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“How did it happen, Debbie?”
“He was hunting with the lionesses. Your father begged him not to go, but you know your brother--he felt more at ease hunting than learning to rule.”
Kubali looked down. “At least he died doing something he enjoyed.” He half-closed his eyes as Ela
Debara sighed softly. “Kubali, you’re our only hope. Could you forget the past and come back with me?”
“Well sure. But what about the lionesses? Aren’t they still angry?”
Debara stroked his mane gently. “You are our only hope of keeping the pride...you must come back. The others have accepted this.” She smiled softly, “My daughter can’t wait to see you.”
“Penzi wants me back?”
Debara chuckled. “She is your betrothed....and you were never that much of a trouble maker...” She bated him gently, “just a normal little brat.”
“That bad, huh? Well I’ve mellowed out somewhat.”
He could feel Ela
Debara nodded. “You never led Penzi on. You never told her that you loved her. But Honey Tree, she DOES love you, and she HAS told you. If you love me at all, be gentle with her.”
“I DO love you.”
“I know.” Debara nuzzled him softly. “The King will be pleased to see you, and I’m sure he’ll understand. Don’t worry yourself, dear. It’s better if you let me speak to Penzi before you a
Kubali nuzzled Ela
Ela
“She will understand.”
“Are you sure they will accept me?” Ela
“La
Debara looked at Ela
CHAPTER: ON THE TRAIL
The three of them walked most of the day. Debara led the way, with Kubali behind her, and Ela
She looked up, watching the two catch up on the missing months. She sighed softly, unheard. How could she admit to him that the light would never shine in her eyes?
Almost without warning, Debara was next to her. Ela
Ela
Debara nuzzled her shoulder gently, something that made Ela
Ela
Debara chuckled, “A word of advice, just keep your distance from my daughter for a few days. She is bound to be slightly disappointed.”
Ela
“Most likely, but don’t you worry none, I will keep her under control. She is my daughter after all. Now, let’s hear more about you. I hear you taught this little brat to respect lionesses?”
Ela
Debara laughed softly, “It’s fu
“Yes I do, Honey Tree.”
Ela
With that, the group picked up there pace and, coming into a clearing, ran into the pride, gathered around a kill. Ela
The king stepped forward. “Kubali? My son? Against all hope, I see you again!”
“Dad, I came as soon as I heard about Ababu. Was it--quick?” When the king hung his head and sobbed, Kubali rushed forward and nuzzled him. “Oh, dad!”
“Can you forgive me for my mistakes, my son?”
“Can you forgive me for my mistakes, father?”
“I have lost one son, but I have found the other. Let us bury the past, my boy.”
After a few moments a young lioness stepped forward to the two. The King smiled once more. “Kubali, there’s someone that wants to see you.”
The young lioness moved to nuzzle Kubali. “It has been a long time, my prince.”
“As has it for me, Penzi.” Kubali replied, not really returning the nuzzle. Penzi looked at him curiously.
Debara coughed a bit, seeing Ela
The king nodded. “Of course Debara.” He looked to his son and Ela
Kubali started to walk towards the kill, but Ela
After the meal, the two groomed each other, getting more looks from the other lionesses. Ela
The king stepped to his son and Ela