CHAPTER:  THE SHADOWS GROW LONGER

	Ugas' eyes half closed as Rafiki's herbs had their desired effect 
and the old mandrill's hands worked his stiff joints.  "I'm sorry I've 
been so long coming," Rafiki said.  "I've had to nurse Simba through a 
nasty fever."
	"So how's my second cousin doing?"
	"He's fine now."
	"Is he like his father?  I mean, I really miss old Mufasa's gentle 
wisdom."
	"You knew him well?  I thought...."
	"That lions are territorial?  We are.  But we always walked the 
line between our kingdoms at the same time each week."  He sighed.  "He 
would never say much.  But I always looked forward to seeing him.  And 
the first day he didn't show up, a small part of me died."
	"I had no idea.  If you cared for each other, why have territories 
at all?  I mean, it makes no sense."
	"It makes perfect sense.  We have duties to perform, duties that 
Aiheu gives us."  Ugas put his paw around Rafiki and drew him close.  
"One of them is to hunt and feed our children, and territories help us 
do that.  Does that mean we hate our prey, or that they don't deserve to 
live?  I think not.  Life is a struggle, but it is in the struggle that 
we define ourselves and find our place in the universe."
	"So it really is duty that keeps us separated from the ones we 
love?"
	"Yes.  But ultimately it is love that brings us together.  When 
we're reunited before Aiheu, there will be no territories.  When I see 
Muffy again, I'll do more than speak.  I'll nuzzle him and share jokes 
with him and see if I can best him in wrestling.  I've always wanted to 
take him on, no holds barred.  He was such a big lion, so full of power 
and resolve."
	"You must have given this a great deal of thought."
	"Yes.  Death is like a distant mountain.  At first it's all gray 
and green, like a mist.  But the closer you come to it, the more you 
see.  You begin to make out separate trees and rocks.  I've come to see 
it all too clearly now."
	"Oh no!  You'll outlive us all."
	"Yeah, right."  He coughed as if to drive the point home.  "We all 
have to die sometime.  But before I go, I want to meet my sons.  I want 
to look into their eyes and tell them I love them."
	"Are you sure you have that much time left?" Rafiki asked, amused 
but a little judgmental.  "You've been very busy."
	"I don't have much time left," he said.  "And you know I meant 
Togo and Kombi.  They're the only sons I have--all the rest are 
daughters.  Ah, that's it, rub further to the left....oh, yes!"
	"Those two are quite a sight," Rafiki said, rubbing harder.
	"They're Uzuri's.  That's good enough for me.  I love that girl."
	"You love all lionesses."
	"I LIKE all lionesses.  I LOVE her."
	"Well you'd BETTER love her!" Rafiki said sharply.
	"What do you mean by that??"
	"If you ever hurt her, I may be only an old monkey, but I'll get 
you.  I swear I will!  You take care of that girl, you hear me??"
	"Calm down, will you?  Not so hard with the hands, you old 
monkey!"
	"She means the world to me.  I won't have you treating her like a 
plaything to toss aside when you've had your fun!"
	"Calm down!  Your face is turning red!  Besides, you're rubbing my 
fur the wrong way!"
	"I'm sorry.  I guess I'm playing the honey badger."  He gave Ugas' 
shoulder a pat.  "So you really love her?"
	"I'm deeply in love with her.  Just like you are."
	"Well I...."  Rafiki was supremely embarrassed.  "I love her, but 
I wouldn't say I'm IN love with her.  I mean, not THAT way."
	"Come now," Ugas said, patting his shoulder with a large paw.  
"Let's be honest.  I won't be upset by the truth.  Now before Aiheu, can 
you truthfully say that you've never had one small inkling of attraction 
to her?  Your wife has been dead all these years.  Uzuri does 
practically everything for you a wife would do.  She has even groomed 
you."  He smiled.  "I can tell by looking at you that you feel 
threatened.  You're very transparent, and the guilt leaves tracks all 
over your face."
	Rafiki looked down.  "Ugas, you wouldn't understand.  I mean, 
sure.  Sometimes I wish we were--the same kind--you know.  But I pray 
about those feelings and they go away."
	"You're giving me half an answer.  Rafiki, Aiheu knows your heart.  
And so do I."
	Ugas drew him close with a paw and patted him gently, nuzzling him 
with his large face.  "She has that effect on people.  In your heart, 
you know that even the stones and the grass she step on love her.  I 
count myself lucky that I can act on that love.  We see each other as 
often as possible, and not only when she's in season.  Sometimes we sit 
under the stars and talk for hours."
	"About what?"
	"Oh, one thing she really likes is star lore.  What she doesn't 
know about the night sky isn't worth knowing.  I can tell--in my younger 
days, I was quite a scholarly type.  As deadly serious as a baobab tree 
in a rain storm."
	"I didn't know that."  Rafiki cleared his throat.  "Does she ever 
talk about me?"
	"Oh does she ever!  How cute your little girl was and how pretty 
your wife was, and how you work miracles on her stiff shoulder--I can 
tell from personal experience that you do.  You'd think she was your 
mother the way she talks about you.  And did you really stop Akase's 
miscarriage with Heartleaf?"
	"Yes.  With Maraliscus.  The combination kept it from poisoning 
her but stopped the contractions.  It was touch and go there for a 
while."
	"Uzuri has good taste in friends--she doesn't smile at everyone 
that nods their head at her.  She cares for you a great deal.  More than 
she probably lets on."  He drew close and said in a near whisper, "If 
you were a lion, I'd be insanely jealous.  Odds are five to one she'd be 
married to YOU right now."
	Rafiki rubbed more and more slowly as a dreamy expression crossed 
his face.  "Don't be foolish," he muttered.  "What an odd notion!"
	"I want her children to inherit my kingdom," he said matter-of-
factly.  "That was our understanding from the beginning.  I would give 
her love, and she would give me sons.  And she has--twin sons when I 
thought I only had daughters in me.  We must not let them slip away."
	"I'll see what I can do."
	"Can you arrange a meeting?  Just them, their mother and I?"
	"I'll do what he can."
	"You'll do better than that.  Her happiness means everything to 
you.  You'd do whatever it takes."
	Rafiki looked down again.  "Yes, I would."
	"And Rafiki, I'll be gone long before Uzuri.  You know I'm rather 
old."
	"You shouldn't think that way."
	"Why not?  It's true.  And I know I'll be leaving her alone."  He 
looked at Rafiki intently.  "I want to know she will have someone to 
look after her.  Swear to me--swear by Aiheu's holy name--you will see 
she is well tended to.  Let no harm come to her."
	"I swear."
	Ugas put his large paw on Rafiki's shoulder and gave him a soft 
pat.  "Someday, somehow God will reward you for all this."
	The mandrill looked up.  "He already has, my old friend.  More 
than you could imagine."  He hugged Ugas around his strong neck and 
said, "She talks about you too.  All good things.  I just thought you'd 
want to know that."
	Rafiki said a quick blessing over Ugas' land, then walked away.  
When he was safely hidden in the rushes between the two kingdoms, he 
clasped his hands and bowed his head.  "Merciful Aiheu, I can't help it 
if I'm in love with her.  Help me!  I'd die if she ever found out!"  
Tears ran down his cheek and he sniffed, rubbing his eyes.


