male, handsome and domine-looking at first sight could been taken as a real king, leading his pride. Lion would probably felt embarrassed, hearing that. His absolute lack of social routine, made staying with lionesses a bit hard for Yakta. For he had never lived in pride, at least after exile and before reuniting with Golden Ones, he had no idea how to treat females. Finally he started to handle with them as if they were just bigger cubs, or at least it seemed like that. Yakta was charming, patient, nice and gallant, what turned out to be unbearable in longer perspective.

“E... what you mean by <stay here>?” asked about the midday, when they made a stop for hunting. “I could hunt with you...”

“I have no doubt you could.” Replied Ostasi. “But we will handle it. Just wait for us and we will get something...”

“You’re a lion. It’s our, females job to hunt.” Added Danti, but it wasn’t exactly what she shouldn’t tell.

“No, no, no...” said Yakta. “We are on unknown territory and I’m personally responsible for your safety. I have to go with you and...”

“You grown here!” noticed Spotty. “If that place was safe enough for a cub, why do you think it would be dangerous for three huntresses?”

They were talking on a slope of jungle-covered valley, Green Valley in particular, although they didn’t know about it. Sun was almost in zenith, but shade of dense forest made that place a fine to stay and sleep airily. But Yakta was focused more on potential threats of Mighty Jungle Border.

“I’m sure you will manage, but just in case...”

“You’re too damn big and heavy to sneak for preys!” exclaimed Ostasi with nervous voice. “Yakta, we are very grateful, that you are so kind, but understand that this is the task for us.”

“So what I shall do? Sit here and idle, while you are hunting?”

“Is that sounds so bad?” asked Spotty. “You should have some experience in that...” added as a joke, but then she noticed as lion’s eyes narrows and lips shrink to painful grimace. “Ow, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...” said, knowing she summoned memories of orphaned lion.

“No, it’s nothing.” Replied redmaned. “So go on... but just be careful, right?”

Huntresses nodded their heads and departed into jungle. Lion stayed on clearing with uncertain stare on his face. He felt very uneasy – both because he let them go alone and because some mysterious premonition he had. To survive cubhood alone one has to have some sixth sense, warning him about dangers. And in Yakta’s head some voice was whispering a strong suggestion, they weren’t alone in that forest. Some big creatures, possible other lions were near. So redmaned waited about five minutes, then started to track his charges.

Yakta’s cubhood was special – to survive, lion had to learn many extraordinary skills, usually unknown to lions. But on the other hand, he lacked few abilities important for predators. During his days in jungle he seldom had been tracking a prey. He managed to feed on rodents, sometimes even on insects and fruits. His diet was just from time to time supplemented with accidental bigger game. So redmaned lost track of his wards quickly, although he didn’t know it. He follow some older prints that belonged also to lionesses, but not his lionesses.

Formally Chanua was a leaderess of hunting team. But mother very often was leaving that task to her daughter, what was even better for pride. Princess Kwini was skilled hunter, very well substituting old queen in her duties. That day she was leading group on track of warthogs family. Game was running in deep jungle, so chase turn to be more accidental run on patch shown by Kwini. Finally princess got the strong scent and called to companions with joyful roar. The hunt was on.

Yakta didn’t hear that roar, what wasn’t strange – in so dense forest every sound was quickly muffled by trees. He missed also sounds of chase and killing poor prays. When he got closer on lionesses track he still didn’t notice a thing, because he was spotted. After quick order of Kwini, team hide in deepest bushes, waiting for intruder to come. They left warthog’s carcasses as a bait and took a position to attack. Yakta, still unaware of company, entered clearing with bodies with no suspicion.

The fight took place in almost absolute silence. As for lionesses it was routine not to alarm eventual companions of victim and Yakta repressed a scream for help for not to let attackers know he wasn’t alone. Only sounds audible there was cracks of branches and heavy pants of effort.

Kwini, Pili and Tatu pounced on intruder, easily overturning him. Then rest of the pride, led by Chanua jumped on clearing to immobile lion. But happened something they didn’t predicted – redmaned, although surprised, quickly prevailed shock and shook off three attackers from his back. Just like that – he stood and threw away princess and her two friends. Because he didn’t know by whom he was struck, Yakta reacted violently. With instant blow of paw he hit head of first of attackers, pushing her away for over two meters. Knocked Kwini fell on grass, for a while completely immobilised. Redmaned jumped top second persecutor and opened his jaw to bite her throat with deadly blow. But he froze just few feet from Pili. He was attacking lioness.

“Ow, excuse me, ma’am.” Said Yakta with confused voice but then he was deluged by wave of incoming huntresses.

Chanua ran to daughter, but rest of team pounced and pinned Yakta to the grass. Lion – probably more thanks to luck than combat skills – rolled on the ground, overtook attackers and manage to stand up. Then another wave of huntresses came, he crouched, standing firmly and with front-right paw shielded his head. With two fast moves he pushed away two jumping lionesses and when rest got to his side, he started to draw back into edge of forest direction.

“Don’t kill!” called Kwini to her friend. Princess was hit hard and her cheek was aching like hell, but she didn’t lose her temper and still was thinking rationally. She wanted to interrogate that amazing stranger.

“Yes, ma’am!” automatically replied Yakta, who was just pushing away another lioness, probably Tatu.

“Stay here, my dear.” Whispered Chanua and ran to fighting.

Although Yakta was giant and extremely strong, he was just one. It was impossible to resist against so numerous enemy and redmaned knew that. Minute of desperate dodging – especially that he didn’t want to hurt his enemy – had drained Yakta’s strength completely. So he did only thing he could.

“I’m so sorry.” He whispered. “But I have my duties.”

He grabbed Pili’s neck and pinned her to the ground. Lionesses, shocked after missed pounce failed to escape that grasp and fell down on the grass. Yakta extended his claws and closed them to lioness throat.

“Don’t move!” he shouted. Then he looked on his hostage, laying beneath him and asked with quiet voice. “Ow, sorry! Am I strangling you, miss?” <Slash!> a sound lioness paw, hitting redmaned’s face sounded. “You could just say: no!” yelled Yakta, shaking hit cheek, but he didn’t lose his grab.

“Stop!” called Chanua, repressing strike of her lionesses. “Release her!” shouted on Yakta.

“Good idea, ma’am.” Agreed lion.  “But how could I know you would release me?”

“Get him, girls!” called Pili, for a moment loosing grasp of male.

