V. The Truth to be confronted

It happened that Greenlanders and theirs strange guests set off back in last moment. About hour after that Mshauri – second in lead in the gerge – found that clearing. He was too experienced scout and tracker to ignore a plenty of alarming signs there. He quickly determined that thirteen lion females and three males had been there recently. Then he recognised all prints as made of Green Pride... apart of five others. Four, made by unknown lions and fifth made by Masafa.

“Masafa...” he whispered, sniffing a dead scent from bushes.

He ran to wall of plants to find lifeless body of companion, laid in shallow grave. The surprising fact that killers were kind enough to bury enemy seemed to be burning mockery comparing to the death of rouge. Mshauri closed his eyes and breathed slowly. He wasn’t a completely heartless machine – he felt serious pain in chest, reminding lion with whom he had talked just day earlier. But in that particular moment he was focused not on fate of friend but own and his living companions fate. And what would happen when Keme get know about that.

A whistle sounded – that was a special hunting-sign of gerge. Scout shivered, because he recognised who whistled – it was boss himself.

“Mshauri?” called rouge-leader. “Are you there? I’m waiting for report...”

Scout slowly came out from bushes to meet his superior with unusual, feared expression on face. He had never seen Keme looking like that.

“Kiunda and Fumo haven’t found him... even any trace...” was talking leader with emotional, extremely feverish tone. “Something went wrong... Horen tricked us... Damn! Where is Masafa!?” finished with breaking voice. Mshauri was standing still, with no idea what to do. After a while of silence, nervous leader noticed his fear and asked with inquiring tone. “What? What did you see?”

When Mshauri made no move, Keme looked behind lion to notice squished bushes nearby. Without any more word, he walked slowly to exhumed grave of dead scout. Then a ear-piercing roar sounded.

Mshauri gathered his courage and after about two minutes turned to chief and came closer. Old lion was holding dead body in his paws, looking with hollow stare on lifeless face. When he noticed that his stand-in is near, he just growled.

“Go away.”

“Sir, they still could be around... They could hear you. Let’s go back... We will come here tomor...”

“AWAY!” roared Keme, even louder than before. Although night was warm, scout felt as if temperature in front of him suddenly dropped to level long not recorded on that latitude. Mshauri said nothing just turned back and started to quickly marching in beach direction. When he disappeared from chief’s sight, he started to run, intending to warn others as soon as possible.

And Keme stayed there, still holding Masafa’s body. Although it was hard to believe, from eyes of rouge were floating tears. Lion sobbed and bended down to lick motionless face of scout.

“Masafa...” he whispered. “It can’t be... It can’t be, my boy... My son...”

Horen heard both of roars from rouge-leader, but even he didn’t fully understand what whose meant.

*

So strange family (we could call it family, because Horen was somehow joining all lions together) reached the cave. Redmaned was still shocked and was paying a minimal attention to whole chaos around. He was automatically responding on questions, smiling when was talked away by Chanua or Spotty. He even completely ignored a pain in front-right paw until it grew so intense, that redmaned overturned and fell to the ground.

“You are so alike and...” was still talking Chanua. “Horen? HOREN!?”

“Damn!” gasped lion.

“Ow, Stars!” yelled queen. “Your leg!”

“No, it’s nothing.” Replied Horen, but he was still gasping with pain. “Just...”

“Let me help you, father.” Said Spotty and supported redmaned. She lift him up, however regent was to injured to stand by himself. “Let’s go. I will hold you.” Added lionesses, still supporting him set off ahead.

“My dear... maybe we stop?” asked queen with fear in her voice.

“No, we must get back home.” Replied lion. “It’s much better if we sleep tonight in our keep. Those rouges are much more aggressive that we thought.”

“So there is now other way, father.” Whispered Golden One. “So we must resist them.”

“E... we?” surprised regent. “Spotty, I must talk with you... But not now.”

“As you wish... daddy.” Smiled lioness with some mysterious expression on her face.

During way back Horen and Spotty were told about events that had happened in pride’s keep. When hunting team had returned from expedition, some to huntresses noticed odd tracks in cave’s vicinity. So Golden Ones decided to left their cover in last honourable moment. They came to queen Chanua and tell her true. Since that moment the chain of surprised had started. Danti had a tears in eyes, saying this, but she reported to Spotty what he had discovered. Windy Rouges had come to Green Valley and stayed there. But Daki and Laki were long dead for then. Hearing that Spotty felt perfectly what were feeling her friends – a lost chance. Theirs fathers were no more, so lionesses had no chance to confront lost parents. And they... deceased Daki and Laki had no chance to make up for error from past. Golden Lionesses were mourning not only their loss, bur loss of their fathers – then unable to apologise and reconcile with past. Lionesses didn’t know the real events behind twins departure from Prideland. The only living testimony of that was Horen himself. And Spotty had own, others matters to do with him. “And what I should do with you, dad?” she asked in minds. “You have a chance that Daki and Laki had not. You have to use it. I must make you to do that!”

They got to Green Cave about midnight, when moon was in it’s zenith. Pride and guests filled the main chamber almost completely, so Chanua had a difficult task to laid all her household members and newcomers. Kwini quickly took initiative and ordered lions according to her own idea. It could be a coincidence, but it could be not – it happened she was to lay next to complete confused Yakta.

“Don’t worry.” Smiled princess, looking on lion. But when redmaned was still looking on  her with uncertain stare, she added. “I’m terribly sorry for my behaviour today. Just forget all nonsense I said today, right?”

“I’m afraid I’ve already forgot.” Replied Yakta, shocking Kwini a bit. “It’s shame to confess, but your presence both delights me and distracts my mind so much that I hardly analyse what you are talking about, ma’am.” She looked on him with eye-pupils extended in extreme amaze, as she was thinking what he had said. “But I’ll try to correct myself.”

“Yakta... you are most weird creature I’ve ever met.” Confessed lioness honestly. Then she smiled.

“Thanks for a credit, ma’am.”

“Are you serious with all those fla... I mean juridical objective statements about me?” asked with mixture of perversity and curiosity.

“I think I’m not able to lie about that.” Replied Yakta. “And even if I could, in that particular case I have no reason to do that.”

Meanwhile Horen and Spotty went before cave. Redmaned hobbled with fast tempo to hear sooner what his new-found daughter wanted to tell him. She was both in hurry, but also she was extremely scared by this talk. She was afraid by old, wounded lion who was supporting on her side. When they reached a small pan with waterhole, redmaned sat heavily on the grass, waiting for her to start. But she couldn’t say a word.

“All right... so I will open it.” Murmured Horen. “I know it’s a bad time for that. Every time is bad for such a matters. I think that in spite of all that comedy you played in front of Chanua and kids, you are here to judge me for what I’ve done to you and Doria.” She nodded her head, but in her eyes some tears appeared. “Listen, I won’t play fool before you. You could name me whatever you want, curse me with every curse you think is proper... but give me just three days. For now I have to solve that rouge crisis and...”

“WHAT!?” gasped lioness with amaze and sudden bolt of hope. “Are you not going to escape?”

Horen wanted to reply: “Of course I have to escape, because I have no chance to survive here. Keme won’t let it go... and I’m unable to defend pride. All I want is to take Chanua, Kwini, Jino... and you with me.” But he just again took a trickster-pose and replied with firm voice.

“Believe or not, but I’ve changed for all those years.”

“You will stay...” whispered lioness with smile of her face.

“I will do what is necessary.” Said redmaned and however it wasn’t exactly the confirmation, Spotty took is as confirmation. “And when it all is over, we will talk about all thing I did in past. Just give me three days.”

“It doesn’t matter, dad.” Sobbed Spotty. “I’m not here to judge you... I have no grudge against you... just now I see...” she stopped for a while and suddenly hugged her father tight. “I love you, whatever you say about it.” Finished with cry.

“I would say I don’t deserve it.” Said absolutely honestly Horen. This time he felt that impulse of lioness was true and it shook him hard. It was something hypnotizing in touch of daughter that regent for one second wished that all what he was saying was real.

“You won’t leave me... you won’t leave them...” added Spotty with delighted voice. It wasn’t a question but a informing statement. Horen felt something similar to watching Chanua’s reaction. Another lioness trusted him so much that she ignored the obvious truth.

“So go rest, daddy.” Whispered Golden One. “But tomorrow remember that you could count on me... as your faithful child... In anything you intend.”

They stood up and once again redmaned had to support on Spotty’s side. Marching back to cave regent felt as if – however it was impossible – fur on his neck was strangling him.

*

The next morning on Border Beach was a continuation of recent nightmare. Five remaining lions were looking on their leader with stares full of pain. Keme returned just before dawn and laid sleep without a word. But his silence was more scary that every roar. For instant: he hit Fumo, who was waking him – so hard, that if scout wouldn’t have dodged, the blow could broke his neck. Then leader went to river, swill himself from sweat in cold water and got back on beach. There he laid in indifferent lay with hollow face. But from time to time he was repeating some murmurs.

“I will rip his eyes out and fill his sockets with sand... Or no... I will cut his tendons and leave his swirling, yelling body in a termite colony... or I...”

“Boss, shouldn’t we go on hunting?” asked Mshauri carefully. Leader looked on him with madness in his eyes.

“Do you know erka-plants?” asked with dreadful tone. “In wet area small sprouts grow about two feet per day. I wonder if I rip Horen’s belly... you know, not to damaging his arteries...” explained lion with voice of true expert.  “...and put some erka spout inside of his stinking bowels, would it blow his body out after few days?” he stopped for few seconds and added. “But he had to outlive those few days. Well, it would be interesting...”

“Boss!” called Mshauri with fear. “Drop it! We need to hunt.”

“On lions, in particular.” Smiled leader with malicious smile. “Call boys, it’s time.”

