|
The day Nilak finally passed on the duties of the pride was a hard one. The former king had been slowly deteriorating, needing to be supported in his walks by another lion. And while he was still sound in mind, the entire pride knew this couldn't go on for long.
It was a scorching day, the sun blazing its rage across the dry ground. As the pride lay beneath a large tree on the edge of their camp, seeking the smallest relief from the heat, Simur lay next to the reigning king. The once lustrous starry pelt of the older lion had become loose on his skinny frame. His eyes were shadowed and tired. The pitiful display made Simur seem like heaven's gift in comparison.
He felt the leader's eyes trace over him. "You are strong," the lion rumbled. "You have become like my son, and have been a valuable addition to this pride." Simur merely blinked in acknowledgement, guessing where this was going. "I'm old and only a small part of who I once was. I can no longer support the pride, and Qanik has already expressed his reluctance to rule." The other male nodded slowly. "It's only natural that you should be the next leader.
"Thank you, Nilak." His voice sounded hoarse and foreign. It was like someone had dug into his throat and wouldn't let go.
The elder's whiskers twitched. He reached up a paw and carefully removed a beautiful chain of bright pink flowers. "Our pride lives near a small pond surrounded by these flowers. We have become known as Hesperantha lions for that reason. When you become leader, display these flowers proudly like a banner."
"Of course."
"Then I leave the pride to you," Nilak murmured.
"You're not staying?"
Nilak chuckled weakly. "I can't possibly even think about doing that as I am. No, I'll stay here and offer advice until I join the ancestors. I feel that I'll be of more help in that way than off waiting to keel over somewhere in the savanna."
Simur let out a breath of relief. "Your guidance will be greatly appreciated."
"But to be fair, you hardly need much help at all. You're strong, brave, and kind. You will be a good king when I'm gone."
"And I'll still be around to look out for you," Qanik reminded.
Simur bowed his head in appreciation. "I'll always remember that," he replied.
|
