SWNOVELS Chapter Ch 20 The Gathering
"It's time for you to head out, I wanted to say goodbye before you both leave." She said softly.
Zarda opened his eyes, and pushed up on his elbow. He was sleeping comfortably on his side. Blanketed by warm palm leaves. With outstretched arms, he wrapped her into a tight warm embrace against his chest. His hug was comforting to the touch. They stayed a while in the embrace before releasing one another.
Meeku wiped away the sleep from his eyes. Looking up over to his mother and brother. Pushing up to a seated position He leaned over and gave his mother a kiss on the cheek, then he too hugged her tightly.
" Goodbye, mother. We promise to stay safe. I'll see you soon." Spoke meeku, gently into her ear.
Saharrah left her son's and laid back down in her semi-warm bedding. She was sad for their departure and cried alone to herself. The traveling companions were off, moving towards Mount Sabyinyo. Thrown over their shoulders were the backpacks the lioness made for the long journey ahead.
They had packed them fruits, insects, nuts, and two birds each. They had collected coconuts for drinks if needed. Meeku had worked the evening the day before, fashioning warm robes, for the six of them. He placed them snugly inside his pack. Remembering them, he handed each one out to the group. Every item they packed would be important for the journey. The walk up Sabyinyo would be challenging, especially when they would need to ascend to the inner core of the volcano. They were equipped and prepared for whatever crossed their path. Matiti and Mazunga were in charge over the weapons. Slash and Razor guarded the back of the pack, while Zarda and Meeku led the group forward.
All across the Savannah plains, the animal leaders made the long trip up to the ancient mountain. They traveled in small groups as the creator instructed. From the oceans to the thick jungle mountains, all species representing their kind as a whole journeyed up.
Three days passed since the small group had left the jungle home. They had made few stops along the way, and slept for short hours. Zarda wanted them to be early if they could. He was both nervous and excited, to meet everyone.
As he had wished, Zarda and his company were first to arrive at Mount Sabyinyo. Trekking up twisting green paths. Gnarled tree roots and mossy vines hanging down like a noose was their fateful pathway.The incline would an exhausting attempt on top of that.
Finally, they made it to the meeting place at the core of the volcano. They took in the incredible beauty engulfing them. The lush vegetation blanketed the entire mountain top. Heather trees covered in old man beard moss, surrounded the base of the mountain, while the mist hovered over the top half of Mount Sabyinyo. Zarda noticed he could hear birds again. He even saw two birds fly over top.
Zarda ordered his warriors to set up camp. Matiti and Mazunga went in search of kindling for a fire. Zarda prayed to the master to light a fire again with his staff. They were hungry and wanted to cook up the six cattle egrets they captured along the journey.
After a moment, the two young lions returned with wood in hand. Zarda took his staff and placed the amethyst end on top of the kindling. Like before, purple fire came rolling out, igniting the sticks. A fiery blaze was lit.
Fog still lingered upon the mountain top. The morning was quiet, other than birds chirping, and strange animal calls in the distance.
The egrets were plucked and roasted thoroughly on the open flame. The hot fire cooked their meal deliciously. The crisp of the skin was just right, while the greasy juices dripped lightly down the meat. The group ate their fill for that morning. It was a wonderful satisfying breakfast for all. The campfire smoke was disappearing up into the fog above mountain.
Zarda finished, and left his company to the open field behind them. He found a nice spot and begun to gather flat, smooth boulders for seating. He carried the heavy rocks over to the chosen spot. The other's once finished noticed their leader and followed,helping to carry the load. They made desirable seating for each one of them. Zarda and Meeku had the middle front. Slash was placed on Zarda's right-hand side, while Razor would sit on Meeku's left-hand side. Matiti and Mazunga's seats were placed behind the front four, for safety precautions. They all sat down, waiting nervously for the other animal kingdoms to enter the large open space.
It wasn't a long wait, before they could hear the steps of approaching animals. Zarda was curious as to which animal clan it would be.
