Flame knew that he must find some cover. It was too dangerous to be out in the open. Suddenly a terrifying roar rang out, and an enormous black adult lion rose from a clump of tall grass and bounded toward him. “Ebony!” Flame leaped behind a huge rock. There was a dazzling white flash and where he once had stood now crouched a tiny, long-haired, brown tabby kitten with a bushy tail. Flame’s heart beat fast in his tiny chest as he backed slowly into a wide crack in the rock. His uncle Ebony was very close. He hoped this disguise would protect him. The shadow of an enormous paw appeared, just inches away from the trembling kitten’s little brown nose. Flame’s emerald eyes sparked with fear and anger as he tensed his muscles, ready to fight. “Stay where you are, Prince Flame. I will protect you,” growled a deep but gentle voice. Flame sank back in relief as an old gray lion peered in at him. “I am glad to see you again, Cirrus,” Flame mewed. “But I do not think even you can protect me from my uncle.
