Cubhood: Chapter 8
Scar was left gasping in a mixture of shock and fatigue when mists receded. It had never been a pleasant experience, but even so, the memories were causing him discomfort. He hadn't thought about Kasi in a long time, and certainly hadn't reminisced the times they'd spent playing in the plains and hills of the Pridelands in any capacity for even longer. When he'd thought about Kasi, on the rare occasions the brown maned youth ever crossed his mind, it had been on memories much darker and later in their lives. Memories of violence and struggle. He shook himself.
"So… that was an enlightening moment, wouldn't you say?" Kivuli said, looking from Scar to Kivuli. Scar grunted a noncommittal response, still deep in thought, and Ammit merely shrugged.
"You mean how he manipulated Zira? I think it's… enlightening to say the least, that even at such a young age, Scar had his claws in her." Ammit said.
"No I didn't…" Scar said, but rather feebly. Ammit only laughed.
"Oh come on, Scar. A young girl like that? Traumatised by the brutal and horrific murder of her family? Who saves her? Who welcomes her into her new home? Who gives her back her life? How could she fail but to attach herself to you? How could she fail but to give you her adoration and affection?" He asked him. Scar shifted uncomfortably.
"Many of the lionesses in that Pride where like herds of gazelle. They followed blindly, whoever was in power. Zira wasn't that. She was her own lioness. She was many things, but she wasn't my puppet."
"No. She was your whore. A thing to be used and then cast aside when its purpose was fulfilled. Or do you deny it?" Ammit asked. Scar was quiet, and felt a twinge of guilt. Perhaps there had been times when he hadn't treated Zira the best. Times when his actions had led to her pain. But no. She knew what she'd been getting into with him. She'd made her own choices. He'd never sought to control or manipulate her. He began to growl, but Kivuli stepped in.
"Whatever happened later between Scar and Zira, it happened later. We'll judge that at its appropriate time. I want to judge him in this moment, for his actions here." Kivuli said. Ammit growled, but nodded slowly.
"Very well…" He muttered, and looked hungrily at Scar. "Judge him for his actions here. Judge the actions of a prepubescent male, showing off for a lioness."
"Enough." Kivuli shot him a warning glance. And without looking at Ammit again, turned to Scar.
"You showed her compassion. Why?"
"Why what?"
"That selfless side of you Scar. It emerges here again. I only look for it because I want to see what it was that killed it. You showed Zira compassion. You found out what was wrong and you helped her. You told her what she needed to hear." Kivuli said. Scar scowled.
"You think I can explain every impulsive act of kindness?"
"Well, when you make so few…" Ammit jibed. Scar ignored him.
"So it was merely kindness? Sympathy? Not traits you possessed in later years."
"I was younger."
"Perhaps you merely sought to manipulate her?" Kivuli asked pressed. Scar snorted.
"Yes, of course. As you can clearly see, I was a manipulative, twisting, liar at such a young age. What do you think? You're the judges here." He spat.
"Honestly? I believe you. I think you saw a lost, frightened young girl. And you did everything in your power to help her to not be afraid. To make her feel welcome. To make her feel like she wasn't alone." Kivuli said honestly. Scar stared at him. He had never thought about it like that before.
"It was just one conversation." He said.
"Sometimes one conversation can have far reaching consequences." He said, looking around. He brightened. "So this was your childhood? This was how you spent your days? Playing with the cubs. Spending time with your friends, and occasionally driving Zuzu coconuts?" Kivuli asked him. Scar smirked.
"I know. What a pathetic existence. I don't have to watch more do I? It's exceedingly dull…" Scar said. Kivuli sighed.
"Was it too much to hope you'd enjoy relieving your childhood?"
"Why?" Scar asked blankly.
The mists gathered again, and began to form another moment from Scar's life.