“Silence!” growled Yakta and presses his paw. One of claws pinned a little on lioness fur, making a cut. When redmaned noticed it, instantly he loosen his grab. “Sorry! Are you all right?” Again, freed Pili’s paw hit Yakta’s face. “You could say just: yes!” cried lion, barely repressing burning pain on cheek.

Kwini stood up and – a bit uncertain due to being half-stunned – came closer to arena of fight. She looked on captured Pili, then on rest of team.

“Mom, I will handle it.” She whispered then turned to Yakta. “What do you want?”

“I want to apologise you, madam!” replied redmaned. “I didn’t know whom...” in then moment Pili made another attempt to free herself, but lion pressed her lower to the ground. “Lay low...” gasped. “And... what is your name, by the way?” asked. “Or should I call you just <Hitty>?” Pili in one, desperate try freed front left paw and – not seeing any better idea – once again hit Yakta’a cheek. “Ugh!” gasped lion. “How the hell should I spell that?”

“Pili, calm down!” called Kwini. “Hey, stranger, what do you want?”

“I have no hostile intention.” Assured Yakta, still holding his hostage. “I want just walk away from here.”

“Why have you entered our land?”

“I didn’t know it is yours.” Said redmaned. “I was just passing by...”

“You were tracking us!” noticed queen Chanua. Yakta froze for few seconds but then he replied with so blunt honesty, that it couldn’t be taken as truth.

“Well, I wasn’t tracking you but some others lionesses. But it’s a long story...”

“Release Pili and we will talk.” Demanded Kwini, slowly coming closer to lion and lioness. On her cheek was a deep cut, made by impulsive blow of Yakta. Redmaned just had noticed it and opened his mouth with shame. “If you won’t hurt he, we won’t...”

“You’re bleeding, ma’am.” Said Yakta with confused voice, pointing on Kwini’s head.

And because he was pointing on her head, he wasn’t able to hold Pili. He just let loose lioness, what she used instantly. Huntress rolled aside, stood on four paws and wave her tail to give a sight to others. Suddenly from behind Kwini’s back came a wave of lionesses, jumping on surprised Yakta. That time male was quickly pinned to the ground before he managed to react.

“Stop!” called princess, but it was too late. intruder was lying unconsciousness, under a layer of huntresses beating him. “Leave him!” repeated Kwini. “Ow, stars!” she exclaimed, coming closer. “What have you done?”

“It happened bad.” Agreed queen. “We have to get him to cave. Horen will fix him – knows some shamanic medicine stuff.”

*

Horen and Jino were marching west on river’s cliff. It was a peaceful region, but few weeks earlier a pack of hyenas had been seen there. Just in case, regent decided to scout that area. But if they wouldn’t find anyone, a beach on Western Border was nice place to stay, take a nap and wait for evening, what for Horen was hoping. But they found some unexpected guests, although those weren’t hyenas.

“Wait here.” Whispered redmaned, stopping Jino with wave of tail. “Some lions are on the beach.”

“Wait?” amazed prince. “You want to go alone!?”

“I want to sneak alone.” Replied Horen. “Until I don’t know whom I would charge, I won’t charge.”

So lion started to march in dense bushes of cliffs, carefully not to mane any unnecessary sound. He was looking on silhouettes on river’s bank and with every step heart in his chest was beating faster and louder. Those visitors meant troubles – he knew it well. But when he recognised the leader or of intruders he understood that those troubles would be even heavier.

It was so called: <Gerge> - a big pack of rouges, wandering from one land to another. Usually such a groups were gathering most violent and depraved ones. Horen knew it well, because he started his mature life in one of such gerge. As well as grayfurred and yellowmaned male among intruders.

“Keme!” thought redmaned. “You are still alive, rascal!”

Seven strong rouges were force beyond defensive abilities of Green Pride. Of course – if Horen ordered every singe of his lionesses to fight, join the battle himself and had a luck it was possible to drive them off. But for what cost? “Those outcasts are determined, don’t fear of death, because they inflict it so often... Fight with them will be a slaughter!” thought regent. “I have to negotiate!” So he left his camouflage and started to walk easily in lions direction.

“Boss, look!” called some of younger rouges. Whole group turned their stares on cliff.

“Good day, Keme!” said Horen, faking airy voice. “What a coincidence to meet you here.”

“Who the hell...” growled yellowmaned, but them he noticed a face of newcomer. “Horen?”

“In person.” Agreed redmaned. “I’m happy to see you too.”

“Horen...” repeated Keme quietly, but with move of tail he stopped two of his stalkers from instant attack on lion. “Surprise indeed... What are you doing here?”

“Living.” Replied regent. He knew that was the crucial point of talk. He had to discourage gerge from interesting in his land. “Am I acting like a king?” he asked himself silently. “No, I’m just acting reasonably.” And he added louder. “You know... temporally place to stay.”

“Where are you boys?” asked Keme. “Daki, Laki and that young one... your favourite... I guess he’s name is Amini.”

“They took a separate ways.” Replied Horen, trying to look calm, although he was sweating with cold sweat.

“Haven’t you settled down here?” asked rouge, looking with careful stare on regent. “I bet you are living with some cute pride here. Tell us, don’t be afraid... I’m expecting we will be neighbours soon... Because we decide to settle here too.”

Horen gasped in mind. That was the worst thing that could happened. But he had to play the role he could.

“There is a small pride here... But this is very poor land. I guess not worthy of interest.”

“I guess that wealthy enough to be worthy of your interest...” smiled Keme. “I like you, rascal, and that why I will let you live. Do not resist us and we will let you flee from here. Is that clear?”

“Absolutely, Keme.” Replied Horen with breaking voice.

About fifty meters from there, in high bushes of bank, Spotty, Danti and Ostasi were hearing the scene with terror. They said nothing, but all seemed to be clear for lionesses.

“Gilrs...” said finally Spotty. “I know we have own mission, but we can’t leave it this way. We must warn local pride from those intruders...” she looked with hatred on silhouette of Horen. “...and that traitor!”

III. Bloody meeting

It was a grave mistake, a terrible error to turn back. That why he was looking on scene which he both wasn’t able and didn’t want to interfere. Or at least – he thought that initially. Horen was marching on the bank of Border River, about hundred meters after twins. He didn’t know why he stayed behind, but he was ready to bless the Stars for that, because Daki and Laki didn’t see that horror in water.

