Mabatu stood on the end of the promontory with Taka and saw the sunrise.
“Look at the light,” Taka said. “See how splendid it makes the plain look? That is my kingdom, and someday it will be yours.”
“When?”
“When I die,” Taka said, solemnly.
“Then I hope I never get to be king,” Mabatu said.
“What a beautiful, foolish notion! We all have to go into the east when our time comes. What makes life worth living is what you do with the time you have. Like this morning. I made sure I woke up to show you this, because it was important to me. When I’m seated among the stars, I’ll look back on this memory and smile.”
“Me too.” Mabatu leaned against Taka’s dark mane. "So Dad, when you were my age, did your dad do this with you?"
Taka said, "My father was...." He stiffened and his jaw began to quiver. "He was always.... I mean, we never...."
The words stuck in his throat. Tears began to stream down his face.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh nothing.” He wiped his eyes with a paw. “Please, don't watch me cry. Please? Just go run along and see your mother--I'll be with you in a minute."
Reluctantly, sadly, Mabatu nuzzled his king and stalked down the promontory leaving Taka alone with his private grief.
"Aiheu! Roh'kash! Anyone!” Taka cried in an anguished voice that echoed off the distant hills. “If you’re really out there, why did you take my son?? Why??" He dropped his face to the ground and sobbed helplessly.