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."  
	The air rushed from his lungs in a sudden sigh and his paw slipped 
down.
	Sarafina hung her head and began to sob, stroking his mane with 
her paw.  He looked almost like Nala when she slept.  Never again would 
his kind eyes look in hers.  Never again would his gentle voice speak of 
love.  The sun that had risen on her joy would set on her grief.  And 
not hers alone, but Uzuri's.  
	"What will I tell her?  How could I tell her?"  She had no idea 
what to say, or even who to tell.  She couldn't tell Uzuri that she had 
seen him die!  Rafiki would have to tell her, and when he wouldn't 
reveal his source, Uzuri would be suspicious.
	With a trembling paw, Sarafina drew a circle around Ugas' eye and 
touched him beneath the jaw.  Then giving Ugas one last kiss, she turned 
and trudged away toward home.  She could not roar, but had to keep her 
feelings locked away inside her.  She wiped her tears and tried to 
freeze her face into a mask of deceptive calm.  Her sister's husband had 
died making love to her, and out of love for Uzuri she would suffer in 
silence.


CHAPTER:  THE PANIC

	The next day Adhama was sunning herself with Agavi when she 
noticed vultures circling some distance away.  "That's odd.  I don't 
remember a kill to the west."
	"Maybe it's the hyenas again.  That brother of yours is probably 
napping again."
	"My brother the king, you mean," Adhama chided gently.  "Still," 
she sighed, "you're probably right.  I'll go have a little talk with 
him.  But first, let's check out that kill."
	They headed west to what would have been the gateway to the 
eastern meadow from Pride Rock.  The number of birds seemed to indicate 
a rather large animal down, and Adhama felt her spirits perk up despite 
her irritation at Ugas; the pride might eat well tonight if it was 
fresh.
	That was when Agavi saw the body.  "It's a lion!"
	Adhama trembled.  She sniffed the air, then froze for one awful 
moment like a statue of grief.  "Oh my gods!!"
	"It's Ugas!!"
	Adhama ran to her brother, scattering a flock of vultures, and 
began to paw and nuzzle him.  "Ugas!!  Brother!!  Oh gods, he's dead!!"  
She fell upon him, running a paw gently over where the birds had sadly 
abused his body.  "Oh, you poor, sweet angel--walking the border!  Oh 
gods, how tired it made him!  He always said how tired he got, and I 
didn't want him to take a nap!"  She began to sob.
	"Honey Tree, he lived a long life.  He was happier at the end than 
I've seen him in years.  Don't blame yourself."
	"He wanted to see his sons and tell them he loved them."  She 
stroked his mane and wept.  Her grief was deep, but the urge to roar for 
him and release her grief was suppressed by a more immediate concern.  
"Agavi, we have no male heir till the twins get here.  We'll have to 
hide him."
	"HIDE him?  Hide HIM??"
	"You get the pride sisters together.  We have to do something.  
Maybe we can mark the territory--scratch a few trees--pee on a shrub--I 
don't know!"
	"They'll know it's not a male."
	"Well, maybe if we freshen up some old marks.  We can't just sit 
here--we're in danger!"
	And so began a time in the life of Ugas' pride known as The Panic.  
At all times there were at least two lionesses awake that traveled 
together.  If trouble came, they were not to fight but to head back to 
the others at a run using separate paths.  Cubs were not to play by 
themselves under any conditions.  And no matter what, Ugas' name was not 
to be mentioned aloud except at certain times.  In front of Zazu's 
family (who were notorious gossips) they would talk of Ugas' latest 
accomplishments.  Reports would be given to Ugas' dour-faced majordomo 
Ichabod that the King was busy patrolling and just drove off some 
hyenas.  The crane would nod and take to the skies, gleefully squawking 
at the top of his lungs at the King's latest exploits.  And Atika, who 
had the deepest voice of the lionesses, would drop a register or two and 
do a decent imitation of Ugas' evening call.  "This land is mine!  Mine 
by the will of Aiheu!  I will protect my family and my own!"
	She meant it too....

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