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  Chronicles of the Pride Lands

  ( Chronicles of the Pride Lands - 1 )

  John H. Burkitt

  David A. Morris

  Два замечательных человека, John Burkitt и David Morris, подарили нам величественную сагу о жизни обитателей саванны, страны бескрайних просторов, покрытых коврами золотых трав.

  Ее начало - первые лучи солнца, впервые вспыхнувшие огнем в глазах сыновей Ахади. Ее окончние - трогательная встреча друзей детства... вся несправедливость и жестокость этого мира навечно оставлены позади... друзья обретают долгожданный мир и покой, теперь уже навсегда. И между этими двумя событиями лежат годы и годы... Многие годы до событий, являющихся основой Диснеевского The Lion King и многие годы, последовавшие за этим.

  Первая и основная часть "Chronicles of the Pride Lands", так же известная как "Legacy of Ahady". Основное повествование о жизни Муфасы и Taки. Без всякого сомнения, это лучшее, что когда-либо было написано на основе The Lion King, в духе The Lion King. Бесполезно объяснять, насколько прекрасный и живописный мир простирается за этими страницами, этот путь надо пройти самому. Это произведение написано на очень высоком профессиональном уровне.

  Chronicles Of The Pride Lands

  A story by John Burkitt and David Morris

  FOREWORD:

  John H. Burkitt:

  With stirred emotions I watched the pagentry and color that was The Lion King. Secretly I harbored the desire to meet these characters, to lavish upon them in person the great love I felt inside and share the joy that lit my countenance.

  My wish was granted here in The Chronicles. I have lived for a moment in the company of great lives and experienced through my pen their triumphs and tragedies. Humbly, I submit this work, holding it up on the pinnacle of Pride Rock. Behold my son, for it truly is my son, and the end of the writing process is a form of saying farewell. Asante sana!

  July 15, 1996, Nashville, Tennessee

  David A. Morris:

  Back in late 1994 when I first saw The Lion King, the effect it had upon me was astounding. Never before or since have I been so totally captivated by a story like this. The magic, the splendor, the wonder of it all swept me away.

  Within this work, I was presented with the opportunity to give something back to it, to express with the written word my love for a story which has deeply affected me in so many ways. The paternal guidance of Mufasa, the wisdom of Rafiki, and the selfless friendship of Simba all have made a significant impact on my life, and so I set out to return a little of the magic, and maybe learn something about myself along the way.

  And once again, I got more than I bargained for.

  July 15, 1996, Wilmington, North Carolin

  CHRONICLES OF THE PRIDE LANDS

  PRELUDE:

  The early morning sun reflected in Queen Akase’s eyes. King Ahadi looked into their fire and whispered the word “beloved.” She smiled and nuzzled him, then kissed her new twin sons as if the four of them were alone in a private kingdom of love.

  But they were not alone. Next to them Shaka, the King’s brother, his wife Avina, and their twin daughters Sarabi and Elanna welcomed in the dawn. And spread out across the plain in their tribes were the works of Aiheu the Beautiful in all their splendor—the solemn elephants, the tall giraffes, the lithe zebras with stripes more joyous than the brightest bird. Side by side they stood, rank on rank, row on row. And never was the fang shown, nor the claw bared. They had come to celebrate the mystery of life through the presentation of the new Prince. For that one day, death did not walk among them.

  ZAZU: Spread the tidings far and wide,

  Shout them from the mountainside!

  Cry Ai-heu a-ba-ma-mi all, because the Prince is born!

  AKASE: Our love, at last, has found its pure embodiment in you,

  (TO TAKA) Our love, at last, is visible in everything you do;

  The way you feel, the way you smile, the way you look at me,

  Will prove to all, beyond a doubt, how great a love can be.

  And how I love you! You make the morning start.

  Joy streaming from my heart as I repeat your name:

  You are my treasure, you came into my world,

  Whatever Fate may hold, my life won’t be the same.

  AHADI: You will be King, you will be great, your dreams will all come true,

  (TO MUFASA) But just for now remain my son, and let me comfort you.

  I want the best to give my sons, I offer all I own;

  What good is wealth and lands or health if one must live alone?

  And how I love you! You make the morning start.

  Joy streaming from my heart as I repeat your name:

  You are my treasure, you came into my world,

  Whatever Fate may hold, my life won’t be the same.

  Through the gathered hosts walked Makedde, the mandrill. Those near him drew back and cleared the way. He blessed them with signs of Aiheu’s love, touching the very young with outstretched fingers, and also the very old.

  Makedde forded the boulders that protected the base of Pride Rock, a warm shaft of stone whose sheltering arms protected lions from the uncertainties of night. Up, up the winding trail he climbed until he reached the promontory of stone where destiny awaited. As the world held its breath, Makedde approached the two sons of Akase. Ahadi lay his paw on small Mufasa and nodded gravely.

  “I touch your mane, ” Makedde said with deep respect. “Incosi aka Incosi, Great King.” He sprinkled Mufasa with powdered Alba and anointed his brow with Chrisum. Then he picked up the small golden treasure and held him up. A shaft of light broke through the morning clouds and lit the cub like a kiss of joy. A child born of love who had known nothing but love in his short life looked over the admiring throng. Through the shouts, through the clamor of the transformed crowd a voice of sweetness whispered through the light, “Makedde, will you protect him?”