Mshauri understood that his chief had something more on mind that just getting next meal, but he followed that order. Scout knew what sort of relationship had been between Keme and Masafa. From few scattered rumours he even build a whole theory explaining it. He heard that Keme, before he joined to his first gerge, was living next to some established pride and had even mate there. Of course – in secret. But when his lioness gave birth to a cub, furious king of that land killed it and almost killed also Keme. And some said that this event turned young and simple-hearted rouge into monster he was in those days. With death of his newborn son Keme lost every feature of kind and sympathising creature. He left mourning mate, joined the first gang of rouges (he also met Horen there) and quickly became a leader of gerge, thanks to his mercilessness and aggressiveness. But his group one found a strange prey – a newborn male cub. Shocking all old and brute rouges, Keme decided to keep that child and raise it in pack. Not surprisingly it was Masafa. Lion became leader’s favourite and it had been well known that he was destined to become Keme’s successor. Outsiders like lions of gerge seldom use words like <family>, and , because the merry world where those terms are common is unavailable for them. But with his sixth sense Mshauri felt that relation between his chief and orphan could be described only by such a word. That meant Keme was kept on the edge of basic moral instincts (and also sanity) thanks to presence of growing ward. But when his bond was cut, Mshauri wasn’t sure if he still had a lion being in charge of him. When he brought pack to chief, Keme called with decisive and loud voice.

“Gentlemen, our plans have changed. We are not to conquer that pride.” Rouges looked surprised on leader, expecting words of mourning after deceased friend. But what they heard was too confusing to easily believe it. “With death of Masafa we are weaker. And now we can’t just attack that pack, kill Horen and force the obedience of lionesses.” In his voice – at the first hear – wasn’t any tone of sadness nor anger. But careful auditor would have already detect a madness creeping through tongue of chief. “So we won’t get a pride this time, we are not here for that. As I say, we won’t enslave them. We will...” he didn’t changed melody of his voice even for one note. “... eradicate every single of them, leaving nothing but cold bodies behind us. No questions?” asked with airy tone. “Good! Let’s go hunt.”

*

Yakta woke up before most of pride. He used this advantage to discrete withdraw back, because he noticed that Kwini’s paw somehow found itself on side of redmaned during the night. Then he stood and noticed that there were neither Danti nor Ostasi. He took a look around and seeing he can’t find them in main chamber, he exited the cave.

Both of them were in the bushes just next to entrance and both of them were crying, holding each other in tight hug. Yakta would have return to cave for sure, but in spite of loud sobbing, skilled huntresses heard him instantly.

“It’s... nothing...” whispered Ostasi with breaking voice. “Go sleep...”

“I guess I showed lack of my manners already.” Murmured confused lion. “So maybe I use that pitiful situation and anyway ask you, what has happened.” In one second redmaned became pressed by hug of two Golden Ones who were indeed seeking any support in that moment. Lion felt uncertainly and it was completely different kind of uncertainness he felt in paws of Kwini. “I don’t know if everything will be all right...” started with his natural honesty. “...but I’m ready to everything I’m able to, to make things better.”

The case was simple – lionesses were mourning death of theirs fathers. It wasn’t any jealousy towards Spotty, but because Spotty succeeded to find her parent, she was no longer person appropriate to talk with Danti and Ostasi. From sobbing and whispering tale Yakta concluded that both his friends felt in one moment not only miss for dead fathers, but also long muffled guilt because of them.

“Zira would beat up any lioness who remind us betrayal of our fathers.” Sobbed Ostasi. “But it was, is and will be the truth – thanks to Horen, Daki and Laki, Amini died and our pride starved for years... And mister Horen is on the best way to atone for that...”

“What it can’t be said about ours...”

In that moment Yakta understood that caring about females is ten times harder than caring about cubs.

“I heard they died standing for their new family.” Said infirmly. “I’m sure it was the sign of their true, noble nature.”

“But we have no way to confirm that.” Sobbed Danti.

“Mister Horen know everything... if he only say us whole story, he...”

Horen didn’t hear that talk but if he heard, he would have thought something like that: “Well, it nice to be a father again, but if that meant to confess about my others secrets, I prefer to stay silent.”

*

Horen’s paw was hurting like hell, but redmaned paid limited attention on that. He was more concerned on doing something completely without purpose – on training Green Pride. “We won’t stand a chance.” He thought. “The sooner they will give up, the greater is the chance Keme will restrain his rage... But they will surrender, right after they notice that they defender... ran away. Stars! Why it has to go the same way over again!?” yelled in mind.

Training looked weird. Three Golden Ones plus Yakta were more deadly fighting force than rest of the pride. Skilled in combat, especially lion-to-lion combat, former Outlandresses and natural-gifted male were equivalent of ten Greenlandresses. Horen quickly mixed both groups and tried to continue the training, but then his daughter took him aside and whispered to him.

“Dad... Please, do not take it as a lack of respect, but I think that we: Danti, Ostasi and I should be in command. We have a fresh experience from...”

“You lead.” Interrupted her redmaned. “But just try to play my adjutant. It would be better for morale if I’m still considered as a chief.”

“Sure, dad!” smiled lioness and licked lion’s cheek in bolt of enthusiasm. “Do we will do something like... hm... just you have to repeat aloud what I will whisper to you, right?”

And exercises were going in new way, up to midday. Then Horen decide to do a break and sent lionesses on hunting. Of course on the most directed east part of jungle to avoid danger from rouges.

“Dammit!” gasped regent to Chanua and Jino, standing next to. “I just can’t find a good way. We all should be here, do be ready. But if we don’t hunt we will starve.”

“Don’t you even think about that.” Said queen. “With your paw you have to stay here. We will be all right.”

“Jino, could you go with them?” asked regent.

“Sure, Horen. I will make sure we all make it.” Chanua went back to hunting team and prince came closer to redmaned. He whispered on his ear. “I have some... quite difficult matter to cope with.”

“Go straight.” Replied regent. “I hope I could help.”

“It’s about... your daughter.” Said prince in so awkwardly way that it sounds almost funny. In fact Jino and Horen knew each other for two years. Spotty and Horen know each other for about twelve hours. But still... his carer was Spotty’s parent. “Do you have something against if I would try to... know her better?” asked with almost breaking voice.

“Definitely not.” Replied Horen, but in the same time he felt that new circumstance made his situation even harder. “Ow, Stars! Not now! In any other time I would be delighted... But for now I will be happy if I get Jino alive from this mess! If she eventually convince him to stay and defend pride...” he added quickly. “I think she will be glad of that... but boy, not now, please!”

“All right, all right.” Replied prince, but he was in the same time smiling like a tiny cub.

Horen returned to cave and laid himself on brushy bedding. He was unable to sleep, but he had to have some time to gather his thoughts and make some plan. The negotiations. Then not with enemy but with his friends. To convince them to give up. To make Chanua and kids escape with him... And then? “I’m not leaving them.” Thought regent desperately. “I just can’t solve problem alone. I will go to some lion land and help local pride for help...” And then he realised that in only two prides he know well he was probably the most hated lion ever. “Who will help me?” yelled in mind. “Pride of Kovu? Kovu would help murderer of his father? Or maybe that Pridelanders? I killed just Kilia, but they probably don’t know about it... is that possible that one error in past could escalate to such a stalemate?” And Spotty. What she would think about him, when he confess her they have to leave. What he hadn’t said it was he hadn’t been completely unconscious then on clearing when lioness was first talking to him. Barely but he remembered her words and that sad song. “Again I have to be a trickster.” He concluded. “No one will die, Chanua, Kwini, Jino, Spotty and I will temporally withdraw and return when time will be right... I will convince them. I can be very convincing.” Finished his plans, almost believing he was actually good guy then.

VI. Facing the enemy...

It sounded paradoxically, but Keme’s mad plan to kill Green Pride was easier to apply than just a plain conquer. All what rouges needed to do was to hunt down lionesses, one by one until they were all gone. Of course, many of gerge noticed serious lacks of that idea. For example, if they were Greenlanders they would have ran away finding what meant rage of Keme. But this was just a secondary, technical matter. Mshauri was thinking about something else – mainly about: WHY THE HELL THEY WERE GOING TO MURDER WHOLE PRIDE!?

“Stars!” thought rouge. “Keme is mad! I don’t want to participate in his sick vendetta. Masafa was a cool guy, but it doesn’t mean we should celebrate him with such a mess!”

Leader’s adjutant couldn’t be described as too noble or too kind-hearted, however he knew some boundaries – slaughtering of lionesses, most likely innocent (Masafa was the attacker and whoever killed him, did it in self-defence) was not his cup of tea. But how tell it to Keme? In such state of mind chief was ready to tear every rebel to pieces. Mshauri knew that rouges were too scared to disobeyed Keme and if leader ordered to kill his advisor for betrayal, they would have done it. For the very first time the idea of deflecting aroused in Mshauri’s mind. It sounded funny, almost ridiculous, but somehow it was chance to survive without spotting his paws in blood... too much. But how could he? He was with gerge for three years and pack saved his life. Even if adjutant chose to leave his chief, he still had some duties to companions.

“Ow, I just can’t! I couldn’t imagine myself , fighting against boys... I don’t know what we will do, but we have to do it together.”

But then he left dismal thoughts and focused on his hunting quest. He was waiting for Kiunda and Fumo to bait him a warthog. So he turned his head in direction of expected chase and heard a sounds of run. He was observing a moves of leaves and bushed and when target came on right distance, he jumped out from his hiding behind a fallen trunk. Easily he pinned prey to the ground and killed it with single bite.

“Good shot!” smiled tired Fumo. “That one will be plenty for us, even if boss and guys found nothing more.”

“So go for them.” Ordered Mshauri. „We will divide the meat.”

*

In second group were – apart from Keme – two younger rouges: Epesi and Hahiri. They were new recruits, obedient and trusting their leader. So they didn’t asked any question when chief ordered them something very far from classic hunting. They were beating up the game but not for Mshauri. For Greenlanders.

“Excellent.” Smiled Keme seeing that by roars and loud run they had scared most of creatures east. “It will provide them some fun. Now, let find...”

“Boss!” called amazed Fumo, who just found the second group. “What are you doing?”

“Right thing.” Replied leader. “Do you have something to eat? We have to gather our strengths...”

Rouge came to his superior and whispered on ear, for young recruits not to hear.

“Did you beat all game to them?” Keme just smiled. “But why! It’s madness!”