In walked three tall, thin, and lanky Wildebeests. Their skin, was as ashy as the coals in their dying fire. They were gray and dull in hue. They had a thick strip of black hair down the front of their chest and backs. Meeku noticed they had fashioned Savannah grass into a woven wrap for a waist covering. The Wildebeests, Zarda could sense, were obviously nervous to be alone in the presence of his lion gang. They walked slowly to an area far-away from the pride. Cautiously, observing the lions sitting upon stones, they decided it was a smart idea for them too. Zarda stood up slowly and held up his hands towards them.
"We would be happy to help you gather stones. If you would like that?" said Zarda.
The King was not so willing to accept his offer. He shook his head no, and thanked Zarda anyway. His two helpers made quick work of their own seating arrangements.
The earth started to rumble and shake. The hairs on the back of Meeku's neck stood up. He glared over at Zarda, wide eyed. They turned as the tromping commotion continued to grow louder. Just breaking beyond the fog of the mountain, next walked in, two gargantuan elephants. The ground was shaking because of their feet slamming to the ground as they strode. The heavy steps were first all together frightening. Even a brave warrior such as slash didn't bother to move closer. Zarda too, kept his distance and did not offer them any help, by the looks of it they were good on their own. He was more focused on looking intently at their large feet.
Curious he didn't take notice at first, so he looked over at the wildebeests feet and calves. They had remained in their original form, like his own paws, but the elephants feet did not. They had large man like extremities.
' why was theirs different from Zardas?' He thought curiously.
It wasn't important, both clans had tails wagging behind them, with tusk or horns on their faces. As Zarda gawked in awe, he noticed the elephants were moving towards them. They sat clinging to their rocky seating. The earth trembled greatly as they drew near and they made a spot on the left side of Zarda's group. The giant king looked over and smiled a friendly grin to Zarda. Zarda let out his breath he had been holding in, and smiled back.
"Hello there. I am King Mosiya and this is my trustee steward Salim, we are from the Mawombie parade." He greeted.
Zarda was surprised at how friendly the large creature was. He was happy to greet him back more at ease now.
"Hello King Mosiya, I am Zarda, this is my brother Meeku and my warriors Slash, Razor, Matiti, and Mazunga." He replied.
" Oh how very nice it is, to make your acquaintance young lion. Would I presume correctly, that you are the prides King." Asked Mosiya?
Zarda laughed. " Sure, you can say that.At the moment I lead my Father's pride, the Whitemane Lions." He replied, zarda didn't want to correct a noble rightful king.
" And who may I ask is your Father?" Mosiya asked.
Zarda paused for a bit before answering.
" His name once was known as King Ezekiel. He was the bravest Lion King I ever knew." replied Zarda sadly.
The elephant knew exactly what he meant. He could sense by his reply that his father was just a memory now.
" Might I say young one, you are the most stunning lion I have ever laid my eyes on, and I've seen plenty in my time. Your father must be looking down upon you with a proud heart. Keep your head up, serve your father's pride well, and keep moving with stride. You'll make a fine king one day. I believe it." Said King mosiya with simple affirmations of encouragement.
He turned around and left zarda with those comforting words as he drew his attention towards the Wildebeests across the way. Like a light bulb suddenly going off. King Mosiya realized it was his good friend King Morbius and his company.
"Hello, my friend King Morbius, how are you old beast?" Said the elephant King, shouting across the field.
He got up with a shaking movement and walked towards his friend. Zarda was relieved, he was still silent from the conversation. He was unable to speak any further about his father. He braced himself firmly. Perhaps today, this subject was bound to be brought up often. That's what happens when you meet new creatures.
Distracted by his conversation, Zarda had not taken notice to the three water buffaloes, four Zebras, and four Gazelles entering in together. They had made their way next to King Morbius. Zarda assumed none of the prey animals, except King Mosiya, were going to sit by any predator tribes.
