Chapter 7: Forbidden Love

At the western border of Kiburi, south of the gorge, Kuchinja stood on a promontory overlooking the river as it wound down from the tropical jungles and plunged into a towering waterfall. Just beyond the falls, the river narrowed, churning through a small gap as it flowed past forested knolls before entering the flats of the savanna.

Perfect for his plan.

Below, his brothers waited, downwind of a grazing herd of rhinoceros...waited for his signal.

Smirking, the gray lion lifted his head and let out an immense roar that startled the horned beasts into a panic. At the same time, the other members of the Wahamiji burst from the grass, roaring in unison.

Though deadly, the rhinoceros were also easily fooled into believing they were surrounded. Seeing the river as their only escape, the massive animals tossed their heads and crashed into the forest. In moments the trees were shaking, their roots ripping free of the soil as the rhinoceros blindly charged anything in their path, including the trunks before them.

Kuchinja leapt down the hillside, single eye trained on the shaking treetops. Finally it happened. The largest rhinoceros, a huge male, slammed his horn into a baobab, and the trunk snapped. As the tree, which grew right beside the bank, toppled into the river, it crashed into several acacias in passing, their limbs entangling, until it pulled them down as well. Broken limbs and shattered trunks fell into the water as smaller trees succumbed to the onslaught of rhinoceros and followed their larger relatives. Soon a crush of broken wood filled the river, blocking the gap and forming a natural dam.

The gray lion reached level ground as the rhinoceros reached the far side of the now growing lake and disappeared into the trees. He smiled cruelly, then paced downstream. On the far side of the dam, water leaked from between cracked trunks, but the river itself was slowly receding. It would take time, of course, but he could see that the surface had already dropped considerably, and he could see the rocky bed.

As Njaa and Vita came up behind him, Kuchinja chuckled. "Let's see them survive without water..."


By the end of the afternoon, the dam had taken its toll. The entire river was dry, with only scattered puddles to attest to its former state. Various animals stood along its banks, stunned by the calamity. Looking at the sere land around them, a pair of giraffes and a cheetah exchanged a desperate look. The waterholes could never sustain them...especially since they too were drying up...

As Mfalme met with the leaders of the herds, Dhahabu stayed in the cool darkness of the den his father had provided for himself and Mahiri, softly nuzzling her. He could hear the raised voices from outside as Mfalme, the elephant matriarch, and the stallion of the largest zebra herd argued.

"Dhahabu...what are we going to do?" Mahiri's voice was faint and her face gaunt. "If the river does not return, the few herds we have left will leave...that much is clear."

Although he secretly knew she was right, Dhahabu shook his head and gave Mahiri a soft lick between her ears. "That won't happen, my love. Something will change...perhaps the rains will come."

"But Dhahabu, the dry season has barely begun."

Her soft voice stopped him. Head hanging in defeat, the young lion sighed. "I know...I don't understand it. The river should not have dried up so soon...and so completely..."

Groaning quietly, Mahiri rolled over on her side so that her belly could rest more comfortably against the cool rock. "Perhaps, then, it is not natural."

Dhahabu stared at her incredulously—and then his eyes narrowed, flashing in anger. "Of course...Kuchinja! But how did he..." He stopped. "It doesn't matter. I have to go find out what he has done, and undo it." He leaned down and licked her all across her muzzle, painting it with a warm kiss. "Will you be all right, my love?"

For a second Mahiri hesitated, then she nodded. "There are many here to guard me...and this must be done, for the good of the pride."

Nuzzling her, Dhahabu nodded in return and then headed out of the cave. Behind him, Mahiri lowered her head to her paws and panted, trying to ignore the rising heat in her face, and the wetness beneath her tail as she felt her muscles begin to clench...


Cresting the last hill before the falls, Tembo gazed into the valley and was stunned. "Dhahabu! You'd better come and see this..."

Dhahabu loped up the hill behind his friend, panting. When he at last arrived beside the elephant, he groaned aloud.

The prince of Kiburi had held a hurried conference with Mfalme telling him of Mahiri's suspicions and his resolution to tear down Kuchinja's scheme. His father had suggested that if Kuchinja had somehow managed to block the river, he would need assistance. So the elephant matriarch had ordered two young bull elephants to join Tembo and Dhahabu as they worked their way upriver, trying to find the source of the problem. But now that they had reached the falls, the problem was painfully obvious.

At the narrows, the river was fully blocked by a crush of downed trees. As the party descended the hill and moved to the shore of the newly-formed lake, it was apparent that a herd of some large animals—rhinoceros, by the scent—had rushed through here, bringing down the trees. And as he checked the ground, Dhahabu could recognize the scents of several of Kuchinja's brothers. He snarled.

"It was the Wahamiji." He lifted his head to the other elephants. "Looks like it was a good thing we brought you along...because your strength will be needed to break through that mess..."


Carrying a haunch of leucoryx, Taraji entered Dhahabu and Mahiri's cave. She knew the lioness needed her sleep, but right now she felt rather helpless. With Mfalme and Dhahabu and Malkia each performing critical roles, the cinnamon lioness felt her lack of importance anew. Bringing food to the pregnant lioness was the only way, albeit small, that she could assist at this juncture.

"Mahiri?" Only silence answered her. Worried, Taraji stepped deeper into the darkness of the cave; it took a moment for her eyes to adjust. When they had done so, she could see Mahiri was indeed there, lying flat on her belly. Taraji froze. Something was wrong. Her position looked too unnatural, her claws were unsheathed and digging into the stone, and the expression on her face was one of intense pain. "Mahiri, what is it?"

"I...Taraji, it's..." A spasm went through her body, and she tightened her jaw, her eyes closed.

As her tail lashed, Taraji glanced in that direction and spied a pool of blood beneath Mahiri's hind legs.

The leucoryx leg fell from her mouth.

"Oh my...Mahiri—the cubs!" At once Taraji turned back and roared out the entrance of the cave. "Father, Mother, come quickly!"


"One, two, three, PUSH!"

At Dhahabu's insistent yell, Tembo and the other elephants braced their heads and tusks against the barrier of deadwood. Shoving their feet against the rocky bottom of the lake, the three flexed massive muscles and pushed.

