Chapter 21: Lioness Brunwella
Brunwella followed the lioness with the cub. She had no idea who the lion was, or what her name was. All she knew was that she was a friend.
Brunwella was led into a small forest that felt cool on her hot pelt. Ooh this feels good. Lying out in the sun all day really makes you burn up. She was led to a small clearing with a small cave to the left.
" What is this place?" Brunwella asked. " Why have you brought me here?"
The lioness put down her cub and stated. " This is where I live. I only came here yesterday but life has been swell. I was a walking pile of bones before I came here. Now I'm well cared for and I've regained some of my energy."
Well cared for? There are others? Brunwella scanned the brush for other lions but she couldn't see anyone. She didn't want to try and smell anyone, for fear of only smelling her blood again.
Instead she turned her head to the right look at the lioness, but she was gone. Brunwella yowled in surprise. The lioness had traveled with Brunwella by her right side so that she could see her, but now the lioness was missing. Where'd she go? I know I didn't imagine her. She has to be real.
" Are you looking for me?" The lioness's voice came from the left. " I'm sorry." The lioness apologized. " I had to put Mordo to sleep in the cave. He gets cranky when he doesn't have his nap. By the way, I'm Lecta. Why are you all alone?"
Brunwella hesitated to answer. What if she drives me out like the others? What if she's a spy for Leone and he wants to take me back? I'll never go back! I will never love that dirt bag!
Lecta noticed Brunwella's hesitation and soothingly said," It's okay. I won't hurt you because of your past."
Then Brunwella opened up. She told Lecta that she and her sister had been kicked out of their pride because they fell in love with Leone. How when Leone took over a different pride they had been abused. How her sister had died by his hands. And how she had been rejected by the pride and had run away.
Brunwella's one eye was pouring tears and she was sobbing from emotional pain by the time she had finished her story. Lecta was holding back tears and placed a paw on Brunwella's cheek.
" It's all over now." She said. " Leone can't hurt you anymore. Koshu and Chenna will protect you." Brunwella jerked her head up in surprise. Chenna?