“You keep talking like that and I WILL cry.” Rafiki kissed him on the cheek. “I must go now, Makaka my son. You stay here with your mother and pray over her, then you get Misha and Swala to help you move her. You’ll also want them to tell the pride sisters and the King.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going on a journey. I had to delay it because of Uzuri, but now I can’t wait any longer. Take care of yourself, my son. You’re in charge till I get back. That might be a very long time.”

Rafiki left the cave without looking back. He didn’t want Makaka to know it was the last time they would meet in this world.

Anasa was waiting for him. “Does he know yet?”

“No. And just you remember what we discussed.” Rafiki kissed her cheek. “Wait until the next full moon, then tell him that Zazu found me by Elephant Kopje.”

She ran her fingertips around Rafiki’s eye and touched him beneath the chin. “Aiheu abamami.”

“Aiheu abamami,” he said, taking her hand and kissing it. “No tears now. You must be strong for his sake. Watch over him for me. And remember, not a word.” Rafiki took the locket of Mano’s fur and placed it around her neck. “Give this to him later. I won’t need it where I’m going.”

The old mandrill took up his staff and turned toward the east. He looked ahead, not at the trees or even the horizon, but beyond the sun and moon where Minshasa waited for him.

THE END: UNDER THE ACACIAS

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