Zarda remembered the command from his master that no blood would be spilled, for this was holy ground. He was thankful he had eaten earlier, or this would be a bad situation for all.
More and more animals arrived. First were two proud cheetahs. They strutted in with their heads held high. They had fashioned a crown and loincloth made of leaves and Goji berries about their waist. They found a spot a few spaces away from Zarda's pride. Comfortably making spots on the green grass to sit on. They kept to themselves, passing the time with chirpy conversations. Next, behind the cheetahs were two extremely tall giraffes. Their bodies were manlike. They didn't have their normal long necks as their animal kin, yet they were still lengthy to an extent. They definitely had the height, standing almost nine to ten feet tall like baseball players. They towered over everyone. Their faces were very, slender. Their bodies lean with man like extremities instead of hooves. Their feet were dressed in bright red fabric. As they walked they swished their long tails behind them elegantly. Zarda noticed the giraffes hands were long and dainty like. The beast appeared humble and meek. They were oddly attractive to look upon.
They moved gracefully, over beside trustee Salim, of the elephant Mawombie parade. Saying hello they leaned against a large Boulder. Zarda was overwhelmed by all the unique changes each animal kingdom acquired. He and his lions were mistified by everything. They continued to watch intently over at the entrance of the mountains trail. The rumbling earth of the next animals alerted them a new kingdom had arrived.
Next to enter, were Two big rhinos, and two chubby hippopotamuses. They scanned the land and animal kingdoms present already. Both sets of kingdoms found a pleasant spot next to the Wildebeests tribe to settle in.
Shortly after, zarda spotted three short jittery meerkats running up into view. They were more like four feet tall little people, with human like features other than their cute heads and tails. They too had appendages like humans. Even though they had hands their fingertips and toes were black. Their skin is a natural beige hue. They were adorable, thought Zarda. Like cute tiny children. They made haste of their time and sat next to the Gazelles across the field. They socialized among their neighbors tiny group.
Soon everyone was on high alert as two fierce crocodiles strolled in. Upright and proud they were decked from head to toe in royal golden attire. They had an ererie presence about them. Slinking shortly in after them were three African long-legged bull frogs, and two broad-shouldered whale sharks entering into everyones view. The animals quieted their jovial conversations. They were now whispering to one another in secret. The atmosphere had changed when the crocks circled the kingdoms looking for a perfect spot to settle on.
Their faces were as nasty as their snobby attitudes, but their bodies were built like pharaoh gods. The fancy attire was clothed with golden dipped scales, designed into a skirt about their waist. They also used the same golden scalelike plates to fashion necklaces around their thick, muscular necks.
Zarda prayed silently, the crocodiles did not come his way as he watched them move around the open field. luckily, for him they sat alone towards the east side of the group where two large gaps were between them and the other's.
A happy group of bullfrogs. Only four feet tall like the Meerkats, skipped over to sit by them. A comfortable mutual ally for the two tribes. Zarda could see them laughing and enjoying their tiny talks. Suddenly, distracted abruptly When in walked the whale sharks that made their way to sit alone too, across from the crocodiles on the opposite side of the circle. They were massive beasts, but the king looked so joyful. He had the biggest grin on his face. Perhaps he wasn't as terrifying as his scary demeanor portrayed. Zarda didn't know much about them, seeing that he had never met any before. He only assumed each kingdom was a threat, until proven otherwise.
A little distracted by the water kingdom, Zarda didn't notice the two sets of winged angelic creatures that had flown in. The first set were Pharaoh Eagle Owls. They had eerie red eyes that peirced through the soul. They landed smoothly on the ground and took a quick look around the surrounding animals. Their heads swiveled on their shoulders as they examined the strange gathering. Their bodies were like Greek gods, firm, and chiseled. They had human like arms and hands with no feathers. Their wings were coming from out of their backs. They were able to fold and tuck them behind them when not in flight. They were wearing funny white feathery shorts covering up their groins. It made their hips look puffy and large. Meeku and zarda chuckled out trying to avoid eye contact with them. One big difference zarda was shocked to see, was they had no bird talons for feet as he had imagined.'What a bizarre transformation ' thought zarda. Without hesitating they, too, found a nice spot and settled down comfortably.
