Chapter 9: Together ForeverNora was more confused that night then she had been her whole life. She could not stop thinking about Levar and what all the others had said. She hoped he was alright. Something deep inside her seemed to tell her he was. Nora did not sleep too much that night, she was rather mad at the adults around her and began to distrust them. Anyone that angry at a cub was just crazy.
By morning Mo had made the announcement. The pride was victorious and the two prides would reunite once again. Once again another life change for Nora that she would have to face, at a time when she was now beginning to not trust those in her life even more. Timitu was leaving once again as a rogue that he was, and the prides were joined once again.
As Nora watched Timitu walk into the sunset, this time fully aware she had a different feeling about everything. It did not matter too much to her that he was leaving once again. Life had just been so weird that it almost seemed like a routine that her life was not working out for her the way she wanted and there was no control over it. What Nora wanted more than Timitu back was to have Levar be one with her pride. But unlike the chance of seeing Timitu again, Nora knew this would never happen.
“Nora?”
She turned to see Mo walking up behind her.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Nora said turning to look over the land.
“You wonder why you can’t play with Levar?”
Nora’s head snapped back when she heard the mention of his name. She then turned and looked back. “There is just a lot I don’t understand.”
“You're still young Nora. If that cub really is who he says he is, it can only mean trouble if you are with him. He is not like your brother, Gelato... or even me.”
“I know, he is so interesting.” Nora said trying to hide a smile.
“But he is not to be trusted.”
“How do you know so much about him?” Nora asked.
“Like I said, he is not who you think he is. I know him and his past well.”
“He would not tell me his past.”
“I would not think he would. Not if he wants to get to you. He is dangerous to you Nora. I can feel it. You must stay away from him.”
“I just wish I knew why?”
Mo smiled. “Your life is full of that why question. Sometimes the answers are not always there. You will learn that though life. But that is not to say you should never ask.” Mo leaned down and nuzzled Nora. “In time I will tell you what you my reason. But it is not a tale for a cub your age to hear. Perhaps he too agrees and so did not share it with you.”
Nora looked confused. “He keeps acting like he is not a cub. When he is. He is not much older than me.”
“Perhaps not in looks, but if he is who he says he is, he is not a cub either."
“How come he still looks like a cub then?”
“I really don’t know.” Mo replied. "I don't even know why he is hanging around right now."
Nora sighed.
“Anyway Nora, you have a loving family here. And you are the future queen of this land. None of us want to see you get hurt. We are only asking this of you to keep you safe. We still want you to have fun but we want you to return to the end at the end of your fun.” Mo smiled trying to cheer her up.
“I returned every night I was with Levar. He never hurt me.”
“No but he is capable of doing so, like I said he is different.”
There was silence once again. “Where did Timitu go again?” Nora asked.
“He is back out, in search of his mate he has not seen her for a long time. Along with his cubs.”
“He has cubs?” Nora asked. “Why did he never bring them to me to play with?”
“He has not seen them in years. Which I guess makes his cubs not so cub like anymore." Mo chuckled. "That is why he is gone. He wants to see them again.”
Nora paused for a moment. “As long as he is happy I will be happy. And as long as he will one day return to our pride I will be happy.” Nora said as the wind blew through her fur. She turned to Mo. “I just want things to now stay like this. I just hope things never change. Ever. I am tired of just getting used to something and something ruining it.”
Mo laughed. “Well I wish that would be so as well. But time always has a way of changing things. And you never know what tomorrow will hold.” Mo nuzzled her again. “I will leave you here to think if that is what you wish. Just make sure your back at the den soon. I believe the pride is going to be coming home with a kill tonight. They were worked up for it.” He smiled and then turned and began to walk back toward the den.
Nora watched him leave and then turned back to look over the land. “One day this will be mine. But who will I share it with.” The thought haunted her. She felt a sudden sickness at the thought of this being hers. Almost like a feeling then that it would never happen. She shook her head. “I wonder if when I am queen I will be able to see Levar again." Nora paused for a moment thinking about her brother's talk earlier with her about the great kings. She could already start to see a few bright ones in the sky above. "If Levar is so evil, where would he go through? If I am to be a star, what would he be if so many hate him?" She looked down to a beetle crossing over one of her paws. She watched it continue on its way and then looked around her for a moment as a cool breeze brushed against her as she stood up and turned back toward the den. "Don't worry Levar, when I am Queen, we will be together. Forever."
End of "The Prequel"
Next book will be out in a few weeks. I do not want to overload those that do wish to read this.