Name Quest
Part 3 – Heroic Rescue
Characters - Ruka, Juba, Marakl, Kalpana, Jemadari
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“What do you mean, he’s gone?” Ruka asked in disbelief.
They’d stopped to rest in the shade of some trees, the sound of running water nearby promising a cool drink for the weary travellers. Ruka had napped, Juba close by, and apparently so had Marakl and Kalpana. Now, Jemadari was gone. Her heart grew cold to think of what might have happened to him. Stolen away by a slathering beast? Lost again. Hurt, lying injured somewhere without anyone to help him. The dread filled her spirit and she was up on her paws in an instant. “I’ll go across to the crooked tree.” She told everyone. “Juba, you head back the way we came, all the way to that fallen log.” She shot a look at Marakl and Kalpana. “Actually, Kalpana, you head back to the log. Juba, go with Marakl to the river. See if he’s there. Roar or…howl, if you find him.” With duties assigned, the young adolescent burst into a full-out run, galloping across the rough terrain to reach the tree.
Her heart thudded wildly in her chest as she drew closer, seeing no sign of a small golden body. Skidding to a halt by the trunk, she tested the air with her nose and went about looking for any signs he might have been there. Little paw prints. Tufts of fur. His scent. Something had passed this way, but the tracks were old and large; a rogue lion. He’d seemingly scratched his back on the tree and then continued on his way again.
No Jemadari.
A roar came rolling out across the land, startling the brown and blue female into action. Without a moment to lose, she turned on her heel and sprinted back across the land, ignoring the burn of her lungs in her chest. By the time she arrived on the scene, she was struggling to breathe. Her throat tightened in panic when she came to realise the scene playing out before her.
Jemadari was out on the river, balanced on one of the many rocks that broke through the surface of the water. He’d apparently thought it a great idea to cross and had dislodged one of the rocks he had used. Now it had rolled out of reach and he was unable to get back. The water was not especially deep but it was fast running and probably more than strong enough to sweep the legs out from under a lion stepping into its depths.
“Jemadari!” Ruka called fearfully.
“I think I can jump back.”
“No! No, don’t move.”
“But I can’t stay here foreverrrr!” He whined back.
“Hang on a moment, Jemadari.” Ruka called, moving to the bank and casting a look back at Juba and Marakl. “I’m going in for him.”
“Probability of success: very low. The water will take you under. Sweep you away. Not a good plan. Need another.”
Ruka rolled her eyes. “Hold onto my tail.” She waved the tuft in front of the white and red lioness. “Marakl, you grab hold of Juba’s tail. We’ll hold onto one another so that we don’t get swept away.” The pair seemed to understand and, when Kalpana joined them, she grabbed Marakl and held on tightly. Then, the ‘rope’ of animals moved slowly into the water, Ruka leading the way.
The water was strong and she stumbled and fell, spluttering as she choked on a mouthful of water. Juba’s grasp on her was strong and she gathered her feet and moved on. And all of them advanced until only Kalpana remained on the bank, her hind legs set deep into the earth so that she was anchored.
Ruka, looming closer to the gold cub, reached out for him. “Don’t worry Jemadari. We’ve got you.” Behind her, Juba had found purchase on some of the rocks, and Ruka reached forwards and grabbed the gold cub by the scruff of the neck. The cub was surprisingly heavy and her head and the cub disappeared briefly under the water. With a growl, she forced her head up and slowly began to back away – those behind her moving at the same pace, pulling them to safety.
Only when they were back on the grass, did the adrenaline flush from her system, leaving Ruka feeling drained and shaky.
“A good plan. You are a natural leader, Ruka. Others follow and listen and they do not doubt your word. Even us who have known you only a day. A rare gift it is, to inspire such trust in others. Think about that when you find your name.”
“Thank you, Juba. I will.” Ruka returned, sending a warning glance at Jemadari. “And no more antics from you. We’ll rest a bit and then head out. The sooner we reach the pridelands, the sooner we can get on our way.”
She moved back to the shade and flopped down on her belly, yawning with sudden fatigue. Beside her, Jemadari crawled up and settled at her side. “I’m going to be like you one day.” He said confidently. “A figure of authority. I’m going to be important. Others will trust me. I’ll lead a band of rogues across the land.”
“Rogues? You don’t want to stay in your homeland?”
“No. There’s no room for growth. Who can I lead in a pride? A king leads. I’m not a king.”
“But you want to be, right?” Ruka smiled. “You sound like an intelligent little cub to me. If you want it hard enough, you’ll get it in the end.”
“Not a king. A leader.” The gold cub replied, not seeming to realise they were much the same thing. “When I’m bigger.”
“You’ll grow up quickly enough. Believe me.” Ruka replied. “But don’t forget your home and your family, will you? They love you dearly.”
“I won’t.” The cub promised.
“Now, get some rest. It’s a long trek for a cub with small legs. You’ll need your energy.”
The cub yawned, stretched, and flopped against Ruka’s side. The lioness watched him a moment; the steady rise and fall of his side, his small yawn, the curling of his spine as he settled into a more comfortable position. He was cute and the sight of him curled there made her realise that some females at her age already had children of their own. Yet, whilst she found cubs endearing, there was no urge in her to have any. Not for a while yet, anyway.
Juba padded over and sat next to them, peering at the cub with some curiosity. “The cub trusts you too. And why wouldn’t he? You saved his life.”
“That’s a little dramatic, Juba.” Ruka replied, though she could not help but feel a little proud of her accomplishment. “Do you have any children?”
“No. No time for procreation. Last male who tried it lost an eye. There are plenty of children out there, I don’t need to add to their numbers. Rogue life is no life for a cub. Hard. Scary. One benefit to pride life if you were thinking of having cubs.” The lioness blinked. “You…want cubs?”
“No. No. Not for a while. I want to live a little first.”
“Good plan. Very good plan. Become experienced and wise. Pass on that knowledge to your children so they will not be so naïve and innocent. A good way to raise young.” She gave a small sniffing breath. “Sleep. I will watch the child.”
With a nod, Ruka set her head down onto her paws and fell into slumber.
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