From high cliff the river bed was seen clearly. Stream was raging, what he was rather hearing that seeing in darkness of the night. But moonlight was shining on the centre of river, showing the silhouette of floating lion. He was wounded, bleeding from numerous cuts on his chest, barely awake. He was keeping his head over surface only because extreme effort – but it was clear that without any help blackmaned would drown quick, maybe even before he reach the waterfall.

Horen was gazing on struggle before him. He was like in parlays. Some voices were calling and ordering him to jump down in furious stream, to catch and get out dying lion. But body was disobedient – lion was standing still, as if he was only half-aware of drama in river.

Amini passed next to him, giving the last stare in lion’s eyes and screaming something through the roars of closing waterfall. That was the turning point – Horen opened his lips and shouted with terror, trying with all his might to jump ahead and get to drowning one. It was too late – blackmaned was floating helplessly to the edge. Also older lion couldn’t make any move, stopped by overwhelming force. Tears came to his eyes. He was still calling the name of Amini, but voice couldn’t change the unavoidable fate. Blackmaned disappeared on edge of waterfall, still looking in his eyes. A silent “Help me!” died on his lips. That was dreadful stare of fear and amaze of betrayed trust. Horen cried with pain and opened his eyes.

“Ugh!” gasped regent. Once again he repressed the scream in the last moment. Nightmare returned to him and was even stronger that at previous night. Horen stood up, carefully not to wake Chanua. He took a look around, on silent pride, Kwini and Jino and additional guest in cave – unconscious prisoner of war. But regent ignored that slight variation of landscape, because he had his own problems. He shook his mane from sweat and took a deep breath.

It was absurd – in reality, three years earlier all had come in different way. Yes – he did look on river and saw Amini. But blackmaned was then dead already, he couldn’t scream for help. And Horen was unable to help him... at least in that moment. Lion ran instantly he understood what had happened, so the memory of dead friend and ward was just a few seconds of terrible view. It was enough to haunt Horen for years.

“I haven’t killed him!” whispered lion in darkness of cave, probably repeating that statement for thousandth time in his life. But then he froze, when redmaned lion, lying in corner of cave murmured in his sleep. Regent felt silent and carefully came to prisoner. “Who are you?” asked quietly. “You are not from Keme’s lot, I’m sure of that!”

On forehead of stranger was a giant bump, making identification difficult. But even if Yakta was in perfect condition, Horen wouldn’t have recognize him. He had never seen that lion and had no idea that he was somehow connected with Golden Pride... his and Amini’s pride once. So the view of prisoner made no impression on him.

“Psst... my love...” he whispered to Chanua’a ear. “Your guest is waking up.” Queen opened her eyes with fear. “It’s all right, he is still knocked out.” Added Horren. “I was just wondering if you want to see his awakening.”

“Of course, I’m not afraid.” Said queen with sleepy, yet somehow humorous voice. “You are here and you will defend me in every distress.” Horen narrowed his eyes, but she didn’t notice that. “So let’s wake him.”

Regent and monarchess went to lying prisoner and stood over him. Horen carefully, ready to defend, nudged lion’s side. Meanwhile, although none had waken them, Kwini and Jino stood and came to mother.

“...you should get a compress with wet leaves and...” stranger continued a sentence from his last seconds before knock-out. “He? What?!” gasped, raising his head, but agile paws of Horen pinned him again to the ground.

“Easy, boy, so you won’t get hurt... more.” Murmured regent with dreadful tone.

“Be careful, my dear.” Said queen. “We don’t know if he is friend or foe.”

“We are guarding him, mom.” Said Jino, waiting next to Horen.

“What... Where...” yelled Yakta, awakening most of the pride. Then he recalled events of previous day. “NO!” He called. “I’m sorry, madam, it was an accident!”

“What he is talking about?” asked prince surprised.

“About me, I guess.” Replied Kwini, impulsively rubbing cut on her cheek. “He greeted me yesterday... in very expressive way.”

“If only I were there...” whispered prince.

“I’m sorry, ma’am.” Repeated Yakta, but fell silent, seeing he isn’t listened, or at least that part of his speech wasn’t bothering auditors.

“All right, let’s start from very beginning: who are you?”

“My name is Yakta and I’m rouge from Mighty Jungle, sir.” Said redmaned, being unable to lie. But in critical situation he was able to tell not all truth. “Are you king of this land?” Hearing this Chanua smiled instinctively. She wouldn’t had anything against if Horen confirmed that.

“No, but from authorisation of lady Chanua I’m responsible for safety of this land.” Said regent and just second later he scared of own words. “Damn! I guess I should show similar courage in front of Keme’s thugs... not only before some wounded prisoner.” He thought.

“I’m terribly sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to interrupt pride’s peace.” Said Yakta with genuine apologising voice.

“I think he could be a scout of those rouges we met on Western Border.” Added Jino. Horen narrowed his eyes, because he didn’t wish to recall burning threat of his old friends.

“Maybe.” Nodded regent. “So what we should do with you, stranger?”

Most of lionesses came to centre of cave to look on prisoner. Among females Yakta noticed scratched Pili and swollen Kwini. He moaned, recalling his recent acting.

“Ma’am, is that serious?” asked princess, pointing with head on her cheek.

“I guess I won’t be pretty for next few days, but as you can see, I’m still alive.” Replied lioness.

“If I may add something, I suggest you look beautiful... even in that condition, madame.” Replied Yakta, but he instantly felt that such a statement sounds quite weird.

“Stars!” murmured Horen. “Have you hit him in head?”

“Release him.” Said Kwini. Regent looked on her with amaze on his face. “I know what I’m doing, Horen.” Said princes and Yakta, hearing that name, barely repressed a yell. “Apart from my new make-up and few Pili’s cuts he did nothing wrong to us. Yes, I’m sure, mom.” Added, anticipating queens doubts. So Horen and Jino carefully loose prisoner, but Yakta stayed on the ground, still uncertain what to do in such situation. “Ow, he is exhausted. Give him some meat.” Ordered princess.

Pili, not hiding her anger but also extreme interest in exotic guest brought him some leftovers for supper. Mean while redmaned came to queen and – being carefully watched by Horen and prince – bowed before her.

“What should I do to make up you that embarrassing entrance?” asked.

“Nothing, I guess.” Replied monarchess. “Kwini seems to forgot about whole case... Or wait, I want you to swear you won’t attack or break peace on our land. If you do this, you will be our guest.”