The ground was acrid now, dustier. Not the barren wasteland of the Outlands, but they were certainly on the northern border, where Scar often went to brood later in life, and even as a child. The young Taka was an older cub now. His tuft had grown out, and his the tips of the hair on his chin were beginning to lengthen as well. There was no sign of the fur on his chest and neck that would one day blossom into his elegant, midnight black mane. But that was to be expected. His muscles had grown, and his bones lengthened, but he was very much still a child. The awkward burst of growth that adolescence gave had yet to touch him, true, but most tellingly, his Taka's emerald green eyes were still wide with idealism and youthful light. They lacked the guarded, haunting look later years would add to them. And of course, his eponymous scar had yet to ruin his face.
Just over their shoulders, Scar could make out the shapes of a great herd of wildebeest, and Taka was eying his prey with a hungry look. After holding back for a few moments, Scar made a dash for it, bursting ahead. His was still young and small in size, and he didn't dare go for one of the larger prey animals, whose pounding hooves could still crush him into the ground first if he wasn't careful. Instead, he darted towards the smaller forms of the young and the injured, trying to isolate the prey from its protective herd of allies. If it were either, wouldn't be able to flee.
The scent of lion hit the creatures like the musk of a honeybadger, and the population panicked and ran. Fear, Taka noticed, was very much like a flame, or possibly an illness. It spread from creature to creature, like ripple of madness, flushing away all thought and meaning.
Taka was left panting, but pleased with himself. Sarafina returned empty pawed a few moments later, the threat of impending death giving her target a single last, desperate reserve of energy to defy the odds, defy the spirits, and pull away.
That too, was in their nature.
"Well done, Taka!" Sarafina cheered him when she saw the kill. Taka stood up, and offered her a piece of his kill. "My Prince!" Sarafina gasped in exaggerated shock. "You do me great honour!" And accepted a piece of meat before Taka ate. Traditionally, when the huntresses retrieved a kill, the King and his family took the right of first feeding on proper hunts. This was just for practice. A little more than sport, really, Taka thought guiltily, knowing such a thing was frowned on by his father. But was it really for sport if he was learning and practising?
"You know… If you were a lioness, your first hunt wouldn't be for ages…" Sarafina commented, enjoying a piece of wildebeest. It really was delicious. Taka laughed.
"Oh, come on. You've not had your first hunt yet, and I've seen you kill plenty of times." He said. Sarafina shook her head.
"Not by myself I haven't. I've only hunted with my mother a little. She had to teach me somehow. Did you really think the first time I'd hunt would be on the day? That would be silly." She laughed.
"Huh. I wonder why males don't have 'first hunts'?" She continued. "That's the first time we hunt alone. Bringing down an adult kill, without assistance. Everyone celebrates it. All the lionesses know stories about theirs. It's supposed to be a coming of age. I wonder why males don't." She wondered aloud.
"Mother said it started as a way of preparing lionesses for joining the hunting parties. You know. Judging where they'd be best in the Pride. Sort out rank. I guess males don't do it because we don't join the hunting party." Scar sniffed.
"Most males don't even hunt." Sarafina said. Scar moaned.
"I know. Have you heard some of the older lionesses talking? It's scandalous, remember?" He reminded her, grinning. Sarafina giggled.
"Nothing scandalous about half a dozen males knowing how to bring food in a time of famine." Sarafina said, in her best imitation of Ahadi's deep booming voice. Taka giggled. It was a very good impression.
"Stop!" He laughed, as Sarafina burst out laughing as well. "What if he hears you?" He laughed. Sarafina chuckled.
"He isn't here, is he?" She said, with uncharacteristic bravado. Taka sobered.
"He will be in a bit though!" He said. Sarafina paused, her ears dropping flat, suddenly concerned.
"Will he?"
"Yeah. He said he'd meet me out here at midday… Maybe he took a while finding my scent…" he said, though he didn't sound as though he believed it. Sarafina winced.
"I guess he's busy today." She told him. Taka sighed.
"I know… But he said that two days ago, and three days before that! This is the third time…"
"Can't you just speak to him this evening, in the den?"
"No… we need to meet out here."
"What for? What are you meeting with him for?" Sarafina asked.
"Well…" Taka blushed. "He… he was going to show me some hunting tips." He said. Sarafina raised an eyebrow.
"The King? Hunting?" She asked sceptically.
