Ties That Bind -- Chapter 14
The plot thickens... ;)Chapter 14
The council room was silent for a few minutes before Panthro finally managed to get a sentence out.
“What are you talking about Lea?”
“The eyes I saw were brown and full of hatred. Lion-O’s are light reddish-orange and definitely not full of hatred.” The lioness explained.
“But you said…” Tygra started.
“I know what I said but I have no explanation for what I see.” Leanna told the group. Panthro lifted himself out of his seat and came over to the lioness. He put his hands on her shoulders and she turned to look at him, a confused expression across her face. The panther whispered something in her ear as she buried her face into his chest. Ben-Gali leaned over to his mate, kept his tone low and asked,
“What now?” Pumyra just shrugged, unsure of what the next call should be and glad she wasn’t the one that had to make it.
“Panthro, you can take Lea to her room. Lion-O, Cheetara stay here. Everyone else go back on duty.” Tygra said. With that the temporary Lord of the ThunderCats order was acted upon and the group dispersed. The orange tiger offered the couple seats and they sat down, he noticed that Cheetara’s hand had not left her mate’s at all since they entered the room.
“I’m afraid that despite Lea’s uncertainty a few minutes ago there is still a very strong case against you Lion-O.” Tygra explained.
“So does that mean the case will proceed?” The lion wanted to know.
“I’m afraid so unless Lea drops the charges out right.” Tygra heaved a sigh. Cheetara squeezed Lion-O’s hand.
“I stand behind my husband one hundred percent. Is there something I can do to help him?” She asked.
“Continue to do what you’re doing and possibly testify on his behalf at trial. If he is convicted I’m afraid he won’t be allowed back into Cat’s Lair.” The tiger said.
“Then our family will move out.” Cheetara didn’t hesitate to answer. Lion-O squeezed her shoulder and shook his head.
“You will do no such thing. Stay here and continue to be a ThunderCat, do not ruin your life because of this.” He told her.
“And have Sahara and Leo grow up without their father? I think not. They are more important to both of us than the privilege of being ThunderCats.” The cheetah remained strong.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, if we even get to it. In the meantime we should prepare for trial. I will file notice in the morning after talking to Lea again. Then we’ll have to find you some legal council.” Tygra reassured both of them.
“No matter what happens my career will be over. If I am convicted, the court will strip me of my title and I will be forced to leave. If I’m not the public’s trust in me will be destroyed along with the image of the ThunderCats as a whole. I’m sorry that is happening.” Lion-O sighed and looked down at the table.
“I’m sorry too. You do have an option but I know that you won’t like it.” The orange tiger said.
“What is it?” Both Lion-O and Cheetara asked at once.
“You could resign. As part of your resignation, something agreeable could be worked out between you and Leanna.” Tygra answered.
“But isn’t that admitting that he did it?” The cheetah wondered.
“Yes and he’d still have to explain to Thundera why he was stepping down. The line of lion kings would end because Leo is not of age to become King. I would take over and choose my successor.” The tiger explained.
“See me in the morning before you file notice.” Lion-O said. With that the lion stood and Cheetara followed, the two left the room and headed for theirs. Tygra sat in his seat, shook his head and then retreated to the library to do some research.
Gorlock stood in his hiding place preparing himself for battle. Should the ThunderCats not do as he wanted; he still needed to bring Mumm-Ra Lion-O’s head on a stick. He pulled his sword from the sheath on his back. The curved blade was sharp enough to slice through metal as if it was a hot knife through butter. Removing the lion’s head would be all too easy.
To Be Continued…
The plot thickens... ;)