Ezra and the Lion Cub (6 page)

The lioness leapt into the air toward Ezra. He cringed in fear.
“What are you doing to my son, human?
You had better be careful about what you say,” said the Lioness.
“We were just playing,” Ezra stammered.
“That's right, Mama,” said the lion cub.
“It was just play, that's all.”

 

 

The Lioness was not convinced.
“Humans cannot be trusted my son. They are devious and cruel.
They say they are fond of us but then we are hunted and end up as trophies on a wall.”
“I'm not like that,” Ezra protested.
“So you say,” said the Lioness. “What are you doing here?
Why aren't you with your family?” “I ran away,” Ezra said.
“You ran away and came to this dangerous place?”
“It isn't dangerous for me,” Ezra said. “I like it here.”

 

 

“Why did you run away?” asked the Lioness.
“So I could become king of the forest,” Ezra replied.
“But everyone knows the lion is the king of the forest, not humans,” said the Lioness.
“Yes, that is true,” Ezra admitted. “But perhaps it is time for a change?”
“You see, my son?” the Lioness said. “You see how devious the human is?
He wants to take our place.”
“That's not what I meant…not really,” Ezra protested.

 

 

“You must go home now,” the Lioness said. “Playtime is over.”
“I'm lost,” Ezra said. “I ran into the forest and don't know how to find my way back.”
“Fine,” said the Lioness. “We will take you.”

 

 

The lion cub and Ezra rode on the Lioness' back as she marched through the forest.
The Lioness walked for a very long time until they reached a clearing.
“It isn't far now,” the Lioness said.