Before we begin, let me thank my reviewers:
Fan Boy 101: Nafsi's dark side can make him do many things. This chapter will talk about the affects his orders can have on those who carry them out.
Diego Varen: Glad you liked the last chapter. Hope this one keeps you liking more.
King Ligerion: Yes, the last chapter was thrilling. This one will be just as the last, I hope.
Kovukono: Nafsi is insane yes. No one in the pride knows why and maybe they never will.
Belita Girl: Glad you like it so far. Please, keep reading!
Okay, this chapter takes place about six months after the royal lions meeting. Enjoy!
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Chapter 2: An Order's Affect
"Come on Azaan, let's wrestle!" the young Prince said, staring in front of his brother with wide eyes.
The older tan colored lion cub rolled his eyes with a small smile. As much as he didn't want to play, he had to. Marko was his little brother and he had to please his parents by playing with the little runt. He got into a good position and ran towards the younger with Marko doing the same.
The two Princes' leapt into the air and clashed, wrestling each other, trying to pin the other. Amazingly, Marko came out on top with Azaan staring up at him with wide, jealous eyes but the jealousy was unseen, for Marko, was all smiles seeing his triumph.
Inwardly Azaan growled dangerously, near wanting to strike his brother for besting him in a game of chance. This shouldn't be happening not to him. He was the oldest. But it was and he hated it. He hated his brother for being so goody-good. He hated him for his intelligence and peacefulness.
No one else knew of the older Prince's feelings. The way the cubs played together told the animals, the Pride and even their parents, that the brothers had a good relationship. They were unaware that when the brothers grew, innocent blood would be spilled…
Marko was jolted out of his dream by the sound of laughter a few feet from where he lay in the grass. He smirked as the Eastlands Prince pinned Ronan's son, Dinari, into the grass. The red brown colored cub only laughed, gently pushing the Prince off of him. He rolled to his feet and soon the two male cubs were at it again. Turning his eyes ahead, two other cubs, females, rolled their eyes in amusement. They joined in on the fun.
The tanned lion lowered his eyes in sadness. Seeing the young ones play together made him think of his past, of his old home and how wonderful things were between him and his brother.
He growled softly.
If there was one person he didn't miss it was his brother. The older lion took away his life. He missed his parents deeply. His heart pounded many times over the years at the belief his parents were dead. The shaman, Nabihi, had told him that his parents were indeed no longer living. Marko mourned for weeks about that. Jabari tried comforting as best he could and in the end, Marko came out of his depression, grateful that he had others who cared.
"Come on Dinari, that's not fair!"
Marko looked to see Ronan's playful son run away from a white lioness cub named Kamaria. He chuckled, shaking his head softly. He was about to take a nap when his ear flickered.
"Hi Lisha," he said.
A lioness stopped in midstep, with a paw in the air and a shocked expression. She came up. "How did you know?"
"You have a persistent step I know," Marko replied with an all-knowing stare.
Lisha rolled her eyes and laid down beside him, giving a friendly nuzzle.
Marko turned, nuzzling her back. Of all lionesses in the Pride, she was the most beautiful. Her fur was desert tan similar to his, only slightly darker. Her sharp yet delicate green eyes always shined. Her muzzle was white, as were her paws and up to the middle of her legs including her chest, belly and tail tuft. Of most lionesses she was the sweetest and always wondered if he was all right.
The two didn't say anything for a while, they only watched as the cubs continued to play. The males were trying to see who was better and the females cheered them on.
"Makes you wish you turn back time doesn't it?" Lisha asked.
Marko only nodded. He would never go back to his cubhood. What was the point of reliving the memories, only to have it end in a betrayal made by your own flesh and blood? He was so happy here. Though his old life haunted him in many ways he wouldn't change where he wound up. The late King was a father to him and the former Queen was a mother. His fellow guardians were brothers and the young cubs, the Prince especially, loved him as an uncle.
