CHAPTER 56:  THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD

	Rafiki was not afraid of death, but he felt his own mortality 
stalking him.  Someday it would spring and he would be cut down, and he 
must find someone to carry on his work.
	He decided to go home for the first time since he left many years 
ago.  He would return to the scenes of his youth and find what little of 
his past is left to him.  And while he was there, he would look for the 
future.  He took a gourd and hung it near his entrance.  The moon 
painted on it said "I am away," and from it he hung five small bundles 
of grass.  One would mean "back momentarily."  Two would mean "returning 
later today."  Three meant, "try again tomorrow."  The message of five 
was unmistakable.  "I will return someday, God willing."
	Taking only his staff and a few herbs for his back pains, he left 
his home in the baobab.
	The herbs he needed grew in the edge of the forest, but it had 
been a long time since he immersed himself in the dense trees.  The 
light was dim, and fell in small golden patches around him that shifted 
drunkenly in the wind.  Huge trunks like columns bore a roof of verdant 
leaves.  It took him a moment to find where he was.
	The path had changed some, but it brought back many old memories.  
Rafiki found himself deeply stirred.  Crossing a stream where he used to 
play as a child, he reached in and got a small flat rock.  He pulled 
back his hand, and unhampered by age gave it a quick snap, skipping it 
once, twice, and again across the water.  "Still got it," he muttered 
with satisfaction.  He went and sat on the bank in the spot where his 
father had talked with him about the facts of life.  Much of the anger 
that he had carried for years was gone.  He was left with the good 
memories of a kind father that loved his family.
	After a rather long walk, he finally got back to the village where 
he was born.  With a smile of fond recognition, he looked at the 
clearing, and at the lone acacia that stood in the center.  One of the 
females was pounding roots with a stone.  Another was nursing an infant 
and gossiping with her companion.  Young were running about, playing 
tag.  "Asante sana, squash banana!  We we nugu, me me apana!"  Once he 
had been one of those.
	He stopped to talk with one of the females.  One after another of 
the friends he asked about was dead.  Chango's son was still there, as 
was a nephew of Bugweto.  Duma, who had once terrorized him, was a pale 
shadow of his former self.  He didn't recognize Rafiki, but as his son 
said, "Some days he does not recognize me.  Today is not one of his 
better days."  Pity surged in Rafiki.  He tried hard not to associate 
the trembling, drooling specter with his childhood arch enemy.
	Most never heard of, Rafiki, even though he used his old name.  
Finally he saw his old friend Wandani.
	Wandani came up to the strange mandrill, still looking rather 
young.  "Sir, can I help you find something?"
	"Don't you sir me, Wandani!  What's the matter--don't you know 
your best friend?"
	Wandani looked at him carefully.  His eyes misted up.  "Oh my 
gods!"  He reached out and touched the snow white whiskers and looked at 
the wrinkled face.  "Metutu, what happened?"
	"Is that any way to greet an old friend?"
	"I'm sorry!"  Wandani hugged him firmly, stroking his back and 
patting his shoulder.  "Metutu, I didn't realize how long it had been!  
My dear friend!"  He wept.
	"It does my heart good to see you again."
	"Same here.  So how is Asumini?  How many children did you have?"
