Good news, my dad made it out of his hernia surgery just fine, though he's a bit drowsy still (understandable) and a little annoyed that he's limited to what he can eat. To my understandings he's pretty much limited to soups, puddings, and gelatins. Also no spicy or greasy foods. What a drag! He's told to take it easy, but knowing how hard-headed he is he'll find ways to get out of the house and do stuff instead of staying home all day watching DVD movies (when he doesn't totally know how to work the remote).
Anyway as for the story title, I've decided I won't change it for now. I'll just put up an AKA (Also Known As) in the summary or something. Thanks anyway, those who voted!
Chapter 23:
Sengbe walked into the deeper part of the cave and on the higher levels. He approached an older meerkat who was lying upright in a nest. The older meerkat appeared sickly. Sengbe knelt down to him and bowed his head in respect.
"Sengbe. This had better be important," the older meerkat said with a cough.
"We have visitors, Khairi. They heard the Nunda's roar, yet they persisted to come here."
"A rarity indeed. Are they a group of rogues?"
Sengbe shook his head. "Not exactly. The pup my son brought back last night belongs to them." He sighed,"The pup's mother is Sylvester's love interest from our former mob."
Khairi sat up a bit more in his nest with a slight growl. "... I don't need to remind you the barter between the two of us when I allowed you and your son to become part of our colony, do I, Sengbe?" Sengbe sighed and shook his head. "Good. So if you expect to remain as you are now, you know what I expect to become of this girl."
Sengbe's eyebrows rose in brief shock, and then he lifted his eyes to meet Khairi's. "Khairi, I don't think that will be necessary. She's married, so I doubt she'll interfere." He exhaled, "But she requests to stay here with her mate, brother, and son until they locate someone called Titus."
"Hmph. I know no Titus."
"Nor do I."
Khairi exhaled deeply. "Very well, then. Until they find this Titus, they may stay."
"I understand. Now, they also have three warthogs in their company, and a cheetah as well. They'll wish for permission to allow them to stay here as well."
"A cheetah?"
"A cub, about four months. I'm told he's an insectivore."
The elder meerkat exhaled deeply and sunk back into the nest. "I will think about it. For now, I must rest. Leave me." Sengbe bowed his head, and began to turn to leave. "And, Sengbe?"
Sengbe stopped. "Yes?"
"Make sure she does not interfere. If she does--"
"I understand, Khairi. I'll keep an eye on things." He bowed his head again and left.
Khairi exhaled deeply as Sengbe walked away. "You had better, for your sake."
To be continued...