CHAPTER: LIEBESTOD

Adhama flicked an ear absently at a buzzing fly as she shouldered her way silently through the high grass. As she emerged from the surrounding brush, she spotted Ugas atop a small rise, looking into the west toward Pride Rock.

Padding to his side, she craned her head to look at him. “Who is it this time?” she asked with a wry smile. “Do I know her?”

He glanced at her and grinned dazzlingly. “It’s not a lioness, Addie! My sons are coming to visit me! My sons, Addie!”

Adhama beamed. “Togo and Kombi? Coming here?”

“And why not?? My sons can go anywhere they please!”

“When are they coming?”

“I don’t know. Within a few days. But what’s a few more days after all these moons?” He leaned over and nuzzled her warmly. “After I’m gone, I’ll feel good knowing that my sons are taking care of you.”

“And who says you’re dying first? You may outlive us all.”

“I hope not.” He reached out with a paw and fondled her cheek. “I’ve lived a long life, a full life. I’ve had a lot of happiness, and now I have peace of mind. I prayed for a son, and I got twin boys! Aiheu has been good to me.”

“You forgot to mention your sister that loves you.”

Ugas smiled and nuzzled her again. “Yes, I have a sister that I love.” He thought a moment. “Addie, I’m going to try and talk Uzuri into staying. Things are fine in her pride now, and she said she would come to me when things improved.”

“Does she know about the others?”

“No.” He looked worried. “It’s better that she never knows. She’s my wife, you know. I pledged to her.”

“She’s the Queen?”

“Yes. You sound surprised.”

“No, not at all. I think she’ll make a good Queen. But do you think you can remain faithful to her?”

“Addie!” He smiled, somewhat embarrassed. “If she’ll only stay this time, I’ll be faithful to her. It’s an even trade. She’d be giving up her pride, and I’d be giving up....” He half closed his eyes and looked pensive, counting on his paws. “Well, maybe it’s not an even trade, but I’ll do it for her.”

“Be serious!”

“I AM serious. I’d do anything for that girl. When she’s here, she makes my world. But every time she leaves me, I feel this horrible emptiness. If she will make sacrifices for me, I’ll make them for her.”

“She might just do that. At least I’ll never leave you.”

Ugas smiled and his eyes sparkled. “Have I told you I love you recently?”

“Many times, Honey Tree.”

“Well I’m telling you again.”

Adhama smiled and slipped silently into the grass headed for Pride Kopje. The hunt would begin in an hour or so, and already the Pride Sisters were starting to gather to discuss plans.

Adhama had spoken of sacrifices. Never had she understood sacrifice more keenly than as she went over the night’s plan with the other lionesses. Despite her advanced age, her slowing reflexes and her weakening eyes she was still hunt mistress for Ugas’ pride. With her renowned hunting abilities and keen sight, Uzuri would surely replace her, but so great was her love for Ugas that she would willingly step aside for Queen Uzuri. Adhama, who loved cubs, would tend the children in her remaining days and dream of nights on the trail. She determined to remember every moment of what might be her last hunt as a leader.

Ugas watched her tawny form fade into the grass, a smile on his face. Settling his bulk gently to the ground, he started to doze off for a nap when he heard a soft padding in the grass. “Addie, did you forget something?”

“I’m not Addie,” a sultry voice replied.

Ugas looked up. A smile of delight blossomed on his face. “Sarafina! My sweet Fini!”

Sarafina nuzzled him as he lay on the ground. Quickly he raised off the ground, closing his eyes in bliss as he rubbed down her full length. “Oh, girl, it’s good to see you!”

“I missed you, beloved,” she said.

“I missed you too.” He kissed one of her cheeks softly, then kissed the other cheek. A deep, quiet purr rose from inside her.

“You’re in your season,” he said gently. “It seems like the only time I ever see you around. Don’t you ever just want to share the view from Pride Kopje when the sun is setting and the stars come peeking out?”

“I wish I could, my darling. I love you so much, but I have too many ties to my Pride to just walk away from them.”

“So how’s my little girl?”

“I’m fine,” she said, kissing him again.

“I should have said OUR little girl.”

“Oh, Nala. She’s expecting cubs soon.”

“My Nala, a mother?” He smiled warmly. “Wonderful! I hope they look like you. Is Simba good to her?”

“Oh, as good as gold.”

“If he isn’t, you call me. I’ll teach him a little respect.”

“I believe you.” She laughed. “You sure taught ME a few things.”

He smiled and nuzzled her passionately. “Is that a hint? Are you back for another lesson?”

She laughed again with anticipation and nosed him playfully on the thigh. “Come with me. I thirst for knowledge.” Then she turned and darted into the reeds.

Ugas pursued her. “So you want to learn something?? See if you can handle this!”

From the depths of the reeds, Sarafina gasped in a breath and issued it in a moan.

“Oh, Fini! I love you so much! So much!”

“Ugas!” she stammered. “I love to have you next to me! I live for your touch!”

“Oh, Fini! My dear girl!”

“Oh gods, I love you, Ugas!”

“I love you too! Oh! Oh yes!” He gasped and roared loudly.

She answered his roar with a cry of passionate fulfillment.

Suddenly Ugas shrieked--this time it was a cry of pain.

“What’s wrong??”

“Oh gods, no!”

“Ugas, what’s wrong??”

“My chest!! I can’t breathe!!”

“Ugas! My darling! Ugas!!”

He came out of the reeds, his eyes wide, gasping. “My heart! I’m dying!! Fini, I’m dying!!” He staggered a few more steps, then fell to the ground and rolled on his side. “Tell Rafiki to send for the twins.”

“I’ll go get him right away!”

Ugas gasps, then begs her, “No! Fini, please don’t leave me! Don’t leave me here to die alone!”

She began to sob hysterically. “Ugas, don’t die! For God’s sake, please don’t die! Don’t leave me, Ugas!” Looking around, she screamed, “Help! Somebody help us! Adhama! Rafiki! Anybody!!”

A flock of ravens was startled out of an acacia tree. Flapping and squawking they formed a black cloud that whisked away on the wind. No one else could hear her.

He reached out with a trembling paw and placed it atop hers. He stared at her, but his eyes didn’t seem to focus. He drew in a hoarse breath and whispered something.

“I didn’t hear.”

He closed his eyes. “Uzuri? Uzuri??” A look of pain and desperation crossed his face. “Uzuri??”

Sarafina lowered her voice slightly. “Yes, Ugas?”

“Uzuri, beloved. I don’t feel so good.”

“I know.” Tears streamed down her face.

“Uzuri, forgive me. I’ve cheated on you, dearest.”

Sarafina’s breath caught. “Oh?”

He gasped, sweat matting his fur. “Forgive me, my angel. I’ve been unfaithful, but only because you were so far away. I wanted you here by my side--Gods, I was so lonely without you. I sought comfort in my solitude, but it was only you I loved. Only you, my dear wife.”

Tears brimmed in Sarafina’s eyes. She felt her heart crumble into pieces. “No one else?”

“Our sons will be king and consort. It’s the least I can do. I wish I could have been a better father.”

“That’s all right,” Sarafina said, stroking his pain filled face with a paw. “We all have regrets. That’s part of life.”

“Then you forgive me?” He became very agitated, and pain twisted his features into a mask of suffering. “Please, Uzuri! Say you forgive me!”

“Yes, my darling. But you’re going to get well again. Dear God, you must get well again!”

“Come,” he stammered. “I feel so tired. Let us rest in the shade under the acacias.”