For a moment the young lion thought nothing would happen, but then a groaning shudder ripped through the trunk of the baobab, followed by an ominous cracking. "Harder! Push harder!" Dhahabu leapt into the water beside them and pushed his own muscled shoulder against one of the smaller trunks.

Straining, the elephants complied as water began to rush past their feet and through the new chinks and breaks in the wood. At last, Tembo gave one last heave and the baobab snapped down the middle. Heartened, the other elephants pushed on either side, and the tree sagged forward. Instantly the dammed-up water roared through the opening, blasting out in a torrent that threatened to sweep the elephants off their feet. Hurriedly they moved aside, joining Dhahabu in forcing more openings between the deadwood.

With a loud crunch the entire dam shuddered and began to collapse. Scrambling to shore, Dhahabu watched with pride as the lake poured through the wood. In seconds, the river's waters broke the last of the trees and crashed into the riverbed. Soon the remnants of the dam were washed downstream as the river rapidly filled its bed and raced eastward.

Tembo and the elephants stood beside him and breathed hard, huge smiles on their faces as the life-giving water of the river was once more restored to the Kiburi Lands.


Weary and water-logged, Dhahabu returned to his den two hours later, climbing the hill from the now-churning river, wishing only for the loving embrace of his mate. He smiled softly to himself. Though they had been not been able to determine how many cubs Mahiri carried, it was clearly at least two by the size of her belly. He shook his head. He still could not believe it. He and Mahiri had shared their love with each other, as their hearts and bodies had desired, but to create new life...it was an unimaginable thought. He could not wait until he could hold his son or daughter...

Finally he stepped into the privacy of the cave. "Mahiri, my love..."

He stopped. The den was empty, and as he moved further in he could tell by the chill in the air that it had been for some time.

Then, as he reached the place where he had left his mate, another scent reached his nostrils...at the same time he saw the dark stain on the rocky floor.

Face pale, he backed away. "No...no, it can't be..."

A soft step came from behind him. "It's not what you think, son."

Turning, Dhahabu found himself facing a concerned Mfalme. "Father, where is she? What's happened to Mahiri?"

Mfalme eyed him for a moment, then grinned. "She is with your mother...in the birthing den."

It took a moment for this to register. "What? She...she is...?"

When he saw the smirk on his father's face, it was as if Dhahabu's heart had grown suddenly larger. "I have to see her..."

Before Mfalme could stop him, the prince was racing from the cave.


Deep within the birthing den, where all lionesses of Kiburi were taken to prevent the scent of blood from attracting scavengers to too many widely separated locations, Mahiri lay prone, claws gouging the floor as another wave of pain washed over her. Beside her, Malkia brushed a concerned paw across her forehead and urged her to drink from the water-filled gourd she had dragged into place, while another lioness helped hold Mahiri down if she struggled too much.

The pain flared again, the agony so strong she almost passed out. There had already been so much blood, and she didn't know how much more she could take. Malkia had given her a bitter herb that controlled the flow so that she did not bleed to death, and another for the pain, but it was not strong enough. And she could not eat more, Malkia said, or it would harm the cubs.

"Mahiri, you must push! I know it hurts, but you have to do it when the spasms come, or you will never birth the cubs," the queen insisted.

As the lioness drank gratefully from the gourd and Malkia wiped the sweat from her brow, there was a commotion at the entrance of the den. "Mahiri! I have to see her!"

The gentle, male voice nearly stopped her heart, and the love it sent thrilling through her veins nearly blocked out the pain. "Dhahabu..."

Hurriedly the queen moved to the entrance as the prince burst inside past the lionesses who had been standing watch. "I'm sorry, son, but you have to leave—this is no place for a male!"

Dhahabu's eyes were wild. "But she is my mate, I must see her!"

Malkia's gaze hardened, but at that moment Mahiri finally found her voice. "No, it's all right, Malkia...let him stay, for a few moments only."

Reluctantly the queen stepped aside, letting Dhahabu run to her. Instantly he was at her side, his rough, warm tongue licking her cheek, her forehead, her ears, her neck. His quivering purr revealed his nervousness, and she could see his eyes bulging as he took in all the blood. But Mahiri gently lifted one paw to his cheek, and then as he leaned down, she rubbed her head against his broad chest. "Dhahabu...it will be all right. Your mother has been wonderful...she will make sure nothing happens to me."

He nodded. "I know that, I don't doubt her skill...but are you sure...?"

The prince broke off as she winced in pain again. "Yes...I'm...sure. Now go. Wait...outside. You can come in...when it's over..."

Tears in his eyes, Dhahabu gave her one last nuzzle and then caressed her neck before turning and disappearing into the waning sunlight outside the cave.

Malkia approached once more. "Now, if you can hold on to your thoughts of Dhahabu, perhaps you can make it through this easier."


Pacing back and forth before the entrance, Dhahabu clenched his jaw, his heart a tangled knot of emotions as he listened intently to Mahiri's cries from within. Something had to be wrong. Malkia had never told him it had been even half this difficult when he and his siblings had been birthed. And all of that blood...it had almost been enough to make him vomit.

As a particularly piercing yowl split the air, he winced and turned away, stomach tense and eyes misted over. It wasn't right. Guilt filled him—he had put her in this condition. Out of love, yes, but also from sheer pleasure and desire. Was that what this pain was, punishment from the Kings, a warning not to indulge the flesh?

But then, as he considered it further, a thought struck him, so shining in its clarity that it felt pure and right. It had to be the nature of the Circle...everything existed in a balance. Pain with pleasure. Life with death. It was a reminder, both of the tenuousness of existence, and therefore its inherent worth. It was a gift from the Kings, to make clear the importance of creation so that there was no way he or Mahiri could take it for granted...

Latching onto that thought, Dhahabu paced back the way he had come, trying to hold on as another cry pierced the oppressive heat. Then, as he lifted his head to the setting sun, Malkia emerged from the cave. Immediately he was at her side. "What is it? What's happened?"

The queen smiled. "Dhahabu, my dear, you have one son."

"That's all?" he blurted out. A sheepish look crossed his face as he realized how greedy and egotistical that sounded.

Malkia chuckled a little. "No, there are two more cubs from what I can tell. The birth is not over, I just thought you'd want to know now that you have an heir, so you can get some sleep." She sighed. "It will be a long night."