	"You mean you don't know?"  The freshness of the pain surprised 
Rafiki as the tears welled up in his eyes.  "She died after the first 
year.  My daughter Penda too.  It was a crocodile."
	Wandani gasped, bit his lip, and began to sob.  "Oh no!"  He 
hugged Rafiki so tightly he could hardly breathe.  "Forgive me, but I 
must tell you I was in love with her."
	"Why didn't you tell me?"
	"It doesn't matter.  She never returned my feelings.  Oh gods!  
Not my little Asumini!"
	"Rafiki Wandani.  My dear old friend.  How many times I've 
wondered what happened to you."
	Wandani struggled to regain his composure.  "Well, let's see.  
Your brother Makoko died about three years ago of blood fever.  His son 
Kudura is now in charge.  Of course your dad is long gone, but you would 
have expected that."
	Wandani took Rafiki to the spot where his father died.  "Here we 
buried his totem, right next to the effigy of Kima.  It was his wish.  
Now some wanted to destroy it because he was an Aiheuist.  It's still 
not a safe philosophy, but it's not actually illegal anymore.  It's 
beginning to spread, too."
	Rafiki smiled.  "That's what Busara said.  He knew what he was 
talking about."
	Next Rafiki passed by the tree where he had grown up.  It still 
stood much as it had then.  But there was a different home that called 
to him, one that had briefly been a refuge from the harshness of the 
world.
	The cave was unoccupied.  He and Wandani felt their way back into 
the dark recess as far as they dared.  The few remaining lamps were long 
dried and withered.  He had never even reached the stone column where he 
had first pledged his life to Aiheu.
	Suddenly there was a soft blue light.  They looked about, 
startled.  "Asumini?"
	The lioness purred.  "Honey tree, welcome home.  Hello Wandani!"
	"It's her!" Wandani said, shaking.  "The ghost!"
	"She's quite nice when you get to know her."  Rafiki knelt and 
hugged her.  "Oh it's good to see you again!  Has it been so far to 
travel that you won't drop by?"
	"You don't need me.  Most of my crowd are dead, so there's not 
much left to hold me to this world.  But my love for you is deathless."  
She nuzzled him.  "Take the cord from around my neck."
	It was the tooth that Busara had worn--her own canine on a cord 
braided from Ahadi's mane.  Rafiki pointed to himself, and she nodded.  
He slipped the cord around his neck.
	"Now when you are lonely for me, I will be next to your heart.  
But don't live in the past.  As I have been to Busara, Uzuri has been to 
you.  Appreciate what Aiheu has given you."
	"I know, but I shall not forget you."
	She nodded her head.  Suddenly the lights twinkled to life.  It 
was as if Busara had only just stepped out.  Glad for the light, Rafiki 
walked on past the pillar of stone and looked at the wall.  Busara's 
paintings called to him with messages both pious and joyful.  But they 
were also reminders of a happy time that had long since fled.  He knelt 
down and looked at the painting that represented himself.  Next to him 
was young Asumini, and their hands were joined.  Rafiki reached out with 
his fingertips and brushed them lightly over Asumini.  "My wife, my 
lover, my dear friend."  He looked at Wandani, a melancholy smile on his 
face.  "I am fast growing old.  Someday when my people are free, you 
must bring them here and show them these paintings.  Tell them about 
Busara.  Tell them that death itself could not destroy the work of 
Aiheu."
	"If not me, I promise I will send my son."
	"What is his name?"
	"Metutu, of course."


