FOREWORD BY THE AUTHORS:


	Much of this material was originally slated to appear in "Shadow 
of the Makei," and "Spirit Quest," but it pulled from the focus of the 
works.  It had to wait its turn to be published.  Does this mean the 
material is a series of "outtakes" stitched together?  Hardly!  In a 
very real sense, the four parts of Chronicles of the Pride Lands were 
being worked on at once.  Each part matured at a different time.  In 
that sense, The Spirit Quest was not a sequel, nor were Shadow of the 
Makei or Under the Acacias.  These form parts of a whole, and reading 
them out of order will make a lot less sense to you.  It is my fond hope 
someday to see the four parts ordered chronologically and united into 
one work.  
	In completing this story, we have used the last of the "next 
project" file, and unlike the others this work did not produce the core 
of a future story.  It is with a sense of fulfillment and closure that 
we submit the conclusion of the cycle begun with Chronicles of the Pride 
Lands.  
	Will Dave and I collaborate again?  Sure!  Will the stories be 
canon with Chronicles?  Sure!  Will it be Volume 5 of Chronicles?  No.  
Than what will we do?  From time to time I taunt David with humorous 
pitches for stories based on the gopher ("Under the Golden Savanna"), 
and the wildebeests ("The Little Chewer That Cud").  Don't spread gossip 
about these pseudo-fanfics--not even in your dreams!!  But Nala--hmm, 
that could prove an interesting challenge for two male authors trying to 
avoid stereotypes and clich‚s....
	This story is lovingly dedicated to the memories of George and Joy 
Adamson.  Gathered to Aiheu, they are indeed "forever free."

					John Burkitt, Nashville, Tennessee
					February 12, 1997


	Well, here we are again.  Pride Rock's shadow has grown long, 
burying the promontory in darkness as the sun slips beneath the western 
horizon.  We have many things to do tonight, but first there's something 
we'd like to share.
	Somewhere in the midst of writing "The Spirit Quest," something 
strange and wonderful happened.  This story is mainly about two figures 
from that work, one brand new, the other a familiar companion from 
"Chronicles" who came together, forging a relationship that was to 
ultimately affect not only those around them, but John and I as well.
	The new figure from "The Spirit Quest" is of course Ugas.  And the 
old companion?  The lioness Uzuri.  Master of the hunt, devoted mother, 
and stalwart friend, she has touched the lives of nearly everyone around 
her to some degree...and that includes the authors, as well.
	Let us go now; the lionesses are gathering, and Uzuri is ready.
	The hunt awaits.

					David Morris, Wilmington, North Carolina
					February 12, 1997

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