Dhahabu nodded weakly as his mother disappeared back into the den. A son! He had a son...

Stunned, he lay down on the warm stone just outside the entrance. As weariness overcame him and tired muscles protested, he placed his head on his forepaws and finally allowed himself to take a breath and relax. It would be fine. His mother was there, one cub had already been birthed, all would be well...

Slowly he fell asleep.


Hours passed, each one seeming more cruel to Mahiri as she struggled to push when the spasms came. Her first two cubs were now both before her, curled up in the curve of her forelegs, their fur warm and fluffy from her careful grooming. But one cub remained, and for some unknown reason he seemed more difficult, as if he were too stubborn to come out. "He's too much like me," she muttered under her breath. "Or he doesn't want to leave his nice warm home."

Looking up, she saw Malkia watching her, eyes filled with love and kindness. What a wonderful lioness she was! These months spent together had been so emotional...her own mother Uzima had died when she was two, and she had always felt an empty hole in her life since then. But now, as Malkia held out a paw and clasped hers, Mahiri's eyes filled with tears. Malkia was a beautiful mother to Dhahabu...and now to her as well.

She gripped the paw tighter as another spasm came, and eventually had to let go for fear of clawing Malkia. Then she felt a change in the pain. Bearing down, she felt movement, and then the other lioness made an exclamation. Turning weakly, Mahiri glanced back...and could at last see the head emerging...


Dhahabu was shivering in the cold dawn light, curled up as much as his massive frame would allow, when he felt a nuzzle against his cheek. Blinking sleepily, he looked up into Malkia's face. "Son, it's over."

He sat up at once and looked around at the breaking of day. "It took all night?"

The queen shook her head. "The birth was over by midnight. But you needed your sleep, so I didn't want to wake you. Besides..." She smiled. "I thought you would want to see your cubs in the light of day."

Dhahabu nodded eagerly at this and rose to his paws. "So I have one son...and...?"

"And another...and another." Malkia laughed aloud at the look of euphoria that crossed Dhahabu's face.

"How is Mahiri?"

"She's fine, come and see." Quickly Dhahabu followed his mother inside. In the back of the den, Mahiri lay, looking wan and bedraggled, but radiant. As he stepped into the shadows, he saw she was on her side, and the three cubs were nursing. Slowly he stopped and gazed downward. He could not stop watching them...his cubs...HIS cubs. Their little paws pushed fiercely against her belly, forcing more warm milk to flow from her teats into their questing mouths. Each had his eyes closed as he suckled.

The muscled lion turned to Mahiri at last, a lump in his throat. "You did well, Mahiri...they're adorable."

As he approached her, she smirked slightly. "You didn't do so bad yourself." She nuzzled him.

Dhahabu sat on his haunches and licked her ears, continuing to stare at the cubs. Finally, after what seemed hours but was only about ten minutes, the cubs quit nursing one by one and turned away, rolling on their pudgy bellies. Mahiri laughed, then reached down and took hold of the nearest cub by his scruff and set him between her forepaws, licking his head. Malkia moved the second, and then Dhahabu worked up his nerve and at last lifted the third and largest cub, who was a rich golden tawny color.

When all the cubs were safe in Mahiri's care, they pressed into her chest fur and began to purr softly. Slowly Dhahabu leaned down and began licking them one by one, inhaling their scents simultaneously. "Have you thought of any names yet, my love?"

Mahiri regarded him with her brilliant green eyes. "Two of them, yes...I felt it best to let you name the heir." She nuzzled the first cub she had picked up, who had a cream pelt exactly like her own, and a small tuft of light brown mane. "This is our thirdborn son, Dhahabu...and since I have made Kiburi my home to stay, I have named him...Makani."

Then Mahiri touched the second cub, and as he rolled over into the light, Dhahabu gasped. The cub perfectly resembled Sulubu...dark brown fur, and a black tuft of mane. A thoughtful expression was on his little muzzle. "He I have named Busara." She looked up and smiled at Dhahabu.

Nodding, the prince lay down beside her and placed his forelegs to mirror hers, so that she could set the last cub, who was the one he had moved and was actually the firstborn, before him. He could see now why he had been so difficult to birth. The cub would clearly be as muscled as his father when he grew up, from his size.

For an eternal time Dhahabu looked down at his son...he could not speak. He could barely breathe. The golden tawny fur seemed to glow softly in the dawn light. A tuft of chestnut brown mane sprouted from his head between large, rounded ears. His precious little nose was a pale pink, and his creamy muzzle was buried in Dhahabu's fur. He could feel his cub's whiskers tickle his leg, and a tear ran down his cheek to splash on the stone beside his son.

He continued to examine the cub, as if to make sure everything was in working order. Four paws, quite large, with velvety pads. A short tail, a sprinkling of spots across his back and shoulders. A rounded belly and fuzzy chest. Everything was perfect, even, he noted wryly, his nether parts. In spite of the time it had taken to birth him, nothing was wrong.

Dhahabu locked gazes with Mahiri for another long moment, silently thanking her for such an intense love that it could result in this miracle he held in his paws. Then he looked back down as he felt a nuzzle. His throat constricted as he saw his son had curled up against his broad chest, a small smile on his face. Tenderly he placed his massive paw against his firstborn cub and cradled him close, relishing the feel of his fur.

Finally he lowered his head until his mane fell down onto his paws, brushing the cub. He licked the cub's ears and whispered. "And you...you my sweet angel, my cub of sunshine and love..." He nuzzled him again, and could feel the warmth of new life in him...could feel his small but strong heartbeat. "You shall be named...Mohatu."


"...and so that's why I haven't been to see you lately, Jahili," Taraji finished. "I've been run ragged, first by those attacks by that sadistic lion Kuchinja, and now by helping to take care of my brother's cubs. And are they ever a pawful!" The lioness chuckled, but then her expression changed as she saw the lion's downcast face. "What's wrong, Jahili?"

Hurriedly he raised his head and tried to smile. "Nothing, Taraji...I was just upset by those attacks. I don't want anything to happen to you or your lands."

This was a half-truth of course, Jahili thought to himself. Much more was wrong in his life. It was now two days since the birth of the cubs, and during that time Kuchinja had constantly hovered around him, asking why Taraji had not come at the appointed time, what she could be doing, if she could suspect the truth, what methods he had used to win her trust.