“It’s a bait.” Murmured Keme. Fumo instantly understood whole plan of lion.

“But... but...”

“Do you have food or not?” asked Keme harshly.

“Yes... Follow me.” Replied scout. Leader turned to younger underlings.

“We will feast and then follow the game. We have a chance to took out lionesses one by one while they are scattered in finding food.”

“But boss, how do you know they won’t recognise our trap?” asked Mahiri.

“They are thinking rationally and that why they want to gather as many food as they could to prepare for siege.”

“Listen to the chief.” Murmured Fumo with tensed voice. “He is absolutely right.”

Scout thought Keme was indeed right, especially about one thing – Greenlanders were acting rationally, and gerge was not. Although gang was about to fulfil its quest, Fumo had more and more doubts if that could be described as a victory.

*

Jino left Horen and quickly joined the setting off hunting team. So only wounded regent left in cave, but queen ordered him not to engage intruders at any cost – redmaned was told to hide in escaping tunnel in case of attack. With hunting group were going also Golden Ones and Yakta, whom Horen ordered to be constant guard of pride.

Spotty left his father with some anxiety but she trusted in his wit and carefulness. “In fact, it’s the best thing what could happened – I’m worried about dad if he is too courageous. But anyway I hope that some of his cold reason stayed with him and he won’t do something stupid.”
”Something is wrong, ma’am?” asked Jino, marching next to her.

“Eee?” Spotty seemed to awoke from daydream of her thoughts. “Ow, sorry, I was thinking about recent events.”

“Are you really going to stay with us, during we will be defending from those rouges?” asked prince with esteeming voice.

“It’s obvious.” Replied Golden One. “I’m Horen’s daughter and  - as far I as figured – he is responsible for your safety and sovereignty.”

“He is doing it also just by his own will...”

“Prince, tell me one thing.” Interrupted Spotty. “I mean if that is too personal...”

“Ask what you want. I hope I could answer.”

“Who is my father to you, your mother, sister and pride?” asked with uncertain voice. “You know... I wish to understand him and I have to make up for few years...” Jino sighed, took a look around as if he was checking if nobody listen to them. Then answered with serious voice.

“There is no secret that my mother loves Horen. He stays here as her... not an official mate, but person as close to that status as it’s possible. And he actually raised Kwini and me... so he is our carer and tutor in the best meaning of that word.”

“Do you remember Daki and Laki?” inquired lioness.

“Hardly.” Confesses Jino. “They came here and died shortly after when I was just year-old. But I know they were heroes, as your father is.” Spotty narrowed her eyes, but instantly then appeased her face, not to show any emotion.

“He didn’t tell them!” she thought. “They know nothing about his past... Well, not surprisingly, because they were quite amazed about my existence. It’s bad, very bad that dad said them nothing. But if he is going make up for leaving us by defending this pride, I have no right to tell Greenlanders about his past.”

“Ma’am?” asked Jino.

“Again I went away?” smiled Spotty, returning to reality. “I’m sorry... by the way, why do you address me <ma’am>?”

“Shouldn’t I? You look like a princes.” Said Jino, who prepared that compliment few hours earlier and was trying to say it since some time. It sounded a bit rigidly, but Spotty’s fur on neck raised a little what was sing of pleasant embarrassment.

“Nice to hear that, but I’m just lioness of pride. And you are prince.” Jino wanted to say something, but she added. “And for know I’m not thinking about titles, prides nor such a stuff, but I – and we all – have some serious work to do: secure your people.”

“Ow, how touching!” murmured Keme, laying in bushes in hill over them. He was observing marching column of Greenlanders, waiting as lionesses start to scatter in search for preys. Epesi and Mahiri were at his side, ready to fulfil leader’s orders. In second division Keme sent Mshauri, Kiunda and Fumo to follow the pride on its path. On given signal they had to attack on random likeness, kill or cripple her and withdraw from scene. And then repeat it until final victory...

“Good. They are splitting” Murmured leader and raised his tail in fixed sign. “I give the free paw for Mshauri to do his part.”

“Damn!” yelled Fumo, about two hundred meters away in valley. “Keme gives orders.”

“We will fulfil them.” Murmured Kiunda. „What’s a big deal?“

“He will find there is no Mshauri here!”

“We will... avoid boss as we are avoiding lionesses now.” Replied scout. “Come on, trust in Mshauri. He will take us out from that swamp.”

“I hope he will do it quickly.” Murmured Fume. “Boss tells us to engage...”

*

Gerge’s adjutant was about five kilometres away, in front of Green Cave. He knew that his mission was risky and he was revealing his presence to eventual defenders of keep. But according to his expectations, cave was guarded by none but one creature.

“Horen?” called darkmaned lion. “I know you are there.”

“Have we been introduced?” asked voice from main chamber of complex.

“You could remember me, my name is Mshauri.” Said adjutant. When no response came, he added. “I’ve joined gerge few week before you, Daki and Laki left it.”

“Right. I remember some lion named Mshauri.” Said regent. “But what about it?”

“I came to talk.”

“I will talk with Keme.” Replied redmaned, but then he added with curious voice. “Or anyone who speaks as the leader of pack. Are you going to depose him?”

“No, you won’t beat us with your games.” Replied adjutant. “I won’t leave chief in the eve of battle. However for now I’m speaking in name of gerge, excluding him.” In that moment Horen exited the cave, trying to hide his hobbling. Of course he failed in front of so skilled scout. “Don’t be ashamed by your weakness. I’m not here to fight. I’m here to make a deal.”

“I’m listening.” Said regent and sat in doorstep of cave. Mshauri was waiting in scorching heat of midday and Horen was covered in shadow of rocks. But it was necessary to show who was a host there.

“You killed Masafa.” Said rouge with serious voice.

“I’m terribly sorry.” Replied redmaned with irony. “And I’m terribly sorry that I’ve interrupted him murdering me!”

“Whatever happened there, you are in big trouble.” Said Mshauri. “Masafa was Keme’s favourite.”

“He had five more underlings to rule. I guess he won’t be mourning that poor rascal too long.”

“You are wrong!” replied rouge with tensed voice. “Masafa... was indeed his favourite... like his... I don’t know... son?” Horen pretended he wasn’t scarred, but in fact he understood what it meant. “This is no longer matter of gerge, this is also personal matter for Keme. He is about to kill you... as well as rest of the pride.”

“But you are telling me that...” noticed regent with firm voice. In the same time his terrified mind was looking for any way out of this situation. “I suppose not without purpose.”

“Yes.” Agreed Mshauri. “You will do, what I tell you... without questions nor objections. Only that way you and your queen will survive.” Horen nodded his head. “Musafa was my friend and I’m furious on you too.” Continued rouge. “But it doesn’t make me blind. You must go away, Horen. We can’t forgive you killing one of ours.”

“I can’t leave my ma... queen and my wards...” replied regent impulsively.

“You could take with you your, so called, family. We expect you to persuade rest of lionesses to stay and...”

“...serve you.” Finished Horen with tensed voice.

“Do you really think we will be worse masters than you were?”

“I didn’t hurt anyone!” called lion. “They hosted me because they wanted to and...”

“Keme wants to kill you.” Interrupted him Mshauri. “I offer you life for departure from here. I think I’m able to convince boys... and stop chief. I don’t know how long time it will take we come here. I suggest you to go away before sun sets. Do not bargain with me. I’m too generous anyway.” Then rouge turned back and set off to the jungle green wall. Horen was looking after him with hollow stare. In his mind many thought were boiling but the shape of ultimate decision was already forged. To make Chanua and kids... Stars! He was thinking about Spotty as he was <his kid>, like prince and princess! But it didn’t matter – to make them to flee from valley. It wasn’t sure what was to be done next, but in that moment it wasn’t the most necessary. Just to survive.

Suddenly a terrified roar sounded over jungle.

*

Chanua was commanding the hunt. Seeing that forest was unexpectedly full of game, she ordered lionesses to split in small teams and bait as many preys in centre as they were able too. Jino, Yakta and Golden Ones – responsible for safety - were objecting that, but queen was old and devoted huntress, so she was already thinking with logic of predator. So Greenlandresses scattered on area, seeking for running creatures. That was the moment expected by Keme.

“Now!” he ordered.

His two companions set off after leader. They ran to remote clearing where two lionesses were pinning lone gazelle to the grass. No one was asking what gazelle was doing so deep in jungle, but it wasn’t a concern of huntresses. But in moment when three rouges entered the scene situation changed radically – the predator became a prey. Terrified gazelle ran from lionesses paws and they – extremely amazed – stood to defend from new danger.

“Finish them!” growled Keme with furious blaze in his eyes. “Now!”

Youngsters weren’t too avid to become female-butchers, but will of chief was so overwhelming that they didn’t dare to oppose. Epesi and Mahiri pounced on first of huntresses – Pili and pinned her to the ground. The second one – called Kisima – was targeted by Keme in person. When scouts knocked they enemy down and stopped, uncertain what to do next, leader jumped on Kisima’s back and instantly hit her head. She fainted and fell on the grass then Keme extended his claws and lowered his paw to lioness’s throat.

“Boss?” yelled Epesi with breaking voice. After all he was still a cub inside – his almost three year long life was hard but it failed to kill all moral instincts in him. So he closed his eyes with disgust, not to see the terrifying end. However it didn’t come.

Yakta had limited skills of fighting but in one attack he was undoubtedly the master – in frontal charge with full mass. Heavy lion pounced on gerge’s chief and easily pushed him away. Both males were rolling few meters before redmaned – prepared for such a situation. Stopped and stood on paws. Keme was kicked several metres farther, but he was about to regain initiative soon.

Meanwhile Kwini pounced on Epesi and Mahiri. Under normal circumstances it would be impossible to stop two strong males, but in fact both scouts were so amazed by acting of their leader (and Epesi even had closed eyes) that they were pushed by surprise from Pili’s back.

“Yakta!” called scarred princess. “And what now?” she asked, standing over unconscious body of friend and before two, slowly returning to action lions.

“Shun them!” replied redmaned. “I’m coming to you...” then he was hit by heavy Keme’s paw. However he finished with firm voice. “...ma’am.” Then he jumped aside in dodge.

