Chapter 26
Kambiri wasn't sure how much longer he could keep his desire to leave the Northern Valley away from his parents. For the last four days, mainly since he told his cousin Makini his want to leave, he continued to wrestle with the idea of stepping outside of the only home he ever knew and find a land of his own. Was it possible he was going through a stage? How? Makini wasn't.
Often, he wondered if he was simply tired of pride life. But, again, how? The pride wasn't just a bunch of lions and lionesses who lived together just for the sake of doing so! Every lions and lionesses of the Northern Valley were family, whether blood or marriage made them so or not. They all had one common link, the link he was trying to get away from, if he really was. The link was companionship, that overwhelming urge to not go through life's triumphs and sorrows alone.
Now Kambiri thought about it as he walked through the grasses on the eastern side of the kingdom. He understood the urge very well. He knew his life could have turned out differently. He could have just been a lone cub with no other cubs to play with and form a good friendship with. He could sit around with his mother or one of the other lionesses, worrying about his father while he patrolled, and worry about his mother when she would go with his dad. He could ponder over the terrible thought of something happening to them while on duty. Or, worse, his parents could be the absent kind, caring more about their duty to the kingdom than him.
But for as long as he could remember he never had to worry. There was no need. He wasn't the lone cub in the pride. He had his younger cousins, an older cousin, and the princess of the kingdom, all of whom he loved like brothers and sisters. And they loved him. Plus, his parents were always careful while on duty.
His father, one of the strongest and bravest lions he ever knew once told him when he was a cub, "I'm always on the alert while I patrol, son. I have no need to be careless. I have you to take care of, and I have your mother. When your mother comes with me, I watch her back and she watches mine. And when we're not together, Uncle Imani or Aunt Atiya watch over us. We're all a team and what we do, we do to protect those we love. Your mother and I do this to protect you because we love you." His father had licked his cheek and drew him closer, purring.
Kambiri remembered burying his face in his father's soft mane that night. He felt safe and knew the words were true. With those words he never worried. As he grew up he wanted to follow in his father's pawprints. He wanted to make a difference not just for himself but for his family. Like his father he wanted to serve and it didn't come as a surprise to learn Makini wanted the same thing.
The lion stopped and looked around. He knew everything was still on this side of the kingdom but that wasn't the reason he stopped. He chided himself. What was he thinking? Wanting to leave his homeland and for what? So he could get rid of the urge to explore outside the Northern Valley? Or was it to make something of his life other than being a guard? What was wrong with him?
He still had yet to speak to anybody about this. Not even the shaman, Amina, knew. Not the king… Not anyone aside from Makini. His life was here in the Northern Valley, right? It was with his wonderful parents, his cousins, his aunt and uncle, his king, and the future queen… wasn't it?
Kambiri lowered his head, felt the bangs of his mane falling into his eyes. He closed them and gritted his teeth. He had to get… whatever this was… this urge out of his mind. He had to somehow rid himself of it. He groaned, snapped his eyes back open, shook his head and growled a little. He pressed on with his solo patrol.
He'd told his father he wanted to do the job today by himself, to which, Makini was fine with, but before he left, his cousin drew close to him and asked in a soft whisper, "You okay?"
Kambiri only nodded. "Yeah… I just… I just need some time to myself, you know?"
The younger lion nodded in reply, gently head butted him and they went their separate ways for the first time in months. Kambiri shivered. It felt weird not having Makini at his side, not hearing his gentle purrs or seeing his eyes look upon him as if he knew what he was thinking. Kambiri had to smile even it was a sad on. If he gave in to this urge and leave the Northern Valley, he would miss his parents deeply, but the one member of his family he would miss the most was the cousin he would pin and wrestle when they were cubs.
Right now, in this moment of being alone, of doing his job, and watching all sides of him, his mind was made up. He would talk to his parents tonight. He could sense that they knew something was on his mind but had yet to ask him about it. Yes, tonight was definitely the night. He would tell them everything. He only hoped and prayed that they would understand his decision and support him.