“Milady, I’ve never intended to harm your pride... and even if, your subjects would have quickly stop me... But of course, I swear not to raise my paw on your people...”

Talk become quite polite and pleasant, but – of course – Golden Ones heard little from that. All they knew was that Yakta had been captured and being kept in cave.

“We must free him.” whispered Ostasi. “The frontal strike when pride go on hunt is the only way.”

“So let’s wait until morning.” Agreed Spotty. “And for now we must find some safe place to sleep. Far from path, for not to let them track us.”

Friends went deeper in bushes, choosing a lone hill with dense forest to hide from locals. They didn’t organised any sentry, but sleep of former Outlanders was light as a feather.

*

Keme was waiting for scouts, so he still was awake. He was old lion, so he needed a little of rest and he was curious to hear any news. He sent three younger and skilled trackers on reconnaissance in valley to search for leftovers, tracks and others sings of life. It was required to estimate enemy’s strength before attack. Keme was an experienced leader – he knew that few days of waiting would greatly increase chances of success. And he wanted to win that time. He was sick of wandering around. He was ten year old and the place to stay for calm retirement was his current aim. Of course, he would never say that straight to his lions. If they sense any weakness in leader, they would depose him. But if he had a pride... not bunch a treacherous thugs but lionesses, loyal and constant... That was he was aiming at.

“Just like Horen...” thought Keme. “Ow, you old rascal... you know what’s the best... I’m almost ashamed, taking it all from you!”

*

Horen returned to his brushy bedding next to Chanua, but he stayed awake for about hours. Partially he was afraid of returning nightmare. Although it had never come to him twice on night (at least until then), but when rouge closed his eyes, picture of drowning Amini flashes in front of him. False picture, unreal memory, but it was so alive and convincing, that redmaned was almost ready to believe he indeed had seen death of his ward. So after few moments he stood up again, passed next to sleeping pride and exited cave.

Day was coming and east side of sky started to turn grey. No one saw this scene, because Greeners were asleep and Golden Ones already had hidden farther in bushes. So Horen was observed only by fading stars. Old lion seldom was thinking about eschatological matters but that night was as close to ultimate question as he could be. He turned his head to the sky and asked blurred points of light.

“What I should do? Amini... do you hate me so much, that you haunt me even from there?” Of course, no one answered him, but redmaned continued. “But what do you want? Who will have a profit if now I confess everything? Who will gain on my shame... You want me to lose love of Chanua and respect of her children? Do you see it? I’m no longer taking care just for myself... I want save them, take them from here before Keme comes... Amini, be generous one time more... Help me!”

But in that moment he tensed and fell silent. It was stupid to talk to the stars, waiting for answer to come. Those lights upthere were nothing more than... lights upthere. Too far from earth to have any influence on those who stayed low. “I will do, what I have to.” Thought Horen. “Whatever it takes!” Old lion returned to cave.

*

The life on Outlands was definitely a hard trial. But passing this trial brought some prizes that no Outlandresses were initially aware. What once had been necessary to survive during expeditions on Prideland, turn out to be mastery in camouflage and sneaking. Three lionesses discovered that Green Pride wasn’t even half careful than they expected – Spotty, Danti and Ostasi easily tiptoed almost to cave and watched hunting team going out. However, they didn’t hear most of talks among Green Ones.

“I do not like it.” Said Horen, looking on Chanua on lead of lionesses. “I still think we should all go on hunting, including our host... I mean: guest.”

“My dear, we will be careful.” Said queen. “We’ll try to go only in south-east regions, okay? And you have to keep our cave... and assist our guest.”

“Well... yes, but...”

Queen looked on regent with her special stare. In fact it wasn’t a request, even not kind ask, but something different: a gesture of total and unconditionally trust in Horen’s judge and will. If then redmaned decided to order lioness to strike on intruders, stay in cave or flee from land, she would have do it without hesitation. She was trusting her regent and love. If Horen had no scruples to use common naivety of creatures around that particular kind of naivety was so temping to use that old trickster felt a shame, as honourable hunter, waiting on game next to waterhole. For several seconds he considered situation, then he decided. “Good, go. I will keep our stranger and guard our keep, my queen.” In thoughts he added. “And if Keme go here I will try to negotiate peaceful surrendering.”

“Sure... Jino will help you.” Smiled queen and regent narrowed his eyes.

“No, not Jino!” thought redmaned. “It only complicate whole thing...” But it was too late to develop another plan. So lionesses set off on south and queen, before she left, ran to Horen and licked his cheek. After few minutes any sounds of hunting team ceased in dense forest and in cave stayed just four lions: Horen, Jino, Yakta and Kwini, still recovering after fight with guest.

“Hey, you...” said regent, trying so sound firmly and forcefully. “Are you going to be good?”

“I beg your pardon, sir?” asked stranger.

“I ask you, if I could trust in your honour and left prince and princess with you.”

“Of course you could!” replied a bit offended Yakta. He also added after few seconds with simple-hearted impulse. “But if I was a traitor, I would have said the same.”

“Horen...” Kwini came to regent and whispered him to ear. She also was treating him with mixture of parental respect and familiar fondness. “He won’t hurt us... and even if, we won’t be able.”

“You want to spy those intruders?” asked Jino with growing amaze. “Alone?

“I’ll be all right.” Replied regent. “And we have to know more about them...” said and added in mind. “...to know what bargain we would do.”

“May I help?” asked Yakta with polite voice.

“Yes.” Replied Horen. “Sit here and do not let any bad, big rouges inside, if they happen to came here.” Then he whispered to Jino’s ear. “If something goes wrong, you escape through back-corridor and search for queen.”

“I want to go with you!” replied prince, with breaking voice.

“You primary quest is to guard your sister.” Said Horen. “Leave the rest to me.” Then he looked on Kwini and said. “Do not go far from cave... But if you see nearby those herbs I gave you yesterday, try to gather them and make a compress.” Then, not saying more, he set off on west.

“I don’t want to be rude, but I very curious, what is going on here.” Said Yakta. Kwini came to him and looked on him through her left eye. Her right eyelid was still swollen, what made princess looking like real veteran.

“Don’t worry, Yakta. We have some local problems, but nothing to do with you... You said that you are looking for some lion... relative of yours.”