The young lion had carefully answered as completely as possible, suggesting trouble with the herds in the aftermath of the river blockage, or being called upon to bring food to Mahiri. At the same time he had to wonder himself what had occurred. He had prayed Taraji had not somehow learned his identity.

That fear had faded when she had come at last, and given him that familiar warm smile and nuzzle with which they always greeted one another. But when she had informed him of the reason for her delay, his heart had almost stopped all over again. The moment he had avoided for so long had finally happened. The cubs had been born...knowledge his father would desperately desire, and which, if he did not tell him, he would eventually learn from some other source. How was he to proceed?

There could be no other course...he could not let cubs only days old be harmed by his father...

Blinking, he looked up as he realized Taraji had spoken. "What?"

"I said it must be more than that, you look like your heart was trodden on. And that if you really feel so badly for us, we could always use another lion to help patrol the borders. I'm sure Dhahabu would gladly accept you..."

Jahili's eyes widened and he took a step back before he caught himself and regained control. "No...that would never work. I'm sorry, Taraji, but I am a rogue, and anyway your brother would never approve of me." A hurt look crossed her face, but he rushed on. "As to how I'm feeling...well I must confess, it pains me to hear of such beautiful cubs, and such a loving family, when I have no brothers or sisters, and so little love in my life." This was the absolute truth...simply not all of it.

"Oh, Jahili, I'm sorry...I didn't think of your past." Taraji gently embraced him, purring into his neck. Surprised to say the least, the lion enjoyed it nonetheless...at her warm touch a soft smile crossed his face.

"It's all right...I know you were just excited to be an aunt. From now on, I'll try not to get so depressed about it. I want you to be happy, and I can tell talking about the cubs makes you feel better."

Taraji smiled slightly. "Yes it does...they help me feel young again, and make me dream of the future, the cubs I will one day have myself."

Jahili blinked at this, then blushed. "Um..."

Taraji laughed. "Not anytime soon, Jahili..." She looked up and suddenly seemed to realize the position of the sun. "Oh my goodness...I have to get back to Kiburi."

The lion raised an eyebrow. "Why the rush?"

"I'm needed on the hunting party...there's to be a special ceremony in honor of the cubs' birth and we need to bring down special prey for it. A water buffalo, a giraffe, and several kudu."

"Oh..." Jahili filed that information away as something harmless he could tell his father. "Well then I will see you as soon as you can meet again. I have some new hunting techniques to show you." He grinned. "And I always miss you when you're away..."

The cinnamon lioness smiled. "That's so sweet, Jahili...I miss you too." She caressed his cheek with one paw, then turned back toward Kiburi. "You shall be in my thoughts until I return." Moving to a lope, she was soon far out on the savanna, heading home.

Jahili stared after her for long minutes...how he wished he could be in her world, her lands...that he could share in the love of her family, and provide her the happiness she desired. But that was a distant dream, especially as long as he remained living this lie, loving her yet knowing they could never be while Kuchinja's schemes festered and grew...

Sighing, the lion turned back toward the Majonzi, once more sifting through what he had learned, hoping he would not make a slip and reveal too much. No matter what the cost, he must not lose Taraji.


Kuchinja narrowed his single eye as Jahili bowed his head in submission before him. He still did not fully trust his son—he made all the right motions, said all the right words, but his father could sense his heart was not in it, not completely. Yet, as long as Jahili produced results, he had no reason to fault him...for now.

The tone when he spoke was brusque. "Report."

Jahili lifted his head. "The wildebeest herd has still not recovered. But your scheme to block the river was foiled...Dhahabu discovered the dam and broke through using elephants."

"Elephants...of course..." Kuchinja let a note of grudging respect enter his voice. "I hadn't counted on that...I give him credit for his ingenuity." He paused meaningfully. "And what of the cubs?"

There was a second of hesitation, and then Jahili shook his head. "They haven't been birthed yet, but Taraji thinks it will be soon."

Suspicion rose anew in Kuchinja, but he hid it well. "Surely you have more to report to me than that."

"I have learned some of Mahiri's history." The young lion raised an eyebrow. "She is the daughter of King Adhimu of the Kusini Pride."

Kuchinja's eye widened. "Kusini...a powerful pride. If Mfalme calls on Adhimu for aid..."

Jahili frowned. "If you intended to exert influence through Mahiri's pride, that is clearly impossible now."

"What I intend is not your concern...leave the planning to me." The gray lion's gaze burned into him. When Jahili shuffled his paws in the dust of the Majonzi and at last looked away, Kuchinja smirked slightly. "Now, is there anything else—however trivial? Anything could be important."

The mahogany lion shrugged. "Just news of another hunt. Water buffalo, giraffe, and kudu. Rather an odd assortment, I thought, but..."

Kuchinja had tuned him out. Breath caught in his throat, his mind raced. He had only known of that combination of prey being hunted in Kiburi once before...when Mwoga and her mate and sister had spied on the birth of Dhahabu and his siblings. It was a special choice, reserved only for the celebration feast in honor of the heir's birth...

Suddenly he realized Jahili had fallen silent and was staring at him, a strange look on his face—nervousness, discomfort, fear. "Is something wrong, Father?"

The gray lion pursed his lips thoughtfully. Either Jahili did not know of the cubs' birth, or the significance of this information...or he was lying. And he would find out which it was. "No, nothing at all...merely contemplating our next move." He turned toward the oasis behind him and chuffed.

Soon his brothers approached. Njaa gave him a questioning look. "Some new development, Kuchinja?"

"Yes, Njaa...Jahili has informed me there will soon be a hunt in Kiburi, but we were not invited." He pouted falsely. "Let us remedy that..."

After a quick explanation, Kuchinja insisted Jahili wait for them in the oasis, it would not do for anyone to see him in their midst. Jahili quickly agreed and padded off, thoughtful and worried. As soon as he was gone, Kuchinja smiled cruelly at Njaa. "Now, to implement my plan...in full."

"What do you mean?" The golden tawny lion took a step back.

"Oh, you and Tauni and Ushindi will still disrupt the hunt, to distract Mfalme and Dhahabu." The gray lion smirked. "But Kufa and Vita and I have a different target in mind...one much more defenseless..."


