“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.”
&nbs
p; “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.
CHAPTER 59: UZURI AND MAKAKA
Uzuri came to think of Makaka almost as her own cub. She looked after him, gave Rafiki loads of unsolicited advice on taking care of him, and every chance she got she mothered him. Makaka responded in kind. In fact, he practically worshipped her.
That's why she ended up telling him stories of the old times, of the gods and the customs. Because from her came the undiluted leonine viewpoint. She was the authority after all, being somewhat fond of her culture. Rafiki contented himself with teaching Makaka the ceremonial and pharmacological arts.
Once when Uzuri was talking with Makaka, she told him about tracks. “When they are close, an animal was moving slowly. When far apart, it was moving quickly. How deep they are tells you how heavy the animal is. Even sometimes if it is male or female. The point is you can tell much about an animal from the tracks it leaves. If you would know about Aiheu, look at his tracks. He has marked this land and everyone in it. When I look at you, I see his wisdom and beauty, so I have no excuse for ignorance of God.”
Makaka kissed her. He yawned, tired from a long time listening to stories. Snuggling down, he curled up with her as a pillow for his head. Uzuri tenderly draped her paw over the child. Rafiki came looking for him and found him asleep next to Uzuri.
“Be very quiet,” she said. “He’s asleep. A little too much folklore, I suppose.”
“If he doesn’t learn his herb medicine, it will be all your fault.” Rafiki was being friendly, but a little reproachful.
“If he doesn’t have love, his medicine will have no heart.”
“Well met,” Rafiki said with an approving nod. He knelt down by her and said quietly, “The boy needs a mother. I try to care for him, but I cannot be a mother.”
“He must eat with you. I know nothing about such things.”
“Agreed. That and his herbal lore. All else I give you. Frankly, I envy the child.”
“I can see that. He has powers I can feel, but not understand.”
“Not the powers,” Rafiki said. He tugged at his chin whiskers. “Sometimes old Rafiki gets sad and feels sick inside. I don’t want to be young again, but I long to feel my mother’s kind arms around me. No one else made me feel that safe and contented--except you.”
Uzuri looked at him with her soft eyes and gently purred.
CHAPTER 60: TURN BACK THE SUN
Makaka looked with great interest at the paintings inside the baobab tree. “What’s that? It looks like an eye.”
“That’s the eye of Aiheu, watching out for us.”
“Look at those monkeys. That’s you and me, and who’s this?”
“Well, that’s me, but this is my wife and here is my daughter.”
“Where are they?”
Rafiki drew his fingertips across the picture. “They’re in heaven with God.”
“You miss them?”
“All the time.” He reached into a small hollow and pulled out a carved wooden ball. “This belonged to my daughter. Her name was Penda.”
Makaka handled the ball. A strange look came over his face. “Whether it’s a boy or a girl, it will be beloved.”
“I always suspected you could read markers.” He handed Makaka Asumini’s digging stick.
Makaka ran his fingers over it. “Jasmine does not do well in direct sunlight.” He fingered the point and a pained look came over his face, and not because he pricked himself. He began to cry. “Give me back my daughter! Oh
gods, don’t let it kill her! Metutu, help us!”
He began gasping. He was having an asthma attack. Rafiki grabbed away the stick and looked for Chi’pim. A few deep breaths of the strong, musky odor settled Makaka. But it took a long time of holding him close to stop his tears. “Oh my precious boy! Such a kind little heart!”
There would be no more experimenting with markers that day. In fact to be safe there were no more lessons in medicine or ceremonies. Rafiki sent Makaka to Uzuri to listen to her stories.
Makaka loved her. In fact, his love for her was so deep that it surprised those who saw them together. And Uzuri returned that love. It was clear that they were for all practical purposes mother and son.
The grief Makaka felt passed, and soon he was joking with her, trying to catch the tuft on her tail, and having a good time. Uzuri found that she did not have to tell stories to keep his attention, though they enjoyed listening to the tales of long ago.
One story of Uzuri happened not so long ago. She chose it out of love.
“Once there was a mandrill named Metutu. That meant ‘plain one’ for his face was not very beautiful nor was it very ugly. But inside he had a great beauty that was plain to anyone who looked with the heart.
“He came from a place far away in the forest to this very rock. Queen Akase was going to be a mother to twin sons, but she woke one morning in great pain and fever. Her friends told her that she would not have her sons. In fact, she was so sick they thought she would die. Then along came Metutu who looked at the sadness of Akase and her husband King Ahadi. And he decided that he must save the mother and her two cubs no matter what.
“He walked under the stars of night and prayed hard with his face to the ground. And an angel came and brought him magic herbs that would save Akase and her cubs.
“King Ahadi was so grateful that he kissed Metutu and gave him a new name. Now he’s called Rafiki, which means friend.”
Makaka smiled. “Tell me about Asumini and Penda.”
Uzuri looked a little upset, but she checked her emotions. “I didn’t know them for very long, but they were both good people. Maybe if you ask your Uncle about the leopardess he threw nuts at, he might smile. That’s when you can get him to talk.”
The Spirit Quest cotpl-2 Page 25
