Simba looked taken aback by Sebek's vow of loyalty. He saw the powerful lion was on his side, definitely declaring himself his ally. The King saw that Sebek was honest and said:
Thank you for saving my life Sebek.
Your Majesty please. It was my duty. You spared me that day when I collided with you. You could have abandoned me to my fate…
No I couldn't. The protocol forbade me to.
But you said that the Royal Protocol didn't always stand.
Simba was stricken by the young lion's memory. "He remembers my teachings…"
For that reason I consider myself lucky to be alive and with you all today, concluded Sebek.
My friend, Simba began, I didn't see how loyal you were to our pride only shortly after you arrived here. I didn't see as well how deep your feelings were about us, about me. You have my eternal trust.
The King stepped closer to Sebek and rested his head against Sebek's shoulder. This was more then he'd ever expected. When Vitani did the same, a burst of joy rose inside Sebek's heart. The smiling lions continued their way to the east of Prideland.
When they finally arrived in the gazelles' permanent territory, Simba and Nala roared a greeting. The gazelles grazing in the field beneath them looked up, unsure whether they should run at the sight of these lions. When three male gazelle ran over to Simba, the herd began grazing peacefully again.
Welcome in Hestal's domain, King of Kings, said the biggest of the three males.
The pleasure is ours.
Please follow us. We will take you to our Queen.
The gazelles sidestepped on the King's family's passage. The animals bowed to each other until they reached a small hill, shadowed by an enormous acacia. A tall gracious gazelle awaited Simba and his cortege.
Welcome King of Kings.
We thank you for your invitation, Hestal.
The honour is mine. How was your voyage here?
Fine. It was fine, answered Nala when she saw that Simba was about to mention the cheetahs.
This pleases me, Hestal said. Now will you please come with me King and Queen of Prideland? We have a present for you. My guards will take care of your escorts,
Simba and Nala left with Hestal and her followers. Many young female gazelles came over with large leaves they used as fans. Sebek lied down and was joined by Vitani. The couples chatted happily as the young females began to prance and dance for their guests.
Does this happen often? Sebek inquired.
No. It is quite rare that courtesy visits are that entertaining, confessed Kiara.
Simba and Nala soon came back with a flower, a gigantic flower. Curiosity drove the lions to walk up to the royal couple to sniff at the strange plant Nala carried.
This flower is called a Hibiscus. It's beautiful and brings good dreams, Hestal said.
The big red flower smelled incredibly good. Hestal told the lions that putting the Hibiscus in water would cause it to grow bigger and that they could eventually put the seeds back in the earth. More flowers would grow and then decorate Prideland with beautiful bright colours.
Thank you Hestal for this beautiful present. You are welcome to visit Prideland whenever you desire, added Simba.
Milord, would you like to stay here for the night? You shouldn't walk by night.
Thank you for your generous offer Queen Hestal but we really should go, said Nala.
Then may your journey back home be safe, Hestal said bowing to her King and Queen.
Goodbye Queen, Simba said as the lions bowed to Hestal.
When Simba turned back, he saw Hestal's majestic silhouette depicted in black against the fiery sky at dusk. After a last prance of goodbye, Hestal disappeared behind the hills.
The lion cortege proceeded into the den when the finally arrived. None of the lionesses and cubs was asleep. As he liked to do when he came back from a far visit, Simba went over to each lioness and cub to wish him or her goodnight. Sebek found the scene touching. All the cubs meowing and all the lionesses craving for his attention presented an incredible occasion for the King to bond with his pride. Glancing at Nala, Sebek noticed that she didn't seem jealous of the other lionesses that Simba nuzzled. In the dimmed light of the den, the lions, once greeted by Simba fell in a profound sleep. Last to be greeted, Nala purred affectionately at her mate and King. Sebek fell asleep last. He knew why he hadn't been greeted. "It isn't the time yet…" he told himself.
The next morning, as half of the lionesses were preparing to leave for the hunt, a sound of thundering hooves reverberated in the air. "The zebras…" Sebek remembered. Simba's head had lifted instantly and he began to walk to the zebras. A tall zebra stallion whinnied a stop. Nearly forty zebras dung their hooves into the earth to stop their run. Sebek gazed down at the herd. He knew that Zebras usually gathered in groups of hundreds.
Incredible isn't it? The damages hyenas have done to this herd? a female voice said behind him.
Yes indeed, your Highness, Sebek answered.
Please call me Nala.
With all due respect, I don't think I can.
Why is that?
I've been taught and trained to call members of the royal family by their title and not their names.
I shall leave you the time to get used to it.
Thank you.
So Sebek. I heard from my daughter's husband that you are a warrior. Did you fight a lot?
I did. I used to be my King's protector. But now that I'm here I feel a little useless.
Kovu used to feel left out too. He probably is the only one who can understand how you feel.
He is. Really your Majesty can't I do anything? I'm used to be doing a lot in a pride. Fight, defend and checking borders, hunting…
Weren't the lionesses hunting?
They did. Only we, warriors, did as well to let the lionesses rest.
I understand. Well you could start by doing what you said you'd do.
I'm not sure I know what you mean your Highness.
I heard from my husband that you planned on talking to Rafiki about your healing methods or your intentions on how to use them.
OH! Yes I did say I'd do that! Thanks for reminding me. I shouldn't be delaying longer.
It's the biggest baobab in the centre of Prideland.
Thanks again your Majesty.