The flying companions, that floated beside them, were three Plain Tiger Butterflies. They seemed more feminine than the other brawny Kings and royal helpers. No less, their leader was a King. They seemed to glide as they walked over to sit with the Owls who were perched next to the whale sharks. The butterflies arms were thin and lean like that of young men. The appearance was soft and smooth like suede. The wings, on their backs, were protruding from each shoulder blade, and remained open when not in flight, unlike the owls. Their wings shimmered and shined as glass when the sun hit them just right. The atmosphere had calmed when everyone realized the crocodiles meant no harm. Sadly, the aura changed once again with panick of anxiety when the next kingdom arrived.
Suddenly, Four baboon members ran into the field, finding a seat quickly near the hippopotamuses. They seemed to seek a safe space. The baboons were short like the meerkats and bullfrogs. They were also extremely jumpy creatures. Zarda observed them always looking over their shoulders as if to await an open attack. Their brightly colored faces would surely laugh anyone off at first sight. They were halarious to look at. The hair on their heads was frowed out back in a unique style. If you could imagine them in your mind, a circus clown would be the closest resemblance. Zarda quickly turned his eyes away, when two immense looking brutes strode in. They made a big impression on all who looked upon them. The large King locked eyes with Zarda immediately. He kept his poker face, stern. Zarda swallowed hard . He had never feared an animal before, until now. The bulky stoic beasts strode over to sit near their anxious baboon cousins. The gorilla King never took his eyes off Zarda, which made him feel uneasy. He looked away, not to seem like he was staring. Zarda pretended to continue observing the gathering, avoiding eye contact with the Gorilla King.
His heart thumped wildly. Soon, it was redirected to the annoying laughter echoing into the meeting place. Zarda's heart raced faster. His anger grew immensely. His fists balled up, and his forehead was sweating. All he could hear was the blood pumping in his ears. He looked upon three ugly beasts entering the circle. Visions of his past flooded his thoughts. Without thinking clearly, instinctively, zarda sprung to his feet and raced towards them. Meeku was shocked and unready for his brothers sudden outburst. He quickly chased down zarda, but he was slower than him. His brother's adrenaline was ramped up to one hundred. Suddenly, a booming voice sounded from the heavens. Making all the animals to coward down and go silent. Zarda stopped in his tracks, glaring hungrily for the blood thirst, of his enemies.
" DO NOT TAKE ANOTHER STEP, ZARDA! YOU WILL NOT TAKE VENGEANCE ON THE HYENAS. They are heirs of those who killed your family. The Blackmane tribe is coming soon, would you kill them, too, for taking your father's life? I think NOT. CALM YOURSELF AND GO SIT DOWN. Or I will strike you dead,right where you stand." Threatened the creator.
Zarda closed his eyes and released his breath, turning he walked back to his seat. His body was coming down from the adrenaline surge. His limbs were shaking, and his head was pounding. Everyone watched in horror, especially the hyenas, who had no idea what was going on. They quietly made their uncontrolled noises that sent chills up Zarda's spine once again. They ran all the way over to sit next to the cocky crocodiles. They hissed when the hyenas sat down too close.
The creator was right, thought Zarda. He was going to learn to calm his emotions. Already, he had found himself sad, and now angry from the same situation. It was in the past, and he lived here in the present time. He knew he couldn't allow it to control him. The awkward silence was entrusted by the next kingdoms arrival.