He wasn't sure when he would leave, but he knew one thing. He wasn't going to step out of the Northern Valley on the day of his eldest cousin, Maabade's, wedding to Princess Adaeze and coronation as the new Northern Valley king. No. He would stay for a little while longer, and with his parents watch his cousin get married and begin a new chapter in his life.
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"I want you to perform the ceremony, both of them."
Amina smiled and then chuckled, shaking her head in humor. Her tail twitched behind her. She eyed Hisani, her smile growing. "Of course, your majesty, it's not like there's another shaman in this kingdom who could perform both a wedding and a coronation ceremony. If there is another shaman, let him or her step up."
Hisani's face matched hers, filled with humor. He was glad to be here. He had been wandering the plains, as he did nearly every day now. If he didn't do anything he had to inform the shaman of his plan to "very soon" coronate his daughter and, at long last, watch her commit her life to Imani's eldest son, Maabade.
At Amina's words, he too, shook his head. "So, you'll do it?" he asked with a sly grin.
This time, the shaman laughed out loud. "Why you crazy old lion…!" She made a move to paw at him.
He drew back but then leaned forward. Her paw barely touched his face. He grinned. "Amina…" he said playfully.
She cleared her throat, her face turning serious, and then she met his eyes, nodding in a professional manner. "Your majesty, I would be honored to perform the wedding and coronation ceremonies of your daughter, Princess Adaeze."
Hisani dipped his head. "Thank you, Amina. And I mean that. Thank you."
"Well, I did perform your coronation, and later wedding ceremony."
"Yes, you did, and may I say you did it well."
She stared out of the opening, her eyes taking on a distant and far stare. "This will be the second coronation and wedding ceremony I've performed in this kingdom. Yours was the first." She looked back at him.
"Yes… I hope you will perform another in the future."
"And I hope you live to see it. You're not as young as you used to be."
"I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, Amina. I intend to live for a long while."
"You're ten," she noted carefully.
Hisani gave a half smile. "Yes, and I would like to live a few years longer than my father."
"He was a good and strong lion, your father."
"He was."
She came up to him and put a paw on his shoulder. "You've made him proud, Hisani."
The king looked up through the branches and leaves of the shaman's home, his eyes searching the blue skies above. "I hope you're right."
"Your daughter and her future mate will make you proud as well."
A soft laugh filled his body. "Believe me, I know they will." Though he would no longer be ruling he couldn't wait to truly settle down and live the rest of his life in peace. And, above all, know that his kingdom was in the care of his heiress and the son of one of his best friends.
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When the stars decided to appear in the early night sky, Nyoka was walking to a waterhole, one far from the caves, with his mate, Tabia. As they walked he eyed her. After three glorious years a part of him couldn't, and probably wouldn't, get over how his life had turned out. At one point, years ago, he considered his younger brother, Imani, the lucky lion and had thought the same of Hisani. The reason was obvious. The two had families, he didn't. But all three of their lives and their 'luck', had crumbled under Hisani's former wife, the ex-queen, Idhara.
Nyoka himself had suffered most. He had fallen from grace one fateful night and began deceiving those close to him for nearly a year after. But finally, something Nyoka thought of as a blessing in disguise, he and Idhara had gotten caught and the truth came out, slowly, beginning with him taking the fall… for her! Thankfully, it didn't last and through Amina's questions he was able to come clean. How Idhara had started it all by seducing him and then blackmailing him if he didn't comply.
Then her pregnancy, which bore Kambiri, until a few months later she left, leaving him a single father.
But now he had a good and proper mate, a lioness he had fallen in love with, who loved him back, loved his son and adopted him as her own. The son they were now on their way to. Kambiri had wanted to speak with them in private, away from the pride.
"It's important," he said, and it was all they needed to hear.
"Are you okay?"
The sound of her voice, the concern in it tore Nyoka away from looking at her. He shook his mane. "Yeah, yeah, I'm-I'm all right." He managed a sheepish smile.
She returned his smile and stared ahead. From what she could see they were getting close to the meeting point. She walked closer to him. "I'm sure it's nothing," she said.