A soft mew echoed in the den, and Mahiri smiled in spite of her concern, opening her eyes to gaze down at Mohatu, who was pawing at her side. "And what do you want, little one?"

Mohatu mewed again.

"Oh really? Well I'll have to see about that..." Mahiri nuzzled the cub and then gently licked his ears, producing a small giggle. She smiled, the warmth in her gaze belying her discomfort. It had been hours since Dhahabu had come to her with the news that the Wahamiji were once again terrorizing the herds, this time the ones needed for the feast. Hours ago, he and Mfalme had gone to chase them off. And the more time passed, the greater her fear.

For a brief instant she regretted her decision to come to Kiburi. But then horror filled her being—how could she have thought such a thing? She loved Dhahabu, and now her cubs, with all her heart!

"Oh, Mohatu...I love you so much, and I thank the Kings for you, and your brothers." The cub's paws slipped out from under him and he fell forward against her chest. Smiling, she lifted her eyes to Busara and Makani, curled up against her belly. "I'm just so afraid...Father said I would have happiness with Dhahabu, but he didn't count on this intense danger."

A tear came to her eye. "I don't know how to protect you...but I will. Nothing will stand between us. Kiburi is my home now, too...I know you don't understand, so just feel my love and know I will always be with you."

Mahiri pulled Mohatu close as he mewed again and caressed him.

"How touching."

Inhaling sharply, the lioness brought her head up at the deep, threatening voice. Three dark forms blocked the cave entrance, the largest massive and gray with a burning hatred in his lone eye. "No...it can't be..."

Kuchinja grinned. "Oh but it is." He chuckled and eyed Mohatu's cowering form suggestively. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your son?"

Mahiri snarled. "How dare you!" She rose to her paws and placed herself in front of her cubs. "You will never touch any of my sons!"

The gray lion sneered. "Don't be too sure, Mahiri. And I will dare whatever it takes to reclaim my lands."

She met his gaze coldly. "But they are not yours. After what your father did as king, your family does not deserve to rule—"

A powerful blow cut her off. Mahiri cried out, holding a paw to the rising welt and bloody claw marks on her cheek. Kuchinja glared at her, shuddering with rage. "You know not what you say...my father ruled with an iron paw, but that was the only way to maintain control."

"You know nothing of kingship," the cream lioness snapped. "My father Adhimu has no need for cruelty and violence—he rules by respect and love, not fear and hatred."

"Ah yes...Adhimu. Another fool like Mfalme." Kuchinja smiled slyly as Mahiri bristled. "You belong with him you know...this is not your fight. I can grant you safe passage home, with your cubs, if you agree to abandon Dhahabu now. I am generous with those who do not defy me."

Mahiri stared at him incredulously. How could he think she would... "No! I will never leave Dhahabu. This is indeed my fight now. My father is Mfalme's friend, and I love Dhahabu deeply." She pressed her mouth together in disgust. "But then you wouldn't understand that, since you don't know what love is, do you?"

Kuchinja rolled his eye and began circling the rocky hollow, forcing the lioness to constantly shift in order to keep herself between him and the cubs. "Love...that's all anyone can ever talk about, isn't it? It's highly overrated...and frankly, enough to make my flesh crawl."

The cream lioness's mouth parted in disbelief at the utter lack of emotion in his voice, the flippant delivery of such cruel words. For a moment her rancor faded and she peered into his eye with sincerity. "You really don't understand love..."

Kuchinja stepped back a pace, caught with his guard down. But then the sarcasm returned. "Save your pity, lioness. Power is all I need...and vengeance."

"Then your life will be as empty as your heart. Eventually you will have no one, you will realize you have driven away or ignored everything and everyone that could have spared you pain and suffering." She nodded emphatically. "I only hope I am there to see it."

Stunned, Kuchinja could only step close, dwarfing her, trying to intimidate her as his muscles quivered with tension. "You may not be...for now you have thrown your lot in with Kiburi, and your fate is sealed."

Mahiri lifted her head defiantly. "Yes it is...it is forever tied to Dhahabu. And of that I am proud. But you, too, have set your own course."

"I would have it no other way." He clenched his jaw.

"Then you will die."

Unable to contain his growing anger longer, Kuchinja roared in outrage and slammed his paw into her shoulder, sending her hurtling into the wall of the cave. Stars appeared before her eyes, and she could feel thick blood flowing down her head. Dimly she could hear the lion's voice lash out. "You should pay attention to the here and now—it is not my life in danger!"

Moaning, Mahiri leaned against the wall and struggled shakily to her paws. "Maybe...so. But it is not...my soul...that is in danger..."

"If you mean the Great Kings," Kuchinja snarled with contempt, "I care little for them, they abandoned me long ago. I choose my own fate."

Before she could manage to force another retort out, the lion was at her side, grabbing hold of her scruff with one paw. "And now I choose yours as well..."

Already weak from the birthing, she could not resist as he flung her to the ground once more. Slowly darkness began to sweep over her. But as she looked up, she saw something that galvanized her strength and desperation.

Kuchinja stood over the shivering forms of Busara and Makani...and Mohatu hung from his jaws.

She tried to crawl in his direction, finally making it to her paws. But as she flung herself at him, Kufa leapt at her and knocked her aside. Lying pinned beneath the lion, she began to weep. "Please...don't take my cubs! Please..."

Vita spoke for his brother, whose mouth was full. "He will not be harmed...as long as Dhahabu complies with our demands."

Suddenly Kuchinja cried out in pain. To Mahiri's shock, Mohatu was growling, swiping at him with his tiny claws unsheathed, and he was landing blows on the lion's sensitive muzzle. As she watched, the cub kicked at the air for a few seconds before his claws scraped along the lion's throat. Instinctively Kuchinja cried out—and Mohatu dropped to the cave floor. Scrambling madly, he was soon beside his brothers, pressed back against the wall and snarling.

Even as pride filled her heart, Kuchinja chuckled. "A feisty one...I will enjoy beating the defiance and will to fight out of him."

Mahiri's hope died, and her head sank to the floor. Kuchinja noticed and nodded. "At last you understand. There is no one to help you now."

"I wouldn't count on that!"

