Truth be Told
"They know." a voice spoke.
"Who knows?" asked another voice?
"They know." the voice replied.
"Knows what?" the other voice asked, aggravated.
The initial voice faded into silence… Zarda stood tall on the platform, a newly appointed lion. He had been crowned the king of the White Mane Pride and all the realms of the Savannah. With great solemnity, he pledged to uphold his father's legacy and to embody his spirit like none had ever done before.
As all eyes focused on the new king, standing proudly before them, his mother and brother looked on with satisfaction. Zarda scanned the crowd, taking in the applause and cheers from the animals until his gaze locked with Natia's. There was something about her that caused him to pause, a mysterious pull that he couldn't quite explain. Suddenly feeling paranoid, he tore his eyes away from hers, his mind flooded with doubts. Could she be bewitching him? Was this all part of some twisted curse from Queen Lilith? Shaking off his unsettling thoughts, Zarda turned his attention to his mother as she concluded the ceremony, determined to not let negativity cloud the momentous occasion.
"Thank you all for joining us tonight. My pride has prepared a wonderful dinner for you all. Please follow my lion warriors to the dining area and enjoy your meal," she said with a joyful smile as guests passed by.
Last-minute additions were made before the arrival of guests earlier in the day, with the dining area illuminated and glittering in the moonlight. The queen asked the lions to set it up under the shade of the large baobab, Adansonia tree. Glass jars filled with lightning bugs were hung in the branches to illuminate the area, while coconut candles were lit to create a soothing atmosphere. The guests promptly took their seats at the extended dining table and anticipated being served. The lionesses stood prepared with steaming trays of food, ensuring they did not start serving until everyone had settled onto the benches.
The first item served was the fish dip and baked dipping bread, with each guest receiving their own portion. Lion warriors circulated around the table, replenishing guests' cups with two drinks - one with water and the other with sweet açai berry juice that had been fermented into wine over the past few weeks.
Hippo Winokur exclaimed, "This table setting is exquisite! Just look at how stunning it is," as she gestured to Zetu, the Giraffe Queen.
"I concur. When our son ascends to the throne, I will definitely reach out to her for assistance with decorations," she answered.
The company's discussions flowed seamlessly between topics such as the decor, ceremony, Zarda, kingdom alliances, and trade strategies. A new topic of conversation was surfacing among the females.
"Does anyone have information on the whereabouts of the Hyena and African wild dogs? Or can anyone explain why they are not present?" Inquired Queen Ajanta of the Mawombie parade.
She was known as a busybody, always spreading local gossip. The kings paid no mind to the female chatter, talking over them, while the queens relished their appetizers and the juicy conversation. Queen Saharrah overheard their gossip and promptly set them straight with the truth.
"If I may interrupt, Queen Ajanta. I dispatched my most trusted messengers to deliver invitations to each of the kingdoms. This includes you, the hyenas, and the Wild dogs. Unfortunately, they chose not to attend, not because of us, but of their own accord," she responded.
Queen Saharrah was happy to clarify any misunderstandings regarding the White mane family's reputation, ensuring it remained untarnished. The conversation abruptly quieted down when the main course was served. After that, the fire-cooked zebra leg was served on the menu. The carnivores and omnivores enjoyed the meat, while the herbivores were given a spicy corn soup with a green salad. The lion warriors ensured everyone's cups were refilled as they moved on to their second plate. Winokur finally broke her silence and turned her focus back to the queen.
Queen Winokur said, "Honestly, everyone knows they are so unpredictable. What's to stop them from crashing the party right now?" She was trying to stir up a little chaos.
Queen Saharrah nearly choked on her juice, narrowly avoiding spitting it onto the lavender gown of the hippopotamus. She thought to herself, "That would have been a disaster."
Saharrah quickly coughed out her response, saying, "God forbid!"
Now all attention was on her as the table fell silent. Zarda quickly stood up and walked over to his mother.
The king asked concerned from his mother's response, "Mother, what is wrong?"
She shook her head. "Nothing, Queen Winokur is just trying to scare me," she said. "She mentioned how she wouldn't be surprised if the Hyenas or African wild dogs showed up to crash the party. Do you think there's any truth to that?"