“Jino! Mom! Alarm!” roared princess and jumped aside too, shunning the firs charge of Epesi.

Spotty heard that distress call and reacted like good commander should. Before of her eyes appeared silhouette of queen Zira, who had been countless times explaining rules of defence in hostile condition. Memories stretched her courage and allowed her to order with decisive voice.

“Pride! To the princess, now!” seeing more and more lionesses appearing from dense bushes, she was still ordering. She localised precise direction of eventual fight and pointed her paw in it. Meanwhile she was waving with tail to call lions. “Go! Tight formation, do not stop unless I told you! To the clearance! To the clearance I said! Break to the open area!”

“Stars! That chick is good!” whispered Kiunda, looking on Spotty, commanding the surprised pride. “What we are doing?”

“I’m afraid we must relieve boss and guys. Engage random lioness outside the group.”

So they both pounced on lone female, who went several metres from pride. However they had an extraordinary badluck – they chose Ostasi. Golden One ran aside, thinking that moves in bushes were sign of another lost Greenlandress. Those disturbance was made by rouges, what Ostasi understood a bit too late to withdraw. But it wasn’t a catastrophe, at least not greater for her than lions.

They pounced on lone female, hoping to knock her off in one charge and pull her to bushes. But she shunned both jumps with unbelievable speed and instantly returned a hit (or in fact – attacked as the first). Fumo felt a burning pain in side and noticed that his belly was scratched by four parallel red lines. It was masterfully inflicted blow – not fatal, of course - but so painful that stopped attacker on almost half a minute to prevail ache in wound. Meanwhile Ostasi jumped on Kiunda.

Former Outlandresses were skilled in combat, much more experienced than rouges, however they weren’t able to transgress natural limits of their sex. Males were much heavier and stronger and lack of their agility was recompensed by significantly greater endurance and pain-insensibility. When Zira was training her pride to eventual fight with Simba, she didn’t dare to order single female do it. There were special three-pieces AMAT’s (“anti males attack teams” how called them Vitani) to deal with that. In trainings – where Kovu was playing Simba – two lionesses had an order to overturn enemy and then keep him immobile, then the third one of group was to try hit in some vulnerable spots like throat, tendons or face.

Of course – there were reports of legendary fights of warrioresses like Zira or Hawaa (however she gave her life in lone fight against Simba), but those were just exceptions to complete the general rule. Golden One knew that she would only slow enemy down and wait for help.

“Danti!” yelled Ostasi and avoided rouge’s blow in last moment.

“Hold on!” called lioness, running with two Greenlandresses to relieve.

Fumo managed to stood up then he noticed three running females. He jumped on one in centre, knocking her down to the ground. It happened too fast for Danti and Tatu to react. Young Theluji was knocked down and instantly cut in leg. Fumo – however far from blood-thirst of his leader – couldn’t resist from paying a little payback to eventual killer of his friend. He slashed not as deep to break a tendon, however wound was extremely painful, what Theluji announced with ear-piercing cry.

“Retreat!” called Kiunda, seeing another lionesses in way. He and Fumo instantly jumped aside in wall of dense forest. “We must regroup and search for another one outside the pack!” panted scout. His friend just nodded and hid deeper in bushes.

“Do not pursuit!” yelled Ostasi, seeing that intact Greenlandress was about to enter the jungle and chase the males. “They are just waiting for that... Now...” she pointed on Theluji, sobbing from pain and grass. “Help me get her to the pride... Before they are back!”

All went wrong – Spotty was hearing the roars of fight before them, where Pili, Kisima, Kwini and Yakta were engaging the unknown enemy, but she was unable to just run to them – she had a pride to lead and now a wounded one with her. “Dad! I need help!” she pleaded in her mind. And louder she called.

“All are breaking through to the ambush! Jino, stay with me.”

“I’m here, ma’am.” Replied prince and they both ran to slowly retreating division of Ostasi.

*

Horen was running through the jungle as fast, as he could run on three paws. He didn’t know how much of his route he had done, but felt that it wasn’t enough. Full way to hunting team – four, maybe five kilometres he hoped to make in half an hour. After quarter of running, or hobbling with his injure thought dense forest, he understood that it was extremely optimistic presumption. Suddenly he noticed some silhouette before him. He stopped and it stopped too, but in the next moment a laughter sounded.

“Go on, Horen!” called Mshauri. “You have to get there and make them surrender now. I don’t want to lose my new pride in such a blind slaughter like that. So where we will meet? How about beach of that river?”

“Damn you!” gasped regent. “My paw is twisted!”

“Ow... how sad...” murmured rouge. “But I won’t carry you. Do it by yourself. I’m going make sure that boss won’t... damage our spoils too much. And you just think how to appease your ex-pride. So long!” and started to run with full speed.

Horen cried with pain, burning his paw and but then set off again. He had to get there for any cost, didn’t matter if he wanted to play a hero or just sell Green Pride. But in that moment he was trying to think about nothing. He cast out visions of dying Chanua and Spotty. But then a memory of dead Amini’s body came to his mind. Lion roared with rage into deserted jungle.

“Is this your vengeance?” cried into green, but no one answered him apart from distant roars of fight pain and calls for help. Horen clenched his jaws and ran further.

VII.  ....within

Yakta  - as he always - tried to analyse situation rationally and failed. There was no rational solution of that. He was fighting with strong lion, older and less agile than he, but for sure much more experienced in combat. Meanwhile, just behind his back, Kwini and Pili were desperately trying to defend knocked out Kisima. Epesi and Mahiri seemed to lost any scruples, seeing that the enemy was no longed helpless and even tried to counterattack. So they were jumping around two Greenlandresses, trying to exhausts them quickly and finish their job. Yakta knew that he had to help princess and her friend, but leaving Keme behind meant suicide.

“Help is on the way!” called with desperate hope he was right. “Hold on!” He also expected that rouges heard that and reconsider withdrawing.

“Death is on the way.” Keme smiled with vicious smile. “Hold on still and I’ll make it quick!”

Because Yakta considered himself as weaker fighter (and he was right), he was just shunning and steeping back, trying to exhaust adversary. When rouge leader noticed that, he suddenly changed his tactic. She pounced aside, on lionesses and inflicted a deadly blow to leg of Kwini. It was – the same as Fumo’s attack – leg wounding blow in order to cripple enemy. Princes yelled and fell on the grass.

“Back!” called Keme to fighting rouges. “Now!”

Although gerge’s chief was furious and mad, he still was smart fighter and commander. He did what he intended to as the first stage of plan, so now he could give himself a break.

“Roger!” panted Epesi and Mahiri then followed their boss.

“Kwini! Yakta!” called queen Chanua, who just had entered the clearing. “Ow, Stars! Are you...”

“Alive.” Replied princess. Although she was crying from pain, she was reporting with cold blood. “But Kisima is unconscious and I’m... partially disabled.” Finished with heavy effort.

Yakta scanned the area with careful stare but when he saw no sign of enemy, he ran to Kwini.

“Ma’am!” he cried with fear, seeing bleeding cut on her left-rear leg.

“Stay calm, Yakta.” Replied lioness. “You could do nothing to prevent that. And maybe...” she looked on him with pale face. Pain shock was overwhelming her. “...you find that injure interest addition to my beauty too?” she smiled and fell unconsciousness.

“Shaman!” called redmaned, holding princess’s head in his paws.

Spotty entered clearing with rest of forces. She was closing the cheerless conduct, securing Danti who was carrying wounded Thelui. Golden One came to senseless princess and looked on blood-red paw.

“Calm down, Yakta. She will recover...” Then a mad laughter came from jungle and all lions on clearing shivered. “...from this one. Just...” she recalled all teachings about wounds and caring of injured ones that Zira once had told to all Outlanders. “Try to minimize the bloodlet. Use your mouth to clench and hold the cut.” Without any question lion gentle grabbed edges of wound by his teethes and clenched his jaw. “And stay this way, at least for the while.” Added Spotty.

“If Horen were here...” whispered Chanua. “He knows many of shamanic ways... Ow, Stars! HOREN!” cried queen. “They could...”

“No! I’m alive!” called voice from jungle. “I’ll be there in minute.”

Indeed – soon after regent exited dense forest and stood before group of survivors. In fact he was barely standing, that Chanua, who ran to greet and hug him, had to support his side before would have fallen.

“Hyenas tail!” yelled redmaned, looking on wounded, scarred and panicking pride. “It can’t be...”

“Dad! What should we do?” asked Spotty with helpless voice.

“Surrender!” thought regent. “That is the only way for us to save our souls...” But, of course, he didn’t say it aloud. He just took a look on remaining forces and said. “We can’t stay here. We must break through jungle to the river. We can’t march home, because it’s too far and forest on our way is too dense... a perfect place for ambushes. But River... There is beach wide enough to defend on open area. While we are in forest, they have us like on a plate. Get wounded ones on backs and go. Everybody intact, apart of carriers, circle around and stay sharp.” Then he added with quieter voice. “Chanua, Jino, Spotty... I must tell you something.”

While rest of pride was forming the ordered formation, Horen took queen, prince and daughter on side and said, almost whispering.

“I know what they are up to... and this looks bad. This is Keme’s vendetta, he wants all us dead... Wait, I haven’t finished... We need to take out that madlion and make a deal with his underlings. This is the only way to come alive from this.”

“Dad!” yelled amazed Spotty. “We will win with them. With all Green Pride...”

“In that condition...” finished regent. “Look, girl, we are standing against six killers with just three, or... if you ask about me... two and half males and nine lionesses whose are keeping three wounded ones.”

“We still outnumber them.”

“They exceed us, both in tactics and strength.” Noticed redmaned.

“We, lionesses, will fight as lions.” Called Spotty with emotion. “I’m Outlander, student of Zira the Great. I’m ready to fight them all.”

“You are still a lioness.” Murmured regent with grim tone. She came closer to him and whispered to his ear.

“But I act like lion and I expect the same from you, dad.”

“Listen, I’m open-minded.” Interrupted Horen. “I’m not any kind of sexist or some like that, but I guess the Mother Nature is. Such a slaughter is not a lionesses job. And even if... ugh!” he panted and fell down.

