Kerchak heard some noise outside the nest.

"I'll be right back," he said, "I just have to make sure that everything is alright"

Kala noticed he limped off. She hadn't noticed his limp before. She wondered if he'd injured himself somehow.

"Everything's fine," he said after a moment, "The young ones were playing."

He smiled.

"One day," he said, "Moonlight will be able to join them."

Kala smiled.

"Did you injure yourself Kerchak," she asked gently.

"It was awhile ago," he said, "Sabor bit my foot and leg."

Kala looked horrified.

"When did that happen," she half asked; half demanded.

He recognized that tone. He had used that tone at times.

"It was a little less than a year ago," he said, "I was guarding the nesting ground and Sabor was about to attack your nest."

"You could have died!"

"I know that Kala," he said gently, "I will submit to anything that you think is right."

"Let me see the wound," she said softly.

"It's not pretty," he said showing her the mark on his leg and foot.

"Did you clean it off?"

"I've been cleaning it off twice a day," he said, "It stings every time."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Kala said, "I could have made it better."

"I didn't want you to worry," he said, "I didn't tell Carra because I didn't want her to feel guilty. I didn't tell the family because I wanted them to feel like they were still protected. Of course, they were. If they knew though, they may have worried about my ability to lead the family. A good leader puts the others before himself. A great leader leads by love. You are worth the pain I suffered."

"Come," Kala said, "We will go to the eucalyptus tree. That can take the sting away."

Kerchaf looked at her with a tilted head and a small smile.

"Then," she continued, "We'll go to the aloe tree. That will prevent infection."

"Darling if I were going to get an infection wouldn't I already have one?"

"I don't know," Kala said, "But let's not take any chances."

"What about Moonlight," Kerchak asked nervously.

"Terk," Kala called, "Would you come over here a moment?"

Terk walked over to Kala.

"Yes Kala," she asked.

"Would you mind watching Moonlight for a little while," Kala asked, "We should be back really soon."

"Of course," Terk said brightly.

Kala and Kerchak both licked the baby's face and Terk took her.