CHAPTER 3

Meanwhile, Huduma was resting near the water hole with his pride. He, too, was troubled. He trusted Mwana as a leader, but was worried about the future. What would happen to his family when he was gone? The lion knew that he was aging, and probably didn't have much time left on this world.

"Huduma? Hudama! Wake up, quickly!" The lion could hear the urgent calls of his mate, Makini. Concerned, he immediately opened his eyes and got up from his resting posistion.

Makini was not looking at him. Her shocked gaze was directed to the rugged lion before them.

Huduma gasped and observed the stranger. The lion was large and muscular, and his lackluster coat was heavily scarred. His mane was wild, thinning and sticking out in some places. The lion smelled of blood and death. He was definitley not an innocent passerby.

"Who are you?" Huduma commanded in his deep voice. By now the other lionesses had gathered behind their leaders, looking on warily.

The stranger only smirked and said, "We have your two sons."

Makini's eyes went wide with anger and worry. Huduma, however wasted no time to pounce on the other lion and snarl in his face.

"What?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THEM?!" The leader of the pride roared. The thought of his beloved sons in danger filled him with unimaginable rage.

Oddly, the stranger didn't react to the attack. He only smirked again. "If you do anything to me, my comrades will assume the worst, and kill your sons."

Huduma was at a loss for words. He had never felt so helpless as he got off of the treacherous lion and sat next to his Queen, dumbfounded.

Makini, shaking with fury, could barely control the level of her voice. "Listen to me, stranger," she began calmly, "Take us to Mwana and Kidogo right now, or face the consequences."

The lion only shrugged and turned to walk away. "Follow me, then we'll talk," he said, as he headed back in the direction he came.

And with an exchange of worried glances, Huduma and his small pride followed.