It was during one such evening feast, while Simna grandiosely held forth on the difficulties of crossing the wide and perilous Semordria, that Ehomba confronted the black litah. Belly full, half asleep, the big cat ignored the attentions of the young children who giggled into his mane and toyed with his tufted tail.
“What will you do now?” Ehomba asked him. “Compared to the distances we have covered together, it is not so very far to the veldt where first we met.”
“Not so very far, no,” Ahlitah responded. “But far enough. Haven’t thought much about it. I have trouble thinking when my stomach is full.”
Nodding, the herdsman sat down beside the noble head. “The domesticated herds of the Naumkib are extensive and require constant vigilance. This is because the hills where they graze are full of predators. One such as yourself would be a welcome ally to those who must spend long hours watching over them.”
The litah considered. “You saved my life, but I no longer owe you. The debt is repaid in full.”
“More than in full,” Ehomba admitted readily. They sat in silence for a while, listening to the sounds of happy feasting and tolerating the children’s antics, until the litah spoke again.
“Among these predators that trouble you, are there cats? Cats like me?”
Ehomba’s expression was grave. “Too many to count. Lionesses and she-cheetahs, leopards sleek of flank and smilodons long of tooth.”
“It is a long way to the veldt.” Ahlitah growled uncertainly. “You would trust me to guard your flocks and not devour them?”