Unwittingly, Baba was heading right into the eye of the storm. He was a gentle-natured soul and knew nothing of what he would face in The Big World. He kept a piece of advice that Isha had given him in the forefront--let Aiheu be your landmark and he will lead you home.
Baba came to a stream. Under the searing sun, he sought to slake his thirst in the cool, clean water. He dipped his muzzle in and drew out refreshment, then he reached in with a paw and threw the cold, invigorating drops in his face, heaving a sigh of relief. A nearby acacia tree offered some shade, and he crossed the stream and settled down for a moment to rest.
For a moment, all was deceptively peaceful. Then in the distance, he saw the powerful charge of a male lion. He felt his stomach knot up and rise into his chest.
“Now you pay!” the King snarled, coming to a halt in front of Baba. “Defend yourself!”
The youth cowered back and bared his teeth. “Leave me alone! You may kill me, but I’ll leave some scars on you!”
The old yet powerful lion looked down at Baba. “What is this?? You’re just a boy!” He softened. “Are you lost, son? Are you looking for your mother?”
Still cowering, but with a trace of pride, he answered, "I'm a lion now. I've been given my mantlement, and what's more, I've taken a mate."
"Wfff! A lion you are! But a very young one, my lad. Drink, have something to eat from our kill, and remember that I was kind to you when you say your nightly prayers."
"Thank you." He drank again from the stream and followed the old lion to a zebra kill. Famished, he looked at the half-eaten kill and wondered that so much food could possibly be in one place. Desperately, he tore pieces from the haunch and downed them, feeling the warm meat comfort his empty stomach. “Oh gods, you must be wealthy!”
The king laughed. “I do all right.”
After the edge was off Baba’s hunger, they talked.
"What is your name, son?"
"Mabatu."
“Then we are both the same name! Do you have a nickname?”
“They call me Baba.”
"So who drove you off so young, Baba?"
"Scar."
"Scar??" He looked at him intently. "By any chance, do you know Kako?"
"Sure. She’s my mother."
A look of tenderness warmed the old king’s face. “Kako’s son?” He reached out with a paw and fondled Baba’s cheek, then turned his face with it from side to side as he saw the resemblance. “So you are.” Purring deeply, King Mabatu came forward and nuzzled Baba very gently. "The shaman spoke truly. If Kako is your mother, then you are welcome here. My brother died today, but Aiheu has sent me a son. Welcome your new father, Prince Baba!"
Filled with wonder at his good fortune, and moved by the gentle lion’s plea, Mabatu nuzzled him and pawed his right shoulder. "I touch your mane! Aiheu make long and happy your days."
King Mabatu sat down in the shade of some acacias and heard Baba’s story. He nodded solemnly and mused that even though his son had bad luck, perhaps Aiheu meant it for good. He introduced one of his lionesses--his youngest daughter Umande. “Mandy dear, show the new prince around his kingdom. If he’s going to rule someday, he needs to know the boundaries.”