After a silence Lisha turned. "Marko, the King needs you for a job. He's on the southwestern side of the kingdom. I'll watch the cubs."
Marko sighed. He had worked a few times last week. He needed a break. But duty calls… "Alright." He turned with a smile. "Thanks." He looked at the cubs and rose.
Seth had stopped playing and watched as the lion left. Lisha looked down at the Prince with a smile. Seth smiled back. He knew why Marko had to go and why the tan furred lioness was in his place, keeping watch.
Dad needs him for something… His thoughts were interrupted as Dinari pounced on him followed by Kendra and her sister Kamaria.
Lisha chuckled softly and put her head on her paws.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Ronan patrolled the middle of the savannah, on the east side with his mate, Sandra. The two walked for an hour, talking with the animals, who, lived there. So far, everything was fine.
The brown lion looked to his red colored mate, deeply concerned. "Are you sure you're feeling alright? We have been walking a while. You want to rest over there?" He pointed to a shaded tree.
"I'm fine Ronan. I haven't had a spell in three weeks," Sandra replied.
"I know but I still worry. The other… it lasted too long. I thought Dinari was never going to leave your side. Even the Prince was concerned, not that I'm surprised. He's a good cub… unlike his father."
Sandra nuzzled him, licking his cheek gently. "Ronan, I'm okay. If anything happens, I'll rest, I promise. And yes, Seth is a good cub. Our son is lucky to have him as a friend."
Ronan's fur bristled slightly. "Damn Nafsi! He should know better! He knows of your spells and he doesn't even…" He paused as a snarl came from his throat. They were silent for a while.
"It's a gorgeous day," Sandra noted, trying to turn the subject into something light.
Ronan looked up at the sky and down to her with a smile, a real one. "Yes it is."
The lion and lioness continued their patrol unaware that on another side, blood would be spilt.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Marko found the King sitting in the grass. He swallowed a lump in his throat and carefully padded towards him. "I hope this is quick," his mind said.
Nafsi was still and his eyes were closed. The sound paws through the grass broke his trance. A lion came up beside him and he smiled. "Hello Marko. I take it you got my message."
The tanned lion sat. "Yes sire, you sent for me?"
"I did." Nafsi rose and started walking. Marko followed. "Have any reports?"
Marko hesitated then responded. "Not much to tell. Danso is patrolling the southern side. Rubani is on the western. Ronan and Sandra are on the eastern and Tuza, your advisor, is talking with the herds. The Queen is with the lionesses on the hunting grounds doing exercises. Your son and the other cubs are playing under supervision. Lisha is watching them in my stead."
Nafsi smiled. "Good, good." Then his face turned serious. "I suppose you're curious as to why I sent for you." Marko didn't reply. He merely nodded. "I need you to deal with a matter concerning the cheetahs. It seems that they are drinking too much at the waterhole, the one in their territory." Nafsi smirked softly. The way he saw and always did, cheetahs were nuisance. "But they forget that other creatures live in their area of the kingdom. The hippos and some of the elephants are getting restless because of it."
"I understand sire. What do you want me to do?" Marko's stomach flipped. In his mind, he felt he didn't want to know. Nafsi told him, not feeling or showing any ounce of remorse or changing of the mind. Marko's eyes grew wide in shock and he stopped, staring at the black maned lion in disbelief. "Sire, you can't be serious!"
"I am!" the King snapped. "I figured that you are the best person for the job. The others are too busy with their own special assignments. You're the only one." He turned to look at him. "Are you up for it?"
Hesitation and fear crept up into Marko's throat. He wanted to say 'no', but couldn't. I made a promise to protect these lands, its animals and leaders. Jabari, I won't let you down… but Nafsi… He shook his head trying to look regal. His dark purple eyes met the King's cool green. "Yes sire," he said simply.