At once all the lions turned as all the light was blocked from the cave. Tembo stood in the entrance, eyes blazing and tusks upraised so that they glinted in the light. Mahiri, looking up and sobbing in grateful relief, was pleased to see genuine fear on Kuchinja's face.

"You have two minutes to vacate this cave, and the lands of Kiburi, before I rip open your underbellies and spill your bowels out on the stone. Or would you like to see what your prey looks like after you've eaten it?" Tembo grinned savagely and raised his tusks.

Kuchinja managed a snarl, but one look at the razor-sharp edges of Tembo's tusks was enough to make him back down. Together the lions pressed their bellies against the stone as they slipped past the elephant. Kufa and Vita continued to shiver in fear, but Kuchinja's expression suggested boiling rage held in check only by common sense. As he passed Tembo, the elephant gave him a superior look. "I should just break your back right now...but Mahiri needs healing and I can't take time out for recreation."

With one last growl, Kuchinja made it past Tembo and rose to his full height. "Mark my words, tusked one, I shall return!"

Tembo tossed his head. "I'm sure you will...and I will be waiting for you. Now get out of my sight, you sicken me!"

With extreme reluctance, Kuchinja and his brothers at last fled the vicinity of the dens, heading westward.

As the elephant ducked down and moved his head into the den, Mahiri stumbled to her cubs and began bathing them endlessly, to their annoyance. Now that the threat was gone the cubs had forgotten it, rolling and crawling across the stone. Tembo smiled, watching Mohatu move to his mother's side and head-butt her, clearly demanding milk. Groaning in pain, Mahiri lay down and obliged. As Mohatu greedily drank, the lioness looked up at Tembo in gratitude. "Thank you, Tembo...I am in your debt."

Tembo shook his head, ears flapping. "No, Mahiri...you are the mate of my dear friend, and also the future queen of this pride. I would give my life for you, or your cubs, without a second thought." He bowed his head to the cave floor.

Mahiri smiled as the dignity of the moment was broken by Busara, who happened to be next to Tembo's draped trunk and was now attacking it as best he could, tiny claws scratching at the rough gray flesh. The elephant laughed delightedly.

After watching Busara for some time, he looked back to Mahiri. "I will stay here with you until Dhahabu returns and you can receive healing."

"That's not necessary. The dizziness has already passed, and my wounds are not that serious." Mahiri tried not to show the pain on her face.

"I insist." Tembo eyed her meaningfully. "It may be more serious than you think."

Finally Mahiri consented and then lowered her head to her cubs once more.

It was only ten minutes later that Dhahabu returned. He was confused by Tembo's presence, but his emotions soon changed to anger and worry. "Tembo, what happened?" He rushed to Mahiri's side, quickly nuzzling each cub to make sure it was safe. Mohatu swiped playfully at his muzzle while lying on his back, but Dhahabu was soon embracing Mahiri, licking her wounds with profound gentleness.

"Who do you think happened?" Tembo muttered. "Kuchinja."

The prince seemed to grow in size, his muscles swelling with wrath and an instinctive desire to kill. "He will pay...I will see him suffer for this." He gazed down at Mohatu and finally gained control, his expression softening. "And my son will receive the feast he deserves. I will guard him with my life...Kuchinja will never take him from us."

Scooping the cubs close, Dhahabu continued embracing Mahiri, his mane sliding soothingly across her shoulder and neck.


Dhahabu was true to his word. With the Wahamiji driven off once more, the prey was brought down, and the feast went off without a hitch. Mahiri, treated by the pride's leopard healer, was given a place of honor, and all the lionesses of the pride showered affection upon the little cubs, who seemed rather confused by all the strange faces and voices.

Their eyes, which had begun to open during the confrontation with Kuchinja, were now wide as they stared at all the animals who had come to see them, particularly the elephants. Tembo was the first to point out that Busara, who seemed to have taken a fascination with his trunk, had gray eyes like his father.

After this no one could refrain from commenting on the cubs' large eyes. Makani, it was revealed, had blue eyes like his aunt Taraji, and Mohatu had the shining golden brown eyes of his uncle Malachi. All three were full of mischief...but as Dhahabu watched them play with each other, he began to have an inkling of their personalities.

The youngest, Makani, was quite shy, hanging back from the others quite often. Busara was much more outgoing, but at the same time Dhahabu caught him staring thoughtfully off into space every now and then... "He will be a dreamer," he murmured to Mahiri, prompting a smile.

Mohatu was the most mischievous of all. Although he could not get around well yet, it was not for want of trying. Full of spirit and energy, the oldest cub was rambunctious, frequently chewing on his father's forepaws and tail, though luckily he did not yet have his sharp cub teeth.

Dhahabu kept a close eye on him, never letting him out of his sight, and thus he was able to witness many of his early successes—his first steps, his first pounce, his first growl. The prince was very protective of his sons, but at the same time he knew he had to let them have their freedom. And, he noted wryly, Mohatu was very much like he had been as a cub...

The weeks passed quickly after that, and it seemed like the cubs were growing and changing every hour. By the second week they had learned to speak, and it made his heart swell to hear their innocent voices and laughter. After about a month, Dhahabu was able to turn over the border watch to Mfalme and Taraji, leaving him free to focus on his sons. He always made sure to spend time with Makani and Busara, taking them on outings to suit their interests.

For Busara this meant frequent visits to the elephant herd, for he had a fascination about the great gray beasts and pestered Dhahabu with endless questions about them, some of which he had to appeal to Tembo to for the answers. Makani, as quiet as he was, preferred simple talks upon hilltops, watching the clouds roll across the sky. Like his brother, he often surprised his father with his curiosity and his insights into life. In particular Makani sensed early on the connections between all the animals, and their roles.

Mohatu, however, was something of a challenge to Dhahabu. He too was highly intelligent, but he seemed content not to make use of it. Instead he engaged in endless play, and while Dhahabu knew this was crucial to his development, he also worried that Mohatu would not learn what he needed to know to make him a good king.

And so, one day three months after their birth, Dhahabu made the resolution to awaken Mohatu's sense of responsibility. He spent a blissful day in play with all the cubs, letting them attack his muscled chest and belly as he lay on his back in the grass, and he returned the favor by chasing them across the savanna and rubbing their heads as he pulled them close. Then, as the sun was setting, he finally rested on a large rock and watched Mohatu pounce on Busara, pinning him to the ground and laughing while Makani sat nearby, a small smile on his face.