"Well… okay… he was going to show me some fighting tips. For fighting other lions." Taka admitted. Sarafina winced.
"Taka! Why on earth would you want to learn –"
"For the same reason you learn to hunt of course! I won't be joining the hunting party any time soon, Sarafina, my job will be fighting rogues. I want to know how to do it properly. But… Well, it upsets Mother. She doesn't even like it when we play games that might injure us and…" He trailed off. Sarafina made a noise of understanding.
"Wait a moment. Are you interested in beating rogues? Or beating Mufasa?" She asked him.
Taka snorted indignantly in response.
"Still can't beat him, huh?" She teased.
"If Kasi can beat him, then I can." Taka said hotly. Sarafina nodded.
"I see. You hoped that Ahadi could teach you something about beating rogues, and you could use it to win in games against Nguvu and Mufasa."
"That's right."
"And impress Sarabi and Zira." She said. Taka blushed again, scowling in the other direction.
"Silly isn't it?" He said, looking annoyed. Sarafina smiled.
"On the contrary, I think it's rather clever. Mufasa wouldn't expect it. In fact, he'd expect it less from you than he would Kasi. I think it's very smart. Good idea." She said. Taka's mouth twitched in smile at her praise, but before he could say anything further, a voice interrupted him.
"Prince Taka!" It called. Taka looked up to see the familiar figure of the purple hornbill that served the King as majordomo.
"Zuzu!" Taka greeted her, And Sarafina smiled. Zuzu fluttered down and landed in front of Taka, bowing quickly out of habit, and nodding greetings to Sarafina.
"Taka. I thought I'd find you out here."
"What brings you to the northern borders, Zuzu? The herds are all in the southern plains at the moment, aren't they? There is nothing here that requires the attention of the King's Majordomo other than grass and rocks." Taka mused. Zuzu winced, and smiled sadly.
"I was looking for you, Taka. I bring a message from your father. Matters of state have held him up again and he wishes me to tell you that he'll be busy this afternoon and can't join you here as promised." She said. Taka looked at her, eyes narrowing, a rush of irritation and annoyance flaring up inside him. He quashed it quickly, but it must have shown on his face as Zuzu quickly muttered a feeble apology on behalf of the King.
"What can possibly be so demanding that he –"
"I believe he has granted an audience to the Leopard Tribe leaders." Zuzu supplied.
"I see." He said, brooding. "Thank you Zuzu. I am sure if the King is so busy, he requires your assistance and attention more than I do. You may go." He dismissed her primly, though not rudely, and Zuzu took the hint that he desired to be alone. She fluttered off and away, leaving Taka alone with Sarafina. After a few moments, he stood up and Sarafina followed him.
"Where are we going?" She asked him. Taka snorted.
"To see if my gracious father will grant me an audience. Seems to be the only way you can get his attention these days." He said snidely. Sarafina swallowed, aware that Taka was upset.
They made their way back to Pride Rock in quick time, and could already see that something big was happening. Almost the entire Pride was present, though Sarabi, Mufasa, and the others were nowhere to be seen. The huntresses however, were all present, and Taka could spot his mother some distance away. There were other species there as well. Cheetahs and leopards were represented, as were a few of the smaller species. Taka pushed his way atop Pride Rock, where Ahadi was standing before some of his subjects, and quietly took in the scene for a few moments.
Standing before Ahadi were two figures. They were leopards, and both appeared to be strong, powerful creatures. One was taller than the other. The first hints of greying were present on his tips of fur, but his sky blue eyes were bright and alert. The second leopard looked younger, and there were a few scars on his form. His expression was less pleasant, he was scowling and looked irritable, and his orange eyes were flashing with what must have been frustration.
"Shari, please. Contain yourself." Ahadi was in the middle of saying. He was looking disapprovingly at Shari, the younger of the two leopards, whilst the elder leopard was in the middle of speaking.
"Forgive me, your majesty." Shari said, looking unrepentant, "I was merely… startled by Kiamani's words."
"You'll get your turn. His tribe have issued a complaint about your action, Chief Shari, and as King, I will hear it." He nodded to Kiamani, who nodded in thanks.
