The sun was bright and hot this morning. The savannahs of New Thundera, held little in the way of shade or relief. There was little here, a small river that ran through this cursed savannah and into the distant jungles. The occasional acacia tree dotted the landscape. This was lion country. Kareala marched through the deep grass of the savannah. She wasn't feeling well but she could not refuse her duty. The pack on her back was oddly heavy today. She had strapped her long sword on the pack. It was pointless but after years spent fighting and hiding from the mutants, it gave her a sense of comfort. The quiver on her side and the bow carried over her shoulder seemed to weigh her down.
Amnextria had summoned her. Kareala was in no mood for Amnextria's antics, despite her family's sworn loyalty to House Goldenmane. Everywhere the queen went, there was a large entourage of attendants and companions. Another blasted hunt. Amnextria had personally requested that she lead the hunt. She continued her path across the savannah. In the distance, she could make out Amnextria's tent. The purple stood out among the yellow and browns of the savannah. She inhaled sharply and made her way to the Queen's camp.
She stopped just short of the camp. Or what should be a camp. There was only the Queen's tent. Where were the huntresses? How does she expect me to lead a hunt here? Kareala thought to herself. Out of nowhere, Oona popped up out of the grass. Kareala's senses told her to run but she stood her ground. She dropped her pack at her feet and lowered the bow and quiver. The less she had to carry, the faster she could move.
"Lady Oona, where are the huntresses?", she asked, searching the area for a possible escape route.
Oona edged closer to her, almost like she was stalking prey. "Her Majesty only wants you and I on this hunt with her," she said, a strange glint in her eye.
Kareala backed away cautiously when Amnextria appeared out of the tent. "Lady Kareala, you honor us with your presence. Your skill among the females of the court is widely known. There is no prey who could escape your grasp," Amnextria said, her eyes harder than usual.
Run, the voice inside her head screamed! Run while you still can! Something is wrong here.
"The honor is mine, Your Majesty," she said, as Oona eased around behind her. She was now between the two of them. Amnextria was a match for any warrior on Thundera, Kareala had witnessed her battle prowess. And Oona there was no cat more vicious or cruel in a fight. Kareala was not without skill herself. She could hold her own battling either of them, but together, they would be deadly. The savannah was the lion's natural territory.
"Tell me, Lady Kareala what shall we hunt today?", Amnextria said slowly closing the distance between them. "Impala, wildebeest, zebra?"
"Whatever you wish, Your Majesty," Kareala said moving to the side slightly. She did not like being caught between them. Oona mirrored her moves. Finally she had enough. "What is this, my queen? Why are only we out here?"
Amnextria stopped short, "Always to the point, Lady Kareala. Is that what my husband likes about you?" She stopped and allowed her words to sink in.
She knows, blessed Great Mother, she sknows! Kareala thought to herself. She quickly reached down, drawing the long sword strapped to her back. If I am to die, I will not go quietly.
"What of it, we both know you do not love him," she said giving Oona a pointed glance, "Your passions lie elsewhere, do they not Your Majesty?"
Amnextria growled and lunged at Kareala rapidly drawing her own sword. Kareala easily matched the queen's frenzied attack. The leopard had lost track of Oona. Damn, she disappeared in the accursed high savannah grass. Lioness were known to work in teams to ambush their prey. Lions were strong but leopards were quicker. Kareala danced about avoiding her opponent's blade.
"Why? Do you desire the throne? You know my father and many other lions will never accept you as queen. What could you possible hope to gain?," the queen taunted. Kareala seized her opportunity. Amnextria in her rage, over extended her attack. Kareala struck quickly. A quick slash! Amnextrai screamed and dropped her sword holding the deep gash on her arm. Kareala held her sword at the lioness's throat.
Amnextria laughed, "Kill me if you dare! You will never be his queen!"
Kareala lowered her sword slightly. And then darkness! She never saw the blow that sent her toppling forward.
Oona had risen from her place in the grass. The now blood tinged mace held at her side.
"Damn it, Oona! You've killed her," Amnextria said as she examined the head wound on the back of the leopard female's skull. "I did not want her dead."
"Forgive me, milady. But she her attacked you..."
Amnextria waved her hand, silencing Oona. The lioness had seen blows like that kill warriors twice Kareala's size. Her mind was racing. She planned to capture the leopard and sell her to mutant slavers. Dealing with the mutants was unsavory but it was necessary. Kareala had to eliminated but she could not be implicated in her disappearance. And now here she lay dead. Amnextrai tore a piece of cloth from her dress and tied it around her wound. She couldn't let Lion-O see her, not until this heals. There would be too many questions.
"We must dispose of her body before we return to the city," the queen said as she motioned for Oona to help her lift the body. I will have to send another female to Lion-O tonight, she thought. He will refuse of course, but when his lover doesn't come to their meeting place... She smiled despite the situation. Eventually he would lay with another female and finally an heir to Thundera would be born and Lion-O could join his lover in the afterlife.
Later that evening, Lion-O waited near their secret place. Kareala is hours late, he was beginning to worry. Amnextria did not enter his chambers tonight. Again, she sent another lion female. Lion-O refused and came here.
Where is she? It is not like her to be late, he worried. He sat back against a tree and waited...