Nafsi smiled. "Good. Your location is up ahead. Some good feet away from where we stand now. Good luck." He turned to leave. "Oh and don't leave any traces, no evidence," he called from behind. He didn't bother to see if the lion understood or no, he kept walking, head held with pride and not a care.
Marko let out a huge breath. He lowered his head, panting and looked ahead at his destination. Here goes nothing. He took a step forward with a different plan in mind.
"I wish I was cub sitting right now," he thought.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Lisha was no longer watching the cubs alone. Lying next to her was the former Queen herself, Neema. The younger lioness was glad. Neema had a presence about her that could make even the most depressed creature instantly bloom with happiness.
"They're cute when they're that young," Lisha said gesturing to the cubs who now rested in the shade of a tree. Seth was in the front, Dinari at his right, Kendra at his left and Kamaria at Dinari's right.
Neema looked and smiled. "Yes they are." Her ears lowered slightly as did her gaze, which fell to the grass. "I hope you don't mind my being here. With my not being Queen, I've found myself suffering boredom." She chuckled at that.
"No, not at all. In fact, I still see you as Queen, the Mother of the Pride. Everyone does," Lisha replied kindly.
The old lioness nuzzled her. "Thank you but Nuru is Queen. She's doing well." Lisha didn't respond and Neema understood.
The two didn't say anything for a while. A soft breeze came along at just the right time. Lisha yawned and took a nap. This gave Neema time to reflect on everything but the time was short lived as a cub rose, walking to her.
"Hi grandma," said Seth with a smile.
Neema stretched then laid, back down. "Seth, you okay?"
"Yeah," the cub answered honestly. "Um, I was wondering…" He pawed at the ground to show his nervousness. Neema waited. She knew how shy he could be, when around her that is. "Could I have a bath?" he asked.
"Come here."
Seth laid, down with his back facing her. Neema began to groom him and he purred happily. When his mother bathed him it was nice but not soothing. It was easier for him to go to Neema for a bath when his mother was busy with the lionesses. The Prince didn't speak for he believed it to be rude. He did everything he was told to do and this surprised Neema. When Nafsi was young, he'd squirm and try to sweet talk his way out of a bath. She was amazed at the mannerism her grandson possessed and knew he wasn't taught. It came naturally.
"Alright you're all done," Neema finally said.
Seth nodded and leapt gracefully from her paws but didn't go back to the others. Instead, he turned around to face her, lying in the grass with his tail curled at his side, his forepaws crossed over. He looked up at her. "Grandma, you know that when my father takes me for walks and educates me, I… I understand what he's saying but in my heart I don't feel it's right."
Neema stared at him confused. "What do you mean Seth?"
"Well, he says that the subjects should fear their leaders, the King mainly. He says that when they disobey it's disrespectful and that they're flawed imperfect."
"What do you think?"
Seth didn't think it over. He didn't need to. "No one is perfect, that's what you taught me. I feel we're all the same though we're different. The spirits created us differently for a reason. If we were all the same, it'd be pretty boring," he added in a chuckle.
Neema laughed softly. For a cub, Seth had an amazing attention span and the intelligence to go with it. "He's just like you Jabari," she said to herself thoughtfully. She looked down, seeing the Prince's eyelids grow heavy. She smiled again and stared ahead; the other cubs still slept.
Seth came by her side and snuggled up next to her. "I love you grandma," he said sleepily.
Neema nuzzled him. "I love you too."
Within a few moments, he was asleep. Neema gently licked his forehead and laid her head down on her paws. The other cubs, seeing their friend next to the former Queen came near. Dinari laid, down beside Seth followed by the female cubs who rested next to him. He didn't mind. Unlike most male cubs, both he and Seth enjoyed their company.
Before closing her eyes, Neema looked to the skies. "I really miss you Jabari," she said softly. "But it seems our grandson is a lot like you. More than any of us could imagine."
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Marko found a cheetah by the waterhole. He sighed while gazing on the animal from his hiding place. It was a female, looking to be pregnant. Not far… but enough that even he, a mere lion, could see.