  “With your help, Aiheu, I will not fail.”

  Below, the crowd in respect and awe felt the presence of God, and they fell to the ground bowing, scraping and calling in their own tongues the words of worship each according to their own belief. But Makedde did not hear them. Taking the tender baby to his arms, he kissed him. “May the wind blow kindly on you. May the sun shine brightly on you. May the gods take you to their heart.” A tear of joy ran down his face.

  Reluctantly, he lay the cub down by Akase. Small Taka looked up expectantly, his eyes full of innocent curiosity. With a smile, but some regret, Makedde cuddled the cub under the chin and felt the hum of his happy purr. “This will be the wise one, ” Makedde whispered. “He would have made a great king.”

  SCENE: LEARNING THEIR LESSON

  Ahadi loved to play with his young sons. But he also took time to see to their education. Some lessons were naturally fun--like stalking and pouncing. Others were less fun, but equally important.

  Mufasa was always good at stalking and pouncing, and he held his own wrestling with his brother Taka whom he almost a
lways beat. But Taka could listen to hours of the Chronicles of the Kings and the Law of the Pride while Mufasa would start to squirm and follow the distant herds with his eyes.

  Ahadi found Taka a thirsty sponge, and flattered by the rapt attention he got, he drew on all the learning of a lifetime and told him many wonderful and strange things on the inspiring setting of the promontory.

  “The words of wisdom are sometimes hardest to hear, ” Ahadi said. “N’ga and Sufa, the sons of Ramalah ignored their father’s teachings, and it would bring them to grief. For a father teaches out of love, and to reject his teachings is to refuse his love. It’s the same with us, my sons. I would not have you come to grief....” Ahadi paused, glanced at Mufasa who was wrapped up in his own daydream, winked at Taka, and kept right on going in the same voice. “And it was in this time that a certain lion cub watched the plains for wildebeests, dreaming of the day when he would have no more lessons to learn. And doing so, he stuffed his head with dead grass instead of knowledge.” He added with some emphasis: “Isn’t that so, Mufasa??”

  “Yes, father.”

  Taka laughed and rolled about, singing, “Dead grass, dead grass, nyah-nyah-na-nyah-nyah! ”

  “What’s so funny??” Mufasa looked at Taka with irritation, but his father scowled, and he looked down embarrassed.

  “Taka, what were we talking about?” Ahadi knew he could rely on him.

  “There were these two brothers N’ga and Sufa. They were very famous. One day N’ga got into this fight with Sufa over this girl. Not just any girl, because she was white as clouds and magic, see, and if one of them married her, their kingdom would be great. But she was one swell number, and they both wanted her to marry them. So they went down by this lake (and this is the really neat part)--they fought all day and all night without stopping. And they fought the second day.”

  He began walking around Mufasa as he talked. “They fought all the third day. They didn’t sleep either. They fought for five whole days and nights, cause she was such a babe, and they were so stubborn that neither one would give in. And on the fifth day, they both fell asleep at the same time. And while they were asleep, the girl sneaked out and married a magic lion with powers like hers, and boy did N’ga and Sufa feel like a couple of idiots! ”

  “Good job! ” Ahadi nuzzled Taka. “And such a unique interpretation.”

  Mufasa looked dejected.

  “Come here, Muffy.” Ahadi pulled Mufasa over with his paw and nuzzled him. “I wish you could play all the time if that’s what you really want. But you need to learn the skills of leadership. Besides, while I learned these lessons from my father it was a special time for us to spend together. Enjoy this time while it lasts, and make the most of it.”

  “I try. Really I do.”

  “I know. But remember that I don’t love you for how smart you are or how strong you are. I love you because you’re my sons. Whatever gifts Aiheu gives you, you need to make the most of them, and that takes education. Understand?”

  “Yes, Dad.”

  Ahadi smiled indulgently. “Why don’t you two go play for a while.”

  The cubs gamboled away, but Ahadi shouted, “Whoa! Aren’t you forgetting something?”

  Muffy and Taka ran back and gave their dad a quick kiss.

  SCENE: WHATEVER THE LIGHT TOUCHES

  The next morning, Ahadi rose earlier than was his custom. Stealthily, he crept over to where his twin sons lay side by side, and with the most careful nudge touched Mufasa. The cub shifted but did not rouse. He pressed again, a little harder, and stirred Mufasa from his sleep. Muffy looked up a little surprised and irritated, but Ahadi touched his mouth with his paw and silently jerked his head about to say “follow me.” His interest piqued, Muffy struggled to his feet quietly and began to follow his father out of the cave.

  Taka, who was a light sleeper, felt a cold place on his back where it was warm before. He grunted and pushed himself back toward a brother that was not there. Sleepily he felt around with a paw, then looked about and just caught a glimpse that he was missing something important.

  On stealthy paws, he stirred himself and crept out onto the platform that served as his spectacular front porch. There in the light of the early morning sun sat father and son. Mufasa leaned against his father, gold rimmed in the splendor of daybreak.

