The moon wore on, and it was evident that Usiku had made quite an impression on some of the lionesses. Her excellent hunting skills had proved a valuable asset to the hunting party, but she impressed most with her skills in handling the cubs. Tanabi, Sava and Ella took instantly to her, and often begged her to play with them. If she got fed up with it, she never showed it, which was quite remarkable, knowing what Tani was like when he got going.
One day, I felt the urge to visit Rafiki's baobab tree, to see what he felt about the whole situation. He sat mysteriously in his meditating pose as I approached, and moved only his lips when I was in earshot.
"I know why you have come, Simba, son of Mufasa."
"That's er – that's good…"
"Indeed. You seek counsel. Is your most trusted advisor no use?"
"I, er…" I hesitated, "well, I rather felt I needed an outsiders opinion on matters."
"Mmm," he grunted, and sat perfectly still for several seconds.
I rocked back on to my haunches, waiting for him to speak.
"I think she is a very nice girl," he said suddenly.
"Oh? Er – oh, yes she is."
"She fits what I predicted."
"What's that?"
"Someone would come across the land and disrupt the balance."
"Was that all?"
"There was more, largely insignificant."
"Largely?"
"It does not do to reveal what may be," he said wisely, "it only encourages them to happen quicker."
What was he getting at?
"Yes…" I said.
"Well, I'll leave you to it then," I said, backing off. I was beginning to question the wisdom of coming to see him.
"Goodbye, my King. May the sun shine brightly on you always."
"And you," I replied. He really was a creepy little monkey.
When I returned, I went to visit my mother, who I hadn't seen since Usiku had appeared. As the days wore on, Sarabi became less and less active, and was not a lot of use in hunts anymore. I crawled into a darkened cave to see her. She smiled at me, a mother's smile. Only she could do that.
"Hello darling," she said.
"Hey," I replied, "how're you?"
She smiled weakly, and lay her head down, "How do you think?" she asked.
My heart started pounding in my throat.
"Erm, well, you seem ok to me," I began.
She shook her head, "No, Simba. Don't kid yourself, you know what I mean."
I hung my head. Of course I did. She was old after all.
"I've lived a long life, and I think I fulfilled my duty to you and your father…
It'll be nice to see him again, to feel his warmth again…
But I'll always remember you, Simba, and I'll always be proud, regardless of what happens."
I felt a burning behind my eyes.
"I love you, mom."
"Aideu calls," she said, and rose to the mouth of the cave, very slowly and unsurely. "When we die, our pride has a field we go to, it's a tradition that goes back generations," she said, "it ought to have been my job to show you where, but…"
She never finished her sentence but, padded over silently, gave me a lick on the cheek, and headed out the cave, and away into the distance. I went to the top of Pride Rock to watch her for as long as possible. When she had disappeared from sight, I lay, into the night, listening to the soothing sounds of the savannah. For once, I didn't feel so downcast for my mothers passing on, for I knew she would be with my father, and happy once more. Lost in my thoughts of my dear parents, I lay at peace, for a long time, undisturbed, and didn't return, even for the hunter's kill. Tomorrow it would be my job to inform the pride of Sarabi's whereabouts, but for now, I saw it as my personal secret which I had to share with no one. This was a mother and son thing, and I had a right to keep it secret.