"I'm sorry Nafsi," he said quietly, "but I'm doing this my way. I will not kill a cheetah just to make the other animals feel better or you!" Marko saw the cheetah still drinking. He came out, stepping on the grass loudly to make his presence known.
The cheetah lifted her head, startled slightly. "I'm sorry sir lion. I will let you come, I'm almost finished." She smiled.
Marko smiled back but his heart pounded. "What is your name?" he asked politely. He wasn't going to treat her like rotten meat.
The cheetah female was flattered by the lion's kindness. "My name is Aneesa. Yours?"
"Marko. I was sent here by the King." He turned away quickly, trying to regain his composure. He would do this but not in the way Nafsi wanted. "And if he kills me, I'm willing to take that risk," his mind told him. He turned back to the cheetah, letting out a breath. "I… He sent me to… It seems the cheetahs are drinking too much at this waterhole and it's making the bigger animals, hippos and elephants, angry. He wants me to correct the issue."
Aneesa stepped back. "What are you going to do?" she asked, fear creeping into her voice. "Cheetahs have lived on this side of the Eastlands for generations. We've always helped your kind, even when more joined."
"I know. I won't be carrying out the order, not directly. I'm sorry, but the only way I can do this, without causing injury…"
Aneesa scoffed. "His majesty probably told you to find some lonesome cheetah, tear him/her to pieces and present the body to our leader. Well doing that will give you a war. If that happened your pride wouldn't survive. We're a proud and noble race."
The lion nodded his head, pawing at the grass nervously. "Yes."
Though she was scared, Aneesa maintained herself No use showing weakness "I am with cubs but I'll fight you if need be."
"No. When I said I wouldn't be following the order directly, I meant that…" Again Marko paused, feeling his body shake. "In order to not hurt you too badly, I can scratch you…" The cheetah gasped. "Just enough to show my King that… his order was carried out."
"It's near butchery," Aneesa muttered and Marko sighed again. She too sighed. "I am the daughter in law of the cheetah leader. I am his son's mate. The cubs within me, one possibly a son, will be the next representative and leader of our clan." She looked up into his eyes, seeing the pain and hurt. "If I go home with your blood on me, I… will tell them, my mate especially, that I ran into a bush while chasing some prey and got scratched by the thorns. I will wash myself in another waterhole to erase your scent, if there is one." She smiled, though in her mind and heart, she was still scared.
The hurt in the lion's eyes and facial expression was clear. He looked as though he was about to fall over. "Okay, do what you have to do," she said at last.
The lion looked up, hearing her words. He hesitantly allowed his front claws to slide out. With heavy steps, he walked to the cheetah. It took a while but he managed. Three scratches on the cheetah's right lower shoulder, one scratch on her left upper shoulder and a few on her sides. He was careful not to scratch too deeply. Blood stained his claws when he was finished.
The cheetah looked on herself, sighing. "It is done," she said softly, wincing a bit. She gave him a small smile and walked back into her territory.
Marko started breathing heavily and ran away from the waterside. He ran for a long time until he saw a large pool of clear water. He ran towards it and splashed around like a mad animal. Dipping his head into it, the tan maned felt water wash over him. It was relief but not enough. He removed his head, shaking it wildly, droplets going everywhere, his mane drenched. His eyes were wide.
Pain…Blood…
A cry for help and more pain…
A blow to the cheek…
Another grunt of pain… a terrible splash…
The sound of rushing water and total blackness…
Marko shook his head, his eyes wild with fear, panic and pain. The memories of his betrayal came flooding back. "I need to see Nabihi now!" he said to himself. He ran out of the water and to the ancient tree of the shamanic keep, the home of the Eastland shamans. While he ran to seek he managed to speak.
"Damn you Nafsi!!"