  “Why wasn’t I invited?” Taka wondered. He wanted to bury himself in the fragrant softness of his father’s mane and enjoy the sunrise. For a moment, he considered snuggling up on the other side. Then Muffy said, “What’s up, Dad?”

  “Shhh! You’ll wake Taka.”

  Taka enjoyed secrets, so he crouched in the doorway where he could see and not be seen.

  “See what the light touches, ” Ahadi purred softly. “That is the boundary of my kingdom. I sit here sometimes and look at it and it humbles me. So many peoples depend on me, and I must put their needs above my own. But it has been wonderful. It is always wonderful to be needed, especially when you always do your best to meet those needs. Someday you will know that feeling when I am gone, for I have chosen you to follow me.”

  “Me?” Muffy looked genuinely surprised. “Whoa, neat! ”

  Taka gasped. “No! It’s not fair! ” formed on his lips, but no sound came out.

  Muffy said, with some difficulty, “But Taka has always been the smart one. I thought sure he’d be King. He knows everything.”

  “Not everything, son, though he is very bright. You’re bright too, though you need to apply yourself more in your studies. I brought you out here in the hope that you would work harder if you knew what was at stake. What you are learning is the wisdom of our people. You are the future king. As long as you know how to be a good king, you will have lionesses who can chase wildebeests.” Ahadi sighed deeply. “The decision was not easy. Don’t tell Taka just yet. Right now, it’s our little secret.”

  “Why is it a secret, Dad?”

  “Because as you say, Taka is smart. He tries so hard. If he knew he would not be King, he may be discouraged and waste the talents that Aiheu gave him. Much as you were tempted to do.” He looked deeply but not judgementally into Mufasa’s eyes. “You know I speak the truth, don’t you. You are very clever when you want to be.” He sighed deeply. “This should have been a happy occasion. Instead it breaks my heart. I wish I had a kingdom to give each of you, but I don’t.”

  “Why can’t we cut it in half. He can take that half, and I’ll take this?”

  “That’s very kind of you, Muffy, but it won’t work. Hunting would be poor in a smaller kingdom. Accept fate--the whole kingdom belongs to both of you, but you will be King, and he will not. That’s why I taught you the story of N’ga and Sufa. If you always fight and can never agree, the prize will often go to another. If you love Taka, and I know you do, you will say nothing for now. I want to tell him in my own way when the time is right. I will be gentle.”

  “I see.” Mufasa said thoughtfully, “I want to be King someday, but I sure feel bad about Taka. I won’t tell till you say it’s OK.”

  Ahadi smiled. “Maybe you have to work harder on your lessons, but you have a good heart. That was my greatest hope, to leave this world without worries or regrets. When I think of you as King after me, I feel no worries or regrets.”

  For a moment, Taka was very angry, but his anger soon changed to hurt. Head bowed and ears flattened, he sneaked back to the warmth and comfort of his mother.

  SCENE: NO TIME FOR NAPS

  “Minshasa, cloud white, borne upon the breast of the savanna like a dream of love. Who that bears the mane shall look upon her visage and remain unsmitten? Minshasa, the voice of tender longings. Minshasa, beloved of the gods. Beware, my sons, her awful charms! ”

  -- RAMALLAH, FROM LEONID SAGA, “D” SECTION, VARIATION 1

  Akase was worried about Taka. She had a lioness’ sensitivity to how her own cubs felt, and she knew Taka was not feeling well. He moped about. At times he would not meet her eyes. At other times he would stare into the
m as if he were trying to see something deep inside.

  Even Ahadi could tell something was amiss. He nudged the small cub playfully with his nose. “Something got you down, Taka?”

  “No sir.”

  “You can tell your Dad. I know--how about a nice story? You know, one of the Great Kings of the Past. Have I ever told you about Moko Greatmane?”

  “Yes sir.” Taka sighed deeply. Ahadi started to say something, but Akase silently shook her head and mouthed, “No.”

  Ahadi gave his son a warm lion kiss on the cheek. “I love you, son. You know there is nothing you can’t tell me when you’re good and ready.”

  Taka looked up pitifully. “Do you, Dad? Do you still love me?”

  Ahadi bit his lip. “Oh gods. Don’t you know?” Deeply affected, he stared at the cub for a while, then wandered off a few steps to sit facing the distant mountains.

  Akase was a little sharp. “What on earth made you say that? Of course he loves you. Look how you hurt him! ” She softened her tone. “Honey tree, what ever made you think he didn’t love you?”

  “Well I....” Taka could tell her the truth, but she would know he had spied on his father. He struggled with the burden for a moment, then said, “I was just asking, that’s all. I’m sorry.”

  Quietly, Taka went over a secret list of every foolish thing he’d ever done, wondering which one condemned him to be second place for life. Was it the time he sneaked away without telling Mom? Was it the time he pulled that practical joke on Uzuri and she got so upset with him? Maybe Uzuri told Dad, even though he’d begged her not to? Should he have the nerve to ask? No. Of course not. He was not even supposed to know anything about it. Besides, after his Dad told Muffy his decision, it would be too late to change anything.