“Far relative.” Said redmaned. “Or in fact, relative of my pride-mate. I was asked to find him. But if I would be useful in defence of your land, it’s my duty to support so generous hosts.”

“Yes...” murmured Kwini, rubbing her cheek. “You would be serious support for us...”

“We will handle it ourselves.” Murmured Jino. “Horen will do something smart.”

“I have no doubt he will.” Said Yakta, oiling the works. “But if you allow me to help, I wish to search for those herbs.”

“You said you like me in that condition too.” Smiled princess. “But as you wish... Jino, keep an eyen on home, we will be near.”

*

Horen wasn’t sneaking or even cared for being quiet. He was running to the beach, where he hoped to find Keme and his pack. And he was right – on river’s bank gerge’s leader was present, with two his younger underlings.

“Horen?” smiled yellowmaned. “How nice to see you again. Are you done with your businesses? Could we take over land right now?” asked with bored voice.

“No, there are some problems.” Said redmaned, playing to be firm and calm. For all his life, Horen was lying – to survive in pack of rouges, then to gather his own team, later to keep them in one piece after disaster on Prideland. And for his all life he had been lying in own business. “But no more.” Thought lion. “Now I have to deceive that rascal in good of Chanua and kids. Amini, do you hear that? I think it makes me better. I’m no longer a liar. I’m the trickster!” He smiled to his thoughts and continued. “You have to wait few days... the better in some distance, not to scare lionesses. Then we will leave...”

“You with your queen and – if he wants to – with that young lion.” Added Keme, waiting for shock on Horen’s face. His scouts did excellent job with spying the pride. But redmaned remained calm and even with slightest grimace didn’t show his fear and surprise.

“Ow, Stars!” he thought. “They have us like in sack!” then he added louder. “Keme, my friends, why you are tiring your boys so much. What for all those games... I would tell you everything about pride, if you asked me.” Keme smiled. “We will soon go. I with Chanua, prince and princess...”

“No, Horen.” Said rouge leader, shocking his head. “There won’t be so easy. I want your pride, but also I want queen on my side. Girl stays here and will me my mate.”

Redmaned repressed impulse of fear with heavy effort. Negotiations turn out to be harder than he initially had thought and a new threat appeared. “Stars! We must retreat! This monster really want to get Kwini!”

“I will tell her about your proposition.” Said Horen carefully.

“Convince her.” Replied leader. “You could be very cogent, if you want to... Because you want to, right?”

“I will do my part of deal, friend.” Said Horen. He tried to still sound firmly, but his voice sounded tensed.

“So, go now...” said Keme. “But do not try to escape with whole pride!” added with freezing growl. “You will not cheat me. If you try to take my pride... I will track you and kill you in way you couldn’t now imagine...”

“I’m not a daydreamer-type.” Replied regent. “I prefer to focus what is real. I will do what I have to.”

“Good, good...” smiled Keme again. “Remember – do not escape!” Horen turned away from rouge and started to walk ahead, pretending he was calm and airily. In fact his heart was beating and his head was full of screaming voice. His paws were burning him to run, but he had to play still. Because of heavy effort with keeping his pose, he didn’t hear a strange sounds from bushes nearby. It was a muffled crying.

In few moments whole Spotty’s world turned to ashes. In the same moment he got know that redmaned lion was her father and understood he was about to leave another pride, betray someone else... do the same what he had done three years earlier. She had spied on lion, because she had suspected he would pack with intruders against local pride. She ordered Danti and Ostasi to keep an eye on Yakta and went after redmaned. She saw whole scene and heard every word of that bargain. Only thinks that were calling in her head were yelling with disgust. “He sold pride that hosts him!” “He is ready to give that poor princess in paws of those brutes!” And one, louder: “IT’S MY DUTY TO STOP HIM! BECAUSE I’M HIS DAUGHTER I HAVE TO!” And in the same moment to her ears came another order of Keme.

“If you think I trust this liar, you are wrong.” Said leader to Masafa, young, brownmaned scout. “I want you to track him... If you judge he wants to betray us... finish this scum!”

*

Horen was so drowned in his thoughts that he had no chance to hear the enemy. In normal conditions it would be difficult anyway, because Masafa was skilled stalker. However – not so skilled to take down old Horen in one blow.

Brownmaned pounced on old lion with outstretched paws and extended claws. He jumped out from wall of dense bushes and overturned his victim. But redmaned – in well-trained impulse – managed to fall down on the ground, letting attacker to fly above him, not inflicting a fatal blow. Stalker’s claws ripped back of regent, but missed neck artery. Redmaned yelled in pain, trying to turn to adversary direction.

“I’m tired to spy you.” Murmured Masafa. “I will solve your problem here and now!” Then he pounced on bleeding lion.

Horen knew he had a limited chances against younger scout, so he decided to act as unpredictably as he could. He jumped too, but lower, trying to pass under attacker and gain some time. Masafa was too surprised to inflict blow in the air, so regent’s plan worked. Partially.

They collided about four feet above the ground and joined in one swirling mass of paws and claws. Horen managed to cut enemy’s belly hard, but only with one hit. Then the game was over – because older lion was below, he was pinned down by heavy scout, falling down. Redmaned was close to victory, but he failed due to badluck. Both predators hit the grass, but regent laid unconsciousness. Scout shook his head, prevailing pain and confusion and raised his paw to finish his job. But then Spotty came.

Lionesses pounced with deadly accuracy, grabbing the raised paw in her jaws. Landing, the raging Outladnress clenched her teethes, smashing scout’s bone. Masafa cried from pain once again, but he reacted instantly. With left paw his Spotty, immobilised with her grab. Lionesses in last second managed to shield her face with left paw and thanks to that she lost orientation. In desperate attempt, she rolled her body and struck at random with rear paws. She hit some flesh, sensing she tear it hard. Masafa screamed for the last time, hit again with left paw, almost stunning his enemy. But them he stopped, like paralysed.

After a while, when no other blow came, Spotty opened her eyes to see body of assassin, laying in growing pool of blood. His crotch-artery was cut by desperate attack of lionesses and then the last drops of life were floating out from brownmaned. Spotty sighed with pain but also with relief and fell to the ground between the dead body of stalker and unconscious father.

IV. Years too late.

The plan was simple – Danti and Ostasi had been told to stay near cave and have an eye on Yakta. Spotty asked them just to gather information and try to stay unseen to locals, before they all decide what to do next. But after just few hours Golden Ones understood that their friend wasn’t kept in normal custody. He was just... carefully observed guest.

