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While the pride was on their southern migration during an unseasonable bout of storms, a vast chasm opened up in the earth, splitting the land from east to west.  Crossing it is impossible, and going around it inadvisable: they have neighbors to the east they don't care to antagonize, and though to the west the land is unclaimed, the chasm continues to run for miles that way.  The Ithambo'hlabathi territory has been effectively split, with the pride occupying the northern third of the lands.

Nearly half of the wildbeest herd they were following fell into the chasm when it opened, while the rest scattered in every direction.  There is, essentially, no more herd to follow, and therefore no reason to migrate after it, even if they could.  Umkhombo has decided that the pride should travel back north, closer to the outpost again, where the small zebra herd has lingered as it recovers its numbers.  They'll have to be careful not to overhunt it, but it's the only viable alternative until and unless the Aenda and Cinga can locate another huntable herd within reasonable range.

However, Umkhombo was among those injured in the stampede, having shielded the elderly Umama Nenkani from harm.  He is in no condition to travel, let alone see to any of his duties, until he has had time to recover.  He's sending the bulk of the pride on without him, as there's not sufficient prey to sustain many lions in their current location.  Others incapable of travel, as well as a few with the skills to care for the injured and a contingent of some lionesses and Qyrhyeshti (for hunting and defense) will stay behind with him.  That he is keeping his position as lead Umholi in spite of his injuries and the time it will take to recover may not sit well with everyone...or maybe the manner in which the injuries were sustained will buy him some sympathy.

This fragment of the pride will likely be separated from the bulk of the pride for at least 6 weeks (they'll be about a 4-day walk apart), during which time they will keep in contact primarily via birds.