“You don’t need me. Most of my crowd are dead, so there’s not much left to hold me to this world. But my love for you is deathless.” She nuzzled him. “Take the cord from around my neck.”
It was the tooth that Busara had worn--her own canine on a cord braided from Ahadi’s mane. Rafiki pointed to himself, and she nodded. He slipped the cord around his neck.
“Now when you are lonely for me, I will be next to your heart. But don’t live in the past. As I have been to Busara, Uzuri has been to you. Appreciate what Aiheu has given you.”
“I know, but I shall not forget you.”
She nodded her head. Suddenly the lights twinkled to life. It was as if Busara had only just stepped out. Glad for the light, Rafiki walked on past the pillar of stone and looked at the wall. Busara’s paintings called to him with messages both pious and joyful. But they were also reminders of a happy time that had long since fled. He knelt down and looked at the painting that represented himself. Next to him was young Asumini, and their hands were joined. Rafiki reached out with his fingertips and brushed them lightly over Asumini. “My wife, my lover, my dear friend.” He looked at Wandani, a melancholy smile on his face. “I am fast growing old. Someday when my people are free, you must bring them here and show them these paintings. Tell them about Busara. Tell them that death itself could not destroy the work of Aiheu.”
“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.”
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.
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.”