Nyoka sighed heavily. He wished he could believe it. But the look in his – their – son's blue-green colored eyes suggested it wasn't just nothing. "I hope you're right," he said quietly.
A few more paces straight forward, the two saw the sandy brown colored lion in the distance, standing beside a waterhole. Though the sky had yet to fall completely into its dark blue color, there was still a little light. They approached Kambiri, who turned around as he heard their approach.
"Mom… Dad…" he said, his voice not sounding like his own. He sat in the grass.
"Kambiri," said Nyoka as he and Tabia also sat. "What's this about son?"
He pawed the grass, debating on how to begin. He'd practiced it in his mind for days. He closed his eyes tight then opened them again. He met theirs. It was now or never. "I won't settle for 'never'," he thought to himself. His whiskers twitched. "Dad… Mom… I'm thinking of leaving the Valley."
There was silence, as expected. Nothing moved, nor did the lions and lioness. The grass around their paws didn't even shift. There were no sounds from the early night animals. Not the large or small ones. Above, in the skies, the stars shined but neither feline paid attention. Their focus was on each other and how two would respond.
Finally, Nyoka was the first to move, looking down at his paws with his head low. He felt as though somebody had attacked him in surprise, knocking the wind from him. Had he heard correctly? Did his son just say – He got up, walked to the side, then looked up again, at Kambiri, and took a breath.
The word "Why," was the only he word he could get out.
Kambiri expected that. He was ready for it and spoke as gently as possible. "This has nothing to do with you, or you, Mom. This is about me. I feel… I feel this is something I have to do and believe me I didn't come to this decision lightly."
"Then why?"
Again, the word from his father… Nyoka stared at his son and Kambiri could feel the fire burning in his blue-green eyes. He met it head-on. "I honestly don't know. It's not that I'm not happy here, I am, really. It's just… Well…" He lowered his head. How could he say it when he himself didn't know the reason?
"You need to find yourself, your own path."
Kambiri's head shot up while his father's turned to the side. Both of them were shocked, Nyoka's mouth hung open while Kambiri's eyes were wide. Tabia… her voice, her words…
"Tabia, what are you saying?" Nyoka asked. He heard in his voice a slight, worried tremble.
She turned and met gazes with her mate. Though her face portrayed sadness at Kambiri's choice, want, decision, whatever, there was understanding in her eyes. Small tears were falling down her face. She swallowed. "Nyoka, sweetheart, I know it's difficult to hear this, but those of us in the king's generation, and the lions and lionesses before us, have always lived in the Northern Valley. Always bound by duty and tradition, a want to keep the kingdom and its inhabitants' safe… I don't think there has ever been a lion or lioness of this realm, either royal blood or not, to leave and see what's beyond." Her ears went back. She sniffed and continued. "From what my mother told me the only other lions born in the Valley, other than in the royal family, were raised to be guardians. And those same guardians are descendants of the good lions who came with the first king and his family when this kingdom was founded. That's a very long time."
Nyoka heard himself growl, despite the care he took not to. His fore claws slowly came out and he clawed at the grass blades. He felt his chest rising and falling heavily. The fur along his back began to rise in small bristles. "What are you saying?" he asked again.
Tabia rose and came to him, putting a forepaw on his. He refused to look at her but she spoke anyway. "I'm saying that maybe it's time for a lion of this land to leave and explore. To… as I said, find out who he is, find his own path in life. He needs to. He can't be bound the same way Imani, Atiya, and you and I are. We were supposed to be… for Hisani, our friend and king. Who says that life has to be within the safe boundaries of a kingdom?"
Finally, with some deep resistance and hesitation, Nyoka looked at his mate. He stared into her eyes. There was a depth in them, but most frightening, at least for him, was the great truth in her words. What had he been thinking? Did he really expect Kambiri, his one and only son, to follow in his pawprints the rest of his life? The reality of it pressed onto Nyoka's shoulders, near weighing him down.
