Ancel limped closer to hear the argument between Malebo and Quester. “Lions are always trying to attack us. We have to be brave now.” Quester pointed to him. “Look at what they have done. We are tired of looking over our shoulders. If Ancel had not acted fast, they would have grabbed and eaten one of the little ones.”

Now two youngsters and Ancel were standing next to Quester. Sijambo, a large elephant, also moved to stand closer to Ancel. “Quester has a point,” Sijambo said. But two other elephants in the group, Maisie and Lerato stepped forward.

“No he doesn’t,” said Lerato.

“He just wants to be difficult.” said Maisie. Quester moved towards Lerato and the two started to push the top of their heads against each other, their tusks facing down. “What do you youngsters know,” he said.

“Stop,” said Malebo. A rumbling sound came from her throat. Sijambo stepped forward and Quester and Lerato stepped apart. Lerato and Quester were breathing hard. “Quester, as an older elephant, you should know better!” Malebo gave a trumpet-blast.

By now the lions had noticed the scuffle three quarters up the hill area, so giving a loud trumpet sound didn’t matter. Looking down Malebo saw a lion or two raise their heads and look toward them. She turned back to the family.

Malebo reasoned, “We elephants are strong but we are also wise. We don’t want to start a fierce and bitter fight that we might win, but that will leave many of us bleeding.”

Malebo knew Quester liked arguments. A good way to deal with him was to stop the discussion. “I’m giving a ruling. We go back up and over the rise. We’ll find another way.” Quester moved away towards a lone tree on the clearing. He made it appear that he was looking for some shade. He mumbled under his breath, but Malebo could not hear what he was saying.

Below, the two lions started to cross the dry stream toward the foot of the hill. The big lion roared. The sound came from deep within his throat. It boomed in the valley and rose to fill the ears of the elephants. Malebo saw one of the young ones tremble, and then move to stand close to the legs of its mother. The leader of the herd, Malebo gave a big trumpet-blast in return. With her trunk she moved a huge rock and gave it a push, it began to roll several metres down the hill.

Malebo did not think the lions would start climbing. Although the big strong cats sometimes climbed up rocky areas, many preferred lower grasslands or open woodlands. However, she wanted to give the lions a clear message that she, the mother elephant with a tusk that could move rocks, would do everything to protect the young ones.

“C’mon everyone,” Malebo said. The herd turned and slowly climbed back up over the hill.

***

Tell us: Does the character of Malebo remind you of anyone that you know?