CHAPTER 57:  THE COUNCIL'S CHOICE

	"Now when Baba who was the first lion breathed upon the cheek of 
Mamaan, she kindled new life.  After two moons, she began to show, and 
they did not understand the light in her eyes.  In fear, Mamaan called 
upon Aiheu to heal her.
	"Aiheu only smiled and said, `Surely you will not die.  Be of good 
cheer, for you will bring life into the world.'
	"Baba and Mamaan did not understand, for there had been no cubs 
before.  But their trust was in God, and they endured the suffering of 
birth expecting what the Lord had promised them.
	"And when the two were born who were the firstborn of lions, they 
gladdened the hearts of their parents.  The male was named Huba, for he 
was born of love.  The female was Rajua, for she was the promise of 
hope.
	"Aiheu came to see the cubs and to teach Baba and Mamaan the ways 
of parenthood.  He also strictly charged them that what he taught should 
be passed down through the generations, father to son and mother to 
daughter.  And so it is done to this day according to the will of God."

                    -- LEONID SAGA, "A" SECTION, VARIATION 3


	Rafiki's fame had come to the attention of the council.  So he had 
little trouble getting an appointment with the elders.  They were 
curious to see him, if for no other reason then to ask him about the 
mysterious new cures he'd discovered.
	All Rafiki wanted was look for a successor.  He fell before the 
Chief Kudura.  "Unworthy am I."
	"I call thee worthy.  Arise, Rafiki."  Kudura said, "We have 
considered your request.  Among us is a youth who is bright and full of 
the fire to learn.  I present Tambo."
	Tambo and his young brother Makaka stood before Rafiki.  "Great 
Shaman," he said, "I have studied long and hard.  Test me according to 
your great wisdom.  See if I may help you and learn from you."
	"He's really good," Makaka said.  "He's a hard worker too."
	Tambo frowned.  "Speak when you're spoken to.  This is a Council 
meeting!"
	Rafiki looked long and hard at Tambo, then he glanced at his 
younger brother.  "So little fellow, you say he's a hard worker?"
	"Yes sir."
	"Look at me right in the eyes, son."
	Makaka looked into Rafiki's eyes.  "Oh my," Rafiki said.  The old 
shaman looked at Tambo again.  The older brother was getting impatient.  
"Aren't you going to ask me any questions, sir?"
	"I just did."  Rafiki scratched his whiskers.  "You answered 
honestly and completely."  Then he rested his hand on Makaka's head.  
"My boy, do you know what a lion is?"
	"Yes sir."
	"Do you want to meet a REAL lion?"
	"Yes sir."
	"How would you like to come live with me?"
	Makaka smiled shyly.  "Do you mean I can come too?"
	"No, I mean just you.  To become the next Shaman to the King?"
	"Oh neat!"
	The council members were scandalized by this choice.  Kudura 
silenced their chatter with a sweep of his hand.  "Are you sure?"
	"I am sure, my lord.  The sign is upon him."
	Kudura had been hoping Tambo would be chosen.  Tambo owed his 
status to his agreement with the chief on practically every issue.  And 
he could be counted upon to come back with reports of the strange goings 
on.  Such as the use of powdered Alba and of scrying with sepal root.  
But Kudura could not let his feelings be detected and he kept his 
pleasant but enigmatic smile.  "Let us have a short recess while I 
consider your request."
	Rafiki is escorted a short distance away while the council members 
carry on an animated discussion.  Rafiki knew not to take the council's 
recommendation lightly, especially after what had happened to his 
father.
	Kudura himself came to him.  "I would speak with you privately, 
old whitebeard.  You presume much because you are my uncle.  I think you 
want to take all your secrets back with you, but if you are to have the 
boy, you must answer me one thing.  You were the son of Kinara, and 
destined to be chief.  You gave up power for something else.  To these 
followers of mine, I have everything that can be desired.  But do not 
hold out on me.  Tell me about this great thing that was worth more than 
being chief."
	Rafiki smiled and presumed to place his arm around the chief's 
shoulder.  It reminded him of a similar question he once asked Busara.  
"I have had thorns through my heart.  I have held up cubs soft and 
tenderly and watched them grow old and wither like grass.  I have bound 
up wounds and pulled roots till my hands were callused.  Sleep have I 
lost, and many meals have I forgone.  My wife and child have I lost.  My 
youth was stolen before I had enjoyed it.  Still, when I am loved, I am 
loved more than you could ever imagine.  Your kind of power can inspire 
fear and respect, but it cannot bring you what I have found.  You must 
seek that on other paths."
	Kudura looked at him in wonder.  "Honestly spoken.  I cannot be 
angry with such candor.  I feel more noble just from looking at you."
	Rafiki bowed.  "I feel more noble just listening to you, my great 
nephew."
	"Don't flatter me, Rafiki.  There is no flattery in my words.  It 
is too late for me, but if you had taken me when I was Makaka's age, it 
would have been different."


CHAPTER 58:  FACE TO FACE


		Come sisters through the embracing grass.
		Sunlight shouts, but moonlight whispers.
		Mysteries abound in the shadows
		And uncertainty stalks the savanna.

		Earth mother, gently support me, conceal me.  
		Wind giver, misty clouds, breathe into my face.  
		Take my fragrance away from the fleet gazelle
		And grant me my heart's desire.

                     -- WIMBOA SIMBAKE (SONG OF THE LIONESS)