"There isn't much more to it. Shari's tribe has been continuing to interlope into our territories for several days, poaching our kills. With tolerated their aggression for long enough, but now we want action. We demand they leave our territories be, and for the King to step in, if necessary, to enforce it."
"Is that true, Shari?"
"It is not! We have not stolen a single of their kills. Our tribe makes their own, without waiting around for theirs to do so. We wouldn't have the time or patience for it, they take so long." Shari snapped, with a stab of spite. Kiamani's eyes glinted in anger for a moment.
"You might not have stolen kills from their hunters, but you've been hunting in their territory, hunting prey that would otherwise have gone to Kiamani's tribe." Ahadi said.
"What of it? You do it all the time, if you're in the area." Shari said. A loud intake of breath was heard, from Kiamani, and from the onlookers, who couldn't believe Shari's arrogance.
"Do you presume to put yourself on the same level as your King?" Kiamani asked Shari sharply. Shari glanced around, gave a low growl, but shook his head in silence. Such a thing would have been highly impertinent, and very unlike the usually formal and civilised leopards.
"You should be hunting within the confines of your own territories, Shari. Antagonising another Tribe by stealing their meat could only lead to conflict. You knew this would happen." Ahadi said, in the same sort of tone he might have used to chide a small cub. Kiamani smiled, pleased that the King appeared to be siding with him. Which was fair enough, they were clearly in the right after all.
"King Ahadi, I assure you –"
"Oh save it, Shari! You've been throwing your weight around plenty for days. Now you deal with the consequences for your foolishness." Kiamani chided the younger chieftain. Shari snarled.
"Our tribe has expanded, you blithering old warthog. It requires more meat, and we'll hunt for it where it is. You can't say your tribe is starving…" He looked past Kiamani, to where his mate and children were waiting with dignified expressions of anger on their faces. "In fact, one might say that they could stand to lose a bit…" He said, with a perfectly straight face. Kiamani's mate flushed with anger and fury, and Kiamani wasn't able to keep in a growl of anger and fury at his mate's humiliation, even as several of Shari's leopards sniggered at the infantile jibe.
Wow.
That was not civilised.
Both of them looked ready to come to blows, but Taka was furious. This was it?! This was what had been keeping his father busy? Two childish chieftains, playing tit for tat jibes and jabs of aggression and insults at each other? This was what consumed his father's time? This was what they demanded the king himself interfere on! They were selfish, arrogant, petty, little more than squabbling infants!
Why was everyone staring at him?
Blast.
He'd said that last one aloud hadn't he?
Oops.
"What did you just say?" Shari asked him in anger. Ahadi's eyes were wide, and Sarafina was doing her best to shrink away. Kiamani was looking at him closely, and nodded slowly.
"Your Majesty. Am I right that this is Prince Taka, your Son?" Kiamani asked. Ahadi nodded, looking annoyed. Taka didn't look at him, and focused instead on Kiamani and Shari.
"That is my name. And I meant what I said. You are behaving foolishly. Squabbling over meat, and lands, and crying to the King whenever things don't go your way? 'He stole my meat', 'he stole my land', 'he insulted my mate'. Are you two serious?" He asked, looking angry.
Well, he'd put his foot in it now. Might as well go all the way, instead of offering an unbelieved apology and retreating.
"Please, forgive my Son –" Ahadi began to say, as Taka's face flushed in embarrassment. Oh thanks Dad, he thought. He wasn't the one who ought to be asking for forgiveness. Shari glared at him.
"Oh no, let him speak." He glowered. Taka stared at him.
"Resolve it among yourselves! Are either or you cowards? Are either of you weak? There must be some way for you two to settle this independently of this pedantic, infantile behaviour!" Taka snapped.
There was a stunned silence, as both leopards looked stung, insulted.
"Taka!" Ahadi shouted, looking angry. "You shall not insult my subjects in this way! You do not speak that way to chieftains of the leopard tribes! They are very important dignitaries, and will be treated with respect –"
"Are they more important than the King of the Pridelands? Or it's Prince?" Taka interrupted. There was stunned silence from everyone but Ahadi who roared in anger, and Taka took a careful step back.