His mouth became dry, his eyes unfocused. In that moment he was reminded of his father who had done the same to him and Imani years before. He threw his head downward, his mane falling over his eyes and sides of his face. Was it really fair? To expect his son to do exactly what he and his brother did because it was who they were? Because it was tradition, that it was their duty, that they were bound to protect and serve the lands?
Nyoka's eyes well up with tears. He let them come. Yes! The answer was yes! He had expected of his son what his father had expected of him! And it wasn't fair. His mate was right. Kambiri needed to – Nyoka gritted his teeth, and without looking straight at her, buried his head in Tabia's shoulder. Low sobs filled his body and she put a paw on his back.
"He has to do this, Nyoka," she said softly.
"I know… I know," he said, his tone weary, exhausted from the emotional struggle. It just wasn't fair! For the last three years he had his life together and now a part of him wanted to leave? He wasn't sure how he would come to terms, but he had to. His son needed his blessing. He pulled away from Tabia, licked her lovingly on the cheek and together they faced Kambiri, whose expectant look bordered on the pain of seeing his father's breakdown, but the hope that he would be okay. Nyoka cleared his throat, sniffed and spoke. "Kambiri… you have my permission to find your own path. It was stupid of me to think that you would always follow in my pawprints." His ears tilted. "My father taught me it was expected, supposed to be, that we were bound and that any children I had were bound too… same with Imani and his children."
The sandy brown colored lion came up and laid his head on his father's shoulder. A tear fell from his eye. "It's all right, Dad. I understand. And I wanted to, but…"
"But you have something I never did," said Nyoka, pulling away. He looked into his son's eyes and smiled. "Choice… You have a choice, and you seemed to have made it. For that, I am so proud of you. I couldn't have asked for a better son."
"Nor could I," said Tabia.
"While, it will be hard to have you leave, I know you're doing the right thing. But remember something, okay?"
Kambiri nodded.
"If and only if, it doesn't work out, you can always come back. No matter where go, this, the Northern Valley, the birthplace of your forefathers, will always your home. It will always be a part of you."
"I know, Dad. And thank you, both of you. So do I have you blessing?"
Nyoka smiled and nuzzled his son. "You have mine."
"And you have mine," said Tabia. She licked Kambiri's cheek, purring motherly.
Kambiri let out a sigh of hope and relief. With his parents at his side, they looked up at the stars.
Nyoka, pausing to see the good, wonderful lion his son had become, silently prayed. God… wherever Kambiri goes, guide him to where you feel he needs to be. He has so much to offer… Don't let his leaving be in vain… He drew closer to Tabia and she laid her head on his mane covered shoulder. He wouldn't countdown however many days his son would be in the Valley. Tabia wouldn't either. They would simply enjoy his presence and company for as long as they could.
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Three days later, every animal in the Northern Valley woke to the sound of a roar, the king's. At the loud, commanding sound, piercing the predawn air, the leaders of the respected animal species gathered their people together and made way to the caves of the lions, the home of royal leaders for many generations. They came from all corners of the kingdom, the different leaders at the head, often exchanging looks. Not looks of disgust or opposition like what would be on their faces when presenting a case to the king. This time they were willing to put strife away. They knew the reason. If the king roared like that, then it was an important event. Everyone walked at a brisk but fast pace. It wasn't polite to keep the ruler waiting.
The leaders stopped and lifted their heads to the stone ledge. There, in the light of the rising sun they could see King Hisani, standing tall and proud, the way he stood several years before when he took the throne. Standing like that now told everyone one thing: He was stepping down and his daughter, the princess, would take his place as leader.
Murmurs began to float around the large assembly of animals, and one by one the different species parted, making two lines and in the middle, paving a walk way. Soon every head was bowed in great respect as the leopard shaman, Amina, began her walk to the caves. She dipped her head, smiling at the animals, mentally blessing them.
She stepped onto the rocks that made the ramp. In front of her was Hisani. The two embraced, placing a paw on the other's backs.