“So, tell me something about you.” asked Kwini, when they were carefully cutting down herbs for compress. “After all I still know nothing.”

“Well, I doubt if there is something interesting in my story, ma’am.” Replied Yakta, but seeing the inquiring stare of princess, said. “I was separated from my pride in early cubhood orphaned soon after. For few years I was living nearby, in the Mighty Jungle. But it happened that I managed to find my pride... And now.” He stopped for few moments, carefully choosing his words. “I’m doing my best to my pride, the only family I have.”

“Pride!” amazed Kwini. “You, so powerful male, are living with pride? Not as a king...”

“I’m a subject of king Kovu, ruler of Golden Pride.” Replied redmaned, trying to express it proudly.

“Well... interesting...” murmured princess. “But you have never thought about founding own domain?”

“It’s a bit complicated.” Replied Yakta. “Somehow I’m supporting my king in starting his domain... Or rebuilding it.”

“You are very mysterious, mr. Redmane.” Said Kwini. „All right, I will wait until you will wish to say me more.”

And it took few hours – princess and Yakta were walking in bushes in vicinity of cave, collecting herbs. Meanwhile, Golden Ones were trying to get closer to friend and report to him in discrete way. But it was hard, because Kwini was for the most of time close to redmaned. Unwillingly, lionesses were eavesdroping that strange pair.

“Not many of those plants.” Murmured Yakta. “But maybe you will lay here and we will try do some compress on your cheek, ma’am?”

“Don’t be so caring, Yakta.” Replied lioness. “As you see, I can walk without problem and the sooner we gather those herbs the sooner you will fulfil your <penance>. But if you believe me, I took no offence after that... misunderstanding, you could get back to cave. I’m sure I will manage it myself.”

“If that is not a problem I wish to help you. Not only to make up for my behaviour but also for pure honour to talk with you, ma’am.” Kwini smiled.

“And on morning you said I have beautiful bump. Yakta, I guess that you easily flatter lionesses.”

“I would be extremely carefully with generalizing, ma’am.” Replied redmaned with indifferent tone. “As for now I have never paid compliments to another lioness than you.” He thought a while and added. “And I disagree with your word <flatter>. Some says I’m not witty enough to lie, especially in that matter. I still claim that every my statement about your fairness is true.”

Princess looked on him with wide open eyes and burst in laughter. She was laughing to a longer while and then said with playful voice.

“You are good! Those are the prettiest flatters I’ve ever heard and your juridical tone makes me almost believe me. Who taught you that?”

“Legal matters? Master Tiko of Mighty Jungle.” Replied Yakta with pride. “And thanks to that I’m now official jurist on Golden Court.”

“Come on, Yakta!” whispered Danti, hidden about ten meters away in bunch of orchids. “You are doing well!”

“Ow, I doubt if he is really picking her up. I guess he talks what he thinks.” Noticed Ostasi.

“Who cares, the result is the matter.” Replied lioness. “And as far as I see, she seems to be delighted.” And that strange talk between guest and princess continued.

“So, when you find that cousin of cousin or whatever you are looking for... What you will do?” asked Kwini.

“I will return to my king to continue my service.”

“Don’t want you to live on your own?” asked lioness.

“I was living on my own, solitary for all my cubhood.” Replied Yakta with a bit tensed voice. “Such kind of freedom is the cruellest captivity than you can imagine.”

“Ow, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...” said confused Kwini and came closer to lion. She cuddled to his side, trying to conform him. Because Yakta was almost totally deaf on such kind of social sign, he stayed like paralysed for those seconds she was close. “But maybe some day you could take your way – own but with someone?”

“I haven’t thought about that.” Confessed lion. “And I probably won’t until I have my mission.” Kwini moved back a bit, hearing that, but she was still smiling with enigmatic smile.

“What?” gasped Ostasi, looking on whole scene. “I can’t believe it! She was his already. Is he so silly that he made a pass at princess and even didn’t notice it!?”

“I see some real progress here.” Disagreed Danti. “He dropped with <ma’aming> her to about two per minute. But what you are going to do?” asked. “Have you a plan to help him?”

“Not yet, but, I’m working on it!” replied lioness.

“So lay low, ma’am.” Instructed Yakta, carefully putting on princess cheek a wet leaves of greening herb. “I will try do it proper. Are you feel comfortable?”

“I can’t move now.” Replied lioness. “You could itch me on right tight?” Yakta sighed with genuine confusion.

“Ma’am, I guess it’s a bit indecent.” Murmured lion and she burst in laughter.

“Go ahead - No one sees us.” Said princess with innocent tone.

“With that assumption we should use nights to give vent for our lowest inclinations.” Noticed Yakta carefully.

“All right.” Replied Kwini with tempting voice. “I’m for!”

But anyhow Yatka understood that ask, his reply was interrupted by some unexpected event. Datni and Ostati – who decided to take a bit in their paws – sneaked to tree above princess and redmaned and then carefully pushed a small colony of tree-ants. Hive fell down on lying lions, squashing on Kwini’s side. Thousands of insects ran out from broken home, creeping on lioness. She screamed, standing up and throwing a compress away. Surprised Yakta, looked on whole scene of about half a second then started to rub ants out from Kwini’s fur. To do it quicker, he used all tools to do that... including his tongue, which he licked and devouring numerous insects. After a while Kwini stopped to scream, seeing Yakta is about to solve the problem, so she surrender to agile moves of his paws and mouth.

“Ow, that what I call <bite of love>” smiled Ostasi, carefully withdrawing from area. Although alarm stopped, it didn’t prevent Jino from panicking. He ran out from cave and speeded to clearing with bared claws. He get there, ready to pounce on enemy, stopped seeing his sister being... licked by guest. He froze in place and opened his jaws.

Yakta froze too, understanding the weirdness of whole situation. He stood next to Kwini, discrete removing last of insects from her fur and looked on prince, then again on princess.

“Ow, Jino?” asked surprised lioness. “It... it’s nothing. We have handled the problem.” Added with voice confused as stare of prince. Lion was looking for while on last ants being removed from sister’s fur, then went away without word. However, before he entered the cave he took an inquiring stare on pair.

“E... did you get some serious bites?” asked Yakta awkwardly.

“No, you was very quick.” Replied Kwini. Without any discussion, they took scattered herbs and set off to pride’s keep too.