Tears of hate streamed down his face by the time he reached the shaman's tree five minutes later.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
The rest of the day was eventful yet uneventful. Late afternoon settled into the lands. Marko had yet to return and the lionesses were coming back with the kill.
Nafsi stood on the peak, watching the lionesses with still eyes. "Good, no one was hurt," he said, sighing with relief. He came down from the stone, nuzzling his son who ran up to him, rubbing against his legs. "Seth, did you have fun?"
The brown cub looked up at his father. "Yes dad I did. Mom's back!" He smiled broadly.
"Yes I know. Come, let's eat."
The meat was laid at Nafsi's paws. He sniffed it. Antelope. His favorite. He bit into it. At that signal, the rest of the pride came up taking their own shares.
Ronan took two pieces, one for him and one for Sandra. With her beside him, they departed into the pride's cave and into their chambers. Dinari sat beside Neema, looking at his parents with worry. He saw how tired his mother looked. He wanted to go with them but ruled against it. For a cub, he was mature and kind towards them, his mother especially. He knew of her illness and was always there, helping. He tried his hardest every day not to disobey his parents and succeeded.
Seth turned, seeing his friend. He went up and nudged him gently. Dinari placed a paw around the Prince's shoulder and they embraced. Nafsi saw and narrowed his eyes. Luckily no one noticed. Seth smiled at Dinari and walked to his grandmother. The old lioness leaned down as Seth whispered into her ear. His request shocked her but she smiled nonetheless, quickly glancing up at Nafsi who was eating his meal with Nuru at his side.
"Alright go ahead," Neema said. "Straight there and straight back."
The cub nuzzled her and left. The lionesses watched him go up the ramp with curious eyes. A look from the former Queen did the talking.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
The ramp he walked on took him into the entrance of the pride's keep. Inside the dark cavern he saw another ramp in front that he guessed would take him to the pride's individual chambers. Though their pride was large, this keep was even larger to sustain two prides. He walked the ramp, turning left at the end. He walked passed two chambers and clawed at the floor of the third, the home of Ronan and his family.
A voice was heard… male… "Come in," it said.
Seth carefully poked his head inside. "Uncle Ronan, Aunt Sandra, its Seth. May I come in?"
"Yes Seth," the black maned said with a smile.
The cub approached the couple. "Is everything okay?"
Sandra smiled. "Yes Seth, I'm fine. Just a little tired. Tell Dinari not to worry."
"Alright, I just wanted to be sure." The look in his green eyes spoke the truth of his words. "Well, I'll leave you alone now."
"Seth!" Sandra called and the cub turned. "If you ever need anything come by."
"You're always welcomed," Ronan added with a smile.
The young Prince bowed his head and left the chambers leaving Ronan and Sandra to wonder about the future.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Marko finally made his way up the stone steps, refusing to meet eye contact with anyone. Seth, now at his parents' side, looked up at the tan maned lion worriedly. Rubani and Danso exchanged glances, wondering what was bothering their friend. Marko walked up to the kill and viciously ripped a piece.
The lionesses gasped. Nafsi growled. He was about to rise to scold the guardian but didn't. He watched, almost amused.
The look in Marko's eyes was wild. He went down the steps into the grass and started eating, tearing at the meat. No one said a word. Lisha looked on in shock. She wondered what was wrong. She turned to Neema, who wondered the same. Everyone ate in silence, each with their own thoughts.
The sun had now sunk fully and night was coming. The lionesses took their shares of leftovers and retreated into the den. The royal family retired themselves a few hours later after sharing a star gaze on the stone peak.
In the same spot where the King had probably rested, Marko was lying down, watching the stars. The darkness of the night turned his tanned body almost black. He looked up wondering.
"Jabari, did I do the right thing? I feel terrible. I feel dirty. I have stained innocent blood." He paused, lowering his head, as tears came to his eyes. When he saw the shaman leopardess, she gave him advice and a special sleeping herb. Questions spilled into his mind. He turned his head to the heavens. "Father, are you and mom up there? Do you know I am alive?"