"Ha! Got ya!" Mohatu stuck his tongue out at his brother and struck a superior pose.

"That's what you think..." Catching him off guard, Busara shoved the golden tawny cub away and rolled with him across the ground.

"Who said you could do that?" Mohatu demanded as Busara pinned him in turn. "I'm the heir!"

The dark brown cub scowled. "Oh yeah, Mr. High and Mighty, you're so special!" He snorted. "As if you did anything to earn it..."

Snarling, Mohatu swiped his brother, knocking him away. Busara got to his paws and glared at him, but at that moment Dhahabu stepped in. "Hold on, don't let your temper get the better of you, Busara...like Mohatu did." The prince gave Mohatu a severe look, and was rewarded by a contrite expression.

"But, Dad, he—"

"Nevermind what he did. I'll talk to him, all right?"

Busara nodded reluctantly.

"Now you go play with Makani, I'll be here if you need me." Dhahabu watched his two youngest cubs scamper off, then turned to Mohatu with a sigh. "Mohatu, what do you think you were doing?"

"Dad, he made fun of me! What's the word...he mocked me, said I wasn't good enough to be the next king!" The cub's jaw was set, and his eyes blazed with anger.

Dhahabu shook his head. "That's not what I heard. Busara didn't need to be bitter, that's true, and I'll talk to him about that. But you...Mohatu, you were suggesting you were better than him because you're the heir."

"Well aren't I?" the golden tawny cub demanded.

The prince was stunned by the question, then realized it was asked in complete innocence...Mohatu really didn't know the truth. He sat down slowly. "Son, no lion is better than another. I thought I taught you that."

Mohatu cocked his head, flicking an ear. "Yeah...but you always spend more time with me than you do with Busara or Makani."

Dhahabu sighed. "That's because you're the heir, but that doesn't make you better than them." When the cub looked confused, he gently lifted his chin and gazed into his eyes. "Mohatu, the reason I have to spend more time with you is because it is so important you know what you need to do in order to be a good king...Busara is right, you do have to earn the right to rule. It takes a long time to learn what it takes to do that. I haven't even learned it completely yet."

Mohatu frowned and placed an oversized paw on Dhahabu's own. "But Dad, you're a great lion, you know everything!"

Dhahabu chuckled. "I wish that were so. But it's not. Mohatu, you have to realize everyone is always learning in this life. The Circle is always shifting, and change is inevitable. It affects everyone, every animal."

The cub made a face. "Well who cares about them...lions are better anyway."

Dhahabu blinked. "Who told you that?"

"No one." Mohatu shrugged. "I figured it out myself from watching the herds. They all bow to you and Grandpa, so they can't be worth much compared to us."

Dhahabu groaned and put his face in one paw.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

The prince looked at him pointedly. "Son, you couldn't be more wrong. Do you want to know why the herds really bow to us?"

Mohatu nodded.

"It's because they respect us. They know we have the power and strength to hunt and kill them. But they serve us at their own discretion, if they all joined together they could destroy us without a second thought!" The cub's jaw dropped open. Heartened, Dhahabu continued.

"But they don't do that because they see it as an honor to be our prey. When we hunt them, they will always run because they wish to protect their lives and that of their offspring, but they know it is a part of the Circle that some must die so that others may live.

"And that is why we in turn must respect them, and know we are not superior to them. We may have the hunting skill, but if not for them we would starve. They know we have the intelligence and strength of heart to rule the lands with fairness and make sure all get enough to eat, but we must always keep in mind that the animals we hunt play a critical role."

His voice softened. "Each animal must be loved and honored for what it can do. The ant...so small, yet able to carry a tremendous weight. The eagle, soaring on the currents of the air, where we can never reach. The baboon, with his flexible hands that can do so much more than our paws..."

Mohatu's eyes were wide with the dawning of knowledge. Clearly he had never considered the other animals in this light. "What about the hyenas?"

Dhahabu swallowed and took a deep breath. "Well...I know that we always chase them out of our lands, but that is for a very good reason. Hyenas are scavengers, and if we let them roam at will, they would deprive us of our prey. But at the same time, they are necessary. If not for the hyenas, the savannas would become overwhelmed by the bodies of the dead."

The cub curled up his lip. "They eat rotten meat?"

Dhahabu nodded. "That's why they have such a strong smell. But that is no reason to dislike them. As I said...every animal is important."

Mohatu was silent, staring off as he turned all he had heard over in his mind. Above, the sky had darkened to an intense blue, and the stars sparkled in thick patches and isolated points.

"You see, son...that's just a small part of the responsibility of being a king." He caressed Mohatu's head with his massive paw. "A king is no better than any other...and in fact what is asked of us can often be almost too much to handle. But we must always remember, others are counting on us." He stared up at the stars. "The Great Kings count on us too...just as they had the same responsibility when they ruled."

The cub raised an eyebrow. "The Great Kings?"

Dhahabu smiled. "Yes, son...every star you see is a king, they are all the kings who reigned before us."

Mohatu looked confused. "But I thought Grandpa was the first Lion King."

"He is...but there have been other kings, in other prides and other lands in Africa."

"Oh." The cub watched the stars twinkling brightly, and then sighed. "Looks like I have a long way to go before I can be as wise or good as you and Grandpa."

Dhahabu leaned close and nuzzled his son. "No, not at all...you see, you know there is a problem. And you are learning already." He purred in Mohatu's ear.

"But Dad, I just wanna play..." The cub frowned. "I wouldn't make a good king."

The prince sighed. "There is nothing wrong with having fun! I loved to play myself when I was your age."

"You did?" Mohatu's voice was incredulous.

Dhahabu laughed. "Yeah, your boring father used to do nothing but pounce all day."

The golden tawny cub blushed. "I didn't mean it like that, Dad...I just can't see you as small as me."

"Well, it's true. And see how well I turned out? A balance can be struck between having fun and learning. I know you will succeed. And one day you too will have a star." Dhahabu licked his son's ear, his voice filled with love. "I can see the goodness in your heart...your star will shine the brightest of all."