“I think they were going better without our intervention.” Noticed Danti.

*

Spotty awoke about dusk. She opened her eyes, feeling weakness in whole body and hearing a monotonous buzzing in ears, most likely a keepsake from recent fight. She instantly stood up, almost jumping and took a quick look around. But after few seconds she came to conclusion that if she was alive, not devoured nor even bitten, she was safe.

Lioness looked on Horen. Her father – she spelled that word in mind with kind of morbid fascination – was unconscious, but surely alive. He had no serious injuries, aside two light cuts on his neck and swollen paw. It could be broken or just twisted. Maybe it wasn’t to pleasant, but wasn’t also a life-danger.

Brownmaned scout, called Masafa, was long dead – Spotty cut his groin-artery making him bleed-out quickly. Handsome face of rouge expressed not even any pain, but an amaze that some unexpected force had drained his life so fast. Although he was a murdered, lioness couldn’t stop herself from a wave of sympathy and regret. “You was punished for even try of leonicide. Some others succeeded in it and are still alive.” Thought with freezing irony and looked again on Horen.

“Why!” she whispered in the air of dusk. “Why it turned this way? For years I was dreaming about finding you. I was praying to the Stars to find also that your leaving had it purpose. That you weren’t as bad as I feared... But know? I had to meet you while you are forging another treachery!” She touched his front-right paw to examine the injury. But when her paw-pads touched – for the first time in her life – father’s body, she froze. She had been doing it in harsh way, but she wasn’t sure if only because of hurry. “Did I wanted to hurt him? To make him feel a pain?” she though with disgust. And then her touch became gentle and carefully like she was touching a cub. It was her father! A creature she was obliged to love and respect. But why it happened to be so hard?

“I wonder if you even remember mother.” She said to knocked lion. “Ow, don’t worry. Except of me, you have no family to disturb your peace. She died one year ago. She never told me about you – I had to seek any information from others. It doesn’t mean she didn’t love you. I guess she said me nothing, BECAUSE she loved you. But I was taken in vain – now I found by myself who you are and why I shouldn’t know more.” Lion moaned, still unconscious, but Spotty stopped and with fear looked on swollen leg. If she wasn’t gentle enough? “And what he do now?” she asked the coming night. “You are going to left this poor pride, that trusted you. And I’m your daughter, blood of your blood. What ever you do, I’m somehow part of it. If you leave them, I will have to stay instead of you.”

Evening breeze blew on lion and lioness. It was a cooling and pleasant wind after hot day. It did one good thing more – because the body of Masafa was still there, just few meters away and it started to rot, breeze dispel any sign of smell. Spotty was so wrapped up by her strange mono-dialogue that she didn’t notice it.

“So the story is going to make a full circle.” Smiled Golden One, however in her eyes appeared tears. “Again you leave. After you left our pride, I made everything I could to replace you and make up for your betrayal. I was working so desperately hard to atone for you... But I failed it anyway!” she sobbed louder. “In final moment I betrayed too and left my queen to die... I guess my genes kicked then. I’m your daughter after all.” She bended down to his ear and whispered to Horen as if he was awake. “But this time I will mend it! I won’t allow you to hurt anyone else, I promise... dad.”

[“Joined by blood” song. Tune is grave, melancholic and a bit romantic.]

[Dusk, stars slowly appears on darkening sky. There are some clouds, being blow by wind. Half moon is low over horizon. On clearing there are three silhouettes – dead Masafa, knocked – although slowly returning to consciousness – Horen and Spotty over him. Lioness sings, in the same time she puts some brushes under father’s head. It looks strange, contrasted to harsh words of song.]

Way – whatever I wish take
- Lead me into prints me makes
Lead me to repeat the old, sad song

[Spotty noticed three lines of track: of Masafa, of Horen and hers. She discovers her pawprints, although smaller, are very similar to her father’s.]

Although I wish live a new
I just can’t deny that truth
I’m his daughter in all good and wrong

[She looks east, in Priderock direction but then Horen moans quietly. She instantly turns to him, paying all attention on wounded father. She goes to bushed and gets a wide leaf with a little fresh water on it. She returns to redmaned and water his forehead.]

Joined by blood and joined by sin
What he did I did with him
I know I can’t just escape from my fate

[Memories of Spotty: she as a young cub with Doria in Outlands on Border River bank. Mother and daughter play together, although face of mature lioness is sad and absent-minded. In background we see Zira with young Kovu. They stay in small pile of rock where is sketch of Amini on it. Spotty is very curious about that silent memory-ceremony, but before she goes there, mother stops her.]

If my reason to live on
Is to better sing his song
I will pay for all wrongs that he made

[Cub looks on mother and asks about something. From moves of lips he could presume that there was word <father>. Doria replied nothing in return just takes daughter back to mounds.]

Chorus:
From his blood I grew and breathe
Bond too strong to be relieved
Doesn’t matter what will come
It won’t part us - we’re the one
And however it hard’ll be
I must love his part in me

[Capture of mature Spotty over Horen. She clenches her paw and puts it on own chest. There is expression of determination and will on her face. Redmaned moves in his sleep but she fails to notice it.]

If I manage to improve
Some his tracks, go them a new
I will also find goodness in him

[Another lioness’s flashback: she and others Outlandresses in day of Battle of Reunion. She as one of the firsts goes after Vitani to give up. A stare of amazed Zira – Spotty shrinks under it. ]

Every try that I succeed
Is point for all of my breed
One less sin from list for to redeem

[Flashback of final part of fight, when Zira is slowly sliding to the gorge. Lionesses – including Spotty – are looking on it, standing like paralysed. Then vision ends – lioness shakes her head (that gesture is similar to Horen’s gesture we know from The Golden Queen) and look around with sane stare.]

Maybe – if I do this all
Stand for him where he did fall
Mend all errors, fix damage he’d done

[Unexpectedly – probably even for lioness herself – she crouch down and hugs father.]

We’ll no longer be apart
Joined by blood and joined by heart
We will be the family to live on

[Sings with stare pointed in stars. From her face disappears tears, claw fully hides to pawpads. Expression on face takes a determined tone]

Chorus:
From his blood I grew and breathe
Bond too strong to be relieved
Doesn’t matter what will come
It won’t part us - we’re the one
And whatever pain it brings
I must sing the songs he sings

[She stands and with decisive moves comes to Masafa’s body and pulls him into bushes. Music stops.]