“Horen!” cried Chanua. They saw that a swelling on his paw suddenly broke and pus, gathered there started to flow away.

“Two and one-third of lion, baby.” Panted regent who was observing own injure like hypnotised.

“That’s enough!” said Spotty with decisive voice. “Dad you ordered us to go to the river, if I’m recalling right... Jino, help me!” She crouched down and waved her tail to encourage Horen to climb on her back. Regent stood a bit surprised but he was gentle pushed by price. Then he was lifted up and he found himself carrying by daughter and ward. “And now, go!” Golden One called to whole pride. “Yakta, will you make it?” she asked, seeing that lion was carrying Kwini alone.

“I have to.” Replied redmaned and whole convoy set off.

Wounded ones were in the centre of group. Two Greenlandresses, princess Kwini and Horen were been carrying on backs of companions. Remaining lionesses, commanded by Danti and Ostasi were cruising around, looking for eventual danger. Spotty was praying to Stars that Keme and his lot wasn’t at this moment sneaking to almost defenceless pride.

“Dad, we will make it.” Whispered Golden One to lion on her back.

“Listen to me...” interrupted her Horen with painful voice. “And you too, Jino. If something goes wrong... you have duties to your pride, I admit that... But in the first place you have duties to your family. Get your mother, sister and Spotty out of here if I’m not able too. Right?”

“Right!” nodded prince. “Then I will go back to continue fight.”

“No! stay with them, whatever happens!”

“Do not listen to him.” Said Spotty. “I won’t retreat under any condition.”

“Damn you all!” murmured Horen. But then he noticed a move in bushed on their way. “Right, twenty metres ahead! Alarm!”

From green wall jumped Keme and four rouges. But Danti managed to gather a hard rank of free lionesses just before him. After just few terrifying roars, gerge’s leader ordered to withdraw.

“We must reach river before the dusk.” Whispered Horen. “If they attack in darkness, we’re toasted!” Then he added in mind. “So Mshauri, I trust you will do your part of deal and do it quick!”

*

“Mshauri!” growled with muffled roar Keme. “Where have you been!?”

“Around, boss.” Replied adjutant. “I know where they are heading. Let’s go to the river.” Leader wanted to scold his soldier, but he suppressed his rage, seeing that all rouges are following Mshauri. He also followed, feeling like something was sliding away from his paws. But he ignored it, in order to fuel his fury towards Greenlanders.

“Wait!” said adjutant after few minutes of marching in bushes. “Boss, stay here, when I made a reconnaissance.” Keme nodded his head. “Kiunda! Fumo! Cover me!” Three lions disappeared in forest.

“Pal, what is going on?” whispered Fumo, when they went a bit from Keme.

“We are changing plans...” replied Mshauri. “WE are changing HIS plans.”

“What!?” gasped Kiunda. “Are you lost your mind?”

“Sadly to say, but Keme lost his.” Said adjutant with firm voice. “As a second-in-command it’s my duty to secure the vital interests of pack. I know what we all owe to Keme... But we must depose him, if we are going to survive.”

“This is a treachery!” yelled Fumo.

“I won’t kill him!” gasped Mshauri. “I will just execute my plan. We will get this pride and establish here. With Keme, even if I have to make him do agree. I have a deal with Horen. He will surrender pride if we let him and his family flee.”

“Will we?” asked rouge. In his voice was no longer resistance, just curiosity. He was ready to support Mshauri.

“We will.” Murmured adjutant. “We have some others troubles on mind.”

“But he killed Masafa...” noticed Kiunda.

“Dou you want to avenge him!?” called Mshauri with desperate voice. Then he suddenly quieted his tone, scared that chief could her him. “So get back to Keme and die with him. Cub, this is matter of life and death. We won’t fight if we could get it for free!”

“And young ones?” asked Kiunda.

“Won’t they follow us? You see how they were close to disobey Keme, when he ordered them to kill every lioness.”

“So your reconnaissance is over?” smiled Fumo with bitter smile.

“Right. I had to scout if you are with me.”

*

About hour before sunset, Green Pride reached the river bank. Procession marched to beach with terrible slow tempo, but it was hard for them as the fastest run. Carriers almost threw down wounded ones and guards burst with cry of joy that they no longer have to watch every leaf in forest.

“Do not lay down.” Called Horen, who had been just put from Jino’s and Spotty’s backs. “Form line on the narrowest place of that cape!” he pointed a sandbank on bend of river. It was the only place where weaken pride had some chances for longer defence. “Go on!” he – wanting to give an example – crawled to pointed area. “Spotty, order them in some formation...”

His daughter was barely standing, but she tried to form a defence. With help of Danti and Ostasi, in a quarter they turned that sandbank into improvised fortification. In first rank of pride were lying (definitely too tired to guard standing) unwounded lionesses. Nine of Greenlandresses were standing for three unconsciousness companions and barely aware Horen. On the end of cape there was a quick war-deliberation.

“The plan is simple.” Said Horen. “To take out Keme – I bet he will be in first line -  then surrender to Mshauri. He won’t hurt us.”

Chanua looked on regent with sadness in her eyes but she said. “If you are sure there is no other way, we will do what you tell us.”

“No, mom... we could win...” whispered Jino, but then his stare turned to unconsciousness sister. He fell silent, unable to say more.

“I won’t leave this pride, doesn’t matter how.” Said Spotty with decisive voice.

“Maybe we will swim to the other bank when night falls, march on the second side, return on our bank and strike them from both sides?” proposed Jino but with limited hope that is idea would be executed.

“Is that river is safe?” asked Danti.

“For next five kilometres – perfectly safe.” Said prince. “But then we have a waterfall.”

“We can’t cross the river with whole pride.” Murmured Ostasi. “That would see this and attack those who stayed on bank...”

“No, wait!” said suddenly Horen with tensed voice, as if somebody else was talking through him. “Jino has right. Only combined attack would work... according we haven’t wounded in your ranks and we kill Keme in first place.”

“I could do it.” Said Yakta. He was lying next to Kwini, who were sleeping with her uneasy sleep. Wounded princess was cuddled in lion’s side, but in that situation, when all etiquette got waxed, no one had anything against. Even Yakta. “In night he won’t have any superiority over me. He is skilled and experienced, but he do not see in darkness. And if blind exchange of blows I should take out him quickly. I think the sudden attack is good idea. But what we will do with wounded ones?” He looked on Kwini.

“We will cross river with them.”

“We?” amazed Chanua. “My dear... are you sure that you’ll make it?” Spotty felt some wave of nauseating press in her throat, however she had no idea why. Regent replied instantly.

“Yes. I swim good enough to take this rive on three paws.”

“But in one try?” asked Yakta. “Ow, sorry, bad joke.”

“Let’s do it.” Said Chanua. “I trust Horen in everything.”

“I’m for.” agreed Jino.

“I don’t know...” murmured Spotty, looking in her father’s eyes. “Are you honest, dad?” she thought. “Or it’s just another trick?”

“Come one, Spotty, that’s is the only chance to spot them.” Said Danti and Ostasi nodded her head. Lioness know that her friends had made theirs decisions and nothing would change it. They were determined to stand for Green Pride and atone for guilt of theirs fathers whatever it would take. She would have strongly agreed with that plan... but something was bothering her.

“Who will swim?” she asked.

“I first, to check the current.” Said Horen. Then queen Chanua, secured by Spotty, then Jino and with one of wounded. Then you, girls” he looked on Golden Ones. “If You are able, with the second wounded. Then Yakta with Kwini.”

“If we fail, those who stay would be squashed.” Noticed Yakta.

“That why queen will give them order to surrender, if we are unable to attack and take out Keme.” Chanua narrowed her eyes, but nodded her head. “Any questions?”

“Dad will you...” started Spotty.

“I changed, my girl. I’ve changed a lot!” interrupted her Horen. “Yes.” He added in mind. “I’ve changed. I’m older, weaker and more vulnerable than I was once. And if then, on Prideland, I could afford for some bravery, now I definitely could not. The only weakness I could afford is you, my girl. I want you to live!” But aloud he added just. “So if there is no questions, let’s move!”

*

Rouges came to cape just after sunset. They just took positions before line of lionesses and laid down to wait for instructions. Only Keme and Mshauri were walking restlessly. Leader was still burned by flames of his anger, adjutant was still and still waiting for Horen’s sign. Fortunately for sieged lions, rouges were so concerned with nerves or sleep, that sound of splashing water went away unnoticed.

“What for we are waiting?” asked Keme with mad voice.

“Easy, boss. Let became a pitch-black night. Then they will be defenceless.”

Leader wanted to reply that he also would be defenceless, because he was seeing bad in darkness, but he didn’t open his mouth. Even in that situation, he still remembered not to show his weakness.

“But for what I’m doing it?” asked himself in mind. “For what I’m keeping my leadership I have no one to pass it after me... Masafa... you should be my successor. If you are not here, nothing has its purpose...”

“I heard something.” Said suddenly young Mahiri. „As if someone is swimming.”

“No, it’s nothing.” Replied Mshauri, playing firm voice. “Just water splash in tree-roots on bend.” But he smiled in mind, knowing that Horen started to do his part – to run away.

*

Cool water of river was appeasing regent and even soothing pain in his paw. It helped also with muffling his minds, because redmaned wasn’t able to thing more about his plan and consequences of it. So he didn’t think about betrayal, he was just listening to easy sound of water.

But then some others memories haunted him. Border River three years earlier. He, swimming with Vitani. Logs... And Amini coming with help.

“Amini!” whispered rouge in darkness of night. Vision of old charge stood before him as if it was real. But regent closed his eyes and opened them again to hind it was just an illusion. Right in time – he just touched the sand on the other bank.

He exited water and sat on sand, panting heavily. He waited, until two other silhouettes appeared from darkness. He sighed with relief: Chanua and Spotty made it easily. Lionesses went on beach and laid down on sand, cuddling in sides of regent. Without word, both of them expressed once again their love and trust, that Horen felt chocking grasp on his throat. Once again – however it was impossible – fur on his neck was strangling him. “But I have to!” whispered in mind.