Mohatu, who had been grimacing at the lick, looked away, embarrassed. "Maybe. But that doesn't matter." He jutted his chin out. "I just wanna be a great king here in Kiburi...I wanna make things better for everyone, so they don't have to worry about mean lions like Kuchinja." He sighed. "And I wanna find some way to repay all the animals for respecting us. I don't know how, but I'm gonna make it up to them."

Tears in his eyes, Dhahabu embraced his son. "That is a powerful promise to make...but if anyone can keep it, it's you, Mo." He smiled as he purposely used his personal nickname for the cub.

Mohatu was crying too as he hugged his father's leg. "Thanks Dad..."

Together father and son sat beneath the stars as night enveloped the land, and the stars shone with crystalline light. The valley below lay in shadow, but it was a friendly darkness, warm and welcoming. And in the blackness, small streams shivered in the starlight, winking between the trees. Gazing up, Dhahabu regarded the stars, and noticed with surprise that one of them had grown considerably brighter, and it seemed to be shining in their direction.

A look of peace crossed his face. He did not know if it were Sulubu, but whichever king or lion it was, he could feel approval radiating out...assurance that even amongst the terror of the Wahamiji, the future had been secured, and he was following the right path.


Hunkered down in the shade of an acacia, Ukware gazed with narrowed eyes at the forms of Taraji and Jahili seated on their haunches several feet away, and upwind. It was difficult to stay awake and to keep his attention on the pair, but Kuchinja's orders had been firm. It was now four months since the aborted attempt to spirit away the days old cub Mohatu, and ever since then the gray lion had lain low, biding his time to avoid that menace of an elephant, Tembo, instead counting on Jahili to provide the information he would need.

But the young lion had not been forthcoming. He continued to meet with Taraji of course, but he had given little that would aid their cause. So Kuchinja had directed the hyena to follow his son and spy on him, to learn his methods and see if they could be improved. And also to see if he was telling the truth. It had never been determined whether Jahili had lied about the cubs' birth, or simply had not been told by Taraji. But now, Ukware would find out...

The hyena's mind wandered as the heat of the day beat down on him through the acacia leaves. For a moment he turned over the thought of leaving Kuchinja's employ...not because he was disloyal, but because he was beginning to think their alliance was doomed to failure. Every one of the lion's schemes had failed, except the death of Sulubu...and that had cost the lives of Mjinga and Mwizi.

Ukware shook his head. That had been the fault of Mfalme, and that blasted Tembo. He could not blame Kuchinja. And besides...Mwoga still served him, she believed he was the key to their revenge. And to more...

Memories replayed, his mother's whispered words of the glorious days when Giza still lived, when she and his father and aunt had followed the dark tyrant and had received the respect and power they deserved. "That's how it was, and should be, and will be again," she had insisted. "Hyenas are more than just scavengers, and Giza knew it. Kuchinja knows it. One day the whole blasted savanna will know it..."

Smirking, Ukware nodded to himself. His mother was right. And he would do whatever was needed to secure that future...that he swore in his father's name.

Hearing Taraji's voice rising on the wind, he cocked his head, and listened...


The lioness raised her head, frowning. "I'm sorry, Jahili...but ever since Mohatu was almost taken by Kuchinja, Dhahabu has insisted I stay close to home more often. For my safety, and for the cubs' safety as well. And he does not want me to speak of the cubs anymore. I...probably should not even have told you they were born..."

Jahili's own expression was one of guilt and shame. He did not know how, but something he had told his father had led to that aborted raid on Mahiri's den. If something had happened to her or the cubs, he would never have forgiven himself. "I understand, Taraji. And I agree...perhaps it is best if we not see each other for a while. I would never want to place your pride in danger."

Taraji inhaled and quickly took a step back. "No, no! You misunderstand me...I'm not saying we should stop seeing each other...I don't know if I could live with that!" She paused. "We just have to be more careful, that's all."

The mahogany lion eyed her. She was more right than she knew...great care had to be taken, or all would be lost. "All right...but how do you want to proceed then? I know you can't talk to me about your pride anymore, because your brother wouldn't trust me if he knew of me...so what is left for us?"

The cinnamon lioness closed her eyes in thought. "I don't know...all I know is, we belong together."

Jahili locked gazes with her as she opened her eyes. "I feel the same...is it for the reason I think it is?"

Slowly Taraji stepped close to him and sat on her haunches. "If you mean, do I love you...the answer is yes."

Jahili swallowed hard. "And I love you as well, Taraji." He lowered his muzzle to hers, unable to resist the growing attraction, and kissed her passionately.

Neither lion noticed the soft hiss from the shadows...or the dark gray form that retreated through the grass until it was beyond detection, then turned and vanished into the savanna, racing toward the north...and the Majonzi.


Breathing hard, Jahili stepped back. "My love, you should go back now, before things become more...personal...than they already have. Your brother will be missing you as it is." All of this was true, but the lion's thoughts were racing along other pathways. The love had grown and been professed...he didn't care if it was forbidden, there was no way he could hurt her now. But there was one more thing he must do before he could decide on his future course.

Taraji sighed. "You're right...I just don't want to leave you, I fear something terrible will happen if I do."

The lion nuzzled her tenderly. "No...I won't let it. Head home. We will meet again in five days, all right?"

Reluctantly the lioness nodded. "I will miss you, Jahili...the days won't go by fast enough."

Jahili watched as she turned away in sorrow and departed for the Kiburi Lands. Then, when she had passed out of sight, he turned back toward his homelands. It was time to face Kuchinja, to tell him that he could no longer do this. He cared for him, but could not ruin others' lives to gain his love and trust. And now that he had Taraji, he didn't need him anymore...

Yet as he loped onward, he could not help but feel a heaviness in his heart—for the family he had lost, and was about to lose. For he feared this decision would forever sever him from the uncle he loved dearly...Kuchinja would never let him remain on good terms with Njaa...

Tears filled his eyes. "Once again, I am an outcast..."


(A/N: Obviously I had to introduce Dhahabu's cubs, but they aren't going to play a large role in the story so don't worry too much about remembering their names. Except Mohatu, whom many of you will know from the book The Brightest Star—I was in fact setting up for that here; more on him later. Anyway, not much else to say here, hope you all enjoyed getting to see both Mahiri and Tembo being badass. And of course things are building up toward some revelations and unfortunate developments. The next chapter will be rather dark. R/R!)