Right after the outburst, two glorious leopards stepped into view walking side by side, with a gang of African wild dogs behind them. There were four of each of them total. The leopards were impressive with their spotted skin that faded in areas like an ombre. Their muscular bodies were clothed in grassy tunics. Their emerald green eyes were captivatingly bright to all. Looking around the circle of creatures the leopard king noticed a nice empty spot between the cheetahs and owls. Quickly, they moved towards it to claim the location before the wild dogs did. The African dogs, a little undecisive finally found a spot for themselves. They jogged over to the other side of the cheetahs and settled onto the soft earth. They were interesting looking creatures, with their skin covered by mixed spots of different shades of brown. They had big, pointy, bat like ears and tiny snouts. Their figures were terribly skinny and lanky compared to all the other muscular kings. They yapped at each other continually. Speaking in their own known language, that annoyed anyone close by.
Zarda assumed the king and his men were bashing every tribe present. Something about the pack made zarda not trust them from the start. Maybe he was just giving all canine breeds a bad representative because of past traumas. The wild dogs were now lazely sprawled out on the green grass. Some were sitting with their legs crisscrossed while others laid on their sides.
Some animals sat on the cool grass like the wild dogs, where others copied Zarda and his pride. They built temporary seats for themselves.
Not expecting any more animals to arrive, zarda was pleasantly surprised, when he watched another flying clan enter into the circle. It was the Tawny Eagle flock. They were royalty as far as aviary went. The top predators and influences of the bird kind. Zarda gawked at them as the king flew over towards the giraffes and mangy hyenas. The eagles were tall brawny birds. Their white feathers encased their heads like helmets. Their golden eyes demanded respect and authority. Like massive football players dominating a game. They were dressed in brown feathers and tiny twigs in a short tunic apparel. They kneeled down and balanced their hands upon their muscular thighs. Everyone was happily settled and awaited the creator's voice.
Many small conversations were made on who else could possibly come. There were so many animal kingdoms, but not all of them had undergone the change, at least thats what zarda had understood the Master to say. Either way it was the most popular topic of conversation for the moment. There was only one other kingdom who was on Zarda's mind and he hadn't arrived yet. Minutes rolled by, and the animals were starting to become impatient, including his pride. Until, Zarda recognized a friendly face walking on the far side. His heart leapt this time with joy. He stood and everyone jumped in fright, fearing another attempt for an attack was taking place. The Gorilla King this time stood up tall and gloomed over at Zarda. The lion prince sat down quickly and yelled across the field instead.
" Hey Purk, over here. It's me, Zarda; and look who's here with me, Meeku." He shouted!
The warthog king traced the familiar voice. He was delighted to see his old child hood friend alive and well. It was closure and peace to his uncertain heart. The two of them had survived. Purk didn't wait any longer and ran full speed towards zarda. The lion stood up and waited to embrace for purk's impact. The two cried at each other's shoulders with tears of joy as they connected. How could it be, they were reunited at last. Purk was such an important figure in his life. Forever as brother's. They pushed apart, still gripping their arms in a loving embrace. They didn't wipe away their tears from off their faces, they just stared at eachothers new appearances for a long moment.
" How, other than the creator, did you make it? My mother and I prayed every day for you. We had hope you two were alive. She will be thrilled to hear the good news. Here you are standing before me. I can't believe it." Said the warthog in shock.
Meeku came in from the side quickly without any warning and wrapped his arms around his brother and friend. They were amazed at how far they had all come since their simple childhood.
" Look at you Purk. You look wonderful, friend." Said Zarda.
He gave his face and body a second glance. The changes he had undertaken were remarkable. His body was dark skinned and muscular. His face was the same only matured since he last saw him. He had hands and feet, unlike some of his tributes who still remained with hooves for theirs. It was odd thought zarda, as if they hadn't completed their transformation for some reason.
" You as well prince or should I say King Zarda.Hello, to you too, meeku. Ajuno a kee, my little brother. So much time has passed my friends and so much we have to share." The warthog said.
Purk's tributes stood patiently behind him as they waited for further instructions. He turned and pointed for his clan to take the spot next to zarda, between them and the African wild dogs. The gathering was complete, and the meeting was ready to start.