Next swam Jino and still unconsciousness Kisima. Then joined Danti with Pili and Ostasi with Theluji. Silhouette of Yakta and Kwini was more and more clear in darkness.

“Listen...” said Horen with tensed voice. “I must tell you something.” All eyes turned to him and lion felt his neck was burning. “I didn’t tell you everything about our situation.” In silence of beach sounded murmurs of fear and disbelief. “Don’t worry about lionesses on the other bank. I dealt with Mshauri, second-in-command in gerge, he will depose Keme and take his place. He won’t hurt them... if they surrender.”

“But... but...” yelled Spotty. “We are going to strike on them!”

“We are going to die, doing this.” Replied Horen. “How you could fight, after another swim, another effort going back.”

“But you knew and...”

“I did, what I did to make sure you follow me.” Said regent. “There is no shame in retreating in front of stronger enemy. You just have to be smart enough, how save as much as you can.”

“My dear...” whispered Chanua. “My pride is there.”

“You could call me, whatever you wish, my queen. You could hate me now, but the point is that you and your children live.” Old lioness burst in sudden cry. “Cry, curse, blame me, but not for too long.” Added Horen. “I promised Mshauri we will quickly leave the valley...”

“NO!” called Danti. “I won’t leave! I won’t be like my father!” finished with breaking voice. Ostasi nodded her head and joined the cry.

“Horen...” whispered Jino. “I don’t believe you... You won’t leave them... You won’t leave us.”

“Spotty, please tell him, that I’m ready to do it.” Said redmaned with steel voice. Lioness raised her crying face but she said nothing. “Well, tell them what I did three years ago!” hasted lion. “Just condemn me all, and move along! We have to hurry!”

“I won’t go with you!” murmured Spotty with almost growing voice. “If girls stay to atone for theirs fathers, I will do the same!”

Suddenly Horen noticed a shadow behind gathered lions. He instantly recognised that... spectre. Amini was looking on him with his sad, trustful stare. Saying something, but redmaned was unable to hear what. Lion clenched his jaws.

“We will die to save memories of ours fathers.” Said Ostasi with so cold and determined voice, that even Keme would have shivered hearing that. “Right, sisters?”

“Girls from Zira’s club choose only such attractions.” Smiled Danti with bitter smile. “I’m with you, friend. Long live our long lost cause!” called with old Outlanders war-cry. “We will die for it, sir.” Added, looking on Horen.

“So you will die in vain!” growled Horen. “Your pitiful sacrifice has nothing to do with that!” ghost of Amini stopped and looked on Horen with interest. “I will do it, you rascal!” yelled regent in mind. “You made me! You win! I will tell them!” and added to amazed lionesses. “It was my fault! Daki and Laki wanted to stay but I told them to go...” The freezing silence burst on riverbank. Even water seemed to slow its run. “And during battle, when they wanted to join Zira’s forces... I deceived them that, you won. I told them, that Zira won and they were useless... They trusted me... like too many poor creatures on this world.” Finished, looking on crying Chanua.

“But... but...” started Danti.

“...it means...” continued Ostasi, just like Daki and Laki in old times.

“...that your fathers are innocent.” Finished Horen. He also saw as Amini smiled with enigmatic smile. “And during my escape, when I was stopped by some Pridelandress... Kilia, I guess... I killed her to prevent boys from being alarmed.” When he saw another bolt of shock and disgust on lionesses faces, he added. “Another reason to hate me? Let someone write it down!”

“You killed Hawaa’s mother...” Whispered Spotty.

“Clean cut of her throat.”  Described Horen. “She trusted me so much, that she turned her back on me...” another wave of silence deluged beach, so regent was speaking still. “So what now? Do you think I will return? I’m the killer of my friend Amini and killer of innocent lioness. I was living with it for years... do you understand it? For years! And you still think I will have some scruples, leaving them!?” pointing on the other side, he finished with scream and them felt a sudden pierce of pain and fear. Chanua slowly turned his stare on him. Horen knew that this time he showed as he went beyond any border of moral fall. The trickster was dead. Only the villain remained.

VIII. Father’s Day

Queen was looking on lion with whom she had been living for two years, in silence. Finally she stepped few steps ahead and raised her paw. Horen made his body to stay calm, ready to take her blow with upfronted face. But her paw touched lion’s cheek with shocking gentleness.

“You... you... poor creature...” sobbed lionesses. “Whole this years you haven’t tell me... It had to be hell.” She finished with loud cry and... hugged regent tight.

Rest of lions – of course those awaken ones – steeped back, but it wasn’t a sign of disgust or hostility but a shock and disbelief. Silence fell once again and even when Yakta came with unconsciousness Kwini he instantly understood that something bad had happened. He put his precious load on sand and joined the wall of silence around Horen.

Only Chanua was still sobbing quietly. Jino was looking on regent, then on mother, then on Spotty. But she was exchanging silent stares with her friends. There was no need to be especially gifted to understand what they were thinking about. “That is not your fight.” Called Spotty with her yes. “You are relived. Your fathers don’t need to be atoned. My does...”

“No way, sister.” Suddenly said Ostasi. “We are staying here.”

“May I ask, what the hell for?” said Horen. “It’s only me to blame. Your fathers were heroes. You don’t have to pay theirs bills.”

“No.” replied Danti. “But now we have to follow theirs pawprints.”

Regent sighed and murmured. “You word of heroic nobleness might seems pretty but it lacks of basic logic.”

“So we counterattack?” asked Yakta. No one was surprised he stood for Kwini’s pride.

“Yes.” Nodded Ostati. “My father’s idea is the best what we could do.” Horen shivered, because it sounded as if lioness was talking about dead one.

“But mister Horen... you are staying here?” added Yakta, who guessed what had happened there. Crying Chanua nodded her head. “That’s good... someone will guard wounded ones...” said, whoever he looked only on Kwini.

“Take care of her.” Whispered queen. “I hope I can ask you for that.”

“What!?” yelled Horen. “No, you will take care of her. You won’t go! You can’t! I forbid you!”

“Horen, please... don’t say more.” Said Jino with breaking voice.

“Dad.” Whispered Spotty, coming to regent. “Go to Prideland and tell them... as much truth as you will be able to. And say that to Kovu: Long live our long dead cause! This is the password of ours, king will know that you are really my father...” she shivered, saying that. “And he will accept you in pride.”

“It’s ridicules!” yelled redmaned. “Go with me! All of you!”

Kovu came to Horen and said with indifferent voice. “Sir, please tell lord Kovu that I’m terribly sorry I can’t report for further missions. But I hope he will understand it... He is also drained out of logic.” Added with poisonous tone, but then again murmured with breaking voice. “And to princess... tell her that everything I said was true.”

“Yakta, have you lost your mind?” asked Horen with feverish whisper. “You are supposed to protect your pride-mates. And now you lead them to death.”

“I’m supposed to protect not just lives of my pride... but also... it’s honour.” Then he turned to Golden Ones. “Spotty, will you lead?”

“Yes.” Nodded lioness. She looked on father and said. “Anyway, I thanks you for those few days when I thought that...” he voice broke and she instantly ran to the water. Danti, Ostasi, Jino and Yakta followed her.

Only Chanua stayed for a while long, still holding Horen in paws, what turned to be real torment for regent. Finally she stepped back and said.

“What ever happened and will happen, I want you to know that I still love you and hold no grudge against you. I’m really glad you will survive... And I forgive you on my behalf. But I can’t forgive you for others.” She stood up and turned to the river.

“Chanua... stop! Do not leave me!” yelled Horen.

“And now you still consider yourself left?” asked she with sad whisper. “Poor creature... I will pray that Stars may have mercy on you.” She entered river’s stream and Horen had to turn his stare away – in her silhouette he saw Amini.

“Fact I deserve for it, doesn’t mean you are not a sadist.” Thought redmaned with picture of his ward before his eyes. Lion sat on sand, waiting for any call in his mind to advice him. But no one called.

So, he could only wait for unconscious come to senses. Then hunt something for them... wait until they are ready for departure to Prideland. “And maybe I should work on my version of story.” He thought. “Kwini will have many questions when she wake up.” That thought scares him. Instead of mending any of his errors, he was about to just improve lies behind it.

“But I must save what I’m still able to.” He went to senseless Kwini and bended down to her cut. In the same moment from the other bank or river sounded roars and yells of pain. Lion recognised Spotty, who was swimming as a first. So his genius plan failed from the very start – rouges were expecting attack on shore and waiting for defenceless, swimming enemy. Hearing cry of pain of his daughter, Horen froze, just before face of Kwini. In the same moment princess opened her eyes and looked on redmaned with half-awaken stare.

“What happened, dad? I mean... Horen...”

Through the body of former regent came a bolt of shock. “Dad!” She addressed him as father! Not that he wasn’t her carer for years and such a statement shouldn’t seem strange for him.. but it happened as first time. And as a first time opened some deep, unknown cave in heart of redmaned. The cave of responsibility.

“It happened something very bad.” Said lion “Yes, I sent your mother and brother to certain death.” Thought bitterly. “But do not worry... I...”

“...will fix that.” Finished Kwini by quoting favourite sentence of ex-regent. “I bet you will, Horen.”

“Dad?” asked lion with breaking voice.

“As, you wish... of course. I hope you know who you are for me.” Said a bit confused princes. “I bet you will, dad.”

“Wait here, my sweet.” Said lion with strange tone, where extreme joy and extreme guilt was mixed. “And keep an eye on girls. I’m coming for our family.”

And Horen turned back to jump to the river. Fortunately, he submerge underwater and his yell of pain, caused by twisted leg, drown in noise of torrent. Redmaned was ignoring it and just waving his all paws to swim faster. He was dreadfully curious if those few minutes of indecision would cost him dearer than years of it.

*

For few hours rouges were just waiting before besieged lionesses. Greenlandresses became extremely scared and nervous, although not only them. Maybe even they had some comfort if they knew that Mshauri is nervous as well. Some things were to be done – mainly deposing of Keme.