"My King, if I may…" Shari said, his eyes glinting. "Your Son is correct. And wise before his years." He said, looking at Taka approvingly, but with a slight hint of malice. "I invoke the right of Mashindano." He said, turning to Kiamani. The older leopard looked surprised, and looked to Ahadi. Ahadi's expression was one of pure anger.
"I have already made my decision on the matter, Shari –"
"My King, please, your Son is correct. I withdraw my claim, on his… recommendation... I invoke the right of Mashindano." Shari repeated. Ahadi's eyes narrowed, and he glared daggers at Shari. If looks could kill, Shari would be on the ground with his throat ripped out. Instead, he let out a defeated sigh.
"Then… as is your right… I am powerless to interfere. Do as you will." He sent a look of apology to Kiamani, who nodded stiffly, and turned to face his younger opponent. Taka looked about confused. What? What was Mashindano? However, Ahadi was moving towards him now, and nudged him out of the way.
"Stand back." He barked. "And reap the seeds you've sown." He said, looking down at his son with a mixture of anger and disappointment. Taka didn't look happy. Why was he angered? Sure, he'd spoken out of turn, but surely the leopards knew better than to criticise him for it? And now, whatever the issue it was, it would be resolved by the leopard tribes internally. Problem solved. What was the issue?
"No, Dad!" He heard, a voice, and turned and looked at Kiamani, who was speaking to his Son and mate, whilst Shari paced the ground sharpening his claws. Kiamani's Son, who had spoken, seemed distressed, and looked worried. Shari's supporters were offering him encouragement.
"If the King would tell us when to start?" Shari asked. Ahadi nodded slowly.
"Begin." He said.
And the two leopards launched themselves at one another. Taka suppressed a shout of alarm and panic, as the two ripped into each other, unsheathing their claws in one fluid motion and roaring directly into each other's faces. Neither flinched as they clashed together in a blur of teeth and claw. Shari tore at Kiamani, and there was a spray of blood, as long lines of scarlet erupted into being on Kiamani chest. The leopard gave a shout of pain, and Taka shuddered, looking at the leopard's expression of agony.
"What on earth are they doing?" Taka asked in panic.
"Sssh." Ahadi told him, without looking at him. "It's Mashindano. A Blood Challenge."
"You have to stop them!"
"I can't," Ahadi said through gritted teeth.
Kiamani bit at Shari and seized his neck between his jaws. He shook violently, hoping to snap bone and end the fight quickly, but the bite wasn't deep enough. Instead fur and flesh simply tore and as Shari screamed. The younger leopard dug at Kiamani with his claws and dragged him downwards, rolling and hoping to pin him. This was nothing like the games he played with Mufasa and Kasi. This was brutal, bloody and horrible! It looked extremely painful! The two continued to roll, and Shari was now atop Kiamani.
Shari roared, and slashed with his claws. One. Two. One. Two. Cleave after cleave, tearing at his chest. His son gave a cry of alarm, voice laced with terror. Kiamani screamed. Shari roared.
Taka felt sick.
"Stop it! Make them stop it!"
"I can't! Taka, this is their affair! I can't interfere! They'd have accepted my judgement, but once he challenged him to Mashindano, my words are meaningless!" Ahadi shook his head helplessly, placing a paw over his son and pulling him close. Taka wanted to shut his eyes, but the bloody violent struggle was mesmerising. He couldn't turn away.
Kiamani gave a roar, kicking with his rear legs as Shari made to strike at him again. Shari was knocked over, but the younger leopard recovered in an instant, and leapt back onto his opponent, clawing at his eyes. A loud shriek rang out and Shari came away, revealing Kiamani's bloodied face. One eye was sealed shut with a mass of blood. Had he gouged out the eye? Blinded him? Or merely grazed the skin over the eye? It was impossible to tell!
"Dad! Please, they'll kill each other!" Taka begged him.