"Everything is prepared, Amina," he said. "I'll go and get them." When she nodded, he headed to the caves. The lionesses were out, and like the animals, in two separate lines. Each smiled at him as he walked into the den. He returned the gesture and under cover of the caves' darkness, he cleared his throat. The others – the guardians, their families, and the lion and lioness of the hour faced him. "It's time," he said.
The formation of the walkout was simple. Nyoka and Tabia were at the front. Imani and Atiya were behind with Maabade on either side. Then there was Makini and his sister Rehema, followed by Hisani and Adaeze, flanked by Kambiri.
The sandy-brown lion didn't mind being last. In a crazy way he welcomed it. He knew it was only a matter of days before he would say good-bye to this cavern permanently. He shook his head as the light of the sun hit him. Then he took his position near his younger cousins. He would say his farewells when the time was right. For now he would witness a joining and coronation.
Imani, his mate, his brother, and sister-in-law sat to the side, but they had a good view. He turned to Atiya and nuzzled her gently. "This is a new start for him, for all of us," he whispered.
She nuzzled him back.
"A long awaited start," said Nyoka.
Imani agreed with a nod and shining eyes. His brother couldn't be more right.
When the shaman looked around, seeing the pride together, she turned to Hisani. The lion dipped his head and she approached Adaeze and Maabade. She smiled at the two and took a deep breath.
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Adaeze had wondered over the last three years whether the decision to wait and marry Maabade when she was crowned queen was a good idea. And often she asked him about it, mainly with a bowed head and hurting eyes.
"Maybe… it's not right," she'd said. "It's not fair, really. I mean, my father… he could rule for another few years if he wanted to. But," she shrugged, "you and I, we could marry now, couldn't we? It's not fair to ask you to wait and I –"
But Maabade had placed a paw on her shoulder; smiling with the smile she'd loved seeing. The smile that was full of hope and promise. Even his golden eyes sparkled. It made her heart skip; first one beat then a few more. He had that effect on her. The smile illuminated the depths of her heart and soul.
"Ada, if you want to wait until your coronation to marry me, that's fine. I can wait. I've waited this long."
She drew closer. "We're the same age… seven… a good part of our lives are over."
"I don't see it that way. We've always kept ourselves in good condition, all those months of our cubhood wrestling, chasing each other. I think it paid off." He gave her a kiss on the cheek and purred. "I mean it, Ada, I can wait. I'm a patient lion, you know that."
She laid her head on his shoulder. The feel of his mane made her tremble but also warmed her, as his entire presence did from the time they were cubs. "Thank you…" she whispered.
And now, sitting with Amina facing her, she turned to the lion at her side – her best friend, her confidant, her helper, her support. He turned to her and gave that smile. Her heart skittered and she was certain that waiting had been the right choice. It gave them time to sort through their feelings and talk more about the future. They needed it. She'd learned from her mother's actions that commitment wasn't easy. But this, her soon-to-be life commitment to Maabade… she wouldn't regret it and she wouldn't throw it away for any reason. Her mother betraying her father had taught her that much.
She locked eyes with Amina and nodded.
"Marriage is about love, love and commitment. Without one the other cannot exist. Like the Circle, love and commitment exist in a balance. The balance can work for good or evil, but it depends on the paths we take. We see now before us, that Princess Adaeze and Maabade have chosen to allow their love and commitment to each other become one thing: Marriage. They have decided to declare their bond, their love official through marriage." She then went on to speak the vows, looking on the lion and lioness, watching their faces.
While Amina gave the vows, Adaeze's mind was spinning. These were the same vows her parents had taken years ago. Vows her father kept, but her mother didn't. Her mother broke them and she remembered vaguely the last conversation they'd had before Kambiri was born, before her mother left with a rogue. She snapped out of it. Her mother wasn't here and as long as she lived she would not follow in her pawprints. She would not hurt Maabade for any reason! Amina stopped speaking. The vows were over and she had to answer. She inhaled the warm air and locked eyes with Maabade.
"I do," she said, feeling her eyes fill with tears.
Amina moved on to Imani and Atiya's eldest son. The wording was the same and he was listening, that much she knew, but all his focus was on Adaeze. I baptized them both. I knew there would be something between them.