“Boys it’s time.” Said adjutant. Fumo and Kiunda nodded theirs heads, but Epesi and Mahiri just turned theirs suspicious stare on older companion. “Let make it quick...”

“Alarm!” called Keme suddenly. “They are surrounding us!”

“Hm?” murmured Fumo with disbelief.

“They are swimming from the other bank and...” shouted leader feverish, running on shore.

“Boss...” said Mshauri with gentle voice. “Maybe your sight... fails you this time.”

“Shut up! I hear them coming!”

“Eee... Mshauri...” murmured Fumo. “He’s right.” Then they all heard a noise of swimming group.

“Damn!” growled adjutant. Keme disappeared in darkness. He wasn’t there – so he could be knock out and deposed but – what was maybe more important on that moment, he weakened the line of rouges. Lionesses started to stand up from sand, ready to some sudden move. “Horen! It was supposed to be done smoothly!” thought lion.

“Plan is suspended?” asked Kiunda.

“What plan?” inquired Mahiri.

“Stay sharp!” growled rouge. “Boss will greet those swimmers and we have to keep lionesses.”

Keme managed to get on second sandbank, about hundred metres downriver exactly in moment when Spotty was coming out from water. Old rouge pounced on her – helpless due to effort and being in mud of shallows. He jumped on her back and pressed her down. Shocked lioness submerged, desperately trying to keep her breath. Bouncing on back of attacked Golden One, Keme made another jump, right into Jino, who was just closing to the shore. Instant and definitely unorthodox action of leader surprised lion. He allowed to be hit in head and almost lost his breath, being submerged. Seeing that, Keme swam back to Spotty, who was barely standing on bottom and hit her with paw of extended claws.

“Yakta! Ma’am! Swam further!” called shocked Golden One. “We will stop him.”

Because Jino understood that plural form was about him, he overcame the pain and speeded to shore. He stopped on shallow, just before fighting Spotty and Keme. Then he hit rouge’s back.

“Ma’am!” called Yakta. “They are right! We are detected and we must get to pride as soon as we could!”

“But there... there...” yelled Chanua, thinking about Spotty, confronted with giant male.

“Don’t worry.” Replied Yakta. “Spotty will defend your son...”

Without any more chats, redmaned and queen exited water and ran to cape. Yakta took a lead and lioness tried to hide behind his back. The trick was plain as savannah, but – not surprisingly – it worked.

“Keme?” asked amazed Mahiri. „You took them already?”

In the same moment Yakta pounced on surprised scout, overturning him easily and Chanua stopped before fighting lions, covering redmaned.

“Damn!” yelled Mshauri. “Epesi, help him!”

Danti and Ostasi managed to land directly on cape and after shaking water off theirs furs and taking a quick look around, they took an initiative.

“Girls! They are just four now!” smiled Ostasi.

“And we are a bit more numerous...” finished Danti. “Get them!” And wave of Greenlandresses, supported by two Outlandresses, set off on enemy.

Meanwhile Spotty and Jino were still standing on shallow water, waiting for Keme to move. Because of second sandbank was down the river-bend that area of beach was covered in shade – moonlight was stopped by high wall of jungle. Three lions were fighting in almost complete darkness. Paradoxically it increased Keme’s chances. Rouge could hit at random, to any shadow he notice. But lioness and prince had to be careful not to hit themselves. Half-stunned and half-drowned, hobbling Spotty was especially uncertain with whom she was fighting with.

“Prince, talk to me!” she called. “I don’t know where are you and where is...” She attacked at random.

“Au!” sounded a yell of pain. “That’s me!” added Jino with confused voice. “Unfortunately...”

“I’m serious!” repeated Outlandress.

“I know!” called Keme from darkness. If not that call, Spotty would hit Jino again. “That was you! You killed my Masafa!”

“You should swim thought this river and apologise Horen.” Said prince with irony. “Au! Watch you steps, ma’am!”

“That was me, this time.” Smiled Keme. Then he added. “Fatal wound were inflicted by paws smaller than Horen’s. I heard you are his daughter. So soon he will felt how is to lost child!”

“Jino, talk to me!” called Spotty, uncertain where to turn. Where Keme finished his speech she was to confused to navigate.

“All right, ma’am.” Said lion. It was clear that he was quickly losing his strength. Swimming and nervous battle on darkness turn out to be too much, even for brave prince. “So ma’am...”

“Maybe: Spotty?” asked lioness.

“As you wish, Spot... ugh!” called prince with pain.

“Do worry, my dear.” Said Keme with sarcastic voice. “I did it!”

“So Spotty...” continued Jino. “If we came alive from this... maybe... we just go out somewhere together... Au! Not now, you idiot!” called lion, hit again by Keme.

“Excellent!” smiled lioness with bitter smile. “You have unusual talent for choosing dramatic circumstances to ask girl for a date... But beware... if you want to maintain such a grade of suspense, your eventual proposal should will be performed during earthquake combined with flood...”

“Let’s focus on the first step.” Smiled Jino in darkness. “Could I count it as <yes>?”

“Of course, my prin...”

And then Spotty suddenly fell silent. Lion heard just nauseating sound of blow in neck, then he felt as Outlandress’s body hit the ground. He pounced in blind charge in direction he expected Keme, but it was the thing that leader expected.

“You will be together, until death tears you apart.” Called rouge. “I give you two minutes!” and with full force he slashed Jino in side.

Lion felt a terrible pain on his left shoulder and left side of back. He wanted to shout, but he even lost his breath to do it. Falling to the water, he managed to push senseless Spotty’s body further to shallower water, praying that her head will reach the shore. But every pray was about to be in vain, if he died there from Keme’s paws. Lion submerged into the water – there about thirty centimetres deep. Well, it’s hard to drown in such a depth, at least alone. But Keme, with his helping paw pressed head of price in mud on bottom of shallow, slashing with the other paw back of lion. In normal circumstances prince would stand over minute underwater, but rain of pain on his side made him to open his mouth. When water deluged his throat and he understood he was dying, only thing he would think about was lone silhouette of Horen, who left on the other side. “I forgive you... dad...” whispered, letting last of his air from lungs and them darkness came. What Jino failed to feel was the lion’s body, who fell down on bottom next to him.

“JINO!” cried Horen, desperately wrestling with Keme. He knew that he could pull up his ward, before he deal with rouge, but sight of numerous air-bubbles round head of stunned lion froze his heart. When he felt that Keme’s resistance weakened a bit, with rear paws he tried to lift prince’s head.

He overturned motionless body with mouth up, that lion had top of his nose overwater. He coughed with mud, but because he was still partially submerged, another wave of liquid deluged his throat. Seeing that Horen let him loose and ran to ward Keme coughed and prepared to deadly blow. Meanwhile redmaned pulled body up to beach, when a blow from rouge hit his back. But Horen – so swollen and beaten on whole body that he barely registered another wave of pain – ignored it and jumped to Spotty. Unconsciousness lioness was still alive and breathing fast, what ex-regent greeted with cry of relief. He lifted her body and threw next to Jino’s. Then he turned back, just to receive another blow.
”You have returned!” called Keme. “Excellent, I will kill you all.”

“Keme, I’m really sorry, about...”

“Don’t dare to speak his name!” roared rouge and pounced on enemy.

They both fall down to the mud of shoal, mercilessly slashing each other on chest. “Ow, great place to fight for scums like we are.” Thought Horen, ripping a long cut in Keme’s side. He had to fill his mind with any thought, because pain of rouge’s dice on his arm was crushing. Enemy cut his swelling and get to damaged bone. “Outcasts, trashes of world, killing each other in mud. But Stars! Now I’m standing for kids... let me bear this one!”

After mutual mutilation of point-blank distance slashes, both lions, bleeding like slaughtered prays, fell in water. As first Keme gathered his strength and with malicious laughter he stood up and stepped to the shore.

“Soon... Horen...” he painted, bleeding from cut on his chest and from his mouth. “...you will fell how it’s like...” He stopped over Spotty’s body and roared. “Happy father’s day!” But before his raised paw fell on motionless lioness, a shadow flew over him. Driven by unknown force, Horen instantly stood up and bounced into the air on all his four paws. Twisted limp didn’t make it and forearm bone popped out from damaged joint, making a nauseating sound of tearing muscles. But brain stopped the crushing wave of pain and three remaining, ready paws were extended and willing to kill.

Lion fell on Keme, pinning him to the ground, partially underwater. With disabled paw he just pressed down rouge’s limb, unable to do more. But with front-left paw he reached to leader’s armpit, cutting tendon, artery and layer of muscles. Roars of Keme became a one, continuous cry of rage and pain. Lions rolled aside, leaving coughing and slowly awaking Spotty. Regent and leader were both crippled in similar grade, with one paw disabled, and open bloodlets, however they were fighting still. When Keme understood that his cut would make him bleed-out a bit faster, he just stop his garde of right paw, letting redmaned reach his throat. But he did it with clear purpose.

“You will feel...” wheezed yellowmaned, when Horen was slitting his throat. “Now!”

Half-dead body of leader make a final attempt, by cowering rear paws and pushing them out in ultimate hit. Horen with terror in eyes saw as dying enemy hits lying Jino and pushed him to the river. Redmaned pressed swirling body and mended a lethal cut, but what was done was done – prince started to slowly drift downriver. With insist, regent again slashed second armpit of enemy, almost cutting paw off, to make sure that rouge was unable to hurt Spotty. Then – trying to stop Jino – he stood...

...and fell down. Right paw of Horen was in one piece only thanks to fur, because inside it was probably looking firm as week-old carcass. Left limb was cut in fight, aching as hell and too weak to support body of regent. So redmaned hit the surface of water with face and it took several second for him to lift mouth above. Meanwhile prince was already taken by main current.

Yelling from pain Horen started to crawl in mud to reach deeper water where he could swim. He had no idea how he could, being so injured, but sight of Jino’s face, still being overwater, was calling to him over any ache. Finally lion pushed the bottom under his legs and started to flow.

“Help!” called, however river’s noise was too loud to let anyone hear. Redmaned understood that he was on his own.

