The Final Tale

The Final Tale Ch. 10

There was no Backlander that did not mourn that day. The great Scar Snout had passed away. There was no warning, so it had come to a nasty shock. A ceremony was held in the honor of the fallen king of the Komodos. No burial required. Many fond words were spoken of his acts in life, for he had many allies.

Katali stepped up to give her thoughts first. She gave a sorrowful sigh as she tried to keep her tears down before starting.

"Greetings friends. As you all may he aware, today is an unexpected one. Our mighty king has completed his journey through the Circle of life, and has left us. He was a friend to all of us, and helped us all get through tough times. If it were not for him, none of us would have survived the fire of the Backlands, or have found this temporary home. If there was any beast who was more than a king, but a friend, it was Scar Snout."

Next, Norok gave his words.

"When I met Katali, I knew I met the right one. Unfortunately, no one but her thought that and I was not taken seriously. As I would soon find out, Scar Snout allowed me and Katali to become mates and start a family, showing us that anything is possible." The striped hyena looked to the sky. "My king, if you can hear me..... thank you."

Next came Dhahabu.

"What can I say about Scar Snout? He was a lizard who came through thick and thin. He would not allow any of us to be left behind or forgotten, and would make sure we were happy. I used to think that was just my job, but then I realized that neither me or my herd would be here. Without my herd, there would be no one to make happy, so I owe him everything."

Gunge.

Now Gunge had always seemed like a brave little Cuckoo, but at the face of his king's, the one who allowed him to live in the Backlands, departure, he tried his best to keep himself from breaking down in front of everyone.

"I-i would like to s-say.... When I was a c-chick, I was always called names l-like 'Lazy' and 'Sluggish' because I was a cuckoo. But Scar Snout knew I could be more, s-so I proved myself. Can I have a moment?"

Rookus.

"He may not have laughed at any of my jokes, but he was the one who welcomed us, Outsiders who had no place in his eyes, into his Kingdom with open arms. If that doesn't sum up a guy like Scar Snout, then you can toss me away and sell me as a rug."

Tombie.

"When I found my big bro, I must confess, I had doubts that he would turn so easily. When we got to the Backlands, however, I watched him take out the first attack of the Outlanders with just one try. He couldn't have done that without knowing that someone was watching. Respect, Scar Snout "

Nabii.

"There are many Leaders in this world that we claim is our own. While many take what they are given for granted, others enjoy things as if they are their last. Scar Snour enjoyed the company of all of us right to the end. He was not controversial, or a burden. He was a saint."

Janja.

"When I saved the Backlands that time, I didn't do it for myself. I actually did it.... because I had already lost a home. My Volcano. If I let the same thing happen to someone else, I would be left..... alone. I didn't want that on my conscience. In return, I got a new one, and it was all thanks to Scar Snout."

Chewa.

"If I had to choose between Scar Snout and all the carrion in the world, I would choose Scar Snout. You know why? Because Scar Snout had an actual, beating heart."

And last, but not least, Jasiri.

Now Jasiri seemed as if she was really devastated by Scar Snout's passing. The only other thing that made her this saddened was when Kion had insulted her. And now, she had last all her rage at the Lion. In the place of rage, complete loss and sorrow. She stood before the crowds of mourners with Barbatus by her side, and gave her own speech.