He answered. "I do."
"By the power vested in me, I pronounce you, husband and wife. Kiss your bride, Maabade." Amina stepped back, smiling.
The two lions nuzzled each other and Maabade kissed her cheek. Roars sounded but everyone quieted fast. There was one more thing.
Amina stepped forward again. She looked to Adaeze. "Princess Adaeze, daughter of King Hisani, do you accept the responsibilities and leadership as queen of the Northern Valley? Do you promise to uphold all the kingdom's laws and traditions and to keep the balance of the Circle like your father and ancestors' – king and queen alike – before you?"
The lioness took another breath, her heart pounding. This was the moment – other than marrying Maabade – she had waited nearly four years for and now it was another question she had to answer. It was her duty as the heiress. She could feel a weight settling on her shoulders. Her head lifted high, chin tilted upward, expression strong, she nodded deeply.
"I do."
"And do you, Maabade, husband of Adaeze, promise to be a good and faithful partner, to help Adaeze in times of need, to take on the leadership she has taken now?"
The black maned lion's golden eyes shone with love, honor and the dignity his father taught him when he was a cub. Everything he worked for, the training, all of it, would be put to the test in one simple reply.
"I do," he said. "So help me, God."
Amina grinned and placed one paw on Adaeze's head and another on Maabade's. "Then I hereby name you, Maabade and Adaeze, King and Queen of the Northern Valley." Once again she stepped back and bowed her head lowly and deeply.
Now the roars were loud and filled with happiness. The couple, the new rulers, looked on their friends, family and bowed.
Hisani roared with tears. He'd always imagined this day and though he was a single parent he was far from alone. His best friends, those he loved like siblings, were here, sharing this day with him. I'm so proud of you, Adaeze. I love you my wonderful daughter, and you too Maabade, my son.
Imani and Atiya nuzzled. They had two sons and a daughter but gained another. If, one day, they decided to retire, they could do so in a future ruled by their eldest son, the new king.
Kambiri, Makini and Rehema shared smiles, and Kambiri winked at his eldest cousin and the lioness he loved like a sister.
As the couple walked up the stone to roar, Nyoka and Tabia cried softly. Not just for Adaeze and Maabade and the rule their leadership would bring, but for Kambiri and the fact that very soon he would be gone to find his own destiny and purpose in life. Nyoka closed his eyes and felt his wife's warm presence beside him. He prayed silently. I know he has to do it, God. But he's my boy, my only son. I don't want to lose him. He sighed. At least I have Tabia, Imani, Atiya and their children. That's enough.
The animals' cheers, the pounding of their hooves filled his ears and washed his pain. He embraced the beautiful, harmonious sound.
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The first few days of Maabade and Adaeze's reign weren't filled with the chaos and requests they were expecting. Instead, things were peaceful. It seemed that the animals weren't ready to come to them with their scuffles. To that, Adaeze was grateful. She needed a little more time to get used to the idea that she was no longer a princess, but a queen. She had a feeling the same was for Maabade. He was no longer a guardian but a king. They needed time to adjust to their new lives and responsibilities. She was thankful that the animals, or at least, the representatives, understood.
The night of their coronation, her father said that the royal chambers were now hers and Maabade's.
"It's not my place anymore. Every king and queen of this land has slept in that chamber, and you and Maabade will do the same. The chamber is your home, your place of peace and rest."
She nuzzled him. "I know, Dad, thanks, but what about you?"
"My place is with the rest of the pride."
"If you're sure…"
He smiled. "I am."
The lionesses treated them with respect and Rehema often took it upon herself to lead the hunts.
"It's one less thing for you to worry about, Ada," she'd said.
And Adaeze wasn't offended. She trusted Rehema and knew that in time, Sabiti, the current leader of the hunting party, would have to let someone younger take over. Sabiti was as old as her father, but like her father, no one could tell. Like her father, Sabiti never showed it.