With three paws (and that front-left hurt so much, that one could say: on two and half) he started to paddle in river. All the world was against him, including own blood, that was flowing out so intensively that water before him became a sticky, reddish liquid, spotting fur on his face, even making harder to see. So Horen speeded up, at least to float a bit faster than current. Being faster than river has its advantages. For instance: you don’t see, how fast you are bleeding.

*

All discipline failed. However it was far more deadly for rouges, who were less numerous and  based their superiority in organised plan of action. When it ceased, firm victors turned to be losers. Lionesses were fighting in mass and there was a mass of four against mass of ten. Chances become more and more equal.

Yakta knocked out Mahiri fast, and being covered by Chanua, engaged Mshauri. Indeed – night made fighting much harder, but it level advantages of rouge. After just minute of duel, Mshauri, being still harassed from sides by queen, understood that he was losing. With no Keme in sight, he decided to do one thing he could.

“We will surrender for letting us go!” panted.

“Your highness?” called Yakta. “I strongly advice to consider it!”

“You hide you claws and wait for our mercy.” Replied queen quickly. “I guarantee you safe pass as a queen of Green Va...”

“Deal!” panted Mshauri and called with all remaining strength. “Boys! We’re giving up!”

Order was an order and rouges stopped they fight instantly, just stepping back to the river to avoid too frenzy lionesses. But they wasn’t too avid to pursuit enemies – just, seeing persecutors withdrawing, stopped in place with amaze. Then a cry of relief sounded over river that quickly turned to actual crying of joy.

*

When Spotty retuned to senses, the very first thing she saw was motionless body of Keme. Then a giant spot of blood, covering over few metres of red mud on shore. Before she managed to scream, she also noticed that on shallows stayed a bloody mark, slowly dispersing in water. There were neither Jino nor Horen.

“Dad!” called, but he couldn’t hear her, being almost kilometre downriver. “Queen! Girls! Help!” she shouted, barely standing on paws.

Meanwhile regent and prince were floating and bleeding. Horen reached his ward, grabbed him and hold him as firm as he could do it with one, wounded paw. Then he understood he had no further plan. Lion was too weak to swim with his ward to the bank. All he could to was to keep them both on surface and think. He had little time, because from bloody track behind him, regent presumed that he had a chance to bleed-out maybe even before waterfall. He wanted to scream and cry, however he knew it was useless. And on the other hand he had no strength to do that. Suddenly he looked on prince and gasped with amaze.

“Amini!”

In darkness of night, blood-spotted mane of young lion seemed to be almost black. The memory hit Horen’s mind with terrible force. “Amini!” called in night. “I deserve it... But why it happened Jino! Why...”

Then he felt a painful blow in his head. Both lions collided with single stone in bed of river. Horena and Jino submerged, but regent instantly understood a chance and grabbed rock with both paws. He didn’t know it right paw helped in any degree or just brought some additional pain, but he managed to hold on and pull himself and prince to saving stone. With all remaining might, Horen lifted ward’s body and put his paws over stone’s edge.

“Grab it!” panted. “You must grab it and hold on!”

“All right, dad...” replied half-awaken lion. Horen, seeing that in impulse limbs of prince grasped solid surface, smiled with airy smile and let the current take him down. Mission was done.

But he wasn’t.

After some time he understood he was somehow still alive and aware of world around him. And more: of world within him. He noticed that he was still holding (or maybe he had been hold by) some lion with dark or blood-spotted mane.

“Jino... son... no...”

“I’m not Jino.” Replied dark silhouette. “But you could call me <son>.”

“Amini!” whispered Horen with panting voice.

“Don’t worry...” replied spectre. “It all be all right... pain with cease within minutes.”

“Amini... I’m so sorry...” started regent, but he was interrupted.

“I know. That why you are here...” she smiled with his usual, carefree smile. “Stars! Twins and I were praying that you made it... We were praying for years for you to do it tonight.”

“Do...” whispered confused lion. “I mean... did I mend what...”

“It doesn’t matter, father.” Said Amini. “You stayed with them. Now we could forget all the shades. The day has come.”

“But...” Horen wanted to express his disbelief, how could he repair just with one night errors and lies of years. But blackmaned was only holding him with firm and sensitive grab that soothed every question and fear.

“And now we will depart.” Said Amini. “Don’t worry, you left here the best memory of you.”

Motionless body of Horen fell behind the edge of waterfall and started to falling fast, maybe even faster than it should. Who knows – maybe the weight of old guilts was pressing it down? But it wasn’t most important, because it wasn’t the end of journey.

Two souls, one radiant and long healed from wounds of earth and the second – just freed from bounds of flesh, were flying still, not down to boiling water of river, but ahead to the horizon, or even further – to the Stars.

IX. Following Well-Known Pawprints

[“Saved” song. Music is rather serene, although it has some more serious tones – but it general airy music is making a bit confusing contrast with grave events in sight. Capture of just-before-dawn beach of river. In shades of incoming day lionesses of Green Pride surrounds rouges. They – day before fearless conquerors – now tired and confused outcast, gives themselves to mercy of locals.]

When the fight’s over, night is gone
We’re – alive just to wake up
Sun is raising – day’s to be done
On the ride we’ll never stop 

[Chanua and Yakta carry half-stunned Mahiri to main group. Young rouge there stands on paws, looking with disbelief on friends among lionesses. He seems not to believe all that night-drama was real. But them wounded Spotty comes in, calling with terror.]

Even if we’re hit again, some new scratches on forehead
Even if it hurts this time still we’re far from being dead

[Lionesses surrounds her, ignoring rouges. However lions shows no inclination to attack or retreat. Spotty talk something fast, although we can’t hear it, we suppose that she is asking about Horen and Jino. Then all healthy lionesses (and Yakta and exhausted Spotty) sets off down river, led by Chanua.]

Chorus:
We saved – What in us
Deepest, deepest, most is ours
Still, intact its grow and trust
We will keep it with all our power
Shining as a star
We saved who we are 

[They go on beach, passing place where – on the other side – wait wounded lionesses. Kwini wants to swim river through and join, but Yakta stops her with decisive wave of paw. Faster tempo – sun is rising up.]

Sun is climbing upper still
Shining on the shades downhere
Even if those look so weird
So dark, deep, soon they will heal 

[Early morning – conduct gets to place where Jino is. Lion is still unconsciousness, grabbing to stone where Horen put him. Few lionesses come for him and drag him on shore. Spotty with joy hobbles to him and licks his cheek. But soon after she turns with fear on west and calls everybody to move ahead.]

Even if we’re hit again, some new scar won’t ache too much
Even if it hurt this time what’s most matters is untouched

[They get to edge of water fall to see only sign of Horen: bloodspotted rocks on brink. Chanua and Spotty turn theirs stares down in silence. Yatka seeing that no one orders to unrest lionesses, seems to take over lead and calls them to rank, chooses two scouts in good condition, points on path down... etc.]

Chorus:
We saved – What in us
Deepest, deepest, most is ours
Still, intact its grow and trust
We will keep it with all our power
Finding inner bliss
Where it always is 

[Two scouts go down to find dead Horen’s body. When lionesses come closer find that regent has peaceful smile on his lips. Music stops.]

Both lionesses – queen and Golden Ones cried in tight hug but they soon calmed down seeing stares of pride. Because eyes of lionesses were full mot only of compassion to monarchess and friend, but also genuine loss of deceased regent somehow the mourning became easier. It was the matter of whole pride. And if even old queen was unable to carry her loss alone, with love of her subjects she could. So she shook off the tears and looked in Spotty’s eyes.

“He died standing for us, however he died. I’m proud of him, but it doesn’t change how I will miss him. And I see you too... I’m so sorry, we weren’t able to save him.”

“No, your highness.” Replied lioness with firm voice. “We both know we have saved what was the greatest in him.”

*

Month earlier three lionesses and one lion had departed from Prideland. On that particular morning no one was specially looking for travellers, however whole pride (or even two prides) was waiting for them with anxiety. Their safe return was a pleasant surprise, however a bit confusing surprise. To Priderock were heading four lionesses and two lions.

“Sir!” called Tiko, landing on Tanabi’s shoulder. “They are back... and even more!”

“Hm?” surprised king. “Or, anyway, tell Kiara and Kovu...”

Official welcome-committee waited for newcomers next to waterhole. Because the presence of stranger lionesses and stranger lion, both kings were ready to welcome new guest with old customs, taken from Golden Pride tradition – with gourds full of water as a sing of hospitality.

“Our customs are beautiful and touching.” Murmured Vitani, standing next to Tanabi. “However I must admit you look stupid with that gourd in your mouth.” Tanabi was unable to reply, due to load in his jaws, but according to moves of his tail, he wanted to answer for than. But Prideland queen continued. “Ow, look on them! That stranger looks royal indeed... lionesses next tom him too... Stars! Did Yakta just licked that girl or I have a sunstroke.”

“We have to bow to kings and queens then drink water they serve.” Instructed redmaned. “Just one draught for everyone to get. Instantly then, after welcome, you ma’am and you, sir have to ask to release Spotty and me from oath of loyalty and let us go away from pride.”

“To establish a new one as a king, in your case.” Smiled Jino.

“It doesn’t matter, sir.” Replied redmaned and turned to princess. “Do you remember what you have to say, ma’am?”

“Why do you still <ma’am> me?” asked Kwini. “We are going to be mates, so I think that a little of informallity won’t hurt...”

“But we still aren’t and until then I expect you to expect me proper treating.” Said Yakta with decisive voice.

“As you wish, my love.” Nodded princess.

Vitani didn’t heard exactly all the dialogue, but she understood that Yakta wouldn’t have problem with leaving Kovu, because found someone else to become her indispensable subject. Kovu would still have a problem with redmaned’s retirement, but Prideland queen also knew that Outlanders are born to solve every problem they came across.

“Welcome, you all.” Started Kovu with a bit uncertain voice. “I’m Golden King Kovu and you are entering domain of mine and my cousin Tanabi of Priderock...” Then a silent whisper of Yakta sounded.

“Excellent, sir. But step a little closer and give them a bow. They are from royal blood too.”

King Kovu, king Tanabi, queen Kiara and queen Vitani instantly obeyed request of lion.