	As Rafiki and Makaka reached the border of the savanna, Makaka 
felt apprehensive.  "Will they like me?"
	"Sure they will.  I liked you from the moment we met."
	"It's so open here--all this grass."
	"It exalts the spirit.  You must see the sun rise from Pride 
Rock."
	"Is that your house?"
	"Yes."
	"Can I have my own room?"
	"If you wish."
	"Can I go home to visit once in a while?"
	"Sure you can.  I wish I had.  But after a while you will realize 
you are home.  Home is where you are loved."
	"When will I meet a real lion?"
	"In a few moments.  I see her coming now."
	"Where?  Where??"
	"Over there.  Don't be afraid.  You'll become use to it."
	Makaka looked up, way up.  His knees began to buckle.  Rafiki put 
his steadying hand behind his back to keep him from falling over.
	The large head of the huntress drew near.  Makaka could smell the 
warm moisture of her breath, the mild scent of her fur.  The large eyes 
were fixed on him.  
	"Please don't hurt me."
	"I won't."  Uzuri smiled and pushed forward, nuzzling him gently.  
Then she touched his cheek with her large tongue.
	Makaka gathered a little strength and took a good look at her. 
	"Isn't she beautiful!" he told Rafiki.  He was almost afraid to 
make the remark directly to her.  Then when she nuzzled him again, he 
asked, "May I?"
	He realized his hope, putting his arms around her strong neck.  
"Oh, your fur is so soft!  Oh, this is so wonderful!  You even smell 
good!  Can I come home with you?"
	Uzuri looked at Rafiki.  "Got any more like him?"
	Rafiki chuckled softly.  "I think you've made another conquest."
	Without fear, Makaka looked right into Uzuri's soft eyes.  She 
smiled gently and so did he.  "What's your name?"
	"Uzuri."
	He bowed awkwardly.  "Makaka," he said.  "Glad to meet you, 
Uzuri."
	"So I gathered."  She rubbed his cheek with her paw with 
surprising gentleness.  "And I'm very glad to meet you, Makaka."
	"Can I see you again?"
	"Any time."
	"Where can I find you?"
	"Don't worry.  I'll find you."
	With only a mild rustle, Uzuri disappeared into the grass.
	"Wow," Makaka said.  "I was right next to a real lioness!"
	"You were right next to seven real lionesses."
	Makaka looked around nervously.  "Seven?"
	"That I counted, anyhow.  Don't worry.  You're safe.  In fact, 
you're safer now than you've ever been before."
	When they departed, Makaka was talking non-stop about her.  "Are 
all lions like her?"
	"No two are alike.  Just like us, they are all different."
	"I mean nice like her."
	"Well, more or less.  Fact is, if you were an antelope you might 
not like her as much."
	"I should think not," Makaka said with a nervous laugh.  "Those 
were really big teeth.  Big!"
	"Yes.  But when she carries cubs by the nape of the neck, she 
doesn't leave a scratch.  It's not what your mouth looks like, but what 
you do with it that makes you dangerous.  My old teacher was killed by a 
single word from a mandrill just like you."
	"Was it a magic word?"
	"No.  It was a thoughtless word.  That is the worst kind."
	"Does Uzuri like me?"
	"I think she really likes you," Rafiki said.
	"That's nice.  I'd hate to mess with her."
	"I don't just mean you're safe.  I mean she really likes you, and 
she will miss you when you part.  She doesn't usually take to someone 
right off.  Maybe you're special."
	Makaka grinned broadly.  "I'm glad.  I really like her too.  She's 
really special."
	"When you stop to think about it, everyone is really special," 
Rafiki said.  "But you made me very proud today.  I took a great risk 
turning down the council's choice.  The gods pointed to you."  Rafiki 
stroked his whiskers.  "But don't let it go to your head, you hear me?  
The gods did not choose you so much for what you have done, but what you 
are expected to do."
	"And what is that?"
	"What you did today.  Spread your love around.  I'll tell you 
friend, there are herbs I give out in small amounts.  A little bit will 
do wonders.  Too much may kill.  But love is always best given in large 
doses and often.  I can teach you how to use herbs, but only God can 
teach you to love.  That's why I did not pick your brother.  Among other 
reasons."
	Makaka was now part of Rafiki's job so he would have to meet 
everyone.  Pride Rock stood before them like a monument to nature's 
immense power.  The sheer size of it took Makaka's breath away.
	"Can we get closer?"
	"We're going to climb it."
	They took the winding path up to the cave.  At the door, he met 
Zazu who said, "Greetings, Master Makaka.  Welcome to the Pride Lands!"
	"Thanks.  Who is the big lion?"
	"That is King Simba and next to him is Queen Nala."
	Makaka fell to the ground and crawled toward Simba face down the 
way he would before the chief elder saying, "Unworthy am I!  Unworthy am 
I!"
	Simba smiled.  "Little one, you can't be that unworthy or you 
wouldn't be here."
	Makaka kept his forehead to the floor waiting for the signal to 
rise.  Simba did not understand.  
	Finally after several awkward moments, Rafiki came forward and 
whispered something in Makaka's ear.  The young mandrill looked up 
timidly and said, "I touch your mane."
	"I feel it."
	"Really?"  Innocently, Makaka came forward and reached out to feel 
of the long, soft fur.  He looked at Nala and smiled.  "Gee, you're 
pretty."
	Nala purred and touched Makaka's cheek with her paw.  "You're 
cute."
	Makaka smiled, embarrassed.  But as soon as he felt he'd paid his 
respects, he went back to Uzuri, putting his hand on her shoulder.
	Later, he went out on the promontory.  "Here is where the great 
kings come in to their estate."
	Makaka went to the tip of the rock and looked down.  The height 
scared him for a moment--it was much higher than any tree he'd ever 
climbed.  Then he gathered his strength, drew in a deep breath and went, 
"Rrrwawwrr!"
	Rafiki said, "You'll have to do better than that if you want to be 
King of Pride Rock someday."
	Makaka set his eyes.  He drew in a very deep breath and opened his 
mouth.  Suddenly an earth-shaking roar nearly sends Rafiki into a panic.  
He looked around and saw Uzuri, a mischievous grin on her face.

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