Empty Cradle

Chapter 10

By Leanna

The council meeting with the elders was going smoothly, even though many of the Thunderian residents lived in the new city, a lot of the clans still lived on the outskirts on their own lands, each of the clan elders was given the opportunity to speak, and each gave a short report on their clan and voiced concerns that they may of had, Oden of the tiger clan was concerned about the water supply that was located near one of the tiger clans villages on the out skirts of the city. Lion-O insured him that he would send someone out by the end of the week to take a look and work with the clan to fix any problems they may have.

Oden the panther clan elder reported that his clan had a good year's crop and many of the young men were off to train for the thunderguards, the panther clan was one of the many warrior clans, their strength and agility along with the many young men from the tiger, lion and cheetah clans lent a great force to the thunderguards.

The puma clan had some of their members as thunderguards, but mostly they were healers and famers and a handful of scientist, they along with the smaller cat clans were the backbone of the planet called New Thundera, without them the natural order would fall apart. Each clan held a special place as in the old days and would continue to do so for future generations

Once each of the clan elders had their turn to speak,, Meka stood," Gentlemen, as you know I am retiring as elder of the lion clan," He said looking to each clan elder, "In my place shall be Lord Lemex" Meka replied gesturing to the new lion clan elder to stand."Lemex has been beside me as well as a trust friend for many years, I can assure you that he transition will be a smooth one, he will uphold the laws of your clans as well as bring in fresh new ideas"

As Meka sat down the group of elders stood and clapped welcoming the new appointed Elder of the lion clan, "thank you my dear friends," Lemex said with a slight bow of his head," But we have more pressing matters to attend then my welcome, "Lemex replied then turned to the Thunderian king, "it has come to the attention of my fellow elders that the king has been wed for a few years now and has yet to provide the people of Thundera with a heir"

Lion-o's claws dug deep into the wooden podium "here we go," he thought trying to keep his temper under control.

The group of elders started speaking among them selves, before they could address him Lion-O spoke up, "gentlemen," he said in a loud clear voice, his tone calm, his emotions masked, "I understand your concerns for the future king of Thundera, but to be honest, all this pressure is putting a great strain on me and my wife"

Leanna came up behind her king and placed her hand on his shoulder, "Lion-O, what are you doing?" she whispered in his ear. He turned his head and looked at her and just smiled, then turned back to the council of elders.

"So i ask you gentlemen for the sake of my wife, to stop" Lion-O finished.

"This is what happens in a mixed clan marriage," Meka commented then stared directly at Leanna.

"You have something to say to me?" Leanna growled, "Then say it outright, other wise watch what you say".

"It's because of you that our king got it in his head to marry outside his clan," Meka spat.

"What?" Leanna asked shocked.

"you heard me, you are a disgrace to your clan, you and those mongrels you bore, the only reason that lord Panthro wed you was because you got yourself pregnant" Meka snarled.

"Now that's quite enough" Lion-O replied angrily, the tone of his voice was a command "i will not allow you to speak to her like that, our personal lives quite frankly are none of your business"

"It is our business when it concerns the future of our people," Meka shot back.

"You're lucky Lord Panthro isn't here," Leanna said, "He would rip out your heart and stuff it down your throat you, cantankerous blowhard"

"I told you that woman is a menace" Meka smirked and straightened his dark grey robe.

"Can I kick his sorry ass now?" Leanna asked looking up at Lion-O.

Lion-O placed his hand gently on her arm and shook his head, "not worth it Lea...gentlemen this meeting is over...Lemex i apologize for this outburst, come to the lair tomorrow and we will sit down and talk"

Meka went to speak but the king put up his hand, "one more word from you and i will have you arrested"

With that Lion-O and Leanna left, the whole way home the lioness never spoke, not so much as one word passed her lips, Lion-O tried to apologize, but all she would do was stare out the window of the transport car and this worried him, he had never for as long as he had know Leanna to be quiet. The transport car pulled into the hanger, the two got out without a word. They were greeted by Panthro, "well you came back in one piece I see," the panther joked.

Lion-O rolled his eyes, "that was the worse meeting I've ever had the displeasure of being at," he said with a sigh.

"That bad huh?" Panthro asked and looked at his mate," Lea?" he could sense something was wrong. He was taken back when she walked over to him , wrapped her arms around his waist, buried her face in his chest and wept. Panthro looked at Lion-O confused, "what happened?" he asked holding his wife.

Lion-O scowled "Meka. That's what happened"

"What did that old blowhard do now?" Panthro asked.

"Said some pretty nasty things that upset Leanna"

"What did that old bastard say?" Panthro growled, he knew if it upset his wife this badly it was something bad.

"I would rather not repeat it because I don't want you going off half cocked and killing him," Lion-O answered.

"Is this all because you and Tara haven't had a child?" Panthro questions

"Yes...That's what it all boils down too, and until we have a child this will not stop"

"Alright," Panthro nodded, "then that's what we have to do"

Leanna raised her head, "Panthro?"

"You heard me, if giving Lion-O the heir he needs, will shut those old bastards up, then that's what we will do" The panther nodded.