“If you even aren’t a hero... I will make you to be.” Smiled Golden One, looking on father. We will fix all this mess.”

And then on jungle clearing ran numerous lions silhouettes. However Spotty – touched and drown in thoughts – wasn’t so absent-minded for not to take an defensive position. For her first target he picked a young sandymaned male, seemed to lead that pack. Because attacker turn out to be surprised by lioness’s readiness, she manage to overturn him quickly and slash right in face. She was aiming just to inflict possible the heaviest pain to at least temporally knock out the most dangerous adversary. It worked because male yelled with pain and rolled aside, holding his mouth with right paw.

“Spotty! Wait!” called terrified Ostasi. “We are the relief.”

“What?” gasped amazed lioness. “You mean... they are all on our side?” Then she looked on sandymaned, rolling still on grass and hardly repressing himself from loud gasps of pain.

“They were... recently.” Murmured Danti with hopeless tone. Yakta, who ran to first row of gathered predators, when noticed another royal family member seriously hit by guest, discretely withdrew back and his face became almost as red as mane was.

Few lionesses from Green Valley ran to Jino and Chanua jumped to Horen. Then all of them noticed a lifeless body of Keme’s scout and some Greenlanders murmured with admire.

“Thank Stars!” called queen, examining redmaned. “Just a twisted paw.” She licked lion’s cheek and he opened eyes, looking around in shock.

“Nice hit.” said Ruka, one of Green Huntresses. She stopped over Masafa and with experienced eyes judged Spotty’s cut.

“No, it wasn’t me.” Said Golden One, trying to sound convincing. Maybe it was her merit, maybe some gene heritage, but she played it well. “I was attacked but he...” she pointed on standing up father. “...saved me and killed that rascal.” Lionesses turned to Horen with silent admire expressed on their faces.

“Spoty...” said Danti with uncertain voice. “We found that this lion is most likely...”

“Windy Rouge, Horen.” Said lioness and came to still confused redmaned. “My father.” A silence fell on clearing and all eyes turned to newcomer and regent. All eyes, except of Jino’s – lion was still gasping from pain and two lionesses were helping him to stand up.

Horen looked on lioness next to him and desperately tried to find out what was going on. “Father?” he thought. “Who is she?”

“Dad... I’m you daughter, Spotty.” Said sandyfurred female with emotional and touched voice. Then she added quieter, for only regent to hear. “Hold on with hugs and tears and DO NOT recognise me! You left us before I was born.” Although Horen had very little data to analyse, hearing that he thought that such a lioness could be actually his daughter. She seemed to be trickster as good as he was.

“You?” asked confused.

“Me. Daughter of Doria from Golden Pride.” Then she gasped a quiet hint. “More amaze, a bit of confusion and disbelief.”

“How it’s possible?” asked lion, fulfilling daughter’s requirement, although completely unwillingly.

“I don’t know, but it happened.” Replied Spotty aloud and added to Horen. “Now a hug. You are shocked and still as a log. I will make all emotional stuff.

Then Horen – in deed still as a log – felt a warm touch of his daughter. His mind was struck by numerous thought. Some of them were totally irrational – for instance: touch of young lionesses, even if it was only playing emotion, was pleasant and soothing. But most of voices in his mind were thinking hard about all that extreme situation. From few Spotty’s words he figured out that if she could be really his child. He remembered Doria well and felt unusual – as for him – sentiment for left mate. Lionesses before him was similar to her – had a sandy fur, green deep eyes. Even voice of stranger was reminding Doria to Horen. So regent finally verified most obvious hypothesis and understood he was in trouble. He was a father.

“Our hero...” Chanua came to regent and licked his cheek, interrupting his hug with Spotty. “You took out that awful intruder...” Queen seemed not to surprised by Spotty’s confession, so probably she had been told about it earlier. “How many was told about me, when I wasn’t listening?” asked himself Horen but returned Chanua’s caress. “How sweet and luckily you managed to help your pretty child...”

“Ow, Stars!” yelled Spotty, who instantly stopped her role when she notice that Jino was still holding his bleeding face. “Sir, I’m terribly sorry!”

“Yakta, is that some kind of custom?” asked lioness standing next to redmaned. “You – Golden Lions - are greetings in the one scheme: to hit the host and apologise then.”

“Have we return to that, ma’am?” asked Yakta with painful voice.

“What we should do with body?” asked one of Green Ones. Horen hearing that reminded whole situation just before the fight with Masafa and shivered.

“Stars!” he gasped and look on Spotty. “You’ve killed... I mean: I’ve killed Keme’s rouge! That is the worst thing what could happen!”

“It spoils your little business?” asked lioness quietly, that only redmaned heard her. Then she added louder. “We will manage. You will defend us all, father.” Then she again left her role because she returned to apologising Jinu. “I was so shocked I took you for those rouges... Can you forgive me?”

“No offence taken, ma’am.” Said prince, both still confused by a blow and enchanted by lioness’s charm. “Do not talk about this. Let’s back home.”

“Spotty!” whispered Ostasi, coming to her friend. “We know everything...” then she noticed that Golden One is still weak and tired. “Or... let’s go to their keep. We will tell you about all this.”

*

Horen was slowly returning to awareness. He was decisively ordering all information in mind then he found he understood a bit from things around him. So Keme had sent his pawn to track him. To kill him? Possible, but not probably – so why he had done all comedy on river’s bank? It was accident, caused by over-zeal of young scout, who wanted to impress his leader. But accident or not, the Keme’s lion was dead. It complicated all things twice. But on the other hand, if not that unexpected relief, redmaned could be dead then. And who did it? His daughter from Prideland... It was a coincidence so am amazing that Horen hardly believe it. He looked on young beautiful lioness, walking next to Jino and chatting with him, from time to time taking a look Horen. But even when theirs stares met, lion read nothing from green eyes of child.

“You have daughter and you said me nothing.” Whispered Chanua, walking next to him, gentle cuddled in his side. Nine out of ten lionesses would say that sentence with reproach, but queen expressed only her surprise. Horen was amazed that she loved him so much and looked on him with so trustful eyes. He would have never trusted a creature like himself.

“My dear... I can assure you, I’m surprised as much as you.” Said, accidentally telling pure truth. But his mind was far from family matters, focused more on unavoidable confrontation with the gerge. Situation once grim, turn to be obvious catastrophe.