Chapter 3 – Kilari meets Zira and Jinma

Mufasa and Ockali arrived back at Pride Rock. It was noon. Many lionesses were bringing meat to those who remained behind.

"Where is Kilari? I need to talk to him."

"I think he went off somewhere with Zira and Jinma…" One lioness answered. At that moment, Hunsa came in. She frowned.

"I don't like the sound of that, Ockali. I don't trust that Jinma. Go get Kilari and bring him back. He's mischievous enough without HER influence." Ockali without a word ran out to search for his son, Jinma, and Jinma's daughter, Zira.

"What's wrong with Jinma, Mom?"

"Well, Jinma was originally betrothed to your father. I fell in love with him. We mated and no one too much minded, except for her. She's a grouch about it."

"So I don't have to marry Sarabi?" Hunsa laughed.

"It's a little more complicated than that. You might just not mind when you're older." Mufasa made a gagging motion. His mother sighed, doing her best to ignore her son's comment.

Meanwhile:

"Where are we, Mom?"

"Patience, Zira. We are in the marshes beyond the elephant graveyard." Kilari intently and warily stared to the Lionesses.

Keep one eye open. Never show true intentions.

Finally they crossed the Marsh Lake, over the unstable stones. It was Jinma's hideout, it was a haunting place. The cubs were ordered to sit down, as Jinma told a tale.

"Kilari, I believe you are a lion cub of vision, brains, truly almost a royal. I hear you wish to be King, and why not, such a deserving lad…"

"And what do you want? Let us cut to the chase…" Jinma looked sourly, Kilari was a manipulator, not one himself to be manipulated.

"Ah… but of course, aren't you clever? When I was a cub, I was a PRINCESS. I was going to marry Ockali. He next met Hunsa, I bet you know the rest. Jinma became a subject to his honor. And no one took more notice to the would-be-queen. You should understand as the almost King. If you and I went in league, if I made you a King, a leader, and all you do for me, is let my daughter experience monarchy. Fame, fortune, glory, I simply ask for Zira to be a Queen. She's obedient, beautiful, is bright, and can learn from your brilliance…"

"You suggest, that if you kill my father, and brother, and put me on MY throne, and of course, I marry your fanciful, lovely cub, Zira…" both lionesses gave sly grins as they nodded. Kilari made a slick smile too.

"Then, it is agreed. I am hereby betrothed to Zira. All I ask is that you let me in on all plans," He had a curved, snide smile. Zira looked up at him in joy. She finally spoke, "I think you are bright. You will be a good king. I know a few lionesses. They will worship your slyness. And be our TRUE followers."

She's aware of more than she appears to. She could make a good Queen. Looks strong and is ambitious. She has a vision for ideas of genius. She will do fine.

"ROAR!" Ockali pounced in. "What are you doing with Kilari this far out in the Edges of Pridelands."

"You said not to leave without an adult. Jinma, I believe qualifies." Ockali remained silenced. He led the cub away.

"Jinma, if you take him up here without my permission, again," he threatened her fiercly.

"What are you thinking that I'm doing to him," she threw back, "conspiring against you?"

He did not answer.

When they reached Pride Rock. Mufasa looked as Kilari was

Scolded for knowing of the Elephant Graveyard and telling Mufasa of it. One thought picked at Mufasa's curious brain.

What was he doing out in the Marshes with Jinma and Zira?