The first night of their rule, Maabade, settling himself in their chambers, laughed. "I find it weird giving patrol orders to my own parents. I mean, they've been guarding for years. They know what to do."
She smirked. "At least you won't have to tell them too much, unless you want to change their schedules."
His mouth fell. "And have my father lecture me, his son the king? No chance!"
They shared a laugh and rested. On the third day, they walked out of the caves to see Kambiri on the stone, watching the sunrise. They approached, sitting on either side of him.
He smiled at them. "My leaders… cousin… sister…"
At the word 'sister', a word he used often enough and was able to send warmth through, Adaeze looked at him. His entire makeup was that of his father, Nyoka, but there had never been a question that they shared the same mother. But she never told him and for that she was thankful. She and Kambiri shared a brother-sister love like Makini and Rehema. So what if the truth never came out. The real truth was she and Kambiri were brother and sister, blood related or not.
"You're out early, Kam," she noted slowly.
"Yeah…" He pawed the ground then looked at her full-faced. "Actually, I have something to tell you, both of you." He put his gaze on Maabade.
The king and queen, seeing his hesitation and reluctance, had his full attention.
Clearing his throat, he told them everything. He used most of the wording he'd used with his parents nearly a week before. He paced in front of them, still meeting their eyes as he walked back and forth. Finally, he breathed heavily and sat down.
"Whether this is wrong or not, whether you'll let me back into the lands and let me be a guard if it doesn't work out… I need to do this. I think I'd go mad otherwise."
It took a long while before either of them spoke. Adaeze's tail tapped at her side and it was her who broke the silence. She stepped up to Kambiri. "Kam, it's all right. I can't say I understand, at least personally, but… in a way I do understand. You need to do something else other than play guardian. Maybe leaving is best for you. You need to find your own path. And," she shrugged but her eyes showed certainty, "and if it doesn't work, you're welcome to return. No matter where you go this will always be your home. There's always a place for you here… brother…"
Kambiri smiled and nuzzled her. "Thank you, sister."
"Maabade," Adaeze asked.
The king looked stricken but he heard every word, saw the exchange between his mate and cousin. There was truth in their words, in what Kambiri wanted and Adaeze's response, but could he let one of his family go? He quickly searched his mind. There's no other way! You can't let him stay here against his will. He's not a cub anymore, he's grown-up. But every time he looked on Kambiri he often saw the young cub he used to take out to watch the stars, and who used to catch his tail when the tuft moved in the grass or on rock ground.
After a moment he rose and moved toward them. He faced Kambiri and nodded slowly. "You're both right," he said carefully. "Kam, you have to do this. I won't keep you from it. And, as Ada said, you're free to return if it doesn't work out. You're more than a cousin to me. You're a brother."
The sandy brown lion's smile grew, his blue-green eyes shining. "Thanks. Both you and Makini are my brothers, just as Adaeze and Rehema are my sisters."
"Have you told them, Makini and Rehema?" Adaeze wondered.
"Makini… he was the first I voiced my thoughts and concern to. He understands and wishes me luck. Rehema… you know how sensitive she is."
The leaders nodded.
"But I'll tell her."
"Uncle Nyoka, Aunt Tabia?" Maabade asked.
"I told them. It was hard for Dad, but Mom helped him. They're okay with it, I have their blessing."
"And you have ours," said Adaeze, Maabade agreeing with a nod.
Kambiri bowed. "I thank you, my leaders."
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After the conversation with Maabade and Adaeze, Kambiri decided to leave as soon as possible. He suffered from restlessness. After that sunrise talk he decided to leave four days in advance, but during his last four days at home, on the first day, he told Rehema about his upcoming departure. As expected, the brown lioness cried on his shoulder.
She said through sobs, "I don't want you to go. You're family. We need you."
He put a paw on her back and purred. When she calmed he pulled away. "I have to do this, Rehema. Maybe one day I'll return, but if I don't do this, I'll regret it. Don't worry, okay? You have Makini and Maabade, and you have your parents and mine. You still have a family. Promise me something, okay?"
She nodded, a few tears falling down her cheeks, more gathering in her eyes.
