As I half suspected, there was pandemonium when we arrived with Usiku. Some of the lionesses lined each side and spat at her as she followed me up towards the given meeting place round one side of Pride Rock. I roared, to signal I had an announcement to make, and gave anyone who cared to listen a short amount of time to make their way to the rock before I said it.

Slowly, bodies began skulking up towards us. Even Zazu flew down, muttering something about being on his day off but how it was his duty to attend every meeting. When I saw him, I suddenly felt bad about not consulting him over my decision. He was allegedly my most trusted advisor, after all. Still, I couldn't stew on that now, I had to announce my plans and decisions to those who'd arrived. By now, word had got out about why the meeting had been called, though some thought I held Usiku to try her and execute her before the pride. How wrong they were.

I cleared my throat. "I have gathered you here to discuss a matter of great importance."

A few murmurs and mumbles from the crowd.

"As you have no doubt heard, here I have with me the Riverlander responsible for the killing of our old friend Yaya. Her name is Usiku."

There were assorted hisses around the group. One whispered, "Why do we care about her name? Let us see blood!"

"SILENCE!" I bellowed. Then I turned round and looked at Usiku. She looked terrified about what might happen to her.

"There will be no blood spilt, and no execution."

Wide eyed shock and disbelief met my eyes.

"Why not?!"

"Outrage!"

"She deserves it, after what she's done!"

"SILENCE!" I roared again.

"No one deserves worse than what they have dished out. Are you not some of the same lionesses who taught me as a cub the lessons of life? That two wrongs don't make a right? That we should treat others with the respect they deserve, for we are all connected in the great circle of life?"

There were more murmurs; some of agreement, others of outrage.

"What respect does this filth deserve?!"

I growled, "As much as you or I!"

She laughed. "Me or you?! How can you put her on the same level?"

"If you don't know the full story, how can you judge her?"

"If you've heard it, how do you know she's telling the truth?"

There was no real answer to that, and I stumbled over an answer.

"AHA! You see! Doubt! Even our great King begins to doubt this Riverlander," she looked at Usiku, "and she sits there smugly, laughing at the reaction she has made in our pride! Embarrassment, dears. Don't give her the satisfaction!"

Usiku hardened her facial features. "What makes you so sure, Pridelander, that I am not telling the truth? Simba here has seen evidence of what I speak of. He is your King, yet you pay him no respect. Why is this? Do you not trust him? After he has led you to heights you have not seen in years? By all means judge me. I'm worth nothing, but your King has done no wrong. So far his judgement has not led you astray, what makes you so sure it will now?"

The lioness, who's name was Allai, narrowed her eyes at her. Then she circled her, looking closely at her eyes. Usiku stared back, face devoid of all emotion. Clearly, Allai was struggling to think of a reply. Eventually, she conceded, "Maybe, we have been harsh on him for some things, but there are times when he crosses the line. I believe this is one such occasion? Do we not think so girls?"

The decision was most certainly not unanimous. Allai scowled, and thundered off, followed by her devoted clan of followers. Those that remained stared at me to see what my next move would be. I decided to explain my decision more fully, by describing things which I'd seen, and the way in which she'd rescued Tanabi. In truth, this was the main reason for my compassion for her. And it was enough for many of the lionesses, such was Tani's popularity. He knew nothing of the events going on however, having curled up asleep next to Nala long ago. Sava and Ella were with him.

"We understand, King Simba, and for now we reserve judgement. But let it be known, Riverlander, that a paw out of line and we will be down on you. We pray you will appreciate our slightly inhospitable reception for now, which we guarantee will improve with time. You will accompany us on our hunts tomorrow, and we will give you one moon to prove your worth. Then we will force Simba to be rid of you."

Usiku shrugged, "I cannot complain with that," she said.

The mob departed and it was the same four adults left again. Mtifu agreed to show Usiku the ropes, and offered to be her friend for the length of time she remained at Pride Rock. I was indebted to her. A friendship such as this could only improve relations between Usiku and the rest of the Pride. Naturally, we again had the problem of a group of rebellious lionesses, but in truth I'd expected that. For now, it was down to Usiku to settle into her new surroundings. I snuggled down next to Nala and we stayed there til morning, preferring our own company to the rest of the Pride, for tonight at least.