"I'm sure they know even from up there," said a warm, soft voice behind him.
Marko smiled but didn't turn. He knew who it was. A lioness came towards him sitting down. "My lady," he said in respect and with a bowed head. The lioness laughed softly.
"Marko, no need for that. I'm not Queen anymore," Neema replied.
"To me and the pride you still are," the lion said in admission.
Neema turned, her eyes meeting his. "What happened Marko? What you did-"
"I'm sorry for that. Bad day. Please, if… I'd rather not talk."
The former Queen nodded. They were silent for a while.
Marko cocked his head to one side. "I… I've been having flashbacks of my past. My old home, my parents and my…" He barely stopped a snarl. "My brother!"
"I see." She looked away, not knowing what to say. Not wanting to antagonize him further she moved to a different subject. "Are you sleeping in the grass like always?"
He pulled a small smile. "To be honest, I haven't slept at all. The memories haunt me. It started this morning after…" He paused. "… And they haven't stopped. Nabihi gave me some sleeping herbs which I took but I've been afraid to close my eyes." He laughed ruefully. "So much for taking the shaman's advice." As he lowered his gaze, his eyes fell upon his paws. The blood was gone but he looked as though it was still there. A few tears fell from his face.
Neema gently nuzzled the lion, her mate had found so young and so badly hurt. Just as Jabari saw Marko as a son so did she. The other lions she felt the same way. They were her children even though other lionesses in the pride had raised Danso and Ronan. Rubani had his own birth family but still… they were all happy to have other sets of parents even if they were King and Queen.
"You can sleep in the pride's cave. We have many spare chambers," Neema said.
"You sure the pride won't mind?"
"If they do, I'll talk to them." She rose, walking towards the pride's ramp. "Come on." Marko was deeply hesitant but he needed the sleep. He followed her.
Unknown to them, Seth, surrounded by the darkness of the night and of the royal cave's, watched, sighing with relief. The tan maned lion was going to be okay. He went back inside to sleep beside his mother.
The pride's cave was dark but he trusted in his adopted mother's guidance. He followed her as she walked to the left, which led to another ramp. He leaned against the wall for support. At the end of the ramp, she turned to the right and they walked past two chambers. When Neema stopped at the third, Marko looked inside. It was dark but with a sense he knew it was very spacious. He looked at her with a smile.
"Thank you," he said softly, giving a, nuzzle.
"You're welcome son," she replied, giving him a motherly lick on the forehead. She walked past him, going back the way they had come.
Marko walked into the chamber, feeling better but still not enough. He padded the ground and settled himself down, resting his head on his paws.
"Ancestors," he prayed. "Please, let me sleep well tonight. Please." Slowly the sleep he had been hoping for finally came. His eyes grew heavy and at long last, they closed. His body was now relaxed.
The whole of the kingdom was quiet. The animals of the night walked around their territory of the lands, knowing not to disturb the animals that were sleeping. In the royal cave the Queen and her son slept peacefully but the King was nowhere to be seen.
Outside, Rubani slept beside the cave's entrance, closer this time. With him doing that, it could only mean one thing. Nafsi was at the waterhole.
In the silvery color of the moon's light shining down on his brown coat, turning his black mane almost silver, the King drank from the waterhole with a shaking body. He looked all around him just to see if anyone was around. Like many times before, no one was there. He felt his eyes grow heavy, his vision spun, his breathing came in short gasps and his head ached.
Without warning he fell to the grass at the water's edge. He was lying on his left side, facing away from East Rock, which was some ten feet away. His mane fell gently at his face. His legs spread out. His mouth was open and he had a glazed, pale look in his eyes.
Again he saw one thing and felt another. He felt pain all over, starting from his head to his the tip of tail. In his line of vision he saw swirling colors and at last total darkness.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Next time: A Prince learns some family history while some wounds can never be healed…