"That's the idea…" Ahadi said quietly. Shari snapped at Kiamani, his jaws slicing a piece of flesh from him, and his mouth coming away bloody. Kiamani bent backwards in pain, and stumbled. Shari seized the moment, and knocked Kiamani to the ground. The older leopard couldn't keep up, couldn't keep going. His neck was bare, Shari went for the killing blow, as Taka and Kiamani's Son shouted in alarm.
"No! King's don't!" He screamed. Shari hesitated. Kiamani might have used the moment to break free. But there was nothing left in him. He lay there, panting, waiting for the death blow.
"I've won." Shari said. There was no triumph in his face.
"Then end it." Kiamani conceded. Shari bared his teeth.
"You've won! That's enough!" Taka begged. Shari looked down at his foe.
"Surrender to Me." He said.
"Kill me." Kiamani refused. Death before dishonour.
"Kiamani." Ahadi spoke firmly. "Your Son - and mine - are watching this. There may be shame in having your life spared. But there is none is sparing your Son the death of his father." Ahadi said slowly. Kiamani looked to Taka, resignation on his face, but when he looked to his son, he could see a quiet fear lingering in his eyes. He swallowed, as Shari stood over him, claws extended.
"Please…" Taka begged him. Kiamani's Son didn't say a word, but the leopard cub was staring at his father, eye filled with tears. Please. Great rulers don't die like this. Don't die in front of me! They seemed to say. He didn't say a word though. It was Taka's words that hung in the air. A leopard would never dishonour his father by begging for his life, though every fibre of his being wished he could. Taka however, was no leopard, and he had none of the cultures' customs or traditions. He was scared and he was hurt and he just wanted it all to stop.
Shari said nothing. He awaited his answer without judgement or taunt, but pure patience.
Kiamani nodded slowly, and sheathed his claws. Shari dismounted and looked at him.
"I claim the lands we hunted in. And the prey that reside within."
"It's yours and your tribe's." Kiamani said. He didn't look at him. Shari nodded, satisfied. He winced, aching from half a dozen wounds.
"My King. May I take my leave?" He asked. Ahadi looked at him, and did his best to conceal the contempt he felt rising in his stomach. But Shari had done no wrong. He had obeyed Prideland Law. And Leopard Law, to the letter. He had done no wrong. He nodded, and Shari bowed low, in the funny way that leopards did, with their archaic ways. He also paused and bowed before Taka.
"Thank you, My Prince." He said. Taka looked stunned.
"For what?" Taka could barely utter it. Shari smiled.
"For suggesting that we resolve the matter… internally… without consulting your honourable father. Things have been resolved in a far more agreeable manner. At least as far as my Tribe is concerned." He said.
Taka felt sick.
Shari bowed low to Taka, and he and his people turned, leaving Pride Rock.
When they'd left Ahadi rushed to Kiamani's side.
"My friend…" He murmured as Kiamani tried to rise. Ahadi shot a look to Zuzu, who immediately departed, presumably to locate Rafiki. "You must rest here until you are recovered." He said. Kiamani couldn't refuse. Kiamani's Son rushed to his father and as the defeated chief let out a sigh.
Ahadi turned to Taka.
"Move." He commanded. Taka gulped. The lionesses said nothing as he passed, but Taka could feel their gaze on him. They moved to the rear of the cave out of earshot of the others.
"Are you happy now?" Ahadi asked him, scowling, his eyes the epitome of disapproval.
"Dad, I…"
"Do you not see? Can you not think before you act! Now look at what has happened! A dear friend of mine has been injured! Possibly fatally! You think you feel guilty now. Could you imagine what you'd feel if he'd been killed?" He said. He looked to Kiamani. "What about his Son! Can you imagine how he'd feel?"
"I didn't know this would happen!" Taka gasped, shame rising over him like floodwater. His voice cracked as he spoke, and he could feel tears coming. Ahadi stared at him.
"Taka. You are a Prince. Everything you say has consequences. Did you truly imagine that animals have no way of settling things among themselves? The Savannah is a hard place, even among the Pridelands. If I exercise my right as King you have to believe it is important! How dare you! How dare you trivialise their lives! Do you think you are so much better than them that you can be the sole arbiter of my time and attention?!" Ahadi said. He was angry. Furious.