"Promise me that no matter what happens you will be as your name suggests – compassionate. Even if someone is mean to you, treat them well. Don't go against your name. Love your brother, your parents and my parents. Honor and respect Maabade and Adaeze, not just as rulers but as lions. Be a good hunt leader, look out for them, be an example. Okay, Rehema? Promise me that?"
She sniffed and managed a head-pained nod. He smiled and nuzzled her, spending the rest of the day with her and Makini.
The second day, his parents told him that they wouldn't see him off.
"We love you, son, but it's not our place," Nyoka said and then he drew closer, lowering his voice. "I think it would hurt your mother and I know you don't want to see her hurt or pained."
Kambiri shook his head. "I don't, Dad, but I am thankful that I have your blessing. I love you and Mom so much and I am so glad you're my parents."
Nyoka smiled and felt his emotions fall. "Thank you for being my son."
"And mine," said Tabia.
The three embraced and spent the day together.
On the third day he walked with Imani and Atiya. The older guardians would miss him but, like his parents and everyone else, they understood and wished him luck.
When the fourth and final day arrived, Kambiri was surprised to see Maabade and Adaeze up. They turned to him.
"As leaders of this land, we feel it is our duty to escort you to the borders, the northern one," said Maabade, his expression pained but also hopeful. Hopeful that Kambiri would be all right out in the unknown, but also hopeful that one day he would return.
Kambiri wouldn't tell them no. Clearly, they wanted to do this.
As they walked north, Kambiri could feel a pair of eyes watching him but shrugged it off. His heart pounded. The entire walk was silent, almost eerie, as if they were afraid to speak for fear something would happen. At last they reached the border and Kambiri stared at it, wondering what lay ahead for him on the other side. He took a breath and faced two of his best friends, his leaders of a full week. He would miss them more than they knew.
"This is it," he said.
"It is. Good luck out there, Kam," said Maabade. He bit his lip, his whiskers twitching. He walked up to him and embraced him. "I love you, cousin… brother…" He shut his eyes, pressing back the tears that threatened to fall. He could feel the air around him shift. It was cold. He pulled back.
Adaeze took his place. Tears welled in her eyes and she sniffed. "You've been a good member in our pride, Kambiri, and I can't tell you just how much I'm going to miss you."
He smiled warmly. He would miss her too. "Same here, Ada… I know I've said this many times over the years but I'll say it again. You're a sister to me."
"Good, because you're a brother to me…" She embraced him long and hard, her head buried in his mane. She closed her eyes and heard his sweet, gentle purr. She savored it. It would be the last time she would ever hear it. A few sobs gathered in her throat but she pushed them back. She wouldn't cry now.
The moment between the two lasted a long time until Maabade spoke gently. "Ada, I know it hurts, but let him go. He has to."
She clenched her jaw, squeezed her eyes tighter, and slowly pulled away.
Kambiri gave them a fond smile. "Take care you two. I know you will do wonderfully as king and queen."
"You take care too, Kam," said Adaeze, sniffing.
Another smile and he turned to the border. With a trembling paw he stepped onto it. Just as he did, a loud roar sounded and his ears rose. He recognized it and turned fully around, answering the call with one of his own. He knew the roar, as did Maabade.
It was Nyoka.
The sounds and the echoes died down and Kambiri gave his leaders one last look, turned and stepped over the border, soon running.
When his form was no longer visible, Adaeze leaned against her mate, who licked the top of her head.
It was all over. He was gone.
On the stone, Nyoka knew his son was no longer in the lands. Tabia was beside him and together they cried, but Nyoka offered a prayer to the morning filled air. Lord… Creator of all, watch over my son…
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Author's note: Okay, guys and gals, that's it for the Northern Valley. Hope you enjoyed their side of the story. Next time and all the way to the end will be about the Eastern Valley as the pride there struggles with the appearance of four strangers, a shocking tragedy, hopelessness, an unsure future, and the most important question of all: Who will succeed King Nkosi as the rightful heir to the Eastern throne?