Zarda glanced at Slash, who shook his head to indicate "no," before turning his attention back to his mother and the other queens.
"Don't allow rumors to define your reality," he responded.
Zarda gently patted his mother's shoulder before bowing his head to the guests.
"I have other pressing matters to attend to and won't be staying for dessert," King Zarda declared.
With a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, his mother couldn't help but notice that her son was a natural at his job.
She said, "You're already sounding like a seasoned king, not even an hour into this."
The kings all lifted their glasses in toast to Zarda. He blushed as he noticed Natia glancing in his direction. He quickly bid farewell to his mother and made his way back to the ceremony platform, followed by a small group of companions. The group included Meeku, Slash, King Jarvius, and Natia. Jarvius was the first to speak and approach King Zarda.
"Congratulations!" exclaimed the old king.
Zarda modestly lowered his head, smiled, and glanced elsewhere.
"Thank you. Going back to our previous discussion. What did you want to talk to me about?" inquired Zarda.
Jarvious smiled over at Zarda and spoke two simple words, " Follow me." Jarvius politely requested.
The Black mane king limped over to the platform with his trident in hand. After reaching the platform, he turned and took a seat, positioning his weapon at an angle. He then rested his injured leg on top of the trident.
"Have you heard the story about my leg?" inquired King Jarvius.
Everyone, with the exception of Slash, shook their heads no. Slash despised Jarvius and his stories even more. He couldn't help but roll his eyes in irritation and grimace at the old king's voice.
"Well, allow me to inform you," he responded.
Zarda interrupted him abruptly by throwing his hand up. "I doubt you just wanted to talk about your leg. Why did you really call me over?" He questioned.
King Jarvius shook his head, acknowledging that Zarda was indeed correct. The old lion continued to explain.
"Trust me, it leads to the point I'm trying to make, of why I have to say what I need to say to you, and especially to slash." he said, looking over at the old beast.
Slash growled, "I'm not interested in hearing anything you have to say. I am only here because of my loyalty to the King and his son, the new King."
Jarvius said, "I understand why you're upset with me; I don't blame any of you. Your father and I have been close since we were kids. Zarda, your father, is my half-brother."
Allowing the news to digest, Zarda felt dizzy and started to sway. Acting fast, Natia hurried to his side and supported him until he regained his balance. He glanced gratefully into her eyes, nodding in appreciation. His thoughts turned sour when he realized he was developing feelings for a family member. Zarda's expression twisted into one of disgust. It was as if Jarvius could sense his thoughts, prompting him to quickly correct himself.
"Let me clarify, we aren't actually related by blood. I refer to him as my brother because I was adopted into the pride," Jarvius explained before being interrupted by slash.
"Do not dare to call him your brother, you treacherous snake. No true brother would commit such a heinous act as murder. You deserve nothing less than death," growled Slash.
Zarda was growing increasingly frustrated with his father's steadfast guard. "Lower your tone! I understand you may not like him, but that's no reason to be rude to our guest. Keep your opinions to yourself! Please, Jarvius, continue speaking," King Zarda instructed.
Slash stared at his king in shock. His father Ezekiel would never have permitted such a thing. After being corrected, Slash stormed off and returned to the company of the queen he believed to be the true ruler. Zarda observed as his warrior angrily walked away, recognizing the need for some time to cool off. Taking a break from their old adversary would likely help, as well as reconnecting with Saharrah. Jarvius paused, took a deep breath, and continued recounting his tale. Meeku, Zarda, and Natia attentively listened. Jarvius explained that when his father and he were young lions, they first met. Jarvius had wandered away from his birth pack and found himself in his father's pride, the White manes, where his father, a white lion, resided. Jarvius, in contrast, was completely black. An old lioness witch, named Kivuli, who lived among the pride in the past, saw Jarvius and urged Ezekiel's ancestors to adopt him into the pride. She believed that having both white and black lions in the pride would bring good balance. As a result, Jarvius was welcomed in as part of their family.