"Dad… I didn't know! I didn't…"
"What you just saw… Was Mashindano. A Blood Challenge. A Duel." Taka thought back to the blood, the screams, the roars, the agony as they tore at one another. "I have been trying desperately to end the practice, but there are still those who use it to resolve disputes, to settle matters. Even I, as King, can't overrule what they decide." Ahadi said. "Now, Kiamani's Tribe will lose territory. Lose prey. This will mean that their children, their warriors, will find it harder to hunt, harder to fight. If they're lucky, this will merely mean more work for them, until their fighters become stronger. If they are unlucky, Shari and other tribes will use this moment of weakness to snap up more of their land. A royal decree on the matter was all that was holding them in balance. Now, my dear friend will face more and more challenges to his power. He is older, and his son is not old enough, or strong enough. They will face a tough rainy season."
"I didn't know any of that!" Taka protested.
"Of course not! That was why you should have kept your mouth shut!" Ahadi roared for the first time, and Taka shrank back and away, scared of his father. Ahadi's anger seemed subside when he saw his Son's fear, but the frustration was still there. Ahadi turned away from his Son, growling.
"Don't be hard on him, Ahadi…" Kiamani spoke for the first time. Taka looked at him, and saw the injuries all over him. He felt another spike of shame. Oh Kings… "Everyone knew I was old. It was only a matter of time before Shari or one of the others challenged me to Mashindano. Or even challenged me to be Chief of my Tribe." Kiamani said. He looked at Taka. "And I still owe you thanks… for my life."
"What!?" Taka gasped. "But… But if I hadn't… I hadn't… Your life wouldn't have been in danger."
"That's true enough I suppose. But you must remember… If I had surrendered willingly it would have been a source of huge shame for my Tribe and My Son. They'd have struggled for Mates, they'd have become pariahs, for the dishonour it would have brought."
"That's why you didn't surrender."
"Yes. But… Your youth and – forgive me – naivety allowed my... surrender, to be less ignoble than it otherwise would be. A royal command? How could I refuse? I got to keep my life. Of course, If Ahadi had done it, it wouldn't have worked, but you? You spared my Son growing up fatherless. Thank you." He said, bowing low.
Wow.
Taka didn't think it was possible for his shame to grow any deeper. But it did. He wanted to vomit.
"Kiamani, you must stay here and rest for now. I shall deal with my Son's… Impertinence, and foolhardy ways myself. Forgive me. My failure to do so earlier could have cost you your life."
"And it could have saved it. What world would we live in, if we blamed the rise and fall of tribes and kingdoms on the ignorant actions of innocent children? I don't blame him. And you shouldn't either." He said. Ahadi sighed.
"He needs to be taught though." He said, and Taka flushed in embarrassment, at the two adults discussing him as though he were not there.
Ahadi left the cave with Taka close behind him.
"Dad…"
"Son. Don't. Not now." He said. He sounded tired. but he was right. Taka shook himself.
"I am sorry." He said, hoarsely.
"I know you are. Believe me. If I didn't think you understood the magnitude of your actions… If I didn't think you realised… But you do. You understand. You comprehend. That, at least, is good." He said. "I need to know why though.
It didn't make him feel better, but Taka swallowed.
"I just… I was angry… and frustrated… And you said you'd be there today, and you couldn't again, and I came back, but they were there taking up all your time with their greed and selfishness and arrogance… and I just thought… I just thought… It wasn't fair of them."
"You wanted me to neglect the duties of being King." Ahadi said slowly.
"I didn't want that… I just didn't want you to neglect me." Taka said.
And Taka realised just how that sounded, and he dropped his eyes, unwilling to look up at him. His ears pressed flat over his head.
Ahadi recoiled as if stung. He stared at Taka for a while. What thoughts went through him, he couldn't begin to guess. Taka swallowed.
"Well." Ahadi said stiffly. "At least you got your lesson on fighting." He said. Taka winced, remembering the sounds and scents of blood, the screams of pain and roars of anger. The violence. He felt sick again and shuddered. "I hope it was worth it." Ahadi said.
And once more, Taka felt his shame deepen.