"Just two days after my adoption, it became clear that she had been right. The pride flourished for a while, until my own pride, the Black manes, came to reclaim me. Both your father's pride and my birth lions faced drought and death. However, we persevered through the toughest of times and survived. Ezekiel and I used to sneak out to play, and as we grew older, we vowed to remain friends and considered each other brothers. When we were mature enough to leave our prides, we became bachelor's together as we were cast out on our own. We made a home on the Savannah plains, where your father and I were unbeatable and proud lions. One spring day, we encountered a group of lionesses without a leader. We spent time with them, and one lioness stood out with her mesmerizing blue eyes. We both fell in love with her unknowingly. It led us to fight. It wasn't by choice, something instinctively inside us, caused us to go to blows. Let's just say he walked away with the lioness, your mother, and I didn't walk away the same ever again. He had severed the ligaments, and tendons in my lower calf, and ankle. I thought I was going to bleed to death, until Lilith came into my life and healed me. She claimed to be from the same lineage as the lion witch Kivuli. That's what she revealed to me later on," Jarvius recounted.
"Lilith used ancient magic to heal my leg, bringing us close together. As a result, your father ascended to the role of king among his pride, while I became king of my own. Even though our lion prides have been in conflict ever since, I am here now to seek your help in breaking that curse. Before I ask for your favor, let me first tell you about the night your father passed away," he explained.
Zarda was hesitant; he was unfamiliar with the story. Part of him wanted to hear it, but another part didn't. Meeku, on the contrary, showed no interest. He walked away as Jarvius started speaking.
"We entered your pride's territory that night, because my pride was suffering from starvation. Lilith and I were desperate for food and stumbled upon a fresh kill, not thinking clearly. We planned to take the kill from the hyenas or leopards, but my heart sank when I realized it belonged to your father's pride. The warrior slash had already ousted me that night, so I sought to reason with your father. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned and my queen ended up cursing your pride. I deeply regret my actions, Zarda. I wish I had left sooner instead of foolishly hoping for forgiveness from your father. He never gave me a chance and attacked me, reopening an old wound. Though I defended myself, I did not intend to kill him. Lilith spoke out of anger, and I ask for your forgiveness. As a gesture of peace, I offer you, my daughter. I seek your pardon and blessings for my pride," pleaded Jarvius, bowing his head before King Zarda.
Zarda's eyes were open wide as he glanced nervously between his brother Meeku and the king. The king's daughter spoke up before Zarda had a chance to reply.
Natia asked angrily, "Father, why would you do this to me?"
Tear drops streamed down King Jarvius' face as he wept, while Natia's eyes welled up with emotion. The feeling of betrayal from her king weighed heavily on her heart. Natia's desire to have no association with Jarvius or Zarda became stronger with each passing moment. King Zarda glanced at her, refusing to release her gaze. She scowled and hissed in anger. Zarda then shifted his focus to his brother, who appeared to be in a state of shock and devastation. No one, not even their mother, spoke about that night in great detail; it all started to make sense. At last, the brothers discovered the truth.
"You must do the right thing, my brother. Turn to Elohim if you must, but I've always relied on your intuition. It hasn't failed us yet," Meeku declared.
Meeku was correct, Zarda knew that the old lion needed forgiveness. Approaching King Jarvius, Zarda placed his staff gently on his head.
"I, King Zarda, hereby pardon you, King Jarvius, for all the offenses that Queen Lilith has spoken against us. Her words no longer have power over us. May your pride be blessed and may your injured leg be healed. Let the scar serve as a reminder. Should you offend us again, your life will be forfeit. As a gesture of peace, I will take in your daughter. She will be nurtured and trained to become a strong warrior in our kingdom. You are now our ally, not our enemy," Zarda declared as he bestowed his blessing.
Natia sobbed uncontrollably, struggling to accept her circumstances. Zarda's heart ached for her, even though he had forgiven his enemies. The spirit of peace rested upon Jarvius. As the night grew darker and the stars disappeared, the guests bid farewell and departed, while King Shani and King Mosiah's tribes were extended an invitation, to spend the night in the White manes kingdom.